Women's Retreat Wisconsin: A Free Fall Weekend Under the Stars

Come As You Are: Our Weekend Under the Stars

Come as you are. Leave a little lighter.

Hello friends,

I woke up this Monday morning feeling so relaxed and so full of energy. This past weekend, 12 amazing women joined me at the River House for our free women’s retreat here in Wisconsin, and I am still carrying that energy with me.

A Weekend of Saying Yes

We started Saturday on the Ice Age Trail, kicking off the Mammoth Challenge with 6.5 miles under a bright, sunny sky. And the colors! October arrived and it felt like every leaf changed overnight. None of us expected it.

Women hiking together on the Ice Age Trail in blaze orange during the fall retreat — Kicking off the Mammoth Challenge on the Ice Age Trail

Group of women hikers smiling together on the Ice Age Trail during the Mammoth Challenge kickoff — Kicking off the Mammoth Challenge on the Ice Age Trail

Then we headed to Pine River for wine tasting and gathered around the charcuterie board. That is where we really got to know each other.

Twelve women raising wine glasses around a charcuterie board in a sunlit screened porch — Wine, charcuterie, and new friends after our Ice Age Trail hike

The Gift of Doing Nothing

Back at the River House, we had zero plans. Some women read, some sunbathed, some stretched, and some just sat by the fire. When was the last time you gave yourself permission to do nothing?

Tents pitched on a grassy field in front of trees turning gold and red — Home for the weekend at the River House, with nowhere to be

Women relaxing in camp chairs around a fire pit in the morning sun — Home for the weekend at the River House, with nowhere to be

At sunset we got into the kayaks on the Pine River. For some, it was their very first time. Watching them paddle past the golden trees, I saw women becoming who they have always wanted to be.

View from a red kayak with bare feet up, women paddling past a bright orange maple on the Pine River — Feet up, colors everywhere, and first time paddlers all around

Then we cooked dinner together over the fire and slept under the stars. It is always one of the best parts of this retreat. Everything outside, everything shared.

Women gathered in camp chairs around a glowing stone fire pit at dusk — Cooking and gathering under the stars

Campfire cooking under the night sky with fall trees lit up above the group — Cooking and gathering under the stars

Sunday brought the most beautiful sky, unlimited coffee, slow walks around the land, and one more paddle because we could not resist.

Women sharing morning coffee at a picnic table under a sky full of clouds — Sunday morning: unlimited coffee and a river like glass

Misty river at sunrise reflecting the sky, framed by overhanging branches — Sunday morning: unlimited coffee and a river like glass

We closed with a fire ceremony, holding hands in a circle. My message to them, and to you: spend your time with people who love you, listen to you, cheer for you, and push you to be adventurous. Protect your energy and go share the love.

Retreats can be expensive, and I understand why. But every woman deserves a space like this, and I am so grateful I can offer it for free.

Walk With Us This Wednesday

Wednesday, October 7 at 8:30 AM
Ice Age Trail, Lodi Segment
Meet at: N859 to N865 WIS 113, Lodi, WI 53555
7 to 8 miles

This is perfect if you are adding miles for the Mammoth Challenge. Not doing the challenge? Come anyway. The fall colors alone are worth it.

Know Before You Go: Hunting Season Is Here

Wear blaze orange, and plenty of it. An orange backpack or a hat alone is not enough. Wear a vest or jacket plus a hat so you can be seen from every direction. Not sure about hunting on a trail? Check with the Ice Age Trail Alliance before you go.

Marinette County Waterfall Camping, October 23 to 25

I have spent many summers in Marinette County, and I am so excited for my first fall trip there. We will spend all of Saturday chasing waterfalls, and we are splitting the group campsite cost. There is still room for you. Email me at dnmokhele@gmail.com to join us.

Heading there on your own? My Marinette County Waterfall Guide covers all 15 waterfalls in one weekend, and it is just $4.99 to download.

Scratch Off Every State Park

Working your way through Wisconsin’s 50 state parks? My Wisconsin State Parks Scratch Off Poster is made for you. Hang it on your wall and scratch off each park as you go, or gift it to someone who needs a nudge outside.

There Is No Hike Schedule

I get asked for the weekly hike schedule all the time, so let me be honest: there is no schedule. These hikes are not sponsored. They come from me fitting time outside around my life and my family, with a goal of one community hike each week. When you reach out and tell me when you are free, I go with what works for most of us.

So please do not sit at home waiting for an announcement, or you will miss the whole season. Send me a message and ask, “Hey Dini, what is happening this weekend?” If you RSVP and life gets in the way, that is okay. I have taken my first step. Now it is your turn.