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Wayno
Big Wall climber
Seattle, WA
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My wife drove from Seattle to Seward and back twice, with two dogs. She never had any problems like you describe. I should qualify that she is in her forties and drives like the energizer rabbit. The dogs won't go in that truck for more than short drives without getting jiggy any more.
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John Moosie
climber
Beautiful California
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I'm sure blackbird is not going to let anyone talk her out of doing what she wants to do.
Its either a rant/letting off steam, in the form of a question, or she really wants to understand why people still treat women differently.
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Karl Baba
Trad climber
Yosemite, Ca
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Control over Women and our whole emotional nature has a been a pathological security need for men/society for ages. It's changing but the reflections of it remain.
A woman roadtripping alone is out of control.
Thank God for them
Peace
Karl
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bookworm
Social climber
Falls Church, VA
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why the confusion? women ARE more vulnerable; that doesn't mean that there aren't any women who kick ass; it simply means that PHYSICALLY women are weaker than men; and criminals ALWAYS look for victims they perceive to be weaker than themselves--most violent criminals are men--most violent men see women as weaker
true, many of those expressing concern may be sexist (even unintentionally), but they're probably reacting more from a personal perspective...they can't conceive of themselves embarking on such a trip; still, i'd say most are simply concerned for your safety
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Prod
Trad climber
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I think it is awesome! Have fun!
Prod.
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justthemaid
climber
Jim Henson's Basement
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Hi Blackbird! :)
It simply boils down to 1000's of years of cultural BS embedded deeply in the psyche of society that is not easy to override. Coming from the South it's worse. There is the fact that that women are often more easily victimized then men. People feel like they have a duty to "warn" you. What they forget is that anyone can be victimized anywhere.
You'll have a great trip. A dog is the best company you can ask for.
I might be doing a reverse solo girl trip to deliver a window to Tennessee next Feb BTW. Your timing is bad. If you could just reschedule this trip for after New Years to drag a GIANT box back home with you... that would awesome ;)
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Jaybro
Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
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There is no making sense of it.
Riley's on to something though;"most people" don't even climb, let alone do sol road trips whatever their gender.
go for it, you know you have your own back. Abbey too!
and Remember what Francine Reed Sang, "Wild Women never get the blues!'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2-qXzEl8ig
Jay-on the road since April 1, with no end in sight-bro
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justthemaid
climber
Jim Henson's Basement
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Nothing but respect here either. Really hope to see you if you make it to LA.
Kinda funny solo-girl trip story.
A (kinda high-strung) ex-neighbor of mine takes a solo trip to the east coast. She hits Alabama late at night and decides to make an all night push to get to her friend's place in Georgia. A Hwy patrol pulls her over. She asks "what's the problem officer?" He comments that he noticed her "California plates" and asks where she is going... alone... late at night. (no mention of any actual violation nor does he tell her she is getting a ticket). She tells him she's trying to make it to Georgia. He gives her the "well little lady.. I think you'd best find a hotel... you shouldn't be driving alone". She then gives him some 'tude and tells him "its a free country" and "she can drive where and when she wants". (I suspect the wording was somewhat "stronger" than what she describes).
He cuffs her and loads her in the police car. Drives her back to the station locks her in a cell and she gets a free stay at the cop-hotel for the night. The next morning he dropped her off at her car and let her go on her way. No actual arrest, no ticket, not another word.
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mooser
Trad climber
seattle
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I can't help but think it may also have something to do with being jealous of the courage your detractors believe it takes to do something like this. A person who is truly at home with their own perspectives and life choices is generally going to be non-combative in their interactions with the perspectives and life choices of others.
Have an awesome trip, and when you're in the Seattle area--give me a shout if you want to rope up on something nearby!
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blackbird
Trad climber
the flat water trails...
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 1, 2011 - 10:50am PT
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I'm beginning to wonder it it IS a Southern thing... The more I travel solo (been doing it for neigh on 12 or 15 years now thereabouts - this is my 8th? 9th? trip out west??), the more I come to realize that, yes, the South - as incredible as it is IMHO - is truly Different.
Don't get me wrong: I LOVE it down here!!!! The scenery, outdoor lifestyle, cost of living and quality of life in general are unparallelled, but we are certainly NOT in California (or even Atlanta!)
I guess I"m just scratchin' my head in wonderment at folks more than anything... People are so funny, ya know?! We're all so unique and different...
It's nice to just try to figure out other's perspectives so you can 1) enjoy your time with them even more; 2) agree to disagree, thereby enjoying your time around them even more; 3) appreciate and value your own self and where you are in your own life all the more!
Not personally affronted, merely intrigued and, honestly, saddened that more women (and men!) DON'T adventure by themselves, at least for a day or two. There's SO much to be seen, learned, inspired and challenged by.. I can understand how it IS overwhelming for some folks, but at the same time, there are amazing things out there waiting to be discovered, and life is, as we all know too well, simply way too short..
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fivesix
Big Wall climber
hope, alaska
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you go sister! wear your ovaries on the outside!
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bluering
Trad climber
Santa Clara, CA
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It really boils down to estrogen and testosterone.
Boys will be boys, girls will be girls. The girls have evolved, due to estrogen and evolution, to be emotional, caring, sympathetic, etc...
Dudes are reactionary, macho, physical, and basically stubborn in their protection of innocents.
These are the extremes. Sure, we have evolved and 'tomboys' like BB will be received oddly by some, but it is not a bad thing really, it's cultural. And even in the US there are 'micro-cultures'. Some call them rednecks, or Southerners, but it shouldn't disparage them as backwards-ass. They just like traditional values.
Californians think they're superior, or more highly evolved, because 'they don't need a man', as evidenced by the common sneer you get when holding a door open for a woman, or asking a woman if she needs help on the roadway.
Micro-culture, man. It's not a bad thing, just different. I'd prolly dig the South. What am I doing here?
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bluering
Trad climber
Santa Clara, CA
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AIN'T THAT THE TRUTH!
Funny how fast you learn that there's LIFE AFTER CALIFORNIA when you venture forth onto the furtile soils of other states!
:-)
Well, Kath, thank you for being honest. I expect mucho 'misogynist' remarks heading my way from my post, but it's really just reality.
Dingus, what is your problem with that phrase? Did you see the commas? Yer kinda taking me out of context there, homie....
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bluering
Trad climber
Santa Clara, CA
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In my town it seems that white guys prefer another race. Every married couple on my street is Asian female+white guy. Go to PG Sunnyvale and you will see the same.
It's a weird phenomenon. I think it has to do with the 'exotic' aspect of it and also men feel they can dominate the relationship more when dating women of Asian cultures. Kinda racist, really. But Asian traditional culture, as perceived by American men, is like that. And it is kinda true.
But I digress...
EDIT: Locker, I've seen it over and over. In fact, men are kinder when I hold the doors for them! Not all women, mind you, it's usually the higher educated ones and the feminist types.
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rectorsquid
climber
Lake Tahoe
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Make that make sense to me...
Does the lioness question her place in lion society? How about the female naked mole rat? We are just animals and often dumb ones at that. Our power of reason is not all that useful and only provides us with the ability to question things and the ability to take over the planet. It's not gonna change the mind of some womanizing old coots.
Plus, it is hard to get people to change much during their lifetimes and women had a different role in our society in the very recent past.
Try to imagine someone else asking a sort of similar question about something you have an opinion on based on tradition and history. Now imagine that they are asking you to change your opinion that was taught to you by your parents and grandparents and all of your friends and teachers, etc. Then throw in some biblical texts suggesting that you are right to begin with and that you may go to hell for changing.
Can you change?
Dave
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nita
Social climber
chica de chico, I don't claim to be a daisy.
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^^
WOW, I agree with Locker.....(-;
I love it when people hold the door open for me...
edit,yep...(-;
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blackbird
Trad climber
the flat water trails...
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 1, 2011 - 11:48am PT
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rednecks, throw backs and conservatives are rednecks throw backs and conservatives any where you go. Well stated, Dingus! (of course, I DO live 45 minutes from where Deliverance was filmed... :D
Moosie and Ghost et al - I do believe you folks are onto something in regards to the "fairer" gender being more perceived as more vulnerable...
Anders - Abs CAN come off as an ankle biter... She's kept others away before. Not that I'm holding her in the position of my defender or anything...! She IS an 11 year old small dog, after all.
SkippyChica, I"d LOVE to be able to reschedule my trip to help you out with the window delivery; unfortunately the school year dictates my (not too shabby) life for another 12 years! That said, when you head this way you've absolutely got a place to crash and a tour of T-Wall waiting on you. It'd be great to see you again if we don't get to visit while I'm out there this summer!
Ghost, happens a LOT down here... poo.
you go sister! wear your ovaries on the outside! I ain't got none to wear ANYWHERE!! The BigC got all my girlie innards which totally ROCKS 'cause I can go on trips completely unencumbered now!! YAY!!
So the same person who complains about being profiled, as a woman who cannot travel on her own, has no problem disparaging all southerners? Not complaining at all; rather, musing... There's a happy difference! And not disparaging at ALL, merely poking at myself along with all my Southern Brethren (and Sister-en!). If ya can't laugh at yourself, who in the heck CAN you laugh at?! :D
Do you honestly believe yourself so perfect you don't do the same thing? NeverEVER have I claimed to be perfect; ask any here who know and have met me. You'll have to stand in line behind me if you're looking to point out my foibles.
bluey - bring the fam and come on!
We humans have pretty good 'danger detectors' if we take the time to listen to our instincts. They are very honed to the dangers of strangers. Indeed.
Tahoe & Sully - sweeeet...!
Not all ladies get dragged around by their boyfriends. There's a pretty cool pack of us that are climbing because it's what we love to do. INDEED!
mooser - I WILL be in Seattle somewhere mid/late July-ish. Got a friend there will will disown me if I don't stop in while I'm traveling. I'll give you a shout when I'm headin' that direction and perhaps schedules will work for us to rope up! Thanks!
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scuffy b
climber
dissected alluvial deposits, late Pleistocene
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I hold the door open for anyone, man or woman, if I have the door and they
need to come through. Nobody, man or woman, ever has sneered at me.
Different people have different experiences, clearly.
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MisterE
Social climber
Bouldering the Gnar
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Hi, Blackbird!
One other thing:
People don't like to be reminded of their weaknesses. If THEY are afraid to travel alone, then they will project that fear onto you - because you are reminding them that they are afraid to do what you are doing.
This comes from a reactive state of mind, so stay active, Girl!
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