by Tracy Anderson, Museum of Northern Arizona Ventures Manager
There are two kinds of backpackers. Those who were born into backpacking families and carried a pack from their first steps and those of us who were unaware that we were backpackers, but took right to it (or in most cases, gritted our teeth and went for it once the opportunity presented itself). When asked by non-backpackers (who are folks who might actually be backpackers if they gave it a try) why we get great pleasure from lugging 30 pounds of weight through the wilderness, well, this backpacker can only say― it just feels right.
The second way to backpacking usually begins with a call from friends who invite you to join them for a backpacking trip. Not familiar with backpacking, you figure that you are in reasonably good shape and all you will need are some good boots and a borrowed pack. You still have no concept of what it means to be carrying everything on your back, so unless you have some expert guidance, you pack more clothes and gear than you need, pack foods appropriate for a car camping trip instead of lightweight versions, and you even stuff in that book you have not had time to finish, because you will certainly have time to flip some pages in camp.
Reality sinks in the moment you struggle into your pack at the trailhead. You think to yourself―can I really do this? After a few days of flailing like a turtle with an equilibrium problem, feeling burning muscles from carrying that darn heavy pack, and dealing with strawberry hot spots on your hips from a poorly-fitted pack, first time backpackers who are meant to be backpackers have an epiphany. You are completely thrashed, but at the same time completely blessed out that you were able to go to some of the most beautiful and remote country you have every experienced, you love the physical challenge, and you are completely taken with the idea that you have carried every thing on your back that you needed to survive in the wilderness. But, being a quick learner, you are also very aware that you could have left 10 pounds (including that novel that didn’t even get opened) back at the trailhead.
The backpacking adventure grows on you, each trip sharpening skills to not only negotiate in the wilderness and survive, but actually enjoy yourself and be comfortable while backpacking―and doing it in a way that has minimal impact on the places you visit. Regardless of whether you are a lifelong backpacker or a new initiate, regardless of whether you are a private hiker or one who prefers organized hikes, as you catch the backpacking bug and your skills increase, so does the list of places you want to explore and you begin to develop a “life list.” You find yourself spending stolen moments pouring over maps, researching trails and routes, calculating mileage, and arranging permits or searching for outfitters who can take you to the places you want to go. With each trip, the list grows. Grand Canyon, Escalante, Grand Gulch, Glacier, The Sierras…
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Tracy Anderson was introduced to the Museum of Northern Arizona as a university field study participant in 1992. After spending an awe-inspiring month in the Four Corners area, it was hard for her to return to the cornfields of Indiana. She joined MNA’s education department in 1995 and today continues her love affair with the Colorado Plateau as the Manager of the Ventures, Discovery, and Custom Tour programs.
“I am fortunate to work with a team of experienced, enthusiastic, and creative educators and guides, and I look forward to each and every program where I am able to learn and explore the Colorado Plateau with new and returning Venturers.
“In developing MNA Custom Tours I work directly with families, universities, school groups, and professional organizations to develop one-of-a-kind programs. My goal is to offer superior educational and adventure programs that further an appreciation for this incredible region. Most days you’ll find me in the office developing programs and working on logistics, but if I’m away I’m usually working a backpacking, basecamping, or river trip as cook and trip assistant. I am passionate about sharing my love of the Plateau—especially inspiring places like the backcountry of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Cedar Mesa, Grand Canyon, and the Colorado and San Juan Rivers. If you have questions about MNA programs, please give me a call at 928/774-5211 ext. 220. I hope to see you in the field!”