Opinion: Mark Bibby Jackson on mindfulnes

MINDFULNESS in Morzine

Mark Bibby Jackson goes “wild’ in the French alps, mixing exercises in mindfulness with great food and fresh mountain air

A term that had confused me for years was ‘wild swimming’. I always had an image of people rushing into the sea and screaming at the elements, their hands flapping wildly in the air. It took me a while before I realised that the “wild” part was just a way to rebrand something which many of us are already familiar with – swimming in the sea, a lake or a river.

So, as we drove to Lake Montriond, on the outskirts of Morzine in the French Alps, I had a definite sense of déjà vu when wild swimming was mentioned. But while the rest of my group gathered to put on their wetsuits I strode into the waters of the lake, confident that alpine waters could not be a match for the North Sea. For once my confidence proved guided. And as the others in my group struggled with their excess of latex, I floated carefree.

After my not-so-wild swim, we ventured into the mountains surrounding Morzine to taste one of the region’s many local dishes. Originally we had planned to go foraging with chef Véronique Fillon for our food, but unfortunately she had sprained her ankle. Instead, we encountered Véronique at her mountain chalet, her leg raised and a table set for us to enjoy péla. This traditional mountain dish is made from potato, onion and reblochon cheese. Served with bread and salad, it was fulsome fare but well deserved after our morning swim.

It was some time about this time, standing 1,490 metres up in the sky and surrounded by the most astonishing countryside, that I remembered to breathe. There is something quite incredible about the alpine air. Filling your lungs with it has to be one of the most healthy things you can do in life. And it prepares you for anything in life – well almost anything.

A few hours later I found myself suspended upside down from the ceiling as our instructor Sara talked us through aerial yoga. Initially, I found the experience rewarding. The ‘tissue’ in which you wrap yourself acts as a welcoming support to those of us who are not so familiar with yoga. But with time, as some of my companions managed to contort themselves into shapes beyond my comprehension, I realised that having a body with the suppleness of a battered ironing board was something of a disadvantage.

That evening, guided by Hervé, we had a picnic surrounded by wild flowers, with sweeping views across the mountainside down to the town of Morzine. As my colleagues camped around the salads, bread, cheese and wine, I dozed off for a few moments in the hammock Hervé had slung between the trees. I’m still not really sure what mindfullness is meant to be, but I think I might have experienced it at that moment. charitable.travel/ travel-begins-at-40

Absolutely

CAPITAL

Capture the best of both worlds in Capital Region USA, as you combine the political powerhouse that is Washington, DC, with the cute coastal towns, beautiful beaches and mighty mountains of Maryland and Virginia.

WASHINGTON, DC

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Capital Region USA is a unique combination of two states and one very famous capital city. It’s the perfect destination if you can’t choose between city, coast and countryside, because here you can have it all. Within just one hour’s drive of Washington, DC, with its hip neighbourhoods and worldfamous sites, you can be exploring the charming and historic seaside city of Annapolis in Maryland, or the quaint cobbled streets and trendy breweries of Williamsburg, Virginia. Where else can you combine an iconic capital with the kind of wild beauty offered by the Blue Ridge Mountains, or the epic vistas of Chesapeake Bay? And its all so close together, it’s effortless.

URBAN TRAILS

Begin your trip in Washington, DC, checking out larger than life memorials, like the dizzyingly high obelisk that is the Washington Monument. The capital is bursting with art galleries and museums, covering everything from the world of espionage to African American culture. The Smithsonian Museums comprise the world’s largest museum complex – and it’s free. Across the city are Michelin-rated restaurants serving up dishes from the country’s most celebrated chefs, and there are plenty of highenergy clubs too. Neighbourhoods range from the posh Georgetown, with its leafy parks, elite academies and fancy cafes, to hipster Shaw, which has turned once tatty row houses into trendy restaurants and funky bars.

Just a hop across the Potomac River from Washington, DC to Arlington, Virginia, and you’ll find Instagrammable skyline views of the capital. Arlington’s vibrant, walkable neighbourhoods are home to 1,100 acres of parks and open space connected by more than 75 miles of trails you can explore

CAMDEN YARD, BALTIMORE

BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS

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CHESAPEAKE BAY on foot or wheels. Top attractions include the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial and the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery, a 624-acre shrine to America’s veterans.

About an hour’s drive from DC, Baltimore is Maryland’s largest city and home to a vibrant community of artists and entrepreneurs. Explore the iconic Inner Harbor neighbourhood, home to attractions such as the National Aquarium and Camden Yards baseball stadium, before touring the city’s art museums where you can see the largest collection of Matisse in the world – and it’s free!

HIT THE ROAD

Enjoy the journey just as much as the destination, as you wind through the region’s cute small towns, and bucolic countryside. Iconic road trips include Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. It runs 105 miles along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering up scenic vistas and wildlife. You’re never far from one of the region’s 400-plus wineries – and there are more than 20 wine trails you can follow to create a tasting itinerary.

SEASIDE STYLE

The gateway to North America’s largest estuary, Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis is a characterful port town founded in the 18th century. Known as America’s Sailing Capital, it was once the nation’s capital, between 1783 and 1784. Impressive attractions include the US Naval Academy, home to 4,400 future officers in the US Navy and Marine Corps. All roads lead to the sea in Annapolis. After a cruise around Annapolis Harbour, stroll around the city’s unique boutiques and feast on some fresh-from-the-bay seafood.

Virginia Beach is where the vast Chesapeake Bay meets the open Atlantic Ocean. This vibrant city has a flourishing culinary scene, a plethora of attractions for arts lovers and entertainment for all ages. Don’t miss the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, a three mile seafront stretch which draws cyclists and rollerbladers. Try kayaking or paddleboarding – and don’t forget to look out for dolphins.

Greater Williamsburg is where colonial meets cool. Explore the grounds of America’s first settlement in Jamestown, or hit downtown Williamsburg, to enjoy many of the region’s most exciting new restaurants, breweries, and wineries. If you prefer the beach, calm waters and spectacular sunsets await in Yorktown. Here, you can step on a Segway or bag a boogie board to enjoy the breathtaking coastline.

HISTORIC HIGHS

Surrounded by the rolling Catoctin Mountains, steeped in American Civil War history, Frederick in Maryland is the perfect basecamp. Enjoy over 200 locally-owned speciality shops, dozens of restaurants, theatres, galleries, and public art dotted all over. There’s also a host of wineries, breweries, and distilleries! The National Museum of Civil War Medicine tells the story of this brutal but fascinating period in history, while nearby sites like Gettysburg, Antietam, and Harpers Ferry offer more context. Close by, tucked away in the peaceful countryside are three historic covered bridges that you can visit on a driving tour.

Charlottesville and Albemarle County pack quite a punch. Must visit spots include Monticello, the historic home of Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States, and the exceedingly grand Jefferson-designed University of Virginia. The area is also home to more than 40 wineries. Downtown you’ll find a burgeoning arts scene and one of the longest pedestrian malls in the country – packed with restaurants, shops, theatres and music venues.

Wherever you go, the Capital Region is brimming with history, character and natural beauty.