I have been fortunate – blessed – to call North Carolina home. I was raised in Western NC in the small town of Drexel. I went to college at Duke University and grad school at East Carolina. My wife, Kimberly, also shares in this blessing of calling NC home. We raised two wonderful kids, Reagan and Noah in the Asheville area and we currently live and work in Flat Rock.
I’ve always loved the outdoors. Those are my fondest memories, whether it was playing “kick-the-can” or building tree houses, that is where my friends and I wanted to be. We didn’t call them hikes, then, we just called it playing in the woods. One of my earliest memories is of my dad taking our family up into the wilderness of Linville Gorge. Specifically, Shortoff Mountain. I was awestruck with the vastness of the mountains and the gorge and amazed that something like this existed so close to home. I enjoyed many trips in various areas of the Linville Gorge Wilderness. The hike up Shortoff has always been a type of pilgrimage for me.
Obviously, I am older now, but the desire to be in the woods has not abated. If anything, it has grown stronger. Whether it is alone or with family or friends- being on a hike and exploring rejuvenates my soul – it ransoms my heart.
As I have grown older and had the opportunity to live in Drexel, Durham, Greenville, Asheville, Black Mountain and Flat Rock, I have grown to appreciate our state even more.
Whenever I can, I have hiked much of the area around Asheville and Western North Carolina. Several years ago I became aware of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail and since then, I have been fascinated by the idea. Each time I would set foot on the “Shut-in” trail or hike around Shortoff or Tablerock and see the round-white trailblazes, I would picture myself one day completing the journey from Clingman’s Dome to Nags Head. (See my Home page for details about my MST Journey)
My desire to hike has only grown stronger, and recently I have been blessed to have more time to pursue these goals. However, there is something else within me that drives me outside. I alluded to the fact, previously, that when I am outside, I feel like my “heart is ransomed”. I know that can sound obscure. What I simply mean is that when I am outside, I feel like I am closer to the Creator and I get to experience firsthand more of his creation. It is there that the rest of the world takes a back seat.
There is also another drive. About 30 years ago, I experienced a horrific automobile accident. There was a time when my wife and family did not know whether or not I would live, much less walk. I remember those first attempts to put weight on my legs. The pain was intense and it was terrifying to imagine what the future may hold. I have been shown so much grace and I am so thankful to have recovered and to again enjoy things I took for granted.
About 4 years ago, I was shocked to find out that the chest pains I was experiencing required me to have emergency quintuple by-pass surgery. I remember sitting in silence and shock, savoring each breath I took. Obviously, my life changed drastically at that point, not just diet and exercise, but my entire outlook on life.
So now, each time I take that first step on a trail – I remember that first painful step out of the hospital bed and the long recovery after my accident, and I recall each terrifying breath while I waited for heart surgery. I rejoice! So thankful for every step and every breath. I am grateful to be able to enjoy another day in creation. I cannot wait to see what is around the next corner.
That is why I hike!
Tom Dellinger
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