What we’re about
Welcome to the Women's Adventure Meetup Group!
Are you craving more movement, adventure, and time outdoors? You’ve found your people.
This group is for women of all ages and backgrounds who want to get out from behind the desk, stretch their legs (and minds!), and experience the joy of moving our bodies in nature and in community.
We hike. We explore. We try new things—even the ones that scare us a little. From forest trails to spontaneous getaways, sunset strolls to bold bucket-list adventures, we believe in the power of saying yes to life.
Whether you're a seasoned trail lover or just dipping your toes into the world of outdoor fun, this is a safe, supportive, and laughter-filled space for you to connect with other women, get active, and discover what you’re capable of.
Let’s move. Let’s explore. Let’s find adventure together.
Upcoming events (4)
See all- Afternoon Women's Hike - Bootlegger TrailBootlegger's Run Trailhead, Maryland Heights, MO
Join us for this non-technical hike and time with women! The trails are flat with some dips, mostly dirt, some roots. Some gals wear running or trail shoes, I like my hiking boots. We all stay together and there are options to turn off at 2 miles, 3 miles, or turn around. The entire trail loop is about 3.7 miles with an additional .7 loop to add on at the end! The 3.7 mile loop takes about 1 hour and 20-30min.
Helpful tip to find us!
Turn onto Streetcar Dr from Dorsett and take this until you see tennis courts on the right and then the big lot with my white Jeep Rubicon in it!If you put Bootlegger Trail in navigator, it will take you to a subdivision.....wrong place!
Please RSVP in the event!
Interested in more fun women's events? Follow MSE for Women! - Women's Retreat - Adventure in AlaskaShearwater Cove, Seward, AK
Join Sally Drake of MSE for Women and Johanna Schluesser of Travel Tribe for an unforgettable women’s retreat in the heart of Alaska! This once-in-a-lifetime adventure blends rugged exploration with deep relaxation—designed just for women seeking connection, nature, and a little thrill.
The crown jewel of the trip? Two nights at Shearwater Cove, a secluded, luxury yurt retreat accessible only by boat. Before arriving at this magical hideaway, we’ll explore the best of Anchorage and Seward, immersing ourselves in Alaska’s breathtaking beauty and local fun.NOTE: We have room for 12 women ONLY! This retreat will sell out very quickly!
Expect:- Daily yoga to restore and energize
- Guided hikes through stunning wilderness
- Kayaking in pristine, wildlife-rich waters
- Unplugging and reconnecting—in the most awe-inspiring setting
Adventure, sisterhood, serenity. Alaska is calling.
Travelers will be responsible for:- Airfare (We are using Alaska Air, discount code for 5% off: ECMO367), fly into Ted Stevens Anchorage Airport
- A few Dutch meals
- A couple of short Uber rides
- Alcohol
- Tips for our amazing chef, Krista Schuessler
- Tips for transportation/drivers/captains
- Bike rental in Anchorage
Friday, August 22nd - Fly into Alaska:
Ladies fly into Anchorage and join us at our first meeting place on the water's edge, Bootlegger’s Landing Villa
You will Uber from the airport, about an 11 minute trip.
6:00pm - Walk to dinner at Glacier Brewhouse - BBQ, Seafood, Beer, Wine!
Saturday, August 23rd:
7:00am – Coffee & connect, morning walk / stretch or sleep in!
8:30am - Breakfast and connection at the Villa (Chef’s creation), change and get ready for the excursion!
10:00am:- We’ll start with a scenic 1.2-mile walk to Alaska Pablo’s Bicycle Rental to pick up our bikes. (Not a rider? No worries—you can hop in a car or Uber and meet us at the park!)
- Then it’s time to pedal! We’ll cruise 11 miles along the stunning Tony Knowles Coastal Trail to Kincaid Park, where we’ll lock up our bikes and hit the trails on foot.
- Once there, choose your own hiking adventure—whether you’re in the mood for a peaceful wander or ready to rack up the miles on a more vigorous hike, we’ve got you covered.
3:00pm - Yoga at the villa
6:00pm – Homestyle dinner at the Villa (Chef’s creation), pack up for morning!
Sunday, August 24th:
5:30am - Grab n' go breakfast, pack up and head to the train station (1 mile away, we will drive our rental car(s)).
Take the Coastal Classic Train (4 hour scenic ride) to Seward. 6:45am – 11:20am
12:00 - Lunch out in Seward (dutch)
1:30pm - Water taxi to Shearwater Cove, stay 2 nights in beautiful yurts.
2:00pm – Get settled in your yurt, relax!
3:00pm - Hike (short, sight-seeing)
4:30pm – Kayak (lessons available with our host!)
6:00pm – Dinner (Chef’s creation)
7:00pm – Sip & create or sunset kayak, weather dependent
Monday, August 25th:
8:00am – Breakfast (Chef’s creation)
9:30am – Short Hike
11:00am - Kayak lessons (optional)
11:30am – Guided Kayak Excursion including picnic lunch on the Fox Island Spit, aka Sand Spit Point State Marine Park (3-4 hours with time on the spit)
4:30pm - Yoga for all - 75min
6:00pm – Dinner (Chef’s creation)
7:00pm – Sip & create or sunset kayak, weather dependent
Tuesday, August 26th:
8:00am – Breakfast Snack (Chef’s creation)
9:00am – Guided Hike - Whiskey Lake 1.5 mile, rugged, breathtaking
11:30pm – Brunch (Chef’s creation)
1:00pm – Kayak or break
3:30pm - Yoga for all - 75min
5:30pm – Dinner (Chef’s creation)
6:30pm – Live music with Kat Moore
Wednesday, August 27th:
9:00am - Scenic boat tour (Weather Permitting Charter Co) back to Seward (6 hours)- stay at the Breeze Inn.
Thursday, August 28th:
7:30am - Van ride (with Seward City Tours) from Seward to Ted Stevens Anchorage Airport. This trip is about 2hrs 15min.
Fly Home!
### What to Bring:
- Clothing for various temperatures for hiking, kayaking, yoga, and walking.
- Clothing includes full rain gear (water proof pants, rain jacket) just in case.
- Shoes for all of the above.
- Swimsuit (we love to cold plunge in nature!)
### Fitness Needed:
Ladies need to be comfortable with a moderate level of activity and mobility, including going up and down stairs every day, getting in and out of kayaks, and spending 30-45 minutes at a time in a kayak.
There are several flights of stairs from the dock at Shearwater Cove up to the yurts, so please keep this in mind as you pack your bags.
The yoga sessions are for all levels and will include modifications to meet your mobility level. If you have any questions about the physical and mobility level needed to enjoy this retreat, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
### About the lodging/sleeping arrangements:
Shearwater Cove:
Each adventurer will have her own bed in a yurt that is shared with one other woman. Each yurt has its own private shower and composting toilet.
There are two yurt types on the property: Original Yurts and Premier Yurts. Original Yurts have an open floor plan with 1 queen bed and 1 full size futon bed. Premier Yurts have 2 queen beds that each have their own private bedroom space. We have 6 beds available (3 yurts) in each type.
There are four pricing options to meet your budget, depending on which bed type you choose. See full pricing details and options in our registration page when you click on the "REGISTER TODAY" button.
Villa in Anchorage:
Unless otherwise requested, each adventurer will have her own bed in this spacious villa on the water.
Breeze Inn in Seward:
Shared Hotel Rooms, everyone has her own bed.
- Women's Hiking & Rock Climbing RetreatCamp Manitowa, Benton, IL
Join Sally Drake as you learn the basics on rock climbing (day 1) and continue to sharpen your skills on day 2! Your guides will be climbing guru, Jon Richards of Vertical Voyages and experienced climber and our yoga instructor, Debby Siegel.
EXPERIENCED OUTDOOR CLIMBER?
You can learn more advanced skills, or if you have your own equipment and don't need help, we have a registration option for you. Come out and play, show us how it's done!HIKING ONLY?
Not interested in this much adventure? You can hike your heart out on the gorgeous trails near the rock climbing area. See the option in registration for hiking only. If you are hiking only, we recommend that you bring a yoga mat, book, etc so you can relax if you don't want to hike all day. It is also fun to watch the climbers.
### Wednesday, October 15th - Arrival at Camp:
Arrive at camp between 4-5:30pm
6pm – Dinner + meet and mingle + Sally will give a rundown of the weekend events and Dan will share about the Thursday night fundraising BBQ
7:00pm – Bonfire. music, & fun conversation
Thursday, October 16th - Climbing Day #1:
7:00am – Coffee, Tea and light breakfast available in the kitchen (note: you are always welcome to make coffee in the office)
8:00am – Bus picks us up in front of the office
9:00am – Arrive at Giant City State Park and meet up with our instructors, Jon and Debby
Start climbing! (see full climbing agenda below)
12:00pm – Lunch break (we will have sack lunches, fruit, and drinks)
12:30pm - Climb again (see full climbing agenda below!)
3:30pm – Hop on the bus to head back to camp
4:30pm – Arrive back at camp, shower, get comfy
5pm – Restorative yoga and sound bath with Debby
6pm – Dinner – BBQ Fundraiser for Camp Indigo Point, CO (see flyer below)
7pm – Bonfire & Music### Friday, October 17th - Climbing Day #2:
Repeat of Thursday from 7am – 3:30pm
4:30pm – Arrive back at camp. Those who are with us for the climbing portion only can pack up and head on out!
OR stay for the Adventure Retreat………
6pm – Dinner and Icebreaker as we have the 2nd group of adventure gals join us!
7pm – LIVE MUSIC at the bonfire: Indie Folk/Americana with Jeremy Todd
Saturday, October 18th - Bundle 2 Retreats!
SEE AGENDA in Women’s Adventure Retreat
What to bring for the climbing/hiking excursions:- Plenty of snacks (we will have some)
- Water bottle (we will bring extra on the bus for refills)
- Comfortable, close-fitting clothing that allows you to move. Ideally, nothing new or nice, sometimes the rocks can snag clothing. Weather-appropriate. Shorts are acceptable but you may scrape your legs.
- Hiking boots or shoes or trail shoes in case you want to explore on breaks (required, close-toed)
- Hammock - if you have one, many of the crags have places to hang them - we will bring a few extras
- Backpack to carry all of your stuff
- Any personal medications (e.g., EpiPen, inhaler, allergy meds)
- Sunglasses / sunscreen
- Camera/phone
What is included in the climbing instruction sessions:
(Participants may use personal gear if it is approved by the instructor.)- Harness and Helmet
- Climbing Shoes
- Chalk Bag
- Belay Device with Locking Carabiner
Where are we climbing?
Giant City State Park – Devil's Standtable Area
Devil's Standtable Nature Trail Lot
Google Map
Program Itinerary
Day 1:- Introductions and Gear-Up
- Figure-8 Knot & Belay Instruction
- Climbing Technique Overview
- Warm-Up Climbs
- Rappelling Experience
Day 2:
- Gear-Up and Warm-Up
- Focused Climbing on a Variety of Routes
- Optional Rappelling
What to bring for the entire retreat:- Bedding & towels (if you are flying in, contact Sally about this)
- Sunscreen
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Yoga mat
- Ear plugs
- A variety of clothing/hats/shoes for activities and weather changes
- Small blanket for bonfire, etc
Lodging:
Yurts & cabins
- let me know if you want to be with a friend or group.
- upcharge for heated cabin
- private yurts available for upcharge
REGISTER TODAY
