Love Note to the Peach State

Oh Peach State, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways—mountains, swamps, beaches, rivers, pinelands, farms, waterfalls, museums, gardens, rich history, beautiful people. The list goes on and on. You hold so many special places and experiences within your boundaries.

I know I left. I’m sorry. It was time. Twenty-two years we spent together—living life and weathering its ups and downs, raising two boys, hiking, exploring, geocaching, adventuring, motorcycling.

I was young when I moved there. Fresh out of college. Yet you’ve always known I longed for the solitude and vastness of the West. But you, my dear Georgia, you will always hold a special place in my life and memories. We have a deep and lasting emotional connection. And even now you still hold my best friends and my sons in your bosom.

I hope you know leaving was no easy task. That leaving doesn’t diminish what was. It’s necessary to weave a new tapestry for myself now. And I’m not leaving for good really. You know I return often to your lush landscape to embrace the people I hold dear.

Our 22 years together have been amazing. I’ve criss-crossed you in the name of exploration and experience, most of the time with my beloved Fred, George, and Disapproving Beagle in tow. I’ve spent countless hours reveling in your state and national parks. My sons have blossomed in our time exploring there together, their education enriched by what you offer.

Your geology provides the framework for varying landscapes across the state. From the piedmont that forms the foothills of the Appalachians to the barrier islands on the coast, you offer endless possibilities for vastly different adventures:

A handful of images to summarize over two decades of adventures. They don’t quite do the Peach State justice but I do feel I’ve done Georgia justice in discovering what it has to offer. I hope you find it as exciting as I have. Happy adventuring!