ALASKA PILGRIMAGE: Into the Wildness of God Facilitator: Debra Donnelly-Barton August 1-8, 2009 Co-sponsored by The Center for Spiritual Development at Saint James, Monkton, Maryland & Stillpoint in Halibut Cove, Alaska “The wisdom of the wilderness comes from God interacting through creation to touch our very souls. We emerge from our journey with a new identity grounded in God. We have been given back to ourselves.” -Donnelly-Barton

We begin our journey in Anchorage with a visit to the Anchorage Museum on History and Art then travel by train to Whittier for an amazing glacier viewing cruise. Travel down the acclaimed Kenai Peninsula with a night in Soldotna then on to Homer. After a visit to the Alaska Islands an Oceans visitor Center, a ferry will takes us to Stillpoint Retreat Center in Halibut Cove for our 5 night retreat. A pilgrimage is different from a tour in several ways. Pilgrimage is about moving through space and time. But is primarily concerned about moving deeply into the heart of the soul. When we travel to a new place we can become more attentive to the new things God is inviting us to within our hearts. Alaska is still quiet enough and wild enough to bring us out of ourselves and into the heart of God’s creation. Wildness, wilderness, and untamed spaces-echo the wild places of the soul’s longing. Alaska is an extraordinary land that offers vast wilderness, awesome vistas, and amazing people.  Our Pilgrimage Retreat offers two days of travel so you can experience the rich cultures of Alaska, and the unequaled splendor of the mountains, glaciers, and oceans teeming with life. Upon arrival at Stillpoint Lodge, many are deeply affected by: The stillness, the power, the beauty of the surrounding mountains, seas, forests and wildlife. The joy of being with those who are open to the deepening of spirit as the power of Presence shines through the pristine beauty of nature. The casual elegance of the lodge and cozy cabins with amazing details. The superb and healthy local cuisine. The kindness and attentiveness of owners Jan and Jim Thurston and their staff. The gentle, daily rhythm of silence, presentations and sharing during the days of retreat. Cost: $1995 - A seven-night, eight-day pilgrimage that begins in Anchorage, Alaska and concludes with five nights at Stillpoint Lodge in Halibut Cove, Alaska. Please click HERE for information on what is included and not included and the registration form. A $500 deposit by February 15, 2009 is required. Balance due 60 days prior to the event. Space is limited to 20! Early reservations are strongly encouraged.

“Stillpoint is a place I hope to visit again and again.” ~ Brenda Horvath

Experience the grandeur of Alaska that inspired Trappist Monk Thomas Merton to consider an area near Anchorage, Alaska to be his next monasterJourney from Anchorage to Halibut Cove, Alaska. Travel by train and bus down the scenic Kenai Peninsula with lodging in Anchorage, and on the Kenai Peninsula.  View spectacular Prince William Sound, and Homer’s quaint fishing village.

Our pilgrimage continues in Halibut Cove with a five-day contemplative retreat, “The Wildness of God” led by Debra Barton. Stillpoint’s breath-taking wilderness lodge and log cabins provide a surprising casual elegance seldom found in such a remote setting. Exquisite healthy cuisine prepared from the organic garden and sea awaits you. In the evening snuggle into flannel sheets and awaken in the morning to bald eagles and sea otters just outside your door.

This pilgrimage provides a majestic backdrop from which to gain insights into your relationship with yourself, nature, and God. Each day will present opportunities to experience the magnificence of creation through unsurpassed scenery.

Travel via train, plane, boat, and bus visiting magnificent highlights along the way.

“Sometimes words simply aren’t enough to convey the sense of gratitude and thanksgiving, which well up inside. This time away was just what I needed and my expectations were more than met – from the beginning welcome and hospitality of people and place (I would rate you a five- star on a four star rating scale) As Hazel Anne and I were traveling home we said, ‘we knew Stillpoint could be wonderful, we just didn’t know it would be WONDERFUL!!! The program combining music, story, excellent reflection and theological presentation matched my hopes and my needs. Thank you Jan – for dreaming, creating and sharing – your dream is our joy.” Flora

Trip Itinerary and Description

Note: You may want to consider arriving in Anchorage a day or two early to sightsee, walk or bike the famous 12-mile coastal trail just minutes from the hotel or visit some of the downtown galleries and shops. Historic Anchorage Hotel will honor a reduced rate if you tell them you are with Stillpoint.

Day One, August 1:  Arrival, Cab, Historic Anchorage Hotel, Anchorage Museum of History and Art, and Restaurants of your choice.

From the airport take a 15 minute taxi ride to the Historic Anchorage Hotel.  You’ll be amazed at the display the “City of Flowers” has to offer! Our first welcome/orientation gathering will be at 11:30 a.m. in the meeting room of the Historic Anchorage Hotel. We will then walk a few blocks to the Anchorage Museum of History and Art for a delightful lunch and docent tour. Visit the many wonderful displays for as long as you wish. After the Museum visit you are on your own to choose from nearby restaurants for dinner. Enjoy a good night’s sleep.

Day Two, August 2: Train ride, Glacier Cruise, Bus to Kenai Peninsula

After a great continental breakfast, we’ll board the train for a magnificent ride through the Turnagain fjord. This is rated as one of the top ten scenic routes in our nation. Then travel through the longest train tunnel in the world (2 ½ miles) to the small town of Whittier where we will meet the Glacier Cruise ship. There is no substitute for the experience of the sight and sounds of magnificent glaciers as huge pieces break away and crash to the sea! Sea life will be seen in their natural habitat along the way.

Ask Srs. Cindy Kaye, Corita Burnham, and Ritamary Burnham how they enjoyed the trip last year!

Klondike express

Day Three, August 3: Spectacular drive to Homer, Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center, shopping, lunch, boat to Stillpoint Lodge.

Board the bus for Homer at 9:00 a.m.  The 1 ½ hour drive along the Kenai Peninsula to Homer passes through spectacular scenery and will give us our first view of Kachemak Bay.  We will stop at Alaska Islands and Oceans Visitors Center to learn yet another aspect of Alaskan life in the Aleutian Islands of the North Pacific Ocean.  This remarkable place is your window to the largest seabird refuge in the world with all of the natural wonders of Kachemak Bay right outside its door. We will visit art galleries, drive to the Homer Spit for lunch and visit Homer’s quaint shops.

Then it’s time to meet the boat that will take us for a half-hour ride across Kachemak Bay to Stillpoint Lodge in Halibut Cove. There will be time for you to settle into your cabins before the first of many delicious meals created with produce picked daily from our garden and fish caught in the local waters.  It is here that we begin the integrative retreat with reflections on the experience of the moment or on the preceding days.

A Stillpoint in Halibut Cove
Stillpoint provides a nurturing setting steeped in the abundance of nature’s beauty and invites guests to immerse themselves in their own deep wellspring.  Sumptuous dining, cozy log cabins and a magnificent lodge nurture the soul and stimulate contemplation.  Kayak, hike, journal, read, or sit on the deck of your cabin and watch the local sea life and birds delight in their surroundings.

An aerial view of Halibut Cove

Day Three through Eight, August 3 - 8:
“The Wildness of God” Retreat continues.

The Soul’s Journey Retreat continues.

your table is ready

your room awaits you

 

Day Eight, August 8:  Depart Halibut Cove on boat, cab to airport, and fly to Anchorage.

Depart Halibut Cove in the morning by boat to Homer, taxicab to the Homer Airport. Fly to Anchorage and transfer to the flight of your choice that will depart anytime after noon.

The Historic Anchorage Hotel has agreed to honor special pricing for stays prior to or following our pilgrimage.

Recommended Websites for Further Information:

• Historic Anchorage Hotel
• Portage Glacier Visitor center
• Glacier tour
• Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center

“How can I ever express to you and Jim, your wonderful staff, and our retreat presenters what this experience has meant for me?  I came here at a time of transition in my life and found the peace and strength I need to move forward.  The surroundings, all of the beauty and majesty of God’s awesome creation have been healing.  I fell in love with the beauty, simple lifestyle and the mountains.  All wrapped me in God’s presence.”  Paulamarie

“There were times when I felt as if I was defending my choice of this pilgrimage (when)  friends would ask, ‘Was I taking a cruise?’  … I knew it was the best for me at this point in my life.  The mixture of sight-seeing within a limited area and time for creative expression and reflection was a wonderful combination.  It makes me want to return.”  Judy Niemet

“Stillpoint is truly a still dwelling.  A place where time/days loose their meaning for a while and one can truly be… in the presence of awe.”

“The quiet and beauty allowed me to relax.  The meditation opened areas unexplored.  The kayaking and hiking immersed me in the wilderness.”  Liz Lawhead

“I loved everything about this place and will tell as may people as I can – church newsletters, personal contacts, clergy colleagues although I am not an ‘outdoors woman’ this is an excellent retreat place.  My needs were more than met by your wonderful staff team and the excellent program which allowed great freedom of exploration.”  Flora

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