Women in Wilderness Retreat
A review of the women’s outdoor skill-building weekend to empower women in public land stewardship created by Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Foundation.
Poster advertising the inaugural Women in Wilderness experience
Any words I write about the experiences shared over the weekend won’t fully capture the surpassed expectations I, and all the participants, felt throughout all of the workshops, trail maintenance, meals, and socializing. The events of the weekend, and truthfully every tiny detail, were thoughtfully curated to educate, support, and inspire the attendees.
The Program
Concept:
Three days of vibing in nature, including informative workshops, skill-building, stewardship, and relationship building.
Location:
The Sibanye Stillwater mine kindly donated access to their facilities for the weekend. The rush and roar of Woodbine Falls providing a backdrop throughout our workshops, morning yoga sessions, and family meals reverberated amongst us adding to the pulse of the experience.
Meals:
Each decadent meal designed by and made fresh by Asano Otsu, owner of Samurai Sue, made each participant feel simultaneously spoiled and satiated.
Presenters:
With vast knowledge in the backcountry and willing to share, these ladies shared their expertise, time, and hearts with the group.
Day one
Signing in. Extra points for finding Sprite!
For the sake of brevity, here’s the shortlist: Sign in, orientation with the area/rules/ expectations, introductions to each other and the setting of goals for the weekend, learning about the wag bag bathroom situation, setting up camp, hanging bear bags, dinner, and fitful resting.
The swag is worth mentioning here though. Wow! When we signed in, we were awarded a bag of goodies, including work gloves and bear spray, hats with the Women in Wilderness logo and an assortment of useful material. Impressive and functional. I think I actually swooned.
Waking up overnight, I stepped outside of my tent to enjoy the stars and was rewarded with a bright streak of meteorite across the sky.
Day two
Preparing our bodies for the day ahead through yoga + coffee and a peaceful backdrop to wake us up.
Informative sessions on how to evaluate river crossings and medical emergencies in the backcountry, reading maps, water filtration devices, stoves, apps and communication sources, and Q&As.
Lunch and laughter. (Learning how to safely set up camp for a group that includes a cleaning station.)
An afternoon filled with trail maintenance + a hike back to camp.
Leisure time to chat and get to know each other better. The bonds we formed are deep and lasting.
A SAR search demonstration by dog and owner.
Sandwiches heated over the campfire + s’mores.
A thoughtfully deep discussion around a campfire with an incredible group of ladies.
All in one day. Did I mention the skills learned for trail work? Yeah, that feeling of accomplishment is unparalleled. What more could one ask for?
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Yours truly made it into the Instagram post and the email campaign so I know you want to check it out. ;-)
Day Three
Another delightfully, peaceful yoga session to start our day. Breakfast and a bear aware session followed. We practiced aiming and firing inert bear spray cans. We practiced our saw skills a final time. We packed up and said our goodbyes as slowly as we possibly could. Next year, I’m all in for the Women in Wilderness weekend. I hope you join us!
Butterfly Effect
The accomplishment of shared trail work
Everyone left as stewards for the land, the mountains and their trails. More confidant, more equipped both intellectually and physically, we all vowed to protect and advocate for this area we adore so much. We hope to share the experience with those that are a part of our daily lives and to spread the good vibes we built together at the Beartooth Ranch. Hopefully, our work radiates outwards.
Want to get involved?
Tools of the trade
Have ideas, resources, or skills you wish to share for next year? Reach out!
Able to donate financially? Please go here.
Want to join a Solitude monitoring trek? Sign up!
or trail maintenance opportunities? Sign up!
Did I miss something and you want to start a convo?
Here’s your chance.
A huge thank you to ABWF, presenters, crew, and sponsors for crafting this event! You pulled off a fantastic opportunity that ladies won’t want to miss next time.