Castle Rock State Park, August 2021

 My maiden backpacking trip!

I found a beginner friendly backpacking trip announced in a meetup group - Take a Hike, all women's group and decided to take the plunge. I was still very worried about my ability, I had walked around the block a few times with my new backpack Ruby, whom you will meet in this post. Beyond this, I had done no hikes with my pack, having just returned from our Yellowstone vacation. My worry was thankfully not greater than my interest to step into my first backpacking trip, and so I signed up.

Did I feel insecure and like an imposter? You bet!

Right until I met the other ladies at the carpool location, I questioned my decision, was sure I would expose myself as a fool, and be unable to complete the trip. However, the women in the group could not have been more welcoming. Charity, the leader of the group was absolutely kind and inclusive. I must admit that I started feeling at ease when I encountered one other woman who was also on her first backpacking trip, and she had not even packed her backpack! 

In this group, I meet women of all ages, shapes and sizes. My misgiving that backpacking is not for me due to being petite was thrown away when I saw women much smaller than me, and so much older too! The group ranged in age from mid 20's to well into 60s!

My pack weighed close to 30lbs at home, and at the trailhead we were told that there was no water at camp and we had to fill up. So on my very first backpacking trip I had a pack weight of over 30lbs!

Meet Ruby!

The climb to the campsite, which would have been between 3-4 miles, was a struggle. I was determined not to be the slowest in the group and pushed myself to a good pace. I was not yet comfortable with Ruby, especially in sections where we had to climb over rocks. I felt like I was teetering on a moon like surface. I didn't stop to take photos, didn't chat with the others, focussed on completing the hike, and I did!

It was with a feeling of elation that I lowered my pack and began to setup camp. For the very first time, I had carried my home and everything else I needed on my back. Home for the night was in this gorgeous park and only people permitted were the people who had worked hard to get here. What a privilege I felt!

I learnt to use the camp stove, filter water, took notes of other people's gear, made a mental wish list, but mostly made tea. I had taken fancy T2 teas and offered to brew them for everyone in the group. This was a great group, everyone had brought some food to share, conversation was flowing easily and I made friends. This was my tribe, if that's what I wanted. 

My benevolence in tea making meant that I was soon out of water and we had to hike a long way out to fetch water. I learnt lessons, not only in collecting water, but also in being prudent with the water supply while on a backpacking trip. 

That night was supposed to have meteor showers and Castle Rock was supposed to be a great site to watch. But soon after dinner, which was an REI de-hydrated pack of something not memorable, more shared snacks and chatting, I crawled into my tent and had a deeply contented sleep. Weather was so good that I didn't need to use my rain fly and the gorgeous tree canopy and night sky were available to me anytime I open my eyes. 

That's my home!

My humble abode

The hike back was much easier, with the confidence that comes with having spent a night backpacking. I returned home with a deep sense of pride, accomplishment, limitless possibilities and serenity. I was a backpacker!!!