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Sneak peek: Zip lining

A carabiner and a harness is all that separates you from the North Atlantic coastline. The lines are so fast that some burn through braking gloves. The trees don't mind getting in your personal space. Sounds like fun!

We couldn't wait until August, so we took a trip to Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove on Sunday and tested the runs ourselves! You're in for a treat.

Still not convinced? Watch what happened when the Mercer Report visted North Atlantic ZipLines last year:

  

If you're interested in Retreat Yourself, but this really doesn't look like it's for you, consider applying to Retreat Yourself British Columbia (May 30-June 3, 2013) or Retreat Yourself Nova Scotia (July 11-15)!

Posted on May 07, 2013 - 04:35 PM by angie

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The awesomeness that was Retreat Yourself Adventure 2012

I can’t believe it’s been a week since we got back from our first official Retreat Yourself Adventure 2012!

Here is some of what went down:

The adventure started on August 15 with a seven-hour drive from St. John's to Deer Lake for me and Geoff, including picking up two of our retreaters on the way.

The opening circle that night was powerful. A small group with big hearts opened up and the tone was set.

We all had nicknames for the duration of our trip (and they will stick), so on Thursday after “Icebreaker” got us moving and screaming (see first video), we headed out to Marble Tour Ziplining in Corner Brook. This was AWESOME. Each day of our adventure had a theme and the theme of the day was "fear" and everyone faced theirs like champions. The ability to let go, trust, and self-confidence were all things people decided to bring with them on that day.

Thanks to the amazing people at Gros Morne Adventures we braved the Atlantic Ocean and kayaked for a full day on Friday. We faced winds, sun, and rain, and sang through it all. The theme that day was "change." As we know, young adult cancer survivors go through so many changes and they have to adapt and find the good in there. Friday was all about that all the way to our chat that night.

Saturday was a big day. We took on Gros Morne! Some hiked 8 km to the base of the mountain and back, and some decided to climb the mountain to the top. It was intense, but a wonderful and enlightening experience for all. 

Our theme for the day was "believe" and we encouraged people to believe in themselves, in others, and in where you are at the moment. Like Geoff said, we are so grateful for this group to have had the courage to push their limits or to stay within. It takes a lot of strength to do both and we witnessed just that!

Sunday was our boat tour around Western Brook Pond with BonTour. Even though it poured, our group sang, laughed, and held conversations as if the rain was not hitting us in the face--like on each day of the Adventure. Thank you for that!

We closed our weekend with a closing circle as powerful as the opening with lots of gratitude and take away. 

Of course, we made sure everyone left as an honorary Newfoundlander thanks to "Pops"!

The group was special, adapted to all the changes and made this first event a success. They supported each other and listened. They landed a hand when someone needed one. The conversations were profound even after a long day. This event will forever be engraved in my heart.

A heartfelt thank you to all who made this possible:

First, thank you to Corinne Humby, Nurse Navigator in St. John’s, NL. She came on board with very little details and brought so much to the group. Her enthusiasm, openness and kindness made us feel like we had done this with her forever.

Thank you Fisherman's Landing Inn for the warm welcome, the help with the luggage and your smile each day. Your venue is amazing.

Thank you Ocean View Hotel for cooking us amazing meals. Thank you to all the ladies who served us each day with a smile. How you care for everyone we bring to you always makes us want to go back. (We all miss the fish cakes in the morning.)

Thank you Gros Morne Adventures for your help in organizing the adventures, for your patience, understanding and support. Sue, you made this possible! Kathleen and Katherine, you were wonderful and we had so much fun with you.

Thank you to all of our donors and sponsors who made this event possible.

Finally, Icebreaker, Napster, The Professor, Snatch, Berry, Coach, Hollywood, Obi-Wan, Superstar Sunshine Bear, Miss-E, Big Tree Bumblebee, The Manager, Pops--this one is for you from Mom: THANK YOU!

Posted on Aug 30, 2012 - 02:02 PM by Karine

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That’s a wrap!

"Awesome afternoon, even if soaking wet."

The first Retreat Yourself Adventure program is over and Karine said it best:

"Retreat Yourself Adventure 2012 is close to an end. Today was about dreams. Boat tour in the rain with a bunch of troopers. Nothing would keep this group from having fun.

"Thanks for the heartfelt closing circle, the talent and the laughter. Tomorrow will be our last breakfast together (huuummm fish cakes). I'm already looking forward to reconnecting and tweeting...What an amazing experience. My heart is full. Thank you again."

Geoff also had a couple of nice things to say to clue everything up:

    

"Closing circle, rock exchange, take home message, all done, banner signing in progress, talent show to come!"

"Super fantastic retreat, BIG thanks to NL Gov for their leadership on the YA cancer issue, and support of YACC--I'm now on vacation!"

Check out these other posts from the week:
Retreat Yourself Adventure is in full swing!
Check out the zipline from RYA2012
RYA2012 took to the sea on Friday
Climbing mountains is as tough as it looks

Posted on Aug 20, 2012 - 10:19 AM by angie

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Climbing mountains is as tough as it looks

"Our group before the big hike."

A lot of people want to hike Gros Morne, but only a fraction of them will ever get around to it. As of Saturday, the Retreat Yourself Adventure participants have that experience under their belts.

Geoff's Twitter is always good for a few shots from the day, and here's what he shared with us:

"Half way to the base, toughness and perseverence already at play to push through some injuries and late effects."

"Base of Gros Morne, have definitely felt better in my life, today is not the day for me."

But the money shot came from Tim Buckland:

"So just climbed a f#%#ing mountain. How was your weekend? #Boom" 

And, with her thoughtful daily recaps, Karine summed up the day by saying:

"RYA12: Adventure #3...taking on Gros Morne. I have no words. The strength and wisdom of this group is beautiful to witness. What a privilege to be spending time with all of you and discovering all your greatness. Thank you all so much for your love! Tomorrow is all about dreams and reward. Boat tour in the Fjords. Endbeginings."

Check out these other posts from the week:
Retreat Yourself Adventure is in full swing!
Check out the zipline from RYA2012
RYA2012 took to the sea on Friday
That's a wrap!

Posted on Aug 19, 2012 - 05:11 PM by angie

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RYA2012 took to the sea on Friday

Everyone's hands were occupied with paddles on Friday, but we managed to get one shot from the main event! Read on to see what Geoff and Karine had to say:

From Geoff's Twitter:

"Looks like cliff diving this aft, if we can find the stairs?!#RYA2012 btw ocean is 22 degrees #awesome"

Karine always offers a thoughtful recap at the end of the day, and this is what she had to say about Friday:

"Today for our RYA12 group of champions, we were taking on the Atlantic! We kayaked on the ocean in beautiful Bonne Bay like a bunch of pros! The decor was stunning; the company incomparable; the sandwiches (miam, miam); and the level of adaptation, patience, laughter, signing, calm: unforgettable. When your biggest low point is a blister, I think you can call this a great day!

"Thank you group for working together in making those days so meaningful. Tomorrow, we take on Gros Morne!"

Check out these other posts from the week:
Retreat Yourself Adventure is in full swing!
Check out the zipline from RYA2012
Climbing mountains is as tough as it looks
That's a wrap!

Posted on Aug 18, 2012 - 01:39 PM by angie

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Check out the zipline from RYA2012!

Thursday of Retreat Yourself Adventure 2012 was spent ziplining at Marble Mountain. We were lucky enough to have the NTV Evening News on hand to show us what went down (or across, or in whatever direction the line went).

From Geoff's Twitter:

"Most of our crew are geared up, minus ropes which r coming, we'll be zipping in a few."

Karine reported: "We had an awesome time ziplining and demonstrated a whole lot of trust, letting go and courage. This day finished with a heartfelt chat. I am loving this so much. Thanks to our amazing group who are making each moment so special and real.

"Tomorrow is still a surprise as we will only know at 7 a.m. if we kayak or take on Gros Morne. Whatever happens, it's clear it's going to be unbelievable.

"Now get some sleep!"

 

Check out these other posts from the week:
Retreat Yourself Adventure is in full swing!
RYA2012 took to the sea on Friday
Climbing mountains is as tough as it looks
That's a wrap!
Check out these other posts from the week:
Retreat Yourself Adventure is in full swing!
Check out the zipline from RYA2012
RYA2012 took to the sea on Friday
Climbing mountains is as tough as it looks
That's a wrap!

Posted on Aug 17, 2012 - 10:59 AM by angie

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Retreat Yourself Adventure is in full swing

Retreat Yourself Adventure 2012 officially began yesterday on the west coast of Newfoundland and people are already sharing their excitement all over the World Wide Web.

Here's what Karine had to say this morning:

"Waking up thinking of our RYA12 opening night--Wow! Our group was meant to be together, that's obvious. Already some connections made, stories are just unfolding and adventure awaiting. Today, we are getting ready to practice letting go and trust so we can fly! Zip lining here we come."

And, from yesterday: "My co-pilot...no comments. It's going to be a long ride."

He's excited to be at a Retreat for the first time in four years

Follow along with Geoff or #RYA2012 on Twitter, or check out our Facebook page for more updates!

Check out these other posts from the week:
Check out the zipline from RYA2012
RYA2012 took to the sea on Friday
Climbing mountains is as tough as it looks
That's a wrap!

Posted on Aug 16, 2012 - 10:23 AM by angie

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Retreat alumni are invited to attend Retreat Yourself Adventure

With about six weeks to go before the first-ever Retreat Yourself Adventure in Gros Morne, we just have two spaces left to fill. Are you coming? Are your friends coming?

Are you thinking, "Geez, I'd love to come, but I've already been to a Retreat"? Don't worry! We have lifted the new-Retreater bylaw for this event only and are inviting all eligible survivors to submit your applications!

If you are between 18- and 39-years-old, have been out of active treatment for for one to five years, and are looking for physical and mental challenges, you are invited to check out this new program.

If you haven't been paying attention so far, we're going sea-kayaking, hiking in the mountains, and zip lining in Gros Morne and Marble Mountain, NL. You can find all the details here, eligibility requirements here, and application forms here. 

We hope to see you there!

Posted on Jul 03, 2012 - 05:19 PM by angie

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Here’s what we’re planning for RYA2012

The newest addition to YACC's program lineup is related to the Retreat Yourself family, but don't let it fool you. This isn't a restful excursion.

We feel responsible to give you all the info on what to expect in rural Newfoundland so you'll know what you're signing up for before you send in that application. These are adventure tourism activities, so you don't have to be an endurance athlete to attend, but you have to be up for a difficult day-long hike and some salt-water kayaking.

Sue Rendell is from Gros Morne Adventures (the company with which we're planning the kayaking and hiking) and she sent us the following descriptions to share with you:

Sea Kayaking Day Adventure

Level of difficulty: easy to moderate. Double sea kayaks (very stable and easy to paddle).

Estimated time: 5-6 hours. Leisurely paddling for the most part with lots of time to stop and explore.

Location: Bonne Bay, very sheltered waters with lots of beaches and coves. Water temperature should be around 15-18°C

Click here for details, photos, and video. 

Hiking Day Adventure – Gros Morne Mountain

Level of difficulty: high. The trail from the base up the mountain and back down to the base is very rocky underfoot. At places you will need to steady yourself with your hands to step up or down over rocks. The views are quite spectacular from the top as you overlook 10-mile pond fjord and the Long Range Mountains. Hiking boots and rain gear are essential items to have for this hike.  

Estimated time: 8-9 hours

Click here for details, photos, and maps. 

Hiking Day Adventure – South Side

We have an option of doing one of these three hikes and it will depend on how everyone is feeling and the what the weather is like.

The level of difficulty is moderate for all three.

Lookout Trail offers a great view of Bonne Bay, the Tablelands Mountains, and the Long Range Mountains. It will require a day with good visibility. The trail is very well groomed with switchbacks and board walk in sections and climbs to an elevation of about 1000 ft (300m).

The Tablelands trail hike is about 14km return on a well groomed trail. There is an elevation gain of about 300ft (100m). It offers great views of the Tablelands (which is a unique geological feature composed of the earth’s mantle) and Trout River Pond Fjord.

Green Gardens is about a 10km return hike with an elevation gain of about 1000 ft (300m). It leads to an incredible volcanic rock beach along the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Zip Lining

We will also spend a day on a zip lining excursion with Marble Zip Tours. For those of you who are not familiar with zip lining, you'll be suspended from a harness as you fly through the trees and over the river of Marble Mountain. If you're afraid of heights, this one will definitely push you outside of your comfort zone.

Click here for a video.

So if you think you're up for day-long hikes up rocky mountain terrain, multiple hours on the open water in a little boat, and a few breathtaking moments in a harnass hundreds of feet in the air, you're just who we're looking for.

We can't wait to share this brand-new program with you!

Posted on Apr 23, 2012 - 07:29 AM by angie

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Registration is open for Retreat Yourself Adventure

We are pleased to invite you to the brand-new Retreat Yourself Adventure!

We will be taking 11 survivors and their supporters on a four-day adventure on the west coast of Newfoundland from August 15 to 20 where we'll all push our limits by zip-lining, sea kayaking, and hiking beautiful Gros Morne.

We're still finalizing a couple of details, so keep your eyes peeled on this website or our Facebook and Twitter feeds for the latest info.

In the meantime, if you're lean and mean, head on over to the apply section and get your name in the queue!

Photo submitted by Gros Morne Adventures

Posted on Apr 16, 2012 - 01:55 PM by angie

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