No Playlist Needed—Just Good Company and a Great Trail

When Taylor Perez, a digital media designer at the health plan, spotted a TikTok about a women’s hiking meetup in Ithaca, she didn’t hesitate to join.

“I had gone on a solo hike to Robert Treman Park the week before but didn’t feel comfortable doing the full trail alone,” Taylor said. “A few days later, the CNY Women’s Network hike popped up on my TikTok ‘For You’ Page. I’d been trying to push myself to meet new people since moving back to the Southern Tier, so I signed up right away and invited Sam Skinner to join me!”

Sam, a social media content specialist and Taylor’s teammate, was all in.

“I like hiking and don’t really get out of the house much,” Sam said. “It sounded like a great way to hang out with Taylor outside of work and do something healthy.”

Though they’ve worked together for a while, both are fully remote, so this was a rare chance to connect in person and get moving.

A Welcoming Crowd and a Challenging Trail

Neither Taylor nor Sam had hiked with a group like this before, and both admitted to feeling a little nervous. But those nerves quickly faded.

“To be honest, we all got a little lost finding the meeting spot,” Taylor said. “But as soon as the first woman stepped out of her car and asked if we were there for the hike, we all started chatting. It was exciting to see women from all walks of life show up, everyone was so welcoming.”

Sam agreed. “I thought it would be more awkward than it actually was,” she said. “It helped that I had someone I knew with me, but everyone was super nice. It turned out to be much better than I expected.”

The trail itself was no joke.

“There were so many stairs!” Sam said, laughing. “It was harder than I thought, but the group was fun and supportive. No one was worried about being awkward.”

Taylor, who has recently started solo hiking, said the group dynamic made a big difference.

“I’ve found myself in a couple of uncomfortable situations hiking alone, so it was really nice to have encouraging people around,” she said. “They helped me through the harder parts, and it felt good knowing we had each other’s backs.”

Real Conversations and Shared Experiences

One of the most memorable parts of the day? The people.

“Besides Sam, I didn’t know anyone,” Taylor said. “Getting to know these women was my favorite part of the day.”

The group included women from across the state, one who had just moved from Alaska, another who drove up from New York City, and several from Syracuse, which Sam loved since she’s from there too. They even made a four-legged friend: a spotted dog named Artemis who hiked right alongside them.

“The diversity in the group really surprised me,” Taylor said. “There were corporate professionals, entrepreneurs, even a stay-at-home mom. We talked about everything from TikTok trends to wellness and life experiences. It was such a refreshing and empowering space.”

Taylor also had the chance to connect with the group’s founder, Alex Canavan, about holistic health and how health insurance can play a role in supporting wellness.

Lessons Learned and Gear Upgrades Ahead

Sam came away with a few gear lessons.

“I wore my gym sneakers, but I definitely want better shoes with more grip next time,” she said. “And I’m buying a new water bottle, my glass one shattered in the parking lot after surviving a thousand gym drops!”

Neither brought trail snacks, but the car ride was filled with conversation and laughter.

“We didn’t even need a playlist,” Taylor said. “Just great conversation and giggles!”

Supporting the Mission—Mind, Body and Community

For both women, the hike was more than just a weekend activity, it was a meaningful way to live out Excellus BCBS’s mission of supporting health and connection in the communities it serves.

“It felt great to be part of a women-led outdoor adventure,” Sam said. “I don’t have many friends, so it was nice to hang out with other women looking to connect and do something fun for a day.”

Taylor added, “Don’t overthink it, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. A lot of us were there for the same reason, to get out and meet new people. You don’t have to be a seasoned hiker. The women will meet you where you are and work through the hike together.”