Hi, my name is Melissa, but you can call me Mel.

So you want to get out and into nature more? Are you wanting to start backpacking or hiking but don’t know how to start? Maybe you feel scared. Maybe you need help with planning or gear. Do you need support or community?

I’ve got you!

I want to help you build the skills that you need to feel confident pursuing the time that you crave outdoors. Don’t worry about feeling insecure or like a “newbie”. I am an “everyday person” who understands where you are probably standing right now. I’m pretty average.

“Aggressively Average” if you will!

But what does that mean??

It means that I believe embracing who we are right now is the kindest thing that we can do for ourselves. It’s okay to be right where you are, who you are. It’s ok to feel average. It’s ok to hike local parks or grandpa’s farmland. Together we can build a map that will take you to the places beyond the average that you dream of.

Here we believe that kindness is king, love is love, all bodies are beautiful, and that diversity is the key to community. Our primary goal is to support women and gender minorities in accessing the outdoors.

You are welcome here.