LCGS Holden Village Pilgrimage 2022
There was a sense of excitement as 29 members and friends gathered with 140 other souls on the dock at Fields Point Landing, waiting for our pilgrimage to begin. As we embarked on the boat, the excitement rose as we all made our way onto the vessel that would take us up-lake to our desired stop. People raced for the best spots to settle in for the ride. As the boat meandered its way up the deep, long lake, one could hear a whisper — the mountains were calling us to bask in their glory!
The excitement rose again as the dock at Lucerne came into view, and the telltale yellow school buses sat waiting to take us to our destination 12 miles up into Railroad Creek valley. We zig-zagged our way up, slowly but surely passing through acres of burned trees and fields of beautiful fireweed in full bloom until we caught a glimpse of the village. We were greeted by the Holden reception crew and whisked off to our first lunch, finding our rooms and going to orientation.
The next week was pure heaven — beautiful scenery, great food, fantastic sessions, community, friend making and deepening existing relationships. Of course there was the hot weather, with no AC and the biting black flies, but it is really hard to mess up heaven!
Due to COVID, we had to wear masks anytime we were inside, so some of the sessions got a bit uncomfortable…many ate most of their meals outdoors to lessen COVID exposure and just dealt with the flies and pesky, yet cute, chipmunks and ground squirrels. We were treated with many sightings of deer families and some saw a bear wandering nearby.
We had the opportunity to learn and practice contemplative techniques — don’t be surprised if some of them show up around here! Rabbi Samuel provided fascinating insight into the Jewish Jubilee and offered many thought-provoking questions to ponder. We were able to learn about everything from plate tectonics to geology around Holden to climate change. And finally, we were treated to deep and moving music and justice-themed worship and inspiration.
There were hikes with friends, hikes alone, saunters, reading in chairs, in hammocks or any number of other spots, playing games, talking, worship, crafts, shopping and oh yes, evening cheer. The stars twinkled without the city lights, the breeze blew and we all said, “It is good.” Special things always happen at Holden. Two members celebrated their 89th birthdays with a surprise party and cake; we felt the presence of GOD and all were delighted to be there.
