You may have heard science writer Florence Williams talk about her “showstopping” book Heartbreak with Terry Gross on Fresh Air. I’ve known Florence for decades. We cemented our friendship well before the age of cell phones, in kayaks, on Colorado’s Yampa River. After that, we wrote for the same newspaper (the fabulous High Country News,) embarked  on river trips in both the West and the East, and even traveled together to Ireland and Mexico. We stayed close through our growing writing careers and our marriages (to brothers!) “Staying close” is a bit of an understatement: we have pretty much never stopped talking.

Just about the only thing we haven’t done together is teach a retreat that draws on our mutual belief that both the outdoors and writing are portals to a nearly magical  amounts of healing and joy. We’re so excited to work together, using these practices to help women  process their emotions and reframe their lives.

During JOURNEY INTO AWE, we’ll each stay in our own cabin (with private bathroom!) at Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch, a beautiful family-owned 3,200-acre dude ranch on the banks of the Big Thompson River in the red rock canyons and foothills west of Loveland, Colorado.  We’ll eat sumptous food prepared by the ranch chef in the retro-western dining room, and have Florence lead us on tried-and-true nature practices that calm our nervous systems and feed our spirits. These will take place in short walks, as well as some time with the ranch’s horses, including an optional trail ride. There’ll be free time each day to rest, journal, or wade in the river. I’ll lead a daily guided heart-opener of a writing session, and after dinner we’ll share our thoughts and writings around a roaring fire.

Florence and I consider the Rocky Mountains our natural habitat. It’s where we’ve poured our hearts out to each other in about a thousand hikes. We’re excited to see you in the foothills in May!