Happy Mother's Day!

Mothers are amazing, we all know that. Once you become a parent, you realize new, deeper levels of appreciation for your mother (and other mothers) as well. And Backcountry Betties (mothers who have fun outside hiking, climbing, skiing, biking, and such) are even more amazing, in my opinion.

Why? The reason is simple: we are going against the grain, doing something different and uncommon. Now, I’m sure, if I lived in Boulder, Colorado, it would be fairly common to run into moms outside biking with babies in tow, skiing with kiddo in pack, and crag climbing with babies rolling around on crash pads nearby. I dream of living in such a place, having a community of other women who ‘get it’ and would be willing to join me in my outdoor fun. 

For now, my community is small, but I’m very grateful for the women who get out with me hiking, skiing, biking, and climbing. I’m happy to have them there with me, experiencing the good times –my little guy cheering and giggling as we ski down on a sunny day, for example– and helping in the ridiculously challenging times. I’m also thrilled to know women that inspire me, through their own modeling, to live the life you dream, to continue in getting outside even when it seems like too much work. 

To all you moms who have:

• Changed a poopy diaper on a mountain top
• Hauled baby to the bouldering area in a carseat (b/c he was sleeping!)
• Sang endless verses of a beloved song while hiking to keep a toddler happy
• Nursed while hiking or alongside the trail
• Bribed a kiddo along the trail with candy; or down the ski-hill with hot cocoa
• Spent 15 painful (i.e. child screaming and kicking) minutes getting your child bundled up to ‘play’ outside for 10 minutes
• Tried to corral toddlers at the base of a climbing crag (“No, don’t throw rocks at people!”)
• Tucked a baby into your puffy as you discovered you forgot extra layers for them
• Packed a breast pump in your pack on a longer ski tour day (did you know they can be battery operated?!)
• And so on…

…I think you are amazing parents and your child(ren) will gain so much from your willingness to be yourself, to challenge societal norms, and to take them outside (and even sometimes leave them inside, with daddy or grandma).

[Thanks Momma!]

Happy Mother’s Day! Have a great day, surrounded by loved ones or alone, outside or in, whatever suits you. Hope to see you outside soon!