Full of anticipation, we drove 489 miles in 8.5 hours to Cullowhee, NC for the first in-person SUUSI in two years!  It is nestled in the Smoky Mountains on the beautiful Western Carolina University campus. 

The first day was a bit chaotic as we got organized for a week of fun!  SUUSI-ites arrived from near and far, and even logged in online!  Each person’s SUUSI is different depending on the activities they choose.  Options include worship services, age group activities, nature trips, bookstore, artisan bazaar, community time, night life, music, and many varied workshops.  Strict COVID protocols were in place to keep everyone safe. 

On Monday we rode the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad for five hours with 24 other SUUSI-ites, from Bryson City over Fontana Lake to Nantahala Gorge. 

Tuesday I let my inner child out, and Mike painted my hair pink and purple.  That is “normal” at SUUSI!  This was an R&R day. 

We headed out on our own Wednesday for a drive through the mountains to a motorcycle shop and the Cherokee Indian reservation.  I visited the gift shops and purchased beautiful hand crafted earrings and t-shirts for family members.  We then caught a friend of ours, Eric Bannon, in concert at the SUUSI bookstore. 

Thursday’s trip was a ride on a pontoon boat on Granville Lake with 12 other SUUSI-ites.  We saw lots of nature, waterfalls, and million-dollar homes! 

We tried our first yoga class ever on Friday.  It just didn’t work with these ole bods!  We capped SUUSI off with an awesome concert by my favorite UU minister/musician, Rev. Amy Carol Webb of Davie, Florida.  Time to pack up for the drive home.  

The SUUSI worship services and concerts are available on the SUUSI YouTube channel.  I encourage everyone to consider attending SUUSI next July, either in person or online!  The catalog usually comes out in April, so you can see the offerings.  The dates and location are To Be Announced.  To find out more about SUUSI, check out https://www.suusi.org/index.