At first I though it was just a coincidence and maybe there was something going on in the village and they were spruced up for that. Then I saw it again when going into the store and running into one of my neighbors: summer dresses, stylish flowy and in line with what you see in fashion magazines. My favorite moment was a mom jumping out of her monster truck in a pink silk dress and some cool looking boots, she was coming home from work at the administration building. It reminded me of my friend in Bethesda who drives a monster truck and wears flowy dresses. I know this are all shallow thoughts but hey, you should have seen everyone at the employee office when I went to get my park card. They were wearing makeup and looked like anyone in K street.
I realize the image of women in this line of work is also distorted in our society. This view of them with mustaches and shabby clothes or smelly and hairy is unfair. Yet it is so engrained in our society that I — who is not herself so good at staying put together– had such preconception. Women here are beautiful, fit and strong. I mean, the search and rescue team is led by a woman, the bear project, women. cool women right? nobody care what they look like they are cool no matter what. I hate to make a blog about women appearance but part of my writing is confronting my own wrong preconceptions. Keep in mind I grew up in Argentina where you not only have to be fashionable but also very slim and docile.
Maybe I was also surprised because in cities such as Washington and its suburbs, people who love the outdoors make a point of looking rough. I guess it is a reaction to the expectation of wearing a suit and tie? or maybe they just don’t care? I mean here, wearing perfume or smelly deodorant can get you in trouble with bears. However, over there; there is no reason to avoid body spray or roll-ons in even the most crunchy neighborhoods in the city. THERE ARE NO BEARS in the DC metropolitan area, I promise. Please do shower and wear deodorant.
There are no pumps or fancy sandals around. Which makes sense since the grounds are uneven and dusty. Most people wear hiking shoes. But I am coming to understand that there is a whole line of fashion on those too. NOBODY, really NOBODY wears those bulky and rounded looking boots we get in the city when going on vacation and hike for about 3 days. I see a lot of super cool looking sneakers with hiking soles; the trail running type of shoes. and they come in many cool styles. Needless to say I will get some myself. Probably one not as serious looking but something that will allow me to “fit in”. Then all I will need is a monster truck and some cool summer dresses.
Although, really what I would love is to be in the Bear Project…. 
4000feetup 