Last rays of summer at Fish Lake...

The last rays of summer beat down on us as we passed through the lower section of the trail. Late August in the Yukon does not usually look or feel like this; how fortunate we were to be in the alpine on such an unbelievably gorgeous day. I looked off the ridge toward the Bonneville Lakes in front of us, then turned to take in the vista of Fish Lake behind us; this moment, this day and this group was a perfect start to the new school year and our new club.

Last spring Kathleen and I had a vision of a community of women, carving out precious space in the outdoor field that was positive, judgement-free and inclusive of gender-diverse individuals. We wanted to provide experiences that allowed everyone to take risks, try new things and safely step outside their comfort zones. Both of us love being outdoors and we have experienced the fulfillment and confidence that outdoor recreation can bring into our lives. We hoped that this community would be a mix of students, staff and community members who shared a common love of the outdoors.

As we hiked up the trail, stopping every once in awhile to identify plants and berries, it occurred to me that Kathleen and I didn't really have to do anything more than gather people together. We were a mix of staff and students, various ages and experience, different strengths and abilities. We were organically teaching, listening, advising, modelling and learning from each other. We were all there for the same purpose, sharing the same passions and just happy to be spending time with each other. As I struggled to keep up with the group, I felt the need to apologize several times - but I didn't. Instead I kept up my slow, determined pace knowing that this group of women understood that sometimes we need to go slow, sometimes we aren't at our best, sometimes we need support...and that's okay...no apologies necessary.

Our first outing was a beauty; both the hike itself and the people that made it so.

Expedition Log:

• Fish Lake Trail

• Traditional Territory of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation

• Tuesday, August 29, 2023

• 7 hikers

• 6.7km

• 200m of elevation

• Sunny, 28 degrees