10 Jul The Trip That Started It All

Posted at 01:32h in Camp, Road Trip by
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The Camp Gals unofficially began on the misty, rainy lakeshore of Lake Superior.  Rachel and I signed up for the craziest of all college orientation concepts: a 10-day backpacking excursion in the wilderness – with complete strangers.  Well, we weren’t strangers for long; it turns out it only takes one night sleeping on a beach during a dramatic thunderstorm to bond you for life.
It was night one, and the rest of that trip brought deep conversations and laughter in the woods, connecting over little sisters and a shared love of peanut butter. Something about being physically exhausted and mentally challenged everyday lends itself to honest conversation. There’s nowhere to hide in the woods. You’re physically exhausted from carrying 20 pounds on your back, you haven’t washed your hair in 7 days, and you definitely haven’t been able to look in a mirror. You are forced to bring your authentic self.
Suddenly your typical food standards are no longer relevant. Tortillas with peanut butter? Gourmet. Drop your almonds in the dirt? Just a little trail spice! Pro tip: do not try to re-create these meals at home – it’s just not the same.
By day 10, our feet were destroyed and our hair a knotted mess, but we knew a dear friendship had been solidified in the woods.  Little did we know, this was the first trip of many, and Camp Gals excursions would be a lifeline as we navigated college and the transitions that followed. The Camp Gals now live in cities across the country, but nights spent around campfires in Northern Michigan will always hold them together.
♡ Olivia
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