Surf Sister Billabong Yoga and Surf Retreat Our Camp It was another blissful weekend. Our Surf Sister Billabong Yoga Surf Retreat in Tofino could not have had better weather. What a great way to spend the weekend, camping under the stars, eating delicious meals, learning to surf and enjoying daily yoga classes. Our group grew from 4 to 6 in the day before the Retreat. A perfect way to test the waters on our new camping package. It is one thing to host a retreat in a luxury home fully equipped with all the amenities, but could we maintain our level of standards in an outdoor kitchen? No problem..all those winters of living on the beach in Mexico prepared me for a stress free weekend. Bella Pacifica has delightful campsites, nestled in the woods that created a sense of privacy and serenity. We started with Seamist Silk Road tea while the girls set up camp. Dinner was the standard Yam Millet patties with Pesto. I call these standard, because I serve them on every Retreat…everyone loves them!! Thanks to Laura Moore for the inspiration. This batch of Pesto was with our own garden fresh basil and garlic. Yumyum!! Guacamole with Flax crackers, organic greens and balsamic maple vinegarette rounded off the meal. We all saved room for Chocolate tofu pudding with praline pecans and raspberries. Each of us had a story to tell over dinner. Sharing our feelings about world issues, motherhood, and of course our excitement about what tomorrow had in store. Saturday morning was a blue bird day, with the temperature on the rise from first light. Everyone slept well and were ready for the surf lesson. But first we dined on island fresh blueberries, Okanagan cherries and other local seasonal fruit with organic yogurt and brown rice pudding. Then off to morning yoga at the Community Hall with Kelly Rettinger. The class was enjoyed by all, and we were charged for our date with Mother Ocean. After 3 hours of wonderful instruction with Nadia, our team was fearless. We were popping up in the waves, and attempting rides to the beach. So exhilarating!!! Dinner was much anticipated after such a full day. We enjoyed a vegetarian feast with sushi, spicy noodle salad and asian coleslaw. Dessert was my latest experiment…Raw Rhubarb berry madness with cashew cream….a hit!! For the recipes click here. The campfire was the icing on the cake. A true camping experience with a great group of new friends. Our group ranged from early 20’s to mid forties and came from Calgary, Ottawa, France, Montreal and Vancouver Island….a full spectrum of beautiful souls. Sleep was deep and full for most. Sunday started overcast, but soon turned into another glorious day. Each of the women felt the effects from such an active first day. Muscles were sore and I wish I had brought my massage table to enhance the experience. Another abundant breakfast with homemade granola and fruit salad prepared us for more Yoga. What an experience!!! Christy Lindell was our guest teacher and she created a sanctuary for us to unwind and let go. An alter illuminated from the center of our circle with fresh flowers, candles rocks and crystals. Her eclectic blend of Vinyasa Flow, Qi Gong, pranayama, chakra clearing and the 5 Tibetan Rites was received by all. Our session ended with a Reiki circle and a reading of universal truths and affirmations. The perfect Sunday morning class for our Yoga Surf Retreats. We floated back to camp to gather our belongings. Was the weekend really over already? Not quite..another amazing afternoon of surfing lessons with Nadia. Everyone progressed from yesterday. Visualization is the key!! Rides to the beach, turtle rolling, and paddling into the unknown. Each of us had a life altering experience. Milagro Retreats · PO Box 737 · Lake Cowichan · BC · VOR 2GO