When my daughter Delaney asked me to go on a wilderness backpacking adventure with her, I said “yes” right away. If you are a parent, you know that time with your children is precious and you take anything they have to give. And I have always told my kids about my desire to not only spend time with them, but travel with them, individually and collectively. Memories and spending time with those you love…..such a great thing.
Because neither of us have done wild overnight backpacking ourselves, we opted to join a guided group – 6 individuals and 1 guide hiking the Appalachian Mountains off the Blue Ridge Parkway for several days. No amenities. No water, toilets, or shelter of any sort. Trails that are difficult to follow. Carry all your own food, water, clothing, tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping mat – expect that to run about 40 pounds. Plan to hike every day – average of 7 miles – elevation gain of about 1000 feet per day.
And so, we trained. The best two Ohio girls without hills could do – on a treadmill at an incline with a weighted backpack wearing hiking boots – until we felt comfortable with the distance/incline/load. We were nervous about the trip….what if we didn’t train enough? What if we ending up holding the group back? Are they really going to be able to accommodate my weird vegan gluten free diet?
The most difficult thing to overcome was weather – specifically below freezing temps and surprise snow. Such a surprise, the Blue Ridge Parkway was closed for 30 miles for a day while we were up hidden away in the Shining Rock Wilderness Area. Delaney and I are both cold weather wimps, and the fact there was no reprieve from 28 degrees was a little daunting – we had our temperature ready sleeping bag, but at some point, you must get up and get on with your day. Mild frostbite, but feeling is almost totally back in our fingertips. Thank goodness for handwarmers!
Within the three-day period we experienced three seasons – snow, cold, and Narnia-like beauty; rainy, foggy, with falling leaves of every shape and color; sunshine, blue skies, popping color across the ridge lines, and warmth that warranted shedding 3 of our 4 layers.
While there was some physical challenge, there was much more mental challenge. We faced doubts in our ability, joy in our accomplishments, and comradery and teamwork in the solitude as we lived off the grid with our new friends.
We left with gratitude for the beauty that surrounded us, amazing vegan/gluten free food that warmed our bellies each night, our guide that kept us safe and didn’t let us get lost, trickling water from a stream, and enough twigs from the trees to allow us to build a small fire.
I left with so much gratitude to be able to do this adventure with Delaney Grace. She is so strong, courageous, tenacious, and hard working. She taught me to not question my ability, lean on others, and always keep fighting. And the ultimate gratitude….she wanted to do this with me, and we will forever have this memory of our crazy backpacking trip of 3 seasons in 3 days.
Time to plan our next challenge!
