I haven’t worn my hiking boots in a long time. I think the last time I wore them was when I was back here in California hiking at Point Reyes National Seashore. I’m always excited to put them on, thinking of the good times I’ve had on the trails, and hoping for more memorable hiking adventures in the future. It’s a different kind of high when I wear my hiking gears—the joy I feel when I’m outdoors is unparalleled. Fashionistas may disagree but in my opinion, the best OOTD (outfit of the day) is always paired with hiking boots.
My cousin, who is my hiking buddy when I visit California, and I planned to go to Big Basin Redwoods State Park. We tried going there once before but it was closed due to constructions (or something like that) so we ended up hiking at Castle Rock. The drive to Big Basin made me queasy, zig-zagging the narrow two-lane road highway. We also didn’t anticipate a traffic jam on our way up and were surprised to find ourselves in a complete stop. The drivers of about a dozen cars ahead of us were getting out of their vehicles and we wondered why they were taking photos (and selfies) of each other. Then we quickly realized they were all driving high end sport cars (think: Porsches, Ferraris, Bentleys)! Wow what a bunch of spoiled young men in their hundred thousand dollar cars who held up traffic just so they can take selfies of themselves. 🙄
We arrived at the Big Basin later than we had planned. Finding for a parking space was horrendous (the park was really crowded with tourists and locals alike). I noticed that there were a lot of tables for day picnickers and campgrounds for families who want to escape from civilization for a night or two (the park has no internet service and nowadays it is truly a sacrifice not to be able to use the internet…😂).
Our goal was to see at least one waterfall. According to the information center, there are several waterfalls in the area but the best one was the farthest. Since my mom and my cousin’s husband came with us but do not hike, we didn’t want them waiting for us for a long time so we settled for the nearest waterfall.
It was a two mile hike to reach Senpervirens Falls. While on the trail, I noticed the hikers were mostly Caucasians. I then remembered a podcast I listened to from Code Switch that my older son had shown me a couple of years ago regarding race and their relationship to the outdoors. (Code Switch Team is a team of journalists who mainly discuss race, ethnicity, and culture). According to the director of the NPS (National Park Service), there’s hardly any diversity in hiking, and when breaking down the numbers, the demographics for their staff mirror the demographics of the visitors, as well as volunteers: 80% whites, 5-6% Hispanics and Blacks, and 2% Asians.
The stereotype why black people do not hike traces back from slavery all the way to the Jim Crow period. Black people were forced to work outdoors, tending to fields and livestock. And if they ran away, the woods is where they were tracked down. They were lynched. They went missing. They were murdered. Thus the woods became associated with fear of white violence. And this all affects the way that some black people still think of the outdoors.
Korean-Americans defy the stereotype that only white people hike. In the mountains of Los Angeles, most of the hikers are Koreans, all decked-out with sun visors and, long sleeves (the adversity to the sun for the fear of getting a darker skin among Asians and brown people is a whole new topic). South Korea is a mountainous country, therefore, hiking is a big part of their culture, and has become their national pastime. So when South Koreans emigrated to the United States, they brought hiking with them making nature as their solace in their very different newly adopted country.
On the same day of our hike, white supremacists were protesting in Charlottesville, West Virginia. Many Americans are still shocked that in 2017, they are still dealing with this shit! Sadly, this country has been in denial about racism and now everyone’s so shocked to see a blatant racist occupying the White House. White supremacists have been silenced for decades and this newly elected president have given their voice back. Americans must again face reality, a reality everyone has denied, buried, and stopped talking about. Unfortunately, racism still exists! How to deal with (or fix) it is a complicated story.
Less than an hour into the hike, we reached the Sempervirens Falls. The waterfall was underwhelming, and I would’ve preferred to hike farther to see a more exciting one, if only my mom and my cousin’s husband weren’t waiting. We watched a couple of guys swimming until someone told them a ranger was on his way and they quickly vacated the area and disappeared. We decided to head back where my cousin’s husband and my mom were patiently waiting for us and ended our hike with a sumptuous picnic.
Being in any place with this imbalance is always very uncomfortable for me, too.
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It’s weird isn’t it. It seems like a stereotype but it isn’t really. Same as it’s mostly whites who go camping. It’s kinda strange that the history of slavery should continue to affect behaviour and choices today – but maybe it isn’t. I enjoyed the trip as usual!
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Hi Madam Ed! Glad you enjoyed the trip! 😊 I’m sure the past had something to do with our cultural behavior today.
Sometimes it makes me wonder why white people love to go camping, hiking, mountain climbing, etc. Lol! Is it because exploring is in their DNA?
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I don’t think you are wrong! I’ve always had this theory about Africa and therefore Africans having visited there. The soil is so fertile and the natural surroundings are so generous and favourable that there was little effort needed to live there.
You could literally walk by and pick the most sweetest tasting orange off a tree and other edibles like coconuts etc.
Taxi drivers would just sleep on the roofs of their cars because the weather was so mild and continue their work in the mornings.
Now to Europe – cold miserable weather for a start off so you have to invent things to ward off the cold or you die. Clearly a lot of food is imported for a reason so certain types of food are not easily or cheaply grown there etc.
Early, dark nights so you have to invent a sustainable way of dealing with it etc. And all that made for more inquisitive minds, more exploring more inventiveness – hence the DNA. At least that’s my theory and I’m sticking with it! And of course I’m using a very broad brush to generalize. Be interested in your more Asian-based theory?
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You are absolutely right madam Ed! I can see why white people like to do outdoors type of activities. After being cooped up at home for months from the cold weather, they are ready to go out and explore once the weather becomes nicer.
For Asians, something I didn’t explore much in the blog, they are afraid to get dark. For some ungodly reason they think having fair skin makes them more attractive. Hence the long sleeves and hats when they go out hiking. I wear long sleeves because I have sun allergy (medically, for real!) but most Asian are “allergic” to the sun because they don’t want to get dark.
Of course, like what you said, these are general or broad assessments. But they make sense. 😊
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Interesting isn’t it? Indians are much the same because of the long-held belief that whites are superior in a nutshell and they look down on dark skinned Indians. Whilst whites are tanning themselves dark orange and getting butt and lip implants for fairly obvious reasons.
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I do love a good hike. You’re right bring outdoors for me is the best tonic when you need to clear your head. Shame the waterfalls weren’t so epic! The Charlottesville riots… so terrible
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Beautiful scenery! I hope I will be able to visit it myself before leaving the country! The white supremacy is also a problem existed in European Union, however, the EU laws are quite straight forward in protecting the minorities. While there is no excuses for racism, I think it also has something to do with the lack of integration in our societies and this could be the result of bad policies. Sadly, racism is still happening around the world. And I have met Indonesians who are racists towards specific groups.
And how is it in Texas after the hurricane Harvey? I hope you and your family are safe!
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Hi Indah! America is so vast that I myself haven’t seen most of it. I hope you can get to see the major parts of this country before you leave. When are you leaving? Are you only here for a fixed amount of time?
Racism is truly a problem but like what you said, other nationalities are also racist. Filipinos are the same. I have relatives who talk negatively about other race yet they don’t think they are being racist.
I’m in dallas and so weren’t affected by Harvey. I don’t see much of the devastation but heard of a lot of people who suffered from it. I continue to pray and hope things will get better for them.
Thanks Indah for reading!
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The facts about hiking and race are so interesting – never considered that before! It’s a shame you didn’t get to see the waterfall you wanted but this one does look pretty good I think. Hiking boots come with us wherever we go just in case..
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I didn’t think about it either until I listened to the podcast. It’s an interesting fact indeed. Yeah I wish I had seen the other waterfall but there will always be a next time! It’s always a good idea to bring your hiking boots with you! 😊. You and Son have great bonding adventures. I wish my younger son didn’t get sick because he’s very limited to traveling for now. But things are improving and hopefully soon he can start traveling with me!
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Wow those redwoods are spectacular. What boots do you have on? Your Salamons? I love the photo of you holding either side of the tree. You’re looking good Boots. Louise
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I stopped using my Salomons and bought a Lowa which was a better fit for me. The Salomons are great though but it was giving me a little pain.
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Hiking at such a beautiful place is a wonderful experience….. there cannot be better things than enjoying the nature……..
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Yes definitely a wonderful experience! Hiking always gives me maximum pleasure and more especially if it’s in a beautiful place.
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