Happy Camper // Here I Go

Oil Painting by Grace Helmer via HonestlyWTF

A policy I've always wished I'd embraced more fully involves saying yes to more things. I'm usually fairly risk-averse. I'm quick to acknowledge that I don't have enough time or money or that something is just not right for me.

I've believed -- falsely, I think -- that life is long and that opportunities come back around.

And I've happily plodded along -- more or less -- squarely within the boundaries of my comfort zone.



For example, I was among a handful of women who received this email:

... and against all logic my first thought was, "Nope, don't see how that can happen."



I can't actually explain what's wrong with my brain (this being part of what's wrong), but I'm happy I came around a couple of weeks later. I said YES.

And I was the only one who ended up doing so.


Currently, after a few weeks of putting together some plans, this amazing friend and I are going hiking and camping in GLACIER NATIONAL PARK for 11 days.



ELEVEN.

Let's talk about this particular comfort zone.


I've camped before, a night or two, here and there. With a small group of friends. On the beach. With my Girl Scout troop, surrounded by other troops.

But this? This is a whole new adventure.


My packing list looks alien to me. I'm borrowing gear from wonderful people I know and otherwise expecting to live in my running clothes the entire time. I've got safety pins and duct tape and layers for all weather and Ziploc bags.

And all of the bug spray.




Eleven days is long for any trip.
I mean. That's a lot of time to basically hang out outside.
How much even is that?





So far my friend is a rock star with knowledge and updates and preparations, while my only contribution has been a beautifully laid-out Google Doc of our plans, complete with hyperlinks and screenshots. I plan to overcompensate for the rest with my stellar attitude and joyful company.


I'll be a better version of myself on the other side of this trip.
To be sure I make it, I'm spending the morning reading about bears.




Any tips for this noob?