Women Who Explore - Stephanie Amaral
Stephanie Amaral, a young woman who once wasn't allowed to step out unless accompanied, now travels by herself regardless of the company. Having been surrounded by farmlands while growing up, she was always curious about what laid beyond what she could see. Her thirst for outdoor adventure led her to run the successful blog - Wandering Outside.
If you are as curious as Stephanie was and is, you can use Avenza Maps to search for points of interest on any map you download/import into the app. With Avenza Maps, it is also easier to navigate to and share coordinates using our in-app feature, what3words. After an outdoor adventure, you can also discover details - average speed, distance travelled and elevation changes, on the app. To motivate you further, here are some of Stephanie's responses to our questions for this International Women's Day -
What does International Women's Day mean to you and who inspires you to be the travel photographer/adventurer you are today?
International Women’s Day is important because it helps recognize the strength and courage so many possess. We showcase that on this day to remind women that we can accomplish anything we set our minds to. I really enjoy watching Sorelle Amore on her journey and her spirit feeds my soul. Her photography is also so beautiful, creative and she takes all her selfies on her own
What does it mean to discover places by yourself in Canada?
Everything! Discovering new places helps stimulate my inner child, aid in creativity and rebalances every fibre of my being. The thrill of discovering has given me purpose and has brought so much joy into my otherwise, boring life.
This past year has been tough on a lot of us, any words of encouragement from one adventurer to another?
Never stop exploring, dreaming and planning. It’s okay to dream right now – it’ll give you something to look forward to. Try something different like waking up really early to watch the sunrise or staying out late to stargaze.
You've stated that discovering new places has influenced your photography to this day. What inspired you to begin?
Honestly, I looked at my life and had accomplished what was expected of me – somehow, it left me feeling empty. It started with a short hike, then blossomed into others resulting in the obsession to find these magnificent places. It was never about the destination for me but more about the experience and act of getting there instead.
Who is the one woman whom you are in awe of and inspired by?
There are many women in my life that inspire me. One of my long-time friends, Tashiann is one who continues to inspire me. She is a mother of three, wonderful children that keep her busy. Somehow she manages to find the time to tackle DIY projects that have her home beautifully furnished and decorated for a fraction of the cost. That same creativity has spilled onto a canvas and I’ve watched her art transform
