At Wild Rock Outfitters we have a strong focus on inclusion in all outdoor pursuits. We believe that everyone should be able to feel safe and have fun in the outdoors. Today, we want to highlight the rad women who help make Wild Rock awesome.
Rachel Dean
Describe yourself with 3 words.
Creative, daring, witty.
What is a favourite day trip?
My favourite day trip is packing a small picnic and cycling to a nice spot on the river. Lakefield is always a nice place—lots of secluded river-side spots.
What is something you’ve mastered? Or what new hobby have you tried in the last year?
Last year I tried cross-county skiing for the first time and now I own 4 pairs of skis and have tried a little of everything. I’m not an expert by any means, but I’m at a level where I can traverse just about anything on xc skis.
What is something you’ve done despite being scared?
Recently I decided to go back to school for massage therapy. It was a big change after getting really comfortable as a permanent fixture at Wild Rock. So far I have found it very rewarding and I look forward to what it can bring in the future.
What is a new outdoor activity that you have pursued in the last year? Or would like to pursue this year? If not an outdoor activity, just something in general that you are interested in taking up.
I’m very interested in ice climbing and getting better at skate skiing. Thankfully there are other staff at Wild Rock that are willing to guide me in the right direction or (even better) teach me everything I need to know.
What is a favourite local shop, cafe, or restaurant?
My favourite local shop (other that Wild Rock) is Black Honey. I’m addicted to their lavender shortbread cookies.
Where do you like to go to recharge/destress? (for example, a local beach, a warm destination, camping, your backyard, or a provincial park).
To recharge I like to cycle to somewhere peaceful (sometimes very far) and just sit with a hot chocolate or a coffee.
What advice or words of wisdom would you give to yourself 5 years ago?
learn to value your solitude. You’ll always have you, and when you learn to be happy alone everyone and everything that comes into your life will be compared to the peace you bring yourself. If something or someone disrupts that peace then it may be time to move forward to something else.