Guess what?! It is time for me to take on a new challenge... As of August 17th I will be the newest full-time employee of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Trails Division. It is an opportunity of a lifetime and it still feels surreal that they picked me! My list of duties is long and overwhelming but essentially I will be responsible for one of the Trail Districts in the Park - everything from trail assessment to trail work, have a professional crew to supervise and work with.... I will also be working on a volunteer program since I think volunteers are really who make great things happen on the trails. So in just a few short weeks I will move myself from my home at Konnarock into the Park. I wish I could have been there to lead Rocky Top 2008.... I hope to make appearances up on the AT to visit and work with you guys... or at least drop by the cabin for dinner. I hope you all know that I love you dearly and you are what makes it so hard for me to leave... but I hope that our paths will cross again - you all will be hearing from me once I need some volunteers -- and of course I am going to become a member of the Smoky Mountains ATC Hiking Club and will return to Konnarock and Rocky Top as a volunteer as soon as I can!!!!! Please, please, please stay in touch and enjoy your time at the good ol' Top this fall.
~Christine
wishfulthnkr@hotmail.com