Pisgah Forest, North Carolina (January 30, 2018) Jill and I were on a weeklong daughter-father getaway – a sojourn to Skyterra Wellness Retreat. Today, like our first two days, was a wonderful mix of familiar AND new experiences.
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When we awoke, we found that a gentle dusting of snow had blanketed the ground. After a delicious breakfast prepared by sous chef Michael, I strolled through the wooded grounds (so relaxing!) while Jill attended a class on restorative yoga.
By noon, the temperature had warmed to the mid-30s and the early morning clouds gave way to a bright blue sky - picture-perfect for my afternoon excursion to Gorges State Park with Elwood, a fitness director, and Gunner, his four-legged friend.
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This 7,500-acre park, located near Lake Toxaway about 30 minutes northeast of Skyterra, offered a range of “backcountry-style recreation” – camping, fishing, mountain biking, and hiking. We were there to hike – specifically, to Rainbow Falls, which plunges 150 feet on Horsepasture River. It wasn’t a long hike – three miles or so roundtrip from the parking lot – but the trail rose a couple thousand feet in that short distance, which made for a great workout. The sound from the falls was cathartic!
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I had made a pledge to Jill to be open to new experiences while at Skyterra. And so tonight, with some trepidation, I joined Jill (to my right in this photo) and a handful of guests as Amber led us in Kirtan Kriya meditation, part of an ancient form of Yoga known as Bhakti. For 30 minutes, we sang the sounds Saa Taa Naa Maa as we made repetitive movements with our fingers. PERHAPS THE STRANGEST EXPERIENCE I HAVE EVER HAD! But you know what? It was a kick!!
From start to finish, this was a(nother) fun and satisfying day.