From Elusive Spring to Instant Summer
Even after thirty years of living on the Outer Cape, I still find myself surprised when I wake up and suddenly, it's summer. Unlike spring, which we eagerly anticipate and yearn for but never feels like it truly arrives, summer has a way of just showin’ up. Sure, Memorial Day gives us a hint that folks are gradually returning to their Cape homes, with the shelves of Stop & Shop finally stocked and the opening of farmers’ markets signaling the change. Real soon though, summer will be in full-swing. Yet, sometimes there's this lull in early June when it feels like it might never happen—the weather can be shifty and sometimes downright cold. You have your summer linens out, but you're still reaching for the down comforter and cashmere sweater in the evening. You plant your garden, but everything is slow to grow. The beaches, while beautiful, remain windswept and quiet.
It has taken me some time to figure out how best to enjoy spring on the Cape. My strategy now is to take a short break and experience spring elsewhere, coming back in early June when there's still time to get most things done before summer turns on like a flip-of-a-switch. This spring, TruroYoga and Yoga & Adventure Worldwide took an enthusiastic group of retreaters to Basque Country. Even though the weather on the other side of the Atlantic is similar to ours, somehow the grass was greener, the flowers were blooming, and the evenings were brighter and lasted longer. We took every opportunity to soak it up.
We enjoyed pintxos at a local hangout in San Sebastian, surrounded by animated fans cheering on their favorite football team on the TV screen. We drove up the coastline of the Bay of Biscay, stopping along the way to watch the surf in Guéthary and stroll through the charming fishing town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. We learned from a passionate winemaker, a fourth-generation expert, as he guided us through the grueling process and deep traditions of winemaking in Rioja. We dressed up in our fancy dresses and had a dance party. We had fun!
I’m so grateful my work offers this incredible perk of travel and experience of new places, and I’m equally grateful for the quieter pace the last couple of weeks of spring has offered, despite the finicky weather. This re-entry has allowed me to reset and gear-up for our 2024 season. And today, the switch was flipped—it’s on: the summer solstice, our first heat wave, and a full moon to boot. So let’s have it! I’m ready and excited to come together as a community to celebrate and inspire one another at our fantastic summer locations. Check out the schedule!
In addition to our exciting summer classes, I want to share some new music discoveries that will surely make this seasons playlists, and my newest food inspiration—two great cookbooks that make me want to throw a dinner party. Although I’m not certain I’ll have much time for hosting this summer, we are holding our biannual Simplify Weekend Retreat October 24 - 26, 2024, and I’m excited to have Trudy Vermehren of Fox and Crow cook for us. We are still working out all the details, but if you’re interested in reserving a spot now, email me. This event is always a huge hit, and space is limited.
And finally, our featured recipe comes from Baja Serenity in Cabo Pulmo, Mexico, where we had the pleasure of spending a blissful retreat week last winter. This location not only offers delicious food but also such an enjoyable atmosphere…and we are eager to return for more from February 24 - March 1, 2025
Even if I don't get to see you soon, I hope you have a wonderful summer. Enjoy every moment. I wish you fun!
Lots of love,
- G