Join me in backpacking through this rugged terrain, where we'll enjoy scenic views, overlooks, start gazing and beautiful autumn colors (weather/season permitting) along the Superior Hiking Trail. We’ll witness the strength of beautiful waterways, be immersed in foliage, trek through maple forests, dense pines and vast meadows and will have incredible overlooks along the way. Along this trail, we’ll travel over various terrain, that at times can be technical, with some steep ascents and descents, but overall gradual ascending and descending, stairs, wooden boardwalks and bridges that can become slippery when wet, some high step ups and step downs and obstacles - trekking poles are recommended. This is an intermediate-difficult trek where we’ll gain and descend significant elevation changes - mostly gradually. We are not rushed, we will take our time, and all levels of experience are welcome although strength, endurance are something to consider. Along the trails, we’ll hike through wooded areas, along beautiful water features (boarded walkways are less stable in certain areas than others) with waterfalls and will have spectacular views from the overlooks but because of technical aspects and more mileage to cover with full backpacks - I'm considering this intermediate/difficult.Although we're covering more mileage in a day on this retreat, we'll still have the opportunity to learn valuable skills, and be able to enjoy our surroundings and rest. Roughly 9 miles is the most we will backpack at one time, we'll be setting up camp each night and breaking down camp each morning. Each of us, will be required to carry our own gear, make our own food, and put in the work to get to our destinations together. Keep in mind, although this is the plan, we need to be flexible with our plans, kind to ourselves, and kind to each other - as things don’t always go as planned and campsites are never guaranteed on trail, but we’ll figure it out! It’s all part of the adventure :) There is a chance that we’ll see bears, beavers, wolves, moose, deer, and various birds- but sightings are not guaranteed. This retreat will be over the full moon. We’ll utilize some time for meditation, journaling and a ‘letting go’ ceremony around the bonfire Saturday night (weather permitting). This is not required, if it’s not your jam, but I do feel it adds to the experience.-
Location: the trailhead where we will meet is roughly 1.5 hours drive north of Duluth, MN (exact location will be provided after you have signed up, prior to the adventure)
When:
Morning of September 29 - Afternoon of October 1, 2023
Deadline to sign up:
September 15, 2023
***Destination, location and distance are subject to change at the discretion of Unruly Women LLC / guide of the retreat. Changes may depend on weather, natural disaster, closures, safety of each individual, etc; be expected to be flexible, we are at the will of Mother Nature and will not put you/our lives at risk, but also understand that you are your own person to make your own decisions and your choices are your own. (see cancellation/refund policy on FAQs page)***
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individuals aged 18 or older (past trips have generally had 26 years to over 60 years of age)
open registration to ALL female identifying and femme leaning non-binary humans
open to all experience levels, but please consider level of mileage and obstacles, a level of strength and endurance and balance is required for safety
3 person max, unless you are attending with someone you’re willing to share a tent with - then this is negotiable and will allow for more people
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Must be able to hike up to 9 miles in one day over varying terrain, stairs, over logs, while carrying up to 40 pounds
There are some technical obstacles along the trail, stairs, high step up or downs, elevation changes and overlooks on the various areas we hike through
You are in charge of your own transportation to/from the trailhead
Negative Covid test within 48 hours of arrival to trailhead. This is for your own safety and the safety of the whole group - no exceptions - you will be unable to participate and will not be provided a refund if I do not receive a negative confirmation.
Completed liability waiver, Covid acknowledgment and all other paperwork required prior to adventure - or you may not participate.
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Review of basic camping and backpacking skills throughout the weekend if needed
Guided meditation, journaling and stretching/movement (all optional)
This is an out and back style backpacking adventure
Friday 9 miles backpacking, Saturday 3-6 miles backpacking, Sunday 3-6 miles backpacking back to our vehicles
we will pack in-pack out everything (Leave No Trace).
meet like minded individuals and build community and friendships
Bon fires will depend on fire restrictions specific to the area we are in
Being in nature is fun, don’t forget to have FUN!! Remember that everyone was a beginner at some point, it’s important to ask questions, be open to learning and understand there is always more than one way to do something.
What’s the bathroom situation? On these trails there are exposed pit toilets along the way (typically near the campsites) meaning you’ll be sitting out in the open surrounded by trees but on a toilet that has a hole going deep into the ground. If you can’t make it to one of those, we’'ll go over how to dig a hole and properly Leave No Trace. (Real fun shit- pun intended)
Menstruating while we’re out there? Not a problem, just a learning curve, we’ll review that too!
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Hate, disrespect, racism, sexism, and/or discrimination of any kind will NOT be tolerated, you will be asked to leave, no refunds.
Must complete & sign liability form/waivers/paperwork before participating.
Covid vaccinations are highly encouraged but are not required. Although, documented proof of a negative Covid test is required upon arrival no more that 48 hours prior to adventure or you will be turned away for the safety of you and the group. Distancing and masks might be required depending on the status of covid numbers at the time of our retreat.
If you are sick/feeling ill, DO NOT come on this adventure, there will be more! I promise.
If you’ve been in contact with anyone with Covid within 14 days prior to the adventure, please do not come, there will be other opportunities to join in on the fun in the future.
Please see the FAQs page for further questions or concerns regarding cancellations/postponing/refunds, if your answer is not found there, email me here.
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Backpacking backpack ( I do have one for you to borrow if you need one, please let me know when you sign up)
Supportive hiking boots (ankle support recommended, already broken in is highly recommended or you will not have a good time- feet will hurt- ouch!)
Tent: depending on how many people come, not every person necessarily needs a tent if people are open to sharing- will discuss this further with those who are attending.
Sleeping pad & sleeping bag
Water bottle(s)
Food: 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches and snacks for 3 days (dry meals are recommended to help keep your backpack’s weight lower)
A more extensive list of gear will be emailed to you after you sign up! But if you have questions or concerns please contact me and I’ll see what I can do to troubleshoot.
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dry bag for your food and paracord (I will have one for each person to use on the trip, necessary to hang bear bags)
water filtration systems
jet-boil cooking systems for us to share
backpacking backpack to borrow
if you have your own jet boil or water filtration systems you are welcome to bring your own - just let me know ahead of time, because if we can save weight/divvy up gear we might as well save some weight where we can!
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2 nights/3 days on the Superior Hiking Trail (location, date and duration subject to change under discretion of the guide, dependent upon unexpected weather or other emergency that would otherwise make it unsafe to be on the SHT)
an experienced guided backpacking adventure (Certified Wilderness First Responder)
I’m here for you as a sounding board, encouragement when you need it, a non-judgmental ear, or a shoulder to cry on - nature and activity can sometimes bring out the emotions, and that’s ok - I am here for you.
small intimate group of 1 guide and up to 3 attendees
review and education of backpacking, backcountry and camping skills
how to use the different water filtration systems
proper backpack packing and how to wear/adjust backpack
use of trekking poles, how to safely walk with a backpack, ascend and descend steeper sections
how to safely lift backpack
safety tips and education for bear and moose encounters
optional guided meditation and movement/stretching, journaling prompts, and new/full moon ceremony
coffee and/or tea Saturday and Sunday mornings
a zoom call or in-person meet-up prior to the backpacking retreat
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transportation to/from the trailhead
travel/cancellation insurance
gear (I can help you source rentals if you need it)
meals/beverages aside from coffee, tea, and water
whatever else not listed under what is included
Now, are you ready to get unruly?! Click the button below to fill out an application, once reviewed and accepted, you’ll be able to reserve your spot by purchasing a ticket. (no payment required to apply)