I was a hand-me-down wearing tomboy with long hair reaching down to my butt.I spent my days honing in my bow and arrow skills, being entertained by shooting pop cans with my b.b. gun and fishing with my dad, learning the important lesson of how to enjoy myself even if we didn't catch anything. I'd often tag along to the sportsman's club so I could identify flowers and pick berries while he practiced trap shooting. Afterwards, I'd collect broken clay pigeons and empty shotgun shells to bring home and make "art" with.
Where we lived I had plenty of woods to explore, and I often spent hours out in the safe, quiet canopy of the trees building forts and following creeks.
For seven years, I was a Girl Scout where I learned a lot of important outdoor skills, some of which I continue to use today. I still remember when I received my first pocket knife. It was like a rite of passage.
But somewhere along the way, I lost my connection to the woods.
Sure, I'd get out mountain biking here and there, snowboarding, snowshoeing, or go on short hikes close to town but never had a hobby or activity that I felt was "my" thing. Living in the U.P., it's silly to sit inside when there's so much to explore. But I have a family. A home to take care of. Netflix.
I had always dreamed of backpacking. Something about it drew me in. Partially the survivalism. The carrying everything you need on your back. The fact that you are getting exercise but it's not about the exercise. The adventure. The fun gear. But mostly the feeling of a need to get out in the woods and stay for a night or two.
Fast forward to the beginning of this summer. A great friend had offered to take me backpacking with her and I was ecstatic! So I borrowed some gear and went on an overnight to Yellowdog Falls, just south of Big Bay. All it took was that first trip to confirm that backpacking was something I wanted to pursue! My friend Emerson and I have since adventured to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Isle Royal National Park and The Porcupine Mountains. The plan was to take some short trips, get our feet wet, and plan from there.
Trying new things can be intimidating. Thank goodness for the internet. For knowledgable locals. For willing friends to experience the adventure with me. My goal is to keep learning about the great outdoors. To reconnect. To intentionally enjoy the beauty that the U.P. holds.
Hopefully this is the start of a lifelong interest that I can share with my family and teach them some of the lessons my dad taught me.
