Family Vacations

I just got back from a week with my two sisters and 95 year old mother at the place we have all been going since we were babies. I really like my sisters- they are quite different and in general we get along well. But in our family, bringing up anything that might cause conflict has never been common. And of course over the years, the three of us have built up patterns with each other, not all of which are healthy.

So I think we were all a bit nervous about spending this week together, as well as excited. On the first day, one of my sisters who has been on a trip with AGC said "Let's do what we always do on Marian's trips- let's talk about our hopes and expectations for the week." It was perfect. We talked about that, we talked about things that had built up, and in general it set the tone for the best week we have ever had together. --Marian

A totally delightful movie

Every once in a while someone asks if the inspiration for the name of our company came from an independent Canadian film called Strangers in Good Company. Yes! Yes, it did, and if you haven't see the film, you should put it on your list. This may be one of the most charming movies ever made. It is about a group of eight women whose bus breaks down in an isolated area. Made with non-professional actresses and ad-libbed dialogue, they share their stories and thoughts and turn what could be a time of crisis into a time of magic and connection.If you like plot-driven action-packed films, you might find this boring. But if you like movies about relationships and interesting people, you'll love this one.-- Marian

Hiking trips overseas

I am about to depart for our trip to Bulgaria and there are 2 travel tips on my mind. Many of us worry when we travel that our luggage may not make it when we do. if you are setting off immediately on a hiking trip (or any outdoor trip) this can be even more worrisome. One thing we recommend is that you wear your hiking boots on the plane. This way, if your luggage does get lost, at least you will have these. Clothing can be borrowed and bought, but your boots are broken in to your feet, and getting a new pair or borrowing another person's probably won't do.

They are not the most comfortable "plane shoes", so bring a pair of slippers as well (or a cozy pair of socks) so you can take your boots off during the long flight. You may also want to throw your fleece in your day bag for the plane - this can double as a pillow for the flight, a warm layer if that a/c gets too cold, and you will also have one extra layer should your bag not arrive.

The other thing people wonder about is hiking poles. When you travel internationally you cannot bring these on the plane, even wrapped in bubble wrap or a blanket. But nearly all trekking poles are telescoping, meaning they loosen and then slide into smaller sections. Instead of leaving them at home, collapse them as small as you can and fit them in your checked luggage, If your poles don't telescope small enough, they also might be able to be taken apart. If you don't know how to do this, take them to a reputable outdoor store and ask for help. You want to be able to get them back together when you arrive!

Clearly, if your luggage does not arrive, neither will your hiking poles. But chances are everything will get to the baggage claim when you do. If you are traveling only with carry on luggage - try to find a place that you can rent poles when you arrive, or another person to travel with them for you. Hike on! -- Deb