E3: Making History While Returning to Self with Arlette Laan + Gossamer Gear
After hiking more than 16,000 miles over a span of 20 years, Arlette Laan made history as the first woman to complete all 11 National Scenic Trails in the United States. And while the accomplishment is as sweet as her trail name, Apple Pie, perhaps the most important thing to Laan is the wellness she found in America's wilderness.
After a "warmup" hike on the John Muir Trail, she set out to hike the Pacific Crest Trail in 2003, committing to only completing California at first. Spoiler alert, she completed that trail and upon returning home, one thing was perfectly clear: life at home in the frontcountry wasn't working for her anymore. For it was in the wilderness where she felt strong, inspired, and connected to a community and something bigger than herself. So she started to make some adjustments to her life that would empower her to spend more time on the trails, and today, her biography and resume reads like a "best of" list of long-distance hiking trails. In this episode, we'll be chatting with Arlette about how that first hike helped her find way home to herself, how she navigated Post-Trail Depression, that moment when she realized she could be the first woman to notch this accomplishment, and why she believes that comparison is the thief of joy.
ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Arlette, trail name Apple Pie, grew up in the Netherlands and currently lives in Lowell, MA. She began hiking when she was eighteen on vacation in Switzerland. Arlette has completed the John Muir Trail (2002), the Pacific Crest Trail (2003), the Continental Divide Trail, (2004), the Appalachian Trail (2005), the Arizona Trail (2009), The Grand Enchantment Trail (2012), The Te Araroa in New Zealand (2015), The Long Trail (2015), the Florida Trail (2017), the Hayduke Trail (2017), the Colorado Trail (2017), Benton-MacKay Trail (2018), Pinhoti Trail (2018), Cohos Trail (2018), the New England Trail (2018), and all of the Pacific Northwest Trail in sections (2007, 2012, and in 2019).
In 2014 she completed all 48 4000-footers in an 11 day unsupported backpacking trip called the White Mountain challenge or Direttissima. She did this again in 2019 in a fraction over nine days (and this earned Arlette the number one female FKT of the Year spot for 2019). Add to this the Potomac Heritage Trail (2020) and the enormous North Country Trail (2021-2022). It doesn’t end there, in 2022 she also completed the Natchez Trace. In 2022, upon completing the Ice Age Trail in Wisconsin, Arlette is the first woman to hike all 11 of the National Scenic Trails in the United States and has since that time, added the Ouachita Trail (2022).
IN THIS EPISODE:
How did Arlette get into backpacking?
After the “warmup” hike on the John Muir Trail, what was it about spending time on the trail that inspired her to complete the Pacific Crest Trail?
Who are some of the people who helped her along the way?
When she got home after completing the PCT, Arlette noticed that “frontcountry” life wasn’t for her. What was her experience with Post-Trail Depression, and how did she start to build a life around spending time on the long-distance hiking trails?
Some of the scenic trails are a full nature immersion, some include a lot of road walking - what does Arlette prefer?
How did it feel to be the first woman to complete all 11 National Scenic Trails in the US?
Nothing about completing one, let alone all 11 of the National Scenic Trails is easy, but it can be easier with the right gear. How did Arlette land on Gossamer Gear as her backpack(s) of choice?
Be sure to check out Gossamer Gear’s year-end sale!
CONNECT WITH ARLETTE:
Redline Guiding - Arlette teaches backpacking and guides trips in the White Mountains in New Hampshire
LISTEN HERE:
SHOW TRANSCRIPT:
Please note, we use Otter.ai to transcribe episodes and while the technology is impressive, it’s not completely accurate. Please excuse any missed words, nonsensical sentences, and missed interpretations of foreign language below:
Announcer 00:00
Since 1984, Sawyer has existed to support your wildest adventures. Learn about their advanced insect repellents and family of technical Lightweight Water filters at sawyer.com. Welcome to Wellness in the Wilderness. Come with us on the trail of life as we inspire you to take a step outdoors to disconnect from the distractions and reconnect with yourself. Sydney Williams in our guests will motivate you to get active and get well. Now, here is Sydney.
Sydney Williams 00:38
Welcome to Wellness in the Wilderness. I'm your host Sydney Williams, author and founder of Hiking my Feelings and today I am broadcasting live from the ancestral lands of the Kumeyaay people now known as Julian California. Whether you're an experienced outdoor enthusiast or brand new to the healing power of nature, we hope that our conversations today will inspire you to think differently about your relationship to nature and equip you with the tools, rituals and knowledge to help you bring your best self to life love and work. At the very least, we hope that you'll take this time to do something kind for yourself while you listen and that the conversations feel like a breath of fresh air. Now about our guests today. After hiking more than 16,000 miles over a span of 20 years. Arlette Laan made history as the first woman to complete all 11 National Scenic Trails in the United States. And while that accomplishment is as sweet as her trail name apple pie, perhaps the most important thing to lawn as a wellness she found in America's wilderness. After a warm up hike on the John Muir Trail she set out to hike the Pacific Crest Trail in 2003. Committing to completing only California at first, spoiler alert she completed that trail and upon returning home one thing was perfectly clear. Life at home in the front country wasn't working for her anymore, for it was in the wilderness where she felt strong, inspired and connected to a community and something bigger than herself. So she started to make some adjustments to her life that would empower her to spend more time on the trails. And today, her biography and resume reads like a best of list of the long dies long distance hiking trails. In this episode, we'll be chatting with our lead about how she first helped her that first hike helped her find a way home to herself how she navigated post trail depression, the moment when she realized she could be the woman, the first woman to notch this accomplishment and why she believes that comparison is the thief of joy. Welcome to the show. Arlette. Hi. Great to have you here. Thanks for joining us. Let's jump right in. How did you get started with long distance backpacking.
Arlette Laan 02:28
So when I was 18, I discovered hiking in Switzerland. And then I moved to California quite a bit later, and discovered hiking in the Sierra Nevada. And day hiking was interesting, but I always kind of felt like oh, what what if I could just go on and not just doing out and back? What if I could explore further. And that required they a backpack with gear just stay out overnight? And so I started looking into into gear, what would it need to? What would I need to go and stay out overnight? And then kind of took it from there. So yeah, start it started day hiking, got the gear and started exploring for more days on end. So that's kind of how I started but yeah, Switzerland and the mountains. That's what what kind of started that that desire to keep walking further and further and exploring more.
Sydney Williams 03:32
Fantastic. And I when we were talking before the show, you mentioned that you did a little warm up on the John Muir Trail for anybody that's not listening. How long is the John Muir Trail? And what kind of warm up is that like?
Arlette Laan 03:44
So that's 211 miles. So it's not as intimidating as 2600 miles. So that was kind of like to see if I really would like to be out for more than a couple of days. And the answer was a resounding yes. I loved it. I was out for I think for three, three weeks about and yeah, just just absolutely loved it. So. So that was a really good distance to kind of get my feet wet and see if I liked it. And yeah, that I loved it. So I think I figured like well, you know, a couple weeks if I could do a couple months. That sounds amazing. So so it was a good warm up. Yeah.
Sydney Williams 04:24
Absolutely. And I I am curious, was there anything on the John Muir Trail, scenery wise community wise, just experiencing that beautiful section of the Sierra Nevada Mountains? Was there anything in there in particular where you were like a moment or a vision or a specific landscape in front of your eyes where you were like yep, I'm interested in doing this.
Arlette Laan 04:49
Well, I had done some hiking in the Sierra and absolutely loved it because it's just it is just gorgeous. And just just being out there and And, and seeing that beauty and and seeing an ever changing landscape like it's different every day. That just really appealed to me. And then yes, you feel strong, you get in good shape. And you dial down your gear, you figure out that, oh, I can do this many miles and kind of get that confidence that maybe I could do enough miles a day to do that Pacific Crest Trail. But there Yeah, I mean, I loved all of it. Just, it's just so beautiful. So yeah, to see to be able to have that idea of seeing more. That just made it more intriguing.
Sydney Williams 05:38
Yeah, I mean, I don't think when it comes to that particular section of the country, and the outdoors experiences you can have there. I don't think there's such a thing as too much of a good, excuse me too much of a good time. So I can certainly resonate with that. I, we my husband and I spent a few days doing the mineral King loop through Oh, Canyon. That is gorgeous. Yeah. And you know, we've been on some parts of the trail, some parts of the Pacific Crest Trail in and out of our adventures, we haven't gone for the whole thing or done a section or anything. But some of the hikes that we've done either through desolation wilderness or down here in Southern California at around julienne, have taken us on there. And it's, it's on my list. It's something I definitely am interested in doing what helps you get onto the trail. And you mentioned that you were only committed to doing California at the beginning. So walk us through that John Muir Trail, you're like I'm in let's do the Pacific Crest Trail. What happened between getting done with the John Muir Trail and setting foot? I'm assuming you were going northbound on the Pacific Crest Trail? Yes. So walk us through, like getting done with the JMT to your first steps in Campo.
Arlette Laan 06:47
Um, so so that kind of like made me think with the with the mileage I was like, Well, if I could do 14, on the on the John Muir Trail, then I could probably do you know, 17 On average on the PCT, and we kind of needed to do 20s In the desert. So mileage wise, that gave me that confidence. But I think just kind of saying, Oh, I'm just gonna do California made it maybe less. In what do you say less in posing less scary, and less big? It's like, well, if I could just, you know, mean, that's only 1700 Miles versus 2600. So I think I think for me, and then also talking to other people saying, like, Well, I'm just gonna go set out to do California, then, you know, then then they, their expection speculations wouldn't be that I would do the whole thing. So if I just did California, that was fine. But I think Secretly, I just wanted to do the whole thing. But yeah, I think for myself, also, it was it was just like, well, if I set it a little, the goal a little bit lower, a little bit more manageable, then that's, that might be smart. So I think that's why I said that in at first, but I mean, secretly, I'd been probably planning to do the whole thing, probably, I think.
Sydney Williams 08:07
Maybe kinda, yes, sorta, definitely. Kind of probably. So what about the beginning of the Pacific Crest Trail? Where were you at? Like, I know where it starts. It starts in Campo, your first segment, you're going up towards Julian, California? Where were you at mentally? Like how were you comparing the JMT to the first few 100 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail, what was that like for you,
Arlette Laan 08:30
I knew that I was going to have a hard time with a desert, because I don't do really well. On in the in the heat. So I knew that that was going to be challenging for me, so. So I kind of was expecting that to be hard. But then I knew that that you know, Giampietro that the Sierra was up ahead. So I knew that has something to look forward to that I knew I was going to enjoy. So that really helped me, I think, knowing that after this hard part, there would be this reward. And that kept me going in the desert. Although in the desert, I did have some times where I was just like, oh, I don't think I want to do this. Maybe I can just like flip up and then come back down here when it's cooler. And you know, this is your first long distance hike, really long distance hike, where I got blisters and all of that stuff. So the desert definitely was was difficult for me. And it's about 700 miles of of that heart stuff. Where there's a little bit this thing is seen does in there, which is higher up. And so then you go from really low really hard to like that high elevation where you can barely breathe, and then you go back down to the debt, you know, the desert floor. So that first section was definitely challenging, but I kind of I kind of knew that going in that I would have a hard time with it. And you do learn to manage manage that like having lukewarm water to drink is not the best. But then I was like, Well, if I put hot cocoa powder in it, then it's like, you know lukewarm cocoa. That's a Okay, it's better than lukewarm water. So you kind of, you know, my feet were starting to heal up a little bit better. And so so in the end it was it was okay. But But yeah, having having done that John Muir Trail, I knew that there was something really, really good at the end of that hard desert section. So and it is, I mean, Desert is beautiful. But yeah, it's challenging. It's just so hot and exposed, and I'm just not really good with heat. So yeah, so that was different.
Sydney Williams 10:30
Yeah, I bet. And I, one of the things that you mentioned was, this is hard. This is hard. This is hard. But there's something good on the way I feel like we're coming on life lesson number one, for anybody that has absolutely no interest whatsoever in hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, because it sounds like too daunting, or they just don't want to, or maybe they're listening, looking for inspiration that they can take from your experiences on the trail and apply them off the trail. This is why I love hiking as a metaphor for life, because it's gonna suck, but then it gets good. Right.
Arlette Laan 11:03
And also, like, the thing is to like, even in normal life, not everything is gonna be wonderful. So even though you're on this amazing journey, and this amazing hike, not every day is gonna be wonderful. Like, you'll have to deal with shitty days, sometimes just like in life off the trail. So I had read a book before, before the hike that talked about that it was Cindy Ross's journey on the crest. And she was very honest about it, where, you know, she had days, it was really challenging. She wasn't having a good time. I'm like, wait a minute, that actually makes sense. Like, you know, like, on and off the trail, nothing is like, always amazing. So it was good to have that mindset like, well, some of its gonna kind of be hard, and some of its gonna be amazingly beautiful. And so that was really helpful.
Sydney Williams 11:50
Yeah, well, and I think too, with anything, any kind of massive undertaking, right? Like we don't do this alone, like walking the Pacific Crest Trail. Yes, it is your legs that is doing it. And it is your journey. And also, we get by with a little help from our friends. So tell me a little bit about the people on the Pacific Crest Trail, specifically, as you were moving through California that kept you going kept encouraging you and made you want to continue beyond California?
Arlette Laan 12:17
Oh, yeah, I had a friend that I started out with, which was really helpful, because I always it's nice start with somebody to make it less scary. Even though she actually fainted in the desert, and we kind of had to help her down. It was still at the beginning, it was a good thing. And and then further up north, I had some friends that were going to join me and my husband at the time hike most of the Sierra with me, and then I knew my mom was going to come up in Northern California. So these are also things to motivate me to, you know, it's like, well, they're coming out. So even though I feel kind of lonely, not right now I know, I'll have you know, friends to come out and help me and cheer me on. And nowadays you have social media to kind of cheer you on, which is really a wonderful part of that too. And you know, and other friends, you have your cell phone, you can talk to people and all of that, which I didn't have back then, you know, but yeah, just having people along the way. And also just like people, random people along the way. They're like, yeah, you go girl, you know, stuff like that, or giving you a ride or giving you some fresh fruit. All of that stuff is really, really cool. Really? Yeah. keeps you going lifts your mood. Yeah, all the nice the nice people, even people just picking you up giving you a ride. Like they don't have to do that. So the kindness of people also was very, was a nice thing that came out of that, that I didn't expect. I was like, oh, wilderness, it's going to be beautiful. I'm going to be hiking and then there's like, actually, like, the nice people aspect was like, Wow, that's awesome. Like, humanity is actually good, you know? And it was it was really uplifting. Yeah.
Sydney Williams 13:53
I love that. And I think well, and that's the it's such a, it's such an important part of it. Because like you said, I mean, like, the trail is amazing, then it sucks, then it's amazing. Again, I'm paraphrasing Michael Franti song and making it apply to the Pacific Crest Trail. But But I think like, what I'm hearing is that this was a very affirming journey for you. In addition to being challenging, like you, yes, you discovered that hiking might be something you're kind of sort of definitely maybe possibly interested in. And Switzerland. You did the John Muir Trail you're like, Alright, let's go buckle up. So now you're through California, where in California did you decide to continue through Oregon and Washington to complete the Pacific Crest Trail?
Arlette Laan 14:40
I think at some point, the hardest part for me was when I had already done like 900 miles and I'm into all of me and I'm like, Oh, my goodness, this whole trail is so much still and I've already been on trail so much. And it's so there's still so much of it left. But I kind of worked through that. And at that moment, I had some friends come out and then you just keep hiking and you're like, Oh, well, that'll just keep going. And and then once you're done with California at that point, you're like, Well, there's only two more states. Like, why not? I've already done 1700? Why not keep going? So, yeah, that that kind of was a no brainer. At that point. They might might as well. And you know, I heard that Washington was gorgeous. So I was like, Well, I want to see that there's more to explore. And I've met these people on the trail, they were excited, and they were doing the same thing. So you get these these friends and like minded people, and then why would you quit at that point, like, just keep going?
Sydney Williams 15:35
It's and it sounds like at any juncture in life where, especially off the trail, if you're working a job, or you're committed to a relationship, or you're raising kids, like you can't just like turn around and give up like you just got rockin. And it sounds like you did. So we'll fast forward a little bit. And before we jump to the break, so you finished the Pacific Crest Trail, and now you're like, Okay, what, what is life in the front country? I mean, you were on trail for months. So five months? Yeah, yes. So after five months, where was your head out? When you got home? Was this life in the front country still for you? Or were you like, I gotta get out of here and get back on the trail?
Arlette Laan 16:19
Yeah, I just like that hike really brought me back to myself. And and what was important to me, instead of getting lost in what other people were expecting me to be. So I knew I needed to, to make a change and and keep living that life. That was that felt true for me, not what other people wanted me to do. So that was a very important lesson. Yeah. Yeah, I think this Yeah.
Sydney Williams 16:48
Thank you Pacific Crest for delivering that message. All right. So we're, we're about to head off to a break. So for anybody listening, be sure to stay tuned, because when we get back, we're going to talk about how our legs started to make those adjustments. She realized after spending months in the back country, that the front country life was not for her. It was not what she signed up for anymore. She found herself she felt great out in the back country. And that's what she wanted more of. So she started to build a life that would reflect that. So make sure you stay tuned. Come back with us when we get back from the break and hear all about the different decisions that are made. How that helped her shape a life that she is now living by her own design, and eventually how she ended up making history as the first woman in the world to hike all 11 National Scenic Trails in United States, we'll be right back.
Announcer 17:55
Have you ever spoken unkind to yourself? Do you realize when you do? Are you ready to make changes but find yourself completely paralyzed by the choices in front of you. We live in a hyper connected always on world. And frankly, it's exhausting. Let's make time to disconnect from the distractions and reconnect with yourself. Hiking My Feelings exists to help people discover the healing power of nature. kickstart your healing journey and grab a copy of the book that started our movement, Hiking My Feelings, stepping into the healing power of nature, named one of Audible's best hiking audiobooks and available wherever books are sold. Visit hiking my feelings.org today to learn more. Sawyer is more than an outdoor company. Every solar product you buy, contributes to our common humanity, bringing Sawyer water filtration systems to people in need all around the world. In just 2022 alone. 260,000 households in over 45 countries received clean drinking water through Sawyer filters. Over the past 10 years, we've teamed up with over 140 charities in 80 countries to provide long term sustainable relief domestically, internationally and in disaster situations. Together, we're saving millions of lives. Thank you. Ready to find your Wellness in the Wilderness and look no further than hiking my feelings through a combination of community and self discovery. Our programs are designed to give you the space and support to connect life starts. If you're looking to figure out who you are underneath the stories you've been given, and are ready to redesign the map of where you're headed with actionable steps and opportunities to dream big. We're here to walk alongside you. Whether you're a seasoned adventure enthusiast, or brand new to the healing power of nature. We've got your back. Visit hikingmyfeelings.org today to download our free trail thoughts worksheets and learn more about Hiking My Feelings it's your work called motivate, change, succeed. Voice America empowerment.com You're listening to Wellness in the Wilderness with Sydney Williams? Have a question for Sydney and our guests. Join us on the show at 888-346-9141. That's 888-346-9141. Now back to the show with Sydney.
Sydney Williams 20:32
All right, welcome back to Wellness in the Wilderness. I'm Sydney Williams and I'm here with Arlette laan, who is the first woman to hike all 11 National Scenic Trails in the United States. And before the break, we were talking about how she started with the John Muir Trail, then she went to the Pacific Crest Trail, which was the trail that kind of did it all, it was hard. And it's socked in that it was awesome and amazing. She got by with a couple, the help of a couple friends. And upon completing the PCT, she realized that this front country life was not for her, and that she wanted to build a life that included more time for spending time on these long distance trails. Now, I did the trans Catalina Trail, which is not one of the National Scenic Trails. It's a 38.5 mile trail that spans across Catalina Island. I did it once in 2016 didn't finish it and I had some unfinished business with that trail went back in 2018 Finish the trail and had the most life changing experience of my life. Now that was six days on a 38.5 mile trail. And I had an 11 day Dark Night of the Soul experience which I later found out was called post trail depression. Or let you were on the trail for months if I had an 11 day funk after six days on a 38.5 mile trail. Did you experience anything like a post trail depression after the PCT?
Arlette Laan 21:57
Oh, yes, absolutely.
Sydney Williams 22:00
I mean, can you walk us through that? I wish I knew you back then girl. Well, I
Arlette Laan 22:06
feel like I didn't know anything about it either. Because now at least there's some information about it, you know. But back then, I mean, like, I didn't know nothing about it. So I felt really strong. Like, you know, I really got in touch with my body, I felt really strong and very appreciative of, of my body of what I could accomplish. I had this amazing experience where every day something was new. And I had a routine, which was nice. And then step ideal situation for me like I have a little bit of a routine. But then I see something cool and new every day. It's an adventure. And all I have to think about is like, where's my next sleeping spot? And do I have enough food and water. And then I had this community of like minded people around me. And so it was absolutely perfect for me. So then I come back home where everybody around me is having kids or has having careers. And I again, like I don't fit in. And and life didn't really make sense to me that much anymore. Like, like people were rushing to get to places and I'm like, why are you rushing? It doesn't it didn't make sense. It's really like a culture shock in a way. And that's people that you know, get worked up about standing in line and having to wait and having people wanting to make career and I'd never really wasn't too career making kind of obviously making but maybe, but so it still I really I never really fit in and now I really didn't fit in because I'd found this thing that I really loved and nobody else really seemed to understand. And you miss the movement, like every day I was hiking. So your endorphins are flowing, you feel healthy, you feel strong. And then you're at home in an apartment kind of boxed up. You can go for day hikes a little bit or, you know, around the block, but I had no idea what was going on. I felt crappy. I missed my friends. And again, there was no social media. So it was really not that easy to stay in touch with people as much after the trail. So yeah, I was I did not know what was going on at that point. And my only thing that I could think of was just to do another trail at that point. So that's kind of how it skirted around that. And and you know, did the 80 and did the piece that the CDT, and later on, I kind of figured out well like I'm still kind of figuring it out. It's just that I just need to have a job where I'm outside and it needs to be something that's kind of part time, where I can just go take off and be outside and come back to myself and have this this, you know, time in, in, in nature, and not in civilization as much not in society because I don't do that well in society that was reading a book about like highly sensitive people. And it kind of made sense where they talk about that, too. Like, it's just too many impulses, it's too much going on, it's too much stress. So being in nature for me is so much better for my my personality for for what works for me just kind of be able to center get back to myself, and then go back out and interact with people. So So I finally kind of figured out, like, I do the guiding job, I'm outside I am with people, that helps me, or I go on day hikes, or just go I mean, walk around the block doesn't work as well for me. But the other thing that I try to do is plan trips, at least that I know there's something I can look forward to. And that there is a way out, I'm not trapped, and I'm trapped in society. But it did mean it took me quite a while to kind of figure out like, what is going on? How can I get out of this fog. And it's not an easy way to, to live, like making enough money and having insurance and that kind of stuff. So so but if you do have a job and a career, and you do kind of go through this depression, after a hike, you find yourself working a normal job and us, I guess the way to maybe get kind of get out of that depression is to just play on weekends, because then at least you maybe if you devote an overnight, you know, then you are outside and you get those two days at least and that one night that you can kind of get back to that, that sense of like, calm and and being outdoors and, and being able to kind of get back to yourself. But it's it's hard. And that's hard for a lot of people. And yeah, again, I had no idea what was hitting me when I got off the trail. No idea. So yeah, it's
Sydney Williams 27:16
pretty. I mean, even just in the short trip that I did, like it was, it was just so shocking, because like, I think especially like I was born and raised in in the US, and I haven't lived like I've traveled a lot, but I haven't lived anywhere else. And so like this culture is all that I know. And the and the the family that I was raised in and the path that was kind of laid out for me, it was like you know, get your good grades, go to school, get your job, get married, have kids get your white picket fence and all that stuff. And like, I've never really wanted kids. So I already felt kind of weird about it. Like I never really wanted all this other stuff. But like in leading up to that to that first backpacking trip, I was just like, I had my, like material markers of success, which for me was like kitchen appliances. So like, we're in my family. Like I remember the day my mom got her KitchenAid mixer, and the cookies were better from that day forward, right like, and so I got my KitchenAid mixer, and I was like, Yay, I can make mashed potatoes and cookies, but like I don't do either because I don't have time. And then I got a Vitamix blender, which is like the booziest blender I could find at the time. And I was like, I make the best smoothies. Whoa. And then I was like, but something like I don't feel fulfilled by having nice kitchen appliances. Surely there's something more. And I think when we spend enough time outside, whether it's, you know, a weekend backpacking trip, or several months doing one of these scenic trails, we have everything we need on our backs. And I love the part that you brought up about having a routine, but seeing something different every day. And full disclosure like I am on a we just finished our last retreat of the year in Joshua Tree National Park this weekend. I have nothing else on the calendar for the rest of the year. That is a place where I need to be like physically committed. We're working on our stuff for 2023 and I'm in that space where like I need a date on a calendar and a trip to be planned because like I woke up this morning and I told my husband I was like very I can't find my sparkle like I don't know, like I feel I felt this morning not as dramatic but a little bit akin to a little post trail depression because like this was like a post really great year of retreats in the wilderness depression that I found myself in. I love I love i This conversation is bringing me back to life. So thank you for being here, first of all, but also I just that part about having a routine, but also seeing something new every day like that there is there's something biologically satisfying about that because like we have evolved technologically really fast like we can do everything on these little computers that live in our phones but like Like, as a species, we haven't evolved to be able to keep up with that stuff. And we're so separated from nature, that it only becomes abundantly clear how separated we are when we go and immerse ourselves in it. So I'm curious of all these different trails, I know some of them are like a complete and total nature immersion. And then some of them are still in development, or some of them include a lot of road walking, have you found a difference between the two for you? As far as that restorative healing power of nature? Can you get it from both? Or does one serve you more than the other
Arlette Laan 30:35
so the ones that are definitely more nature are definitely more uplifting and, and good for my spirit. Like I heard some other hiker signs, like it feeds your spirit, you know, and the more urban ones where there's more road walking, they still make me feel like a strong and capable person. Like it still gets me in touch with my with my body and makes me appreciate my body for being strong and capable in my mind for keeping and pushing. And so there's that part, there's the physical part that still works in a way that it still makes me you know, feel good. But not so much that it feeds my spirit in a way where it's like, Oh, my God, look at how pretty it is. You can find it in little bits and pieces. Like you can still like walk or have a beautiful, have a road walk where there's a big open sky, you see a gorgeous sunrise, you know, so there's still there's still that, but is not as as immersive or as, yeah, as restoring as going out into into the mountains where you don't see any roads. I mean, that for me is it feeds my soul. So so there is definitely, definitely that after doing some of the trails, where there's been a lot of road walking, I was like, Okay, the next trail I'm going to do is going to have a full scenery wilderness. And I'm going to go and do that again for quite a while. Because that is just it's more rewarding in that sense. But you can still get that like, like, Oh my God, I am capable of doing this which is is valuable as well. But it's not as soul feeding. Yeah, so that's it's a different experience.
Sydney Williams 32:30
Yeah, I like that a distinction soul feeding, because like we've done, I haven't done any of the National Scenic Trails. So my experience is limited to like our longest hikes were an urban hike around Chicago on the Chicago outer belt, which is 220 miles that goes around the city. And then hiking across the state of Michigan on a Rails to trail project called the Great Lake to Lake Trail. And that was across like going west to east across like Southern Central Michigan, and even walking in a straight line in a tunnel of trees. Without any significant elevation gain whatsoever. I totally relate to what you're saying like I, I personally, absolutely love the difficulty of higher elevations, higher like graded elevation gain where you're like, your body's really working, like I love being in my body that works that hard for me. And I love being surrounded by the wilderness. And also, I had the best endurance after 248 miles of walking flats every single day for 17 days in a row with no zeros like because you don't get a zero when you're doing like just flat walking. But I got to know at what point in time in this journey, did you get the seed planted that you were going to be interested in being the first woman to complete all 11 National Scenic Trails?
Arlette Laan 33:57
So I've already done a whole bunch of trails. And I was just because the season lined up like the Florida trail, we were looking for something to hike and winter like Oh, there's the Florida trail. Might as well do that one. You know, like, otherwise it might not have been on the top of my list. Just because what I've heard from other people with how hiked it, but then I met nibble Bill Nomad who is either the first or second guy to do all national scenic trails. And he was like go and looking at my list of things that I've hiked and he's like, Hey, you only need like four more trails. Yeah, one of them is like a 4800 mile trail for more trails, and at the same time a buddy of mine, Buck 30 He was also working on all of the National Scenic Trails. So then I was like, Well, I mean, that one that's really long. That doesn't sound so appealing or it sounds very challenging. But the other three that would be too bad. I mean, one is 1100. The other two are like five and another one, it was 1100. And like, that doesn't sound too bad. So if I get that 40 801 out of the way, then the other three, I could I could do that. That'd be kind of cool. And then it's kind of cool to be the first that's something you know, I'm not fast. So I can't set like an FK T, unless it's one that nobody else has done. Like, I had one for a while because nobody else wanted to do it, or knew about it. But it also so that kind of like was a it was a little bit of a, maybe a little bit of an ego quest, but also like, well, the other trails sound kind of intriguing, like, why not do those? And once you start, I started looking into something even if it doesn't immediately appeal to me, I do get that curiosity like wow, wonder what it's like, I wonder what that North Country trail is like, I wonder how challenging Ohio really is. I wonder what North Dakota really is like, I've never been there, you know, so. So then I kind of get like that curiosity going and, and at that point, I, I want to hike it, I want to see it. So even if other people are like, well, it's not that great. You know, the curiosity is there, then the seed is planted, so then you have to do it. That's how that works.
Sydney Williams 36:17
Yeah, I'm kind of have the same vein of like, oh, I have an idea. Well, now I gotta see it through maybe? Maybe not. But yeah, indeed. All right. Well, before we jump to break, we are here with our lat lon, we're talking about the 11 national scenic trails that she completed. And when we get back from the break, we're going to talk about how we don't need to compare we were just comparing like, we're going to take a little bit of my own medicine here we were just comparing we were comparing the Pacific Crest Trail to other trails, we were talking about single track versus road walking and the different benefits of each. But when we get back from the break, we're going to talk about why comparison is actually not the move here. Whether it's your gear, the trails you're doing, how fast you're going or not how fast you're going. Comparison is the thief of joy. And when we get back from the break, we are going to jump right in to talking about how we can move away from comparison and towards appreciation. We'll be right back.
Announcer 37:29
Ready to find your wellness in the wilderness and look no further than hiking my feelings through a combination of community and self discovery. Our programs are designed to give you the space and support to connect lifestyles. If you're looking to figure out who you are underneath the stories you've been given, and are ready to redesign the map of where you're headed with actionable steps and opportunities to dream big. We're here to walk alongside you. Whether you're a seasoned adventure enthusiast, or brand new to the healing power of nature. We've got your back. Visit hiking my feelings.org today to download our free trail thoughts worksheets and learn more about hiking my feelings. Sawyer is more than an outdoor company, every Sawyer product you buy contributes to our common humanity, bringing Sawyer water filtration systems to people in need all around the world. In just 2022 alone. 260,000 households in over 45 countries received clean drinking water through Sawyer filters. Over the past 10 years, we've teamed up with over 140 charities in 80 countries to provide long term sustainable relief, domestically, internationally and in disaster situations. Together, we're saving millions of lives. Thank you. Have you ever spoken unkind to yourself? Do you realize when you do? Are you ready to make changes but find yourself completely paralyzed by the choices in front of you. We live in a hyper connected always on world. And frankly, it's exhausting. Let's make time to disconnect from the distractions and reconnect with yourself. Hiking my feelings exists to help people discover the healing power of nature. kickstart your healing journey and grab a copy of the book that started our movement, hiking my feelings stepping into the healing power of nature, named one of audibles best hiking audiobooks and available wherever books are sold. Visit hiking my feelings.org today to learn more.
39:33
It's your world motivate, change, succeed. Voice America empowerment.com You're listening to
Announcer 39:47
wellness in the wilderness with Sydney Williams. Have a question for Sydney and our guests. Join us on the show at 888-346-9141 That's 8883469 141 Now back to the show with Sydney.
Sydney Williams 40:05
Welcome back to wellness in the wilderness. I'm Sydney Williams and I'm here with our lat lon before the break, we were talking about the difference between road walking on some of these national scenic trails and complete immersion and the benefits for both spoiler alert, our preference is total immersion, both mine and our let's. And we were also talking about some of the things that just feel so good about spending time in the back country, whether that's road walking, or some of the emergent stuff where you're just something new every day, you've got your routine, you wake up, you break camp, you make breakfast, and then you head out for the day. And all you're really worried about is finding water and a place to sleep and the simplicity of living life in that way. Now are let I do have a question. We're going to zip right ahead to this PS spoiler alert, everybody, we already know that she completed it when you completed the last of these national scenic trails. It was the Ice Age trail earlier this summer. What was that moment like when you finished? And you were just like done? Was it this? Did you have a vision in your head of how this would feel did it live up to that expectation?
Arlette Laan 41:10
I don't know if I really thought about it too much. Part of it was like, because I mean, that one had a lot of road walking, the one that I had done was the four that was the Natchez Trace, which was a lot of road walking. And so I kind of was glad to be done with the trails that were on that list. And not to be negative, like let me like the Ice Age trail that had some really cool segments in it. But I was kind of like now I can just pick what I want, again, just based on scenery and on what I want to do. And I don't have to push miles in the North Country trail, I had to push miles just because it was so long. So it's like I can just do like 15 miles a day, or 10 miles a day. So there was a little bit of a freedom to be done with the list. And so so that was fun. So a little bit of relief, I guess at the end. And it also kind of made me feel proud. And then I was actually preparing for a slideshow for you know about all the trails, and I'm looking through all these photo files and all these experiences. And I'm like, oh my goodness, I'm so lucky. Right? Right, it really, really brought down to brought home to me, how what an amazing, you know, life I've had and how lucky I've been to have been able to do all of this and see all of these things. And so a lot of gratitude, and also the people along the way, especially those more urban trails, which I said earlier, like, they're not my favorite, you know, like the road walk is not my favorite. But the nice thing about that was that the people along those sections were really coming out for support and hosting me and all that. So I say to trail was really great North Country trail, Michigan, and some other sections of the North Country trail. So I had gotten a lot of new friends from from that too, which, so a lot of gratitude, really, that to have been able to do all of it and to meet all these amazing people. That now I'm like friends with. Yeah, so a bunch of different things. I didn't really know what it was gonna feel like, and I still don't really know what it feels. But I think those were a few emotions. It was like I had a bunch of friends at the finish. It was amazing. They were there to celebrate with me, which was really, really cool. And then yeah, then Skype. Okay, well, now I can kind of kind of relax a little bit and I don't have that edge on me that I did have a little bit to go, I gotta do this. I gotta do that. I got to feel good about myself if I if I do these things, and I was like, Okay, I don't have to continuously do five month hikes. I can do a little bit less. It's okay. I'm not missing out.
Sydney Williams 44:11
On a lot. Yeah, but
Arlette Laan 44:13
I think I think I always had this idea is what if I don't do a hike, then I haven't lived my life to the fullest. And so now looking back, like I have done enough to say I have lived life to the fullest and I can kind of relax a little bit. But I will always want to explore it. I will always want to hike. But yeah, so yeah, different things. Different things.
Sydney Williams 44:38
Yeah, and that sounds like a really beautiful way to kind of wrap this up with a bow as far as comparison and appreciation. I know one of the things you're really passionate about is the fact that you don't have to be in your 20s and stick skinny to enjoy these kinds of experiences. So talk to me a little bit about the appreciation that you gained for your boss. Are you through these experiences?
Arlette Laan 45:02
Oh, yes. I mean, like, definitely that that first I mean that Pacific Crest Trail like, I wasn't, you know, I'm not your ideal body size. If you go you know, look at the media, luckily, it's changing some, but you know, like I have extra weight on me I am that's, that's just it's my build and I don't like to starve myself I like to enjoy life. And as long as I'm able to do the things I want to do, then I'm not gonna worry too much about it. But the hiking really made me appreciate like my strength. Like, yeah, my knees are not beautiful. That's okay, because I haven't had any problems on the downhills on all these hikes. So comparing the way I look to other people that, you know, my look ideal, like, it doesn't matter, like, as long as I can do what I want to do, and my body serves me well, then that should be that's okay. Like, like, I don't I mean, like, yeah, I want to lose a little bit of weight right now, because I don't fit my clothes. But that's a different story. I can do what I want to do with my body, it serves me well, I shouldn't look at and compare or be compared because there are still people on the internet. They're like, hey, well, there must have been a really good restaurants along the way. And like actually the word, but why why focus on that, like, that was resupplying out of the Family Dollar Store. Hey, but you know, so it really it really made me appreciate. Appreciate what I have. And I still like it's it's hard not to focus on a looks and and stuff like that. Or I still, like catch myself looking at some of the ads and I see like this, this girl that has the short like black, you know, shorts on and the desert shirt. And I was like, Well, that's what a thru hike are supposed to look like. And I'm like, what, why? Why it's like, why do I still think this but we're conditioned? Right? We're kind of conditioned that was like, that's what, that's what a long distance hiker looks like. I don't look like that. And I fight love to long distances. Like what is that?
Sydney Williams 47:11
Yeah, yeah, it's kind of it's kind of a mind warp when you think about like your accomplishments and the things you've done outside of the 11 National Scenic Trails. I mean, I've seen your list of accomplishments through the White Mountains in New Hampshire and everything else like you. PS I gotta hikers body because I'm a hiker. Hey,
Arlette Laan 47:31
isn't that funny, though? Like, you were just saying, you look at that. And you're like, oh, wait a minute, I probably have more than they have. Right. So you're so warped. So it's that it's that thing and, and also the and this is still something I'm working on still is comparing myself to other hikers, speeds and mileage is and it's like, if I want to hike 15 miles, or if I feel good about doing 17 or 20, then that's fine. I don't have to do 30 Just to feel cool. Like I really hardly ever do 30s. But you know, it's like that comparison thing. It's like, No, it doesn't matter if somebody passes me uphill. We'll all get there at some point. But, but that it's that that that kind of that competition comparison kind of thing where you're like, Oh, I'm not good enough. And like, No, it doesn't matter. As long as you get where you want to go, then that's good enough.
Sydney Williams 48:28
Right? Yes. Oh, my God, round of sound effects for that.
Arlette Laan 48:35
But yeah, so that's really what the hiking has, has really helped me with is like, I'm good enough. I can do what I want to do. And it doesn't matter if I hike this trail in X amount of days and do 30 or 35. No, it doesn't matter. That's not what's important to me. You know. So yeah, so that's been a really good lesson that I've gotten gotten out of it. And, yeah, yeah.
Sydney Williams 49:05
It's a good one. And I think too, like, it's, that's everything. And there's so many ways to live a life and there's so many ways to hike a hike. And you know, we here hike your own hike on the trail. And off the trail that is true to like, there are so many different ways that we can enjoy this experience in this body on this planet for the blip of time that we are here, and Arlette it sounds like you certainly have found a way to do that for yourself. And I'm just so grateful for the opportunity to hear some of your stories. One other thing that I did want to talk about because like literally nothing. Nothing about completing one of these trails, let alone 11 National Scenic Trails is easy, but it can be easier air quotes with the right gear and I know that you are a gossamer gear ambassador and we have Sarah from gossamer gear here. Tell me a little bit about how you landed on gossamer as your gear of choice towards the end of this journey.
Arlette Laan 50:01
Um So so when I first started there there was like not a whole lot of lightweight gear so I started with whatever I had read that was like the you know one of the best packs and so I started with that it wasn't like amazing tried a few other packs along the way some of them didn't fit all that well and because it is kind of a personal thing to like you know fit and do you want pockets Do you not want pocket, it's all of that stuff. And then I'm fine with gossamer gear like I love the pockets, they fit well. You can get custom hip belts, and then there's different sizes to like for my winter hikes, I got one of their bigger ones with like a really good frame sheet. And like if I want to go on a summer hike, now I obviously I have the luxury of having a whole line with their packs because they've been so kind to me. But I can go you know, I can go with a 35 liter wad and jam everything in there. And then I have the little tent that they have and it's like just you know, like it's what a pound and I can fit that in a side pocket and it allows me to be lightweight. I'm never going to be super ultra lightweight because I like to be comfortable. And I kind of sleep a little cold so I have to have a bit of a heavier bag. But yeah, so so that's how I kind of like I tried a few things and then this this these packs fit me really well and I like their features, pockets. I like the hip belts, all of that stuff. So the tent, trekking poles all of that stuff so I've been very lucky to have them as a as a sponsor to help me with the gear. And I wear out a lot of gear so yeah, we wear out a lot of gear you need new gear.
Sydney Williams 51:41
Absolutely and and Sarah from gossamer. Rumor has it you guys have like a really awesome sale going on for the holidays. You want to tell us a little bit about that before we close the show?
Sarah - Gossamer Gear 51:51
Yeah, absolutely. And thanks again, Sydney for having us on and Arlette for being an amazing representative of our brand. So right now we are having our biggest sale of the year with up to 40% off of savings on like our let was saying some of the best ultralight gear on the market. There's only one week left of the sale. So make sure you check it out at our website at gossamer gear.com And thanks again to our lead and Sydney.
Sydney Williams 52:18
Ah, thank you so much. Well,
Arlette Laan 52:20
thank you.
Sydney Williams 52:22
Oh, this has been such a treat and Arlette thank you so much for joining us on this episode of Wellness in the wilderness. Next week we'll be chatting with Natalie small founder of groundswell surf therapy in San Diego, California. She is helping people sis, helping women find sisterhood and community and balance on and off the water. And we're really looking forward to that discussion. Make sure you follow our lead on Instagram or let lawn and we'll have all of her contact information in the show notes for you. Thank you so much for joining us for this week's dose of wellness in the wilderness. I sincerely hope that today's conversation was a breath of fresh air. And I look forward to connecting with you again next Tuesday at one o'clock pm Pacific on the voice America empowerment channel. Until next week, take good care of yourself. Take good care of each other. Dream big and be kind. We'll see you next time.
Announcer 53:15
Thanks for joining us on this week's show. We hope this episode has been a breath of fresh air for you and has inspired you to find your wellness in the wilderness. We will reconnect with nature and new again next week. Since 1984, sell your has existed to support your wildest adventures. Learn about their advanced insect repellents and family of technical Lightweight Water filters@sawyer.com