Backpacking the SHT: Baptism River to Sonju Lake

Are you ready for an Unruly Adventure in the wilderness?! Do you need a reminder that you’re a powerful, badass and capable woman in this world? Have you felt stuck in life lately, or like you’ve always wanted to backpack solo but just aren’t quite confident enough yet? Or are you an experienced backpacker just looking for a rad group of women to experience life with?!

Join me along the beautiful Superior Hiking Trail, where we’ll be immersed in Minnesota’s fall colors (hopefully). Along this trail, there are less strenuous and steep ascents and descents, although the terrain does vary. This is an easy-intermediate adventure, but open to all levels of experience. We’ll be hiking through wooded trails, over small waterfalls, and have plenty of water from the Baptism River, Egge and Sonju Lake. The plan is to camp on the lakes both nights, although when backpacking campsites are never guaranteed, but we’ll figure it out! That’s 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 adventure will be between the Full and New Moons, 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” and “planting seeds” ceremony around the bonfire Saturday night (conditions permitting).

Who:

  • Ages 18 and older

  • Open to ALL female identifying and femme leaning non-binary humans

  • All experience levels

  • 3 person max, unless you have someone you’re willing to share a tent with- then this is definitely negotiable and will allow for more people!

Where & When:

  • about 1-1.5 hrs north of Duluth, MN (exact location will be provided after you have signed up, prior to the adventure)

  • Morning of September 16- afternoon/evening of September 18, 2022

  • Deadline to sign up is 7 days prior to the adventure start date

  • Destination is subject to change at the discretion of Unruly Women LLC depending on weather, natural disaster, closures, 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)***

Requirements:

  • Must be able to hike 6 miles in one day over varying terrain, stairs, over logs, while carrying up to 40 pounds

  • There are some steep sections and exposed overlooks on the various trails we hike

  • Your own transportation to/from the trailhead

  • Must provide documentation of Covid vaccination (at least 2 weeks after 2nd dose) or proof of negative Covid test within 72 hours of arrival. 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.

  • Completed liability waiver and Covid acknowledgement form prior to adventure- or you can’t participate.

What to expect:

  • Review of basic camping and backpacking skills throughout the weekend

  • Guided meditation, journaling and stretching/movement

  • 6 miles of backpacking over varying terrain while carrying your own gear Friday, and 3 miles Saturday. We will backpack less than 3 miles back to our vehicles on Sunday - we will pack in-pack out everything (Leave No Trace).

  • Day hikes will be throughout the park and on the SHT if we’re up for more!

  • Meet like minded individuals and build community and friendships

  • Possibility of swimming (but not guaranteed)

  • Bon fires will depend on fire restrictions specific to the area we are in- don’t worry there are other ways to cook your food!

  • 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!

  • I’ll provide coffee for Saturday and Sunday morning

What you need:

  • Backpacking backpack ( I do have one for you to borrow if you need one, thanks Deuter!)

  • Supportive hiking boots (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)

  • Dry bag (I will have one for each person to use on the trip, necessary to hang bear bags)

  • 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts, 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 us and we’ll see what we can do to troubleshoot. Things like water filtration systems and jet-boil/MSR cooking systems I will provide for you to share during the adventure, but if you have your own you are welcome to bring your own!

Policy for this Adventure:

  • Hate and/or disrespect and/or racism will NOT be tolerated, you will be asked to leave, no refunds.

  • Must complete & sign liability form/waiver before participating.

  • Covid vaccinations are highly encouraged and you must provide documented proof prior to the adventure (must be 2 weeks after 2nd dose), or documented proof of a negative Covid test is required upon arrival no more that 72 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 situation.

  • 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.

What’s included?

  • experienced guided backpacking adventure

  • review and education of backpacking and camping skills, guided meditation and movement, journaling prompts, and new/full moon ceremony (including bonfire weather/fire hazard permitting)

  • coffee and/or tea Saturday and Sunday mornings

  • shared water filtration systems and MSR/Jet Boil systems to help boil water for meals

Cost:

  • $450 per person (payment options on the FAQs page)

Have questions? Head over to the FAQ's page or contact me.

Does this whole trip sound like your jam?? Click the button below to fill out an application to reserve your spot on this adventure! (Payment will not be due at this time)