Romantic Partners Pacific Northwest Fishing Retreat
Health Guidelines: TAPS will make every effort to ensure safe and healthy gatherings. We will continue to monitor COVID variants and may require testing onsite and/or other protocols based on local regulations and CDC guidance. At this time, we do not require proof of full vaccination and masks are optional. Should we have to make any changes you will be notified right away.
All surviving spouses, ex-spouses, and unmarried partners grieving the loss of a loved one who served in the U.S. Armed Forces are warmly invited to join the TAPS Pacific Northwest Fishing Retreat as we explore the wilderness of our earth and of our grief alongside our fellow survivors. These therapeutic, outdoor skills-based events are led by both TAPS facilitators and professional outdoor guides through some of the world's most inspiring landscapes.
OVERVIEW
Join TAPS as you and your fellow survivors immerse yourselves in the Olympic National Park, connecting with the land and waters, through the healing power of fly fishing. In partnership with the National Park Trust, Trout Unlimited and Oly Women on the Fly Guide Service, TAPS will lead you on an incredible journey along the Pacific coastline and in Olympic National Forest opening our hearts to healing for the mind, body and soul.
At TAPS we understand that all survivors share a powerful bond grieving a loss, and a uniquely special bond is formed within each population, so we extend this opportunity to all those who had a romantic relationship with their military loved one.
Through this partnership with the National Park Trust and Trout Unlimited, we rely on our qualified volunteer guides at Oly Women on the Fly Guide Service and Trout Unlimited for their expertise in fishing education and supporting our physical safety in a variety of outdoor spaces.
SCHEDULE
Day 1: On this travel day, everyone should arrive at Kalaloch Lodge in Forks, Washington by 5 p.m. TAPS staff will be there to greet you and get you checked in. A shuttle from SEA-TAC may be provided if needed. We’ll have an opportunity that evening to get settled in, meet fellow survivors, enjoy dinner together, and relax.
Day 2: We’ll start the day with breakfast, get an overview of what to expect, and we’ll work together to get our questions answered and build our team. We will work with volunteers from the Oly Women on the Fly Guide Service and the Kitsap - Olympic Peninsula Trout Unlimited Chapter to learn the ins and outs of fly fishing in Olympic National Park, get acquainted with gear, and enjoy time together along the coast. We’ll wrap up with a group dinner in the evening.
Day 3: The third day will include time fly fishing in Olympic National Parkas well as some free time to relax and further connect with your fellow survivors.
Day 4: On our final day of activities, we'll have the opportunity for another full day of fishing activities on the property and in the National Park, and, then, we'll wrap up our time together to reflect on our new connections and our next journeys ahead.
Day 5: We'll say our “see you laters” and travel home.
ADVENTURE LEVEL
This retreat is rated as a medium-intensity adventure. We'll be active and everyone will have an opportunity to challenge themselves. Activities will involve light physical exertion. Much of our time will be spent outdoors fly fishing and enjoying the incredible scenery of the Pacific Northwest. There will also be time to relax and connect with one another.