Retreat

Maximum vacation day accrual policies force some sort of balance - to avoid leaving money on the table and working for free, it becomes imperative to schedule some sort of vacation.  And in my line of work, Decembers don't work - especially when the IRS chooses December 1st as the final day to submit comments to some far-ranging regulatory changes, after which date the proposed regulations can become effective at any time.  And, even worse, when the head of one's practice group decides she will take her annual weeklong absence in late December; if one wants to present as a responsible member of the team, December is not the time to request vacation.

So November it was, and nearby.  And hence was born a Woodloch spa vacation.  Originally, this was to be an Enchantment Resort vacation in Sedona, but they were all booked (and really, really expensive).  And when the research was done, Woodloch was a lovely, and oh so convenient, alternative.  Lots of fitness classes, all-inclusive, hikes, spa facility - all a girl could ask for.  And something to look forward to after the week that was - the news of the Trump transition followed to the spa, but at least there was some respite in the moment.

The hikes were not all that strenuous, but definitely country, a breath of fresh air.  Selected photos from the getaway.

Woods on the Woodloch property.

View from balcony of my room toward the small lake.

View from balcony toward an outdoor terrace.

Dock between the trees.

Outdoor terrace.

The Lily Pad - locus of outdoor activities.

Archery - for one's inner Catniss Everdeen.

What are these little rock piles called?

Witch hazel.

Milkweed pods.

Cattails.

Fire pit beckons.  Well, to me, anyway.  Apparently to no one else - so solitude it was.

Indoor fires.  There were quite a few of them.  Absolutely perfect.

Woodpecker tree.

On a berm - on the Dorflinger property.

The manmade reservoir - similar to the treatment of Lake Wallenpaupack nearby.

Lightning strike.

More lightning damage.

Mushroom host.

This one was large - at one point.

Wood duck house.