Sisters on the Fly creates friendships among women who want more out of the outdoors — and more out of life in general.
By Peggy Jordan, Associate Editor
December 2019
Maurrie Sussman and her sister, Becky Clarke, were having too much fun not to share it. They’d gotten together to spend some time fly-fishing and generally enjoy Montana’s outdoors. For their next year’s trip, they invited some friends to join them.
And that’s how Sisters on the Fly began.
A group of Sisters gathered on a beach for a common cause called “Dragon Races.”
The name refers to fly-fishing, but knowing how is not a requirement to join. Since the group was founded in 1999, it also has sparked assumptions that members have to own an RV. That is not so, either, although some of the cutest, custom retro travel trailers on Earth are owned by SOTF ladies.
No, the only SOTF rules relate to the organization’s events: “No men, no kids, be nice, and have fun.” Sure, ladies in the group have husbands and kids and grandkids. But when these sisters get together, they leave responsibilities and caretaking behind.
This freedom is much appreciated, apparently, because SOTF has members all over the United States, from Florida to Alaska; some sisters reside in Canada and Europe. Maurrie, now the SOTF president and Sister #1, said the group has about 9,000 active members, which makes it the largest women’s outdoor adventure organization in the United States.
Real-life sisters and founders of Sisters on the Fly, Maurrie Sussman and Becky Clarke.
Many members enjoy their cocktail hours, so it’s an over-21 sort of sisterhood. Ages range mostly from 40 to 70, with plenty younger and older, of course.
But, Maurrie herself says that she is . . . 12. A girlish silliness and youthful enthusiasm for discovery infuses the entire organization. Most ladies do remember a time when, as girls, they were bold adventurers and curious travelers. Amazed by new things. “Most of us are fortunate to be able to recall that feeling. A perfect time of childhood,” Maurrie said.
“Ladies, if you did enjoy a time like that, you can do it again,” she said. “And if you never got your chance, it’s not too late. We teach people, invite them to see things and do things they’ve never done before.”
The group’s credo? “We have more fun than anyone!”
Many SOTF ladies tow restored travel trailers that they have customized inside and out, such as this “Flying W” Winnebago.
It is easy to believe that, once you see what Sisters on the Fly gals are up to. Outdoor pursuits you loved as a kid, or things you just were curious about — you’ll likely find SOTF gatherings focusing on those things. Maurrie was in Montana and talked about learning how to play guitar when we chatted this past summer. “A songwriter from Tennessee came to Red Lodge, Montana, where we Sisters camped together,” she said. “They tell you how they created their song. That is just about the most fun thing! So, we’ve been trying to figure how to write a song.”
A cowgirl theme is a popular motif in SOTF, since it embodies a love for the outdoors and spirit of adventure.
Kayaking and fishing, horseback riding and hiking, plus ATV riding and shooting practice have been the focus at SOTF events. Sewing retreats, star-gazing, and snooping through antiques stores also have made for good outings. Maurrie said another hot topic of late has been learning how to weld. Who knows what’s next?
Whatever it is, you can probably bet that, just as in FMCA, there will be RV talk. When SOTF ladies are at a camping area, many arrive in a bright array of towable RVs. Not just any kind: glammed-up travel trailers from decades past that the women themselves have christened with cute names and idiosyncratic paint jobs. Horse and cowgirl motifs, mermaids, gardening designs — it’s an adventure in paint on metal. Traveling art.
SOTF members meet everywhere, including the wide open spaces of the West.
Maurrie herself confessed that she now owns (only) five trailers. “Sometimes you just overdo ’em,” she said.
Anyone in the market to buy an older trailer can find an assortment for sale on the SOTF website. But, again, it’s not mandatory. Since many gatherings take place near overnight accommodations, such as cabins or hotels, those without an RV still can take part in activities. And by all means, members with motorhomes fit right in with the camping events.
SOTF is organized by regions, and fellow sisters called “wranglers” help to put together local events and gatherings. Each area schedules its own activities.
What if a lady is unsure about joining? “We get personalities like me, who never met a stranger,” Maurrie said. “Then people like my sister, who is quieter. When you join any group, you have to make the initial effort to meet people.”
It’s not necessary to own an RV to join SOTF, but it is hard for a woman to not catch “trailer fever” after seeing these sweet, personal setups.
But if you decide to join SOTF, you will be welcomed. “We have ladies of all sizes, backgrounds, and shapes,” she said.
And you will learn more about the lady who is SOTF’s real founder, Maurrie and Becky’s mother, May Morrison. Nicknamed “Amazing Mazie,” she taught her girls to camp and fish and enjoy the outdoors. The wife of a Marine Corps colonel, she had stories to tell about living around the world. Maurrie proudly noted that her mother stayed very active right up to the end, when she died at 95.
So, the two sisters — and their thousands of other sisters in Sisters on the Fly — carry on.
For more information, visit the Sisters on the Fly website at www.sistersonthefly.com, or the group’s Facebook page, at www.facebook.com/SistersontheFly/