pain


Backpacking is one of the oldest American wilderness adventure traditions. Fo decades families, wonder lust young adults, and middle aged thrill seekers have been filling up their packs and hitting the trail in search of a little time in the great outdoors. It brings me great joy to see fellow backpackers on the trail experiencing all the things that make being outdoors amazing.

At the same time I see many people doing it all wrong. Good intentions, but oh so misinformed on how to pack!

I can not even begin to count all the people I have passed on the trail they don’t appear to be on a joyful backpacking trip, but instead resemble a person on a death march.

Without a doubt in most cases it boils down to bad footwear for the occasion and improper packing.

Shoes are the number one deal breaker. You can not expect your favorite pair of running or aerobic shoes to suffice as a trail hiker. It just doesn’t add up. Bottom line if you’re not wearing proper footwear you will be singing the trail hiking blues. Everyones’ feet are different so this is not something you should do through mail order. Take advice and suggestions from your local outfitter. That is what the are there for, they are the advice guys. Be sure to try several different styles on before deciding which is best for your feet. An important trick is to do this with the socks you indeed to hike in. This will play a role in picking the fit for you.

After you have found the perfect shoes next is mastering the art of packing. First rule of thumb pack what you need. Not what you want! The most entertaining item to see come out of someone’s pack is a gigantic pillow or blanket. I swear I have seen this. People have actually tried to pack their bed. No joke!

Packing light is essential to whether or not someone is going to have a good time. Don’t forget you actually have to carrying everything you put into your pack. I personally like to make a list a day prior to packing of the essentials I will be packing. This list works as the master to my packing. Everything from the bottom of my toes to the top of my noise, and all items in between. After the list is made I go over it one last time before packing to see if there is anything that needs to be trimmed. Over time you will get quick at this and be able to pack in a flash, but the first couple of times give yourself time because a rushed pack is usually a bad pack and you will feel it on the trail!

For more on backpacking head to newsok.tv to watch the latest Girl vs. Wild video on backpacking.

Who knows I might even see you on the trail!

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris

Climbing is far more than muscle. If it is, I have a huge mountain to climb. Sure it takes strength to be a solid climber. To hold tight on tiny crimps or mantle over a looming ledge. But you have to have heart. You have to want it so bad you will scream in the face of pending defeat. You can not let the evils of the mountain win. You have to take control of what your being offered. make the mountain yours. Dance with it, hold it, connect. Sure it’s a gamble most are not willing to take. The risks are high. Injury in time is for certain. But you have to decide if it’s worth it?

The answer is yes!!!

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris

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A new feeling of pure bliss. That is what I have found in climbing. When I was in college I climbed off and on, but never had a steady climbing partner to progress with. I can not even begin to explain the pure feeling of euphoric joy I get from climbing a hard route. Each hand placement and foot hold closer to the top. When it would be so easy to give in and only do half the route, but comrades are at the bottom reminding me that “I can own this route in just a few feet” and that “I have what it takes to take it.” When you get to the top of something that seemed so impossible it is by far the best feeling ever. Climb on!

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris
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I finally got outside and it was everything I hoped for, and more. This past weekend my climbing buddy and I hit the rocks in the Wichita Wildlife Refuge. It was epic. Everything about it was great. The weather was sunny and warm. The people were kind, and the conversation was cheerful and light. Perfect climbing!!!

My first line of the day was a 5.9c on Echo Dome in Charons Garden. My hands bled everywhere, but I focused deep through the distractions and pushed on. I was so ecstatic when I reached the top. It’s by far the best feeling to stare it down until you get it. With new friends, success, and energy high we headed off to Lower Mt. Scott for more climbing adventures. It was amazing!!!

I have to admit I did love being the only girl, and not just the only girl, but not bad either. It’s nice when I can surprise the boys. We climbed all day and I loved every line. My hands are scabbed and blistered, but I feel successful.

Tonight is a practice night. Rocktown here I come.

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris

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This past Saturday I put my brave face on and conquered a fear. A big fear. This past August I destroyed my shoulder, and lucky me had to have it reconstructed. Basically, there was nothing holding it in socket. Yes, sounds fun doesn’t it? It has been six months of rehab, 3 days week and being so cautious. Well my version of cautious, which I am sure for most people is border line danger. But with an overwhelming amount of fear I went climbing at Rocktown in downtown OKC.

My first route scared the life out of me. Each pull and grab I did shaking with fear of pulling my shoulder out and heading back to my home away from home, McBride Bone and Joint. I know I have a problem when the staff and I are on first name basis. Hey, when you visit as often as I have they become family.

But I did it. A friend said I had the look my eye. The lines were talking to me. Begging me to attack and I did. I loved it. I made those lines mine. It was such a great feeling, pain and all. My little paws are scabbed and bloody, but ready for more. I am off the injured list and am eager to climb!

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris

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