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Connections
Connections

Female hikers on exploring, adventure, stereotypes, and safety

By Evan Dawson,
Megan Mack
Published December 14, 2022 at 2:50 PM EST
Barb Brenner, Mary Merkel, and Sarah Benson on "Connections with Evan Dawson" on December 14, 2022
Megan Mack
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WXXI News
A smiling man with short dark hair wearing a blue button-down shirt and a grey blazer. He is holding a pair of eyeglasses. The word "Connections" appears on the left side of the photo in vertical letters.
WXXI News

Most buddy movies and most car ads show men on the mountains, hiking, driving, exploring. But a growing number of women are not only seeking adventure, but taking solo expeditions.

We discuss the issues of stereotype, opportunity, safety, and more. This conversation previews a talk at the Genesee Valley Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club. Our guests:

  • Sarah Benson, former Appalachian Trail (AT) thru-hiker
  • Barb Brenner, aka "The Sunrise Hiker," outdoor enthusiast who loves backpacking and wilderness canoeing
  • Mary Ruth Merkel, peakbagger
Connections
Evan Dawson
Evan Dawson is the host of "Connections with Evan Dawson." He joined WXXI in January 2014 after working at 13WHAM-TV, where he served as morning news anchor. He was hired as a reporter for 13WHAM-TV in 2003 before being promoted to anchor in 2007.
See stories by Evan Dawson
Megan Mack
Megan Mack is the executive producer of "Connections with Evan Dawson" and live/televised engagement programming.
See stories by Megan Mack