On a Silent Trail: The Sanctuary

Kenneth & Dorothy Stiffle

“Non fatuum huc persecutus ignem”

 Latin translation : “it is no will-o’-the-wisp that I have followed here.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On a Silent Trail

I spent 10 days of sheer meditative bliss at the Silent Trails sanctuary in Jilling, near Nainital in Uttarakhand, India. 

Here are just some pictures from our silent trails read: walks. I managed to take time off for myself for a few more days, as the family returned to the urban setting.

The Sanctuary:

This serene sanctuary, is run by one of the most wonderful person I’ve ever met, Radhika. Silent Trails is every weary traveller’s delightful haven. Surrounded by towering oaks, chestnuts, deodars and unending pine forests, The Sanctuary is a 300 year-old estate once owned by Kenneth and Dorothy Stiffle. Later bought by Radhika’s illustrious Father, Narendra Singh ji who was a change maker, avid bibliophile and one who raised an entire village, helping the rural mountain folks generate income and a good quality of life. 

I don’t wish to make this post too long and chatty, but all I wish to say is that I have had the most memorable time of my life recently. Especially at a time when the pandemic and the extended restrictions behind the four walls was taking a toll on us. 

The conservatory is every book lovers delight. The two kitchens rustle up the most lip-smacking fare, to suit your discerning pallet. Radhika herself cooks for her guests and her team of local mountain boys are the sweetest and the kindest lot who pampered me no end.

The deck is where I would would catch the golden glow of the sunrise each morning. I would mediate, chant and practise yoga; under the sprawling Chestnut and Oak trees; as the Back-headed Jays would chatter away, hungrily looking for a meal or two. And the Yellow-throated martens would scavenge by the Fig tree next to our Sunrise Cottage below. 

 

 

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Check out these wondrous #WordlessWednesday posts from week before last.

Arigato, Gracias, Shukriya, Multumesc, Danke to my amigos in blogosphere for sharing the #WW love with me.

1. Betty shares some random images from New Zealand that enchant the heart.
2. Kenneth walks us down the Levee trail with fascinating winged wonders and a blissful sunrise. 
3. Chandra shares shades of Purple and two bonus posts with Mums the word and Mary Oliver’s Magic.
4. Monika, our avid birder spins more magic with her Balcony birding 
5. Dr. Roshan shares a lip-smacking Prawn cutlet recipe that will have you drooling on the keyboard!
6. Plaridel shares the calming Hands of Peace in these distressing times. 
7. Sandee takes us for a night walk to the incredible San Franscio Bridge. 
8. Veronica, my friend from Malaysia has talented sons who whips up a gourmet’s delight for her Anniversary Dinner
9. Suzana, my artistic blogger friend from Romania showcases delicate paintings with simplicity. 
10. Steve, as always tickles our funny bone with his memes, this time a sneaking tree. 
11. Archana’s love for plants over surpasses everyone’s as she finds symmetry in a plant.
12. Diana takes us visiting the pretty Puffins and nature galore. 
13. My favourite cat, Little Binky and her Gran have such a calming effect, this time when they snooze, dream and stretch .
14. Marie is forever tickling us and making merry, albeit the challenges in her posts. Check her out. 
15. Zina, another friend from Romanian shares and cares. She shares blog love by showcasing some exquisite pictures. 
16. Tina takes us on a fascinating walk in South Africa, where she shows us the stunning Umbrella flowers. 
17. Patrick, from Weseland shares the last of spring/summer fascinating colours before fall sets in. 
18. Trent shares his weekly smiles with a push-up challenge. 

 

 

#WordlessWednesday #WednesdayWisdom

Here’s how you can join:

1. #WW is an alternate week link party that goes live 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month.
2. The next edition goes live on 3rd November.
3. Post a picture or pictures on your blog. It could be from life’s wondrous or wicked moments. Plug in the lessons (#WednesdayWisdom) and humour too. Share your wanderlust moments, or simple random shots from your day that caught your fancy, or not.
4. Make your post as wordless or wordy as you wish to. Well, we are guessing now you know why we are called “not-so-wordless Wednesday” too!
5. There won’t be a linky widget, but you can link up by leaving the links to your posts in the comments section. I will link your posts on my blog in the next edition and spread some love.
6. Do add the badge to your post and a backlink to my post.
7. Have a good time reading, commenting and sharing the posts linked here. Connect with a fascinating bunch of bloggers from across the globe.

You can link up right up till Monday the 2nd November, therefore you have ample time to hop in.

Get ready to be deliciously framed!

Have a fabulous #WW!

 

 

Linking up with a bunch of fantastic peeps from the blogosphere who host Wordless Wednesday :

Betty, Steve, Sue NC, Zina, Xmas Dolly, Sandee, Cathy, Tina, 

Also linking with Tree Lady Parul’s Thursday Tree Love, optimistic Trent’s Weekly Smiles, Brian’s ThankfulThursday, Skyley’s Skywatch