Fall retreat to feature new activities and old favorites

Mark your calendars! The Piasa Palisades Group will hold its annual Weekend in the Woods retreat Friday, Sept. 29, through Sunday, Oct. 1, at Camp Ouatoga at Pere Marquette State Park, near Grafton.  As usual, it's the bargain of the century for families, singles and couples who enjoy spending time in nature.

Lodging in rustic cabins costs only $6 per person per night. You don't have to bring tents, dishes or stoves, just food, outdoor gear, sleeping bags or other bedding. That really makes for a relaxing and carefree weekend. Even if you don't camp, feel free to join us for activities and programs.

Free backpacking workshops at Ouatoga this fall!!!

For the first time, Piasa Palisades Group Executive Committee member Susan Murray will lead a free series of four backpacking workshops Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 in conjunction with the group's annual Weekend in the Woods retreat.

Interested persons should meet in the dining hall of Camp Ouatoga, an old Civilian Conservation Corps camp in a remote section of Pere Marquette State Park, near Grafton. If you have a backpack, bring it.

Here is the schedule:

"Backcountry Kitchen," 10 a.m. to noon Saturday

This session will focus on how to choose foods for your backpacking trip, select a stove and kitchen gear and secure food from wildlife. We will also talk about water purification and backcountry sanitation. You will have the opportunity to sample a variety of foods.

"Gear Up for Backpacking," 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday

Learn how to choose clothing, including boots and socks, that will keep you comfortable in the outdoors. Hands-on experience with a variety of  tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads and other equipment. Share sources of clothing and gear.

"Backpacking Basics," 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday

Learn how to pack a backpack to keep the weight off your shoulders and take a short walk carrying a backpack. Learn how to set up a campsite, observe Leave No Trace principles and avoid and deal with emergencies.

"Backpacking: Where to Go," 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sunday

The world awaits – where do you want to go? We will talk about how to choose a destination, obtain maps and plan a route. We will also talk about conditioning for backpacking and knowing your limits.

Feel free to participate in the backpacking workshops only, but we invite you to spend Friday and/or Saturday night at the camp and join us for the group meal, program and campfire on Saturday evening.

Advance registration isn't required for the backpacking workshops, but it sure would be nice to give Susan an idea of how many people to expect. You can email her at emseth75@gmail.com.

Other activities will include hikes, a canoe paddle and bike ride; a TreeHouse Wildlife Center presentation with live animals and an owl prowl on Friday night; a group meal on Saturday night and a presentation by three St. Louis-area women who are kayaking the entire length of the Mississippi River; campfires and plenty of socializing.

Check out the complete Weekend in the Woods schedule, instructions and a registration form that can be printed and mailed. The registration deadline is Monday, Sept. 25. (Remember, an R.S.V.P. on Facebook doesn't count as registration.) For more information, call Teri Maddox at 618-656-8132 or email to palisadesviews@gmail.com.