Hiking

**During the potent Scorpion Full Moon, exciting Beltane and blooming Spring.** A magnificent alignment of the Lunar, Solar (aka Pagan) and Taoist Calendar with the Jade Egg Holistic Practice. An invitation to fully: ***Embrace Your Feminine Empowerment!*** A Unique and Traditional Jade Priestess Initiation with the Full Spectrum of Holistic Taoist Training: **\*\*\* Self-Healing,** including the **Jade Egg Secrets,** in a tradition of +5000 years, **\*\*\*** The ***Art of Bedchamber*** (Ancient Tantric Secrets), **\*\*\* Shamanic Healing**, and **Martial Arts**, **\*\*\* Tai Chi Qigong** including **Self-Defence for Women.** **\*\*\*** With Plenty of **MOON POWER** Insights and Moon Magic **to clear, heal and manifest.** **\*\*\* Moon Harmony –** understanding your cycles through all stages of your womanhood, the moon cycles, and the moon inside you. ALL WOMEN ARE WELCOME! ***Unveiling Your Mysterious Feminine,*** The Time Is Now, The Power Is You! *The world is in need more than ever of heart-womb centered leadership, in empowered women with compassionate hearts.* **This is an Epic BI-ANNUAL Training for a small group, especially crafted for you to step into Your Full Potential while Igniting the Sacred Feminine Codes to fulfil your Soul Purpose.** In Sisterhood, we’ll raise our vibration and consciously spread for the good of the planet, as the change starts inside us! Revealing Ancient Secrets For Modern Life and the Embodiment of Radiant Health at all levels. * **Embrace Your Mystic Power!** * **Let Your Inner Wisdom Be Your Guide!** * **Burn Your Fears And Light Your Heart’s Desires!** * And Much More!… **An amazing venue in the lovely countryside in the North of Portugal,** surrounded by nature, with delicious food prepared by our in-house chef. **This Life-Enhancing and Enriching Experience** is also a nourishing and empowering holiday. A TREAT FOR YOU! A GIFT FOR LIFE! BECAUSE YOU ARE WORTH IT! **INNER ALCHEMY For INNER HARMONY** Through the Jade Egg Holistic Practice with still, standing and moving Meditation, Healing Sounds, Kuan Yin Qigong, Shamanic and Feminine Embodiment Practices, Dance (including Hawaiian Hula and Indian Gypsy Dance), Ritual and Ceremony. **A graceful Journey through the Five Elements around us and inside us:** **Water** – AWAKENING YOUR INNER GODDESS... FOLLOW YOUR INNER WISDOM! **Fire** – TAOIST SECRETS OF YOUTH & BEAUTY! **Earth** – ABUNDANCE, FERTILITY & PLEASURE! **Metal** – THE COMPASSIONATE WARRIOR! **Wood** – REBIRTH OF THE SELF! **This retreat is the expansion of various trainings I've been sharing since 2007, and part of it is the [JADE EGG INITIATION](https://www.jadecircleanamarta.com/initiation-step-1/) and [HEALING LOVE](https://www.jadecircleanamarta.com/healing-love_step-2/).** The Unique Jade Egg Holistic Practice brings benefits to all levels of your being, as it was developed to address different women's needs using the Jade Egg as a psychosomatic healing tool, benefiting beyond the pelvic floor. ***By evolving the path of self-healing and self-mastery you live life to the full!*** The Secrets of the famous Jade Egg, along with this Holistic Practice, offers a safe and complete use of the Jade Egg as a Tool, a Jewel, and a Talisman, maximising its benefits. **The Life-Enhancing Ovarian Breathing.** **[CLICK for Details](https://www.jadecircleanamarta.com/moon-power/)**[ & ](https://www.jadecircleanamarta.com/moon-power/)**[Benefits](https://www.jadecircleanamarta.com/moon-power/)**[ of the Yin Taoist Healing Love](https://www.jadecircleanamarta.com/moon-power/) *"I absolutely loved this retreat. It was everything I hoped for and more. My soul has been nourished, my body and mind rested and my spirit inspired.* *The venue was just perfect and the food was delicious and wholesome. What a treat to be cooked for by your mum.* *Anamarta, your organisation and teaching are impeccable. You teach with such heart, generosity and integrity. I really felt you cared about our learning and all of us as individuals. Your spirit and passion shine through and I thank you for your commitment to us and this work.* *It's been wonderful to have this space to focus on myself. I go away with a renewed sense of clarity.* *I loved this group of women and I leave with friendship that has meaning and purpose.* *Looking forward to Jade Egg Steps 3 and 4."* *Kindy Kaur* INVESTMENT **Earlybird £1297 to 25th February 2026**. Regular price £1397. Including: * +37 hours of professional training, rituals and ceremony. * Accommodation with ensuite bedrooms. * Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, with snacks and water. * Transfers from and to Porto Airport (1h journey). * Follow-up Session with New Moon Ritual TBA. * Invitation to be part of the FB private group for the Jade Priestesses. * Two E-Books by Anamarta. *"I would recommend this retreat to another woman because it gives them the time and space to connect to the energies of the divine feminine and sisterhood which is very healing.* *The practices with the jade egg and Kuan Yin Qigong offer empowerment, refinement and mastery of your sexual energy and chi.* *Anamarta holds circle with grace, beauty and strength and you will leave the retreat feeling deeper alignment with your feminine and sacred sexual self."* *Grace McEvoy* You can Apply Now! Find the application link at the foot of [the retreat programme page](https://www.jadecircleanamarta.com/moon-power/). We’ll get back to you within 5 days. Please be ready to proceed with your booking then. To guarantee your place will need a £297 deposit. **[Learn More](https://www.jadecircleanamarta.com/moon-power/)** *"This Retreat exceeded my expectations. Anamarta guided and facilitated loads of beautiful journeys and learnings during this week. Some new seeds were planted and others matured to a deeper level.* *I love the daily Chi Kung and Tai Chi sessions and the Taoist teachings of sacred self-love and divine union.* *I feel super energised, stronger and lighter in my heart, mind, body and equipped to introduce more pleasure, joy and nurturing in my daily life.* *Thanks for the amazing journey, and looking forward to your next bountiful manifestation."* *Rejane Pardon-Ribeiro*

**During the potent Scorpion Full Moon, exciting Beltane and blooming Spring.** A magnificent alignment of the Lunar, Solar (aka Pagan) and Taoist Calendar with the Jade Egg Holistic Practice. An invitation to fully: ***Embrace Your Feminine Empowerment!*** A Unique and Traditional Jade Priestess Initiation with the Full Spectrum of Holistic Taoist Training: **\*\*\* Self-Healing,** including the **Jade Egg Secrets,** in a tradition of +5000 years, **\*\*\*** The ***Art of Bedchamber*** (Ancient Tantric Secrets), **\*\*\* Shamanic Healing**, and **Martial Arts**, **\*\*\* Tai Chi Qigong** including **Self-Defence for Women.** **\*\*\*** With Plenty of **MOON POWER** Insights and Moon Magic **to clear, heal and manifest.** **\*\*\* Moon Harmony –** understanding your cycles through all stages of your womanhood, the moon cycles, and the moon inside you. ALL WOMEN ARE WELCOME! ***Unveiling Your Mysterious Feminine,*** The Time Is Now, The Power Is You! *The world is in need more than ever of heart-womb centered leadership, in empowered women with compassionate hearts.* **This is an Epic BI-ANNUAL Training for a small group, especially crafted for you to step into Your Full Potential while Igniting the Sacred Feminine Codes to fulfil your Soul Purpose.** In Sisterhood, we’ll raise our vibration and consciously spread for the good of the planet, as the change starts inside us! Revealing Ancient Secrets For Modern Life and the Embodiment of Radiant Health at all levels. * **Embrace Your Mystic Power!** * **Let Your Inner Wisdom Be Your Guide!** * **Burn Your Fears And Light Your Heart’s Desires!** * And Much More!… **An amazing venue in the lovely countryside in the North of Portugal,** surrounded by nature, with delicious food prepared by our in-house chef. **This Life-Enhancing and Enriching Experience** is also a nourishing and empowering holiday. A TREAT FOR YOU! A GIFT FOR LIFE! BECAUSE YOU ARE WORTH IT! **INNER ALCHEMY For INNER HARMONY** Through the Jade Egg Holistic Practice with still, standing and moving Meditation, Healing Sounds, Kuan Yin Qigong, Shamanic and Feminine Embodiment Practices, Dance (including Hawaiian Hula and Indian Gypsy Dance), Ritual and Ceremony. **A graceful Journey through the Five Elements around us and inside us:** **Water** – AWAKENING YOUR INNER GODDESS... FOLLOW YOUR INNER WISDOM! **Fire** – TAOIST SECRETS OF YOUTH & BEAUTY! **Earth** – ABUNDANCE, FERTILITY & PLEASURE! **Metal** – THE COMPASSIONATE WARRIOR! **Wood** – REBIRTH OF THE SELF! **This retreat is the expansion of various trainings I've been sharing since 2007, and part of it is the [JADE EGG INITIATION](https://www.jadecircleanamarta.com/initiation-step-1/) and [HEALING LOVE](https://www.jadecircleanamarta.com/healing-love_step-2/).** The Unique Jade Egg Holistic Practice brings benefits to all levels of your being, as it was developed to address different women's needs using the Jade Egg as a psychosomatic healing tool, benefiting beyond the pelvic floor. ***By evolving the path of self-healing and self-mastery you live life to the full!*** The Secrets of the famous Jade Egg, along with this Holistic Practice, offers a safe and complete use of the Jade Egg as a Tool, a Jewel, and a Talisman, maximising its benefits. **The Life-Enhancing Ovarian Breathing.** **[CLICK for Details](https://www.jadecircleanamarta.com/moon-power/)**[ & ](https://www.jadecircleanamarta.com/moon-power/)**[Benefits](https://www.jadecircleanamarta.com/moon-power/)**[ of the Yin Taoist Healing Love](https://www.jadecircleanamarta.com/moon-power/) *"I absolutely loved this retreat. It was everything I hoped for and more. My soul has been nourished, my body and mind rested and my spirit inspired.* *The venue was just perfect and the food was delicious and wholesome. What a treat to be cooked for by your mum.* *Anamarta, your organisation and teaching are impeccable. You teach with such heart, generosity and integrity. I really felt you cared about our learning and all of us as individuals. Your spirit and passion shine through and I thank you for your commitment to us and this work.* *It's been wonderful to have this space to focus on myself. I go away with a renewed sense of clarity.* *I loved this group of women and I leave with friendship that has meaning and purpose.* *Looking forward to Jade Egg Steps 3 and 4."* *Kindy Kaur* INVESTMENT **Earlybird £1297 to 25th February 2026**. Regular price £1397. Including: * +37 hours of professional training, rituals and ceremony. * Accommodation with ensuite bedrooms. * Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, with snacks and water. * Transfers from and to Porto Airport (1h journey). * Follow-up Session with New Moon Ritual TBA. * Invitation to be part of the FB private group for the Jade Priestesses. * Two E-Books by Anamarta. *"I would recommend this retreat to another woman because it gives them the time and space to connect to the energies of the divine feminine and sisterhood which is very healing.* *The practices with the jade egg and Kuan Yin Qigong offer empowerment, refinement and mastery of your sexual energy and chi.* *Anamarta holds circle with grace, beauty and strength and you will leave the retreat feeling deeper alignment with your feminine and sacred sexual self."* *Grace McEvoy* You can Apply Now! Find the application link at the foot of [the retreat programme page](https://www.jadecircleanamarta.com/moon-power/). We’ll get back to you within 5 days. Please be ready to proceed with your booking then. To guarantee your place will need a £297 deposit. **[Learn More](https://www.jadecircleanamarta.com/moon-power/)** *"This Retreat exceeded my expectations. Anamarta guided and facilitated loads of beautiful journeys and learnings during this week. Some new seeds were planted and others matured to a deeper level.* *I love the daily Chi Kung and Tai Chi sessions and the Taoist teachings of sacred self-love and divine union.* *I feel super energised, stronger and lighter in my heart, mind, body and equipped to introduce more pleasure, joy and nurturing in my daily life.* *Thanks for the amazing journey, and looking forward to your next bountiful manifestation."* *Rejane Pardon-Ribeiro*

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.

We will meet next to the restrooms at the [Big Meadows Picnic Area](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/HBK_Web_1980.png). They're all the way at the back of the park, and they can be found at coordinates [40°09'06.6"N 83°02'30.2"W](https://www.google.com/maps/place/40%C2%B009'06.6%22N+83%C2%B002'30.2%22W/@40.151828,-83.0423587,214m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m10!1m5!3m4!2zNDDCsDA5JzA4LjAiTiA4M8KwMDEnNDUuMSJX!8m2!3d40.1522222!4d-83.0291944!3m3!8m2!3d40.151827!4d-83.041715?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTIwNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) (near the playground and the zip line). We'll hike about 5 miles at [Highbanks Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/highbanks/) on the Dripping Rock and Overlook Trails. Afterward, we'll head over to [Olentangy River Brewing](https://www.olentangybrew.com/) for drinks, coffee, or food (their Sunday [food truck](https://www.olentangybrew.com/eventsandfood) is Venezuelan and always gets good reviews). The actual address of the brewery is [303 Green Meadows Dr S, 43035](https://www.google.com/maps/place/303+Green+Meadows+Dr+S,+Lewis+Center,+OH+43035/@40.1551938,-83.0144045,17.25z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x8838f395cef06c97:0xe407de61b3e30069!8m2!3d40.1551765!4d-83.0124352!16s%2Fg%2F11c26jc7j9?entry=ttu). If you can't make the hike, we should be there by noon. **How to find our starting point in Big Meadows:** If you are new to Highbanks, the Big Meadows picnic area is 1.5 miles into the park just after you turn into the park off of U.S. Route 23. That is, after you enter the park, drive a mile and a half into the park. You will come to a crosswalk with a yield sign in the middle of it (this is not to be confused with the first such crosswalk you come to just in front of the Nature Center, which you arrive at maybe a quarter of a mile into the park). Just after this second crosswalk, make a left. Then make another almost immediate left into the parking lot on your left. There you will see the jungle gym and the kiddie zip line to your left. I will be just in front of the restrooms just a bit further down from the jungle gym and picnic shelter; the restroom building will also be on your left.

Hi ladies. Let's hike the Edward Thomas, Spring Creek, and a little multi-purpose trail - approximately 4 miles. Please bring a water bottle as needed and appropriate shoes. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area.

Hi ladies. We will meet in front of the Nature Center and head to the two Observation decks. We will then hike Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook and Sugarbush trails to get approximately four miles total distance. We will walk approximately a 18 minute mile pace. Please wear appropriate hiking shoes.

Hi ladies. Let's hike the Edward Thomas, Spring Creek, and a little multi-purpose trail - approximately 4 miles so please wear your shoe of choice. Please bring a water bottle as needed and appropriate shoes. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area.