Fri, Sep 18 · 5:00 AM CDT
RETREAT INFORMATION (updates will follow monthly until Aug. 30th)
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DATES: Fri. SEPT. 18th - Sun. SEPT. 20th, 2026 Daily goals : hit 1-2 trails at different locations within the Shawnee National Forest. The FIRST - Garden of the Gods (which is literally 5 miles up the road from the Shawnee Forest).This trip is open to all ADULTS (21 yrs.+) .
NOTE 1: Because we will have an opportunity to gather around the open pits, BBQ, etc. and BYOB may be present, (it's your business to be responsible).NOTE 2: Some of the trails are strenuous due to the altitude and various terrains. You will want to have proper hiking shoes, clothing, hat, walking sticks, etc. (I will be sending out a WEEKEND SUPPLIES list of what you should pack!)NOTE 3: We don't generally put a fitness level on our "FITTRIPS" but you need to assess your ability to hike over 10 miles in a RT stretch.
If you are not comfortable or physically able to hike long trails, you can hang back and don't have to do ALL of the hikes.
GOOD NEWS!!!! You STILL have time to GET IN (Better) CONDITION- check us out on our social media accounts and get in some functional fitness sessions to be ready!
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Your TRIP & BUDGET ($250 for the weekend) information:
LODGING at the Air BnB FARMHOUSE:
$150/ PER PERSON 50% deposit will be due when the booking is confirmed. DEPOSIT
TRANSPORTATION (from Chicago, IL)
COST: $50/PER PERSON RT and to all the TRAILS and EVENTS
COST: $50/PER PERSON for the weekend trip hosts, meals for Friday night BBQ, Sat. & Sun. breakfast and snacks, etc. (Sat. dinner will be on your own).
NOTE 1 : Because we will have an opportunity to gather around the open pits, BBQ, etc. and alcohol may be present, (it's your business to be responsible), we are limiting this retreat to adults only.
NOTE 2: Some of the trails are strenuous due to the altitude and various terrains. You will want to have proper hiking shoes, clothing, hat, walking sticks, etc.
NOTE 3: We don't generally put a fitness level on our FITTRIPS and FIT RETREATS, but you need to assess your ability to hike over 10 miles in a stretch (possibly two times in a day).
If you are not comfortable or physically able to hike long trails, you may not have the full experience of the group hikes.
GOOD NEWS!!!!
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What to do now to secure your spot? MEET THE DEADLINES!!
June- $50 LODGING deposit DUE TO CLAUDIA
June- $50 LODGING balance DUE to CLAUDIA
July- $50 TRANSPORTATION deposit DUE to TRANSPORT CO.
August- $50 FOOD & GRATUITY DUE TO CLAUDIA
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TENTATIVE AGENDA (weather is supposed to be nice):
SEPT. 18th: Friday - Leave Chicago at 6:00 AMhike @Garden of the Gods beforeCheck in @ 4:00 p.m. 7:00 PM - BBQ & Vegan Soul Food Dinner & BYOB
SEPT. 19th: Sat. 6:00 AM Breakfast served 8:00 AM hike @ Rimrock 2:00 PM hike @Pounds Hollow 6:00 PM - prep for dinner and drinks7:00 PM Dinner - On your own*Optional: pre-sunset 8:00 PM hike @ High Knob
SEPT 20th: Sun. 6:30 AM EARLY Breakfasthike @ 8:00 AM @ Iron Furnace and return to the house by 10:00 A.M. to PACK ...clean-up and check-out is at 11:00 A.M.
OR 2) If you are pooped, you can Sleep-in, soak in hot tub, eat breakfast, pack and check-out @9:00AM and hike @11:00 AM @ Iron Furnace before heading home.
THOUGHTS?? Message me!!!Claudia G. P.S. Yes, that's ME on top of the Garden of the Gods' lookout peek.
