Wilderness Heals

Thank you for visiting the Wilderness Heals blog. Wilderness Heals is an all-women, three-day annual pledge hike that benefits the Elizabeth Stone House (ESH), a Boston-based emergency shelter, transitional housing program, and therapeutic community that provides services to women and children who are escaping violence and overcoming trauma. By encouraging hikers to set challenging physical, emotional, and financial goals, Wilderness Heals mirrors the experiences of hundreds of women who have sought help from the Stone House. Committing to hike is a way to grow personally while simultaneously standing in solidarity with women of the Stone House and women everywhere who are working to overcome the effects of violence in their lives.
Wilderness Heals 2011 will take place July 15-17, 2011. Registration materials may be downloaded here.
Go here to view the 2011 routes, and visit our Who's Who page to meet this year's team leaders and Recruitment Committee members.
Want to learn more? Visit our list of Frequently Asked Questions.
Still have questions? Contact Erika Whyte, Wilderness Heals event coordinator, at 781-726-0551 or ewhyte@elizabethstone.org.

Friday, June 06, 2008

Sneak Peak: Danna Steinberg

Name: Danna Steinberg

Years Hiked: 2

Positions: Hiker

Day Job: Assistant media auditor

Total Contributions to the Stone House: "I haven't calculated it."

Claim to Fame: "The ability to become one with a mountain."

Why She Hikes: "To experience nature's healing effects."

Favorite Hike: The Badlands in South Dakota and Mitzpeh Ramon in Israel

Most Memorable Wilderness Heals Experience: "Hiking the ridgeline on the Presidentials."

Most Challenging Moment: "Jumping into a freezing cold swimming hole."

Favorite Hiking Snack: Chocolate chip cookies

Favorite Piece of Gear: "My hiking boots because they don't give me blisters."

Words of Wisdom: "Um, can I get back to you on that one?"

Note: In an effort to allow hikers to get to know one another before hitting the trails, the Wilderness Heals blog will feature weekly 'Sneak Peak' hiker profiles. If you would like to be profiled, please contact Vicky Waltz.

Tuesday, June 03, 2008

Sneak Peak: Donna Whyte-English

Name: Donna Whyte-English

Years Hiked: 3

Position: Hiker

Day Job: Nurse practitioner and clinical aromatherapist

Total Contributions to the Stone House: Approximately $3,000

Claim to Fame: Her homemade aromatherapy jewelry

Why She Hikes: "I am challenging myself to get into the best shape of my life, I’m a survivor of childhood family violence, and I love being in nature and spending time with the amazing group of women who do this Hike."

Favorite Hike: "Do I have to pick a favorite? I guess Mount Osceola."

Most Memorable Wilderness Heals Experience: "Getting to the top of Mount Tecumsah, my first 4000-footer."

Most Challenging Moment:
"Doing a river crossing my first year–I was petrified, and my team leaders coached me every inch of the way."

Favorite Hiking Snack: Gorp

Favorite Piece of Gear: "My boots–because they carry me."

Words of Wisdom: "Just do it! If I can do it, just about anybody can!"