June 14-16, 2007
Click Here
to view a printable version
Trip Price: $350
"The Wisconsin River is such a
nice river to paddle—the sand is so gentle. Each time I
travel with you, I meet more fascinating women. Each
person brings something special to the experience."
 The
lower Wisconsin River valley is regarded as one of the
most beautiful river valleys in the Midwest. The river
flows past rock formations, wooded bluffs, sandbars, and
islands. The river is broad, in some areas widening to
over 200 yards. We have often seen deer, sandhill
cranes, great blue heron, eagles, and turtles along the
way.
Our
put-in, just past Spring Green, Wisconsin, is an entry
to almost 90 miles of undammed river flowing into the
Mississippi. We’ll be paddling about 20 to 30 miles of
this beautiful stretch of river, and camping on sandbars
along the way. The river depth varies from a few inches
to over your head. This river bottom of shifting sand
discourages motor boats, leaving the waters peaceful for
fisher persons and canoe travelers.
 This
trip is a perfect introduction for women new to canoe
camping or for those who have gotten away from the
outdoors and are looking for a gentle re-introduction.
Your guides are the mother-daughter team of Marcia and
Chris Heeter. They have guided trips together for
nearly two decades, loving the opportunity to share
these wild places with wonderful women.
The
river’s gentle current will help us on our way and give
us time for turtle watching and power lounging.
Occasionally strong westerly winds make for a more
vigorous paddle. Such is the wonder and ever changing
experience of nature. We have a shorter or longer route
planned so we will not feel rushed.
Along
the way we’ll be teaching canoe and outdoor skills,
setting up camp and preparing meals together, and
delighting in river sounds and nature, our own and that
of mother earth.
The details…
What to bring:
When you register, you’ll receive a detailed packing
list, so you’ll be sure to have what you need. You
bring only your personal gear, sleeping bag, and
sleeping pad. You are welcome to bring your own tent
either as a solo or to share. Otherwise, tents are
provided at double or triple occupancy.
How much experience, how in shape
do I need to be: You do not need any prior
canoeing or camping experience for this trip. Though
many women use their trip as motivation to get in better
shape before they go, no particular level of fitness is
necessary for this trip.
Can I sign up on my own:
All women are welcome, and many sign up on their
own. Others register with friends, partners, sisters.
This trip extends a special invitation to mothers and
adult daughters, with the mother/daughter guide team of
Chris and Marcia Heeter.
Weather: June
temperatures can range from high 50’s at night to 80’s
during the day. The detailed packing list will keep you
comfortable whatever the weather.
Meals: Food matters!
We bring hearty and delicious primarily vegetarian
fare. Many women are surprised by the amount of fresh
vegetables and mouth-watering menus prepared outdoors.
What does my trip fee cover:
Your trip fee of $350 includes all canoe and camping
equipment, permits, all meals from dinner on Thursday
through breakfast on Saturday, and guides with decades
of experience.
Schedule: Arrive
outside of Spring Green at noon on Thursday, June 14
(directions to follow when you register). We’ll pack
up, review canoe strokes, and enter in to river time,
choosing our pace, letting the wind and weather guide
our days. On Saturday, June 16, we’ll aim to be back to
our cars by early afternoon. It has become a custom on
our trips to go out to lunch together in town before
departing (optional, but lots of fun).
Group size: Minimum
6, maximum 13
Transportation: Closer
to the trip, we’ll send out directions to the put-in,
as well as the names of the other
women registered for the trip so you can carpool and/or
share car rentals if you like. It is about a four and a
half hour drive from Minneapolis/St Paul, about three
and a half hours from Chicago. If you are flying, the
closest major airport is Milwaukee, or there is a
smaller airport in Madison, WI. Plan your return flight
for late Saturday night (June 16), or for Sunday.
Payment information:
Your deposit is not refundable. If you must cancel,
please do so in writing. If you cancel 90 days prior to
the trip or more, the balance of your trip fee is
refundable; 60 to 89 days, the balance of your trip fee
is transferable to any other Wild Institute trip through
the end of the following year; 0-59 days, the trip fee
is not refundable or transferable.
We strongly recommend
that you purchase travel insurance so that you can
recover your losses should you need to cancel for any
reason.
Some companies that Wild Institute participants have
used are: CSA Travel Protection (800-348-9505)
www.csatravelprotection.com/comfort; Travel Insured,
800-243-3174; or working with Karen Mason at The Travel
Concern, 612-331-4100. The Wild Institute reserves the right to alter trip
plans due to severe weather, water/snow conditions, or
other unforeseen circumstances.
How do I sign up: A
deposit of $100 holds your spot, and payment in full is
due by May 3, 2007. With your deposit, please send
name, address, phone, and e-mail address to :
The WILD Institute
P.O. Box 353
Loretto, MN 55357
Click Hereto view and print registration form
(This document requires
Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to view.)
*Our canoe trips follow the American Canoe Association
standards for instruction and safety*
Back to top
|
