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Fall Yoga Retreat at Sequoia Lake - NinjaMom Hacks

Sequoia Lake hosted the 1st ever Yoga Retreat last weekend (9/15) and it was pretty damn awesome.
It was held at camp TQ and over 100 people showed up to Yoga & Meditate away the weekend.

Here are my tidbits:

First up: accommodations:

1) It's Glamping at it's finest.  Each cabin does NOT have a heater, but has electrical outlets.  1 queen size bed + bunk beds... which are not all that comfortable.  I would suggest a gel topper (like the ones Costco has) or a Twin air mattress to put on top of the 2 inch cot thing... would make your stay more comfortable.

2) Coffee... if you are a snob... bring a Keriug!   In fact, you can't go wrong bringing in a SMALL table and setting up a full on breakfast bar.  BE SURE to bring Air Tight igloo's!  Bears love food!  So.. keep it locked up!     Breakfast is served at 8am which is WAY too late,  yoga starts at 6:15am... and we were dying by 7:30...    hence the need for your own breakfast bar in the room.
Speaking of bears.. all food should be kept in the dining hall!

3) Air tight containers, igloo's, and...  a DOOR jam/alarm!    Our door did not have a deadbolt, we were lucky it latched!  So... take a large luggage and put it in front of the door!    Damsel in Defense makes a nice alarm door jam thing... if someone (or a bear) tries to push open the door... alarm will sound.

4)  Bathrooms--- be thankful you are not tent camping... much better than port-a-potties...    they are fine...  moving on....

5)  Don't forget:     air mattress/gel topper, flashlights, head lamp,  nightlight, warm blankets (multiple), sheets, towels, robe (for after showers), flipflops to take showers in, door jam/alarm, snacks for breakfast, layers, warmest socks you own, UGGs, coffee...

Next:   Yoga/workshops

1) Imagine starting your day on the deck with a blanket and pillow, and watching the sun rise as you practice yoga,   The sun rises over the lake as you are doing yoga to start your day.   Amazing!    They then had a mid-morning session, later afternoon session, and night session.   I tried Acro-Yoga... partner yoga with a flyer and a base.  So much fun!     #idroppedMonica

2) My ONLY negative... not enough classes for the 100 people in attendance.     They needed 1-2 more classes each hour...  I have a feeling they are going to fix this for next time.

Next:  Food

1) Vegan, Gluten FREE options each meal.  
2) Not enough Carbs + Protein...  so... bring snacks/protein bars/shakes!
3) refer to the coffee issue!
4) Grants Grove is only 3 miles up the hill... good restaurant and market (but $30 to get into the park)... in case you are dying hungry.  (yes... we did it. I needed chocolate and a beer.  Oh and the sister wanted to see the "Big Tree").


Next:  Cell Service

If you have ATT-- you will NOT have service.   VERIZON IS THE ONLY SERVICE UP THERE!     So...  needless to say as I drove down the hill with my shitty ATT phone... I called and cancelled my service and moved to Verizon effective immediately.     (but 3 days of disconnectedness... was quite lovely--anxiety provoking lovely).

Next: Community

Everyone is sooo nice, and looking out for one-another.   People offered me their phone to call my hubby, got to know me, and genuinely wanted to enjoy the experience as a positive group.

Hiking:
Sequoia Lake has some amazing Hiking trails.  Below is the view from the lake side near TQ camp.  If you are up for an adventure-- drive into the National Park and pick from dozens of hikes!   I recommend Buck Rock Look out, or Moro Rock!  On a clear day you can see all the way to the Rockies from Moro Rock (Note:  350+ stairs to get to the top.. you need to be in somewhat good shape).  Go to https://www.hikespeak.com/trails/moro-rock-sequoia/  for more info.



My friends and I will return next year... we just need to bring a few things to make our stay AMAZING-- Keurig!!!

Find info here:

http://www.ymcacampsequoialake.org/register


Namaste,  (I found my JOY)!
Auggie

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