THE PURPOSE… Our aim is simple: provide a safe, supportive space immersed in the healing elements of nature and the river.
You may need to come and just be quiet… or maybe you want to listen and feel the freedom to share in an environment where others understand those feelings. The key here is openness and non-judgment.
THE AGENDA…
DAY ONE: We meet near Grand Junction, at the turn-off to the Loma River boat launch. (Shuttle options available.) We will then load dry bags, assess our gear and the guides will rig the rafts. Lunch will be provided before we float to our first campsite. If you’ve never been camping before, don’t worry, the staff is there to help—this trip is all about working together on every level. At camp, our guides will make a wonderful dinner and we’ll have time to talk and share before settling in for the night.
DAY TWO: After a nourishing breakfast, we’ll continue on down the gentle currents of the river and enjoy the peacefulness that surrounds us. Arriving at our next camp among the beautiful desert wilderness and canyons, we’ll play games, laugh and enjoy being together while having dinner and taking time to talk and share.
DAY THREE: In the morning, we’ll float just over the Utah border, where we leave the river, get our gear organized (if you’re physically able to help), have lunch and board a van back to our vehicles in Loma.
THE GEAR… You are welcome (and encouraged) to bring your own dry bags, tents, sleeping bags and pads. Let us know if you need any camping or boating supplies. We’ll also provide kayaks or Stand Up Paddleboards (SUPs) if you want some extra exercise. If you are interested in bringing your own boat, kayak or SUP, please contact Mike at: 970-274-8730. Check out the gear list HERE.
THE GUIDES & COUNSELORS… Our river raft guides are amazing! Mike Podmore and Lisa Moretti created this trip and are often part of our grief discussions when they aren’t working on the river. Mike and Lisa are both recipients of Pathfinders counseling services, and they have kindly offered their services to Pathfinders.
REGISTRATION & COST…
To secure your spot, please call Robyn Hubbard: 970-319-6854 or contact Lisa Moretti: 970-456-2769 for registration forms, raft trip logistics, food allergies and/or sensitivities, medical needs, or questions about grief support.
Our trips are fully compliant with Governor Polis’s great outdoors COVID-19 policy: https://covid19.colorado.gov/safer-at-home/safer-at-home-outdoor-recreation.
We ask that you make a donation towards the trip, but please pay only what is comfortable for you, as we will accept a sliding scale payment between $1-$750.* Your donation goes towards our grief therapists, all meals, shuttles, boating equipment and experienced river guides.
You can make a payment HERE. In the donation “memory of” section, please write: RIVER TRIP and your trip date. Alternatively, you can pay by check payable to: Pathfinders and mailed to: Pathfinders, P.O. Box 11799, Aspen, Co 81612.
* Pathfinders NEVER wants money to get in the way, or be a factor in someone not being able to join us. We are always applying for grants to help cover costs of Pathfinders events. If you would like to donate to Pathfinders, please click this link.