The Journey Begins...
A Journey of Gratitude:
Stories along the trail
August 21-23, 2026 Michaux State Forest
Join guides Dan Wenker and Beth Jones for a deeply meaningful backpacking trip created especially for those who have encountered a life-altering season in their journey
Dan and Beth encountered such a season, both surviving severe falls requiring rescue from a remote area.
These moments leave scars of body, mind and spirit and we want to offer this trip as a time to travel with others who have shared a journey of loss and re-connection. Together we’ll walk gentle miles in a spirit of gratitude, honoring the bodies that carried us through difficult times and the resilience that brought us here.
Around the fire and along the trail, we’ll share stories of survival, challenge, healing, and renewed purpose. Even if you haven't had a life-threatening accident in the wilderness, you are encouraged to come join others as we join together in a journey of connection and courage, reclaiming joy in the wild, guided by two people who truly understand what it means to begin again.
We will be gathering on Friday evening at Pine Grove Furnace State Park to camp for the evening, get to know each other around the fire and receive our backpacks and other equipment. The next day we will explore the Rocky Knob trail, camping overnight by a beautiful stream in the Michaux State Forest.
Dan
At age 62 - while descending Wyoming's 13,700’ Grand Teton, Dan fell into a 60 foot pitch-black underground ice cave.
After this near fatal experience, he embraced a renewed purpose: to inspire others to live a “what if” mindset instead of a “not anymore” mentality.
Dan does this by showing that purpose, adventure and transformation does not have to come with an age limit.
Beth
Only a few months after proclaiming that year 50 would be the year of 'doing great things' Beth suffered a hiking accident, sliding more than 60 feet down an icy mountain and hitting a tree. Her rescue and recovery from that moment has lead to a re-purposing of her life and the vision for Deep Green Journey. Navigating the limitations that the accident has brought on her body, Beth has been inspired to invite others to find a way to continue to do the things they used to do, or long to do for the first time
