The ‘Trampers’ were started in October 2001 by a newly-out woman who wanted to meet other women who felt more at home in the bush than at the pub. She placed an ad in Women out West magazine asking interested women to call her, and in October 2001 a group of about 10 lesbians went for a 12 km bushwalk in Mundaring. Thus the Sapphic Trampers were born.
About six years ago, the Trampers evolved to being organised by a group of dedicated volunteers. They have planned, coordinated and run a wonderful variety of outdoor experiences as diverse as multi-day hikes on the Bibbulmun Track, short and long day walks in the Perth hills and metropolitan regional parks, mountain bike excursions, a cycling wine and cheese tour of the Swan Valley, ocean and river kayaking, lazy weekends away in the Dryandra Woodlands or along the Murray River and a trip to the Abrolhos Islands via a crayfishing supply boat. Many dozens of women have joined in with the Trampers over the years. Most love the camaraderie of being with other lesbians in what are sometimes challenging circumstances, and many report that they would never have had these experiences were it not for the Trampers.
Now the organisers have created a website to promote the Sapphic Trampers far and wide. Check out www.sapphictrampers.com to get the goss on their next big adventure and to sign on to their monthly e-news.
If you’re looking to increase your fitness or you just want to get out and do something fun with a great bunch of women, then the Trampers may offer you want you’re looking for.
Leah Knapp
