My First Women's Outdoor Weekend

In September 2008, I participated in a weekend of fun in the outdoors with a good group of ladies, and in preparation for this year's event taking place in two days, I wanted to share my experiences of last year's event.

I am an outdoors enthusiast and have loved camping, hiking and canoeing for some time, but am relatively new to fishing and hunting.  In 2007 I become a member of the OFAH (Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters), the largest organization in Ontario that represents the interests of anglers, hunters, outdoors people and wildlife conservationists. Soon after joining, I received an advertisement about the Women's Outdoor Weekend.  The aptly named annual retreat is designed for women to get together for a weekend of fun in the outdoors.  The retreat boasted good food, comfortable accommodations, fun outdoors activities, and a great setting to meet other women who have similar outdoors interests.  The retreat seemed interesting to me, but I was hesitant to go for many reasons.  My major hesitation was because I felt like I would be an outcast having no other female friends that were interested in going with me and I didn't want to go alone.  My other hesitations included the difficulty in switching two scheduled shift-work days, and I didn't want to "abandon" my husband for the weekend with two kids under 3 years old.  My husband encouraged me and gave me his full support behind my going, and assured me that he would love to have the kids for the weekend himself.  While still feeling mildly uncomfortable not knowing anyone there, I reluctantly registered for the W.O.W. in 2008.

It wasn't until I received my welcome package a couple of months later in the mail that I started to get nervously excited about going.

When the weekend finally arrived, I packed my bags, said goodbyes to my family, and started the 3 hour drive to Minden, Ontario.

Upon arrival, I parked the car and was greeted by a couple of very pleasant and outgoing ladies who gave me a schedule and showed me to my accommodations.  I immediately felt at ease and couldn't wait for the activities to start.

Friday afternoon started with a nice lunch.  After eating, there were numerous activity stations planned throughout the resort grounds. The Rock climbing wall and high rope climbing apparatus were exhilarating as I am afraid of heights, and everyone was so supportive and cheered me on.   We also had unscheduled free time on Friday to participate in other activities.  I went fishing off the dock, and I also got to leisurely tour the lake in a paddleboat.  Friday night was entertaining with comedy night, then an attempt was made to have a campfire, but a passing rain cloud washed out that plan.

After breakfast on Saturday morning, I started out at the archery station where we had the opportunity to use a compound bow, long bow and crossbow for 3D target shooting. We also had the chance to sit behind a ground blind and practice with the compound bow, and we were shown how to safely climb up and down a tree stand with a bow.  For me, this was a good skill to learn as I will be hunting deer out of a tree stand this fall.

Trap shooting was next, and I was so nervous. Even though I successfully obtained my Canadian firearms possession and acquisition license, I've never had the opportunity to actually shoot before.  The instructors were great and helped coach me as I fired a 12 gauge at target clays.  The gun was so much louder than I thought and there was definitely some kickback.  I had fun though, and it was good practice as I was participating in a guided goose hunt later on in 2008.

On Saturday all the ladies and I were looking forward to the ATV riding session. We were all VERY disappointed to find out that the event sponsor, Yahmaha pulled out last minute because they decided that they had somewhere more "important" to be. Shame on you Yahmaha! There is now a disappointed group of ladies who will certainly not be buying any of their products.  I was having too good of a time though and didn't let it bother me.

I had a lot of fun at the cooking with wild game activity.  We were given moose meat and we had the opportunity to play chef and create our own recipe.  After the cooking was done, our creations were judged, then we got to sample all our cooking. I thought this activity was a good way to boost confidence in cooking game, and I had a lot of fun.

I also had a blast participating in a team "Amazing Race" style scavenger hunt.  That was more running around than I've done in a long time! My legs sure got a workout.

Next was canoeing and fishing in the lake where I caught a perch and a bass.

After some more unscheduled leisure time, we gathered for a fantastic pig roast on the BBQ.  Following dinner we had a raffle / prize give-aways in the main lodge, and then back outdoors where we had a campfire before retiring for the night.

Sunday morning after breakfast, I attended a fly fishing seminar where I learned how to tie my own fly.  Afterwards, I was instructed on fly rods, reels, line types, leaders, and was shown how to properly cast.

To sum it up, I had an amazing time. With the opportunity to participate in activities that I would normally never have the chance to do on my own (or with the compassionate support of other outdoors ladies), I gained experience and confidence both in outdoors skills, and life skills.  With only one day before W.O.W. 2009, I say Bring It On!

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