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Tell us how you first became introduced to the outdoors. When I was a child, my father who was a teacher spent summers working at a Buick Plant as security. We had very few summer vacations growing up. A friend and colleague of my father’s was a great outdoorsman; he hunted and fished. He and his wife included me along with their five children in camping trips all over Michigan. It was in their Chevy Station wagon that I first crossed the Mackinaw Bridge. I went on to attend Northern Michigan University and spent a few years living in a geodesic dome, off the grid, with an outhouse and wood stove. It was a lot less expensive than the dorms and much more satisfying. My college friend and I spent weekends in the summer months cutting wood to get us through those U.P. winters. She and I could challenge any guy to a wood splitting contest and come out on top! How has backpacking impacted your personal community? When I was getting ready to retire from Flint Community Schools, I began collecting backpacking equipment. I soon found that I had a lack of friends who were interested in the whole backpacking experience. A long-term friend asked me to join her family on a section of the Appalachian Trail. That was my first backpacking trip. I loved it. I soon after discovered Nomadology. Nomadology became my go to organization for my backpacking fix. My first trip with Clara was to Pictured Rocks. It was the best experience, not too much elevation, not too fast, just right. I was encouraged. I can do this thing! I love biking and have done the PALM (peddle across lower Michigan) four times. I am involved with the CRIM Running Group and have completed four marathons. So, I felt confident I would be able to carry that pack for some distance. Still, it is always a challenge to try a new thing. Do you have any favorite memories from the trail? My favorite memory is Isle Royale backpacking. When we climbed the Greenstone Ridge and looked out at the beauty of that island. Also, I often commit to remember the cool green trails, so peaceful. I want to remember these spaces when I can no longer make my way there. What does it mean to you to be a woman who recreates in the backcountry? To be a woman that recreates in the backcountry, instills a sense of strength and independence. I felt this when I lived off the grid in the U.P. I love the sense of being able to take care of myself. I love sharing this time with other women. For women interested in backpacking who haven't found the courage for their first trip, what advice would you give them? I started backpacking when I was in my 60’s. I wished I had started sooner but feel blessed to continue my backpacking journey in my 70’s. Last year I joined one of Clara’s winter snowshoe/backpack trips. Wow, that was another adventure. I appreciate Clara’s expertise and she has helped me through a few uncertain moments on the trail. I treasure my Nomadology experiences and memories. I hope there will be some more yet to come.
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