View Full Version : Avid hiker organizes Frederick chapter of Trail Dames for women - Frederick News Post
WhiteBlaze
04-06-2010, 02:10
<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="7" style="vertical-align:top;"><tr><td width="80" align="center" valign="top"><font style="font-size:85%;font-family:arial,sans-serif"><a href="http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=R&sa=T&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fredericknewspost.com%2Fsecti ons%2Fnews%2Fdisplay.htm%3FStoryID%3D103351&usg=AFQjCNEEj6Bi75sN0yJHGH2HMsiWEJkIEw"><img src="http://nt3.ggpht.com/news/tbn/axZmKX5sEediNM/6.jpg" alt="" border="1" width="80" height="80" /><br /><font size="-2">Frederick News Post (subscription)</font></a></font></td><td valign="top" class="j"><font style="font-size:85%;font-family:arial,sans-serif"><br /><div style="padding-top:0.8em;"><img alt="" height="1" width="1" /></div><div class="lh"><a href="http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=R&sa=T&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fredericknewspost.com%2Fsecti ons%2Fnews%2Fdisplay.htm%3FStoryID%3D103351&usg=AFQjCNEEj6Bi75sN0yJHGH2HMsiWEJkIEw"><b>Avid hiker organizes Frederick chapter of <b>Trail</b> Dames for women</b></a><br /><font size="-1"><b><font color="#6f6f6f">Frederick News Post (subscription)</font></b></font><br /><font size="-1">She has hiked about 300 miles on the <b>Appalachian Trail</b>, and eventually hopes to hike the entire trail, in sections. Hiking once seemed daunting, <b>...</b></font><br /><font size="-1" class="p"></font><br /><font class="p" size="-1"><a class="p" href="http://news.google.com/news/more?pz=1&ned=us&ncl=dPKZj4D_DY7ADtM"><nobr><b></b></nobr></a></font></div></font></td></tr></table>
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Mrs Baggins
04-06-2010, 05:08
1. I NEVER told her I had "bad knees in middle age." I told her that I hurt one knee skiing 30 years ago and that the pain went away 10 years ago when I started hiking.
2. I NEVER said idiotic quotes like "I can cook for myself. I can carry my own water." DUH. I TOLD her that when I started backpacking with my husband he did all of the chores and that when I started going on my own I was proud of being able to take them all on myself - like hauling 4 liters of water uphill to the shelter after pumping and filtering it myself, setting up camp myself, etc. (and I have seen wives/girlfriends sit on their rears while the guy did all of the work, so that's not unusual. I don't do that anymore even if my husband is along.)
3. She asked me what kind of pack I used and I told her I had tried two different ones over the years and was on my 3rd because I'd found one even lighter. She makes it sound as though I had worn out that many packs. Not hardly.
There's more about the article that infuriates me but I can't do anything about it now. :mad: And I'll probably still get ripped by the hardcore people because this article makes me sound so freaking stupid, but I wanted to at least have my say before the ripping begins. :(
Don't worrry about it. If it brings women out to hike, then you have done a good job.
dirigo
Mrs Baggins
04-06-2010, 07:12
Don't worrry about it. If it brings women out to hike, then you have done a good job.
dirigo
I've already gotten 2 more this morning! I'm up to 24 now. So you're right - - but it's still maddening. I have written travel articles for this paper so I know that I could have done a better job just writing my own press release and skipping the interview process. Water under the bridge........
SGT Rock
04-06-2010, 07:20
I've never been in an article where they didn't get things wrong - almost always they were big, obvious things. I've never been around an event where journalists got all the facts right, even when they were told the facts.
I hate to say it, but if you are going to get articles written about you or something you are involved with - get use to it.
Hey! No one's ever written an article about the Delaware Valley Trail Dames, so I'm impressed that you've got your chapter out there! Our Trail Dames target market isn't really the hard core folks anyway. Despite the issues you mentioned, you'll still get the word out about the new chapter, and the article as it's written will appeal to your target market. I'm sure you'll pick up some new members from this; women who have always wanted to get on the trail but have been intimidated by hiking or thought they weren't athletic enough to do it.
Trail Dames are taking over the world!
Lellers <<<< DelVal Chapter organizer
PS... Sounds like all the chapters have hikes scheduled for April 17. There'll be some impressive energy on the trails that day.
One needs to treat journalists like the politicians do - decide what you're going to say, say the same thing several times over - and still don't sweat it when they get it wrong on particulars.
Mrs Baggins
04-06-2010, 09:03
Hey! No one's ever written an article about the Delaware Valley Trail Dames, so I'm impressed that you've got your chapter out there! Our Trail Dames target market isn't really the hard core folks anyway. Despite the issues you mentioned, you'll still get the word out about the new chapter, and the article as it's written will appeal to your target market. I'm sure you'll pick up some new members from this; women who have always wanted to get on the trail but have been intimidated by hiking or thought they weren't athletic enough to do it.
Trail Dames are taking over the world!
Lellers <<<< DelVal Chapter organizer
PS... Sounds like all the chapters have hikes scheduled for April 17. There'll be some impressive energy on the trails that day.
:sun Yes, we are taking over the world! The paper contacted me because I had information posted on a local Frederick website. And as of this morning I've gone from 24 members to 33 members. The desire and enthusiasm for a group like this has been amazing. And it's only 9 am.......
:sun Yes, we are taking over the world! The paper contacted me because I had information posted on a local Frederick website. And as of this morning I've gone from 24 members to 33 members. The desire and enthusiasm for a group like this has been amazing. And it's only 9 am.......
When you're up and running, we'll have to organize an inter-chapter event... maybe a Trail Dames Ruck, and invite the GA dames up, including the greatest Daminator of them all, Mud Butt!
Are you on Meetup or have a website? You can find the Delaware Valley Chapter on Meetup. You and your chapter members have an open invitation to join us for any of our events!
Mud Butt
04-06-2010, 11:39
HA!!! If anyone rips you, Mrs. Baggins, let me know and I will cut them off at the knees!!! :) :) I am proud to know you as a friend and triple proud to have you and Lori as TD sisters!!! :) Women rock and women that hike rock, but the women that really rock?!? That would be the women that encourage and enable other women to get out there on the trail! ::)
Anna aka Mud Butt
From what i gathered out of the article, (was nothing negative). I'm just now getting into backpacking at the age of 54 and if I were female, I would be contacting you :).
Congratulations on the article, seems to be getting a good response and hopefully it will get more ladies out and into backpacking.
Mrs Baggins
04-06-2010, 13:23
From what i gathered out of the article, (was nothing negative). I'm just now getting into backpacking at the age of 54 and if I were female, I would be contacting you :).
Congratulations on the article, seems to be getting a good response and hopefully it will get more ladies out and into backpacking.
I have 37 signed up now! I've been on the computer all day trying to keep up with the replies to the emails from ladies who want to join.
There was nothing particularly negative - - just some bad misquotes. Like "rats" running over me in shelters. I said MICE, I never said rats! And that I am going to teach them "ethics".....I told her "leave no trace ethics", not just "ethics." I said so much more about self-reliance, not being so fearful outdoors, and inner-strength.
I have 37 signed up now! I've been on the computer all day trying to keep up with the replies to the emails from ladies who want to join.
There was nothing particularly negative
just wait till they meet you
Lone Wolf
04-06-2010, 13:46
just wait till they meet you
what exactly do you mean?
sheepdog
04-06-2010, 14:00
just wait till they meet you
what exactly do you mean?
they will be more excited to hike
Gaiter, you forgot the smiley! :eek:
From what i gathered out of the article, (was nothing negative). I'm just now getting into backpacking at the age of 54 and if I were female, I would be contacting you :).
Loneoak, I understand there's a Men of Trail Dames calendar in the works. Maybe there's a month for you? :D
Rain Man
04-06-2010, 14:25
Being a native born-and-raised South Carolinian, I never knew South Carolina had a town named Montreal! Or else, this journalist doesn't know how best to use commas in a series, which requires use of a comma before the "and" always.
:)
I liked the article and know what you mean about being mis-quoted. Been there, done that. It just comes with the territory unless you insist on reviewing and pre-approving a draft article.
Best to you and all the Trail Dames!
Rain:sunMan
.
chin up. it's wonderful what you are doing. i totally understand the frustration that comes with it not reading exactly how you imagined it, but you should know that it was an interesting read, one that would have gotten me to get out and hike if i didn't already. it sounds alot better than you think it does!
Mrs Baggins
04-06-2010, 15:10
Being a native born-and-raised South Carolinian, I never knew South Carolina had a town named Montreal! Or else, this journalist doesn't know how best to use commas in a series, which requires use of a comma before the "and" always.
:)
I liked the article and know what you mean about being mis-quoted. Been there, done that. It just comes with the territory unless you insist on reviewing and pre-approving a draft article.
Best to you and all the Trail Dames!
Rain:sunMan
.
I do remember hearing that newspapers are written at a 3rd grade reading level. :rolleyes: But even 3rd graders should know proper punctuation.
D'Artagnan
04-06-2010, 15:11
chin up. it's wonderful what you are doing. i totally understand the frustration that comes with it not reading exactly how you imagined it, but you should know that it was an interesting read, one that would have gotten me to get out and hike if i didn't already. it sounds alot better than you think it does!
OK, who hacked kanga's password? :D Seriously, though, I agree. If it gets folks outside and increases their health and self-reliance, I say job well done.
D'Artagnan
04-06-2010, 15:13
Being a native born-and-raised South Carolinian, I never knew South Carolina had a town named Montreal! Or else, this journalist doesn't know how best to use commas in a series, which requires use of a comma before the "and" always.
:)
I liked the article and know what you mean about being mis-quoted. Been there, done that. It just comes with the territory unless you insist on reviewing and pre-approving a draft article.
Best to you and all the Trail Dames!
Rain:sunMan
.
I think I passed through Montreal, South Carolina. There were lots of folks saying "Eh? Y'all".
It just comes with the territory unless you insist on reviewing and pre-approving a draft article.
I don't think many mainstream journalists accept this. I know we have at least one of those dinosaurs on WB, maybe he will chime in soon. ;)
SGT Rock
04-06-2010, 16:19
They may not accept this, but in my experience it could help them be more accurate if they went back and asked the subject to do a quick fact check.
I usually go back to a manufacturer and show them a review before publishing on my site. But then again, I guess I'm not a professional either.:rolleyes:
Mrs Baggins
04-06-2010, 17:48
It's okay. The reporter screwed up but I got 15 more ladies to sign up, so it doesn't really matter. Some of them told me that I was "an answer to prayer." That is extraordinarily humbling and makes me cry. I had no idea of the desire and need out there. I have a huge burden to make this work and to be what they expect. I think I can do it.
It's okay. The reporter screwed up but I got 15 more ladies to sign up, so it doesn't really matter. Some of them told me that I was "an answer to prayer." That is extraordinarily humbling and makes me cry. I had no idea of the desire and need out there. I have a huge burden to make this work and to be what they expect. I think I can do it.
I've had and continue to have similar experiences with the women who join our chapter, and I'm sure that Mud Butt can relate the same. We have one lady in particular, who left a nearly 30-year abusive marriage. She had no confidence whatsoever. She tells us often that Trail Dames saved her life. It's so much more than hiking!
If you need any help at all, you know where to find me.
It's okay. The reporter screwed up but I got 15 more ladies to sign up, so it doesn't really matter. Some of them told me that I was "an answer to prayer." That is extraordinarily humbling and makes me cry. I had no idea of the desire and need out there. I have a huge burden to make this work and to be what they expect. I think I can do it.
i have every confidence in you.
Ladytrekker
04-06-2010, 18:41
I think you are over reacting I think it sounds just fine, take the accolades and run with it. I didn't take the comments for anything other than what was said. I am trying to mentor women with my own group and am actually hiking this next weekend with 3 women who have never donnned a backpack. I hope your group takes off and you accomplish all you have planned for it.
I think the article read just fine for the quick read it was. My only complaint would be that the "shelter mice" (wherever they were encountered) were referred to as rats. Paints an overly alarming picture. It ain't like you had wharf rats running across you.:sun
Loneoak, I understand there's a Men of Trail Dames calendar in the works. Maybe there's a month for you? :D
I don't think it would be a big seller, having me on a calender ........ :)
Mrs Baggins
04-07-2010, 04:19
I think the article read just fine for the quick read it was. My only complaint would be that the "shelter mice" (wherever they were encountered) were referred to as rats. Paints an overly alarming picture. It ain't like you had wharf rats running across you.:sun
If I had ever believed RATS had been running over me I'd never sit in a shelter again, let alone sleep in one. I told the reporter MICE. How that became "rats" is beyond me! :confused:
Old Hiker
04-07-2010, 07:33
If I had ever believed RATS had been running over me I'd never sit in a shelter again, let alone sleep in one. I told the reporter MICE. How that became "rats" is beyond me! :confused:
And who let the politicians into the shelter to begin with?!?! :eek: ;)
Rain Man
04-07-2010, 09:42
The reporter screwed up but I got 15 more ladies to sign up, so it doesn't really matter. Some of them told me that I was "an answer to prayer." That is extraordinarily humbling and makes me cry. I had no idea of the desire and need out there.
If the article got you this many new members, then more power to the news media after all.
And, it's a great thing you are doing, Mrs Baggins! There is a desire and need out there. My oldest daughter (an attorney and now law professor) represents victims of domestic violence. What you are offering all women is wonderful. Good for you.
Rain:sunMan
.
Blue Jay
04-07-2010, 16:17
If I had ever believed RATS had been running over me I'd never sit in a shelter again, let alone sleep in one. I told the reporter MICE. How that became "rats" is beyond me! :confused:
They may have been reading White Blaze. Many people here are absolutely terrified of shelters.:eek:
They may have been reading White Blaze. Many people here are absolutely terrified of shelters.:eek:
hold on there drama queen, it's not fear, it's disgust. southern shelters are N A S T Y. rat infested, peed in, trashed out. i'd rather sleep in the walmart parking lot. i did see a couple of shelters in maine i might stay in though.
Mrs Baggins
04-07-2010, 17:55
Hey, I've slept in Cold Springs Shelter - - I don't know how much worse it gets than that mud pit. There were two of us, no one else there, so we put our tents up in the shelter (something I would NOT have done if there had been even one one more person) and the mice ran over my tent and bumped into my head all night. We didn't know that there was a tent site just a little further up the trail. I really don't mind the mice as long as I'm covered up enough and they aren't actually chewing on me. In a shelter in the Smokies (Tri-Knob I think - I don't remember now) something very big ran across my legs. Skunk? I don't know. I just sort of kicked my legs and it left me alone.
SGT Rock
04-07-2010, 17:59
Not to mention the trashy hiker types that hang around the things.
Not to mention the trashy hiker types that hang around the things.
eggsactly!
Mrs Baggins
04-07-2010, 19:03
eggsactly!
I usually tent because I like the privacy. But if I get to a shelter and I'm just beyond exhausted and don't want to be bothered with the tent I'll sleep in the shelter. I truly despise spiders, snakes, and mice so I don't usually choose to sleep in a shelter unless 1) it's a situation like the Smokies where section hikers are required to stay in the shelters or 2) I just can't work up enough energy to set up a tent.
i'd rather sleep in the walmart parking lot.
It is legal, too!
http://www.liveworkdream.com/2007/11/06/our-first-parking-lot-camp-out/
max patch
04-07-2010, 21:25
Why do people feel the need to join a group to go hiking?
Captain Blue
04-07-2010, 21:41
I think the article is nicely written. I would not be concerned.
Why do people feel the need to join a group to go hiking?
For some people who are new to the outdoors, a group setting can be a wonderful way to ease into the outdoors.
Esp for some people who were raised to be afraid of the outdoors, tromping off into the woods solo can be intimidating. Imagine if you are 50 yr old woman who
A) Has never hiked (never mind backpack) in her life
B) Been told since childhood that playing outdoors in not a feminine thing to do (yeah..some people think that)
A group makes people feel good about this new experience. And those people who do the trips may go solo at some point and/or introduce other people into the outdoors.
I think what MrsB is doing is a good thing. Hope it works out well!
Speaking for myself, many people new to an area join an outdoor group to meet like minded people. It is a social group that happens to do outdoor things. Worked for me.
I've been to places I normally would not have seen (Utah for example), done activities that I enjoy just as much as hiking (backcountry skiing!), made some deep friendships (shared their holidays, been to their weddings, and one little guy calls me "Uncle Mags".) and in June, I am bringing to Rhody the woman I met on a hike. She's meeting the family. :sun (And tasting good, fresh, seafood!)
I love my solo hikes...but love the friendships I've made, places I've been and activities I do because of outdoor group I joined a nearly a decade ago.
Mags, that's it exactly. Just 2 weeks ago, our chapter out of the Philadelphia area took a short hike up Mt. Minsi at DWG. For some of the women, who were mostly age 50-ish, it was quite a challenge. We took frequent breaks, socialized, and they had a fantastic time. It took us 2-1/2 hours to get up that little mountain, but they did it. They all want to come back and do it again.
Hiking is simply the vehicle, if you will, by which the women develop self-confidence. And of course, we have a fantastic time, too! The social part of it is a huge plus.
Mrs Baggins
04-13-2010, 11:35
Just an update - - I now have more than 60 ladies signed up for Maryland Trail Dames. They are so happy to have this group and eager to get going. Many have never hiked before and others are experienced backpackers, early 20's to late 60's, most are local but some are driving as much as an hour to get here. It's going to be an exciting year! :sun
woo hoo! Taking over the world!
Sounds great. The more people who see the outdoors as a positive thing, the better. :)
Mrs Baggins
04-15-2010, 12:34
Alrighty then........when I said "more than 60" I was thinking around 65. I was out in California visiting family at the time and was losing track of the count as I answered emails from interested people. I just counted the names........82!!!!!!!!!
Mrs Baggins
04-17-2010, 13:18
Got through my first hike leading the Maryland Trail Dames! I had 41 ladies turn out! It was cold, overcast and windy but everyone had great attitudes and did well. I had complete beginners and experienced backpackers, ages from low 20's - 70. They all hiked and chatted and laughed together like old friends.
Now, I have to chose May's hike! :sun
Ladytrekker
04-17-2010, 14:08
For some people who are new to the outdoors, a group setting can be a wonderful way to ease into the outdoors.
Esp for some people who were raised to be afraid of the outdoors, tromping off into the woods solo can be intimidating. Imagine if you are 50 yr old woman who
A) Has never hiked (never mind backpack) in her life
B) Been told since childhood that playing outdoors in not a feminine thing to do (yeah..some people think that)
A group makes people feel good about this new experience. And those people who do the trips may go solo at some point and/or introduce other people into the outdoors.
I think what MrsB is doing is a good thing. Hope it works out well!
Speaking for myself, many people new to an area join an outdoor group to meet like minded people. It is a social group that happens to do outdoor things. Worked for me.
I've been to places I normally would not have seen (Utah for example), done activities that I enjoy just as much as hiking (backcountry skiing!), made some deep friendships (shared their holidays, been to their weddings, and one little guy calls me "Uncle Mags".) and in June, I am bringing to Rhody the woman I met on a hike. She's meeting the family. :sun (And tasting good, fresh, seafood!)
I love my solo hikes...but love the friendships I've made, places I've been and activities I do because of outdoor group I joined a nearly a decade ago.
Totally agree with this statement. I started a hiking group in Florida for the same reason do not really want to hike alone, I find that most women especially feel this way.
I have had 4 women join and do overnight hikes that have never had a backpack on and have never camped overnight and they loved it and are now buying their own gear.
We are 108 strong now and are extremely active people are hiking and backpacking that would normally never have tried it. Groups are good.
Cookerhiker
04-17-2010, 14:53
..Now, I have to chose May's hike! :sun
Have you looked into Catoctin (http://www.nps.gov/cato/index.htm)? After starting with Gambrill, Catoctin may be a good next-step. I haven't been there for a while but I thought you could string together a loop hike or 2.
Re the article, I believe there's a direct correlation between accuracy and the reporter's familiarity and/or comfort level with the subject. So few people get outdoors these days, I'm not surprised that a reporter - even one based within a few miles of good hiking - doesn't know the subject matter.
Re. the article's reference to what our mothers did or didn't do, my mother who was born in 1921 wasn't a backpacker or camper but she did go on monthly day hikes with what is now the Thendara Mountain Club (http://www.thendaramountainclub.org/) in NY's Harriman Park. When I was little, I always wanted to come and she began letting me when I was about 11. So she was more of an hiking inspiration for me than my Dad who was totally non-outdoors. And my Mom was the first one to point out the AT to me. I was impressed - still am!