-get ready-

UPDATED AS NEEDED! 
Please DOUBLE CHECK this page closer to the arrival date! All information provided here is subject to change, including but not limited clothing suggestions, items to bring, etc.

SAVE THE DATES! PRE-TRIP ZOOM CALLS!
These calls are critical pre-trip carpooling and introductions. Many guests share cars or want to get to know their cabin-mates!

JULY 14th (SUNDAY) at 9am PST
AUGUST 11th (SUNDAY) at 9am PST

MANDATORY: 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.

It must also include trip cancellation as Joanne is a one-woman show. In case I fall ill, or need to cancel, make sure you are covered. Trip cancellation should also include natural disaster coverage such as fire, earthquake, etc.  In 2023 we felt the smokey effects of forest fires in both Canada and Eastern Washington but luckily a hurricane coming up from California washed the air clear! So please make sure you are covered! 

I cannot help you determine which insurance is best for you given your medical conditions or current health coverage, but happy to discuss options with you if you are making decisions. 

MANDATORY: 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.

It must also include trip cancellation as Joanne is a one-woman show. In case I fall ill, or need to cancel, make sure you are covered. Trip cancellation should also include natural disaster coverage such as fire, earthquake, etc.  In 2023 we felt the smokey effects of forest fires in both Canada and Eastern Washington but luckily a hurricane coming up from California washed the air clear! So please make sure you are covered! 

I cannot help you determine which insurance is best for you given your medical conditions or current health coverage, but happy to discuss options with you if you are making decisions. 

PRE-ARRIVAL: SATURDAY August 17th

OPTIONAL: RED LION PORT ANGELES ($349) Single Queen Ocean Front OR shared $174 pp Double Queen Ocean Front
FULL CANCELLATION/REFUND UP TO ONE WEEK PRIOR. 

• IT IS STRONGLY SUGGESTED that you arrive in PORT ANGELES or SEQUIM the evening prior to the start of the trip. THIS IS OPTIONAL however, it can be a journey to arrive to Lake Crescent espcially depending on whether or not you choose to take ferries versus hihgways. Some guests are comfortable arriving in the early hours from SEA-TAC Airport and driving several hours to Lake Crescent, but for most that proves to be a long day. Hard to begin the retreat the evening of the 18th feeling refreshed!  Last year two guests missed their flights and were grateful they had the extra time to make it to the start of the retreat. Others spent a few days in Seattle proper to enjoy the sites. Still others explored the lavender fields in Sequim. What you choose to do is up to you!
• AN IDEAL DAY for guests arriving in PORT ANGELES/SEQUIM the night prior, enables them to enjoy a relaxing morning in Port Angeles/Sequim, an easy 30 minute drive to Lake Crescent including stops for fuel or grocery snacks, lunch at the Lake Cresent Lodge and exploring the local trails, and then being ready for check-in at the Lodge by 2pm. 
• IF YOU WOULD LIKE A ROOM AT THE RED LION PORT ANGELES I have 10 reserved. They are first come, first serve! Some guests attempt staying at Lake Crescent but rooms are sold out nearly a year in advance! Others choose beautiful Airbnbs. Happy to share ideas with you. 

ARRIVAL DAY: Sunday August 18th

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

FULL RETREAT DAYS: 

BE FLEXIBLE! I CAN’T STRESS THIS ENOUGH!

• My job as facilitator is to LISTEN TO THE VOICE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. What does that mean? That means moment by moment I am making the best decisions for YOUR deepening in ACIM and the GROUP! I am in constant prayer and guidance. I watch the weather patterns. I tune in to YOUR levels of energy. I make split second calls about what to teach, what to re-teach, and what to skip. Sometimes epic sound baths by the lake are CANCELLED due to thunderous storms and keep us all in the lodge going deeper than we ever imagined. A lake-side dinner becomes a forest dinner. A spontaneous lunch in the forest might replace a lodge lesson…but no day is EVER THE SAME. 

THE MAKAH:

• We have been blessed by the presence of the Makah Elders the past two years. With that said, we never truly know if they will be able to join us. If they are ever unable to attend I will substitute our time with them with an equally beautiful activity. Every time I have had to make adjustments, it worked in our favor, so again, TRUST THE PROCESS. 

MORNING CIRCLE: 7:30AM

• This is when we take on a daily lesson. Grab your coffee and mittens and join us lake side during our sacred morning time. 

BREAKFAST: 8AM

LESSONS: FLEXIBLE TIMING

• We spend MANY HOURS in the Cedar Lodge for our ACIM lessons. This is POWERFUL TIME together. I have no words to describe what has unfolded in the past, but rest assured if you are coming for the deepest level of healing possible you will get it! Your journal will be FULL of memories! 

OUTINGS: FLEXIBLE TIMING

• This is where we HIKE! We head out to adventure into Olympic and let our minds and bodies RELAX. This is where there magnificence of Olympic takes over to sooth your soul.  

BREAKS: FLEXIBLE TIMING

• Spaciousness! I try to give breaks based on energy levels, not set specific times.

CLOSING Day: Friday, August 23rd

EARLY CLEAN UP DAY! 6:30 – 7:30AM!!! 

• We CLEAN UP! Most guests have their belongings ready the night before, but our cabins must be clear by 9AM. Bedding & retreat items will be brought by YOU  to the main lodge to be sorted and packed up and suitcases taken to cars. Being great guests we also make sure our cabins are swept clean! This is essential for the staff of Nature Bridge because of the turn-over and incoming retreat organizations. WE HELP OUT! AND WE ARE INVITED BACK! 

FINAL POLAR BEAR PLUNGE! 7:30AM Last chance!

BREAKFAST: 8AM

CLOSING CIRCLE: 8:30AM

• This is a beautiful lakeside sharing time. We are packed and ready to go, but we have a leisure and wonderful hour and half to share, cry, hug, laugh and CELEBRATE our huge wins! Everything comes to completion here 

TIME TO GO: 10AM

• This is departure day but what are YOUR SPECIAL PLANS!?  You will feel the special energy. You will feel exhaustion and elation. You will know your life has CHANGED. PLEASE PLAN DOWN TIME FOR YOURSELF! Some guests walked slowly to the Lake Crescent Lodge to enjoy a final coffee on their patio and journal time. Some stayed for lunch. Others made a sacred journey up to Hurricane Ridge. Others journeyed to Lake Quinault Lodge for a few days. And yet others planned an extra day or two in Seattle. I can’t stress how important this is! 

Suggested Packing List

CLOTHING

• 1 Light colored or white shirt or sweater (for a special evening event!)
• 5-6 short/long sleeve t-shirts
• 2-3 running-style long tank tops (for layering)
• 2-3 sweaters or sweatshirts
• 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!

ACCESORIES:

• 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.
• 3 SMALL items that represent you and what you love. This can be photos, trinkets, a small plush toy, a rock, or anything significant.
• Water Bottle

Weather

The forecast for August is normally partly cloudy, with low 60’s to low 50’s in the evenings. Last year there was a rare heat wave pusing the 80’s the day we arrived! SO CHECK THE WEATHER BEFORE YOU DEPART! 

Weather on the Olympic Peninsula changes quickly. It can be pouring rain at Lake Crescent and muddy, yet have glorious sunshine at the coast or in the mountains. Snow in the mountains is not unheard of for August. Think layers, spare dry clothing, and staying warm.

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. Last year one guest used an electric car app and had wonderful success mapping where to stop! So that’s an option as well! 

For fuel stops from Seattle, 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!

For day trips & retreat 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. This is one of the best parts of the retreat journey. Deep conversations happen when we carpool. 

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