Women escape for island getaway

Creativity and connection were the themes of the St. Clement's women's retreat, and there was plenty of both up at Camp Artaban on the October 21 - 23 weekend.

Water taxis left Horseshoe Bay on Friday afternoon and before long the city streets had been traded for wooded trails and waterfront. Fortunately, most of the water stayed in the ocean - the forecast rain held off, and the wood stove in Somerville House kept us toasty (once we learned never to let it go out!)

The Artaban staff kept us mightily fed with snacks and meals while we took part in sessions with retreat leader Helen and a wonderful journalling session led by Leah Ensing. Evenings ended with a compline service and we had a Sunday Eucharist with Helen before she hopped an early-morning water taxi to Horseshoe Bay.

We then got crafty and made fortune tellers, loaded them up with interesting questions, and then paired up and used them as conversation starters. To judge by the chatter in the room, they certainly served the purpose! 

We connected with nature as well as each other; most of the retreatants took part in a Saturday afternoon hike to Brigade Bay and many enjoyed touring Camp Artaban for the first time. 

After a final meal (there was so much food!) and a clean up, it was back onto the taxis for the trip back to town. Thank you to the hardworking Artaban staff and all whose contributions and presence made this the rich and rewarding experience that it was!