50s and Fabulous Backpacking Weekend

Marmot Pass Trail, Olympic National Forest

August 22-24, 2008

$325

Who is this trip for?

Criteria: 1. You are a fabulous woman in your fifties.

2. You have some experience backpacking. You know the basics and are comfortable hiking with 40 lbs on your back.

3. You are interested in meeting other women in their fifties who like to hike and have fun.

What kind of activities will we be doing?

The intent of this weekend retreat is to enjoy making new friends, to spend some time relaxing and backpacking a beautiful trail in a supportive, non-competitive atmosphere. We'll have plenty of time to talk, play games, do writing exercises and enjoy being with your peers.

What is the fitness level of this course?

We want our trips to be inclusive to all types of women who enjoy the outdoors. On this trip, the fitness level is moderate - the hike will include some elevation gain and will be about 15 miles long. You must be able and willing to hike at least 15 miles in three days, while carrying your backpack of gear (40-50 lbs). We suggest that all participants spend some time hiking several weeks prior to the trip to prevent injuries.

Where are we going and how will we get there?

We will be carpooling from Olympic Outfitters, downtown Olympia, on Friday at 8 am. We'll take the 101 to the Olympic National Forest. The Marmot Pass trail is 14.6 miles round trip. We'll start hiking through open woods along Big Quilcene River. With river views and moderate elevation gain, (3,500 ft) we'll traverse and switch back to subalpne woods to a small basin just below Marmot Pass.

What do I need to bring?

You need to bring your basic personal backpacking stuff.

· Your pack. Packs can be rented at Olympic Outfitters if needed. Contact us if you have questions about an appropriate pack to use.

· Toiletries (tooth brush, small toothpaste, comb, small bottle of lotion, purell, tissues, blister kit) Be mindful that with backpacking, everything you choose to bring you carry on your back! We suggest leaving things like shampoo, deodorant, makeup, etc at home. There is no place to use such products in the wilderness.

· Medications

· Sleeping bag & Sleeping pad

· Hiking poles (optional)

Hiking -

o Comfortable, sturdy boots, 2 pairs well fitting socks

o 2 quart size Water bottle

o Rain coat and/or pants (optional)

o One Fleece or wool sweater

o One pair of Quick dying pants (i.e. Nylon)

o One T Shirt (cotton does not dry quickly so we suggest something synthetic)

o One Long underwear bottom and top (Capilene or synthetic)

o 2 pairs of Underwear, one sports-bra

o Light weight camp shoes (flip flops or crocs)

o Wash cloth or pack towel

o Headlamp

o Whistle

o Winter hat, gloves, sunglasses

o Camera

o Small notebook and pen

o Bowl, spoon and mug

What will Women Who Wander, LLC supply?

We will provide the group with all the food, cooking supplies, tents, and water filtration system. We'll take care of all the logistics and safety. Participants will help carry these group items, and will be sharing tents.

You don't have to go out and buy all new gear for a weekend backpacking! It's always good to borrow things from friends. Have questions or need to borrow something from us? Just let us know, we are happy to accommodate you the best that we can. We have some gear to loan participants, if needed.

What will the itinerary look like?

Depending on the needs and desires of the group, our itinerary will change. We plan on the weekend going something along these lines:

Friday -

8am - Carpool meets at Olympic Outfitters, carpool to trailhead

1 pm - Hike about 4 miles

6 pm - Dinner

8 pm - Group activities, laughing, fun, etc

9 pm - Relaxing … sleep

Saturday -

7 am - Coffee, tea, breakfast

8 am - Pack up camp and hike on

4 pm - Settle into camp at Marmot Pass. There are several trails from our camp that we can explore.

5:30 - Dinner

8 pm - Group activities, relaxing …

Sunday -

7 am - Coffee, tea, breakfast

9 am - Hike 7.5 miles back to cars

3 pm - Back to cars, head home

7 pm - Retrun to Olympia. This time frame is flexible and fluid.

Payment Schedule and Cancellation Policy

Half the course fee is due as a deposit at time of registering. Full payment is due on the first day of the trip.

Cancellations Prior to Trip

70 % of your deposit will be refunded if you must cancel your reservation 7-30 days before the trip.

25% will be refunded if you cancel 4 - 7 days prior to trip.

0% will be refunded if you cancel 3 days or fewer prior to the trip.

I want to go! How do I sign up?

You can contact Maggie and Leann two ways.

1. Email us at womenwhowander@gmail.com

2. Call us! Leann 360-870-0753 or Maggie 202-222-5334

We will email or send you a registration packet. Please fill out and return to us with your deposit (50% of course fee). Cash and checks payable to Women Who Wander LLC are accepted.