When is it?
Dates for 2008 are August 21-24, at Breitenbush Hot Springs, near Detroit Lake, east of Salem. You can check in any time after 3 p.m. on August 21st. The registration form is available on this site. Sliding scale: $300-400 for 4 days/3 nights or $230-330 for 3 days/2 nights .
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Can I bring my dog?
Women with service dogs must contact Breitenbush one month before the event for permission to bring their dog on the Breitenbush property. Breitenbush authorization must be obtained prior to arrival.
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FOOD! What do meals consist of? What about my food
allergies? Is there coffee/tea? How about dessert?
Breitenbush staff prepares 3 delicious vegetarian meals daily for us. There are wheat-free and dairy-free selections available at every meal. Please note if you require wheat-free or dairy free meals on your registration form so the Breitenbush staff will know how many of these special meals to make. If you have food restrictions beyond wheat and dairy, you should bring your own food to supplement what you can't eat of the general Breitenbush fare.
Women in the Woods provides fresh fruit which is available all day. We also provide coffee (leaded and unleaded). Breitenbush serves herb tea (hot or cold, depending on the weather) at each meal. Again, if you have a special tea or other drink you can't live without, you should bring it. Hot water is always available.
Breitenbush provides dessert Saturday night only. Due to an outcry the first couple of years for sweet stuff at each evening meal, Women in the Woods provides dessert Thursday and Friday nights. Sometimes we are able to provide wheat-free desserts, but not always. Please bring your own sweet snack if you have dietary restrictions.
How long does it take to get there?
Of course, this depends on where you're coming from … and how fast you drive. If you're coming from Germany, allow a full day. If you're coming from Portland, it is about a 2-hour drive. From Portland we highly recommend traveling the "back way" through Estacada, down Highway 224. It is a beautiful drive along the Clackamas River and a much more relaxing preparation for your weekend than I-5!
Maps and directions available on the location page.
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Vendors: Can I sell my crafts?
Over the years, WIW participants have showered us with fantastic hand-crafted items. Many women have brought their crafts to sell including candy, clothing, beading, leather-crafts, feathered treats, and more.
Do you make something you would like to display and sell at WIW-2008? We will provide spaces and tables at the covered Gazebo by the Lodge for you to exhibit your wares. Please e-mail Smokey if you have questions about selling your crafts.
Support WIW Craft Makers! Buy treats for you or gifts for friends and family. Take home special items to spark your memories of Women in the Woods and Breitenbush Hot Springs.
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Can I present a workshop?
We do not have funds to pay for professional workshop leaders, although some of the women leading discussion groups are professionals in their fields. See the section in this site on Unstructured Event.
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I'm deaf. Is there an interpreter?
We will provide at least one Sign Language interpreter at Women in the Woods, depending on the need. Please let us know at least 4 weeks prior to the event if you will require an interpreter. We will work out the details of the interpreter's availability to you when you arrive.
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I'm in a wheelchair. Is everything accessible?
It is possible to move about some of the property in a wheelchair. Getting from the cabin area to the lodge is not a problem. There is a ramp at the lodge. Some women were able to get to one of the meadow pools in an electric chair. Others chose not to attempt it. The path is not paved and can be muddy in spots. Most of the out-buildings (the Forest Shelter, the Sanctuary, and the Gazebo) are accessible. The medicine wheel tubs and the River Yurt are not accessible.
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Is there a sweat lodge?
Our 2008 WIW has a Sweat Lodge presenter who will be pouring a Sweat, as long as fire restrictions allow. The Sweat Lodge is tentatively set for Friday evening…see the activity sheets in the Main Lodge for further information.
We sit on Mother Earth in the Sweat Lodge. If you wish, bring a blanket or towel to sit on.
If you have a medical condition (high blood pressure, history of stroke, heart problems, diabetes, pregnancy, etc.) which may be exacerbated by prolonged heat, please consult with your physician before attending a Sweat Lodge. You are always welcome here to sit with the fire or just outside the tent if entering the Lodge is not right for you for any reason.
There is no charge for the Sweat Lodge. First timers are welcome!
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Can we have a bonfire?
Since forest fire danger is always extremely high in August, no fires of any kind are permitted … this includes incense and candles. Remember: we are camping in a rare, old-growth forest.
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What are the accommodations?
There are several cabin sizes. All are rustic but comfortable. All cabins have steam radiators that are heated geothermally. Linens are not provided; bring your own, or a sleeping bag (including your favorite pillow). Some cabins sleep up to 5, so if you have friends you would like to share a cabin with, let us know and we will make sure you can bunk together.
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Can I get a cabin with a toilet?
We are aware that everyone wants a cabin with a toilet. There are 17
cabins with toilets. We have approximately 130 women wanting them. We have
designated cabins with bathrooms for women who have medical needs for them.
This does not include having to pee in the middle of the night. The cabin
area community bathrooms have toilets; some also have showers. All are
easily accessible from all the cabins.
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Can I camp in my own tent?
There are 10 tent spaces available and 4 RV spaces.
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What's the policy about drugs and/or alcohol?
Breitenbush is drug- and alcohol-free. Of course, please bring your prescription medications.
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Is Women in the Woods a lesbian-only event?
Being a lesbian is not a requirement, although many of the workshops, and most of the humor, are lesbian-focused. Former, future and questioning lesbians are always in attendance. Our goal is having a good time with women. Women in the Woods is a woman-born-woman event. See the History section in this site for further discussion about this policy.
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People Needing Rides
Please join the mailing list to network for rides.
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A Special Note About Men
The Breitenbush Community is a cooperative which manages the conference and retreat center. There are men in the community who have essential jobs to do to keep things running. During our weekend, the Breitenbush Community does their best to keep the presence of men to a minimum in the cabin and lodge areas. But there may be times when you see men walking through the cabin or lodge areas doing their jobs. The Breitenbush men have been respectful of us and our need for men-free space.
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