Walking in the woods is a way that I clear my mind, get inspiration, and both connect–with God, nature, the world at large–and disconnect–from social media, the news, daily stress. It’s a complete reset for me and something I had come to think of as a solitary activity. I should mention, this wasn’t always the case. I grew up camping and hiking with my parents, my siblings–big sister and two younger brothers, my grandparents, and very often, all of my cousins on my dad’s side. It was a family affair.
Buffalo Point was where we spent much of our time camping and hiking. The Indian Rockhouse Trail was one of our favorites, but I admit I hadn’t been back there since childhood.
My Newfound Hiking Sisterhood
Now that I’m a Trailblazer for the 10,000 Women Trail Project and the newly minted 2018 Girls Who Hike ambassador for Arkansas, I’m beginning to hike with a new kind of family. The experiences I’ve had so far have taught me that I need this tribe of women who love being together in the outdoors. It doesn’t matter that some of us are faster than others, or that some of us have been hiking all of our lives and others have just picked it up. We get each other. That’s really all that matters. I have enjoyed spending time with every one of the ladies I’ve met on this journey so far, and I cannot wait to meet even more of you!
Saturday I hosted the very first official Girls Who Hike Arkansas meet up. I rolled up to the trailhead at 9:30 a.m. hoping that at least a handful of the women who had selected “Going” on our Facebook event would turn up. I was so shocked when 10 other women came out for our Indian Rockhouse Hike in 20 degree weather! Talk about troopers!
Not only did they not mind the cold, they made every bit of the day fun!
Introducing a new series!
Being outdoors gives me a lot of inspiration, but there are also a lot of people who have inspired me to get outdoors, to go further, to push harder, and to even try my hand at inspiring others to get outside as well. The more I talk to these women that come out and hike with me, the more I am in awe of them and their stories.
I want to share those stories, with their explicit permission, of course. I’ve decided to begin a series highlighting these amazing women, all that they have overcome to get to where they are and WHY they were/are drawn to the outdoors. I haven’t decided how this series will be presented yet, and I would absolutely love your feedback on this. Would you rather it be a blog series, a podcast, or a video series? I’m open to any and all suggestions. I just want to get this rolling because I know you will be inspired by these women as much as I am!
You may also be interested in reading my post about the 10,000 Women Trail Project — Click here.
I seriously love this Julianne! I honestly would read/listen to any format of this series. I can’t wait to read/watch/listen in whatever format you decide! And I seriously love your newfound hiking sisterhood! Can’t wait to see where you lead GWHAR this year!
Thank you Melia! I really appreciate all of the support GWH gives to their ambassadors! You are doing an amazing job!
This is so great! I am definitely going to look into those organizations you are involved in, I’m always looking for new people to explore the great outdoors with! Best of luck with all of your adventures!
Thank you Liz! I hope you find as much fulfillment with these groups as I have!
I share your thoughts on walking in the woods to clear your mind, well any walking really, I use it as a form of relaxation to reset my system. The series you are planning also sounds fascinating, good luck with it.
Thank you Ashley!
This is a great reminder for me of how much I love to hike. I need to be outside!
Millennial boss, I go through periods where I need reminding myself! Even though I know how good it is for me there are times it’s hard to make myself get out there.
I can only imagine how freeing it is physically and mentally to be at one with nature while hiking in the woods. I would definitely be interested in hearing the stories of the women you have come to know through hiking and the challenges they have overcome. If they are willing to tell their stories themselves then I think it may make a bigger impact if they do so in video or podcast form. If they are not comfortable with those two formats then it would be great to read their stories. Hope this helps.
Real Women Talk, Thank you for your thoughtful reply! I agree that hearing the women tell their own stories would be very powerful!
Beautiful Post! I’m in the same boat as a new ambassador for mtn chicks in NY! I’m excited to grow my outdoor lovin family as well.
I love being able to do things with others and to learn their stories! I can’t wait to check out the 10k Women Trail Project and I’m going to see if there is a Girls Who Hike near me!
Definitely check them out! They are expanding constantly so if there isn’t a chapter near you yet it may be in the works!
This is crazy but that post made me cry. Brought back so many fond memories… I was staying at Buffalo Point with family (and cousins on my Dad’s side) probably a decade before you. Best.memories.of.my.life. Yep, pop up camper with a swing out stove. Something about toast cooked in Mom’s iron skillet on that swing out stove that made white Sunbeam bread taste like mana from heaven. My cousin, Mary Kaye and I could eat a whole loaf! And yes yes yes to being in nature and connecting w God! My Dad taught me how to do that best. I collect feathers as I hike, they go in my Bible. Thank you Julianne for starting my Monday with a heart of gratitude (and adventures to look forward to).
Terrie, I got chills reading your comment! I’m so glad that you have such wonderful memories of the Buffalo and camping with your family too!