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S P O R T I N G C L A S S I C S • 129 As the midday sun made its turn toward evening, our stay had all too abruptly come to an end. In this fast-paced society of deadlines and appointments, it's important to every so often slow things down a bit and spend time with those who mean the most to you. From high atop the crow's nest that is Primland, you get the feeling you can almost see the entire world. As I reflect back on the time shared with my wonderful daughters and lovely wife chasing birds and birdies and sport among the majestic mountains, I believe that maybe, just maybe, I have. A s advised by the staff, we took a more direct route for home via the South Gate. Along the way we passed through Mount Airy, North Carolina, the town that was the inspiration for Mayberry in the beloved 1960s sitcom, The Andy Griffith Show. We did some window shopping, took a peak at Andy's old patrol cruiser, grabbed a malt at Barney's cafe, and ventured back to the busy track that is I-77 South. The sun set low in the western sky and the car was filled with an orange glow. Nicole nodded off behind her sunglasses. I assumed the same of the backseat passengers. Then a sleepy and inquisitive voice from the rear asked. "Dad?" "Yep, kiddo?" I replied. "Lets do this again every year." n IF yOU Want tO GO To plan your own family sporting retreat at Primland Resort or for more information, visit www.primland.com. T hat evening, as the girls and I explored the lodge and surroundings, Nicole went for her much-anticipated appointment at the spa for a Native American-themed healing treatment. Inspired by the healing powers of nature and Native American history of the region, the treatments are based on the concept of the Native American medicine wheel and are intended to work in line with the energies in nature, turning, as do the seasons, in an ongoing cycle, bringing introspection and awakening the whole self. While we waited, the girls and I warmed around the great fireplace, roasting marshmallows and making smores. A hostess came over for a chat. She was an Aunt Bee-type local, with a Southern drawl, sweeter than the Pig Candy and smores. In fact, the entire staff was as friendly and hospitable as any group I have had the opportunity to be around. "Many of us are locals," she said. "It's a dream come true to work at a wonderful place like this. We all feel like it's part of our home." That's the brilliance of Primland. To say Primland is a contradiction would be an understatement. In fact, it is the perfect combination of opposing concepts. It's an oasis in the middle of nowhere, intimate but gigantic, rustic and natural while still luxurious and ultra-modern, quaint and homey, yet sophisticated and refined. By the time Nicole finished up at the spa night had once again stolen the color from the day, so we returned to our lodging with sticky fingers and loosened muscles. O ur final morning was spent at the outdoor activities facility. We threw tomahawks and shot arrows at the bow range before off-roading in RTVs. There was plenty of dust and mud and one amazing lookout after another as we took in panoramic views from the mountain trails. Native American- themed healing treatments work with the energies of nature to bring introspection and self-awakening. Ella Stalvey enjoys hot chocolate at Elements before practicing archery at the bow and rifle range. Then the dust flies as she goes off-roading on one of the many mountain trails.