Celebrating International Women’s Day

We know the outdoors are for everyone, but today we celebrate Women of the trail!
In honour of International Women’s Day and the theme of #ChooseToChallenge, we are sharing stories from three inspiring women who in a post Covid-19 world are choosing to challenge, as from challenge comes change.

SHERIDAN KRAUSE 
Accredited Practising Dietician
@lifeofsheridan

As a Dietitian and out-door lover, health and wellbeing are important pillars to Sheridan. With a love of hiking and exploring national parks, Sheridan is continually looking for new ways to connect with her surroundings. She is currently living in Hamilton, Victoria, and recently has been exploring the incredible Grampians National Park.

We asked Sheridan where her favourite place is to hit the trail and why?

My favourite hike has been Mt Rosea located within the Grampians, it is a 6km hike up between mountains, with an unreal view of the lake Bellfield, Halls Gap, and other surrounding mountains.

In the past year, how has the outdoors impacted you? And what did you learn?

I honestly don’t know what I would do if I couldn’t get outdoors. In the past year, I have learnt that I’m actually obsessed with being surrounded by nature, breathing fresh air and getting active. I have learnt that exploring and completing new hikes helps relieve my everyday stresses and encourages me to reconnect with myself and reset for any challenges that lie ahead of me.

What does shaping a more equal future in a covid-19 world mean to you?
Personally, to shape a more equal future in a COVID-19 world, I think about building women up. It is about providing unconditional support, showing kindness, speaking up for yourself and challenging people’s thoughts when something is not right. We are all in this together!

We asked Sheridan what her favourite Merrell Shoe is and why? 
I never go hiking without my Merrell Siren 3 hiking shoes. I love how comfortable they are, the Women’s specific fit agrees with my feet. They are also great in wet conditions.

MEGSY LAW 
Journalist
@Traveltalesblog

Meg is a travel writer, explorer and adventure enthusiast who lives on Victoria’s famous coastline: The Great Ocean Road. Co-founder of adventure blog: Travel Tales; Meg is happiest when she has camera or pen in hand, hiking boots on and travelling the globe with her husband and two mini explorers in tow.At home, you will often find her paddling in her kayak along the Anglesea river or hiking the many trails along the Great Ocean Road and Otways.

We asked Megsy where her favourite place is to hit the trail and why?

Canadian Rockies hiking and snow shoeing is unreal. Epic scenery surrounded by snow-capped mountains, crystal clear blue lakes and wildlife at every turn, including moose, bear, and elk. I have been there three times and can never get enough, in particular - Emerald Lake and Jasper National Park, which we named our son ‘Jasper’ after.

In the past year, how has the outdoors impacted you? And what did you learn?

I think first and foremost we all learnt about gratitude and empathy. I became aware that time in this world is precious and by stepping back from the daily grind and slowing down, I have learnt to really appreciate others, myself, and the world we live in. I am fortunate to live a daily lifestyle by the coast which involves regularly immersing myself in nature and appreciating the beauty and diversity of some of the best beaches, wetlands, and classic iconic native bushland in Australia.

The travel bans gave us time to reflect on past travel adventures as a family and awakened my wanderlust spirit as we dreamt up exciting travel plans for the coming future.

What does being a woman mean to you?

Being a woman for me is about being happy in your own skin, always evolving and always being true to yourself. It is all about balance. We need our femininity it is a gift we should not shy away from. To be a woman to me is to have the freedom to do anything.

We asked Megsy what her favourite Merrell Shoe is and why?

The Alpine Sneaker. I love the sleek retro look that I can dress up or down. They are light, super comfortable and my go-to weekend footwear.

JOSEPHINE ACKLAND 
Mapmaker / Part-Time Explorer 
@ladyjo_and_co

Working for Parks and Wildlife as a Hastings Cave tour guide, Jo is a strong believer that the outdoor trails are for all ages and a brilliant way for the whole family to spend time together and explore. In a previous life, Jo spent 12 years travelling around the world (spanning over 60 countries) before she decided to settle in the rugged far south of Tasmania.

We asked Jo where her favourite place is to hit the trail and why?
I am torn between two - The ‘three capes track’ is a three day walk at approximately 50 kilometres distance. The track has first class camping and trail conditions, while seeing the spectacular three capes in Tasmania. I also love the Derby mountain bike track, which to me is world class. It has incredible trails for all ages and is brilliant for couples and families to explore.

What does shaping a more equal future in a covid-19 world mean to you?

Shaping a more equal future means giving opportunity for everyone to embrace nature. The more one is exposed to the elements, the calmer the soul. You feel instantly happier and in control of your feelings, which is what the world needs more of right now.

You should always make the most of a window of opportunity to explore when it is available. There are an incredible number of things to see in your own backyard, and all you really need is a water bottle, a hat, a bag of trail mix and a pair of Merrell shoes.

We asked Jo what her favourite Merrell Shoe is and why?

MOAB 2 – they are light, waterproof and have incredibly good grip. They provide amazing support and have been my go-to hiker for quite some time.

Check out the diverse range of Merrell Women’s styles to suit any outdoor occasion, rain, or shine. Create your own trail today!