If being surrounded by snow capped mountains, hiking forest trails to waterfalls, and dining lakeside on fresh, local, organic foods appeals to you, then seriously consider going to the North Cascades Institute (NCI) for the Beach Watchers’ retreat September 3-5, 2008.
(Reservations due by July 1st)
The drive along the winding Skagit River sets the stage for being immersed in nature on the NCI campus; the facilities are modern and incorporate green building design and operations. There are miles of hiking trails available to explore and bird and plant life are diverse and plentiful. Glacier-fed Diablo Lake welcomes paddlers and on the last day I was there, a snow capped mountain was sharply reflected in its waters.
The campus offers a variety of welcoming places (indoor and out), for social gatherings, as well as for quiet relaxation. I particularly enjoyed the gatherings at the dining hall, as the meals prepared by Chef Charles Claassen were, on their own, well worth the drive to NCI. Chef Charles is committed to local, organic, sustainable cuisine and does a wonderful job preparing it.
If you did nothing else but read a book and feast at NCI, your time and money would be well spent. I’m looking forward to a return visit (my third) in September. I hope to see you there!
Finn Gatewood 2006