Gouldhome, Canyon Ranch, April 15th

April 15th

I woke up around 6:00 and tumbled out of bed around 6:15. Karen had mentioned that they might go for a walk around 6:30 and I wanted to join them if they did. I left the sliding glass door open, so I could hear them and they might see it open if they went by. Right around 6:30 I could hear Karen talking and sure enough their door was open and we all went for a walk. I saw parts of the grounds that I hadn't seen before. I decided that after breakfast I would go back and photograph it.

Breakfast was pancakes, with mango, blueberries and apples. I liked the blueberry ones the best. And best of all it was finally raspberry day! I've been waiting for raspberry smoothies and sorbet the whole trip. It is my favorite. The papaya-mango smoothie I had one day was good gut I loved the raspberry smoothie. Yumm. They also had raspberry muffins, which for good-for-you muffins were wonderful. We each got two packed up to go, to eat on the plane. In addition I also got banana bread and zucchini bread.

Then I got my bags and brought them to the front desk. Donna told me that I was just like my mother and I have to learn to let others do things for me. In this place I'm supposed to let them bring the bags down, but I'm more of a do-it-yourself kind of gal, just like my mom. Donna also wanted some kind of shuttle so she didn't have to walk back and fourth between her room and the spa. Getting back and fourth took time and it was hard for her to get the timing right between classes. But I never felt like I needed anything in my room. Everything I needed for the day I brought with me to the spa and I left it in my locker. I liked the spa better than my room. My room felt sterile. White tile in the bathroom. It was ok, but I liked the earthier feel of the spa. The stone on the walls had texture and color and, well, I just felt comfortable there.

Just before 9:00 I went back to the spa. Donna and Karen were there getting ready for their radiant rejuvenation treatment. I got ready for my Above and Below the Belt class. It was a circuit strength class. Two instructors were there. They showed us how to do each exercise then they turned on the music. When the music was loud we kept up the exercise when it got soft we rested then it got loud again and we started the same exercise again. When it got soft we went to the next exercise on the circuit. The instructors would go around and check your form and correct you so you could do it right. A very nice class.

Afterwards I went to the Women's Stretch class. I love this class. So many different exercises to stretch out your back. It feels so good. This was my last class, so sad.

Then we had to return our robes and keys and check out. Sniff. My shuttle was at noon and lunch didn't open until 11:30 so we got there right on the dot. And told our server (Travis, a wonderful server) that I had to leave and he was very quick. I got the pizza and it was fabulous. As was the raspberry smoothie, but then I knew that since I had it for breakfast, but I just had to have it again. Travis packed up some raspberry sorbet and brownie to go for me, but I had time to eat the sorbet there, they were so fast. The people there are so nice and accommodating. They really try to make you feel like you should be able to get a zillion things to go and you should be able to order a zillion different meals because you just have to taste them all, and you should be able to get your meal and still have time to eat it all in just 25 min :>.

Off to the shuttle. We were talking in the shuttle - everyone is so nice even the guests and everyone talks together - and I made a comment about how could someone not like everything at Canyon Ranch. Well the driver said the majority loves it, but there are always a few who aren't satisfied. He said there was a couple from Germany who came and were scheduled for a 10 day stay, but left after a day. They didnt think it posh enough and they didn't like the walk from their room. Canyon Ranch is a little spread out. And the more expensive rooms are even farther out. We wanted to be in the rooms right next to the spa and clubhouse (where you eat dinner), but we were upgraded to a hacienda, because of availability. The closer rooms would have been better, but the hacienda had its own perks. They have a living room (with kitchenette) and Erin could stay up watching TV without disturbing me when I go to sleep early. And I have a room to get ready in the early morning without disturbing her. And there is a bathroom out in the living room too so if you go to the bathroom at night it is quieter. Though Erin rarely gets up in the middle of the night and she sleep like a log, so I doubt I would have woken her up anyway. But it is nice not to have to worry about whether you are disturbing your roommate.

Donna said she would take us back in 2002. The three of us will have to hold her to that because we all want to go back too. It was a wonderful place to bond together, just us girls. I wonder if the boys will get jealous though!