Reentry on the California Coast

Marin Coast
The Land Together reentry team joined participants for a restorative nature retreat at Samuel P. Taylor State Park and Point Reyes.

Nopal, Shelagh and others from the California State Parks and Parks Conservancy led the group on a guided hike through the redwoods, slow enough to notice the chipmunks, banana slugs, and fungi tucked into the forest floor. From there, a circle reflection at a secluded pebble beach at Tomales Bay. The water, the breeze, the shared space.

The day closed at Olema Campground, gathered around a fire.  

Montara State Beach

Sun, sand, and salt air, with a dog named Smokey adding some extra energy to the mix.

Jill led a meditation and opening circle before the group spread out to explore. They found shells, seaweed, and sea treasures for an art project, wandered into a cave at the edge of the beach, and got their pants wetter than planned dipping their toes in. The highlight was burying Bahareh in the sand and turning her into a mermaid.

Participants made cyanotype sun prints using seaweed, shells, and strawberries from Pie Ranch and peaches from a staff member's trees, then took them home. Several participants shared that connecting with others in reentry was as restorative as the time in nature. One participant said "I loosened up for the first time all summer."

Mount Tamalpais to Stinson Beach

The group gathered at Mount Tamalpais for a hike down to Stinson Beach. Sol and Len served as participant leaders and led the opening circles. Before setting out, State Parks Ranger Hillary spoke to the group about local geology and trail conditions, including news that their planned route had been closed for safety. After consulting with the ranger and the group, they took an alternative route, which turned out to be longer and steeper. Collective sore legs the next day confirmed it.

The trails down were filled with storytelling, laughter, and conversation about the plants and wildlife along the way. At Stinson Beach, participants swam. One participant walked in first, got hit by a wave bigger than expected, and lost his glasses. He had an appointment for new ones before the day was out.

As one participant said, "The best part of the trip was the people."

Gratitude to our State Parks partners and to the CA State Coastal Conservancy Explore the Coast program for making these outings possible.