NEARA Retreat

WEEKEND STRUCTURE

This weekend is designed as a guided field experience with flexibility built in for ​participants travelling from​ various distances. Participants may choose to stay onsite for a full immersive experience, stay nearby, or​ attend as day participants.

FRIDAY — ARRIVAL & ORIENTATION

3:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Arrival and check-in. Participants settle into accommodations and gather at the main​ lodge or barn area. Please plan to eat before arrival or bring food as needed. Light snacks and beverages​ provided.

6:30 PM – 8:00 PM: Welcome and presentation by Ranger Steve. This session provides an overview of the​ land, the sites, and the broader context of the discoveries. Following this, participants are free to rest and​ prepare for the following day.

SATURDAY — PRIMARY FIELD DAY

8:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Coffee and light breakfast. Day participants may also arrive during this window.

10:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Site 1 — Mount Bald (LeTerrain). This is the primary and most studied site and will be​ the most in-depth exploration of the weekend, including structural overview and interpretation.​ 

Youtube link to Mt Bald https://youtu.be/x8ECJTv4y-s?si=TB-Ay3N8fQCTWmkL

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Lunch and rest/integration time.

1:30 PM – 4:30/5:00 PM: Site 2 — Javis Site (approximately 25-minute drive). Guided exploration with​ comparative discussion of features and layout.

Youtube link to Javis site https://youtu.be/GiPLu5EM578?si=9EVHWlXBdJCgzXKW

6:00 PM – 7:30 PM: Dinner.

Evening: Campfire or barn gathering with open discussion, reflections, and group​ dialogue.

SUNDAY — FINAL FIELD DAY

8:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Coffee and light breakfast. Day participants may arrive.

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Site 3 — Final site visit (Northlands Site or Ladysmith Sister Site, depending on​ conditions).

Youtube link to Northlands site https://youtu.be/wFonXMJK4_U?si=yuVEoA-Zug4QHGhY

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch.

1:30 PM – 3:30/4:00 PM: Optional extension including an additional site visit or extended exploration if time​ allows.

Closing: Final discussion and departure.

Minimum of three sites will be visited, with the potential for a fourth depending on timing and conditions.​ Weather should be fairly decent in mid May, expect temperatures around 50-65 F in the day and 40-50 at​ night. Snow should be gone but its been a long winter so could be some wetness and mud in low lying areas. It’s a bit early for the major bug season but if you are super sensitive to them pack accordingly as there could​ be some early bird bugs.

ACCOMMODATION NOTES

Accommodations at LeTerrain are rustic but well-appointed. Participants may be placed in off-grid cabins or​ small wilderness homes. Some cabins do not have running water; however, clean drinking water is provided​ in jugs. Cabins may include a small kitchenette, gas heater, wood fireplace, and an eco toilet or outhouse.

Participants are asked to bring their own bedding (sleeping bag or sheets and pillow).

PARTICIPATION OPTIONS

Private Bed — $450 USD per person. Includes private sleeping space, two nights of accommodation, all​ meals, and full access to all guided site visits and discussions.

Shared Bed — $350 USD per person. Includes shared sleeping arrangements (couples or pairs), two nights​ of accommodation, all meals, and full access to the experience.

Field Access — $150 USD per person. Includes access to all site visits, discussions, and gatherings.​ Accommodation not included. Optional meals may be added for $100.