This will be my fourth year traveling with Adventures in Good Company, and along the way, I’ve built lasting connections with incredible women. From my very first AGC trip, Intro to Lightweight Backpacking, to my most recent one, Hiking through History in Shenandoah National Park, I’ve made friends from all over the United States. Being surrounded by adventurous women—some like-minded, some not—is one of the reasons I keep coming back. On every trip, I’ve formed new friendships and met women with different beliefs, skills, endurance levels, lifestyles, and goals. While we may not all become lifelong friends, we share a common spirit of adventure and a desire to experience new places, cultures, and connections. This collection of stories is a testament to the bonds I’ve formed through AGC trips.
Bonding While Backpacking
On the Intro to Lightweight Backpacking trip, I met Barb and Marianne, who were already friends. As the week went on, we all got to know each other—and they kept me laughing the whole time! Marianne even shares my dry sense of humor (and my love for martinis). We learned a lot about each other on that trip and stayed in touch afterward. The following spring, we reunited for a hike in Shenandoah National Park with Barb’s sister, Linda. They’re much stronger hikers than I am, but they still let me tag along! Though we’re spread out across the country, we keep in touch and are hoping to plan another adventure together this year.
Pre-trip Friendship Formed
I met Janet on the Dog Sledding and Winter Fun trip in 2024. Some of us had connected before the trip and planned to meet during our layover in Minneapolis. When we found Janet enjoying a glass of wine and a delicious-looking pasta dish, we joined her to wait for our flight to Duluth. The four of us traveled together to our hotel, where we shared a fantastic dinner—along with more wine—before calling it a night. It was such a fun and memorable way to start the trip.
Since we had all arrived in Duluth a day early, Janet and I spent the next day exploring the city. We walked for hours, did a little shopping, sampled great food, and took in the sights—all while chatting nonstop. By the time we met up with the group, we already felt like old friends. I’m excited to see Janet again this year when we reunite on the Wonder and Wellness in the Redwoods trip!
From Trailmates to Travel Friends
Last fall, I joined AGC’s Hiking Through History in Shenandoah National Park trip. I try to visit Shenandoah once a year, and this trip happened to fall at the perfect time for peak fall colors. Among our group were three friends from Minnesota—Karen, Lori, and Carol—who welcomed me into their circle. Karen and I spent a lot of time chatting on the trail, bonding over stories about our families.
One of the highlights of the trip was tackling the Bearfence Rock Scramble, a challenging hike that took us up and over a rugged outcrop with breathtaking 360-degree views of the Virginia Piedmont and the Shenandoah Valley. We laughed, looked out for each other, and cheered each other on every step of the way. By the time we reached the top, we truly felt like we were on top of the world!
Since the trip, Karen and I have stayed in touch and gotten to know each other even better. This fall, we’ll reunite for another adventure—this time with Lori—hiking together in Big South Fork.
Stay Connected—Before and After Your Adventure
Don’t hesitate to reach out to your fellow trip participants before and after your adventure! AGC provides contact information for everyone on your trip, making it easy to connect. Are you arriving a day early? Staying an extra day? Reach out to the group—you never know who might want to explore with you.
When you return home, stay in touch with those you connected with. I cherish the many friendships I’ve made through AGC—too many to mention in just one blog post! Even if you don’t find a new “bestie,” you’ll meet incredible women who will remain friends for years to come, sharing future adventures along the way. And who knows? You just might find a lifelong travel companion.
