Misfits and Mayhem...

 ​The blog is finally up and I’m sure there won’t be any technical issues.  Really, though,  the internet LIED when they said it takes 15 minutes to start a blog.  I like to reminisce that something outta the nightmare that was Angel Fire would’ve taken 15 minutes.  Also, if you're too young to know what that is, die in a fire.

​This started because I wanted a platform to jot some thoughts down about hiking and adventures in general.  Over the past decade I've become more interested in hiking and backpacking (only in the last year) - and increasingly frustrated by the lack of access I've experienced.   

The more time I spend on the trails and looking in to backpacking information, the more I discover a general lack of inclusivity and access for a number of different groups.  As I've walked (usually at a VERY slow pace with my short little legs) the trails in Ohio I can't help but notice what I don't see regularly: fat girls, women of color, the Pride Pack (LBGTQIA++), disabled folks, gear that fits properly, etc.  It's also difficult for those of lower economic status to get involved. 

And it's a problem.

For example, according to Health Data, nearly two thirds of adults and thirty percent of children in the U.S. are considered to be obese or overweight.  There are a LOT of us fatties. And what about all those other groups I mentioned?  We should definitely be on the trails.  Is it because we can't do it?  No.  It's not. 

I've been told I shouldn't be on the trail because of my back injury.  Because I'm fat.  That my internal organs would be crushed by the weight of a pack (WTAF, for reals).  I've been followed on the trail by weird dudes, and my dogs have been attacked by other dogs that are off the leash.  Then there's the absolute nightmare of finding a pack that fits and other appropriate gear.

And that's partly what this blog will be about - showcasing us Misfits that have a deep-seated love of nature and adventure, and some of the struggles it takes to be involved in those adventures. 
 
As such, this page will focus on a number of goals:

• Access: Everyone with a love of adventuring is welcome here.  Access will be a key area of focus.  Strategies on how to get out there when:
  • You don’t feel particularly welcome by the industries or individuals involved with a particular adventure
  • You have physical or mental obstacles that make it difficult to figure out how to adventure
• Adventuring – Stories, artwork, and rants about my own misfit adventures.
• Showcase – As I get further involved with the various adventuring communities I have my eye on, I’d love to showcase the Misfits already out there doing it.  Whether they’re beginners or seasoned, they have a story to tell.  I would be honored for them to share their stories, artwork, etc. here.
• Gear – Man, do I have a lot to say on gear, especially for those that don’t fit the norm.  Finding the right sizes, the problems I’ve run in to, etc.
• Getting Out There - In 2020 my goal is to organize a series of inclusive adventures throughout Ohio and the surrounding area.  There will definitely be hosted hikes, but I'll also try to add in some other events. 

​I'd also like to mention, everyone's welcome to hang with the Misfit Hikers and Adventuring Co.  While certain posts may feature topics like fitting a pack when you have giant ta-ta's (that's not me), a huge booty (that might be me), or no hips at all (most definitely NOT me) the entire point is that everyone should feel welcome on whatever trail or adventure they want to try. 

​You can feel free to sign up for current blog posts to be conveniently delivered directly to your email when a new one is posted (probably once or twice a week) and follow my Instagram for Insta-updates.  

Seriously, sign up...cause who DOESN'T want to see adorable pictures of my dog Lucy (and others to come)...

So welcome to what I hope will be a fun, engaging group of merry Misfits and Adventurers.

If you have a story/experience/pic from the trail or adventure, a question, etc. contact me here be featured!

So what makes you a Misfit Hiker and Adventurer? 

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