The second half of our first day in Canada was much more relaxed than the first half.
After the tree top obstacle course challenge and zip lining, our group changed into helmets for a cave adventure.
I struggle with claustrophobia, so I wasn’t sure whether or not I’d be able to handle the cave and expressed my concerns to the guides at Arbraska. They told me that there were a handful of tight spaces that we would have to crouch down to crawl through and that there would be a point in the cave tour when they’d turn off all the lights and we’d be in total darkness. I was really nervous and my anxiety level was pretty high as we walked into the cave.
Once the last person filed in, they closed the door and my heart started racing. Someone jokingly said “We’re trapped!” which is pretty much the last thing someone who is claustrophobic wants to hear and I quietly took one of the guides aside and said I wasn’t sure this tour was going to be my speed. He said it was a 60-minute tour and that there were definitely some tight spaces, so one of our press trip guides, Marouan, was kind enough to take me outside and around to the back of the cave so I could skip all of the freaky stuff.
I felt terrible about making him miss the tour but he was so kind and assured me that he has experienced the tour more than 20 times in the past so it wasn’t a big deal for him to miss it at all. Thank you again, Marouan!
We walked outside on a path around the cave and entered in the cave exit which was nice and big. Much more my style! Because it is still relatively warm in Canada, the stalactites and stalagmites weren’t very big, but the size of the cave was impressive to see.
While the rest of the group exercised their bravery and toured the cave, Marouan and I sat outside on a bench by a lake and chatted all about Canada.
This quiet time away ended up being one of the highlights of the day for me. I am a very curious traveler (Ryan calls me a “kid at summer camp” whenever we go anywhere) and I always jump at the chance to ask a billion questions and learn more about the places I visit and the culture. Marouan told me all about Quebec and answered my questions about the education system, government, lifestyle, food and more. He was very knowledgeable and we had fun talking about the differences between life in Florida and life in Quebec.
Our time on the bench passed quickly and soon the rest of the group was done with their cave tour. Anne and Jenn told me I made a very good decision when I decided to stay behind because they crawled through some very tight spots, so they helped me feel more secure with my decision to stay behind. My claustrophobia makes me feel so ridiculous sometimes and I wish I could talk myself out of it, but the panicky feeling I get isn’t one I can seem to shake. Not so fun!
Wakefield Mill Inn & Spa
Once everyone was ready to leave Arbraska, we thanked out guides for such a great time before piling back into the van and driving to the Wakefield Mill Inn & Spa to check in for the night.
The hotel will be totally decorated for fall next week, but we were still excited to see lots of pumpkins on the property as we carried our luggage inside. After we were handed our room keys, we had about 30 minutes to unpack and change before dinner so I hopped on the wifi and FaceTimed with Ryan and Sadie! (Please tell me that you guys intentionally hold the phone at ridiculously unattractive angles when you talk to loved ones on FaceTime. It cracks us up!)
My room was located on the top floor of the inn in the heritage-designated mill part of the hotel. The Eco River Lodge, a luxury boutique hotel, is located on the same property and features modern rooms with more space, but I am all about cozy rooms and loved mine the minute I rolled my suitcase inside.
The bed was crazy comfortable and I slept like a rock. I suppose the fact that I was super tired and full from dinner probably contributed to my solid sleep!
About 30 minutes before dinner, our group met up in the lobby and went on a guided tour of the inn that took us outside where we snapped lots of pictures of the beautiful waterfall and changing leaves.
I opened up the window of my room for some fresh air when we arrived and I could hear the waterfall from the fourth floor which was so relaxing. It was wonderful to be surrounded by such incredible natural beauty.
Behind the hotel we found lots of little decks and chairs for guests to use to relax and enjoy their surroundings. There is also a little tent outside where couples can enjoy an outdoor couple’s massage. Sign me up!
During our tour we also passed a framed letter from Hillary Clinton who stayed at the hotel during the North American Foreign Ministers Meeting.
Pretty snazzy!
The Penstock
Dinner was quite an event and our group dined at The Penstock, an upscale restaurant located on the lower level of the inn.
We were served a six-course discovery menu that kept us guessing and practically licking our plates clean.
The beef medallions we ate during the main course were grilled in hazel oil and served with a parsnip and manchebello pure with mushrooms, truffle oil and a cabbage sauté and confit purple potatoes. It was incredible!
One of my favorite courses was the cheese course that featured Heidi cheese (it tasted a lot like an incredibly creamy brie), banana cream, lavender and onion oil.
I couldn’t get enough of the banana cream and scooped it up with my fork as I ate the cheese. The salty and sweet combination was fabulous.
During dinner, I sipped on some fantastic wine and Premiere Neige, a wonderful ice cider.
Everything was so delicious and I complimented the chef (who is only 29!) on his ability to combine unexpected flavors like white chocolate and pepper and onion oil and banana to make such creative dishes that tasted wonderful. It was a great meal and we all went to bed feeling full and happy.
Our first day in Canada was unforgettable and the fun only continued in the morning.
Coming up next: Hiking, paddle boating and hot tub adventures!
Question of the Morning
- Do you have any phobias?
- Have you ever been inside a cave?
As this press trip continued, our group laughed a lot because it seems like we’ve all had to deal with our phobias at one point or another! I am claustrophobic, Candice doesn’t like heights, Jenn is very scared of wasps, Anne doesn’t like big dogs jumping on her and Kate is very nervous around cats and somehow we’ve come across all of these things in only three days.
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I start to feel claustrophobic in large crowds, or tight spaces with many people. Great post!! Looks like an amazing opportunity.
Awesome rest of the day! And you’re even more brave for not going into the cave – only you know yourself best! I totally have nightmares about crawling through small, dark spaces (I’m a weirdo! lol), so I would’ve been on the bench with you! Those nature pics outside of the Inn are just perfect!
-Sammy @ peaceandloveandicecream.blogspot.com
I am somewhat claustrophobic as well, so I definitely would have been uncomfortable and panicky inside that cave. I have been inside a cave before, but it was a huge one, so we got to tour it in a little tour car! It sounds like you had a glorious day at the spa and a killer meal!
You shouldn’t feel silly at all! I have a phobia of flying (although I still do it). When I was younger, my family flew to Hawaii and hit some bad turbulence.I did not like it and proceeded to cry the entire flight. All of the flight attendants were trying to calm me down! (I was only 10). Ever since then, I’ve hated flying.
Your trip seems like a dream trip to me, between the outdoor landscape and luxurious setting. And, like you, I like a little quiet or alone time on every vacation to do some exploring of my own.
oh my gosh, that last dish looks delicious, I don’t think I’ve ever tried anything like that! I’m not even claustrophobic and I think I would have been nervous crawling through tight spaces in a cave!
I hate spiders with a passion they so scare me!!
Good that Marouan was able to take you on your own mini tour and that he didn’t mind at all 🙂
That 6 course meal sounded delicious! Can’t wait for the next recap.
Isn’t Wakefield beautiful?
Looks like an amazing meal & a great first day here 🙂
Wow, the scenery is gorgeous. I’ve only been to Canada once (Toronto, when I was a lot younger) but I’d love to visit again and see the more rural parts.
I think I’d be pretty claustrophobic in a cave or small places. I do not like that and I don’t like feeling that way. So I can totally relate. Dinner looked amazing and the views are so beautiful 🙂
The hiking, paddle boating and hot tub adventures all sound great but I would have been like you when asked to go into the caves, especially as the tight spaces got tighter! I hate feeling trapped!
There’s no sense in continuing with something that’s going to make you miserable so I say you definitely did the right thing by jumping out when you did!
The inn looks beautiful and the room is so nicely decorated too! The food is making my stomach rumble. 😉 It looks amazing!
I have a fear of deep water. It totally freaks me out!
This scenery is unbelievable! I love it all, and want to go ASAP! I don’t blame you for passing on the cave. My husband wants me to go through a cave with him, but the fear of crawling through tiny spaces freaks me out. I wouldn’t say I am claustrophobic, but it still makes me nervous!
The phobia that I have stems from seeing the movie Silence of the Lamb…the part where she’s in the basement and he can see her, but she can’t see him…NOPE NOPE NOPE! I live in a loft with huge windows so at night I have to turn all of the lights out when I’m walking to my room. The thought of someone being able to see in when I can’t see them is terrifying…
When did you realize you were claustrophobic?
I can definitely get claustrophobic too. I have been in a few caves and the small spaces really get to me but I had a bit of a freakout on a tour in Turkey when I learned midway through that we were 6 stories underground. I immediately wanted out!
I definitely wouldn’t have been a fan of the cave trip either!!! I used to have a phobia of lifts (elevators) but I’m not as freaked out by them these days. Would still never go in one alone!
I get a little nutty when there area bunch of bugs around. For some reason they always feast on me. This summer has been particularly bad. I can’t go a day with out adding some new bug bites and I have been perpetually itchy. NOT FUN.
Wow Canada is so beautiful!! Now I know I have to go there one day! Oooh Paddle Boarding sounds like so much fun!! A fear of mine…..this might sound ridiculous, but mine is of failing. It kept me from pursuing my passion for a while, but now I’m taking it head on!
I don’t think I would have gone in that cave! Caves freak me out because they could collapse at any minute.
I so want a vacation right now!!!!!!!!!!!
I think I would have had to pass on that tour too. I l love learning about the history and culture of places when I travel.
I’m so claustrophobic I couldn’t do it either!
I definitely feel claustrophobic in small spaces. Living in St. Louis everyone always asks me about going up in the arch and I feel myself panicking just talking about those tiny pods that take you to the top!
On another note.. that place looks AMAZING! Would love to hear more about how you liked ice cider. That sounds interesting!
I have two phobias: heights and tight spaces! Just like you! I could have never done the cave so don’t feel bad, I would have been right there with you!
this Inn looks absolutely fantastic! It is soo beautiful! I am not the biggest fan of tight spaces and get panicky in certain situations, I more then likely would have opted to walk outside as well.
I love the pumpkins at the inn! Bummer your missing all the fall decorations, but the beautiful trees turning makes up for it! I have a phobia of people throwing up. I know so weird, I have no clue why, but if I think someone is feeling sick or going to be sick I have a panick attack and get hives all over. Totally and completely ridiculous. I end up far more tramatized than them, and they are the ones who have to be sick!
I used to work at Carlsbad Caverns NP in southeast New Mexico, thus I had to lead those types of cave tours (we called them wild cave tours) fairly often, and always cringed when I was scheduled for one. The worst part for me was always the blackout! The rest of Carlsbad Caverns is huge with the ceiling a few hundred feet above head. I don’t have a fear of tight spaces, but I do fear/hate being around moths and butterflies… weird I know 🙂
This trip looks simply amazing! I love the outdoors so this is right up my alley!
When I was younger my parents would take us to visit caves all the time. In PA, we have quite a few that are worth a visit. It was always a fun adventure for our family!
Glad you are having a great time 🙂
Gorgeous! I’m so jealous of this trip you’re on!!
I love Canada!! My dad is from there originally and part of his family still lives in Ontario. We used to go every summer when we were little kids. Make sure you try some Poutine! It is fabulous..french fries, gravy, and cheese curds. How can you go wrong with that?
Wow. I love that hotel by the waterfall. I want to go there!
That hotel and restaurant both look absolutely fantastic! I’m mildly claustrophobic (sounds like it bothers me a lot less than it bothers you though) and have gone caving a couple of times. Both times the experience was part cool, part uncomfortable. I also felt like having to talk myself through it (in my head, thankfully) and work on my breathing throughout took away from observing and taking in the whole experience. It sounds like you were definitely wise to skip it!
I consider myself a pretty fearless person but I’m completely claustrophobic too! It’s a terrible feeling! And people are always surprised when I tell them because im such a realistic rational person but even though I know I’ll be fine that feeling of panick becomes overpowering. Not fun! Heights on the other hand are awesome, love being up high!
I totally know what you mean about Facetime angles / faces. When my BF and I were long distance we did that nonstop. The double chin was pretty typical. We were such weirdos!
That hotel and food look fantastic! I don’t have any real phobias and love exploring caves (as long as I can stand up the whole time). Looks like a great trip you are having!
I would NEVER have been able to do the cave thing either…deathly afraid of tight spaces, I can’t crawl halfway under a bed without getting panicky. Now THAT is sad! lol
Looks like an awesome trip though! 🙂
I have a bit of a fear of heights (I HATE ferris wheels – they’re slow moving wheels of death). That inn looks super cute!
What a beautiful place you all are staying at/near!
I def have a fear of heights—esp when it’s seemingly ‘unsafe’ heights. I’m okay in bldgs & stuff, but ziplining might be too much for me. hah
I love ice wine!! I’m so glad you’re enjoying your trip!
OMG – that dinner looked incredible – your entire trip so far has been awesome to read about…you know I’d be right there with you exiting that cave, when you said they closed the doors, I started to feel panic just sitting at my desk. Eek!! Anyways, miss ya! I know you’re having a blast – be safe xxoo
Miss you, too!! It’s almost your wedding month!!!!!!
That inn looks SO cozy! Love the views, too!
Stunning… I absolutely love following your trip and all of your adventures! I’d be right there with you and Mer :/. Next girls trip… Oh, Canada?!!/ 🙂
Yes!! We would have so much fun here together!
I would’ve had to opt out of the cave too. Mine stems from having a brother that would hold me down or trap me in blankets when I was little! Be glad you only have your little sister haha 😉
This seriously looks like my perfect vacation with the beautiful view and cozy hotel room! I’ve been in quite a few caves in Arizona, which does make me feel a bit claustrophobic. I toured caves in Puerto Rico, and luckily they were very open with few tight spaces so that didn’t bother me at all.
I have a fear of spiders and snakes. I definitely understand the panic you felt. I would rather have the warm and fuzzies.
When I lived in France I had a opportunity to go caving or “spelunking.” That is something I’ll never forget! We crawled through tight spaces, belayed from cliffs, and jumped into pools of water while we explored the cave. It was amazing!
Since you are travelling you might have missed this article
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-204_162-57604820/girls-who-eat-peanut-butter-may-face-lower-breast-cancer-risk-later-in-life/
Such a beautiful area. I would park it in that sitting area under the trees with a good book and never come back.
I don’t think I have any real phobias. I’m not a fan of spiders, but that’s more because I don’t like poisonous things that could maim or kill me. I don’t think that’s a real phobia, that’s more self-preservation instinct. Good for you on bowing out on the tour. I would have succumbed to peer pressure and risked having a miserable time or even a meltdown which would have been scary and embarrassing. I’m still working on speaking up when something’s bothering me.
It warms my heart that you enjoyed your time in Wakefield – I am a local, and used to work at the Wakefield Mill, which was the most beautiful place that I have ever worked! The daily walk past the waterfall always made work so much more enjoyable 🙂
As a Canadian, I wish you wouldn’t refer to it as “Canada” and instead refer to the part of the country that you are staying in. Canada is a pretty giant country and there are lots of different parts and there is an incredible difference between (for example) British Columbia and Quebec. After all, if you were in London, you wouldn’t refer to it as England every time you discussed it. And if I went to visit somewhere in the US, I would refer to the place by it’s name instead of saying America.
Just a thought, but otherwise I’m a big fan of your blog.
I appreciate the feedback! I’ll definitely be more mindful of this!
Your trip looks like a blast! I love all the outdoorsy activities, and it’s absolutely beautiful there!
As far as phobias go, I am completely and utterly disgusted by bugs in masses. It doesn’t matter what type of bugs they are… if they are in a large mass, I get chicken skin and creepy crawlies all over!