Hey Bear!

I own a pint glass that says something to the effect of, "I'm outdoorsy in the fact that I like to drink on patios". I think that gives you a clue as to my experience and enthusiasm for the outdoors.

But I read Wild and I saw the movie.  And if anyone can make hiking through the mountains with all of your belongings on your back look like a good time, it's Reese Witherspoon.

So back in October a group of gals from work was talking about going on a backpacking trip.  Never wanting to be left out of anything, I volunteered to tag along. Fast forward to the actual trip, and somehow there were just 3 of us left.

So Rachelle, Sue, and I set off for the Ozark Highlands Trail in Arkansas to do some backpacking.

Rather than tell the whole ridiculous story, I will leave the photos as evidence that I actually did this. I hiked many many miles. I slept in a tent. I narrowly avoided a rattlesnake and a bear. I bathed in a creek. I filtered water from a creek. I ate food from a bag, cooked on a tiny portable stove. I hitchhiked home when the trail was too much to take. I was brave.

Rachelle, our fearless leader.

Waterfall.

Trail register, in case you disappear.

My partner in crime!

Creek-crossing.

I credit Rachelle with teaching me how real selfies are taken.

Off we go!

Me & Sue, loving life.

Someone should have checked Sue's bag. She packed it all.

Bath tub, drinking water, cooking water, place I fell into.

Which way do we go???

Wilderness Women!

Expertly crossing a creek.

Googling "what to do if a rattlesnake is in your path".

Post hike beers!

Camping is cool.

Waterfall / Shower

Keep on going!

Filtering Water.

We lost Sue after day 1, and Rachell and I hiked on together. At one point when we were setting up our tent at night, she looked at me and said, "You've never pitched a tent before, have you?" And I said, "Aren't you lucky that out of all the people who signed up for this trip, you get stuck with me?" This was the most out-of-my-comfort-zone I have really ever been. Ever. And I loved every minute of it. 

Maybe not the ticks...