What to ExpectA four day exploration of the wild self in the setting of the Sierra Nevada mountains. For those who not only craving time out in the wilderness but also in the inner landscape of the heart.
You’ll be guided in both inner and outer landscapes. Blending the physical journey with internal elements of the wild self. Connecting with animate world and held in a mythic container.
❋ Intentional ContainerA great opportunity for first time backpackers and novice hikers. The route will be challenging, rewarding and beginner friendly. Join alone or sign up with a friend!
❋ Beginner FriendlyThe trip will be led by artist, myth maker and outdoorswoman Ellen Walker. Each leg of the journey has been planned with intention and ritual. She is wilderness first aid certified and very familiar with this section of trails.
❋ Thoughtful FacilitationThe experience is designed for six attendees max (including your guide) for an intimate feel. All those who identify as women are welcome. Ages 16+
❋ Small Group
“When women reassert their relationship with the wildish nature, they are gifted with strength, intuition, and joy.”- Dr Clarissa Pinkola Estés
Day One 7/27
The journey begins. Together we will begin our trek past the mirror of Echo Lake, up into embrace of the mountains. We will make camp for the night at Lake of the Woods and set our intentions for the trip under the protection of trees and stars.
“Dissolve”
MileageApprox 5.5 miles
Day Two 7/28
The journey deepens. In the morning we will hike without packs down granite slopes to the roaring horsetail falls. We will trace back to camp and make our way to the giant alpine body of lake aloha. We will swim and make camp for night two on the banks of the lake, gathering in the evening for sharing and reflection.
“Encounter”
MileageApprox 6 miles
Day Three 7/29
The journey evolves. We will break camp and make our way winding through a sisterhood of alpine lakes. Midday we will split up to experience solo time with the wilderness and rejoin to make camp at the luminous Gilmore Lake. We will gather in group circle for a night of storytelling and mythic exploration.
“Shapeshift”
MileageApprox 5 miles
Day Three 7/30
The journey spirals home. We begin with a sunrise summit of nearby Dicks Peak without packs. We will return back down the mountain and continue through the dense forest down to the trailhead of Glenn Alpine to conclude our journey.
“Return”
MileageApprox 8 miles
“Belonging so fully to yourself that you’re willing to stand alone is a wilderness—an untamed, unpredictable place of solitude and searching. It is a place as dangerous as it is breathtaking, a place as sought after as it is feared. The wilderness can often feel unholy because we can’t control it, or what people think about our choice of whether to venture into that vastness or not. But it turns out to be the place of true belonging, and it’s the bravest and most sacred place you will ever stand.”
— Brene BrownThe unfolding:-
Set the dates aside in your calendar, and choose a payment plan that works best for you. Receive details via Dropbox including zoom call times, packing list, trail info and training/prep suggestions.
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Attend our opening circle virtually to meet the guide and the group. We will discuss the plan in-depth and speak to safety. This is also a time to get to know one another and get clear on your intentions for the trip. Plenty of Q+A time will be available.
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Begin gathering, purchasing or renting the gear and food you will need. I’m happy to assist you with this. Review the trail plan and prepare your body and mind to feel their best on trail. Make dropoff and pickup plans.
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Open your mountain heart! Meet the group at the designated place and time, inspect gear together and begin the trek. Four days guided out in desolation wilderness, Tahoe basin, CA. This journey is for you to remember your wild self!
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After you arrive back home, rest and recover, we will come together virtually again to debrief from our experienced. This is a time to share and weave together our stories and meaning making. Sending you back into life, and bringing your experience with you.
