Who is Parallel?
Parallel is Connecticut’s Jen C.!
Jen joined us on Portugal’s Fishermen’s Trail this April – read on to learn more about this fabulous woman!
In a couple of sentences, tell us about yourself:
I live in Darien, Connecticut, with my husband Michael and two dogs. We have three kids – one in college and two in boarding school – and are enjoying our empty-ish nest. Outside of work, I love dance and French conversation classes, and anything that gets me outdoors.
Are you an avid “hiker” in “real life”?
I aspire to be an avid hiker! My husband and I love to hike and try to incorporate hiking into all of our vacations. Our kids go to school in New Hampshire, and we are slowly chipping away at the Presidential peaks.
What Parallel trip(s) have you been on?
Portugal’s Fishermen’s Trail was my first Parallel trip – and I hope to take more! We have our eye on the Costa Brava trip next spring when our son is studying abroad.
Have you been on a trip similar to Parallel’s before? How was Parallel different?
I have not been on a trip like this before – we have done hiking-focused trips in several National Parks, but none in a group or in a point-to-point format.
Why did you choose to travel with Parallel?
I’m the director of Tips on Trips and Camps, an advisory service connecting families to overnight camps, travel, and academic experiences. Parallel is one of the few we work with that offers adult travel. I’ve been looking at the amazing options for years and just had to experience it for myself!
Favorite memory or two from your Parallel trip(s)?
So many! The gorgeous beach bar at the end of Day 2, stork sightings as we moved farther south, dramatic cliff views around every turn, and playing “Bury the Cows” on the ride back to Lisbon. Most of all – I loved getting to know the rest of the group and Annika, our fearless leader!
Most memorable meal from your trip(s)?
I really enjoyed all of our meals, but dinner the first night in a campground restaurant was so delicious – and a huge upside surprise!
Be honest – how difficult did you find the trip(s)?
Not too difficult at all – outside of the sand on Day 1, it’s not a technically challenging trail. We hiked at a reasonable pace and took the time to eat in lovely spots and check out lots of birds and flowers. The pro tips on which sections to avoid were spot-on.
How would you describe the Parallel vibe to someone who’s never heard of it?
Super chill and fun – if you love to be outside, you want to meet fun and interesting people, and you can maintain a “go with the flow” attitude, it will be an amazing experience!
