Things only outdoor women will understand
There was a time when I worried about when my next manicure would be, whether to wear the shocking pink or cobalt blue kitten heels and I was obsessed with when the Other Stories Sale started. Things have changed and now there is a whole new set of things that only us outdoor girls will understand...
1. Many of my friends do not understand why I want to get cold, wet and muddy all the time. But for me, these are the things that make what I do exciting. You will find me barefoot and grinning from ear to ear. I don't care how I look just how I feel.
2. Manicures are out - anyone who climbs will realise that nail polish does not mix well with pinch, pockets and jug holds. I have dirt under my nails, dodgy striped tan lines, freckles, and natural highlights. My hair is always au naturel (aka messy) and I don't need Salt Spray to give my hair 'texture'.
3. I always prefer to be up a mountain than in a shopping centre. Rather than comparing the number of pairs of shoes I have with mates I open my wardrobe to be greeted with piles of jackets for every weather eventuality, a pair of trousers for every type of activity and so many beanies that they have their own dedicated cupboard.
4. I have drawers full of outdoor kit rather than makeup and I absolutely love getting in there now and again and sorting out the climbing kit. Instead of arranging lipsticks in colour order, I sort my Ordnance Survey Active maps in to number order.
5. I get so excited when I find a new outdoor brand, only to realise that their women's range is a fraction of the men's and only comes in pink, turquoise and purple. Come ON outdoor brands, get your shit together will you!
6. I dream about converting my knackered old van Mabel and taking off on endless adventures. The latest wank tank Range Rover does not cut it with me, unless it’s an old style Land Rover Defender of course (red, long wheel base, called Roger) I am much more interested in rustic van conversions.
7. When organising trips and holidays I won’t be looking for a standard beach package, I would rather be doing something adventurous. Bring on the surfing, mountain climbing, biking, paddleboarding, yoga, via ferrata, scuba diving...
8. All us outdoor women are friendly, open, positive, supportive, good leaders, non-materialistic, kind, fiercely individual and independent - not bad attributes if I don’t say so myself…
And I'll let you in to a secret....I do quite like to dress up every once in a while, and I can occasionally scrub up quite well, although my days of stiletto high heels is definitely long gone….flip fops please, maybe with a little glitter for a night out.