Council of Shambhala Mountain Journey

Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina

May 12-May 20, 2012

We will visit the peaks of mountains in North Carolina, three of these peaks, Mt. Jefferson, Elk Knob and Bald Mountain, form a vortex in the Western Blue Ridge mountains.  Each of these peaks is special and unique in their energy based upon the minerals deep within them. Collectively they form one of the largest vortices on the planet, where extra-terrestrial ships re-fuel. The healing properties of these mountains encourage not only physical healing, but very fast plant growth, creating the beautiful forests.  We visit the homeland of the Eastern Band of the  Cherokee Nation in the Smoky Mountains and spend a great deal of time hiking, visiting streams, the forest, and the mountain peaks where the energy is the highest.    If scheduling allows we will also visit a buffalo farm and feed apples to these magnificent beasts. We'll travel to  Grandfather Mountain, another local peak, where we'll see native animals such as bear, cougar, otter and deer, all in natural habitat. We will also see the largest piece of amethyst mined in North America, as well as, crystals and minerals found throughout North Carolina. From the Boone area, we'll visit the Eastern tribe of the Cherokee, near Asheville, North Carolina, touring their museum which tells their story. Then we tour Oconaluftee Village, an authentic recreation of a Cherokee settlement, where you'll witness native Americans demonstrating original Cherokee crafts, including flint arrowheads, blowguns, cloth weaving and jewelry making.   To increase our adventure factor,  we’ll be riding on a train with an old steam engine called the Smoky Mountain Railroad, into the Nantahala Gorge, where we’ll go White Water River rafting on the Nantahala River, an experience not to be missed. This is one of the most beautiful River Gorges in the country.  Gregory and Sandie spend the entire journey with you and make the traveling as convenient as possible, traveling in a private van. All participants gather in Charlotte, North Carolina, an easy destination to reach from almost anywhere in the world. Departure also occurs from Charlotte allowing an easy roundtrip journey in and out.  Shuttle service from the airport to the first hotel is included, meaning that transfer is no more than a phone call from the airport. We hope you'll join us on this wonderful journey where we can share the beauty of our home and our mountains.