The beginning of an essence
18 May 2004

There was something seemingly historic about this trip. It had a feel about it of happiness and harmony that would stay with us through all the Seth Walks events.

We knew there would be many wondrous events and experiences and friendships and locations to come, and the 'vibe' for this weekend absolutely foretold of that.

First and foremost of all was the attitude and approach of the people. We were meeting with Kal, and he with us from across the Atlantic and we knew that we all had a common interest and philosophy for life from our studies, and also some friendly emails and forum postings exchanged prior to the weekend. A love of peace and acceptance of oneself and others, and I think it fair to say that there was a hundred percent understanding of why we wanted to be there, what it was that attracted us to this weekend, and what the whole Seth Walks experience, both in the field, and online, was going to be about.

Back of this was some of the most stunning countryside I have seen. Almost embarrassingly this National Park was in my own back yard so to speak, being just a few hours North yet still in England, and I had no idea that it was quite so breathtaking.

The air was good to breathe and from the moment we started off on the first walk on the first main day the stage set was one of a beautiful spring morning, blue skies, and mountains and riverside walks that only the photos in the gallery can even come close to doing justice. I think it was Kal who later said it was too beautiful for words and that's really all we can say. Of course, having a positive outlook and high spirits as we did in this group only enhanced our appreciation further.

The bonus of the weather was quite an unexpected surprise given the foreboding overshadow of the mountains as we came into the area on the drive up. Our first impressions of the lakes were of giant like mountains, angry and overcast, and I would have not been surprised to be walking in rain and fog the next day, and thereafter. So when the morning's walk came the next day and we started out along a picture postcard riverside walk it was an uplifting experience - exactly what we had hoped it would be.