GWV Winter solstice 2012 wilderness meditation retreats

[Jhanananda]

We are beginning to discuss a winter retreat at lower elevation not far from Tucson, or Phoenix.  I know of a remote part of the Gila River, where the water runs year round, and is at fairly low elevation, < 3000 feet. 

The site is at the end of a long dirt road that is not well graded, but should be accessible to any vehicle.  The road; however, is not anywhere near as long as the road to the Gila Wilderness retreat site.  I expect that there will be cellphone service there, but maybe not. 

I plan to scout it out in November.  If it is not accessible at that time, then there are a number of alternative sites we can explore.  Do let us know if you are planning on attending.

The tentative dates are December 20-January 1st 2012.

[Michael Hawkins]

We plan to be there, Jeffrey.  I'll be facilitating meditation at a Maurice Fernandez astrology retreat for seven days, and had hoped that we could put together a GWV retreat during the week or two after -- so this is great news.  It's possible I'll be able to attract an astrology retreatant or two to sit with us at the GWV retreat.

[Jhanananda]

Thank-you, Michael for expressing your interest in attending this retreat.  I hope that you will be able to attend and contribute as much as you did at the last retreat, because your youthful vigor is needed to keep the ecstatic message present and continuing.  I think you will like the site I have in mind for the retreat.

[stugandolf]

Due to a prior commitment,  I will be unable to attend the retreat.  The Silver City area  retreat was great.  I recommend that if at all possible attend the winter solstice retreat.  Jeffrey is, as Michael Hawkins wrote somewhere in this forum, the "real deal"... Stu

[Jhanananda]

Thanks, Stu, you will be missed, but I expected that you would be in India at that time.

[Jhanananda]

It looks like plans for the winter retreat have changed somewhat.  Discussions favor camping near Sedona.  I have suggested camping along the Verde River in 2 possible locations.  The site near Clarkdale, which is near the Perkinsville-Jerome road, might be it.  Please do post a response here if you are interested in attending it.

[Michael Hawkins]

Hello Jeffrey and friends,

Karen and I plan to be in Sedona for two or three weeks in December, and will be at your place starting the 13th (a Thursday).  We will be bringing camping gear in case we all decide to find a nearby spot, but we are also happy to do some "urban camping" at your place, as we've never been to Sedona and would enjoy exploring the town and surrounding area a bit.

In any case, if anyone has an interest in joining us from December 13 through the 21st, please comment here and we'll pull some sort of plan together.

Many blessings,
Michael

[Jhanananda]

Good to hear from you Michael, wilderness or urban camping in or near Sedona is fine with me, but let's see what others want.

[Jhanananda]

While scrounging through boxes for batteries today I noticed that I still have 5 cases of food that I can no longer eat, as a diabetic.  So, there should be plenty of food for those coming to the retreat.