When the map first launched, I found it incredibly captivating to zoom in and out, observing the myriad numbers representing real people, living real lives, just like mine! It added a tangible dimension to the sense of community I already felt within the app. By displaying the number of like-minded individuals on a map, it quantified the reassuring knowledge that I’m not alone in my values or on this journey. Boom! There are more of us, more of ME! It just felt so great!
Initially, I created a listing, filling out only minimal information, and then I got caught up in the everyday bustle of life. It was more than a year before the map crossed my mind again. I didn’t even take the time to update my location when I moved cities a couple of times.
However, circumstances eventually led me back to the map, with a greater purpose than simply marveling at the numerical proof of Beartarians nearby. I found myself facing a long drive with my Mom, Sister, and our cat Leo. We were embarking on a 3,000-mile journey from North Carolina to California, then another 1,000 miles north to settle in Idaho. We wanted to make the trip more than just a monotonous trek from hotel to rest stop to Airbnb; we wanted to meet fellow bears along the way.
Armed with our trip plans, we compared our route to the listings on the map, estimated our travel windows, and began reaching out to connect. Unlike my initial listing effort, Joe Gagan (telecaster bear) provided his name as it appears in the app and also shared his Instagram profile. We were able to share our plans and received a invite to stop in, for not just a hello or a meal, but to spend the night and use the guest bedrooms.
Joe and his beautiful partner Kalena (elusive bear) was the purest experience I have ever had of ‘meeting old friends for the first time’. The connection was amazing, the experience precious, the quickly formed bonds were strong, and I treasured it all still today.
Meeting Joe and his wonderful partner Kalena (elusive bear) was akin to reuniting with old friends for the first time. The connection was immediate and profound, resulting in an experience that remains cherished to this day. Did I mention yet that the food was AMAZING!!
Thank you, Beartaria Map, for for enabling this moment to come to fruition.
-Guest Writer
