Since my last update, I executed a road trip through the Southeast reaching as far away as Tennessee. During the trip, I solo backpacked a portion of the Appalachian Trail within the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina. It was a great hike with some amazing views of the surrounding Smoky Mountains. I hiked at a strenuous pace to a fire tower on a peak known as Wesser Bald (elev. 4627 ft). My hike was broken into two days by spending the night along the trail. The weather on each day was beautiful but at night a front passed over me. I did not sleep well amidst the repeated bouts of lightning and downpours. After returning from the backcountry, I moved to a campsite located within Smoky Mountains National Park. I spent a few days here doing day hikes and relaxing.
For my return drive to Florida, a special friend joined me. I picked her up in Charlotte where we spent a day and night exploring the city. Then and after a bit of a drive, we spent the night in Charleston. We enjoyed a tasty seafood dinner together followed by a ghost tour, where we learned about some of the tragic deaths of Charleston’s past.
After returning from the road trip, I spent a few days at home doing miscellaneous tasks. I officially sent my PE application paperwork to the Florida Board. I also planted a hedge of Florida Privet in my backyard and hired a service to tidy up my oak trees.
This weekend is Easter which I will spend with my family in Jupiter. Next week is my last week of sabbatical. My time away from work is finally coming to an end. Instead of drifting away into the sunset forever, I have decided to return to my job at SpaceX. As much as I enjoy not working, sleeping in everyday, and traveling to places at the drop of a hat, I realize that adhering to my purpose is most meaningful. One’s purpose may not necessarily be one’s passion. I’m lucky in that I do enjoy engineering, although I’d rather surf or travel everyday. Regardless, I realize my purpose is being an engineer. My skills serve the world best when I’m using them to design and build things. Additionally I believe there is currently no other organization, especially located in Florida where I desire to remain, aside from SpaceX which possesses such a unique culture of hardcore engineering design opportunity and limited bureaucracy. I only see myself as a good fit at SpaceX or in a business that I start on my own. And I’m not quite ready to start my own venture at the moment.