FAQs

• What equipment/clothing will I need for the workshop?

What you pack for a day out in nature of course changes by the hour. The best idea is to be ready for hot sunny days and chilly rainy ones as well.  In general I discourage the wearing of cotton as it can get wet and make you miserable. Silk, synthetic and wool are  better choices. Dress for the weather. Dress warm enough to sit comfortably for at least 15 minutes. Dress warmer than you think. Avoid cotton - especially if threatening rain. Dress in layers.

Here is a general list of some gear and clothing you might want to bring.

Gear

- day pack - large enough to carry extra layers of clothing, food, and water.
- water bottle - at least a liter
- snacks (70% salty and 30% sweet)
- small journal
- pen
- sunglasses
- sunscreen
- lip-balm

Miscellaneous optional items that past participants have found useful: camera (though these can be a distraction) binoculars, insect repellent, bandanna, sun glasses, lip balm, moleskin (for blisters), hiking poles.

Clothing

- sun-hat (visor or broad-brimmed)
- light synthetic/silk sun shirt
- windbreaker
- insulating layer/sweater (perhaps two)
- shorts
- pants
- socks
- trail shoes, light boots, water sandals (tevas/chacos)

 If Cold and/or Rainy
- rain gear
- warm hat
- additional sweater
- gloves

• How long are the hikes?

The half-day workshops usually do not involve extensive hiking — somewhere between two to four miles — usually closer to two. The Full day workshops are anywhere from four to ten miles in length. Weather, the group’s ability, trail conditions, and other factors might change the hike's length. Some hikes may have a destination that we may try to reach but the main focus of the workshop will be the journey and not the destination.

• How difficult are the hikes?

- This is a hard question to answer. One person’s walk in the park is another’s Everest. The emphasis is to be in nature,  not to see how fast we can get finished. I allow for a wide range of paces so  individuals can find what theirs is. Almost all of the hikes have some elevation gain and loss. If you find yourself with questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.

• Will I be sitting on the ground?

- Yes. I employ many sense-based teaching and learning techniques in these workshops so you should be prepared to sit or lie on the earth, hug trees, smell stuff, wear a blindfold, touch things, and even do some tasting.

• What is the age range of participants in your programs?

- The typical age range is from the twenty to seventy. Age however is not as important as willingness and ability.

• What about food?

- I do not provide food for the 1/2 day workshops so I encourage you to bring some snacks. I suggest you bring more salty snacks than sweet snacks (about 70/30).

- I do provide lunch on the one day workshops — "take and make" style: healthful sandwiches built by you from the collection of tasty and bountiful food items that we divide and pack in our daypacks when we meet in the morning. Vegetarian and gluten free options available upon request.

• Where is RTE coming from?

- softness
- vulnerability
- allowing
- opening
- receiving
- inhaling
- spongyness
- slowness
- mindfulness

                               Read more about RTE philosophy HERE.