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Think back to when you signed up for your first backpacking trip. Knowing what you know now, what would you tell yourself? I read "Wild" by Cheryl Strayed, and became obsessed with the thought of solo-backpacking to all the most secluded and scenic places. My first official backpacking trip was with The Nomadology to Pictured Rocks, Big Beaver Basin loop. I had recently gone through one of my most severe depressions, and thanks to a great therapist's suggestion, I reconnected with nature through hiking. Before the trip, I found a lot of inner peace in the solitude of the trail, but also wasn't confident in my skillset to safely take the next steps to backpack. As a "safety first" kind of gal, I started immersing myself into as much backpacking content my brain could consume, and in doing so, stumbled upon The Nomadology on Facebook. I signed up for my first trip in June 2023, and was honestly more nervous about hiking in a group, than staying out in the middle of woods. I was almost 300 lbs at the time, had very little self-worth, and was very intimidated to keep up pace with a group. Could I keep up? Would I be judged? What if no one likes me? Thankfully, Clara practices "stop-light" hiking which is incredibly helpful for us self proclaimed “slower hikers” (or those who may also need more breaks), and I met some very kind ladies who helped encourage me through my tribulations. I would be lying if I didn't admit it took me a few trips to decide if I actually liked backpacking. It was hard for me. It was uncomfortable. I felt like I barely survived making it to each site. But I also was learning a lot from each trip, about Leave No Trace, backpacking tips/tricks, but most importantly, about myself. After a few solo trips, I gravitated towards the benefits guided group trips have to offer, and really appreciated being around other nature-minded women. I can happily say I now feel like I'm not just surviving, but thriving on trail, and am beyond grateful to have found some new friends in the process. I'm proud of myself for not "giving up" because it was hard, and instead, giving myself the space and time to weigh if this activity was a good fit for me.
Do you have a favorite memory from a backpacking trip?
I can think of two stand-out memories (thanks to Nomadology!). First, Cumberland Island morning sunrise. - I will never forget running to the beach by myself through "alligator alley" (lol) to make sure I could catch the sun rising. I had not run in literal years, and running down the sand dune felt like I was flying with each step. Seeing the sun rise over the horizon on an untouched beach, with the seagulls calling, and waves crashing, was one of the most serene moments I have ever experienced. As a lifelong "non-morning person", the love I now have for sunrises has been life changing with how I approach and start each day. The second memory was visiting Colorado National Monument. - I really learned what the other side of pushing my limits and perseverance can look like, and have never felt so proud (mentally and physically) of what I could accomplish. I will also always remember this as the trip that officially had me "hooked."
Has spending time outdoors improved your quality of life?
Hiking and backpacking absolutely changed my life for the better. I started out very much into the solo aspect of being on trail with my own thoughts, but as time went on, my desire started leaning more towards finding other like minded people to enjoy nature with. I am grateful to have a great group of girlfriends I grew up with, but I didn't have any friends that really share the same love for nature and adventure as I do. Meeting women from all different backgrounds and life experiences has been a highlight I wasn't expecting when I originally dove into backpacking, but has been a cherry on top! After my Colorado trip, I got the bug to do some more alpine and challenging trails in the future, so now I've started training at the gym more seriously to be able to tackle the inclines and mileage with greater ease. My goal is to do at least one "big" backpacking trip a year, and try for one weekend trip a month (excluding the winter, as I hibernate) while my body is able. So please reach out if you ever need a trail buddy!
Has there ever been a time in your life when you were made to feel “less than” because you're a woman?
I really like to believe that a woman can do anything a man can do, just as good, if not better. I think people are people, and gender does not have to determine what we do, or what we are capable of. My realization over time has been that most people (including myself) have allowed fear of the unknown to dictate their decisions. I try to remind myself that the only person who can tell you "no", is you. I find confidence and strength in knowledge...so I tend to research A LOT before I do something as a means to calm my anxieties. I also protect my peace a lot more as time has gone on. I share my trips and dreams with people who are encouraging and supportive, and tend to stop seeking approval from those who do not have anything positive to contribute.
One of our Nomadology traditions on the first night of every backpacking trip is for everyone to share something they're proud of themselves for. How does this circle make you feel?
I enjoy this question and like to challenge myself with a different answer each trip. For many of us perfectionists, it tends to be easier to see our flaws, rather than focus on our accomplishments. I find this time as a nice opportunity to reflect, and also be inspired by others. It doesn't always have to be super profound or deep, but starting to acknowledge small wins helps train our brain to see them more often, and in turn you get to appreciate them more often then too.
For women interested in backpacking who haven't found the courage for their first trip, what advice would you give them?
Just do it! - Even if you do it once, and decide you don't ever want to do it again. There is so much to learn about yourself experiencing nature in such a way, it's worth it for that alone. Also, your friendly reminder - it's okay to take time to do something for yourself; you can't pour from an empty cup.
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