Aloha Everyone,
We made it!!! J.J. asked me this morning if we would like to attempt one more time to see if we could find Gampo Abbey. I enthusiastically concurred.
There was no signs on the road leading to the Abbey. As Honu climbed the narrow, dusty, mountainous road, I knew that we were on the right track.
The public visitations are available only during the summer months. One can also apply for meditation retreat lasting 7 - 14 days and one year at most.
A sign at the entry way invited us to walk around the ground and visit the Stupa, a place of meditation. We placed our donation in the simple wooden box and walked in.
It was profoundly powerful, spiritual experience to be able walk on the ground imagining that this is where Pema Chodron does her walking meditations. Inhaling the fragrance of grasses and wild flowers and listening to the sound of a brook was as close as I can get to practicing with Pema. For those of you who practiced meditation with me, I will be writing a separate entry in www.
Lunch stop at Charlene!s Restaurant for their famous seafood chowder. I had a cup of chowder while J.J. enjoyed a large bowl of the steaming meal. We had an interesting conversation with Candice and Darrel from British Columbia who were visiting Nova Scotia.
We are staying at Linwood Harbour Campground located in Linwood, Nova Scotia. Tory, the owner and operator purchased the land and built the beautiful and spacious camping ground 12 years ago. Tory mentioned that he completely refurbished the 150 years old barn. It now houses his office, laundry room and men and women's showers and toilets.
This is a perfect place for our stay. We took showers and finished 3 loads of laundry, then spent the evening catching up on our correspondences using their very reliable WiFi.
Aloha -- Cathi
