Wyoming Goat-Pack Hiking Retreat
sponsored by Hazon
Wind River Range, Wyoming, July 1-7

This TorahTrek retreat combines backcountry hiking with traditional and innovative Jewish practice. Rabbi Comins teaches the theory of Jewish Wilderness Spirituality on the trail. We learn to be fully present in the natural world through mindfulness exercises, such as silent walking, easy-to-learn walking meditation, and Jewish blessings. We invite God’s presence by dialoguing with our wilderness surroundings through prayer, song and Chi Quong style movement meditation. Embedded in nature, we then turn to inner exploration, bringing awareness to the stirrings of heart and soul. Each day includes hitbodedut, safe and supervised alone time in the wild for spiritual practice. In the evening, we study and discuss, cook and eat together, laugh and enjoy with new friends under the brilliant night sky.

Learn more about Rabbi Comins’s approach to spirituality in wilderness by reading his article, "Wilderness Spirituality," or excerpts from his book, A Wild Faith: Jewish Ways into Wilderness; Wilderness Ways into Judaism (Jewish Lights Publishing).

Place
If it we located in any other state, the Wind River Range would be a National Park. The granite peaks, alpine meadows and clear lakes are simply spectacular. This is where the locals go because they prefer it to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. The terrain is similar to the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, without the crowds! To see Rabbi Comins’s pictures of the Wind River Range, click here.

Gear
We provide it and the goats carry it! We provide tents, food and cooking equipment. You need only bring your camera, personal clothing, toiletries, tent and a sleeping bag. (Tents are available upon request.) An equipment and clothing list is included in the registration packet. You may leave extra bags with the outfitter in Lander while we hike.

During our hikes, participants carry lunch, personal gear, and water. Expect to carry some clothing and personal gear, up to twenty pounds in your daypack.

Goats
Goats are likable and friendly, and they have less impact on the terrain (and our noses) than pack-horses. While they won’t seek you out (unlike dogs), they enjoy being petted.

Degree of Difficulty and Physical Condition
Participants must be in good physical condition. We will be hiking up to 8 miles a day, with up to twenty pounds on our backs, on sometimes steep, rugged trails at altitude (8-11 thousand feet, higher if you choose to climb a peak). If you have questions about your degree of fitness, contact Rabbi Comins.

Schedule
We gather in Lander, Wyoming at 8am on Tuesday morning, July 1. We meet our guides and the goats, pack our gear, and drive to the trailhead. We return to Lander in the afternoon on Monday July 7. Optional group dinner in Lander that evening.

Weather
We can expect warm days at 50-80 degrees. Typically, evenings are cool and temperatures approach freezing at night. We are at high altitude; summer storms and low temperatures are possible. Please bring sleeping bags that are rated for cold weather!!

Food
All meals are vegetarian. Contact Rabbi Comins to see if special food needs can be accommodated. Participants will take turns helping with food prep and clean-up.

Safety
Our guides are outdoor professionals with extensive wilderness experience. Our trail guide is trained in First Aid and Rabbi Comins is a Wilderness First Responder, having completed an advanced, 10 day First Aid course especially designed for backcountry leaders. The leaders carry an emergency short-wave radio or satellite phone. Nevertheless, there are unavoidable risks in a wilderness trip and participants are required to sign a waiver acknowledging that they understand and accept the risks involved. Participants are expected to be in sufficient physical condition, exercise sound judgment and avoid unnecessary risks.

You are required to provide detailed and accurate information on our health form. This makes it possible for the staff to prepare for your needs. We reserve the right to refuse participation on the basis of inaccurate or incomplete health information.

Religious Observance
There are no religious pre-requisites for this retreat. Beginners in spiritual practice and Judaic observance will need a bit of tolerance, particularly during Shabbat services, but most group practices will be taught to all from the beginning. A background in Judaic and/or spiritual practice will enhance a participant’s experience. This program is not intended for those whose Jewish practice is strictly observant. Prayer services are egalitarian and traditional-style with contemporary, English additions; those who wish to pray a more traditional service, an alternative service or alternative practice will have the opportunity to do so on their own. Meals are kosher style; dishes are not kosher.

Registration and Payment
The cost of $1,195 includes TorahTrek program, meals (Tuesday lunch through Monday lunch) wilderness permits, guides, camping fees, equipment and transportation from Lander.

This retreat is limited to a maximum of ten participants. Early registration is recommended. To reserve your place, a non-refundable deposit of $100 may be sent anytime before May 15, 2008. The deadline for registration and full payment is May 15, 2008. Participants accepted after May 15, 2008, space permitting, are subject to a $100 late fee. Payment is by check only; make checks payable to "TorahTrek". A minimum of six participants registered by May 15, 2008 is required for this program to run.

To receive a registration packet, email us at "reg08" at torahtrek.com or click here.

Cancellation Policy
A full refund, minus $100, is extended when notice of cancellation, in writing, is postmarked on or before April 15, 2008. A full refund, minus $100, is extended when notice of cancellation, in writing, is postmarked after April 15, 2008, if another participant takes your place. If your place goes unfilled, a 50% refund is extended when notice of cancellation, in writing, is postmarked on or before June 1, 2008. No refund will be extended after June 1, 2008 if your place goes unfilled.

We do our best to offer a cancellation policy that is fair to all. But the unexpected occurs. We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance. See your travel agent, or search under “travel insurance” on the web for a host of insurance companies.

Questions
Further information will be sent upon receipt of deposit, including a detailed equipment list and suggestions to prepare spiritually for the trek.

Write us with any additional questions or concerns at “reg08” at torahtrek.com or click here.