Knock Your Socks off at Women of Color Retreat

Annual Women of Color Backpack Trip
August 10-14, 2011
Summer 2012 dates to be announced



The 2011 participants knocked my socks off, and they went straight into the washing machine. We had one professional videographer and photographer who is also the mother of the 2 cutest twins known to man, an esteemed aerialist, a bald registered nurse on hiatus from her life in Portland, OR with her quadriplegic husband, and a tough, practical sister who has become a mother by taking charge of her two young nephews when her brother and the baby momma couldn’t do it. Plus, there were two instructors with enigmatic pasts…

The Women of Color trip for 2011 was incredibly fun and engaging. The conversations were often so compelling that I had to remind myself that we were on a backpacking trip. We often discussed how things run back in the default world, and offered reinterpretations of how things could be. I felt honored to be among these WOCs.
As usual, we all worked together to prepare the meals and perform other camp duties. What was funny was that 3 of the participants were mothers, and the fourth was self-described as having OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder). So, trust me, things got done. We joked that the Balanced Rock screening process should be tighter, so that all BRF trips could run so smoothly!

Our destination was Ostrander Lake in Yosemite National Park. We spent one night in the Bridalveil Creek campground, which is near our trailhead. It was a surprise that there was a lightning-started fire nearby, which was controlled, but allowed to burn. That’s how they do things these days in YNP, after years of snuffing out all fires. It was smoky on the road, and we constantly debated the wisdom of sticking to our itinerary in the days leading up to the trip. We stuck to it, and it turned out alright. We did end up wearing bandannas like rogue desparados, but that was just for one day.

We took 2 days to get to Ostrander Lake, and found a deluxe campsite along the way to set up shop for the night. There was a lot of laughter and camaraderie along the way, and we followed the fine balance between moving juxtaposed with the need to not go too fast for any one participant.

Once the WOCs got to the lake, it was refreshing to dip in, as well as a plentiful source of water to sustain us. There is a busy campground at the lake, but we opted for a more primitive spot where we could be more secluded. We were lucky enough to encounter the Ostrander Ski Hut occupied by NPS rangers on a break. We introduced ourselves and got a tour of the facility. It is such a great place to ski to during the winter months.

There was an optional day hike to Horseman’s Ridge, overlooking Hart Lakes. On the hike, half of us took in incredible views, and figured our way off trail. We climbed in a giant crack in a huge boulder and saw a small frog, about one inch in diameter. A hummingbird flitted by Emily, who took it as an auspicious sign from a guardian friend.

There were so many shining moments. Two of my personal additions to the equipment list are something frivolous, but lightweight, and something meaningful that also weighs almost nothing. My frivolous object was biodegradable glitter, which we wore almost every day. Let me tell you, it takes a very secure woman to sport that kind of bling. On this trip, there was nothing but. Everyone had a knack for supporting each other, and for taking personal chances. In short, it was another typical Women of Color trip.

Did I mention that I’m still honored & excited to lead these trips? This was my sixth! Look for a fundraiser for this trip slated for May of 2012. We need your support to make this trip accessible to as many WOCs as possible! We are still a minority in the outdoor world, and it doesn’t help that many need to start from scratch in terms of buying the necessary personal equipment. Thank you, thank you, thank you!