The Venus Wild Mission

I've been solo hiking, fishing, riding, hunting, and camping across the West for almost two decades.    I've lived in Alaska as a sled-dog guide, fly fished rivers in a dozen states, dirt-biked deserts to mountain peaks, guided horseback trips, and backpacked for thousands of miles with my dogs as my only companions.  Throughout my travels, I was always struck by how few women I came across and wondered why.  Maybe they didn't have anyone to take them out backpacking their first time?  Or have wanted to learn fly fishing, or how to shoot, but only see men in these contexts and become discouraged?  

That observation only deepened when I welcomed my son into the world and became a mother.  I was able to continue hiking and camping with my newborn son thanks to the logistical support of my amazing packgoats (including a solo 6-day backcountry trip before he turned 1!), but it saddened me to think of how unusually blessed I was and how many other mothers couldn't continue backpacking due to lack of support.  Or how many elderly women or women with chronic injuries, who are able to still hike but can't carry the weight needed to enjoy backpacking again.

I want to change how women are mentored, supported, and inspired to reconnect with the Wild.  I am always awed and humbled watching confidence take seed and grow within another woman on her first hike, first backpack trip, first time feeling a wild trout on the line.  I see the deep attentiveness in her eyes when she learns how to read a map and light her first fire, filter water from a mountain stream, and stake out her tent to ride out the incoming fresh rain.  Women need to be mentored by other women; to show them the strength they already carry that just needs a guiding hand and an emotionally safe, embracing environment to learn, heal, and grow. 

I want other women to see what is possible outdoors, and say, "I can do that, too!"  My mission is to enable outdoor access for those women who need extra support, and give each woman the knowledge and confidence in our trips to then plan her own adventures!  Nature is our place to reconnect, revitalize, and reset our minds from the mayhem of modern life.

I am Wilderness First Aid, Adult and Pediatric CPR/First Aid, and Leave No Trace certified, with the experience to make your adventure as safe and enjoyable as possible.