Bethany Wilderness Ministry Update July 31st, 2011 www.bethanywildernessministry.org(you can find us on facebook too!)The snow is finally melting out at higher elevations from the winter and the sun is shinning, so it looks like the best hiking of the summer is still to come! Our annual retreat is in just a few weeks so sign up soon. Check out our upcoming activities below and contact the leaders listed if you are interested in a particular event. You can find the full list of summer activities and registration links for the upcoming events on the BWM website here http://bethanywildernessministry.org Upcoming BWM Events:
BWM Annual Retreat @ Mt. BakerFri. - Sun. Aug 19th-21stContact: bwmretr...@gmail.com- Today (7/31) is the last day to get the early bird registration price of $89. The signup can be found on the church website under upcoming events or on the BWM website. After today the price will increase to $99. The theme for this year's retreat is Mind, Body, and Spirit. For those who have not gone on one of our retreats in the past, we will spend the weekend at the Firs Chalet near Mt. Baker. There will be a speaker and worship leader and we will enjoy a weekend of worship, prayer, small groups, relaxation, community and hiking. The chalet has an activity area with ping pong, fooseball, air hockey, darts, shuffleboard, and a hot tub as well!
This year for the first time we will have hikes available on Friday as well as Saturday for those who would like to beat the traffic and enjoy a more drawn out relaxing weekend by starting the retreat on Friday morning/afternoon with a hike on the way out to the retreat. Contact the email address listed above if you are interested in heading up to the retreat Friday morning and participating in a hike that day.
Here are some quotes from past retreat participants about their BWM retreat experience:
"The BWM retreat is a 'best buy' vacation, combining spiritual centering & cross generational relationship building, in a gorgeous setting. I leave refreshed, even though a bit sleep deprived!"
"Everything was great, the food had a lot of variety"

"Enjoyed the great view from the chalet, relaxed, it was perfect!"
"There was good emphasis on meeting new people and the small groups were great!"
"It was a great break from the city, a truly rewarding experience"

Shi Shi Beach OvernightFri. - Sun. Aug 5-7thDifficulty: Moderate, 12 miles RTContact: Amy Larson, weelas...@yahoo.com-Always a highlight in the BWM calendar, we will be leaving Friday morning for backpacking trip to the fabulous Olympic coast on Shi Shi Beach.  Enjoy trekking over miles of beautiful cedar boardwalks through Pacific rainforests to beachfront tent camping.  Interpretive walks will be a highlight along the beach to the tidal pools and sea stacks that are home to harbor seals, bald eagles, and blacktail deer.  Bring sunscreen and beachcombing clothes as well as Northwest Rainwather gear because we may get a mix of both kinds of weather!
Tolmie Peak Day HikeSat. August 6thDifficulty: Moderate, 7.5 miles RT, 1100 ft of elevation gainContact: Phil Chase, phillip.ch...@gmail.com-Tolmie Peak is a moderate hike located in the shadow of Mt. Rainier.BWM August Gathering Tues. August 9thDifficulty: All are welcomeContact: Brian MacRae, macrae.br...@gmail.com-Join us for an evening of food, fun, and socializing around town. More details to come soon!Dewey Lake Day HikeThurs. Aug. 11thDifficulty: Moderate, 6 miles RTContact: Mark VanOss, mjvan...@gmail.com-This mid-week hike to Dewey Lake near Mt. Rainier features the potential for solitude, splendid views of Naches Peak, and wildflowers.
-Brian MacRae c/o BWM Leadership Team-lead...@bethanywildernessministry.org