The porter helped them with their luggage as he escorted them the short distance to the cabin. He showed them around to make sure everything was to their satisfaction and told them not to hesitate to call the front desk if they needed anything. The cabin had one bedroom with two double beds, a small kitchenette, a living area and a bathroom. It was simple and rustic. There was a fireplace and a porch with comfortable outdoor furniture including a porch swing.

After settling in they were happy that they’d opted for the private cabin instead of a room in the main building. This was so much quainter and even though the main building offered gathering spaces and social/community activities they preferred the quiet solitude.

They were not there to socialize or to make new friends. This was their time to focus solely on themselves and on each other. This was their time to reconnect, to release stress, and to open their minds and hearts to a different approach in fostering intimacy in their relationship.
It was a time to work through and hopefully let go of past transgressions. It was a time to find resolutions that would give them the fortitude to seek new beginnings. It was a time to rid themselves of habitual behaviors that always seemed to result in conflict or which promoted more distance between them.

Julia had warned them that some of the private couple’s sessions and workshops would be intense and draining. She encouraged them to take full advantage of the serenity, solitude and peace that this remote little community offered. The hard work was about to begin and it was recommended that they counterbalance it by taking time away to reflect and recharge. They promised to make time to enjoy walks along the nature trails, or to have a picnic lunch sitting by a pond, or to stand on a hilltop to take in an expansive vista or to cuddle on the porch swing to watch a breathtaking sunset.

***

Bette unpacked her clothes and personal things while Tina showered and got ready for bed. Tina unpacked while Bette showered then she called Kit to let her know they’d arrived safely and to give her the private phone number for the cabin where they would be staying for the next three days. Although they were on west coast time Bette and Tina were pretty exhausted from their travels so they made it an early night especially since they were scheduled to meet their coach Paul at 8 am.