A Retreat with Wild Studio

On the weekend of 20 February I joined a group of intrepid artists for a retreat at Kauaeranga Valley in the Coromandel.. The weekend was to be one of exploration of natural dyes and inks lead by Sarah Nichols and Emma Cowan of Wild Studio. The retreat was hosted at the farm of Sarah Fitzimons who led us in a daily mediation and gentle yoga. Most of the group stayed camping on site but I felt my poor old bones needed the support of a proper bed so I booked into Kauaerangi Vistas B &B which was just 5 minutes from the camping ground. It was a lovely peaceful repose with a private spa, homemade bread and plum jam and a welcoming host. I could join the group easily and could depart in the evening if I felt the day’s activities were taking their toll. I am anticipating surgery on my bowel so this small condescension to comfort meant I could still participate in everything fully. The track in was a bit of a wonder. At the end of the first part of the track there was a one way bridge which looked like it didn’t go anywhere but in fact took a very sharp right hand turn and then headed a bit further on, across the paddocks to the campsites.

The photos above show: The bridge to nowhere, the track in, Headquarters with the kitchen area to the right, Upmarket composting toilet, the first evening intro meeting with Sarah and Emma at the top right, Cars parked up away from the camping area, My private spa at the B& B - Kauaeranga Vistas, a comfortable bed to come back to.

It was a fun weekend and the first time I had felt I could leave Rob for the weekend since his sepsis operation and recuperation.