Queer Plus-Size Backpacking with Unlikely Hikers: New England
September 15-18, 2022
We're thrilled to once again partner with Jenny Bruso and Unlikely Hikers to bring you another round of Queer Plus-Size backpacking in New England! During this adventure, created for our queer community members who wear sizes 2XL and up, we’re making intentional space to come as who we are right now — not who we were in the past, or who we hope to be in the future. The body you are in in this moment is the right one for this adventure. To maintain this vibe, we ask that you refrain from putting a moral value on bodies, food and movement – even your own. No weight loss talk, no ‘good’ bodies or ‘bad’ bodies, no "in shape" or "out of shape" - just fun in the sun (and shade!) on this wilderness trek.
Heads up! We are going to use the word fat a lot, and in its most literal sense - with no moral context and also in a reclamatory way. For completely understandable reasons, this isn't everyone's favorite word. Whatever words you use to refer to your body are your business and should be respected, but we want to be transparent around the language we’ll use on this stellar adventure.
This is an intentional space for queer, plus-size people size 2XL and up. If this is not your lived experience, please consider another one of TVOPs adventures - there are many to choose from! All genders are welcome and encouraged to apply. We are able to offer this backpacking adventure at a subsidized cost because of the generous support we receive from REI.
Activity Level 1: - Slow pace~ 1 mile per hour; 2-3 breaks per hour or as needed; options to stay in camp and rest while others do an optional activity; flat to rolling hills; stable footing. Ability to carry daypacks up to 15lbs and overnight backpacks up to 35lbs for up to 4 hours at a time.
All New England trips meet at Basecamp at Beaver Falls in Halifax, VT (Wabanaki and Elnu Abenaki Ancestral Lands). Together, we’ll shuttle to the beautiful mountains of Vermont or New Hampshire - exact hiking location dependent on weather and season, and will be announced to participants after registering.
GENERAL INFO
Location*: Basecamp at Beaver Falls, Halifax, VT (Wabanaki and Elnu Abenaki Ancestral Lands)
Start Date**: September 15, 2022
End Date: September 18, 2022
Cost: $200 (This trip is offered at a lower cost than most of our backpacking adventures, thanks to REI)
Includes: Minimal shuttling to trailhead, Food & gear: backpacks, sleeping bags, tents, stoves, bowls, utensils
Doesn't Include: Carpool to trip location, personal clothing, boots, toiletries, flights
*Location subject to change based on Federal & State safety guidelines
**Specific times and locations to be released to registered participants only
COVID SAFETY
Proof of vaccination and/or booster within the last 8 months
Negative COVID Test within 72 hours of trip
About the application: We know this trip is needed by so many people. While we wish we had room for everyone interested, we realize that we simply do not. In order to allow equal opportunity, we are taking applications instead of our usual first-come-first serve registration process. This will allow us to make sure we have a well-rounded group with multiple identities present. Thank you for understanding, and we hope you'll apply!