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Mother's Day: A Man's Solution

The best gift you could give a woman is Time - especially time for herself. "Men often forget that," explains Leslie Tarbell, co-owner of a small Vermont company, Tracks of Vermont, whose business is creating a woman's perfect weekend.

"Time is always a more meaningful present than jewelry, perfume or flowers." Tarbell continues. "Sometimes a man feels threatened when the woman of his life needs a few days to herself. But we find this brief retreat from daily life re-energizes and relaxes her so she returns home happier and healthier. You should see how women rave about a man who gives her a weekend retreat! You'd think they were angels on earth. A gift like this says he really understands and cares about her."

Through years of leading women's trips, owners Leslie Tarbell and Mary Castner have learned what women want. "It boils down to freedom and safety," reveals Ms. Tarbell. "Women want to have the freedom to head off on their own, to try lots of new things, to learn and to expand their horizons on every level. But they want to do it in a safe, fun way. Our success comes from providing for those needs."

Each Tracks of Vermont retreat includes the best of Vermont outdoors, hiking, canoeing, fly fishing, yoga classes, a massage, learning workshops, companionship, fine dining and complete pampering at a Vermont country inn.

Women's travel needs are very different from those of men's or mixed gender groups. Women want to feel like a member of a group and still gain the opportunity to meet new people. All in all, women really look forward to being with "just the girls".

MEN: Learn Seven Things Women Want:
- To be taken care of instead of being the caretaker.
- To experience new things in a safe way, at her own pace.
- To feel rejuvenated through exercise, yoga, massage and relaxation.
- To have time for self-discovery and personal growth.
- To relax in a non-competitive, supportive and fun group.
- To meet interesting people and share common experiences.
- To be free from worries about judgment, appeal or self-image.

A sample of upcoming women's retreats with Tracks of Vermont:

May 3-5 Wild Mushroom Discoveries
Mysterious mushrooms are irresistible as wild delicacies and exquisite natural beauties. Our expert will teach us how to  identify them in the forest and use them in the kitchen. Includes hiking, yoga and massage.

May 17-19  Spring Bird Watching
Join our experienced local naturalist for a weekend of natural wonders. We'll focus on bird watching hints and habitats but we'll also have time for hiking, yoga and massage.

June 7-9  Wildflower Wandering
Revitalize your body, mind and soul as we study wildflowers in the fields and forests. A workshop on the uses of wild plants increases your appreciation of Nature's grand design.

June 21-23  Fly-Fishing Without Fear
What better way to try the hypnotically
beautiful sport of fly fishing than with a relaxed, supportive group of women? Learn the basics of gear and tackle then we go to
the river for hands-on learning.

Please see web site for a complete listing of trips - www.exploreVT.com

Edited by Dave Shultz

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