The team just got back from this weekend’s educational backpacking adventure for women (with another one being planned for a future date). According to team lead, Redline Guide and Instructor Rhonda Willette, they had a great experience, early season, no bugs, wonderful location (Sawyer Pond this time), and a little rain to fill the gaps. They did have to pivot from plan A due to potential high water, but other than that it was… well, we’ll have Rhonda tell it and share some photos…
What a weekend. Our group of three guests who are experienced White Mountain hikers were ready to take the leap into backpacking, and they showed up with open minds, strong spirits, and a real willingness to learn.
Before we even got started, we had to pivot. High water made our original route potentially unsafe, so we shifted to Plan B — same destination, but the reroute required a lengthy road walk. Even so, we were surrounded by beautiful scenery and kept the momentum going.
Once at camp, the hands‑on learning began. They set up their tents in true backcountry conditions, cooked their first backpacking meals on their own stoves, gathered dry materials for a campfire [in an allowed and designated spot], and hung their food on the bear line. When the rain rolled in, we kept the fire going together — a full team effort that kept us warm and laughing.
Throughout the weekend, they explored what gear worked for them, what didn’t, and what they want to swap out before their next trip. That kind of honest reflection is exactly what builds confident backpackers. One thing they shared repeatedly was how fully supported they felt the entire time. Supported through the reroute, supported through the rain, and supported through every new skill and learning curve. That sense of steadiness is what allowed them to stretch, try new things, and stay positive even when weather conditions weren’t ideal.
These women were prepared, resilient, and absolutely unstoppable. They learned so much in such a short time, and I’m incredibly proud of how they met every challenge with teamwork, humor, and heart. Nice work, ladies. You earned every bit of it. —Rhonda
