Backcountry Tent Camping Retreat

Location: Fish Creek Group Site in Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest

Gerald May’s book Wisdom of Wilderness is a natural lead-in to a backcountry tent camping retreat. We have reservations at Fish Creek Group Site, a very large, forested area with dozens of sites to set up a tent away from the other participants. Far enough away, anyhow, that it will feel like solo tent camping, not group tent camping.

Participants will supply their own tent, camp chair, sleeping bag, and ground pad or air mattress, dishes, silverware, travel mug, and potable water.

There will be a potluck supper on Friday, September 25.

All other meals will be supplied by the leader and will be simple vegetarian fare. A daily menu list will be supplied ahead of time. Participants preferring other food are welcome to bring and prepare meals on their own.

There are many hiking opportunities in the area. Participants may join in group hikes, or choose to spend more time in solitude, coming together only for meals.

The Fish Creek Group Site is just ten miles out of Grangeville and is accessible by passenger car. (Driving directions will be supplied to registrants.) Plan on arriving any time after 3pm on Friday, September 25. Bring an item to contribute to the potluck supper that begins at 6pm. Give yourself enough time to select a site and set up your tent before it gets too dark.

The group site is many acres in size, with lots of spots for a private tent site. There are two pit toilet structures at each end of the group site, but no running water.

This event is for tent camping only. Being in a metal and plastic box (i.e., an RV, camping trailer, or camper) off the ground changes the experience radically, so please leave your RV at home. The event ends Sunday afternoon. We hope this is an easy, first-time backcountry tent camping experience for those who would like to try it but want the safety and convenience that Fish Creek Group Site offers.

Limited to twenty tent campers. Registration for this retreat will open in early September and will initially be open only to participants in the zoom book discussion group. Registration for any remaining open slots will become available in mid- September.

For questions about the retreat content, contact the retreat leader at mlitch@stgertrudes.org.

For administrative questions, contact Melissa Englander.

Participants will be asked to sign a liability waiver prior to the event. No cost.