with Leger Experiences

Nestled between the shoreline of the wild pacific ocean and the misty rainforests of Washington state’s peninsula lies Kalaloch Beach. Towering cedars lean landward. The eye catching burrs and spiky broken branches tell stories of raging storms the trees have long endured over the centuries. Beaches of smooth black stone and piles of enormous old growth logs stack up against the edge of this land - a barrier protecting life flourishing inland. The ocean mist rolls over this rugged terrain onto the bluffs high above, audibly kissing the forest’s verdant understory as it disperses. The energy of this land is moody, untamed, and generous.

This is the landscape that welcomed myself and 29 strangers for the inaugural Feast by Fire overnight retreat hosted by Sara Leger of Leger Experiences. Some of us traveled from afar by plane for the event while others road-tripped from various Pacific Northwest cities in sporty vans. We camped in tents, cozy cabins, camper vans, and some lucky folks got the opportunity to glamp in styled-out canvas tents overlooking the beach.

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A WILDCRAFTING WORKSHOP

In a mossy clearing on the edge of the land’s cliff face, we gathered to mingle and nibble on fire roasted appetizers. Our immersive experience began with my workshop. We discussed the cycles of nature and how our human animal bodies can connect to the ways of our land even through the chaos of our modern day. We wildcrafted with foraged plants and crafted unique wild tea blends to take home. I taught our group how to identify 6 common wild plants, the medicinal benefits, plus how to forage and craft with each plant.

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HARD CIDER TASTING

After our wildcrafting workshop we enjoyed a fascinating and delicious hard cider tasting with local brewers, Olympic Bluffs Cidery. We sampled a few of their current offerings and learned about their craft - from the cultivation of their orchard to the brewing process, and how every step of the process influences nuanced flavors in their drinks.

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FEAST BY FIRE

Before long, bellies rumbled as the smell of wood-fired food drifted through the trees. Perfectly timed with golden hour, we sat down to a wood-fired dinner served family style. Windward Adventures dished up an expertly crafted Pacific Northwest menu featuring locally farmed or foraged ingredients cooked over open flame. It was a feast for the eyes, and the adventurer’s stomach, amid good conversation with new friends. Dessert was served, along with a champagne toast, as the most spectacular sunset closed out the main attraction of the experience with a bang. As the sun dipped low the ocean turned mint green and we bathed in the sky’s color show of magenta, honey, and apricot for as long as nature would allow.

Typical of how most days at camp end, we found ourselves drawn to the blazing fire for laughs, stories, and cooking s’mores under moonlight. As expected, overnight rain pattered on our tent’s rooftops as we cozily slept off the day’s high. After coffee the next morning and a relaxing yoga class led at the feet of ancient green giants we said our goodbyes and parted ways for a day adventuring in neighboring rainforests and national parks.

Every moment of this overnight wild dining retreat was a dream. From the decor, to the flow of the night and the ambiance combined, Sara Leger thought of every detail and made sure this was an experience we won’t soon forget. We felt welcomed by the land and treated by Sara to a much needed wild escape. Now I’m just dreaming of how soon I can get back to this incredible landscape, how I can recreate that mouthwatering lovage focaccia at home, and how I can keep that moody, slow, energy of the Pacific Northwest coast with me.