Swamp Witch - 4 day river float
Curiosity - Play - Exploration
Roanoke River $800 Autumn 2025
The swamp is a place of mystery, transformation and resilience, beautiful lessons for those willing to enter the depths and listen.
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Look beyond the surface, uncover hidden truths
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*Functional costumes encouraged*
The Journey
We'll rendezvous in the southern Appalachian mountains (either Tennessee, North Carolina or Virginia) Exact location has not been decided, due to changes from Hurricane Helene.
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We'll be moving each day, traveling from camp to camp like rangers; navigation across the landscape and collecting things we need along the way. Each morning and evening we'll share a meal cooked over an open fire. Our purpose may not be as exciting as Aragorn hunting orc, but we hope you'll find fulfillment in camaraderie, exploration and challenge.
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Within a couple of days, your body will settle into the rhythm of wilderness travel and you'll get to experience the feeling of thriving in the wild, a sort of comfort within discomfort. Sunrise and sunset may be reliable as clockwork, but the views and discoveries are anything but monotonous.
Gear You'll Need
You'll need to bring a pack with a frame that distributes weight to your hips and fits you properly. Each person should bring their own sleeping bag, sleeping pad and clothes. We ask that your base weight be less than 10 lbs so that you can help carry group gear and food. Other items you'll need to bring are things like a bowl and spoon, headlamp, bug spray, etc. You will receive a complete gear list once you sign up, and we'll have a zoom call to answer any questions once you register. If you have never backpacked before don't worry, we'll help you figure out what to bring and wear.
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We will provide the tarps to sleep under, ground sheets, as well as cooking pots, a first aid kit, GPS signaling device and all food. We'll get your dietary restrictions and allergies when you apply.
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We trust you to know your body and your gear, so our packing list is less specific than many outdoor companies you may have explored with. For example, most companies require ankle high, backpacking style boots, but Ali hikes in sandals, because that's what works best for her. You'll find our gear list much more relaxed.
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This is an opportunity to challenge yourself. Want to only start fires with a flint and steel? Or friction? Bring it on. Carrying a pack you made yourself? Awesome!
What is a 'functional costume?'
We want you to wear what you feel badass in. We want you to wear clothes and accessories that show the world who you are and what you love. While we want you to look and feel awesome, we will be living and traveling outdoors for five days, so some fabrics and styles just won't cut it.
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Fit and Function
​Your clothes should be comfortable and allow you to move freely. They should not create a tripping hazard (like long skirts) and should provide protection against things like sun, wind, rain, and cold. You should be able to climb, squat and sit comfortably in your clothes and they should not interfere with carrying your pack.
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Layers
Your clothes for the trip should include warm layers and rain gear to keep your dry. The southeastern mountains tend to be warm during the day and chilly at night, with high winds on ridgelines.
Fabrics
The composition of the fabric matters just as much as the fit. Cotton and spandex LOVE water. They soak up water and hold onto it, keeping you wet and cold. Aim to wear clothes made from materials that dry quickly and keep your body temperature regulated even when wet. These include: polyester, nylon, wool, cashmere, alpaca, hemp and linen. If there is spandex in your clothes, keep the amount under 13%.
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