Annual Personal Retreat 2019

[Float On]

I'm back from my annual personal retreat (birthday escape). I took a week this year...really needed to recharge. Decided to check out one of Missouri's newer state parks, Echo Bluff, about 3 hours away. Perfect season to go. I was a little apprehensive about staying in a lodge room, usually I rent an entire cabin when I do my retreats. The lodge was perfect this time of year. In fact, 3 out of 4 nights I was the only guest in the lodge. The staff knew why I was there and promised to stay out of my way upon arrival. Each room has a balcony and gas fireplace along with micro/fridge. Thankfully I brought most of my own food but I did dine alone at the restaurant a couple evenings (had to use the dessert coupons they gave me as a birthday gift!). They gave me a corner room overlooking Sinking Creek under the bluff. Stunning views. That room also had the weakest wi-fi signal which was perfect. I was there to unplug.

I spent a lot of time hiking and just being outdoors. There are a lot of springs and mills in the area to visit and being off-season (Current River and Jack's Fork River float season doesn't start for another week or so) I found myself alone everywhere I went so it was perfect! Though there are several thousand acres of forest I was hoping to find a band or two of the wild horses that are protected in the area. I managed to find 3 and enjoyed watching them 20 minutes or so. I did not spy any Elk, though my dad was there a couple weeks ago and saw several large herds. The Conservation Dept had a meeting there specifically about the Elk a week before my dad was there and they couldn't find any of them either so I don't feel so bad! Made my list for the year 53 by 53 and was glad to check off a few more things from last year's list 52 by 52. Ran the typical trends of Missouri weather in late February. Started out blissfully warm, ended with rain then ice/snow.

[SteveinMN]

Sounds like it was just about the perfect getaway... A little jealous, I have to admit.

[Teacher Terry]

Sounds fun!

[Zoe Girl]

I always love hearing your annual personal retreat stories. It sounds great, and I am happy that the staff was supportive of your intentions to be there. A great way to start a new personal year.

[catherine]

I also enjoy hearing about FloatOn's birthday retreats! What a great idea--especially for us introverts! The idea of a Party of One for my birthday sounds great! Maybe one of these days I'll plan one.

Thanks for the lovely details.

[KayLR]

Happy belated birthday, FloatOn---how have I missed these reports in years past? Sounds like it was wonderful. Hope it was exactly what you'd hoped.

I also had a 3-day "to myself for myself" mini-retreat last week. I discovered I had not had a vacation for a year (!!) and also having recently had a major personal undoing (and finding myself in counseling and on new medications) I decided to book myself into the "local" (upriver about an hour away) hot springs and spa. It is a very, very, old mineral hot springs resort with old claw-foot tubs. On Tuesdays you can do the "25-25-25," soak for 25 min., wrap tightly in warm flannel sheets for 25 min.-- for $25. So I did that, plus as a paid guest I had whenever I wanted access to the public pool, too. Which is really hot. In case you're interested-- https://carsonhotspringresort.com/

It was snowy outside and each day I went out to see what kind of tracks I could see. The sky was so blue and the wind was so cold....but this was just the vigor I needed. The room only had a fridge and coffee pot. I brought all my own food as there is no restaurant. I brought books to read (no tv), hand embroidery, and did a vision board with materials I had gathered over a week or so beforehand.

When I got home I had a totally new outlook. I guess the meds have kicked in too. I'm so grateful my husband trusted me on my own in the snowy hills. He knew I really needed this.

[beckyliz]

Sounds like Heaven. I play with the idea of doing what you do. I need to make it more intentional. Thanks for the inspiration. I don't live too far from Missouri, so that may have to check out that state park!

KayLR, that place looks amazing.

[nswef]

KayLR and Float on, What a joy to hear about your retreats? I've never done one and you are giving me ideas. Kay, glad the meds and counseling are helping as well as the retreat.

[frugalone]

Boy, does that sound great to me right now. Except for the part about being outdoors in the snow. I'm more of a fall or spring weather person!