-get ready-

Arrival Day: Sunday August 20th

REGISTRATION AND CHECK-IN OPTIONS:

• EARLY ARRIVALS (2:00-4:00 PM): We will have a table at the Lake Crescent Lodge Lobby to help you register! Arrive between 12-1:30p and enjoy lunch or a coffee and a lovely stroll around the grounds of the Lodge. We will be ready to help you check in beginning at 2pm. At 4pm we will head over to Nature Bridge where we will escort you to your rooms and let you settle in before our Welcome Event in the Cedar Lodge. The view from the Lodge is spectacular and you will immediately feel transported back in time. Wander the property, walk out on the dock, sit by the warm fire in the historic lobby, or enjoy the view from the sun porch.
• LATE ARRIVALS (after 4:00PM): If you are arriving at or after 4:00pm come directly to Nature Bridge. We will check you in and you can join the property tour. 

PROPERTY TOURS and CABIN TOURS/NATURE BRIDGE: 4:00PM

WELCOME to NATURE BRIDGE & INTRODUCTIONS: 5:00PM

DINNER: 6PM  

ACIM EVENING PROGRAM: 7:00 – 9:30PM

Suggested Packing List

Clothing

• 5-6 short/long sleeve t-shirts
• 2-3 running-style long tank tops (for layering)
• 2-3 sweaters or sweatshirts
• 1 Light colored or white shirt or sweater (for a special evening event!)
• 3-4 pairs of jeans, warm yoga pants, sweat pants (or whatever you are comfortable in for classes and hiking)
• 6-8 pairs of socks (they get wet, mossy, and twiggy!)
• Bathing suit: The Polar Bear Plunge in Lake Crescent is a rite of passage for the brave at heart, but for the first time in years Sol Duc Hot Springs is open for 90 minute hot-mineral pool soaks. Heaven after a hike to Sol Duc Falls.
• A parka AND/OR a fleece jacket (I always have both)
• A raincoat or inexpensive rain poncho (toss in the back pack on an iffy weather day)
• Flip flops (for the Bath House, wading in the lake, or after a hike)
• TWO pairs of good walking or hiking shoes (trails can be muddy and for the first time in years…snowy!)
• Ideally: Walking/running shoe (for Nature Bridge daily activities)
  + Light pair of hiking boots or hiking-boot-style walking shoes that have been waterproofed.

NOTE: You do not have to have hiking boots as long as your running/walking shoes have a thick, good grip. If your shoes have flat soles like Converse you will slip and slide on the gravel trails.

OPTIONAL: A cozy shoe like an Ugg boot or something comfortable for morning beach meditations, a short forest walk, campfires, long car rides, or heading over to the Bath House if needed. After a long hike the first thing I normally do is get my hiking boots OFF my feet!

Accessories

• Knit hat (evenings and mornings) and baseball cap (canoes and the beach)
• Light gloves
• Scarf
• Small backpack
• Water bottle
• Sun screen and mosquito repellent
• Cosmetics and toiletries

For Class

• The 3rd Edition of A Course in Miracles. If you have yet to order it then purchase the hard copy which can withstand the test of time.
• Journal
• 3 SMALL items that represent you and what you love. This can be photos, trinkets, a small plush toy, a rock, or anything significant.

Weather

The forecast for August is normally partly cloudy, with low 60’s to low 50’s in the evenings.

As mentioned before, weather on the Olympic Peninsula changes quickly. It can be pouring rain at Lake Crescent, yet have glorious sunshine at the coast or in the mountains. A recent update from the National Park Service reported that Hurricane Ridge, one of our possible hiking destinations, is still fully covered by snow which I haven’t seen in years! Think layers, spare dry clothing, and staying warm.

Covid Update & Requirements

Nature Bridge is in the process of relaxing and updating their policy but have kindly asked that we comply with their current policies. The Makah tribe is vulnerable to those outside their community. Because they remained isolated for so long, it is a risk for them to visit our retreat. I have assured them we will be diligent in testing and keeping them safe for their visit. 

***IF ANYONE WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS Covid policies with me personally please reach out. I know this is still an unusual time

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Testing and Masking

• You DO NOT need to be vaccinated, however, if you have proof of vaccination bring that with you upon arrival, or send to me via email.

• I have purchased ONE SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid self-test per guest.
• To keep everyone safe, I will ask all guests to:
  • Take ONE self-test upon arrival

• If possible, PLEASE take a test 96 HOURS PRIOR TO ARRIVAL. Once you get out to Lake Crescent resources and medical services are LIMITED! If you were to become ill prior to arriving, your best medical care will be Tacoma or Seattle. You do not want to drive all the way to the Lake only to be turned away.

IMPORTANT:  Trip Insurance

Nature Bridge is REMOTE. If you fall ill or experience an injury the nearest emergency care is 30 minutes away.

It can take upwards of AN HOUR for an ambulance to reach you. As suggested on the registration page ALL GUESTS MUST PURCHASE TRIP INSURANCE that includes evacuation in case of injury and trip cancellation 

If you need help please reach out.

Directions, Transportation & Fuel Stops

NATURE BRIDGE:
Nature Bridge, 111 Barnes Point Road, Port Angeles, WA 98362 [Map]

EARLY ARRIVAL REGISTRATION Location:
Lake Crescent Lodge, 416 Lake Crescent Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98363

Once you are 30 minutes beyond Port Angeles and can see Lake Crescent, you have 10 minutes before you arrive at Nature Bridge. The turn-off comes up quickly! You will see signs to Storm King Ranger Station, Lake Crescent Lodge, and Nature Bridge.

• TURN RIGHT off the highway
• TURN LEFT at the stop sign
• TURN an immediate RIGHT at the Nature Bridge sign
• PARKING for Nature Bridge is in the lot just past the entrance, on the right.

Transportation

As you know it can take several hours to get to Nature Bridge from Seattle or Portland. If you need help getting to Nature Bridge I need to know ASAP to help you coordinate with another guest. If you have not yet done so please reach out.

Fuel Stops – there aren’t many(!)

If you are driving to Nature Bridge, once you pass the Port Townsend area GAS STATIONS ARE FEW! Before you head out to the peninsula fill up your tank.

You should be able to make it to a stop called the 7 Cedars Casino, Deli and Gas Station. You will see quite a few totem poles, a hotel, art museums, etc. It’s a hard area to miss!

From there it is nearly 90 minutes to Port Angeles. FILL UP THE TANK AGAIN! The next best gas station prior to the lake is Safeway gas station or the Arco (807 S Lincoln St, Port Angeles, WA 98362).

If you do not fill-up in Port Angeles, depending on whether or not a small gas station is open, IT CAN BE AS LONG AS FOUR HOURS of driving before you hit Forks on the coast for fuel! Don’t get caught on empty!

AFTER PORT ANGELES the only other gas station before Nature Bridge is Shadow Mountain. Gas will be pricey and do not necessarily expect them to be open!

Day Trips & Transportation

We will be car-pooling to Sol Duc Falls (an hour each direction) as well as Riato Beach (an hour+ in each direction). Hurricane Ridge may be a possibility as well (also an hour each way.) If you join another driver on one of these excursions please offer to split the price of fuel making it more affordable for all.

Food

• BREAKFAST (8am) and DINNER (6pm) are served daily in the Main Lodge. Nature Bridge offers a standard “campers” hearty meal with vegetarian options. There will also be supplementary offerings such as non-dairy yogurts, granola, protein drinks. 
• SACK LUNCH supplies are available each morning during Breakfast. Guests make their own sandwich, fruit, snacks, or select vegetarian options. We will often be on hikes during lunch or enjoying one of numerous picnic tables on campus.
• SNACKS: There will be a host of snack bars, fruit, and veggies available but Nature Bridge asks that NO FOOD is allowed in the cabins. Mice WILL find it!
• OUTSIDE FOOD & DRINK: Outside food is not covered in the price of the retreat, unless specified, however, Lake Crescent Lodge is a historic resort minutes from Nature Bridge down a beautiful lakeside trail. It is a wonderful place to order a beverage at sunset, have dessert, or if you have free time you can enjoy lunch on your own.
• There is also the beloved Granny’s Café. Approximately 20 minutes from Nature Bridge, this super funky pit stop has been around for nearly 70 years. The best milkshakes on the peninsula!

Markets

• The closest markets are in Port Angeles which is a 30-minute drive from Nature Bridge. I prefer Safeway. If there is special food you need PLEASE PICK IT UP before you arrive at the Lake! Nature Bridge is providing us with refrigerator space and a microwave but we will not have access to their kitchens.
• A health-food market is near Sequim is Sunny Farms, a local favorite. Sunny Farms is a 60-minute drive from Nature Bridge. Also a great place to pick up special food if you need it.
• There are a few small mini-marts such as at Log Cabin Resort and another location near the lake called Shadow Ridge but the selection is sparse. Think of those as your last resort, especially due to the fact that their hours of operation are limited.

*** If you have any food concerns please email me directly