This retreat is inspired by the spirit of Shannon Vits. Shannon and her mother Cindy O'Grady were participants in last year's Peter Estin retreat. Cindy is a past LBL participant and volunteer, but it was Shannon's first retreat. Both Shannon and Cindy had had a rare ovarian cancer that struck while they were still teenagers. Shannon loved the retreat, and was looking forward to recruiting more young adult survivors to join Live By Living events. Shannon shared Live By Living's philosophy that while cancer can be life-changing, our lives are not about cancer. Our lives are about learning to live by living. In holding this retreat for young adults survivors (40 and under) we are following Shannon's wishes.

The Peter Estin Hut is a beautiful, rustic log cabin located south of Eagle just below treeline It sits at 11,200 feet above sea level. The Peter Estin Hut is owned and managed by the Tenth Mountain Division Hut Association. It has 4 sleeping rooms (one loft area with 8 beds, 2 rooms each with a double bed, and a garden level room with 4 beds) and sleeps 16 people total. There is no electricity, and no running water. This cabin has an outhouse. You can read more about the Peter Estin Hut here.  

On Saturday, you will hike about 3 miles to reach the Peter Estin Hut, gaining about 1,860 feet along the way. (If you are unable to hike to the cabin, we can give you a ride in our truck). On Sunday, we will climb Charles Peak. The hike to Charles Peak is 2.5 miles round trip, with about 800' of elevation gain. Charles Peak is 12,073 feet above sea level! There's also an option for an easier hike closer to the cabin. On Monday, we'll have a relaxing morning before hiking back to the trailhead in time for a late lunch in Eagle.

In between all that hiking, you'll have lots of time to make new friends with people who understand the journey you're on and enjoy the solace of nature. We will also fill you with healthy, gourmet food to fuel your adventures and tempt your palate (we provide dinner Saturday, 3 meals on Sunday, and breakfast Monday.)

Because of the high elevation of this cabin, this trip is not suitable for people coming from at or near sea level. Similarly, because this is no electricity, this trip is not suitable for people who are dependent on electric devices like oxygen concentrators or CPAP machines.

Please note:

• Each participant, whether you are a cancer survivor/thriver or a caregiver, must register separately. If you are coming with another person, we recommend that you register at the same time to minimize the chances one of you is waitlisted. Each person must create their own account and register under that account.
   
• Often times, spots open within a week of the trip due to unforeseen circumstances. Participants on the waitlist often are able to join the retreat, provided they have submitted all required forms.