A peaceful walk in the woods took a wild turn at this year’s Fall Yoga Retreat outside of Big Rapids, MI. Yes, really, I saw a bobcat while taking a solo walk on the trails behind the Inn where I host my annual retreat! At least I am 99.9% sure that’s what it was. According to the Michigan DNR, bobcats are the most common native wild cat in the state, and they have a healthy and stable population around Big Rapids and the Hungerford Lake Recreation Area. In fact, earlier in the weekend some of us had seen some scat on the trails that, in hindsight, we realized totally checked out as bobcat scat. Here’s how it all went down.
A Quiet Walk Takes a Wild Turn
It was late Sunday morning, and I wanted to squeeze in one last quick walk before heading home. I wandered about a quarter-mile down the trail from the Inn when I spotted a heron flying into a small wetland just off the path. I stopped to watch it for a couple of minutes before it flew back toward the lake.
As I turned to follow it with my eyes, a group of about five grouse suddenly burst into flight right over my head! Needless to say, it startled me, but another participant on the retreat had had that same experience earlier in the weekend, so I just registered it as a cool coincidence. Most of the grouse disappeared into the tall grasses, but one landed on the trail about 20 feet in front of me.
I stood quietly, watching the lone grouse, when something else caught my eye. Along the edge of the trail, something was slowly creeping toward the bird. My brain immediately went into detective mode. A coyote? A fox? Nope. The way it looked and moved was much more cat-like.
Holy crap, I think that’s a bobcat!
The animal was partly hidden in the shade, so I couldn’t get a great look at it. But I registered a grayish color, which I later learned is consistent with the coat bobcats develop in fall and winter. And then my brain went into full-on survival mode.
Do bobcats attack humans if they’re startled? Should I make loud noises and wave my arms to scare it away? Should I slowly back away? Had it even seen me, or was it laser-focused on the grouse?
I had absolutely no idea what the correct response was. In the span of less than five seconds, however, my brain settled on what seemed like the safest option: quietly back away until I was out of sight, then make a beeline for the Inn! Thankfully, there was a bend in the trail just a few steps away. I made it around the corner and then booked it back to the Inn, where I promptly shared my story with everyone. I made it back safely. The grouse? Well, I can’t speak to its fate. And before you ask: No, I did not stop to take a picture!
From Wild Encounters to Deep Relaxation
Aside from that little adrenaline rush, the rest of our yoga retreat was decidedly more mellow. Our lovely group of eleven spent the weekend balancing movement, rest, and restoration with a variety of yoga practices. We enjoyed a calming Yin Yoga class, a strength-building Hatha class, and a Slow Flow session to bring a little more ease and fluidity into our bodies before the drive home.
Our Nervous System Reset + Yoga Nidra Workshop was greatly appreciated, giving everyone a chance to slow down and experience some deeply relaxing tools that they can use to help build nervous system resiliency. I also taught the group the ‘specific 7’ lymph drainage sequence I use to support lymphatic flow and healthy immune function—another quick but beneficial tool to take home and incorporate into everyday life.
Of course, a retreat is about more than yoga. It’s also about the little moments that bring people together. This year, we celebrated a couple of birthdays on the retreat with a delicious vegan chocolate tart topped with raspberries and flaky sea salt (and candles for the birthday girls!). And on one beautiful evening, we gathered around a bonfire under the stars, enjoying that kind of quiet connection that happens when you step away from your usual routines and spend time in nature.
Between the yoga, the food, good conversations, birthday celebrations, and time spent outdoors, it was a weekend full of opportunities to recharge, reconnect, and simply be. And apparently, to get a little closer to nature than expected! ;)
Join Us for the 2027 Fall Yoga Retreat
Whether you’re craving a weekend of yoga and deep relaxation, a chance to reconnect with yourself, time in the beauty of nature, or simply a little getaway from the stress of everyday life, our Fall Yoga Retreat is a wonderful opportunity to step away and reset.
Take a look at the photos below for a glimpse of our weekend, and read what a few of the participants had to say about their experience. Then mark your calendars now for October 15–17, 2027. I’d love for you to join us for a weekend of movement, mindfulness, relaxation, and connection.
Who knows what adventures next year might bring???
(You can click on the pictures for a larger view.)
“I was struck once again this year by the complete experience of the retreat. It mingles fond acquaintances from years past, varied and interesting practices in the studio, tasty and nutritious foods, and a wonderful escape in a gorgeous place.” -BA
“It was such a great weekend. I’m sleeping better at home, which I am attributing to the integration and interaction of the yoga, nature, conversations and reset from the retreat…It’s so great to have this to reflect on, especially in stressful moments, and also to look forward to for next year. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and expertise, and for expending all the energy to make the weekend so meaningful!” – CH
Get on the VIP list to be among the first to find out when registration opens for next year’s retreat. Contact me here.
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