Event Description:
it is a poetry of remembrance
and of an honoring of land and people
earth songs
love poems
born of celebration and mourning
Over the course of a three-day backpacking field seminar, a cohort of nine participants will join Song Dog Relations in the Pecos Wilderness where they will explore diverse ecosystems and cultural histories. This outing will be an opportunity to strengthen one's relationship to place and foster a sense of belonging through traditional cultural practices. Storytelling, poetry, movement and song will be offered to one another and the land as an act of reciprocity. Cuentos y Cantos al Monte will look towards the work of Levi Romero as a compass, orienting participants towards ways in which our mountains may ground, nourish and inspire us towards a life of remembrance and connection.
Song Dog will facilitate creative exercises for meaningful engagement in an ecological area within the Santa Fe region just days before the fall equinox. Whether born and raised in New Mexico or not, Cuentos y Cantos al Monte welcomes those that are committed to deeply listening to the stories of the land in an effort to understand their role and responsibility of care within the greater ecosystem.
Participants should expect to hike 8 miles total on a trail system that is described as ‘moderate to hard’ with an elevation gain of 1,050 feet. There will be breaks throughout each day, with no one left behind. Activities will be explored through a combination of group and solo exercises. For those that live in or near Albuquerque, there will be opportunities to hike with us in the Sandia Foothills in August in an effort to familiarize your body with elevation gain and a full pack on your back. Daily movement is a huge part of building endurance and stamina over time.
Some activities may include, but are not limited to: birdwatching, botany, meditation, journaling, storytelling, singing, and embodied voice practices. If you have a voice, you can sing!
Itinerary
Friday, September 19 - Meet at the Winsor Trailhead near the Santa Fe Ski Basin at 9am. Backpack 2.5 miles and setup basecamp in the afternoon. Review kitchen supplies, cooking & hygiene protocols prior to dinner. Close with an early evening dream circle.
Saturday, September 20 - Hike 1.5 miles to Nambe Lake with space for botany, free time and lunch. Sound healing & writing workshops will be facilitated throughout the afternoon. Return to basecamp for dinner.
Sunday, September 21 - Storytelling & cantos at basecamp near Nambe Creek. Break down camp in the early afternoon and backpack to the Winsor Trailhead to head home. Program ends between 4 and 5pm.
Song Dog Relations
Date & time:
September 19, 2025 - September 21, 2025
Location:
Pecos Wilderness
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