To get a head start on the next month, with March being Women's History Month, I was intrigued by a story I recently read in a Patagonia publication about a strong, resilient woman named Audrey Sutherland. I can't remember where and when I saw this article, but it's been an open browser tab for far too long (plus, too many tabs slow down my computer's juice!).
I'm inspired by spirited, kind, and resilient women who are bent on adventure. Ms. Sutherland exemplified all those traits, which you can read about in about seven minutes here. Although she died 10 years ago, her story stands the test of time.
Here is Liz Clark's opening paragraph:
On February 23, 2015, a true heroine and friend of the company passed away. Audrey Sutherland grew up in California and moved to Hawai’i in 1952, where she lived to be 93. She raised her four children as a single mother, supporting her family by working as a school counselor. In 1962, she decided to explore the coast of Moloka’i by swimming it while towing a raft with supplies, the first of countless solo adventures by this remarkable woman.
As a solo traveler, I have experienced heart-pounding adventures on several occasions. Nothing can transcend time and agency like making decisions and trusting your instincts, which come straight from the soul. Most often, those gut feelings turn out to be the right ones. It's a surefire way of stretching limits, travel notwithstanding.
Many of my friends, family, and colleagues are resilient women with remarkable stories to share and pass on to their offspring and maybe nieces and nephews. My worldwide group of women writing friends is writing books and poetry and photographing many world wonders. They are kind, hard-working, and share their gifts, which I find compelling and inspirational.
Through the years, many of us may have read books with strong female leads and characters to help shape us into who and how we were to become. I can credit Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, who taught me how to get by like Amy, Jo, Meg, and Beth. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen asks the timeless question about marrying for love or money. Irish writer Dervla Murphy wrote volumes of travel books that took her to remote places, sometimes using a pack-mule donkey on a hazardous trek across Ethiopia or riding a bicycle 4500 miles from Ireland/Dunkirk to Pakistan, all with her jaw-dropping observations and unwavering spirit despite being robbed three times and a whole lot more wanderings!
Does reading about strong women and role models help you find the resilience to keep going in your own life?
As we approach Women's History Month this March, I'm reminded of the indomitable spirits of women like Audrey Sutherland and Dervla Murphy. Their unwavering courage and adventurous souls have broken barriers and inspired countless others to pursue their own paths with determination and grace.
Audrey Sutherland epitomized the essence of solo exploration. In 1962, she embarked on a remarkable journey, swimming the rugged 20-mile northeast coast of Moloka'i, Hawaii, towing a raft with her supplies. This feat began numerous solo adventures, including paddling the Inside Passage to Alaska in an inflatable kayak. Her philosophy, "Go simple, go solo, go now," resonates deeply with those who yearn for authentic experiences and self-reliance.
Dervla Murphy's 1963 solo bicycle journey from Ireland to India showcased her resilience and determination. She traversed over thousands of miles, facing harsh winters, mechanical failures, and health challenges. She documented her experiences in the acclaimed memoir Full Tilt: Ireland to India with a Bicycle.
Reflecting on all these remarkable women, I find inspiration in their stories and in the lives of the resilient women around me—friends, family, and colleagues—who showcase strength, kindness, and an adventurous spirit no matter their work or passions. Their experiences and narratives serve as powerful reminders of the boundless potential within each of us.
As we welcome and celebrate Women's History Month, let's honor these trailblazers and the many unsung heroines (there are many!) who inspire us to embrace our adventures, trust our instincts, and navigate life's journey with resilience and grace.
bSoleille!
Terri
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