Crosby Manitou State Park is magical. It’s comparable to a miniature PNW (Pacific Northwest) of Minnesota - so incredibly lush and beautiful. Join me in this rugged state park, where we’ll go backpacking along the Manitou River surrounded by a forest of fir, cedar, spruce, and northern hardwoods to our campsites on the river, where we’ll stay for 2 nights. Along the trails, rock formations formed by lava flow 1.1 billion years ago, waterfalls, the powerful Manitou River and rugged landscape provide spectacular views. There is a chance that we’ll see bears, wolves, moose, deer, and various birds- but sightings are not guaranteed.We’ll backpack out from our cars to the campsites Friday, set up camp Friday afternoon, where we’ll stay at the sites both Friday and Saturday night. We’ll go on day hikes Saturday and will have the opportunity to swim (weather permitting) and backpack back out to our vehicles Sunday. This is a little different than the other Unruly Women backpacking adventures because (once reserved) our campsites are not only guaranteed but also be on the beautiful Manitou River. This retreat is considered intermediate to difficult. Although we're not covering serious mileage while backpacking on this retreat, the steep elevation changes, technical obstacles, and erosion are what really increase the challenge on this trail. After maneuvering around rocks, exposed rebar and land slides - we'll have plenty of time to rest and enjoy the scenery at camp once we're all set up. There will be 'down time' to rest, learn valuable skills, day-hike, explore and swim (weather permitting). The most mileage we'll cover in one day with our backpacks/weight is 3 miles, but like I previously mentioned - the elevation changes are steep. Trekking poles are highly recommended. Each of us, will be required to carry our own gear, make our own food, and put in the work to get to our destination together. Keep in mind, although this is the plan, we need to be flexible, 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 :) This retreat will be around the New Moon, which means the sky will be dark and if the conditions are right, perfect for star gazing! 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
When:
Morning of August 11 - Afternoon of August 13, 2023
Deadline to sign up:
June 28, 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 in regards to backpacking, although level of strength, balance, and endurance to backpack up steep ascents/descents, over varying terrain and eroded areas and over obstacles are required for safety of the individual and group
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 backpack up to 3 miles in one day over varying terrain, obstacles, eroded stairs, rocks/boulders, exposed cliffside overlooks, over logs and over water, while carrying up to 40 pounds
There are very technical obstacles and features along the trail, erosion where there are stairs, some land slides (as of 2022), high step up and downs, uneven surfaces, significant elevation changes and exposed overlooks
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
depending on location: Friday 3 miles backpacking, Saturday day hiking, Sunday 3 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 (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 (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 out)
state parks pass for the weekend if needed
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