Walking with you
through Grief, crisis, trauma, and losses of the past
FRESH JOURNEY
FRESH JOURNEY
Challenges faced on the trail, translate to facing life's challenges with consistent training. Travel home lighter as you experience God's care and provision displayed in creation.
Over the last 5 years, I have helped train people at all levels to confidently reach their hiking goals using daily self care and the Train for the Trail plan.
Strengthen your body; renew your mind and spirit. Experience contagious joy and freedom, for every body shape and size.
Purchase the workbook to journey towards healing grief on your own.
Invite your support group, fitness club, church, or counseling ministry to complete the hiking training and book study together.
Join one of the quarterly Hiking to Explore Grief Workshops to have the support of an online community. You can plan your own hike or join up with others in your area.
Twice a year, you have the opportunity for a destination hike that combines your own healing and the opportunity to pay if forward as we partner to raise funds for Wild Haven Sanctuary.
Are you carrying grief that needs space to breathe? Join us for an 8-week workshop that uses hiking as both metaphor and practice for navigating loss.
No hiking experience needed—just an openness to healing.
Through small daily practices for body, mind, and spirit, we'll prepare for both inner and outer journeys.
Walk with us as we:
• explore grief in all its forms—even those you didn't know needed grieving.
• learn practical self-care essentials for your whole self.
• build toward a culminating celebration hike over 6 weeks.
January 4, 2026 - March 1, 2026
Plan a celebration hike, cross country ski, or snowshoeing adventure between February 16-28.
Information:
Workbook Discussion: Sundays, 3:30pm EST/1:30pm PST (1 hour Zoom session, not recorded)
Location:
Plan, train, and take a moderate hike in your area (or join up with other participants in your area).
Donation:
Suggested $150 (minimum $40)
All proceeds benefit Wild Haven Sanctuary
June 7, 2026 - August 2, 2026
Plan your celebration hike between July 20-August 1.
Information:
Workbook Discussion: Sundays, 3:30pm EST/1:30pm PST (1 hour Zoom session, not recorded)
Location:
Select a 2-5 mile trail for your celebration hike (or join others in your area).
Donation:
Suggested $150 (minimum $40)
All proceeds benefit Wild Haven Sanctuary
Fundraising tax-deductible donations for Wild Haven Sanctuary to continue cultivating healing, hope and restoration for those who have experienced hurt, loss, trauma, or suffering to help restore them to lifestyles of freedom, peace, and purpose.
Workshop: April 20, 2026 - June 14, 2026
Class Days and Times:
All calls are Mondays, 8:30 PM Eastern (Zoom, no recording)
Training check-in calls, every other Thursday 8:30 PM (Zoom, recording available)
Kickoff of weekly calls: April 20
Last weekly call: June 8
Event Dates: 6/12 - 6/14 (hike 6/13)
6 week training program with coaching and accountability focused on using the daily self-care essentials practices
Coaching and check-in calls in addition to the workshop
3 days and 2 nights lodging
Full round-trip transportation from the Amarillo airport on June 12 to the Palo Duro Canyon, any transportation necessary for the three days of the event, and return ride to the Amarillo airport on June 14.
Tips and support for fundraising
A holistic (mind, body, & spirit) approach to the entire event
A team of experienced guides (trailblazers)
A commemorative shirt and souvenir swag bag
An authentic compassionate community
Hike details
How long is the hike?
The hike is approximately 8.7 miles. The target time is 4-6 hours from start to finish.
What’s the trail like?
The trail is a rugged wilderness trail maintained by CCC. The trail is rocky in many places, with uneven, muddy, or sandy patches. There is little shade and temperatures may be extreme. Trails may have thorned plants encroaching on the path. You will have to step over irregular obstacles up to 18 inches in height in places. Several caves are located in the Palo Duro Canyon, exploration of caves will be optional.
Cost
$1055 registration fee per person
Payment Plans available
Payments start immediately and are charged every 30 days for up to three payments. Registration fees must be paid if full by May 1, 2026.
Refund Policy
The registration fee is non-refundable. Participants who withdraw from training prior to the start of the 6-week training period will have their fee converted into a tax-deductible donation to Wild Haven Sanctuary.
All proceeds benefit Wild Haven Sanctuary
In addition to the registration fee, each hiker agrees to fundraise $ 1,500 in tax-deductible donations for Wild Haven Sanctuary to continue cultivating healing, hope and restoration for those who have experienced hurt, loss, trauma, or suffering to help restore them to lifestyles of freedom, peace, and purpose.
Important Notes
All hikers must own a smartwatch or smartphone to track training hikes. You agree to be accountable to our team of experienced trailblazers through the day of the event.
Fundraising
You agree to the fundraising goal of $1500. You will be provided a fundraising page to share with supporters. You can start fundraising now.
If you prefer, you may cover the fundraising amount on your own rather than fundraise. Wild Haven Sanctuary reserves the right to withhold your spot if you have not met the fundraising goal by the time you arrive in Amarillo for the hike.
Training
You must train diligently for this event. Wild Haven Sanctuary reserves the right to excuse you from participating in this event should you not meet the training requirements. This includes the physical cardio/strength training, the required training hikes, weekly training calls, and regular correspondence with your trailblazer.
Injury
Because of the nature of this event and the Palo Duro Canyon, if you sustain an injury or illness at any time throughout the training period, you must notify your trail guide. If the injury or illness compromises your safety or the safety of the group, Wild Haven Sanctuary reserves the right to excuse you from participating on the day of the hike.
Important Medical Advisory
Hiking is for individuals cleared for exercise by their physician, who are active 3-5 times a week, and no more than 40 pounds overweight. Each participant will be required to receive a clearance from a medical provider.
Leading up to the 6-week training program, all participants must train cardio 3-4x per week and strength 2x per week.
The 6 weeks of training hikes will range from 2.5 – 8 miles, with time on your feet ranging from 1.5 – 4+ hours. If you don’t live near mountains or hills, you may still train as a “flatlander” using hill-repeats or stadium stairs. (Stair machines and treadmills are not allowed for training hikes.)
Space is limited to ensure a quality experience for all participants.