-Emily Lillian
Welcome to Backpacker In Progress – my name is Ally, and I’m so glad you’re here!
If you’ve ever picked up a hobby, passion, or even had a casual interest in something new and exciting, let’s face it – it’s daunting. And more often than not, when scouring Facebook groups, blogs, wikis, books, and what-have-you’s, you’re inundated with experts. And while those tips, tricks, how-to’s, and words of wisdom are helpful, they can also be accompanied by a feeling of being ‘less than’ by comparison.
That’s why I’m here. I still remember visiting Yosemite as a junior in high school. My mom and aunt had brought our French foreign exchange student and me to tour some of the sights of California. The trip was mainly for Sara’s (our exchange student) benefit, but I gained a lasting impression. Standing in line at the Village Store – purchasing silly trinkets, no doubt – the gentleman in front of me was wearing a t-shirt that read “I Made It To The Top – Half Dome.” Walking out of the store, craning my neck upwards, I saw the smooth northwest face of Half Dome. Then and there, I told myself, “I want to do that.”
It was the first memorable goal that I set for myself that had nothing to do with academics or local extra-curricular activities that I was involved in. Life, especially at an age preparing for college applications, got in the way, and the goal was tucked into a corner of my mind, gathering dust for the next 8 years.
Eventually, I found my way back to my goal, picking up hiking. Working on my confidence and abilities over two years (and after two failed attempts), I made it to the top of Half Dome in 2016. If you’re wondering, yes, I bought one of those “I Made It To The Top” shirts. In those years of hiking regularly, I pushed myself. I went skydiving, spelunking, and even participated in a couple of Tough Mudder races. Despite all these accomplishments, I let a few setbacks dictate the following years, and I found myself further and further from these activities that had brought me so much joy.
This website started in 2014 as a personal blog covering my first major backpacking trip on the John Muir Trail – a 211-mile stretch of awe-inspiring vistas, stretching from Yosemite National Park to Mount Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous United States. Spoiler alert: I didn’t finish it. But I learned a whole lot in the process, most notably that it’s okay to be “In Progress.” Fast-forward a few more years, and I’m still ‘in progress.’
Like many, I have struggled with weight for as long as I can remember. I have asthma. I didn’t play sports growing up. Hiking and other fitness activities don’t come easy or naturally. The passion, however, does.
I’ve realized that hiking and backpacking aren’t the only areas that I’m ‘in progress’ – this concept can – and should – apply to nearly every facet of life. Pablo Picasso had it right when he said, “I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.”
I hope you’ll join me for the ride and find the courage to take your own steps to continue your personal works in progress!
