Down_the_Rabbit_Hole Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 I am thinking 10 yrs down the road, so things might change. I love to go nature hiking or on adventures and for now I have the dc to go with me. However, ds will be going in about 3-4 yrs unless his plans change (but will be unavailable) and dd will be finished school in 10 and starting college or working, neither will be able to join me on my spur of the moment whims or planned outings. Hubby will still be working so I am left on my own. The idea of venturing out by myself is daunting, first I am a woman and will be in my 50's, to go hiking alone is inviting danger. So I have been thinking, what sort of person would be best to hire for a companion? I know the spur of the moment adventures would be hard to hire for but the planned days would be perfect. How much do you think this position should pay? Would hiring another woman in her retirement years be advisable? Stay at home moms whose kids are in school during the day? Homeschooled teen? Maybe I should just get a very large dog... Needless to say I am just thinking about it. Not even sure I will act on the idea. But the thought of hiking alone just does not feel safe on many levels. Has anyone else thought on these things? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ottakee Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 I agree, not sure you have to pay someone. Just find some other local like minded folks to link up with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucy in Australia Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 My first thought is to find out if there is some sort of hiking club or organisation in your area. Could you start off hiking in a group and then, once you've met people, ask someone to join you? That seems safer than advertising for someone. I agree, though: hiking on your own is not a good idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thescrappyhomeschooler Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 Dh had an aunt who did something like this. Dh's uncle was a physician who did not want to retire. So, the aunt hired a "nurse" to look after herself, and she and the "nurse" went traveling all over the world. The aunt didn't need medical care, she just wanted a companion to travel. I'm hoping that a fellow mom friend will be in the same situation as I am in 10-12 years and will want to travel, hike, scrapbook, etc. with me. I have a few candidates in mind! ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Down_the_Rabbit_Hole Posted January 9, 2013 Author Share Posted January 9, 2013 Hmmm, never thought of a hiking club. Might be something to look into. Good idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lailasmum Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 Is there nothing like the Ramblers where you live so you can walk as part of a group? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Down_the_Rabbit_Hole Posted January 9, 2013 Author Share Posted January 9, 2013 The thing is, besides hiking, I want to do major nature studies. Something that might take time in one spot, or go looking for a specific bird/bug/whatnot. Hiking club would be the answer for hiking, but studying nature will need a different kind of companion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dandelion Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 Another vote for checking on www.meetup.com. There are tons of hiking groups on Meetup - many are specifically for women, if that's what you'd prefer. Just go to www.meetup.com, put in your zip code, and see what comes up for your area. It's free to join (some individual groups have membership fees, but the majority don't - becoming a member of Meetup overall is free). I'd join a hiking group now - if it's something you enjoy, why wait 10 years? :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kalmia Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 Depending on the population where you live, you should have no trouble finding other like-minded women to hike with you. First check to see if the local Audubon chapter, Sierra Club chapter, nature center, or other similar organization hosts guided walks. You may be able to make friends on these hikes and arrange other hikes with those new friends. Also meet-up, as was mentioned by another poster, often has people interested in hiking. I met some of my best friends in the hiking group I started. I don't know if my signature is still there after the board change, but look at my old blog (naturestrollers) start with the earliest archives and read how all sorts of ladies (and their kids) got together and had a grand time when I started leading walks for my local Audubon. You can start one too. If there is no established group to work from, you can always put a notice in the local paper for a ladies hiking club and see who shows up. I just saw your post about nature studies. Just call the group a nature study group and you will find the patient people who want to stand around looking at things rather than race to crest the next mountain. Again, look for kindred souls at local nature centers, museums or arboretums. PM me if you want more info on how to start a club. p.s. I agree that it sounds like you should start now! You can do a family nature study club or you can have a ladies nature study club on the weekend when you have babysitting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danestress Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 Honestly, that sounds dreadful. I would hate having to spend my "Nature time" with hired help. I would keep my eyes and ears open for a friend. But ultimately, I have done a fair amount of hiking by myself - once for an entire week. There are no guarantees in life, and I do think being alone increases the risk a bit, but I like being alone. To me, it's worth it. I may feel differently when I am older, but I think there are self protective measures one can take, and even with a buddy, there are risks. I have reminded DH that even when he is with me, there is no sure protection. The two of us together are helpless against someone with a gun, and if we carried our own gun, that would also bring risks. As I age, though, my feet hurt and it's possible my serious hiking days are over. There are occasional crimes committed against women in natural settings, but I think by and large, being in the parking lot of a shopping mall alone or at a gas station at night carries more risk. My Mom was assaulted at a pharmacy (gun to head) in the middle of the day. My friend was victimized from a YMCA parking lot in the middle of the day. Another friend was assaulted at night when she was WITH her boy friend. Most criminals are opportunists. They don't want to hike up a mountain to find victims. But obviously there are dangers. That's just my thinking for myself. If you will enjoy it more having company, then I would try to find hiking buddies through an outdoors/hiking type club. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kalmia Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 Here is the link to my blog post about starting a nature study club. It is sort of specific to the Nature Strollers type club, but it might give you some ideas. http://naturestudyforthewholefamily.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2008-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&updated-max=2009-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&max-results=1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NotSoObvious Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 Focus on the here and now. :) as your children grow and leave the nest, your interests and community will change and expand. You'll have new groups, new friends, new time... I'd just wait and I'll bet you'll have some new friends, at least one of whom will share your interests. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Down_the_Rabbit_Hole Posted January 9, 2013 Author Share Posted January 9, 2013 Here is the link to my blog post about starting a nature study club. It is sort of specific to the Nature Strollers type club, but it might give you some ideas. http://naturestudyfo...0&max-results=1 Thanks for the link, and thanks to all the responders, lots of good advice. I will see what is available now and go from there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
regentrude Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 I would try to find a group of people with similar interests: local hiking club, Sierra Club, Audobon Society- or a women's club which may have an outdoor group. I want to hike with people who enjoy hiking and are experienced, not with paid help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nono Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 OK, am I the only one writing a short story in my head from this post? The plot being a misunderstanding about the nature of the work up front, and the Companion being a hooker who ends up with a great experiences and a much better working environment..... ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebecca VA Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 You could also be vocal about your wish for a hiking friend when you're out socializing. Maybe someone will offer to go with you, or knows someone who'll be interested. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danestress Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 OK, am I the only one writing a short story in my head from this post? The plot being a misunderstanding about the nature of the work up front, and the Companion being a hooker who ends up with a great experiences and a much better working environment..... ;) Or the companion isolates and terrorizes the hiker for days in a remote cabin. I don't like that type of book, but this could be a set up for one! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nrg Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 Our area has docent led nature hikes. You could be the docent! As the poster above mentioned, try your local Sierra Club... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kim in Appalachia Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 OK, am I the only one writing a short story in my head from this post? The plot being a misunderstanding about the nature of the work up front, and the Companion being a hooker who ends up with a great experiences and a much better working environment..... ;) My first thought was Inara....so yeah, my mind went there. :laugh: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dandelion Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 OK, am I the only one writing a short story in my head from this post? The plot being a misunderstanding about the nature of the work up front, and the Companion being a hooker who ends up with a great experiences and a much better working environment..... ;) LOL... You so need to write that! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrookValley. Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 I hike/run alone in areas that I am familiar with (i.e., not going to get lost) and are relatively safe. I bring a 60-pound pit bull and pepper spray. I pay attention to my surroundings, but I'm not paranoid. I think it's probably no more unsafe than going to the grocery store. That said, I understand if you don't want to hike alone because, well, you may just not enjoy hiking alone! I think you've gotten some great suggestions so far (and I agree; find a group now!). Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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