Page 2 - June Hernando 2020 Senior Voice

2 • JUNE 2020 - Senior Voice of Hernando County
L o c a l w o m a n ’s r e t ir e m e n t

m u lt ip lie d h e r a d v e n t u r e t im e

By Megan Carella dom when on the trails led her
to discover hammock camping,
For Theresa Weglarz, life swapping out a typical tent in
is about trying new things. favor of a hammock and a few
Since the 59-year-old Weeki accessories.
Wachee resident took a layoff

package several years ago, she “I’ve always been an outdoor
has wholeheartedly embraced enthusiast. I grew up on Long
that philosophy, taking up Island up against a wetlands
solo hiking, hammock camp- area. In the summers, we’d

ing, compound bow shooting, put the backpacks on, grab a
beekeeping, and ice fishing. In sandwich and be out all day
recent months, she’s planted following a stream, collecting
a “victory garden” and made birds’ nests and animal skulls,”

more than 70 masks, which she she said. “My grandmother
gives away to protect people loved nature; I guess it’s in my
from Covid-19. blood.

“Trying new things has been “I used to take my kids tent
wonderful. I’ve had so many camping,” she added. “I loved
adventures,” she said. it, but it was such an ordeal.
I’d bring everything but the
Theresa moved to Florida from kitchen sink and spend more

Long Island, NY, 30 years ago. time making camp than hik-
She lived in Hillsborough, then ing.”
Hernando counties while she
worked as a regional program Theresa started doing research

director for a major senior liv- on camping light.
ing chain. She also helped her “What do I really need? I need Theresa used her Master Gardener training to plant a large outdoor
mother, now 84. Ten years ago, to make a fire, but I only need vegetable garden. (Photo by Jim Vavala)
she began raising her grand- one pot. I just kept reducing,” workshops to adult women. courses in New York.”

son, who is now 14. Although she said. “With the hammock, BOW gives women a safe and
she greatly enjoyed her work, all you have to do is find two comfortable environment to Theresa used those skills sev-
she “saw the writing on the trees. It has mosquito netting learn how to hunt, fish, shoot eral years ago to take a three-
wall,” when corporate changes and a tarp over it. It’s so com- a bow, canoe, kayak, do nature day, BOW-sponsored winter

began happening. hike in upstate New York.
fortable.” photography, and other activ-
“I took the package that was Now, instead of bringing the ities. The program is admin- “After living in Florida so
offered and never looked “kitchen sink,” Theresa packs istered through state wildlife long, it was a challenge. One
back,” she said. “People talk everything she needs for ex- commissions and organiza- day it was so cold, I couldn’t

about having to reinvent them- tended hikes in a 27-pound tions. even feel my fingers. But we
selves when a career ends. I’ve backpack. “Since I hike alone much of slept in cabins on that trip,”
been so fortunate to have the the time, I’ve taken BOW she said.

time and opportunity to learn Her hiking and camping re- courses to up my skills about Her love of nature led her to
new things.” search led her to “Becoming what to do in an emergency,” become certified as a Master
an Outdoors Woman” (BOW),
Theresa is a lifelong hiker, a non-profit, educational pro- Theresa said. “I’ve learned Gardener through the Univer-
camper, and nature lover, but gram that offers hands-on to shoot a weapon. I’ve taken sity of Florida IFAS Extension

her desire to have more free- ice fishing and snowshoeing Continued on page 3