Take the Train and Bring Some Newbies
Melissa Goodwin, Girl Gotta Hike
I just realized that I’m on a streak of non-Mainers for a few weeks here, last week was Nancy Wind from Mass, and this week I’m talking to the absolutely delightful Melissa Goodwin from NYC (Brooklyn to be exact).
Melissa is a New York hiking and camping guide and the “girl” behind Girl Gotta Hike (the company), and Girl Gotta Hike, The Podcast. As her website so succinctly puts it, “Girl Gotta Hike encourages women of all ages to get away from the grind and connect with the ground online, on-air and through guided hikes and backpacking trips in and around NYC. It’s your resource for information, encouragement, camaraderie and confidence that will help you reach your personal summits.”
Melissa’s fantastic podcast was a major source of inspiration when the idea for Guides Gone Wild started knocking around in my pandemic brain. I found the contrast between her amazing thru-hiking resume and the accessible, beginner-friendly hikes and backpacking trips that predominate on the Girl Gotta Hike adventure schedule totally intriguing, and I knew I had to have her on the podcast. I kept trying to set up times to meet or talk, and Melissa kept swiping left, but as you’ve probably figured out by now, I can be a little persistent in my fangirl stalking...
My takeaways from this conversation - “three truths and a lie” style:
Look for ways to make your activities more inclusive and accessible;
Community is everything, so take a chance on new experiences; never be afraid to ask questions, because the people who’ll help raise you up will always be willing to answer them;
Check yourself along the way, make sure you build in time for taking in the views and enjoying the journey, because the destination is never 100% guaranteed; and finally,
Make sure your puffy matches your socks - Instagram will thank you.
You’ll have to listen in to see which one is maybe-less-true-but-still-a-riot….
If you're ready to fangirl too, check out Girl Gotta Hike on the web, Instagram, and of course, don't forget to subscribe to Girl Gotta Hike, The Podcast (and don’t miss my recent favorite episode). I'd be remiss if I didn't also recommend that you check out Melissa's gorgeous photography on her '9-to-5' site, MelissaGoodwinPhotography.com.
Other links from our chat: