This weekend marked the five year anniversary of my Papa’s suicide. For more than a month now I’ve anxiously awaited this weekend knowing the day was only 24-hours, but still a milestone in the life after my Papa. Weeks ago, I secured Brian for the weekend to go out on a hiking and camping adventure. I couldn’t think of a more appropriate way to remember my Papa’s life than enjoying a weekend outdoors. Brian and I met at an Appalachian Trail parking area in Walnutport, PA

Brian and I drove from my apartment in Baltimore to Harper’s Ferry to hike the Loudon Heights trail. This was not our first adventure of the summer or our first adventure of 2014, but it was our first time on the Appalachian Trail. In reflection, I wish I had better chronicled this year. Brian and I have had the most wonderful adventures together. In brief, the Loudon Heights trail, though hyped as being a very challenging hike was an enjoyable, easy to moderate day hike w