Uncharted Journeys Teams Up with Laura’s House for 2nd Annual Canyon Country Hike & Hoedown

LADERA RANCH, Calif., – To commemorate Domestic Violence Awareness Month taking place during October 2013, Uncharted Journeys is teaming up with Laura’s House, a non-profit organization whose mission is to change the social beliefs, attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence, while creating a safe space in which to empower individuals and families affected by abuse, to host the 2nd Annual Canyon Country Hike & Hoedown on Saturday, October 26 at Lakeview Park, overlooking the beautiful Irvine Lake recreation area.

“The Canyon Country Hike & Hoedown is a fun-filled event designed for the entire family, and we are pleased to partner with Laura’s House again this year to build awareness for how domestic violence impacts our community,” said Marilyn McGowan, Chief Exploration Officer, Uncharted Journeys. “Due to the success of last year’s event, we’ve received a tremendous response from members of the community who want to be involved this year. We are grateful to James Event Productions, as well as to the many vendors and sponsors who will be participating this year.”

The 2nd Annual Canyon Country Hike & Hoedown will provide attendees with an opportunity to discover the natural beauty of Orange County during an adventurous morning hike through the backcountry trails of Silverado Canyon, led by honorary hike leaders Karin Klein, author of “50 Hikes in Orange County” and Thea Gavin, poet and barefoot hiker. Hikers will then enjoy a relaxing afternoon featuring a delicious all-you-can-eat Mexican buffet luncheon offered by Tacos & Co., wine tastings from local vintners including Giracci Vineyards and Farms and Cowboy Canyon Wines, and live country music courtesy of The Freightshakers.

During the afternoon festivities, hikers will also have an opportunity to learn more about Laura’s House during a short presentation by Laura’s House CEO and Executive Director, Margaret Bayston, and Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens, who will share how in partnership with Laura’s House, Orange County Deputy Sheriffs and local police officers are being armed with the resources and information they need to improve the outcomes of domestic violence 9-1-1 calls. Karin Klein will also be selling and signing copies of her book, “50 Hikes in Orange County,” with a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the books to be donated directly to Laura’s House.

“I would like to thank Marilyn McGowan and her team of volunteers for their commitment and dedication to making the 2nd Annual Canyon Country Hike & Hoedown a success,” said Bayston. “By collaborating with local businesses like Uncharted Journeys, we are working to build greater awareness for how domestic violence impacts our community, while raising much-needed funds that help sustain our counseling, emergency shelter, legal advocacy and community outreach  programs.”

Featured vendors for the Canyon Country Hike & Hoedown for Laura’s House include Damsel in Defense, which offers self defense products to empower women; Moxxie Essential Care, maker of an artisan line of exceptional handcrafted, plant-based bath & body products that promote healthy skin while nourishing the mind, body and spirit; Trabuco Canyon Barrel Works, distinctive wine barrel creations; A Perfect Complement, showcasing unique jewelry; and, Wiki Wiki Shave Ice.

Registration for the event opens at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 26. The 2nd Annual Canyon Country Hike & Hoedown will begin with a warm-up line dance led by celebrity dance coach, Eric Romero, with the hikes starting at 10:00 a.m., followed by the Hoedown at 11:30 a.m. The event will feature two different hikes, a 3-mile easy to moderate hike for all ages, and a 5-mile moderate to strenuous hike for experienced hikers.

For more information on the 2nd Annual Canyon Country Hike & Hoedown, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CanyonCountryHikeAndHoedown. Registration for the event is available online at Active.com, and will close on Thursday, October 24.

About Uncharted Journeys

Uncharted Journeys is a unique adventure company offering innovative, inspirational, life-changing travel experiences for women of all ages who are seeking to discover themselves and the world around them. For more information, visit www.unchartedjourneys.com.

About Laura’s House 

For nearly two decades, Laura’s House has provided residential shelter and support services to nearly 3,500 families, and counseling, life skills education and legal assistance to over 40,000 individuals. The mission of Laura’s House is to change the social beliefs, attitudes and the behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence while creating a safe space in which to empower individuals and families affected by abuse.

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