Tentative thoughts on Tennessee

It's pretty here. Tennessee boasts some beautiful mountains, and the drive to school in the morning--even though we haven't found a way to avoid driving through construction--is typically stunning. The mists in the morning (after which the 'Smoky' mountains are named) are pleasant, and the colours in the sky are muted hues of the most elegant and somber blues imaginable.

Five weeks after our whirlwind departure from Maryland, I thought I had a strong enough grasp upon life (and my grading load) to start appreciating our new locale, so, last weekend, I. and I ventured forth on our first Tennessee hike. Many of my new colleagues are fond of hiking, so they were happy to recommend easy but beautiful hikes that would get us back into shape; the first of these was Hen Wallow Falls. The hike itself wasn't particularly lovely, but the falls were pretty, and it was nice to enjoy the great outdoors.

As you can see, it's not fall here yet; the days are still sweltering and the humidity is frequently oppressive. The air conditioning in my classroom has been broken for the past three weeks, so I have been struggling through the weather and praying desperately for crisp fall mornings and cool fall nights. In the meantime, though miserable for breathing and walking and driving and even sitting outdoors, I must admit that Tennessee is beautiful, and I look forward to enjoying the autumn colours once summer departs.