…I miss my girls.
Don’t get me wrong, I had such a wonderful time backpacking with my husband at the beginning of the month. It isn’t very often that two people who love the outdoors so much get a chance to getaway together as adults to enjoy it. Sitting on the deck in Stehekin waiting for the boat to take us downlake after putting in some good miles, we were tired but relaxed from our time away from the crazy world. And I was happy.
I couldn’t help but notice as I looked around at the hikers who were coming in from their own trips and adventures the variety in groups. There were other couples, hiking clubs, mixed friends groups, and solo hikers. I listened to them share and laugh about their time together out on the trail and smiled.
In particular, there was a table of about 6 women next to my hubby and I and it wasn’t hard to hear how they were already reminiscing about memories I’m sure they will carry for a lifetime. Someone had fallen and hit their head and had to take the boat in the rest of the trip, another was counting blisters, a few were comparing bug bites, someone was guessing which one of their friends would never believe what they had done this weekend, someone was proud of how strong she had felt, and they all agreed how amazing the views had been. Good times.
And it made me realize how the time I spend with my husband outdoors as a couple is different than the time I spend with fellow female adventurers. It feels different. Not better or worse, just different.
And I miss it.
I love both my solo hikes and time with Gary. But watching the interactions of the gals next to us brought back the memories and emotions tied to many wonderful outdoor experiences I have had with varying groups of women, some which changed me for the better as a person. The camaraderie, support, and bonding that happens when women get time in the wilderness together away from the pull of their regular lives is moving and powerful.
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The camaraderie, support, and bonding that happens when women get time in the wilderness together away from the pull of their regular lives is moving and powerful.≈
Even is it involves dirt, bugs and bears. Or using everything in your pack possible to stop the flow of an unexpected menstrual period. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Needless to say, I have several trips planned this summer and my excitement for them has increased by the contrast of my “couple” trips. We have dates on the calendar but haven’t solidified exactly where we are going. At this point the where is less important than just being out there. I even suspect that my all women trail work party on my adopted section of the Pacific Crest Trail will have a unique feel, as well.
I realize as I write this post that I am sharing a privilege that not all women (and not all people) experience. My family enjoyed the outdoors growing up and my mom is an avid hiker. I have been blessed to spend time with other women who enjoy the outdoors as much as I do and I know that not everyone has that same privilege. My pictures clearly demonstrate that. Feeling comfortable in the outdoors doesn’t come naturally to everyone and it often takes relationship to change that.
There are people helping to encourage ALL kinds of women (and people) to get outdoors and I want to be in their ranks. One way I can do that with this post is to encourage you (if you don’t already have a group of women to get outdoors with) to visit my Find A Partner page where I list some of the groups where you can find people you identify with to hike and explore the outdoors. And if that isn’t enough, give me a shout out and let me know. I want everyone who feels the call to find a place for themselves outdoors.
So here’s to my girls, can’t wait to get out in the wilderness with you!
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