← LGBTQ Outdoors Podcast
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- [00:00]
A
Then once we got out on the water, we were told, okay, we need to practice falling out.
- [00:06]
B
You're like, what? I just signed up for that.
- [00:10]
A
We're doing this on purpose.
- [00:19]
C
What do you do when you come out as LGBTQ and love the outdoors? What do you do when you see outdoor spaces ruled by older white CIS men and desire a diverse community of outdoor lovers? Accept it, change it, create it. I am Justin Yoder, and this is LGBTQ Outdoors.
- [00:41]
B
Welcome to the LGBTQ Outdoors Podcast. I'm Justin Yoder, and I am here with Patrick Thompson.
- [00:48]
D
Hey, everybody.
- [00:49]
B
And Justin Bickley.
- [00:51]
E
Hi, y'.
- [00:51]
D
All.
- [00:52]
B
This is a really special episode, an unusual episode. If you are listening wherever you're listening and not actually seeing the video, we're in beautiful Alaska right now. Just finished up our Alaska adventure trip. We are fighting off flies. If you're watching on YouTube and you see us swatting, that's fine. But the team is busy packing up, and we wanted to chat a little bit about the trip. And I. Everybody know about it.
- [01:27]
C
What would your overall thought?
- [01:29]
F
Patrick?
- [01:29]
D
Okay, so y' all went on or y' all had this trip sort of proof of concept last year, and I had major, major fomo. You know, you're sending me, like, pictures. Look at us on. On the river, in the mountains, like, holy crap. Like, so when this came up again, I. I knew I had to come and. Never been to Alaska before. And so getting to see just all of Alaska and the mountains and the snow caps in July and, like, the 60 degree weather in July, coming from Texas.
- [02:05]
E
Yeah.
- [02:07]
D
But zillions of new experiences. I'm getting to meet the rest of the team, most of whom I hadn't met before. Yes. Like, what an incredible experience. And, like, I already want to come back next year.
- [02:22]
B
Awesome.
- [02:23]
E
Yep.
- [02:25]
B
Justin, you live here.
- [02:27]
F
I do.
- [02:28]
C
You're an ambassador.
- [02:29]
B
You are our partnership coordinator. Tell everybody where we're at. For those that are listening or even those that are watching right now, where are we right now?
- [02:40]
F
Yeah, we're at the Alaska Huts, Manitoba Yurts. This is the Manitoba Cabin right next to us. Um, they were nice enough to give us a huge discount to make this trip more affordable for people and make it more accessible. And that's been really cool. We've got some sweet yurts that people are able to crash in and get comfortable. They've got wood burning stoves and all that stuff. And we've got a kitchen in here and this creek that we can hear in the background that everybody's been doing cold plunges and stuff. And hanging out in the sauna really doesn't get much better when it comes to spending time outside in Alaska.
- [03:15]
B
No kidding. And it's just like, the views, like, looking all around. We got mountains surrounding us, too. It's just absolutely gorgeous.
- [03:22]
E
Yeah.
- [03:22]
D
Can we talk about the cold plunge real quick? It's cold, and cold doesn't quite, like, describe it.
- [03:31]
B
It hurts. Yeah. It's so cold. It hurts.
- [03:33]
D
But also, like. And we had, like, camping showers set up. But, like, you're hiking, you're pack rafting, you're moving stuff around camp. Like, you get a little bit funky. And so I was like, I'm gonna do the cold plunge bath. And just to say I did it and who I was making noises that I've never made before. It was intense, but, like, still cool experience getting down there. And you have, like, the rapids, like, pretty strong rapid, maybe like 20ft away to where I'm jumping in. And I. But most everybody was doing that.
- [04:19]
E
Yeah.
- [04:21]
D
So I don't know if you. No, you didn't.
- [04:22]
B
I did not. I helped fill up some water out of the river the first day, and my hand hurt after being about in the water for 15 seconds, and I'm like, I don't want my whole body in this. So. Yeah, I did not.
- [04:36]
F
Yeah.
- [04:39]
D
You.
- [04:39]
B
And I did most of the planning for this trip.
- [04:41]
E
Yeah.
- [04:42]
B
Talk a little bit about. About that and, like, what people experienced, because we had 18 people come together from all across the U.S. yeah. Which was insane because we had, what, six last year? So it was amazing. Huge jump this year. Last year was just pack rafting. This year we did pack grafting and hiking. So share a little bit about the planning of the trip, why we did it that way. And then I. We also want to explain what packrafting is, because I think a lot of people probably don't even know.
- [05:13]
E
Yeah.
- [05:14]
F
So I think splitting it up was a huge. I think that was a great idea in a lot of ways. Giving people the opportunity to explore Alaska in different avenues is a wonderful way to make it more accessible to people.
- [05:28]
B
And.
- [05:30]
E
Yeah.
- [05:31]
F
I mean, it made it possible to bring as many people as we did. It would have been a lot smaller group if we're trying to keep a small enough number to keep everybody on the river and manage all of that in one. In one spot. Pack rafting, just kind of major access tool. Like, it gets us out into the back country on rivers that we wouldn't otherwise be able to. So throwing all of our stuff, our boat that packs down, like, this big inflatable whitewater kayak kind of thing.
- [05:59]
B
How much for those that are listening, how much do those weigh when they're all packed down?
- [06:03]
F
Yes, my, like, for like a two or three overnight, my backpack is usually around 50, 55 pounds with all my hack wrapped and all that stuff in it. The alpaca rafts generally are somewhere between 5 and 11 pounds for the raft itself.
- [06:21]
B
And that's the big benefit between like an inflatable kayak or something like that, for sure.
- [06:25]
F
Yeah. So much smaller. Can fit in your backpack with everything else. And then, yeah, on top of it, it's just super light.
- [06:33]
D
Like, being that lightweight makes it sound like, you know, a little inflatable toy that you would get from Walmart. But these are like, high quality. Like, I don't even know what the material is, but like a rubberized PVC of some sort that's. I mean, it could take a beating.
- [06:53]
E
Yeah.
- [06:53]
D
So very, very, like, I think high tech and collapsible. Very portable. Super cool.
- [07:02]
F
Yeah, they're sweet. They've got, like, zippers in the back, like these airtight zippers. So you can put all of your stuff, like you backpack out and then put your tent and your sleeping bag and your backpack inside the tubes, like where the air compartment is, and then zip it up and then inflate it then. So none of your stuff's getting wet while you're paddling down. And I felt kind of confined. It even makes the boat more stable, just like having that weight in there. And so, yeah, they create a really cool opportunity.
- [07:27]
E
Yeah.
- [07:27]
D
And one thing that, like, I appreciated that I, I don't want to gloss over is the fact, like, you're an instructor for, like, pack crafting in Alaska, part of the Alaska Packraft School. So we had two highly qualified instructors and, and trainers with the team on the river. Um, so we're not just, like, getting the gear and hopping on. Like, this is done very safely with all of our flotation devices and we.
- [07:56]
B
Had helmets and did a day of training.
- [07:59]
D
Yeah, yeah. Just, you know, practice falling out of the boat and, you know, getting back in. And so it was all done very, very safely. And, like, I respect that because, like, water in general can be scary. Moving water can be scary. Cold moving water can be, like, you know, big problem if you're not going into it prepared. But we had a good team watching over us and guiding us and teaching us. So everybody made it.
- [08:34]
E
Yeah.
- [08:34]
D
Unharmed.
- [08:35]
E
Yeah.
- [08:36]
F
I think setting everybody up to be able to support each other with wet re entries and getting Back in our boats when we were on the lake that day. That was really cool to watch. Like, I love seeing other people learn to support each other on the river so that it's not like me and Peeps the other instructor bopping around, like, having to make sure that everybody's able to get back, like, personally, but giving other people the tools to support each other. It's a really cool aspect of pack.
- [09:01]
D
Rafting that sort of enhanced, sort of like the community vibe.
- [09:05]
E
Yeah.
- [09:06]
D
While we were here is that, you know, we take ownership of the group, experience it, and, like, I'm in the boat by myself, but also to a degree, like, this is a team sport.
- [09:16]
F
Yeah.
- [09:17]
D
Like, I want to watch out for my neighbors. I know my neighbors are watching off on me. So.
- [09:22]
E
Yeah.
- [09:22]
F
It's definitely not a thing that we do one by ourselves.
- [09:27]
E
Yeah.
- [09:30]
B
What was your favorite aspect of the trip, do you think?
- [09:34]
F
I think making some really cool connections with folks was awesome.
- [09:38]
E
Yeah.
- [09:39]
F
I liked hanging out with folks, doing the cold plunges and stuff. It's like this, like, introductory point of adversity. Right. That we, like, decide that we're going to face the cold plunge, like, hang out in the water for a little bit, like, control our breathing. For me, like, not pack grafting the cold plunges and stuff. Five years ago, when I stopped drinking, like, doing a cold plunge every morning, control, like, to the point where I, like, had complete control of my breath and being able to manage that physiological stress and minimize that or completely, like, calm my body in that physiological, like, I don't stressor, like, really cold water was incredibly empowering. And I think facing that adversity and then working through it and figuring out a way to respond to it was incredibly helpful for me and facing big, other big adversities and stressors in my life. So I think sharing that with people and, like, breaking down those initial barriers of some point of adversity.
- [10:44]
E
Right.
- [10:44]
F
That's what adventures are for, is getting people into uncomfortable scenarios that help them grow and become a better person.
- [10:52]
E
Yeah.
- [10:52]
D
But that involves doing more than one cold plunge.
- [10:55]
F
Yeah, it does.
- [10:57]
E
Yeah.
- [10:59]
D
Four time. But, yeah.
- [11:01]
B
One of the things that, like, I think kind of shocked all of us about this trip was how fast it sold out, too.
- [11:06]
E
Yeah.
- [11:06]
B
We had 18 spots and what was like a month and a half. It was full.
- [11:11]
E
Yeah.
- [11:11]
F
It was so quick.
- [11:12]
B
It was so quick. So I. I love that. And we definitely want to plan more Alaska trips. So anybody that's listening, as soon as you see an Alaska trip, hit our website and you want to go you better snag it quick.
- [11:26]
F
Like.
- [11:26]
E
Yeah.
- [11:27]
B
This is crazy.
- [11:29]
E
Yeah.
- [11:29]
F
That was really awesome. It was really cool. Just the amount of diversity of folks that came.
- [11:33]
E
Yeah.
- [11:34]
F
I feel like the entire LGBTQ community was represented by someone.
- [11:38]
B
Yeah, definitely.
- [11:40]
E
Yeah.
- [11:40]
B
Which is amazing.
- [11:41]
E
Yeah.
- [11:43]
B
We want to have a couple of our participants jump on and share their experiences too. But before we do that, do you want to give a shout out to some of our sponsors for this trip that helped make it. We've got Brew doctor Kombucha always supporting us.
- [11:56]
E
Yeah.
- [11:57]
B
Alpaca raft. We was awesome.
- [11:58]
F
And provided us some money to make the trip more. More accessible for folks. And the army to Huerta Adventure Fund was a scholarship program that gave two folks the opportunity to come to Alaska and join this trip that otherwise would have probably never come to Alaska this year. That's awesome. The Alaska Huts association, who provided us Manitoba Yurts for the whole trip, is awesome. They've been super cool the entire time, making it more and more accessible for us to get into the outdoors with cool folks. Send Bars provided a bunch of send bars, which is awesome. It's like listing off so many people.
- [12:35]
E
Yeah.
- [12:35]
F
And then LifeStraw provided water filters for us, which were awesome. Just kind of keeping water flowing.
- [12:42]
B
It's kind of an important thing out.
- [12:44]
D
That's no small feat. Like, we've got three bags, but that's got to water 18 people.
- [12:50]
E
Yeah.
- [12:51]
D
You know, who are out hiking and like, being, you know, exerting energy, needing to get that water to rehydrate.
- [13:02]
B
Yeah. Because we're so far back in right now. We're not hauling water for 18 people all the way back in here.
- [13:07]
E
Yeah.
- [13:08]
B
We just go down to the river. It's so clean already. And then just run it through the filters. It's like, perfect.
- [13:12]
E
Yeah.
- [13:13]
F
And then Jewel in the Alaska pack graph school helped make it all possible too.
- [13:16]
E
Yeah. Yeah.
- [13:17]
B
Awesome.
- [13:17]
F
Always support.
- [13:18]
D
Thank you. Thank you to everybody.
- [13:19]
E
Yeah.
- [13:20]
B
We have our Montauky cold snacks. They're just a great partner for LGBT outdoors, LGBTQ outdoors in general. And we brought some of their beers in. Just let the team have some as well. So that's fun. But thank you for helping make this trip possible. Leading, instructing, all the dedication. A lot of work for a few days that go by pretty fast, but it was a lot of fun. We're going to take a quick break from and hear from one of our sponsors, and when we come back, we're going to chat with one of our.
- [13:51]
C
Participants from the trip at LGBT Outdoors. We're thrilled to have Montucky Cold snacks. Backing our mission, Montucky supports our passion for making the outdoors a welcoming space for everyone. And they've been supporting nonprofits across our country since 2012. After an epic day on the trail, nothing beats a cold, snackable Montucky beer. So get outside, enjoy the adventure, do some good, and raise a Montucky to inclusivity and the great outdoors. Locust Yoga creates mats and towels designed to support your yoga practice and build meaningful connections. Their designs foster connection, bringing people together to create spaces and shared growth and understanding. They also focus on intentional community, providing tools to support your journey and mark meaningful moments with purpose. Find them on Instagram locustyoga Shop or or on the web at locustyoga Shop. And here's a deal just for you for a limited time, buy any mat and get a free towel with code outdoors. Locust Yoga. Because yoga is more than a practice, it's a connection.
- [15:00]
B
All right, we are back and we have one of our participants for the trip who is also ambassador for New York.
- [15:06]
C
Tony.
- [15:07]
B
Tell us a little bit about who you are.
- [15:10]
G
Yeah, I'm Tony. I live in New York City. I'm one of the New York ambassadors since February. So it's been, you know, like about almost six months. I've done a couple of events, decided to sign up for this trip because I've never been to Alaska, and it seemed like a great opportunity to, you know, hang out with some fellow queer trans people and just chill and enjoy this beautiful nature. Yeah, and I. I chose the hiking. I chose the hiking, you know, path, I guess, or choice, because I like to hike. Yeah, the pack crafting sounded cool, but I. I just wasn't sure. I was like, you know, ready for it or I just wanted to get my steps in, I guess. But I do, like. Yeah, maybe in the future I'll try pack rafting. I like kayaking, so probably be a good fit. It's been good. I mean, my legs are definitely feeling it. I think I put like 30 miles on in like three days or four days. Yeah, my legs are ready for chilling out. Yeah, but it's been good. We did like one day. We did a 14 miler. That was intense.
- [16:16]
E
Yeah.
- [16:17]
G
Saw some LA views, some meadow views. You know, yesterday was the glacier, so it's been cool.
- [16:22]
B
That's awesome.
- [16:22]
G
Yeah. Definitely don't have glaciers back home.
- [16:24]
B
Definitely. Definitely don't. What, where are we at right now? And like, this is our base camp, which we're last day, so we got people running around packing up and everything. But tell People about.
- [16:38]
E
Yeah.
- [16:38]
B
This place. Cuz it. When, if. When we come back, it's highly likely we'll stay here again because there's great partner with us, gave us great rates.
- [16:47]
E
Yeah.
- [16:48]
B
And there's some things that are very creature comfort here and there's some things that aren't. I guess the biggest creature comfort would be there's a sauna.
- [16:57]
G
Yeah, the sauna. Yeah, it's. Yeah, it's cool because it's right next to the creek, which is like unbelievable creek. I tried, I tried like showering in it but it definitely was too cold. But it is cool to dip your. Your feet in. But it is cool. Has sauna. You know, it's like you get that outdoors experience. You have to hike. The yurts were cool. Like it was. I had like an awesome yurt and we all got along so we, you know, played some pranks on each other. But it also has like the main, you know, main cabin, the yurts, the sauna we set up, you know, the showers and stuff. So yeah, it's been. It's definitely not what I'm used to in terms of comfort because it's like not my apartment but it's a step above tent camping. So it's like a little.
- [17:39]
B
Yeah.
- [17:39]
G
A little happy medium, you know. Yeah, a little happy medium. Yeah, exactly.
- [17:44]
B
Yeah, definitely. Is it anything like what you thought it was going to be like?
- [17:52]
G
Yeah, I guess I knew I was like sleeping in a sleeping bag. So that was like to be expected that, you know, it's not like, you know like all. Everything you have back home.
- [18:01]
E
But.
- [18:02]
G
Yeah, I think, I think so. I think so. I think like the. Yeah, yeah, I think the 14 miler, I was kind of like, oh man, I did not train for this. But everything else was like to be expected, you know.
- [18:13]
E
Yeah.
- [18:13]
G
But I'm glad I pushed through all, you know, all the hiking.
- [18:17]
E
Yeah.
- [18:17]
D
And like we all went hiking sort of like as a group yesterday and there were really kind of like three options versus basically like, like very, very easy. You get to get, you know, like little walk. Great view.
- [18:33]
E
Yeah.
- [18:33]
D
Or like a medium walk and a great view. Or like. Did you go to the top yesterday?
- [18:39]
G
No, no, I went to the middle ground. Yeah.
- [18:41]
E
Yeah.
- [18:42]
G
That was good.
- [18:42]
E
Yeah.
- [18:43]
D
And even that like for me like kicked my butt. It was challenging about like 1500 or so feet elevation over like mile and a half or so.
- [18:53]
E
Yeah.
- [18:53]
D
Give or take.
- [18:54]
E
Yeah.
- [18:55]
D
That was steep climb, especially when you.
- [18:59]
B
Live in places like Texas. We're so flat or.
- [19:02]
G
Yeah. Or New York is flat. New York Is sea level.
- [19:05]
B
Yeah. Yeah. So.
- [19:06]
E
Yeah.
- [19:07]
D
But there were options, I guess.
- [19:09]
E
Right.
- [19:10]
D
I know. Yester for me, again, it was definitely a challenge. But this is also after, like, you know, two full days of pack rafting and a day at Resurrection Cove, I think, is what it's called.
- [19:23]
B
Yeah.
- [19:24]
D
As well.
- [19:25]
E
Go.
- [19:26]
D
Already worn out, but, you know, push myself. And I think kind of what we're getting at, like, stretches me as a person and pushes my limits. Definitely within a community where I feel safe to do that.
- [19:42]
G
Yeah.
- [19:43]
E
Yeah.
- [19:44]
D
Like, there's no shaming as somebody needed to take a break or turn around and like, what. We were all there, you know, rooting each other on.
- [19:52]
E
Yeah.
- [19:53]
D
Which is good because I needed that. I needed that encouragement.
- [19:59]
G
Yeah, I hear that.
- [20:00]
B
What do you think some of the biggest benefits, Talking about support in that, being in a. A group setting like this. What do you think some of the biggest things.
- [20:08]
G
I think it's definitely different than, like, I think when you're hiking and you're. You're staying in, like, you know, yours and you're part of this community, you feel comfortable and safe and like, you can tell people you're coming out. Store you can come out, and it's like nobody blinks an eye and everyone's very supportive. So I think that's very different than when you're like, I've been on, like, group trips with sister people. It's a different vibe. I feel like it's a little more ego based and this is a little more like, you know, soulful, I guess. Yeah, it's. And like. Yeah, it just makes you feel like if you need to slow down or if you need, like a moment to yourself, people are there, you know, they listen. Maybe there's more like listening that goes on.
- [20:53]
E
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
- [20:55]
B
I love just like that aspect of people coming together from all over the country that are part of the queer community for this wild adventure that they might be nervous about coming on.
- [21:06]
E
Yeah.
- [21:06]
B
But then they start making these connections. You know, the first night, like, Zach, who was cooking for us, hauled in a pizza oven back here and made everybody their own personalized pizza.
- [21:20]
G
Yeah, that was.
- [21:21]
B
Which was incredible. And I just watching people, you know, waiting for their pizza and eating and talking, I just, like, so cool. Just out here in remote Alaska having homemade pizza, connecting with people that are part of the community might be so different from you at the same time.
- [21:38]
G
True, true.
- [21:40]
D
Pizza night was funny because as each pizza comes out, there's so much pizza envy.
- [21:48]
B
It looks really good.
- [21:49]
G
That looks really good. What did you get on.
- [21:51]
D
I want to try that. And Justin and Rod had their dog Willow, who's very food oriented.
- [22:01]
E
Yeah.
- [22:01]
D
And she was like, just checking out the pizza oven, just like waiting for it to fall on the ground so.
- [22:06]
E
That she could have it.
- [22:07]
G
That's funny.
- [22:08]
E
Yeah.
- [22:09]
D
But also shout out to Zach.
- [22:13]
B
For.
- [22:14]
G
The pizza and cooking, Organizing all the.
- [22:17]
D
Food and the cooking and the pizza and just really keeping, keeping tabs on all that, because that's no easy task for no. 18 people off the grid, you know, where we had to bring everything in, like about half mile track.
- [22:33]
B
No electricity, no earning water.
- [22:35]
E
Yeah.
- [22:35]
B
And he was able to pull off these.
- [22:37]
C
Yes, that he did.
- [22:38]
B
Totally.
- [22:38]
D
Absolutely incredible. So thanks, Zach.
- [22:41]
B
Zach, what was your favorite part of.
- [22:44]
C
The trip, do you think?
- [22:48]
G
I think just like, cracking jokes and just like, I don't know, like, playing like, pranks on each other. I think it's fun. Yeah. Just like getting, like, making new friends, I would say would be my favorite part. I like the nature too, but I had been in Alaska like a week before, so I, like, got kind of used to it, but I think, like, making new friends for sure.
- [23:08]
E
Yeah.
- [23:08]
B
I love that.
- [23:09]
E
Yeah.
- [23:10]
D
Oh, hang on. Talking about Alaska.
- [23:13]
E
Yeah.
- [23:13]
D
Coming from Texas, one thing that, like, I was expecting, but I still have a trouble wrapping my head around it is like, up through like 10:45, 11:00pm it's bright. Bright as day outside.
- [23:26]
E
Yeah.
- [23:27]
G
That is chirpy, actually.
- [23:29]
D
So surreal.
- [23:30]
E
Yeah.
- [23:31]
D
It gets dark.
- [23:32]
G
Your body, like, wants to stay up.
- [23:33]
E
Yeah. Yeah.
- [23:36]
D
Circadian rhythm is just like, what.
- [23:37]
E
Yeah.
- [23:37]
D
What's even going on?
- [23:38]
E
Right.
- [23:39]
G
Right.
- [23:39]
D
I don't know.
- [23:39]
G
That was pretty trippy, I would say for sure.
- [23:42]
E
Yeah.
- [23:42]
D
But I think that allows for, you know, a lot more activity.
- [23:48]
E
Yeah.
- [23:49]
D
In is just a theory, but, like, all the flowers here are like, so freaking bright.
- [23:53]
E
Yeah.
- [23:54]
D
And I wonder if that's just. They have more sun. I don't know what it is, but.
- [23:58]
G
It'S, it is really, it is very green, for sure.
- [24:03]
B
I'd love for you to touch a little bit about you being an ambassador, what that looks like. Give your New York chapter a shout out and anybody that's listening wants to get involved. Can. But. Yeah. What is it like being an ambassador?
- [24:16]
G
Yeah. Yeah. So I'm, I'm one of the New York ambassadors. I think I'm like one of four or five in our big state of New York. So I, I, I, I run the New York City chapter, so it can be a struggle sometimes to get, like, city people involved.
- [24:31]
E
Yeah.
- [24:32]
G
And wanting to get outdoors, but I try. So. Yeah, it's cool. It's just organizing events, partnering with other ambassadors in certain events, partnering other outdoors, you know, organizations in the area. So that's cool. I think, like me and two of the other New York ambassadors are trying to do like a, like a cat skills, like camping, like some kind of camping thing upstate in October maybe, or September. So it's cool. Yeah, it's cool. I just started like, I don't know, like six months ago, so I'm still getting the. The hang of it. But it's been fun so far. Yeah.
- [25:05]
B
That's awesome.
- [25:05]
E
Yeah.
- [25:06]
B
And there's a New York state Facebook group that people can join if anybody is listening and wants to get involved. Or you can also go to the website, find out what events are coming.
- [25:17]
C
Up in New York as well.
- [25:18]
B
Yeah, and we have our big LGBTQ outdoor fest that's gonna be in New York this year too. You're going to that, right?
- [25:25]
E
Yeah.
- [25:25]
G
September was 11th through the 14th through the 14th. Yeah, I'll be there.
- [25:29]
B
I think we'll have over. I'm thinking we're going to have over 100 people that are coming in for that. So if anybody's listening too, like, we're gonna have amazing workshops, outdoor workshops, outdoor activities. Just an incredible time of community and making new friends. So be sure if you're listening and you're interested, check out the website lgbtqoutdoors.com and get registered before the price goes up for late registration. Well, thank you. Is there anything else you want to share about the trip before we wrap up?
- [25:59]
G
No, it's been awesome. Alaska's, I mean, beyond incredible. And if you ever get the chance to explore Alaska, definitely do it.
- [26:08]
E
Yeah.
- [26:08]
B
That's amazing. Thank you for coming with us. We loved having you on the trip.
- [26:12]
G
Thank you.
- [26:13]
B
Take another quick break and get a word in from our sponsor and then we're going to be back with Mallory, one of our board members.
- [26:21]
D
Awesome. Sweet.
- [26:23]
C
Winnebago Industries is a leading US Manufacturer of outdoor lifestyle products. Their goal is to help their customer, from glamping enthusiasts to off road explorers, embrace the outdoors through one of their recreational vehicles, Powerboats or pontoons. Winnebago Industrial Industries is proud to partner with leading industry and outdoor oriented organizations such as US LGBT Outdoors, who share in their desire to enable extraordinary mobile experiences for everyone. Together, we can all be great outdoors. Take your indoors, outdoors or spacious skies. Campgrounds. A collection of 15 campgrounds and RV parks spanning the eastern United States. Each location is unique and but all offer the perfect escape to the great outdoors. If you're looking to spend quality time with your friends and family or simply need a scenic home base for your nearby adventures. Choose from RV sites, cabins, yurts, retro RV rentals, or tent sites and enjoy on site amenities that offer convenience, creature comforts and fun. Visit spacious skies campgrounds.com for more information and easy online booking. We welcome and invite all campers to camp on the Spacious Guys Campgrounds.
- [27:35]
B
All right, we are back with our last participant that we're going to be chatting with. Mallory, who has also been a dedicated board member for LGBTQ Outdoors. Share a little bit more about who you are.
- [27:47]
A
Well, hi, guys. Hi, I'm Mallory. I'm very happy to be here right now. This has been incredible. So setting the scene for this podcast. I'm sure you guys have already done this, but, like, we're sitting here with this, this, like, rapid river going by us with mountains in the background, so it's absolutely incredible. I chose pack rafting. I've never done that before. It was really cool. I think my initial experience with it of putting on the suit was a lot more extensive than I imagined.
- [28:21]
E
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
- [28:24]
A
And that thing sucked you in and did not let you get wet at all, which was really cool because that water was ice cream cold.
- [28:31]
E
Yeah.
- [28:32]
A
Then once we got out on the water, we were told, okay, we need to practice falling out.
- [28:38]
B
You're like, what? I didn't start up for that.
- [28:42]
A
We're doing this on purpose, which was great. Cuz then we learned, I particularly learned that I cannot get back onto the raft without a little help for the first time. And then once we got out there, I learned what an eddy was, which is basically what happens after you have a big rock and the water swooshes back into it, which can also propel you forward, which was super cool. You do a little spin. I think that I kind of mastered an Eddie, but excited to try it again.
- [29:15]
E
Yeah, yeah.
- [29:17]
D
You were killing it for sure.
- [29:18]
B
Yeah. And explain a little bit. The suit, for those that are listening, these are dry suits, not wetsuits, because the water is so cold. Like, the water's so cold up here. And I mentioned it 1. We were talking to somebody earlier, probably Justin. Like, I put my hand in the water for like 15 seconds and it hurt. Like it was that cold. So you don't want to get wet. So these dry suits have gaskets that go around your wrist and your neck to keep water out. And they. They're tight. Yeah, they're tight. You like to be choked a little bit. This is the trip for you, but it was great. There's a lot of gear that goes to it, But Justin Bickley did an awesome job at making sure that everybody felt safe and knew what we were doing before we actually got onto moving water.
- [30:06]
A
Yes.
- [30:06]
B
First time we got on the moving water, what was that like for you?
- [30:10]
D
Awesome.
- [30:10]
A
It was so cool. I found myself a little nervous at first whenever the water went a little fast or there were obstacles like rocks or whatnot. But quickly learned that those are the most fun parts.
- [30:24]
E
Yeah.
- [30:26]
A
Towards the end, I wanted it to go faster, and I wanted to have to scoot around rocks or get stuck in a little bit of, you know, it going the wrong way. Yeah. I forgot I lost my paddle.
- [30:42]
B
Did that.
- [30:43]
A
Almost fell out. Lost my paddle after that. Got sucked in by a current away from the group. So I. I did everything you're not supposed to do and survived. Y. Yes. Yes.
- [30:57]
B
I love that.
- [30:58]
D
Like, on. After our training day, we went on another. The Kai River. And that had, like, more speed, like, a few more obstacles, quote, unquote rapids. But it. It was raining. It rained, like, all day long. But with the dry suit, just being on the river, I genuinely did not care. Like, I was having such a good time, you know, aside from the water hitting my face, like, I wouldn't have known that it was raining and just such a blast. And I think that's more of a cultural thing. Up in Alaska. It's like, it was raining, it was snowing. Like, we're gonna do the thing. Like, weather's not gonna stop us. Fortunately, what we've really lucked out since we've been here. We've had, like, one day of rain, but every other day has been very, very pleasant, if not sunny.
- [31:56]
E
Yeah.
- [31:56]
B
And we are still fighting the flies.
- [31:58]
D
Yeah.
- [31:59]
E
Yeah.
- [32:00]
A
Apparently it is fly season.
- [32:02]
B
Apparently. So those that are watching on YouTube are having a great time watching us.
- [32:07]
D
I'm full on, like, other, like, boxing matches.
- [32:10]
B
I hardly see any on you. There's one, and I feel like there's, like.
- [32:14]
A
You're stinkier.
- [32:19]
B
Last night.
- [32:22]
E
Oh, yeah.
- [32:23]
B
What do you think one of your favorite parts of the whole trip has been?
- [32:27]
A
So, yesterday's hike to. What is it called again?
- [32:32]
D
Marmot Meadows.
- [32:33]
A
Marmot Meadows. Yeah.
- [32:35]
B
Kenyon Fjord National Park.
- [32:37]
A
Yes. Yeah. I have never done a hike that challenging before. It was up, you know, basically rock stairs.
- [32:48]
E
Yeah.
- [32:49]
A
The entire time of what? Over a thousand.
- [32:52]
B
Fifteen hundred feet.
- [32:53]
A
Fifteen hundred feet.
- [32:54]
E
Yeah.
- [32:55]
A
So that kicked my butt. My calves are barking today for sure. But I was really happy that I made it up there. And got to see the glacier. So worth it. And there's something cool about, like, pushing yourself and then getting up there and being proud of yourself and getting to see these gorgeous views.
- [33:13]
D
Well, and. And celebrating, like, together, you know, of, like, what we collectively just accomplished, you know, with, like, high five. Like, you gave me a high five. Like.
- [33:24]
A
Yeah, yeah.
- [33:27]
D
And, like, you know, taking the group photo in front of, like. And not Iceberg Glacier. Glacier.
- [33:34]
E
Yeah.
- [33:36]
D
It's just, like, such a cool experience.
- [33:39]
E
Yeah.
- [33:39]
D
Like, really, really neat.
- [33:40]
B
What was it like for you, seeing big group, 18 of us? What was it like seeing people come together from all across the country, which most. We didn't know each other.
- [33:52]
A
Yeah. I feel like it happened so quick. Everybody is so inviting and kind and helpful, and the group dynamic has just been laughing and fun and encouraging and sad to see people go, exchanging numbers, making friends. You know, I know Mary's gonna come to Dallas soon, and we've already planned a fun. Yeah. Get together. So very excited for the people that I got to meet here. And I made some good friends.
- [34:23]
B
That's such a huge part of this.
- [34:24]
A
Yeah.
- [34:25]
B
Like, it is fun to go do an adventure on your own, but also a lot of people don't feel comfortable doing something on their own or don't know how to and. And whatnot. And to be able to be a part of a team like this, where you have guides that are going to help with the pack crafting and supply all the gear, and a guide that's doing the hikes and knows where to go and the wildlife and everything, and not to have to worry about that. You just are just here and enjoying it.
- [34:54]
A
Tell me where to go and what to do.
- [34:55]
B
Right.
- [34:56]
E
Yeah.
- [34:56]
A
Which is incredible.
- [34:57]
D
But there's also, like, a safe place to go and screw up, but, like, you know, lose your battle. Yeah. Or like, we had somebody who. We use the term, went swimming and pack rafting instead of, like, falling out of their boat, but that. That happened to somebody. And, like, what. We got him back. We got. Had all of his gear, and everybody was, like, cheering him on. Like.
- [35:25]
A
Yeah.
- [35:27]
D
That's one of the things that I love most about LGBTQ outdoors is that in the group setting, it's safe to screw up.
- [35:35]
A
Yeah.
- [35:37]
D
And, like, somebody's going to have your bag. Yeah. And that's just something that you can't really find too often. Yeah.
- [35:48]
A
So, like, I never felt bad saying, I need a break. Whenever we're on the hike. It was like, okay, cool. Hey, guys, we're taking a break. And it was never Nobody was ever annoyed. It was just like, okay, cool.
- [35:58]
B
I kind of wanted one too. Definitely. I mean, you kicked ass on that hike. I, I didn't realize that was the hardest hike you've done. And like, you did great.
- [36:08]
A
Thanks.
- [36:08]
B
It was awesome. Thanks.
- [36:09]
A
Thanks.
- [36:11]
B
Yeah, you know, this, this adventure trip is our second time to Alaska. We have glacier coming up next month that's sold out and then. And probably by the time the comes out, it's going to probably be in August when it's happening anyways. But we do have great Smoky Mountains coming up in October. So if anybody's listening and you want to get in on an adventure trip this year, check it out. It's on our website, but we are going to be launching 2026, letting people know what those are very soon. So the best way to know what those are is probably signing up for our newsletter on our website. So people will know because this one sold out in like a month and a half, which is crazy to think about. And some of the others have sold out super fast too. Final thoughts as we wrap up the podcast and the trip and all the things because, like, it's getting quiet around here because people are starting to leave. We're going to be taking a bunch of people to the airport here, which we kind of gotta get wrapped up because we gotta get people going. But yeah, we're just, you know, we're kind of part of. Us three have been a part of this since the beginning and we had this little Instagram that turned into something. That turned into something bigger. That turned into something bigger. And now we're doing these amazing adventure trips and here we are in Alaska.
- [37:37]
A
I. I love that. I mean, my time as a board member is coming to an end at the end of this year, so what a really cool way to go out with a bang of getting to do this Alaska trip. I don't want to go home. I mean, I want to see my. My puppies and my lady.
- [37:54]
B
But.
- [37:56]
A
But other than that, just like, I'm not ready to let go of these mountains and this greenery and that sound of that river.
- [38:02]
D
Yeah, I'm gonna miss it.
- [38:03]
B
Yeah, I definitely are.
- [38:05]
D
Like these adventure trips or even like local events or outdoor fest it for me, it's always so much more than just pack rafting or just hiking. There's this community depth that just happens that is so like life giving and encouraging and it allows you to feel safe, to be emboldened, to like be authentic. And that is so incredibly powerful for me. And it's even More so when you have like a snow capped mountain right, like right there in the background. Like we've got something really, really special going on and I am immensely great for it. I'm grateful for it. So if anybody's listening and has been on the fence like, like who are these people? Like what are they doing? Give it a shot. Like sign up, go out to an event come outdoor festival and I just come see for yourself.
- [39:15]
E
Yeah.
- [39:17]
B
All right. Well, I think that that not only wraps up the podcast, it wraps up the 2025 Alaska Adventure trip. So I'm glad that we were able to do this little podcast and share it with all you listeners. I hope that you got something out of it. Really cool thing. We are doing a mini document from this trip. Be pretty short, but it'll be a great way that you can also kind of experience this trip. So again, probably newsletter signing up for that is the best way to know when that comes out and is available for people to check out as well. But we also got to figure out all the logistics of all that with film festivals and stuff like that. We're going to put it in because queer people like the outdoors too.
- [39:59]
A
Yes, we do.
- [40:01]
E
All right.
- [40:02]
B
It's been a joy to get to do this with both of you and everybody here. And until next time, get out there.
- [40:11]
C
Thanks for listening to the LGBTQ Outdoors Podcast. Catch past episodes on your favorite streaming platforms and connect with us on Instagram or Facebook by searching LGBTQ Outdoors. Support our mission by joining the Trailblazer society@lgbtqoutdoors.com Trailblazers to learn more more about our local chapters, LGBTQ Outdoor Fest, adventure trips or to sign up for our newsletter, visit LGBTQoutdoors.com if you enjoying the show, be sure to follow, rate and review. It helps keep our mission going.