LOCALadk Magazine

LOCALadk 37 When they left the older woman was so happy and joy- ous, having done this experience. That was probably one of my favorite interactions." Another was with a 30 -something woman who took part in Tai Chi class, which the Powers host periodi- cally. "It was her first time at a labyrinth," Gabe said. "Everyone was having a great time. She was so happy to be there, laughing, telling jokes. She just had a light about her when she left. I hope she continues to spread it around and pass it on to people she meets." In many ways the labyrinth is an extension of the Powers's own life journey. They moved to the Adiron- dacks about 10 years ago from Albany after Larry's thriving business, Tech Valley Builders, suffered a devastating warehouse fire. The setback gave the couple reason to pause and reconsider priorities, prompting a 180 -degree life- style turnabout. Larry, also a licensed New York state wilderness guide, still does construction business as a North Country new home builder, and Christine, who had a background in communications, has found a perfect fit as chief marketing officer for North Creek- based Revolution Rail, which offers rail bike rides at several Warren County locations in addition to Colora- do, Maine and Cape May, N. J. They named their site Asa Adirondack because the name Asa, in Latin, means refuge and sanctuary. "I didn't know it was going to be this beautiful here," said Patterson, "with the ponds and the way it's landscaped. As I'm walking the labyrinth, I think about my journey or what my journey should be with God. It helps me concentrate and get my thoughts in line. Sometimes your mind is just wandering. You need something to get yourself in focus with where you need to be. I always come back a little bit better." As the great American naturalist John Muir said: "Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul." The labyrinth is open from dawn to dusk. Reserva- tions are not required. There is no fee, but a suggest- ed donation of $10 is welcome to help with upkeep and maintenance. Overnight stays are available at the nearby 1870 Stillman House, which the Powers renovated shortly after buying the property. Advertising is mostly word-of-mouth, but guests from far and wide still find the remote location. "We had a group of six from Japan who came two or three hours out of their way specifically to walk the laby- rinth," Christine said. There's a really powerful, close- knit labyrinth community. The fact that we're a Legacy Labyrinth makes us famous in the labyrinth community globally. If you are interested in labyrinths you're go- ing to find out about us and come." Asa Adirondack Labyrinth is open through late October. For infor- mation go to: w w w.asaadirondack.com. t The labyrinth has more than a mile of pathways lined with rocks from Larr y and Christine Powers' 105-acre property.

• Cover