Anyone who knows my husband readily testifies that he's a man of adventure. Well, such a manly trait finds a comical way of manifesting itself when it comes to planning a vacation.

We just returned from our 20^th anniversary trip to Oregon. So what did we do? We flew to Portland, rented a red snazzy car, and took off. Where were we going? We didn't know. Who would be meet? We didn't know. Where would we lodge each night? We didn't know.

Now that may sound fine unless, of course, you drive into a town and every billboard declares, "NO vacancy."

Yip, that happened one evening. Upon inquiring with every clerk in town about a room, we finally heard good news, "Well, there's a lodge about twenty minutes up that mountain road. A lovely secluded resort. You'll love it." So off we went, eager to release our weariness into the hands of this exotic mountain paradise.

However, upon entrance into the facility's parking lot, I thought it strange that an attendant stood at the gate with a clipboard in hand inquiring, "Do you have a reservation?"

"No," we responded. "But we'd like to. We were told we'd really like it here."

"Really?" he retorted with a monstrous smile, yet somewhat smothered in a funny little smirk.   (I thought, "Helloooo, Mister. Of course we want to stay here. I'm sick of the car and ready for bed.)

Then he continued, "Just thought I'd tell you that there are no showers or tubs in the rooms, only a large spa area in the center of the facility." He went on to sell the amenities of the resort: "And you'll especially enjoy the natural Hot Springs providing every guest a rich experience."

"Yipppeee! I love hot tubs," I thought.

Then he finished his exhortation with boisterous enthusiasm, "And bathing suits are optional."

"Optional?" I wondered. "What does that mean?"

We drove into the entrance and browsed through the resort material. Then it suddenly dawned on me, "WE'RE - IN - A - NUDIST - COMPOUND!"

Rich, being the explorer that he is, answered back, "Well, let's stay and check it out!"

"What? Are you crazy?" So we took a few more minutes examining the pamphlets, discovering the workshops and renewal classes offered in this place:

-   "Inner Spirit Medicine" - Expand your inner connections by rediscovering the healing modalities pioneered by indigenous shamans.  Learn soul retreat."

-   "Breema - The Art of Being Present" - Nourish and energize your feelings that lead to a new experience of you. You'll be fully clothed.

Rich looked at me and burst forth like a youngster on Halloween night, "This place is creepy. Let's get out of here."

So with a vigorous wheelie, we zipped this rent car right out of that place leaving the dust of the back wheels creating a frenzy in the "fresh" mountain air.

And the moral of this little vacation blooper - "God gave His followers the Holy Spirit to discern danger. So keep your spiritual antennas up and flee like crazy when the Spirit says, "Run, child. RUN!"

 Lovin' you,

Pam