Women's Wellness Weekend - Spring 2016

Women's Wellness Weekend - Spring 2016 by A Crafty Arab

I just got home from my trip to Orcas Island for the Camp Orkila Women's Wellness Weekend.

I was asked to teach two quilling classes on Saturday.

I left early Friday morning, getting to the Anacortes Ship Harbor with plenty of time to hang out at the beach and collect sea shells.

Women's Wellness Weekend - Spring 2016 by A Crafty Arab

Soon I was on the ferry, the Hyak, and a few short hours later we pulled onto Orcas Island.

Women's Wellness Weekend - Spring 2016 by A Crafty Arab

From there I spent my afternoon enjoying some alone time on the Island. I went to the grocery store to grab lunch, then took it to the beach, listening to the waves.  After a few more hours of reading and shopping, I checked into Camp Orkila and had a delicious salmon dinner in the lodge.

Once dinner was over, I took a felt flower class, made new friends by a warm fire and headed back up to the Guest House.

Tomorrow was going to be a long day and I needed a good night's sleep. I enjoyed the sunset from the view on the porch that is in the main title photo above.

The next morning, I biked uphill to the yoga studio and woke up my muscles.  Then it was off to a quick breakfast before my two classes started.  Pretty soon the library tables were covered in quilling materials.

Women's Wellness Weekend - Spring 2016 by A Crafty Arab

Women's Wellness Weekend - Spring 2016 by A Crafty Arab

I had some fantastic students who seemed to enjoy the class and learning a new art form.

Women's Wellness Weekend - Spring 2016 by A Crafty Arab

Women's Wellness Weekend - Spring 2016 by A Crafty Arab

Women's Wellness Weekend - Spring 2016 by A Crafty Arab

Once my classes were over, I went into town because I had heard there was going to be a Shakespeare Festival.  I'm not that into his plays, but I am in love with all the costumes from that time period. Of course the town locals did not disappoint. Many came out in full beautiful garb.

Women's Wellness Weekend - Spring 2016 by A Crafty Arab

There was a town fool.

Women's Wellness Weekend - Spring 2016 by A Crafty Arab

And this amazing creation, make of all paper. The crown, collar, arms, hands, everywhere you look, paper art.

Women's Wellness Weekend - Spring 2016 by A Crafty Arab

With such grandeur in clothing, of course there would also be grandeur in the chariot, also made of paper.

Women's Wellness Weekend - Spring 2016 by A Crafty Arab

I enjoyed walking around the booths and listening to the music on the stage before heading back to camp for cookie baking.

Women's Wellness Weekend - Spring 2016 by A Crafty Arab

Then ziplinging.

Women's Wellness Weekend - Spring 2016 by A Crafty Arab

Followed by a bike ride to the craft studio to learn about Nepalese prayer flags and how to make them. Naturally, I added an Arabesque flair to mine.

Women's Wellness Weekend - Spring 2016 by A Crafty Arab

Finally it was dinner time, followed by a loud, laughter filled game of bingo.  I won a tiny journal notebook that I can't wait to use.

A few women attending the camp had brought paper lanterns to light off the beach in celebration of a birthday. They had extras and asked others to join them. I decided to write the Arabic word for peace, Salam, on mine. It was quite magical to light them one by one and watch them float in the air at 10:30 at night.

Women's Wellness Weekend - Spring 2016 by A Crafty Arab

I was very happy and tired at this point and headed back to the Guest Hours to build a fire and enjoy the sounds of the woods as I drifted off to sleep.

On Sunday I woke up early to pack and be ready to catch the noon ferry off the island. I had a long and slow breakfast, talking to many more new friends before enjoying a soothing massage.

Women's Wellness Weekend - Spring 2016 by A Crafty Arab

Once my body was relaxed and ready to get back into the car, I wrote down a few of my favorite quotes from the inspiration board.

Women's Wellness Weekend - Spring 2016 by A Crafty Arab

Since I had packed earlier, I managed to spend a little more time reading on the Guest House back porch, my favorite spot in camp.

Women's Wellness Weekend - Spring 2016 by A Crafty Arab

Enjoying the quietness of camp (most people had already left at this point) and the view.

Women's Wellness Weekend - Spring 2016 by A Crafty Arab

I sadly finally said goodbye to all the beautiful nature that surrounds the camp and headed back to civilization.

Women's Wellness Weekend - Spring 2016 by A Crafty Arab

If you'd like to attend the next Women's Wellness Weekend, call the Seattle YMCA camping services today and sign up!  See you in the fall.