Reality-show winner maintains link to nature through gig at Tapoco
Tapoco – Survival is an instinct we all have at one time or another.
Some are resilient and courageous in the face of danger, while others are brave enough to overcome hardship and misfortune.
A survivor can cope with adversity and maintain a positive outlook in a distressing situation and come back stronger.
In 2001, Tina Wesson proved to herself and the entire country that she was indeed a survivor, when she became the last one standing in the second season of “Survivor: The Australian Outback.” She returned to the show in 2004 for “Survivor: All-Stars” and again in 2013, where she competed along with her daughter in “Survivor: Blood vs. Water.”
Wesson has proven her tenacity and love of challenges – not only as a survivor on reality television, but in the game of life as well:
* She has traveled the world as a motivational speaker.
* She has worked as a nurse, a community education director, a flight attendant, a substitute teacher and a swimming instructor.
* She has also authored a book, “Out Live Out Laugh Out Love.”
A therapeutic recreation graduate from the University of Tennessee, Wesson is an outdoor enthusiast who loves hiking, biking, kayaking, swimming, racquetball, paddleball and motorcycling. Her motto is, “It is a mistake to not live all you can.”
She has discovered that she doesn’t have to be better than anyone else in this life, but live her life to the best of her ability and share her love and enthusiasm with others.
As the winner of “Survivor,” she spent seven weeks outwitting, outlasting and outplaying 15 other individuals in the Australian Outback.
Today, she is working hard to inspire others to be better humans, full of grace.
In 2010, she made another bold move: she became a full-time resident of Graham County. For several years, she had been commuting between Knoxville, Tenn., and her weekend haven located in the upper end of the county, when she realized that Graham County had captured her heart.
“Every Sunday night, my heart would ache at the thought of leaving and going back to Knoxville,” Wesson said. “When my children went to college, I realized I didn’t have to leave anymore if I didn’t want to.”
A self-proclaimed outdoors girl, Wesson has found there is no better place to spend her time outdoors than in Graham County.
“There are plenty of places where you can spend days on a trail and never see another human,” said Wesson. “But speaking of humans, that is the second thing that I find attractive about this area If you are on the side of the road, you can bet someone is going to stop and help you. The people here understand the mountain way of life. Things aren’t always easy, but the sense of community makes it a lot easier.
“I have traveled the world over and used to think I could be a Vagabond. But having come here 21 years ago, this is where I hope you will one day find my bones beside a trail or mountain stream.”
She has spent the last 21 years working in recreation in the mountains of western North Carolina. As the activities director for Tapoco Lodge, she has seen the lodge evolve through several ownerships. Each owner had a unique vision and concept to bring to the resort.
Wesson is working hard to share her love for the outdoors, recreation and family, with the guests and community members she has grown to love and appreciate. She wants the lodge to become a place that can bring families and friends together around a campfire eating s’mores and telling stories; hiking at night to view Cheoah Dam illuminated by the moonlight; enjoying family movie night; and eating delicious food and listening to talented musicians.
From hiking trails on the 120-acre property in the Nantahala National Forest, to pickleball and ice cream socials, Wesson promises that Tapoco has something that you and your family can enjoy.
Fall promises to be an eventful season at the lodge. Each week, lodge guests as well as members of the community can test their skills at axe-throwing, or join in a game of pickleball.
Movies such as “Nell” – which was filmed in the county – can be viewed at the Tin Can Theater. Live music can be enjoyed during a delicious meal at the tavern, as well as a hike to Bear Creek Falls.
Wesson will give a “Survivor” talk at 8:15 p.m., Saturday around the Tapoco fire pit, where she will share the reality behind the television show and share skills needed to win in the game of life.
Wesson has traveled the world. She has captured the hearts of television viewers across the country and achieved the prestigious title of “Survivor.”
She has also found solace and comfort in the heart of Appalachia.