Sometimes, the Universe Listens

Seriously?

Part of becoming ferociously single is the grieving piece that occurs just prior. Among the things that crossed my mind when my ex and I broke off a 3 year relationship in December was "Who am I gonna go backpacking with?" One of the dearest things Outdoor Guy and I shared together was our experiences in the woods. He taught me how to backpack, and I learned to love it (okay, okay, there were a couple of tantrums in the process, but eventually it grew on me...) So the thought of not having that kind of retreat this summer was a loss on top of a loss. We all have them.

I began to daydream about a trip of all females, braving the outdoors together in one fierce & independent vagina celebration. But who would these females be in reality? Would I have to sink as low as to pay REI to go on a trip with women? And would they be those odd hippie I'm-not-shaving- my-armpits-or-wearing-deodorant-or-both types? We all know 'em. The truth is, it's hard to find females who backpack, and, as independent as I am, it simply isn't safe to go alone.

Leave it to the universe (or God, whatever you believe in). I was thrilled when a classmate posted a comment on Facebook asking for "adventurous ladies" who were interested in a pack trip. I immediately responded, and she gave me a call. The call began like this:

The Green Lady: "So let me tell you about this trip..."

silence

Volleymeg: "Um, okay..."

She proceeds to tell me that the trip will be in Yosemite, but we will be travelling via horseback over a 12,000 ft pass. The ride will take 7 hours, and we will be trailed by mules carrying up to 300 lbs of equipment.We will camp in Yosemite alone, a group of 4 women, for 3 nights, and then ride back out. Oh yeah, and there's a 99.9% chance that we will encounter a "non aggressive bear."

My response?

a small amount of pee runs down my leg

Volleymeg: "When do we leave?"

I will be taking items given to me by Outdoor Guy on the trip, including: a backpack, a headlamp, and a Navy Seal knife ( = super romantic Christmas gift that doubles as a bear slayer). While we are no longer together, one of the best things about our relationship will certainly live on for years to come...

Hoping to catch some fish here