Solo travel and isolation

 7/11/21 

A friend of mine has a blog called projectsanityroom.blogspot.com - Her name is Angie, and coincidentally, today is her birthday. She's a great writer, candid with a great sense of humor. She kindly doesn't judge my lack of writing experience. 

If you'd told me a year ago that I'd be traveling around with no home base, I don't know if I would've believed you, though I would've been intrigued by the idea. Last year was an absolute shit show and it gave me the impression that anything could happen.

Solo travel comes with isolation. It doesn't mean unhappiness, because I experience intense joy often. It's a different kind of isolation than I experienced in quarantine. There are times I see such beautiful things, I'd like to be able to share it with someone. Most of the time, I'm thrilled to be alone - to be living my life on my own terms, my own schedule. I’ve read a bit about the occasional loneliness experienced by solo travelers, I understand it’s a common but temporary feeling. 

This morning, I went out before sunrise and looked up at the sky. The stars were astounding, never seen so many in my life, the Milky Way clearly visible. I saw a meteor and I felt blissfully small, insignificant. I love this feeling, it’s a reminder to not take anything out too seriously.

I feel vulnerable a lot, emotions can overwhelm me. Still, I am immensely grateful for this opportunity. I find myself saying thank you all the time, aloud. I'm writing this on the front porch of this cute little Airbnb in Mars Hill, NC. Listening to birds, looking at how the dew in the grass sparkles, feeling the sun on the back of my neck. This is joy, quiet and sweet.

A few days ago, I went to the little town of Hot Springs, NC to soak in hot spring fed tubs at Hot Springs Resort and Spa. I sat in the tub for an hour, watching the river, the birds, butterflies, and a curious squirrel. It was perfection. 

Yesterday, I hiked Sam's Gap again, this time going up to a clearing where the view was gorgeous green-covered mountains as far as you could see. After, I went to Blue Mountain Pizza, had their delicious Olympus pizza and beer (not being paid to say this, though it would be great if I were). I make a point to only buy from small businesses -after 2020, they need the help. This place is great, and if you're anywhere near Weaverville, NC, you should go. 

Most of the time, I spend sitting on the porch here at my little rental. I watch birds and insects, marvel over the clouds in the ever-changing sky. I feel extremely fortunate, I can't say that enough. Even with the occasional isolation settling heavily in my gut, I wouldn't change a thing.