Built up at least a little courage

So, I wanted to go to a park and hike in short shorts and a v-neck t-shirt that I have. I know, I was only partially dressed and presenting, but the shorts make me feel good. I went to the park I had in mind on Saturday, but the parking areas were full and I chickened out. Turns out, there was some kind of Easter egg hunt going on, so lots of people. So, I thought, how busy could the place be on Easter day? I pulled in and there were like 20 cars there, so not empty, but not packed enough to scare me away this time. I did take advantage of a little bit of anonymity, with my mask, a cap, and sunglasses.

Once I got the courage to get out of my car and head for a trail, I just pretended that there was nothing unusual about how I was dressed. I first tied a long sleeved flannel shirt around my waist, which at least partially blocked the view of my thighs from the back, but quickly took it off and hung it over my binoculars case. I walked past a family having a picnic along the trail, I don't think they even looked at me. Then I saw another group approaching, and didn't want to meet them, so I walked off the trail a few yards and took a couple pics with my phone while they passed. I got back on the trail, and soon met a couple women walking their dog, one of them said hi when we passed each other. I saw several other groups along my hike, most were beside the trail at picnic areas. I did pass a couple other people who glanced at me suspiciously, but neither of us said anything.

Bottom line, I got back to my car just fine. No one called me out for my appearance, no one beat me up, nothing negative happened. I was feeling so good about my hike, that I decided to keep the adventure going a little longer. So, I drove in to town, parked at a Starbucks, and walked in. There were four girls working there, and a couple customers. The baristas were all very nice and friendly. I ordered a salted caramel iced coffee, paid, and sat at the other end of the counter and looked at my phone while I waited. When my coffee was ready, I took it and drove downtown, walked a couple blocks and sat on a park bench to drink my beverage. One woman stopped and asked where I found someplace open (on Easter) to get the coffee. But, that was my only other interaction.

So, I had kind of a low key, partially dressed outing and the world didn't come to an end. It was surprisingly not a big deal, and enjoyable to be able to express myself a little bit. But, now that I have survived this, I know I can go further with it, and that has me feeling optimistic. I did lean my phone against a tree and take a pic of myself. I thought about posting it, but I really don't look that femme. Nothing like the beautiful pics many of you girls post. 🙂

Birel