When: November 10 @ 10:00 am - November 12 @ 1:00 pm
Where: Salt Creek County Park, 3506 Camp Hayden Road, Port Angeles, WA 98363United States
Join me and the Outdoor Women’s Alliance for a weekend of adventure writing, watercolor painting, yoga, and more! International mountain guide and adventure writer Charlotte Austin (@charlotteaustin) will lead an adventure writing workshop, watercolor artist Nikki Frumkin (@drawntohighplaces) will teach a watercolor class, local yoga instructor Jenny Houston (@poseryoga) will lead us in sunrise yoga, and to cap it all off, Charlotte and Nikki will join other seasoned outdoor artists in a panel discussing how to best share your art with the world.
A more detailed schedule and guidebook to the area will be sent well before the event to allow you to adequately plan your retreat to Washington’s Olympic Peninsula!
The Workshops:
Adventure Writing
Whether you’re an experienced author, part-time blogger, or curious novice, this workshop will give you a glimpse into the wide world of adventure writing and help you realize your potential as a writer. Charlotte will share some readings from her extensive portfolio, then we’ll enjoy a lecture, an engaging writing exercise, and practical tips and suggestions on how to edit, refine, and publish your unique stories. Whatever your experience level might be, Charlotte wants to hear about your goals, help you hone your skills, and ask the hard questions that will help you move your writing forward.
About Charlotte Austin:
Charlotte Austin is a Seattle-based writer and mountain guide. She has climbed, explored, and led expeditions in North and South America, Nepal, Europe, Alaska, and Patagonia. Her writing has been featured in Women’s Adventure, Alpinist, Stay Wild, and other national and international publications. When she’s not guiding in the Himalayas, she’s exploring her hometown (Seattle, Washington), trying new recipes, and hanging out with Huckleberry, her dog.
Watercolor Painting
Seasoned painter or absolute beginner, gather together in a covered and heated space overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca with the goal of creating a painting and learning new watercolor skills. Nikki will do a demo to get the group started off, and then everyone will have the opportunity to create their own painting. Bring reference photos of your favorite landscape, or simply use the spectacular surroundings as creative juice for your own imagination. As you paint, there will be plenty of opportunity to talk about creative voice, technique, process, art as a business, social media, and more.
About Nikki Frumkin:
Nikki Frumkin is an artist and climber living in Seattle, Washington. Her art is inspired by time spent hiking, climbing, and mountaineering in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. You can often find her in the mountains with her sketchbook and watercolors in hand. Nikki Frumkin’s paintings have been exhibited in shows across the country. She also creates art and design work within the climbing and outdoor industry.
About Salt Creek County Park:
Located just 20 minutes west of Port Angeles, Salt Creek County Park boasts 196 acres of forest, rocky bluffs, rocky tide pools, sandy beaches, campsites, and access to Salt Creek. Enjoy views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Crescent Bay, and Vancouver Island, British Columbia.
In addition to boasting stunning natural views and opportunities for hiking, tidepooling, and mountain biking, Salt Creek County Park is home to a playground, basketball court, horseshoe courts, softball field, and volleyball court. Additionally, the area was used during World War II as a harbor defense military base, Camp Hayden. The remnants — several concrete bunkers — are preserved on site.
What’s Included:
Activities:
– Adventure writing workshop
– Watercolor painting class
– Share Your Art Panel
– Shakeout Friday trail run
– Sunrise Saturday yoga
Meals:
– Friday welcome hour and taco bar
– Saturday snacks
– Sunday farewell lunch
And more:
– Swag bags with kick-ass gear from Arc’Teryx, Justin’s Nut Butter, & more!
What’s Not Included:
– Travel to and from Salt Creek County Park
– Campsite fees or lodging expenses
– Additional meals and beverages
Schedule:
Friday: Arrive whenever you’d like! Outdoor Women’s Alliance will be on-site at 10am
Friday, 3pm: Group shakeout trail run (distance up to 6 miles)
Friday, 5:30pm: Welcome hour and taco bar hosted by Outdoor Women’s Alliance
Saturday, 7:30am: Guided sunrise yoga
Saturday, 9:30am – 1pm: Hike and write workshop
Saturday, 1:30pm – 5pm: Watercolor workshop
Sunday, 10:30am – 12pm: Share Your Art Panel
Sunday, 12pm – 1pm: Farewell lunch
Please note that this is merely a guide and is subject to change.
FAQs
How do I reserve a campsite?
Salt Creek Campground does not accept reservations in November. However, campsites are plentiful and available on a first-come, first-serve basis! Payment must be made by cash, check, or money order.
What amenities does the campground have?
Salt Creek has 92 campsites located on a bluff above the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and most of them boast water views. 39 of them have electrical and water hook ups. There are two ADA accessible campsites, one with hook ups and one without. Restrooms are fully ADA accessible and have coin-operated showers. There are also water faucets scattered throughout the park, a dump station on site, and firewood bundles available for purchase.
Camping isn’t my thing. Are there hotels nearby?
Yes! Salt Creek is located 20 minutes west of Port Angeles, where there are numerous hotel options. AirBnb and VRBO private home rentals are also great options if you’re seeking a more personalized experience.
Can I bring family members, friends, and/or my significant other?
Absolutely! While this is an event designed to create connection and community between outdoor women, we certaintly understand the value and logistics of familes, partners, friends, etc., and they are more than welcome to camp and enjoy the many offerings of Salt Creek County Park. Families, friends, and significant others are also welcome to join us for Friday’s Welcome Hour.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes! Well-behaved leashed pets are allowed in Salt Creek County Park.
I have dietary restrictions. Can you accommodate them?
Absolutely! We will have gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and vegetarian options! If you would feel more comfortable bringing your own food, we will happily provide you a $20 discount.
Do I need to bring my own watercolor supplies?
You’re welcome to bring your own supplies (we can provide a list of items and recommended brands), rent them from Nikki for $20, or purchase a supply pack for $35. Supply packs include: a sketchbook, watercolors in a pan, a waterbrush, tissues, pencil, and waterproof pen.
Do I need to bring my own yoga mat?
We will have a limited number of mats available to borrow, so if possible, please bring your own.
How can I contact the organizer with any questions?
Please contact Laura Grieser, Outdoor Women’s Alliance Washington State Team Leader, at lagrieser@gmail.com.
What’s the refund policy?
We’ll do our best to offer refunds, but cancellations and refunds or transfers will be handled on a case-by-case basis.