"As dreams are the healing songs 
from the wilderness of
our unconscious
So wild animals, wild plants, wild landscapes 
are the healing dreams 
from the deep singing mind
of the earth."
– Dale Pendell

Join Wildtender, Erik Davis and friends for an invitational backpacking journey into the Big Sur wild and an embodied experience of ritual time – as we approach a traditional season of heightened ceremony: Samhain, Fourth Harvest, Dia de Los Muertos, Vetrnætr (Winter Nights), etcetera. Enchantment and subjectivity flood back into the world as the veil thins… ancestors are close, as are their messages. Grounding our practices in the land, and in our bodies (including our larger body of the Earth), the pattern of the landscape will provide our ritual text, and our plant-kin will be our allies and teachers. Following two paths simultaneously – physical and psycho-spiritual trails – we will journey toward “the deep singing mind of the Earth”.

Program Itinerary

We will determine our itinerary and logistics closer to the program’s start date, based on current trail conditions as well as the group’s intentions and interests. We imagine this will most likely be an out-and-back (or small loop) journey with the possibility of a rest day to immerse in place (under 20 miles of hiking total). However, if the group is feeling more ambitious, we could potentially make an (East to West) thru-hike of the Santa Lucia Mountains from the Eastern Slope of the Big Sur backcountry all the way to the wild coast. That would require up to 8 miles per day (~27 miles total for the entire trip).

For now, please plan to meet mid-morning on October 18th and depart late afternoon of October 21st.

Meet Your Guide

Fletcher Tucker

Wildtender Co-founder Fletcher was raised by the foggy redwood ravines and fragrant chaparral bluffs of the Esselen tribal territory now known as Big Sur, California. Fletcher is a lifelong student of natural history, an ancestral skills practitioner, and an experienced teacher of adults and children. Fletcher is a writer, multidisciplinary artist and musician whose practice and work engages deeply with place.

Fletcher’s inner work includes ongoing exploration in Zen and Taoist practices/philosophy; over a decade of study in the Gestalt lineage of Esalen Institute co-founder Dick Price; and engagement with the Earth-reverent, spiritual practices of his own Nordic and Celtic ancestors.

Fletcher is a NOLS certified Wilderness First Responder.

Please note: if the group size exceeds six people, an assistant guide or co-guide will be added.

Scholarship Available

Note from Erik Davis: “No one turned away for lack of funds. This is a trip I am putting together for my pleasure as well as everyone else’s, which means everyone is pre-vetted for awesomeness. Between myself and some other generous participants, we will be offering scholarships to make sure that everyone who wants to come will be able to come.” 

If you have a budget issue that prevents you from confirming, please contact Erik about scholarship support: erik@techgnosis.com

Program Tuition

$1200
REGISTER HERE

Wildtender supports amazing teachers, small businesses and organic, sustainable brands in sourcing our meals and supplies. Thank you for your supporting us as we strive to strengthen local and sustainable economies, and compensate teachers and guides who have spent decades honing their craft and skills.

TUITION INCLUDES

  • 3-night / 4-day guided wilderness journey

  • Camp meals and beverages (breakfast & dinner each day)

  • Shared wilderness & safety supplies (maps, satellite communication device, water filters, cooking supplies, first aid, etc.)

  • Instruction in natural history & ecology, nature connection, backpacking essentials, and relational awareness practices

  • Welcome packet and informative packing list to help you prepare logistically and psycho-spiritually for the journey

  • Preliminary phone call to address any questions or concerns

  • Guide fees (for Wilderness First Responder certified guides)

TUITION EXCLUDES

  • Travel to and from program

  • Lunches and snacks on trail

  • Personal backpacking equipment. A full packing list will be supplied upon registration, but here are the essential items you will definitely need to buy, borrow or rent: hiking boots, backpacking backpack, lightweight tent, lightweight sleeping bag, lightweight sleeping pad and headlamp. Major cities (Bay Area, Los Angeles) have good in-person options for backpacking rentals, and there are online options (that will ship backpacking rentals) for other areas.

  • Travel insurance is strongly recommended, as there is the possibility of being hindered by wildfires/smoke or early storms in mid October (in addition to whatever life or medical complexities may arise for you personally in advance of the trip, or on the trail). Most comprehensive (“cancel for any reason” benefit) policies need to be booked within 20 days of making a deposit. Please explore plans and factor into your budget. More context and specific backpacker insurance plan recommendations can be found here.

Other Information