The pandemic came crashing in on me and I felt stuck and quite lost. I struggled really hard with who I was and what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. In the beginning of June, I chose myself for the first time in forever. I came further out of the closet and changed my preferred names and pronouns. I resigned from my job of 5 years that I loved but wasn’t in love with anymore. And I went to the only place I have ever found solitude, the outdoors. I boon-docked from Arizona to Pennsylvania by myself. This was one of many beautiful places that helped me find myself again along the way. The mountains were calling, and I’m so glad that I went.
Sincerely,
New River Gorge National Park & Preserve
This national park site includes 53 miles of the New River, a federally recognized Wild and Scenic River, as well as the deep gorge that surrounds it.
State(s): West Virginia
Established: 1978
“they save lives.”
National parks represent the best of America. Why do you care about protecting and preserving them? Tell us why parks matter to you!
Success! Thanks for sharing your story with us.
You’ll be notified by email when your story is approved and added to the collection on the My Park Story homepage.
In the meantime, you can share your own story page with your family and friends — and help us spread the word about these priceless memories and priceless places!
Here’s your unique story page link:
{{ storyUrl }}-
Greetings from Acadia National Park
One of my favorite places on earth during foul New England weather! Thunder Hole at Acadia National Park.
Preserve Our Parks
Make a tax-deductible gift today to provide a brighter future for our national parks and the millions of Americans who enjoy them.
Donate Now