I had the good fortune of spending Memorial Day weekend 2011 on a personal retreat in a Yurt at Snow Mountain Ranch. I had never stayed in a Yurt before nor had I been to Snow Mountain Ranch – and I was seeking time alone to read, reflect and journal.

The Yurt was located on the edge of the Yurt Village and it appeared that I was one of the only people staying there at that time. I brought along a down comforter, pillows from home, lots of prepared meals that I could pop into the microwave and my electric teapot and coffee maker. I had all the comforts of home but in a beautiful mountain setting. I also brought plenty of firewood and enjoyed spending time creating the firewood structure so I could have a long lasting fire. I rented a mountain bike one day and a friend joined me who lived in Granby and she showed me her favorite routes. She also shared where she would cross-country ski in the winter months.

I marveled at the construction of the yurt and it would glow when the sun hit it at just the right angle. I took hikes and wandered the grounds. I achieved what I had set out to do – to ponder the mysteries of life and get really quiet inside.