June 12-14, 2008
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Trip Price: $350
 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, great blue
heron, eagles, cranes, 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値l 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 quite deep. This river bottom of shifting sand discourages motor boats, leaving the waters peaceful for fisher persons and canoe travelers. The river痴 gentle current will help us on our way and give us time for turtle watching and power lounging.
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.
 You値l be paddling, swimming, or just relaxing, and probably learning some new canoe and camping skills along the way. We値l set up camp and prepare meals together, soaking up the night sky in the evening around the campfire. Talk around the fire typically ranges from raucous laughter to deep conversations, a natural and wonderful quality of women in the outdoors.
The details…
What to bring: When you register, you値l receive a detailed packing list, so you値l be sure to have what you need. You bring only your personal gear, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. Tents are provided at double occupancy. You are welcome to bring a small solo tent if you prefer.
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. In
addition, this trip extends a special invitation to
mothers and adult daughters, with a mother/daughter
guide team of Chris and Marcia Heeter. They are fun,
playful, reverent with the land, and love to canoe with
women’s groups.
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 lunch on
Thursday through breakfast on Saturday, and a
mother/daughter guide team with decades of experience.
Schedule: Arrive
outside of Spring Green at noon on Thursday, June 12
(directions to follow when you register). At the put-in,
we’ll transfer our gear into Duluth packs (large water
resistant backpacks that hold personal gear and fit well
in canoes), review some basics about canoeing, and
paddle a short distance to our first campsite. The rest
of the trip, we’re on wild time, choosing our pace,
letting the wind and weather guide our days. On
Saturday, June 14, 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 14), or for Sunday.
Payment information:
Your deposit is not refundable. If you must cancel,
please do so in writing. If you cancel 50 days prior to
the trip or more, the balance of your trip fee is
refundable; 30 to 49 days, the balance of your trip fee
is transferable to any other WILD Institute trip through
the end of the following year; 0-29 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 or be
evacuated from a trip. Some companies that Wild Institute participants have
used are: CSA Travel Protection (800-348-9505)
www.csatravelprotection.com/comfort; and Travel Insured, 800-243-3174. 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 1, 2008. Mail deposit and registration form
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*
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