Nature Journaling Winter Retreat

[S]pend three days observing, drawing, and exploring the natural history of the Point Reyes Peninsula. During the day we will explore and hike throughout the area and take time to draw and investigate nature’s secrets. We will stay overnight at the Saint Columba’s Retreat Center where we will socialize, share journaling inspiration, and refine our drawing techniques with evening workshops. Register Here.

Schedule

Friday Nov. 18

10:00 AM Meet at the Saint Columba’s Retreat Center to drop off dinner and check into our rooms. We will then drive to Chimney Rock parking area. Bring a sack lunch, daypack, and water and wear warm layers for a day in the field. We will have lunch at the Chimney Rock overlook. After lunch we will drive to the lighthouse. We will be out sketching through sunset (at 4:56PM). Then we will return to the St. Columba’s Retreat Center to move into our rooms and prepare a potluck dinner. After dinner we will have time for sharing journals and a workshop on mammal anatomy to prepare us for sketching with Tule Elk the next Day.

Saturday, Nov 19

Eat breakfast and prepare lunches for another full day in the field. Will will drive to Tomales Point and spend the day in search of Tule Elk, nature mysteries, grand landscapes, and stunning seascapes. We will begin by hiking out on the point in search of Tule Elk. After lunch (bag) we will return to the bathrooms and parking area to walk down to McClure’s Beach to explore and draw the stunning seascapes. We will watch another sunset (at 4:55PM). As it grows dark, we will return to the retreat center for potluck leftover’s. That evening we will share our work from the day and have a workshop on landscape drawing and ways of enriching your naturalist questioning and investigation techniques.

Sunday, Nov 20

Eat breakfast and prepare lunches for another full day in the field. We will pack up and clean the retreat center and load our belongings into our cars. We will then drive to Limentour Beach and the Muddy Hollow Trailhead. From the parking lot, we will explore the marsh, dunes, beach and adjoining freshwater wetland. In the late afternoon we will gather to share our work and close our weekend. After the close, I encourage people to find a solo sit spot from where to watch and journal with a final sunset (at 4:55PM).

Meals

Friday and Saturday nights are a potluck feast. The retreat center has a full kitchen which we will be able to use. Bring meals that are easy to prepare and only need to be warmed rather than cooked from scratch. Breakfasts (2) and lunches (2) are on your own. There is a refrigerator at the retreat center for storing perishables. Lunch on Sunday will also be a potluck where we will be joined by other members of the Nature Journal Cub. Bring a treat to share.

Cost and Registration

• Full program: three days, two nights $200
• Partial program: two days one night $150
• If you would like financial assistance for you or your family, send me a private email.
• Register Here

Cancellation, Refunds, and Major Storm Contingency

Full refunds available if we can replace you with someone else on the waiting list. This will be more difficult the closer we get to the workshop as people may have made alternate plans. While we can handle wind, cold, and a little rain (conditions that often make spectacular cloud patterns), it would not be safe or nearly as much fun if a major storm is forecast. If we need to cancel at the last minute because of weather, you will receive a full refund minus a minimal charge to cover our security deposit (about $20 per attendee).