Grace is Not an Influencer

On our travels, we have seen many people with tripods and cameras. They often place their cameras in the most scenic locations and start dancing. Or running. Or waving a flag around above their head. We’ve seen it all. In our modern era, social media influencers have become nearly as common as trees in a forest. But not all of us travelers are social media influencers, especially Grace! 

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Featured photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/cq1SV1yB5z79cUga9

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August 25th, 2024- California Day 2

Social media is a funny place to spend time. In real life, we are intolerant of people pretending to be things that they aren’t. If I walked into a public place and everyone was pretending to be richer, prettier, smarter, and more interesting than me, I think I would be insulted. The showiness and arrogance of their behavior would make me leave. Immediately. Yet, somehow, things are different on the Internet. On Instagram, for example, there is the expectation that you need to put your best foot forward. Your poses must be perfect, your makeup pristine, and the caption witty. Anything less than this makes you look like a wannabe. Isn’t that horrible? We’ve created a space where people must constantly pretend like they are richer, prettier, smarter, and more interesting than their viewers. They have even given themselves a name: influencers. Unlike the real world, we engage in this online. We permit ourselves to be influenced by people who make money from our insecurities. In the real world, this would never fly. On the Internet, it is the Wild West.

More recently, there has been a movement to “de-influence” the Internet. Young women post selfies with acne-ridden skin and bright smiles. Bloggers have become more honest about mental health, debt, injustices, and insecurities. Moms have started posting videos of their homes in real life. The sinks are full of dirty dishes. The living rooms are scattered with toys. Somewhere in the background, a toddler is having a meltdown. Thousands of people have found solace in these de-influenced videos because they remind them that they aren’t alone. These videos remind them that they are normal. Life doesn’t look like Instagram. Life looks like whatever you are living. 

I enjoy social media, but I am not immune to its forces. There are times when I find myself considering the slim, muscular hiking girls that stride across my Instagram feed. They are fit, attractive, energetic, and always beaming. They seem to float up steep mountains. They shun the needs of weaker humans, like drinking water and eating snacks. They wear the cutest hiking clothes that perfectly flatter their forms. And, most miraculous of all, they never sweat. 

As the title declares, I am not an influencer. In fact, I am the opposite of the girls I see on Instagram. I definitely need snacks and water. My energy levels depend on a myriad of flighty factors such as my quality of sleep, the air temperature, the alignment of seven planets, the number of rocks on the trail, and the presence of pretty plants within ten feet of me. (I am only being a little facetious here.) I would consider myself sturdy, but not fit. And, for goodness' sake, I sweat, just like every other human on a hiking trail.

Today’s blog post is centered around a very long hike we did in California. Every hike is a journey. Every journey has its highs and lows. I think it’s about darn time that we start talking about it! In an effort to “de-influence” the stereotypes of the hiking community, I’ve decided to reveal my hiking inner monologue. So, without further ado, here’s what happens in a non-influencer's head on a tough hike in California.

• We’re starting a new hike! The woods are beautiful this morning. The sunlight is streaming through the trees, the air is cool, and my muscles are fresh. It’s going to be a good day!

• Ope, here’s the first uphill. Not too bad so far.

• There’s a mule deer! Better get my camera out. 

• Tyler’s sneaking up to that mule deer. What if it chased him? That would be funny. No wait, it wouldn’t. Bad Grace. 

• Okay, maybe it would be a little funny if a mule deer chased Tyler. Only a little though.

• These woods really are pretty. The pine trees smell so good. 

• *cue the Veggietales theme song* 

• Oooh, that’s a pretty spiderweb on that tree. Better take a picture.

• More mule deer! 

• What a nice park ranger we just stopped to talk to. He was very friendly. That was a huge backpack he was carrying. What did he say he was doing? Oh right, taking supplies out to a ranger in a backcountry cabin. That must be a lot of work. I wonder how they have to train for something like that?

• Ooooh, these white flowers are so pretty. They look like snow! Better take a picture.

• *cue the Veggietales theme song again*

• That squirrel is eating that pine cone like a cob of corn! Better take a video. 

• This creek makes the nicest little gurgling sound. And the ferns are so thick here too. This is the perfect place for a snack!

• I could hang out here all day. This creek is so relaxing.

• OMG there are tiny orange mushrooms next to the creek! Better take some pictures. Better yet, I should lay down on my belly in the moss to take pictures of the tiny orange mushrooms. They’re just so perfect!!

• I’m sorry, mushrooms, but we have to keep going. See you later! 

• The trail is getting steeper now. Ugh.

• Those mushrooms were the cutest things ever.

• *cue Scooby-Doo theme song*

• My legs are getting tireddddd.

• This trail is so pretty the way the trees grow in between all the big boulders. And the view of the valley far away is so nice!

• I really am getting tired. Should I take a trail video to give me an excuse to take a breather? I think I should. 

• I think I’m dying. Am I really this out of shape?

• Maybe I’m not out of shape, maybe the trail just sucks.

• I think I’m out of shape and the trail sucks.

• Oh heyyyyy we made it to the top! Wow, that valley is spectacular. These granite mountains are something else! Better have a snack and relax for a minute! 

• Back on the trail! 

• If we climb any more uphills, I’m going to revolt.

• Alright, this downhill stretch is okay. I accept it.

• *cue the Veggietales theme song again*

• Oh hey, we made it to the lake! Gosh, I wish I could swim in it. I’m so hot!

• The reflections in the water are so perfect. Better take some pics.

• Back on the trail again. If I trip over one more rock, I swear I’m going to scream. No, that’s too dramatic. I guess I’ll just grumble about it a bit.

• Downhill trails are the best trails!

• NOT ANOTHER UPHILL!

• *cue the Scooby-Doo theme song*

• Back at the pretty white flowers! Better take a video, even though I took pictures of them earlier.

• Do I need an inhaler? I think I need an inhaler.

• Tacos sound good right now. Mmmmm, tacos.

• Boy, my feet are really starting to feel it. And my shins. This is going to hurt tomorrow.

• I don’t think I’m going to make it. The car is too far. Maybe we should just lie down and take a nap.

• Do I actually want tacos? Maybe a baked potato sounds better. A baked potato with sour cream and butter, mmmmm yummy. 

• Can you get asthma as an adult? I really think I need an inhaler.

• *cue the Veggietales theme song again*

• I heard a car! Civilization is near! 

• Those hikers are just starting this hike? They’re going to be so hot by the time they get to the top. Poor things.

• Ahhhh finally back to the car. It feels so good to sit down! 

• I wonder what trail we’re going to go hike next?