Description

Give yourself this gift of time to just BE, to BE immersed in a timeless state where the rhythms we move to are Gaian rythyms - those of the living Earth itself. This is a chance to connect deeply to the healing energy of this powerful landscape. As well, it is an opportunity to be in community, to share our insights and laughter with trip companions, and through this sharing to co-create our journey together. Through yoga, silent meditation, and creative expression we are guided by our connection to a power greater than ourselves. In this exploration of self in nature we can connect to simplicity, to the simple purity of the present moment.

The Setting

Strong catabatic winds blowing off the glaciers can turn a calm lake into a choppy one very quickly.   The myriad of picturesque granite islands in the Park offer shelter from winds,  as well as protected bays for camping. There are enough islands that we do not have to do any long crossings across open stretches of water. And we use sea-kayaks as our chosen craft due to their stability.

Getting There

Trip Itinerary

Day 1:
We plan to leave Whitehorse by 8:00 in the morning for Atlin Lake. It will take us about 2 hours to reach the historic and quaint townsite of Atlin, picturesquely framed by lake and mountains. You will have a chance to explore the townsite while your guides shuttle a vehicle to Warm Bay, a half hour drive past the town towards the Park boundary. Our plan is to catch a power boat ride down the lake from Atlin, to one of the islands well within Park boundaries. We plan to camp here for our first one or two nights, and have a chance to do some paddling and exploring before we set off with fully laden kayaks on the next leg of our journey. Before we do any paddling we will review basic paddling and rescue skills.

Days 2-6:
Our time will be divided between exploring the vast network of islands and bays in this southern end of Atlin Lake - by paddle and on foot - and a variety of “retreat activities’ led by Jill and Cate. And of course quiet time for contemplation, and just soaking in the silence. We have no fixed destination but some of the stops could include Crow Island, Sloko Island and the Llewelyn Inlet. We may even get a close-up view of the Llewellyn Glacier.   

Our schedule is flexible and the weather and our inclinations will determine our activities each day. This is a chance to step out of our ordinary preoccupations with time, with structure, and with the "to do´s" of our lives. It is an opportunity to let our inner rhythms tune into the rhythms of the natural world.

Our capacity to connect to this vast landscape will be deepened through the practice of yoga, silent meditation, writing exercises, and focused discussions. These activities will be incorporated not in a structured way but as the days unfold.

Day 7:
Our campsite will be within a half days paddle of Warm Bay, where our shuttle vehicle awaits us.. Our plan is to be back in Whitehorse by late afternoon or early evening.

Your Leaders

Jill Pangman has 25 years of experience as a wilderness guide, outdoor educator, naturalist, and conservationist. Her passion is exploring wild places and sharing these experiences with others. She recognizes the capacity of wilderness sojourns to rejuvenate and inspire, and to deepen our connection to the natural world as well as to ourselves. She expresses her own love of nature, and her commitment to the healing of our world through her guiding and group facilitating, her writing and photography, and her dedication to wilderness preservation. She has immense gratitude for the beauty of nature as well as the human spirit, and she finds that leading journeys into the wilderness is an ideal venue to share this appreciation.

Juliette Anglehart Zedda is founder of Shanti Yoga Studio, located in Whitehorse. She is a certified Sivananda advanced Yoga teacher, Nia instructor, and rolfer, as well as a soon-to-be-certified cranial-sacral therapist. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Cultural Studies and Eastern Philosophies. Her spiritual practice is grounded in Vipassana meditation and the Kabbalah. She loves to study and is a self-proclaimed "studier of everything". She also loves to spend time immersed in the beauty of the Yukon's wild landscape. She looks forward to bringing her body work training and passion for nature into this wilderness sojourn. Juliette says that she teaches Yoga to inspire people to keep exploring themselves, and this universe, and all the possibilities for creating and expressing ourselves.

Price:

What's included?

• the services of 2 fully qualified Sila Sojourns guides/facilitators
• transportation by passenger van (or car pooling) to and from Atlin Lake
• all kayaks, paddles, lifejackets, rescue gear
• all group equipment including tents (unless you wish to use your own), cooking equipment, first aid supplies, and satellite phone (for emergency use and logistical support only)
• all meals from lunch Day 1 to lunch Day 7

What's not?

• transportation to and from your home and Whitehorse
• personal belongings and equipment as per equipment list
• any accommodation or meals in Whitehorse

Topographical Information

This Atlin paddling experience is a true journey, one that can infuse us with a greater sense of well-being and clarity. We may come away with perspectives that could effect how we choose to live our lives.

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