We’re wrapping up an unforgettable weekend adventure through Asheville and Banner Elk before heading back to Florida for a quick visit to Disney.

While Asheville served mostly as a stopover on our way to and from the mountains, it never fails to capture my heart. There’s something magical about that city—its energy, its people, its quiet beauty tucked into the Appalachians. I’ll take any excuse to return.

This visit, however, carried a heavier weight. The region is still reeling from the devastation left by Hurricane Helene. While I didn’t take photos out of respect, the destruction was impossible to ignore—homes leveled, roads washed away, rivers reshaped, lives forever changed. It was heartbreaking.

And yet, through it all, the spirit of the people here endures. Mountain strong and mountain proud. Their resilience is palpable, and there’s no doubt they’ll rebuild—stronger and more united than ever.

Our time in Banner Elk was nothing short of incredible. We stayed in Eagles Nest, one of the most breathtaking communities I’ve ever seen. The homes were beautiful, the views were stunning, and the sense of peace that filled the air was exactly what we needed. I even built my first-ever fire, which felt like a small but satisfying rite of passage in the mountains.

Best of all, we were there to celebrate our incredible Tracy, who just earned her Master’s Degree. We spent the weekend surrounded by family—laughing, eating, drinking, and toasting the brilliant, hard-working woman she’s become. I even got to sit next to her as she watched Wicked for the first time. A masterpiece of a movie for a true masterpiece of a human.

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What’s Next

Tomorrow, we head back to Florida for a few magical days at Disney before continuing The Run in Atlanta to see more of our family. From there, we’ll catch our flight to Mexico, where we’ll spend the next month resting, writing, and reconnecting.

I’m endlessly grateful for this chance to explore the world—and myself—on this journey. Thanks for following along. I hope you’re enjoying The Run as much as we are.

Enjoy the views 💫