Backpacking Class

Swallow, Camden and I are headed into the woods for a three day backpacking trip. I thought it would be a good idea to take Swallow to an all women's intro to backpacking class at REI, it will at least reiterate all the tips and tricks I have already offered, most of which have gone in one ear and out the other...but at least I put them out there. Last night we attend the class. There were probably 10 other people besides ourselves, so it was a relatively intimate setting. As the instructor begins the class, she asks if anyone wants to learn anything specific to ensure that she touches on it. I just sat back and looked over at Swallow who was raising her hand. My immediate thought was "great, this has to be good...she hasn't be in the class 2 minutes and she already has something to say."

Swallow told the instructor that she needs to learn everything because she has never camped a day in her life. She went on to say that I was taking her and that she felt very bad for me. The class erupts with laughter, as did I. That is pretty much the reaction I have gotten from everyone when I tell them that I am taking Swallow backpacking. I have gotten reactions that range from blessing to laughter to thoughts that I might be crazy. Not one person that knows that we are camping has agreed that it is a good idea to take Swallow on a three day backpacking trip. When they find out that we will be hiking about 2 miles with our packs to our "spot" they really believe I am insane!

During the class, we learned how to pack our packs so that the weight is distributed correctly, tips for clothing, how to pee/poop in the woods, and numerous other tricks. One that I loved was that you use the tea bag from your morning tea to was your face, apparently it is a good exfoliator. I immediately looked over at Swallow and she had a look on her face that could have caused a 100 car pile up. I am a relatively quiet person when in a group that I know literally no one, that and well, when I am with Swallow she does all the talking for me. Yesterday was no different, I pretty much let Swallow do all the talking, I just sit back and listen. After the class, all these women came up and asked me tons of questions. Somehow I went from being a camper to an experienced backpacker. There was one lady that was particularly annoying in class. She must have asked 15 questions in a 10 minute span and had a response to the teacher's answer. To say she was on my nerves was a severe understatement. Luckily for me, after the class she found me shopping in the store and of course she had 20 questions for me. The best part is all the questions she asked me were ones she or others had asked in class. For instance some of the questions were...what do I do for water?, what do I sit on?, how much should her pack be?, how often do I rest on the hike?...SERIOUSLY lady, leave me alone! Swallow knew she was driving me nuts and did absolutely nothing to help get this old hag away from me. If anything she was egging her on...what a great friend Swallow is!

Overall the class was great. I did disagree with the instructor when she said that everyone should be able to take one fun thing to entertain them whether it be a book, a journal, or an IPOD. Swallow has been begging me to take her IPOD and I have refused every time. Being on a backpacking trip is about nature, peace and quiet and enjoying the sounds of mother nature. After class, Hungry and I met up with "Sam I am" the new roommate, and few others from work. I was telling them about the class and Swallow they all agreed that I might enjoy my trip a lot more if Swallow has her IPOD and is out of my hair. Woo said it best, when she said "there isn't enough marijuana in the world to calm Swallow down, so an hour or two of her listening to an IPOD might be the best for everyone." Everyone laughed and I finally caved. Swallow doesn't know yet, but she will be able to take her IPOD on our trip. Its pretty funny, I feel like her mom. The sad part is that she actually listens to me, I am not sure why she listens to me, but she does!

Hopefully, we make it out alive. I am sure we will have some great stories to share.