Adventure Race Kansas Home

LAKE ADVENTURES
3710 Farnum Creek Rd, Milford, KS
785-307-1901
e xtremekansas@yahoo.com

WOW 2011 Quotes:

“By hook or by crook.”

"Where can I get a short bus?"

“Who gave her the knife?”

“What if a G.I. saw you doing
that?—it might be dangerous.”

“Sure I can look for dog collar
when running a 8 min mi.”

"Do you have a license to wear
pink?"

“These kayaks will never tip”.

Wild Outdoor Women's Retreat 2011
Friday, 8/19
So it begins with a huge surprise, our WOW HQ had a last minute move (yesterday) to the brand new Cabin #11—PERFECT ambiance for our
retreat and large enough for ideal group comfort over the next few days! We all gather to meet (most for the 1st time) and introduce ourselves—not
by our names, jobs and families, but by who we are at the very center. We then chose and shared our “remarkable gifts”, which will continue giving
(I hope) everyday. Within 30 minutes, it was clear how each woman would make this retreat remarkable.

After a quick paddle class, we were on the water in kayaks and canoes for our floating lunch. Passing the lunch tray over 10 watercrafts as the wind
picked up was our 1st “exercise” in balance and teamwork (bonus result). Some even shared their cookies as a gesture of friendship (LOL). As if
that wasn’t exciting and rewarding enough, one of our group decided to swim for awhile and provide a 2nd opportunity for balance and teamwork.
When it comes to an outdoor weekend, you might as well jump right into it—no need to spend time getting just your feet wet!

Next up was the Navigation Class—maps, compasses, UTM’s, terrain features, checkpoints & strategy.   After a couple hours of concentration, we
were definitely on our way to becoming “oriented” and able to choose our own paths. So we set off on a 2 mile hike on Liminal Trail to find some
checkpoints, with groups of women taking turns leading the group. We quickly discovered that trail maps are icing, but the cake is always the topo
map. We also learned how mental strength and communication is far superior to elite physical ability when it comes to moving through the woods
as a “team”.

Ready for some relaxation, now it was time for Yoga outside with Becky--a great way to round out the day, bringing us back to ourselves & offering
some insight on how yoga can benefit us every day.   Everyone was ready for a substantial meal & the lasagna/vegetarian lasagna was a hit. We
topped off the full day of mental & physical activities, fresh air & new friendships with laughter, wine & chocolate.

Saturday, 8/20
Sunrise was at 6:45am and many of us chose to greet the day with a 5 mile trail run or walk. The forest at daybreak is an incredible experience on
its own, but add several women sharing as many stories as there were footsteps on the path—and there is no doubt this will be a day to remember!

After breakfast around the big table, we joined together for Charmion’s 1st attempt at leading Yoga. A combination of breathing, asanas,
meditation and music (Brule) and one hour later—the group was completely centered and full of more positive energy then currently exists in the
field of quantum science. It was determined that we would be adding yoga to the schedule the next 2 days as well.

Relaxed and ready for ropes, we started with the basics at the lodge—learning some knots, how to belay, use a rappel device and convince our
minds to let our bodies and gear work together to become climbers. Then off we went to those dam cliffs. Most everyone had descended the two
beginner routes a time or three/four when much to our dismay, we were rescued from ourselves by a man in uniform . . . I’ll leave it at that.   So off
we went to the tower for some ascending—can’t keep a good woman down after all. Using mechanical ascenders, or jumars, many made it to the
top and reveled in the safety and relaxation of a 4x8 platform high in the tree tops. Some in the group earned nicknames that may be spoken with
reverance well into their golden years—like “spider monkey”.

And then there was Donna, the famed massage therapist with a personality as large as the state she calls home. She provided much needed
muscle relief & relaxation therapy after our day on the ropes. She promises to return for massages next year and plans to join in onthe other fun
too! Celebration with turkey/veggie burgers & smores followed, as well as many laughs & stories at the campfire.

Sunday, 8/23
The day started off with more yoga and by now, we now know what colors our prana are, turn quickly to the present moment and are very certain
just how far we’ll get on that headstand. Requests are made for a youtube video, but final determination was not announced.

After breakfast, we met for Charm Mountain Biking 101 which starts with how to buy the right bike, moves on to getting your mind and body right for
the situation/terrain and ends with a mass ride of everyone’s bikes (and dreams of carbon fiber and 29” tires).

Finally it’s time for the big race—teams are announced and the WOW Adventure Race (plotted after breakfast) begins! About 6 miles of mountain
biking, trekking, navigation, ropes challenge and canoeing/kayaking end in all teams successfully completing the course—some lamenting small
errors or issues, but all with smiles & feelings of accomplishment of seeing the result of all they have done in the last 3 days.     The return of Donna
and her magic hands meant more celebration!

Dinner tonight was chicken, fish or tofu fajitas--and margaritas for those who were friends with Patron. The women voted for the "Ms. WOW" and for
MVP on each team. Ms. Wow (international)--Nikki the Canuck-- was crowned with a Team LA bike jersey and each team MVP, Deborah, Loralee
earned an LA AR shirt.

Monday, 8/24
The last day--time to make every second count before goodbye--so a 6:45 trail run, followed by yoga. No one was in a hurry to go, though it had
been 3 long days. It seemed too soon for us to say farewell. We started as stranger and parted as friends.   I hope to have many more amazing
experiences with you all. You are the WOW. Thank you.

Thank you to Melissa, Jill and Tammy for your help, to Mike and Acorns Resort for rushing to complete the new cabin and allowing us in before it
was finished . . . it was PERFECT!
And thank you to my Mother for inspiring me by living life with Intention.

See More 2011 Photos

3/4
3/10
4/13-15
5/26
7/21
8/11
8/17-20
9/09
10/06

4/14

2/18
3/11
4/28
5/05
5/19
6/09
6/16
7/30
9/15