~~ THE COZY A-CABIN ~~
Some Excerpts from the A-Cabin Guest Book:
Sept 8, 2007
The A-Cabin is the high point of our visit to Cape Breton and the Cabot Trail.
This was not a conventional retreat for us. … We have used our time
here to slow down just a bit, to knead the tension out of each other’s
muscles, to sleep late and dream about the family we are beginning. …
We have loved ending our days to the smell of the wood burning stove. …
Thank you for building a cabin that embraced us and felt like home.
P. H., Brooklyn NY (9/2/07 – 9/8/07)
July 28, 2007
I had a great time here. The cabin is perfect for a meditation retreat –
the loft has a very nice atmosphere for sitting. I could not be more impressed
with the craftsmanship of this cabin – is it such a solid, well-built
building that is also designed in a way that is very pleasing aesthetically.
I was so grateful to be in such a fully decked-out cabin – flush toilet,
shower with good water pressure, stainless steel sink, fridge, and gas stove!
It is a great place to cook and I enjoyed using the kitchen thoroughly. I
was also quite touched by all the thoughtful little details and amenities,
such as the first aid kit, tupperware for leftovers, and wonderful selection
of books on spirituality and nature. The CD player is also a nice touch! And
all the cookware… I could go on and on.
As for Cape Breton – I am quite amazed at the beauty and diversity of
the landscapes here. The cabin setting is so lovely, spacious, and quiet,
and the location perfect. … Last but not least, I very much appreciated
the hospitality I was shown here. The kind sharing of food when I arrived,
the invitation to sit with the local Sangha here (which was a great way of
inaugurating my retreat), and the clear and friendly communication all helped
to make me feel contend and at ease here. Feeling good about my host(s) was
very helpful in allowing me to settle in and focus, instead of feeling nervous
and uncertain about where I was staying. The people, the cabin, and Cape Breton
itself all added together to make my stay a wonderful one. I hope to be able
to return to Cape Breton and to Big Hill Retreat before too long!
Thanks so much for creating this wonderful retreat and making it such a great
place to stay.
S. H. (7/20/07 – 7/28/07)
Sept 20, 2007
This is an amazing place to stay. Just in the vicinity of our cabin we saw
a moose, eagles, a huge owl, and a pileated woodpecker. The view and the quiet
make you appreciate the wonder of nature. The Cape Breton area is beyond belief
and this cabin added greatly to our pleasure. … Thanks for your hospitality
and our best wishes to you.
R. & M. P., Blue Grass GA (9/17/07 – 9/20/07)
Oct 5, 2007
Fun time exploring our family roots in Cape Breton. … Life on a beautiful
island can be wonderful if you give yourself the time to enjoy what is available.
D., M., I. & L., Maui HA (9/24/07 – 10/5/07)
Oct 7, 2007
This was our ‘home base’ for the two of us and our 4-year-old
son for our Thanksgiving get-away, and we enjoyed ourselves very much. The
cabin is beautiful! Comfortable and peaceful – just the kind of spot
to come ‘home’ to after a day of fall colors and exploring waterfalls.
Everything we needed was here too – thank you very much! Our stay was
excellent, and we will definitely be back!
P. & L. M. Halifax NS (10/5/07 – 10/7/07)
Oct 27, 2007
Great to be home again here at the A-Cabin on Big Hill. We love it so much
here. This is where our hearts are. Thanks and gratitude for the healing this
wonderful place brings us each time we come back.
W. & H. B., Ellsworth, ME (10/13/07 – 10/27/07)
Dec 27, 2007
Spent a lot of time within these four walls as it was cold and difficult to
go too far outside due to the snow. The cabin is wonderful, well-equipped
and the stove works really well. … I enjoyed my time here; able to accomplish
much by way of reading, studying, thinking. I will have fond memories of sipping
tea while taking in the beautiful view in front of the fire. Thank you for
your hospitality ~ truly a memorable retreat!
R., Boston MA (12/18/07 – 12/27/07)
May, 2007
I’m SO grateful to have found Terry’s magnificent land. I’ll
cherish this experience always. (And so will my very happy dog Walden!) If
I can give any advice to the lucky people who come to stay here, it would
be:
· Drive to the top of Beinn Breagh at sunrise.
· Avoid heaping mounds of moose poop forty feet from your front door.
· Have a yummy lunch at the Herring Choker Deli or the Yellow Cello
Café.
· Watch bald eagles and hawks and gulls soar above you and snowshoe
hares nibble below… while drinking hot chocolate in bed!
· Meditate. Still your mind if you’re able.
· There are red squirrels, red fox, white-tailed deer, raccoons, bobcats,
wood frogs, shrews and forest mice living all around you.
· There are countless brooks that babble.
· You can hear coyotes howl at night.
· Also, be careful – when my girlfriend came to visit, we narrowly
avoided hitting several grouse with our car.
I’ve been lucky enough to travel across Canada in my lifetime. I’ve
seen both coasts, and I’ve seen the middle. We live in a truly, truly
glorious country. I think I agree with Alexander Graham Bell, though, that
“Cape Breton outrivals them all.”
S. V. (04/08 – 05/08)
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