Weekly Wild #7: Volcanoes to Mountains 🌋
Hey Wild Woman,
It's been a couple weeks! I'm in Guatemala right now hosting one of our community trips, and in the rush to get ready (plus it's the busy season in forestry right now, my day job), I forgot to send out this newsletter the past two weeks! So here's a big ol' update for you, and I'll be honest... it's highly unlikely this newsletter will go out next week, as I'll be finishing up this trip and making my way home on the 19th. But who knows! Maybe I'll bust open my laptop in the airport and type one up for you ;)
This week’s Wild Intention & Mindset Shift
Listen to your body
This past weekend the 6 of us in Guatemala hiked the IG-famous Volcan Acatenango. You've probably seen it on social media, with hikers standing concerningly close to an erupting volcano in Guatemala. Well that was us, and I've got some things to say about it!
I'll save the whole debrief for another time, but the theme I want to talk about right now is listening to your body.
The Basecamp that you hike to on the first day sits at about 3400m (11,150 feet) elevation, and if you opt to do the extra Volcan Fuego or sunrise summit hike, you'll be going even higher. The amount of people who pushed themselves through extreme altitude sickness and nearly needed medical aid was shocking, and that's where this week's Wild Intention is coming from.
Whether it's FOMO, ego, or something else entirely, we just LOVE to tell ourselves "I can do it, it'll be fine," even when it puts our health at risk. The reality is that you probably CAN do it, but should you?
Going back to previous Weekly Wild issues, there's a common thread I'm seeing starting to weave its way through this series... making smart (although hard) decisions, despite our desires to keep going, do more, and accomplish bigger.
I personally did not do the additional Fuego or sunrise hike, and let me tell you, my ego was upset about it... but I know it was the right decision. The Fuego hike gets you SO close to the eruptions and you do it right after getting to base camp, and I decided not to do it so I could rest and do the sunrise hike. Then, I spent all night focusing on my breathing, battling a BRUTAL pressure headache and muscle spasms, feeling like I wasn't getting enough oxygen, and overall feeling like absolute trash.
I caught myself spiraling down the "not enough" and "you came all this way" rabbit holes, and stopped to remind myself that what I've already done is enough, and that my health is more important than the view (and the bragging rights).
Your challenge this week:
Check your thought patterns. Notice when you're spiraling or thinking in negative loops, and interrupt the pattern. Remind yourself that you are enough, you've done enough, and that you have nothing to prove.
✈️ New Trip Announcement
Banff & the Canadian Rockies
When: July 27 - August 1
Host: ME! (Trish)
Spots: 11 total, only 5 left (2 discounted)
Cost: $2,198 USD for the 2 remaining early bird spots | $2,298 USD for the final 3
- That's $574.50 USD to secure your spot
- Remainder is due April 28th
- Hiking to the Lake Agnes Tea House, Little Beehive + Big Beehive
- Free time at Moraine Lake - rent a canoe or SUP! (at your own cost)
- Free time in Banff
- More hiking!
- Via Ferrata
- Kananaskis Nordic Spa
- Double occupancy in tents
- 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners included
- This is a participatory camping trip, so we'll all be helping to set up/take down tents and assisting with cooking food and doing dishes if/when needed
This is the same Banff trip we did last year, except... not the same.
There were a few things that could have been better on the itinerary, so I worked with the tour operator to fix them. Plus, last year's trip had 22 participants. This year we're keeping it tight-knit with only 11.
Click here to check it out and & claim your spot!
🐻 April 7th Free Masterclass:
Bear Safety with Kim Titchener
On April 7th, we’re hosting a special masterclass on Bear Safety with Kim Titchener.
Kim is one of the most respected bear safety educators in North America. Her approach isn’t fear-based; it’s practical, informed, and empowering.
We’ll cover:
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Bear behaviour myths vs reality
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How to reduce your risk in bear country
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What actually works (and what doesn’t)
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Spray vs other deterrents
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How to hike confidently in bear habitat
If wildlife concerns have ever held you back from hiking solo or going deeper into the backcountry, this masterclass is for you.
Mark your calendar for April 7th and tap this link to save your spot.
What’s Happening Inside Women in the Wild
🌿 Community hikes + free events this month
March: Grand Canyon - CANCELLED
- This was an amazing idea that had a ton of interest last year, but the conversation has been non-existent in the past few months and no one ended up planning anything.
April: Camp + Hike in Pinnacles National Park, CA
- Head into the community to get the details on this member meetup and sign up
🏔️ Trips + adventures
There's only 2 trips left in 2026 that you can sign up for:
- Canadian Rockies in July (2 DISCOUNTED spots left)
- Iceland in December (2 DISCOUNTED spots left)
Our first trip of 2027 has been launched:
- Northern Canada: Aurora Borealis Edition (7 spots left)
Check out our Travel page for full details!
🎒 Trail Ready (Online Course)
NEW - Now you can get a Limited Acces Pass for a 3-day free trial to get started on the course!
Trail Ready is for the women who want to stop Googling everything and feel confident heading out, whether you’re brand new or just want to feel more prepared.
Click here to take a look inside Trail Ready with the Limited Access Pass
💬 One question (hit reply)
What’s one hike you've always wanted to do but don't feel prepared for?
Let me know, I read every response and it helps shape future Weekly Wild issues.
Wherever you are this week, I hope you take some time to be outside.
See you next time,
Trish
Women in the Wild Adventures
