Backpacking Basics Workshop For Women
Pull on your hiking boots!

Let’s hike together with Mel Blaney on the Appalachian Trail in the Shenandoah National Forest in Virginia!

Have you ever had questions on the how-to of backpacking? This weekend workshop, held at the Bear’s Den Hostel on the Trail, is your ultimate opportunity to learn from Mel Blaney, a trail-tested thru-hiker and author of A Journey of Friendship.

Cost for workshop $250 with complimentary transportation by creative coach company.

For more information and to register, contact:
Mimi Morrison  740-592-3496
Earth Touch Workshops and Photography P.O. Box 326
Athens, Ohio  45701
Email: [email protected]
Mel will teach you:
- Proper pack and boot fitting
- What to pack and how to get organized
- Clothing for fit and comfort
- How to use backpacking stoves and water filters
- Map reading in the outdoors
- Hiking hints

Hiking a "bald knob" on the Appalachian Trail
Hiking a "bald knob" on the Appalachian Trail.

BACKPACKING BASICS WORKSHOP FOR WOMEN
TYPICAL ITINERARY
Friday
  • AM departure
  • Afternoon arrival at hostel
  • Evening workshop “Basics of Backpacking”
  • Overnight accommodation at the hostel
Saturday
  • Day hike on the Appalachian Trail with instruction by Mel
  • Bus shuttle back to hostel from different distances on the trail
  • Overnight at the hostel
Sunday
  • AM wrap up of workshop at hostel
  • Stop at Harpers Ferry, headquarters of the Appalachian Trail
  • PM departure mid-afternoon
A Journey of FriendshipAbout the book:
Mel and Lindi were from two different continents, but they both shared the same dream, attempting a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. They started at Springer Mountain, Georgia as strangers, but finished after 6 months and 2,159 miles at Mt. Katahdin, Maine as friends for life. Their story reflects the determination it takes to overcome the obstacles along the trail and they invite you to share in the beauty of the people and their surroundings that they encountered on their journey. (Book available for purchase)

Taking a water break on the Appalachian Trail
A water break on the Appalachian Trail.
Bear's Den Hostel on the Trail

Bear’s Den Hostel on the Trail.
For more information and Dates for  the
BACKPACKING BASICS WORKSHOP FOR WOMEN
and to register (click here)
Appalachian Trail

Backpacking on the Appalachian Trail: Shenandoah Valley, - Taught by Mel Blaney, an Appalachian Trail thru-hiker, this trip is designed for the intermediate level hiker. Begins on a Friday night, (see"registration info" for dates), at Bears Den Hostel in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. Saturday overnight out on the trail. Build on the basics of backpacking while experiencing the enchantment of the Appalachian Trail.
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