Tassajara 2015

Although I have been to Tassajara many times, mostly for Guest Practice, this time Peter and I are going together as guests. This retreat center, part of the San Francisco Zen Center, is 17 miles down a rough forest service road. Tip: it's best to drive a 4WD.

Entering Los Padres National Forest

Not so friendly local warns us to keep our distance.

Although it's yet another drought year, some late rains have cloaked the Big Sur Mountains in green.

The twisting Forest Service road into Tassajara

After finding a good parking space under a tree, we nab an utility cart, load up our luggage and check in the office before proceeding to our cabin.

Office

Utility cart parked in front of the main temple

Down the path to our cabin

There's the cabin

It's nice inside

Deck overlooking the creek

For the first afternoon, we mostly take it easy in the Japanese style hot spring baths, cooling off in the creek, and lounging around the pool. It's a rough life, but someone has to do it.

Tassajara creek

Natural pool by baths

Relaxing by the pool under the grape arbors

A little before dinner we take a stroll in the flower garden.

The next morning greets us with a beautiful day.

Morning work group meeting for staff and students

Morning light through the leaves

Zen student reading by the courtyard

Later that afternoon, we hike down the creek to the narrows.While we are there we meet a young couple who have just hiked in from Arroy Seco, which is a daunting hike. We are impressed with their feat.

Tapestry on door of a resident

Peter talks to hikers at the narrows

A friendlier local

In the afternoon, Peter hikes up the creek and over the footbridge to explore some of the trails radiating out of Tassajara.


The evening meal is the highlight of the day. It's always fun to meet the different people who are attracted to Tassajara. At one of the meals, we meet a woman photographer from San Francisco. She has a great sense of humor and leaves us chuckling over her amusing observations.

Waiting for the dinner bell

A student fixes a cup of tea

Sun hangs low in the sky as evening approaches

All too soon, it's time to return home. Seems like every time we visit, it's sad to have to leave.

Peter gives a final bow to Tassajara by the new entry gate before we leave