MCKENZIE River "12-Step" retreat, OREGON: OCt. 17-20 2024

RETREAT DATES: October 17-20, 2024

THE EXPERIENCE

You don’t have to be in a 12-step program to join us on this insightful retreat connecting soul, nature and the river with floating and fly fishing one of Southern Oregon’s most beautiful and productive trout fisheries: The McKenzie River! Participants will have an interest in seeing how the spiritual journey of the 12-steps relates to the river where we fish for not only trout, but perhaps a richer connection with a Higher Power.  Our focus for this retreat will be the 11th step: “Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.”   

On this awesome and purposeful adventure, we will stay at the Eagle River Lodge for three nights, fishing for two-and-a-half glorious days.  The lodge is right on the banks of the river, and because it has its own boat ramp. our float trips can start right at the lodge with hand-picked fishing guides who will take us down the river fishing from their dories (please note that there is one room available for anyone in need of wheelchair access)!

Each morning we will have a 12-step meditation meeting and check-in to share on our intentions for the day, and our daily progress, integrating the experiences on the river with a specific intention we set at the beginning of the trip.   Also, each evening, after dinner we wil have an informal gathering around the fire to discuss whatever is on our minds,  We hope you will join us on this powerful journey down the river and into our souls.

FISHING/GEOGRAPHY 

We will be fly fishing for mainly rainbow trout and cutthroat.  You will share a boat with your guide on Friday and Saturday and on Saturday you will have a half-day guided experience close to or on the premises of the lodge including  a brief informal ceremony to conclude the retreat after lunch.   Typically we will do 6 to 8 mile floats on the Mckenzie. But there are  many sections where a longer float up to 10 miles is not uncommon.  Most of the spots are just along the road .  Located in a beautiful and remote valley, the McKenzie river winds through dense forest and mountains.   Known for its healthy population of native red side rainbows and cutthroat trout, the McKenzie provides excellent dry fly, pocket water and even great sections for swinging flies. 

The river is also well known for being the birthplace of the McKenzie style drift boat, now used around the world as a staple for fly fishing float trips.  This unique boat is the safest dory made, with high sides and a large rocker to handle the exciting rapids found in some parts of the river. It is also not uncommon to see bald eagles, osprey, and even a golden eagle while floating down this beautiful and powerful river.  Eagle Rock Lodge is in the small town of Vida, six miles from Blue River and 25 miles north east of Eugene. 

The McKenzie’s natural beauty is the perfect backdrop for a retreat designed for us to get more in touch with nature,  fly fishing techniques and our higher power.  

12-STEP WELLNESS 

A lot of what we will be doing, while fishing, is to ask, “what is God’s will for us?”  Is God’s will for us to catch…. Or are we here to fish?  How does this dynamic apply to the rest of our lives? Can we stay in the process and leave the results business to the power that is impossible to neglect while floating this majestic river carved from the beginning of time?  In the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous it talks about God’s will for us and points out that it is our duty to seek that out in prayer, meditation and fellowship.  So that is exactly what we will be doing!  How can the stream of a river, and our Higher Power, help us to get out of our own way so we can be of service to others and pack more into "the stream of life?” Fly Fishing and the river provide a beautiful way to discover and connect with your higher Power.

LEADERS 

The McKenzie River 12-Step retreat is led by our host John Dietsch and head guide Brian Sweeterman.  Our trip will begin with John reading from his book “Graced by Waters," and sharing his own journey exploring the 11th step  and his personal spiritual connection to the river and nature with the intention that we will all share our own experience, strength and hope on the subject.   Brian, our head guide, will give us a presentation on what to expect while fishing the river and will share his own experience, strength and hope. John and Brian will also facilitate morning meetings and check-ins before floating and fishing with us down the river.  John will give a talk on his connection to the film A River Runs Through It on Saturday night for those interested in hearing the stories.
 

FISHING GUIDES AND TACKLE 

 Brian Sweeterman is a veteran fly fishing guide who had guided in many parts of the US over the years.  Brian has handpicked a number of other experienced, certified guides to help us navigate the path of the river which includes some exciting class-three rapids.  These guides also know where the big fish live and feed!!  There is often a run of steelhead in October in which case some anglers may choose to fish the lower river.
 

ITINERARY 

• Airport Shuttle included, arrival mid-afternoon Thursday & drive to the Lodge

• Check-in

• Communal Dinner on the deck followed by a presentation by John Dietsch (book reading and discussion)

Friday and Saturday

• AM 12-step meditation meeting (open to anyone who would like to join)

• 3-course breakfast

• Fly Casting for the Soul:  brief casting instruction, including 11th step insights into casting a line

• Launch right from the hotel:  McKenzie River guided dory fly fishing (includes a box lunch)

• Shuttle back to the Lodge

• Communal check-in before dinner (optional meditation)

• Friday communal dinner on the deck & Saturday dinner at the local restaurant (10 min drive) inc. Dietsch's A River Runs Through It presentation.

• Evening wrap up

Sunday

• AM 12-step meditation meeting

• 3-course breakfast

• Optional 3-4 hours of fly fishing on the premises and/or near the lodge

• Light lunch and an informal closing ceremony on the banks of the river, including souvenirs!

• Check-out from the hotel and shuttles  (@2 PM)  to the airport. 

"The river never says goodbye.... Only hello."
 

PRICING 

SINGLE OCCUPANCY  $1970 - 2165

DOUBLE OCCUPANCY $1595-1693

*Pricing depends on the room,  See http://EagleRockLodge.com/rooms

Includes all transfers, meals, beverages, water, accommodations, 3-course breakfasts, box lunches, communal dinners overlooking the river.

FISHING LICENSES, PLANE FARES, AND REQUISITE GRATUITIES FOR GUIDES AND MAID NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICING. 

Any proceeds will go to Fish for Wellness and its scholarship programs for newcomers and the economically challenged.

NOTES 

• Please make your plane reservations for arrival into and departure out of Eugene mid-to-late afternoon if possible.

• Please tell us about any mental or physical health conditions we should know about.

• Please inform us of any dietary restrictions you may have.

** All participants (over the age of 15) must purchase a 3-day Oregon fishing license (not included in the price)

LINKS 

Oregon Fishing License:  https://odfw.huntfishoregon.com/login

Brian Sweeterman:   https://sweetermanguiding.com/book-your-adventure

Phone: (541) 674-1727

John Dietsch: http://www.gracedbywaters.com, https://amzn.to/3fUQD0V, 

Phone: (310) 415-9232

Eagle Rock Lodge: https://eaglerocklodge.com

Phone: (541) 822-3630
 

To make a deposit & the best room of your choice please call John at 310 415-9232 ASAP.  This retreat is limited to 7 people (11 max).