Packing List For Spring & Fall

• Hiking boots (below ankle if ankles are strong, above ankle if not) *see details below
• Sandals, moccasins or slippers (for use in Lodge)
• Running or tennis shoes for the gym & Fitness Walking
• Hiking shorts and hiking pants, or zip-off combo (made of quick-dry material...cotton is unacceptable as it doesn't dry)
• One short & one long sleeved shirt made of wicking material, ie: merino wool, polypropelyne, silk, capalene (not cotton).
• One undershirt that wicks moisture (not cotton)
• One top for warmth (pullover, or zippered, made of wool, fleece or soft shell)
• Rain jacket (highly breathable and waterproof material with a Goretex or similar wicking membrane)
• Rain pants...same material as jacket
• Vest (fleece or wool) optional
• One hat for warmth (wool or fleece) or earband
• One hat for sun (broad rim or ball cap) & One hat for rain (not necessary if rain jacket has a hood)
• One pair of gloves - medium weight, water resistant(eg: Gortex, soft shell, fleece laminate, etc.)
• Socks for hiking (wool/wicking combo) & socks for tennis shoes
• Pants for yoga (baggy & stretchable) Optional (we do provide gym suits for use).
• Bathing suit
• Passport for non-Canadian guests
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Camera, alarm clock & a good book
• Good quality daily vitamin and mineral supplement (formulated for stress)
• An adequate supply of any medications you require.

Choosing a Shoe




Proper hiking boots are essential. You cannot hike our trails in running shoes. We recommend Mid-Cut Light To Medium Weight Hiking Boots. Proper boots have ankle support, a good tread, a snug fitting heel, and are large enough for comfort. Try your boots on with the socks you intend to hike in (best at the end of the day when feet are more swollen). Boots fit larger than shoes. Ask the store to provide you with a slant board to test walking downhill -- your toes should not touch the ends or the boots are too small. The store should allow you to wear your boots indoors for 2-3 days to ensure a good fit. Good brands of light-to-medium weight boots are: Merrell, Nike, Rockport, Salomon, Technica, Vasque, New Balance, Hi Tec, Sorel and Scarpa.

...and a sock



A word about the "arch enemy" of hikers: blisters. You should bring socks that do not irritate your heels or toes (ie. do not have a ridge or are too coarse). Some people like the two-sock system (inner silkish liner and heavy outer sock) and some like the all-in-one hiking socks available at outdoor stores. Try them out in your new boots before arrival! We supply the daily blister prevention & care items (tapes, mole foam etc.) required to keep your feet happy on the trail.

We recommend the principle of layering loose clothing to increase your comfort on hikes when warmth is needed. There are three layers: INNER: thin and light to wick away moisture from the skin (T-shirt or top made of polypro, capilene or silk), MIDDLE: insulation for warmth (sweaters or tops made of polarfleece or wool), OUTER: protection from wind and rain (Gortex or equivalent breathable and waterproofed shell is highly recommended and many like the protection of rain pants as well). 


Don't Bring Too Much



We provide sweatsuits, T-shirts, a bathrobe, hair blower, and a day hiking pack for your use. Our guests have frequently made the comment that they have brought too much stuff! You do not need to dress up here; many guests spend their time in our sweatsuits and T-shirts, both for casual evenings and exercise. We do laundry for you daily, so you don't need many clothes.

You do not need a backpack.

*

Please do not bring: tobacco products, coffee, or alcohol. 
(Also, please refrain from wearing perfume).

Prepare For Your Retreat



During your program, you will be served a calorie-controlled menu of delicious Spa Cuisine meals incorporating organic chicken, turkey, fish and red meat entrees. We also serve some purely vegetarian meals and are happy to accommodate a vegetarian or vegan diet. We do not serve coffee, although there are some substitutes available. If you are a coffee drinker, we cannot emphasize enough the importance of stopping your coffee consumption (even if you only have one cup per day) several days before your arrival here. You can then have your headache at home and be able to fully enjoy your first day. As this is a health retreat, we do not allow smoking and we do not serve alcohol.

Because you are beginning a new exercise program, we advise you to see your family doctor and have an updated physical. Please let your doctor know about our program and your goals.