Over Labor Day weekend, we set out on our first-ever age 30+ Umbrella Project backpacking trip, and it was incredible. We spent our first day at ThorpeWood getting to know each other, building trust, and diving into the ins and outs of gear and backpacking. A quick hike around the beautiful property (with some slobbery well-wishes from Hope) set the tone for the weekend.
After a night under the stars in the arboretum, we were ready to hit the trail. We experienced over 20 miles of Appalachian Trail magic, perfect weather, and the kind of connection that only comes when you share time in nature and stories with others who understand.
A huge shoutout to our amazing volunteers who helped make the weekend possible:
- Lisa and J.D. for providing transportation to the trailhead and helping us slack pack throughout the weekend.
- Lisa and Aja teamed up to create a memorable celebration for us when we came out of the woods.
- Regina, affectionately known as “Queen” on the trail, offered her steadfast support and deep knowledge of backpacking. Her wisdom and steady presence kept our crew confident and strong every step of the way.
We’re so grateful for all of you!
