June 1- 8, 2013, with options to make your trip anywhere from one night to seven.

This is a challenging yet restorative week on the Appalachian Trail.  We will hike the hills and mountains and rest near the creeks and streams.  We will be quiet in the woods so we can hear our own wisdom and connect with the wisdom of the forest.

We will hike plenty but there will be ample time every day for reflection and connection – that is what this trip is about!

About you:

• You have backpacked before, but maybe not alone.
• You have your own gear that you’re comfortable with.
• You are looking for time in nature and time to reconnect with yourself.
• You are looking to increase your confidence being alone in the woods.
• You want to experience a beautiful portion of the Appalachian Trail in Virginia, south of the Shenandoahs.
• You are curious about thru-hiking and want to travel during thru-hiker season, potentially meeting with and chatting with thru-hikers along the way.
• You have always dreamed of having more time in the woods, rather than just hiking all day without time to reflect and truly soak up the scenery.

About me, Carla Robertson:

• I have hiked the entire Appalachian Trail, mostly by myself.
• I have backpacked this stretch of trail twice before.
• I have designed an itinerary that includes all kinds of treats, like a day off at a beautiful camping area with a creek and plenty of alone places, swimming holes and nature-y spots, plus a possible stop at a beautiful bed and breakfast for lunch or longer.
• I am a certified Martha Beck life coach, and I’m just beginning her Master Coaching program, which is only offered to twelve Martha Beck coaches each year.
• I have an incredibly rich collection of beautiful and engaging ways to help you connect more deeply with yourself and your highest calling, as well as with the natural world around you.

What you’ll experience: You’ll have time to share and connect with other women who love being in the woods.  Time to reflect on your life and what is most important to you.  Time to be alone in nature with no agenda, where I can guarantee something transformative and magical will happen.

You’ll increase your confidence about hiking on your own.  You’ll surprise yourself with your resilience and your capability.  You’ll learn that you can manage in any weather– hot, cool, rainy or sunny.  You’ll take charge of your own health and well-being, with the support of a group to enjoy the journey with.

You’ll travel some of the most incredible and beautiful trail in Virginia, full of vistas, babbling creeks, wildflowers, wildlife, and ancient forests.

You’ll laugh, sweat, cry, and be filled with wonder.  You’ll surpass what you knew you were capable of, and you’ll have time to rest and recover too.

Itinerary:

Saturday, June 1:  Meet at parking area at Reeds Gap (Blue Ridge Parkway mile marker 13.6) just north of Maupin Field Shelter at 3 p.m. to hike in together. Or hike 1.7 miles in on your own earlier or later and meet us at the shelter.  We’ll begin with dinner (everyone brings and prepares their own) and a campfire chat where we’ll have introductions and set intentions.

Sunday, June 2:  Hike the Three Ridges, with spectacular views (weather permitting!) of this incredible wilderness, and plenty of time to savor spring in the mountains.  After a 6.2 mile day, stop and camp near Harper’s Creek Shelter.  If you can only stay one or two nights, hike an additional 2.7 miles on your own to the Tye River for a shuttle pick up that you arrange, either that evening or the following morning.

 

 

Monday, June 3:  Zero day in the woods.  Time for personal coaching (optional), a wordless walk, reflection time on your own, and connection time with others.  Optional hike on your own on the Mau Har trail to see waterfalls. Spend the night alone – camping separate from each other to experience nightfall and night in the woods on your own. Those who need to leave early can pick up a shuttle at the Tye River any time on Monday.

 

 

Tuesday, June 4: Breakfast, hike to the Tye River, then hike the Priest!  See what you’re made of as you hike four uphill miles to be rewarded with fabulous views. Relaxing rest stop at Cripple Creek, part way up.  Learn to love hiking uphill.  Learn to rest and breathe as you go. Camping at the Priest Shelter after a challenging but rewarding 7.5 mile day.

 

 

Wednesday, June 5: Hike on your own after a walk together to the incredible 360 degree views atop Spy Rock.  Choose to grab lunch at Dutch Haus bed and breakfast or hike on.  Spend the night at Seeley Woodworth Shelter after a 6.9 mile day. Options to end your hike here with a night at the Dutch Haus B&B before you head home.

 

 

Thursday, June 6:  A beautiful 7.7 mile day, through woodlands peppered with giant boulders and lovely views on Tar Jacket Ridge. Camping at Hog Camp Gap.  There’s a swing.  A field.  A secret campsite in the pines on the way to the water source. Plenty of room to spread out, or gather together and chat with the season’s thru hikers. And there’s a dirt road if you need to be picked up here.

 

Friday June 7:  Hike over Cold Mountain, a beautiful grassy bald – maybe there will be wild strawberries! Then hop over Bald Knob and descend toward the lovely lowland creek area.  Camp at Brown Mountain Creek Shelter after an 8.1 mile day. Need to get picked up on Friday?  No problem.  US 60, Long Mountain Wayside, is just 1.8 miles before the shelter, making your day just 6.3 miles.

 

 

Saturday, June 8:  Hike out 1.8 miles (back north) to Long Mountain Wayside for Trail Magic and your final pick up point. Potential option for a shuttle back to your car at Reeds Gap on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Join me for trail magic mimosas and donuts with the thru hikers on the Blue Ridge Parkway!

What this trip is not:
This is not a how to hike trip.  I am not your guide service.  You are always in charge of your journey, not me. While I am a capable hiker and camper, I do not have any special training in wilderness first aid.  I will not be teaching you about camping techniques.  I will not be showing you how to cook, or how to set up camp.  That part is all your decision.

I will not be in charge of your health or well-being. You will need to be self-sufficient, with your own food, gear, systems and means to get yourself to and from the trail as needed.  I am happy to offer advice and support, but the expectation is that you have a good sense of how to operate your gear and manage in the woods.

What this trip is:

It’s restorative time in the woods with other wise women.  It’s time to unplug and be present in the wilderness.  It’s time to connect with your higher self in the easiest place to do that – the forest.  It’s time to discover something new about yourself while you hike in some of the most beautiful landscape in Virginia.  It’s time to backpack, but at a pace that feels relaxing and doesn’t require you to hike like crazy all day just to cover the miles.

Want to join me?  Just make your travel and shuttle arrangements, and show up! Let me know you’re coming, of course! The trail head is driving distance from Roanoke or Charlottesville, if you’ll be flying in.  All of our group time together and group activities with me are gratis.  I am looking forward to sharing my knowledge and some magical ways to connect in the woods with you!

I’ll also host a free pre-trip logistics conference call to answer your questions about gear, food, itinerary, maps, etc. and provide more details in writing to participants.  Participation is limited to a very small group – we will be no more than six, and potentially fewer.  Want to be a part of this?  Send me an email at carla@livingwildandprecious.com with “AT Sojourn” in the subject line and we will take it from there.

A la carte personal coaching options with me: 

Pre-trip coaching. Set your intentions for the journey so you can gain more from your time in the woods. You’ll receive personalized steps to take before the trip, and specific ideas about what to do to make your time in the woods most valuable to you.   $85

During-trip coaching session: On our zero day at Harper’s Creek, join me for a private session creek side, with the incredible backdrop of steep rocks and soft moss (or we’ll cozy up in my tent if the weather’s not cooperating.) All the artificial disappears when we’re in the woods.  You’ll find the work you do here will be richer, deeper, and more meaningful than you can imagine. We’ll get to the heart of what you need, right now and beyond. $100

Post-trip coaching session:  Once you’re back in the real world, connect with me to solidify your new approach to your life.  Get concrete about what needs to change and what you want to keep.  $85

To set up coaching time with me, contact me at carla@livingwildandprecious.com and we’ll make all the arrangements!

I am so looking forward to this special time in the woods.  I hope that if this speaks to you, that you can join me!