Cancer retreat at Yarrahapinni

The Seventh Day Adventist Youth Centre is near Grassy Head, north of Kempsey. What a beautiful place it is, set in the rainforest near the beach and every part of it speaking of the dedication, hard work and love that have created it. No doubt many thousands of hours of work by volunteers or low cost providers have gone into its construction and maintenance. I thank all of you anonymous good people for giving your time and care and for choosing to witness your faith  in this way.

I am not religious and the same goes for most of the participants in this retreat. To their credit the SDA staff at this facility were completely accepting of everyone and there was no proselytising or imposing of religiosity whatsoever. It was simply a relaxing, nurturing and useful experience. The facilitators were two psychologists, both using yoga and mindfulness as their primary interventions. Sessions included yoga, art therapy, laughter sessions, massage, meditation, nutrition and group discussions. I got a lot out of it, and so did the Mae, Nick and David. Here are some photos to capture a sense of what we shared.

The camp is beautifully located in rainforest, all the buildings incorporating wood, stone and large windows to bring in the outside.

This was our cabin. The first night, in true rainforest style, it poured and bits of rainforest clattered and thunked on the roof and paths.  But the next day the wind dropped and the sun came out and generally the weather for the rest of it was about perfect.

 (Above) this was the view from our kitchen window. They placed us in the nearest cabin to the chapel where the sessions were held and dining hall. This was for Mae's comfort. Thoughtful.

Grassy Head beach gives onto some wild and whippy water. A beautiful beach, very scenic and quiet.  But we are spoiled and couldn't help feeling Diamond Beach is nicer.

The facilities include a rather good rainforest boardwalk, here entering the canopy. I saw a dingo flash past just before coming to this bit. There was some heavy duty rustling going on in the thick understory near the creek, so perhaps it had a lair there.

Further into the boardwalk there is a large overhanging rock face area, very peaceful and with something of an atmosphere. We were told this is a sacred site and includes a former aboriginal birthing cave. We found it and imagined how pandanus bedding might have been laid down in this dry, protected spot, a big enclosed area, with an arch entry at the side and an opening to the rainforest through the rock walls to look at.

The rainforest gave way to to coastal vegetation near the beach - quite diverse with big old banksias with lomandra understory, and scattered with ancient macrozamias.

It takes a lot of years to grow them to this size.

The birdlife was prolific.  This is a noisy honeyeater whooping it up while slurping on a banksia flower.

Mae and Nick spotted this big fellow and his mate on one of their walks.

The food was healthy and plentiful. We all ate like there was no tomorrow.

I think Mae benefitted. Not an easy time for her, but good. She needs to talk. We all do and we did.