Waypoint Narrative #16

Waypoint Narratives: Five questions, one objective - share stories of people who have experienced the impact of the outdoors.

“So… Dani, how do you get to be part of your whole Waypoint Narrative thing?!”

Today’s guest asked me this question the other day. And now, just like that, it is her time to share! I am super excited to welcome my big sister, Dru, to the blog. Dru is a middle and high school music teacher, choral music conductor, wife, hunter, dog-mom, and big sister to me and our not-so-little sister, Diana. I have to say, reading about Dru’s experience hiking in Montana from Logan’s Pass to Many Glacier with Junior (her husband) and me this past summer was amazing - but walking alongside her during the journey was even cooler. She tackled a HUGE undertaking that day (almost DOUBLING her most miles ever hiked), saved us by buying the most expensive water I have ever heard of (read on to find out more), and overcame a ton of self-doubt - one step at a time. But I won’t spoil all of the goodness. Here is Dru’s story:

Do you have a trail name, and how did you acquire it?

No official trail name for me yet!  There is always a melody in my head when I am walking, hiking, or running.  I *think* that I do a pretty good job of keeping the music inside my head—but I’d be lying if I didn’t break into song occasionally.  It would be great if my future trail name had something to do with music!

What is the most prominent thing the trail/the outdoors has taught you about yourself?

Keep your eyes open and be patient.  You never know what you’ll discover.

Although I love hiking, most of my time in the woods, especially in the fall, is spent in a tree stand.  Rather than hiking and covering miles and miles of trail, I bundle up, wake up early (sometimes), hike to my hunting spot, and sit still and quiet for hours. This forced stillness is often where I do the most thinking, praying, and reflecting.  You learn patience, perseverance, and how to make the most of every experience in the outdoors.  There are times I get an incredible front-row-seat to wildlife in Pennsylvania.  There are other times where I feel completely alone in the wilderness and even experience disappointment from a missed opportunity.  But the joy of hunting is in the doing just as much as the harvest.  Much like the joy of hiking is not just the destination, but all the fun along the trail.  Every sit, I keep my eyes open, be patient, and find joy in the discovery of whatever waits for me in the woods.

What are the key waypoints of your life that ultimately lead you to the trail in the first place?

Growing up in a family where hunting was a way of life most definitely shaped my view of nature and the outdoors.  Spring and summer weekends would be spent at the cabin clearing trails, hiking, and playing in the creek.  In fall, we would help dad track his deer and hang out in the garage while he and mom handled the butchering process.  My siblings and I often played outside and when I was very young, we would take walks in the “Enchanted Forest” at a lake nearby my childhood home.  I am fortunate that my husband is passionate about hunting.  It is my hope that we can share our love of nature to our children.  For now, we do our best to share our love of hunting with our deer-tracking doxies.

My heart for discovery on the trail grew exponentially in February of 2021 when my husband and I visited the Grand Canyon.  For the first time, I experienced the overwhelming vastness, beauty, and wonder of the outdoors—and at the same time, felt like every part of me; every worry, fear, anxiety, and struggle, was so small.  In the same year, I was fortunate enough to travel to Glacier National Park, MT.  Again, my soul was brought to life by the astounding beauty of the glacial-blue water, the wistful bear grass wildflowers, and the towering mountain peaks.  It was that summer that a new passion for travel was ignited.  Between 2021 and today, my husband and I have been fortunate to camp and hike in the Badlands, The Rocky Mountains, Great Sand Dunes, Arches National Park, Micheaux State Forest, and make a return trip to Glacier National Park. 

Share about one of the most memorable problem-solving moments you’ve had on the trail.

Fortunately, I haven't encountered a situation on the trail where I've had to make quick problem-solving decisions. However, I've had an unforgettable hiking experience that taught me I'm capable of more than I give myself credit for.

During our second visit to Glacier, my sister and husband planned a trail from Logan’s Pass on the Going-to-the-Sun Road to the Many Glacier Hotel, totaling just over 17 miles (cough- and 3,000+ feet of climbing, sometimes on INCREDIBLY exposed cliffs -cough). While seasoned hikers might find this distance manageable, for me, it was the longest trek I'd ever attempted. Adding to the challenge, we'd be out of cell phone range, traversing Grizzly bear territory, and hoping to return before nightfall. While my sister and husband were eager and prepared, I was filled with nerves.

Our route led us from the Highline Trail to Granite Park Chalet. Along the way, we opted to take the one-mile detour to the Grinnell Glacier overlook. It proved to be the most strenuous, uphill mile I'd ever encountered. I was sweating profusely, dodging rocks kicked down by mountain goats, and questioning why I agreed to this challenging diversion. Yet, the breathtaking view from the top made every step worthwhile (muahaha, my evil plan was successful).

Pressing on over Swiftcurrent Pass, we marveled at the stunning lake views, and we were able to see a glimpse of the hotel in the distance. Seeing our destination from the summit stirred unexpected emotions, though we still had plenty of hiking, cautious shuffling, and boisterous bear conversations ahead.

This hike remains my favorite outdoor experience to date. We shared laughter, marveled at incredible vistas, splurged $23.00 on water (shout out to Dru for bringing her credit card for this precious water… otherwise we would have been VERY thirsty for many unseasonably hot miles….), playfully shuffled down rocky trails, and, most importantly, I proved to myself that I can conquer difficult challenges. The highlight wasn't reaching the hotel but the cherished moments we shared on the trail—memories I'll treasure forever.

Who and/or what inspires you to keep moving forward?

Three things in my life keep me moving forward.  My faith, my family, and my friends.

FAITH:  I know that God’s word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.  Every breath I take is a gift and all of nature is the Masterpiece of the Lord.  I am redeemed, I am loved, and I am free.  What could be more inspiring than that?

FAMILY: My parents, my sisters, and my husband are incredible individuals.  They encourage me by their personal successes and their words of affirmation.  They are always supportive.  They show up-I am so blessed by every one of them.  They push me to take the next step—even when I doubt myself. 

FRIENDS: There is something so very special about each of my best friends.  We laugh together, we cry together, they hear my heart and I listen to theirs.  They are my encouragers and prayer warriors.  They point me in the right direction when my compass has me lost.   I am so grateful for them all!