Welcome to our fifth newsletter for WWW.INDULGEDTRAVELER.COM our luxury travel/lifestyle blog for affluent Boomers.

HELLO, WHO'S THERE? IT'S THE BIG BLACK BEAR!!!
The automatic wrought iron fence opened after we announced we had arrived. Suddenly to our right, crossing a narrow road, was a shiny furry, big black bear. Who would have believed that happening even before checking in at The Big House at The Lodge of Glendorn?
The lodge was bought as a retreat for the Dorn family in 1927. By 1995 it opened as a boutique lodge, great for relaxation, sporting, hiking, biking, tennis, fishing, shooting and incredible meals. This exclusive 1,800 acred hideaway is located near Bradford, Pennsylvania.

EN FAMILLE . . . FINALLY TOGETHER
The five of us, my husband, Ed, son, Jonathan, daughter-in-law, Dana, 13 year old grand-daughter, Rachel and I had never been to a hunting lodge so we didn't know what to expect.
Since we all have like diverse activities, Glendorn seemed to fill all the spaces, like an easy crossword puzzle.

GLAMPING AND HIKING
The sun peeked through the leaves of at the variety of trees,( maple, hemlock, oak, black cherry, pine), and sparkled on the the fish-filled creek in front of The Roost, our large private lodge.
Glendorn has retained a very traditional and comfortable ambience in this beautiful natural setting adjoining Allegheny State Park.

WHAT'S COOKIN'?
Tonight would be a grill, al fresco, on the finely cut, sprawling grounds next to The Big House.
In a most bucolic setting were,white linen table cloths, silver flatware, china and centrepieces of red bouquets from the garden. The charcoal was being stoked by inventive, creative, Executive, Chef, Joe Schafer.
The themes, "definitely hunting lodge." The amuse bouche, the introduction, - a small slice of if perfectly garnished and presented antelope. Next, grilled Georgia scallops with vanilla, prosciutto, arugula and goat cheese, followed by Colorado Droper lamb loin with braised lamb and gnocchi, and just when you thought you can't have another bite,the main dish was the most perfectly done, tender filet of beef from Oregon atop roasted garlic mashed potatoes.
FIinale . . . grilled peaches with Glendorn honey, vanilla, peach bourbon sauce. and a round of delicate pancetta.

OUR OWN BIG LODGE
As we walked (or waddled), very, very slowly back to our cottage, the thought of the old fisher's phrase came to mind. as I looked up, the sky streaked with pink . . . , I paraphrase a sailors phrase . . . "pink skies , fishers delight", Yes, another sunny warm day to look forward to.
Of the 14 lodges, we stayed at The Roost, built in the 1939, for a family member when it was still a family residence - five bedrooms spacious, enough for curling up to watch TV or discuss the day's adventures.

AND THE BIG HOUSE?
The Big House,(the lodge's centre building) has four guests rooms, panelled walls, a huge, cool pool table and the bar. As expected there were leather sofas and comfy arm chairs upholstered in large geese -patterned canvas, a tall stone, gas-assisted fireplace (also found in the guest lodges). I visualized perfection on a rainy day, drink in hand, and a cheese wagon, this would be the place to settle into. However, the gods looked down and gave us a sunny, hot weekend.

ALL YOU REALLY NEED IS LOVE . . . OF NATURE FOR STARTERS
Need? A small bag since the lodge's shop has great choices for both men and woman and all equipment needed is there to borrow. And all amenities on the loo counters.
Jon was on a mountain bike outfitted with a helmut, within an hour of our arrival, looking forward to a scenic challenge, Rachel had already booked her target practice, Glendorn is a fully equipped and licensed Beretta firearms dealer, with shotgun skeet and trap shooting that mimics bird and rabbit hunting.
Biking trails are difficult especially on the unpaved, very bumpy, Loop, Rachel was at the shooting range and although she had never held a gun (what Canadian teenager has guns?), she was a natural at skeet shooting, learned about rifles, was a whizz at target shooting and hitting more times than not.

EXTREME RELAXATION
Early next morning, my adventure was a facial. The Forest Spa was 'delicately" decorated in pastel colours, After years of facials, I know a great one the moment hands are placed on my face. My massage sounded good enough to eat, Caviar & Pearls. Dana said that I looked years younger.

MOI, FLY FISHING? AND I LOVED IT.
Just before our first fly fishing lesson, the hotel had sent two baskets filled with lunch where we delighted in picnic dining at the lake.
We fished at the shore of Lake Bondieu and all the equipment was lent to us. I had always wanted to take fly fishing lessons, It wasn't easy for a city chic. Beginner's luck kicked in. Agreed . . . any fish caught, Chef, would give Dana and me a cooking class. I boldly have to tell you kind readers, that, I was the only one to catch a fish . . . a very large (welll ample) rainbow trout.,
We watched as chef cleaned and skinned the trout knife before setting it in a brine he had prepared. Prepared dime sized, potatoes to replicate scales decorated the now departed fish. A bottle of Pouilly Fouisse went well with this catch or the day.

RELAIS & CHATEAUX. WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU EXPECT?
You don't get accredited by R&C unless you have all the vital ingredients . . . perfect accommodations, things to do, friendly and helpful staff and sensational food and wine.

WHO COMES?
International guests are repeat visitors who book well ahead of their return. There is only enough accommodations for 50 guests.

Obviously, once known, never forgotten. It's a place for families of every size and age.