Fruit of the Contemplative Life
Fruit of the contemplative life: => Retreats => : Jhanananda August 28, 2015, 11:29:26 AM
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Due to progressively improving health, a decline in the threat-level, and a recent request I am currently entertaining the idea of a winter retreat between Dec 25th and January 1st. So, if you are interested in attending one, then please voice that either here, or in a PM.
However, my age and health has declined so much in the last 5 years that I have been unable to sit in meditation for long periods of time since the last summer retreat we had a few years ago.
My health has steadily improved in the last year and half, and since last May's health crisis, but the current batch of solar storms has increased joint inflammation. I am dealing with it effectively by resorting to the daily dose level of anti-inflammatories and rest.
There were 2 x-ray bursts in the past 48 hours, which suggests another solar wind impact to earth. We will see if my health remains or declines.
Also, the National Weather Service has reported conditions for the strongest el Niño in 65 years, which could translate into a winter flood in the southwest USA.
Neither I nor either of my vehicles, nor my finances, are likely to be up for a long drive, so I propose the location be on the Arizona side of the Colorado River and at an elevation below 1,000ft. It should be relatively dry and warm in the area, but with strong winds.
The winter rains tend to start here in the first week of December. Weather can be warm and pleasant up to December 25th, then be quite cold until March first.
During winter flood years it can rain nonstop for days at a time, several times a week, as it did last winter. If it is going to be a flood-year, then winter floods will begin after the first of the year.
I do not have a large tent for a group to meditate in, which would be useful for a rainy season.
So, I am not sure if a retreat is a good idea, but we can tentatively plan one.
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Jeffrey, I like the idea... Stu
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I would be glad to join you on retreat, Stu and Jeffrey, if you don't mind being joined by someone in his 20s. I will need to buy a plane trip to Arizona, though, so I will need to plan that out.
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Alexander, No problem. For those of you who have never met Jeffrey, this is a wonderful chance... Stu
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I've never been on a retreat, but if you'd allow me to come, id like to. Id be coming from washington, so id most likely drive. I suppose id need to know what id need to bring with me.
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Jeffrey, I like the idea... Stu
Thanks, Stu. Does that mean you might come? It would be good for all if you could make it, because I would like to retreat with you again, and some elders in the community are always welcome.
I would be glad to join you on retreat, Stu and Jeffrey, if you don't mind being joined by someone in his 20s. I will need to buy a plane trip to Arizona, though, so I will need to plan that out.
It would be excellent if you came, Alexander. I thought you were much older. I look forward to meeting you.
My guess is the best place for you to fly to is Phoenix or LA, then take a shuttle or bus to Yuma, then one of us will pick you up there and take you to the retreat site, which might be a campground with showers, water, toilets, etc., but there is likely to be a charge for the campsite. There is also a BLM hot spring not far away, so we could plan the occasional trip to the hot spring for a deep soak.
I've never been on a retreat, but if you'd allow me to come, id like to. Id be coming from washington, so id most likely drive. I suppose id need to know what id need to bring with me.
Good to know that you are planning on coming, Cal.
I would really like to meet all of you. Of course, Stu and I have been on retreat together several times now.
What to brings?
Bring whatever you need to be comfortable in low altitude desert winter weather, which for most of the winter will be quite mild, but this will be the rainy season, and it is expected to be a wet-flood winter. So, campers, if you have them, otherwise tents, sleeping bags, cookware, etc. If you do not have camping gear, or cannot bring it on the plane, then let me know, because I have some loaner gear to offer.
Please do not expect much, because I am old, with lots of health problems. It is the community that we are building together, which is more important; plus some core retreat time, which each of you will be working together to manifest. I expect that this may be my last retreat, so come if you can make it.
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Jeffrey, I plan to go to the retreat... Stu
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Hi - I will most likely try to be there. I suddenly put in notice at my job to quit today, having had a few horrible nights recently that let me know I need a change -- I also hadn't signed on here recently, but did just now to this pleasant surprise! I will probably be spending autumn in Alabama/Georgia on friends' farms, but I would love to come out there if I can find the gas money.
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Good to know that you plan to come Stu. I am also glad to know Zack is planning on coming. I look forward to meeting you, Zak; and meditating with you both.
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I had to take another job because of too many outstanding bills to pay off, and my plans to drive west and possibly stay somewhere out there post-retreat have evaporated. There are a few different reasons for this, one of them simply being depression, along with knowing all of my past attempts at "hitting the road" have been disastrous failures. I still plan to make the retreat if it's happening, but will probably have to get there via bus, plane, train, or something.
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I too took a job to pay for some needed repairs to the van. It is minimum wage, and while I swept the floor before leaving today I had to laugh at the contrast between having owned my own business with someone else to sweep the floor, and now. Oh well, such is the life of a mystic.
Well, don't kill yourself getting there, but flying is probably cheaper these days than driving. The bus should get you right to Yuma. Just let us know when and where to pick you up, if you make it, Zak.
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You are the trope of a spiritual master now, an enlightened being mopping floors. :)
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Yes, Alexander. As is said in Zen Buddhism, "Carry water, chop wood, enlightenment."
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I'm so loving seeing all the people sign up to go to this.
This should be so great.
Every time I read about this or think about this, it supports my practice so much.
Just the _idea_ of the retreat has been so helpful.
My wish is, in the future, to pass this blessing off to the next generation. I guess I'd have to attain something first. Haha.
I was thinking of the knowledge that Jeffrey has put together and how great of an aid that is.
Personal meditation experiences of all the jhanas that we can interact with in real time!
A synthesis of all the world's available mystic traditions.
This is great stuff.
Much love and gratitude.
I'm going to practice now.
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Thank-you, follinge, for posting your kind words. I have been meaning to post here that none of those who come should expect to see anything special. As Stu knows, I am just a warn-out, old, homeless man, who does no tricks.
The only miracle that I can manifest these days is getting out of bed one more time. Stu will find me older, and sicker. My health goes up and down like a yoyo. So, when you come to the retreat I might appear like the decrepit, old, homeless man that I am, or I might even seem quite youthful. I may not even be able to get out of bed, let alone meditate much. So, we will just have to see how the health of this body is from day-to-day.
In fact to keep this body moving from day to day I have to feed it some wine or beer every few hours. I do not drink to get drunk, but to reduce inflammation, so I am not likely to exhibit drunkenness. Everyone who can drink responsibly is welcome to drink beer or wine moderately. Those who cannot drink with discipline will be asked to be sober for the duration of the retreat.
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Thanks Jhanananda. I for one am not expecting the Rapture, and you might very well meet a worn-out decrepit man in his 30s. Or I might have a lot of energy, though I'm pretty sure I will be tired in some way. I'm happy just to meet people in-person for a few days, so whatever happens happens.
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I don't expect any miracles.
Like I said before, I'm watching the videos so I figure that this will be a rough outline of what the discussion looks like but most of it will be us sitting there in silence for an hour at a time.
The latter is what I look forward to.
Just knowing that this is something I have to get ready for has all ready upped by meditation practice. I expect that it will be great to have the time to spend in silence with like minded people.
My wife, similarly, thrives on silence and being left alone so she'll be thrilled to meditate, too. She's beyond the intro teachings so any help with her current meditation situation would be great.
I feel, personally, that my problem is not enough mat time, so I hope to work up to the point where I have some good questions I can ask during the retreat or online after.
My prior problems have been solved:
1. Lifestyle which is not conductive to meditation. I drank too much and watched too much tv. This has been solved as I noted before.
2. Not enough mat time due to #1 and not being motivated. Also, solved here and due to my finding a local meditation friend who convinced me to get more mat time. This motivation actually lead to me re-connecting with Jeffrey's writings which I was aware of for years, but I had neglected due to #1.
So no worries, I'm pretty sure I won't be disappointed.
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Good to read, follinge, that you are increasing your meditation practice. Do not worry too much about having really intelligent questions to come to the retreat with. Your questions are welcome, but not necessary. I look forward to meditating with you, Zack, and the others.
I have been working on my van, and have mode considerable progress in getting it ready for the trip. Plan to have AAA plus tow for the trip, as all who are driving should, because one never knows when a mechanical failure may occur. After all, machines are impermanent too.
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I wish I could come, but I am too far away. So, I will meditate along with all of you from where I am. Best wishes to the upcoming retreat and hope it goes on well.
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I wish we here could all come together annually, but it is understandable that people who make the lifestyle choices to meditate deeply are not likely to have acquired wealth, so some of us may never meet each other. Thus, your choice, bodhimind, to take the time as a personal retreat seems like a wise choice. We will feel your presence, as I am sure you will feel ours.
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I have been doing some investigating into sites for this winter retreat. I am all for cooperative agreements regarding group activities, so I am going to put forth some options.
In the past we have all opted for solitude in remote sites, which generally come with nothing, but a fire pit. On the other hand, others might prefer more comforts, such as an outhouse. There is even the option for hot showers or a hot spring nearby. However, the comforts come at the expense of solitude, and increased cost of the campsite. So, if we go with no comforts, then there is no cost to the campsite; whereas, if we go with comforts, then the campsite will cost up to $15/vehicle.
I am also looking at sites closer to Prescott, AZ, which has become my home base again. My preference is not to be more than 100 miles from Prescott at any given time, so that if my ancient vehicle develops a problem, then I can be towed back there to work on it. This might mean that some of you may have to drive another 100 or 200 miles to get to such a campsite.
So, please post your preferences here.
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Jeff, I like no fee camping... Stu
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A shower and a place to charge a phone would be appreciated; but, whatever you end up picking will be fine.
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I prefer cheap or free and spartan over comfort, but if there is a charge I will of course throw in my equal share. I don't know the terrain well but any body of water to get wet in is enough of a bath for me. So I'm happy with pretty much any arrangement.
Is the weather advice posted at the beginning of the thread going to be accurate? It would be good to know roughly what to plan for and pack. What will be the general temperature and climate?
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It might be possible to accommodate everyone's needs with some scouting. I plan to head off scouting a site around the first of December, so I might not be available every day for discussion until I have found a campsite.
It looks like we will be camping at an elevation of about 2,000 feet (627 m). The weather advisory should be fairly accurate, so bring layers. It could be relatively warm during the day to possibly t-shirt weather, but it could rain for days, and/or freeze and/or snow.
I will bring a solar shower which can have heated water poured into it. I will bring a pot large enough to heat that water on my propane stove, and two propane tanks, at least one will be full, and the other full enough.
I will bring tarps and ropes for constructing a covered meditation and eating space. There are not likely to be trees, so we may need to park at least two vehicles side by side and strap the tarps to the vehicles, which would make our meditation & eating space between those vehicles.
I will also bring a propane radiant heater for us to get warm by. I will also bring a wood stove, and hopefully we will find wood, to burn in the stove.
There is a river near my planned campsite, and it will most probably be running through the winter. I expect that we will find a campsite along that river. There is a town not far away where we can acquire groceries and other necessities.
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The plan solidifies!
I'm coming with my wife who's driving me. My wife will be quietly in and out as she has worldy affairs to attend to. She might even leave for a few days. She said she'll grab groceries if necessary for people.
She's really quiet, and she'll probably participate in some of the sitting.
We're fine driving further. However, if there's a choice, we prefer to be closer to San Diego, if possible. However, I realize that there are other people who are coming who have needs to be accomodated.
I plan on abstaining from all drugs including alcohol and caffeine. I'm also going to go vegetarian. I'm not touching any electronic devices except a flashlight so I won't be needing a charger or the like.
It seems like we're landing on a free/more rugged site. This is fine with me.
Otherwise, I'll just participate as per Jeffrey's instructions.
I'm so looking forward to this retreat, and I'm really happy that Jeffrey is putting it together. I feel that no matter what heppens, it will be a worthwhile experience.
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Good to know that both of you are coming, and are looking forward to attending the retreat.
There is no need to abstain from alcohol in moderation, unless one cannot be moderate. After all for my health I alternate between red wine and beer in no less than 2 hour intervals about 4-6 times per day. I came down with a respiratory infection on Monday, and found some relief from coughing from drinking 5 oz of merlot. A friend bought me some cough medicine, which helped more, but it was in corn syrup, which spiked my blood sugar up to 280, so I will have to stick with merlot, which does not raise my blood sugar.
You need not be vegetarian either, unless you want to, as I am no longer vegetarian. People are welcome to eat what they want at our retreats. Most of the cooking tends to be communal; however, not everyone is going to want to eat one of my low-carb meals, so I have a two-burner propane stove, several pots and one frying pan, and I will be bringing a few crates of food-bank food to share.
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OK, in that case, I will eat whatever we cook communally. We'll bring lots of food, too. Any suggestions on what food to bring?
We both are omnivores so will be happy eating almost anything.
My plan to go vegan was our of respect for Jeffrey.
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Yes, I was vegan for 37 years, but the diet led to diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis, so I have given it up. I am now omnivorous as well, but all I believe I really needed to keep in my diet was eggs, so mostly I eat quiches with leafy vegetables in it. So, I look forward to some communal cooking with all of you, although, since I am on a very low carb diet, then I expect you all will be eating things that I cannot, which is fine, if we keep the carbs in another pot.
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So when exactly is the retreat supposed to begin and end? I would love to try and make it there somehow.
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The start and end of the retreat is somewhat up to those attending it. I plan to be available for roughly a 2 week period that overlaps on each side of the retreat, so people are welcome to come early, and/or leave late from it. So, it is up to when you want to come.
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I'd like to overlap with winter break and new years. That way, I could use my vacation time as well.
So Dec 24, 2015 to Jan 2, 2016.
I think it would be wonderful to bring in the New Year with meditation.
Frederick
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Hi Frederick, yes, Dec 24, 2015 to Jan 2, 2016 is fine. As I said above those who wish to turn it into a 2-week retreat are welcome to do so; however, the early birds will have to realize that there might be some preparation time, and shut down time at the beginning and end of the retreat.
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The weather where I have been street-camping has been unusually warm and pleasant with the low in the 30s and the high in the 60s (0-20c); and the last 2 winters have also been warm and pleasant here, so I am considering just staying where I am for the retreat, and just camping a few miles out of town for the retreat. We can always go down hill if a storm is predicted. We need only drive south 50 miles to drop our elevation by 3,000ft (914m), which would result in a pleasant abiding during a winter storm.
There are additional advantages in remaining in this area, as most of the common box stores and camping equipment sources are here, as well as several grocery store options. Whereas, the other town I have been considering camping near happens to only have two grocery stores and no box stores.
Another advantage of camping near this town is there are so many food banks, and free kitchens here that anyone on a budget, who is attending this retreat, like myself, can actually acquire all of their food, and even a sleeping bag, tent, warm clothes, etc. for free, by going to the local services for the poor to get equipped. We could make it something like the daily begging rounds that Buddhist monks are known for.
So, let us know what your preferences are.
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Sounds good to me. My wife would appreciate being near a town. I'm all in so this is fine for me. I'd be interested in more details of exactly where we're going to be do I can start to plan on when to leave, etc.
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There are 2 sites being considered, and they depend upon the weather report, so the site selection may change at the last moment if weather is heading our way. We will plan to be within about 5 miles of a grocery store.
I forgot to mention that in this town there are also free-showers available 6 days a week at three local shelters, and free-kitchens.
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This sounds good to me. I have been a bit stiff and sore lately so probably will not want to push myself too hard, so simple and accessible sounds good.
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Friday I left the mountain town, where I had been camped for the last few months, just before a snow storm struck. Today they had another one, and, since this is the southwest's winter rain season, then we can expect about 2 snow storms a week in the mountains. The weather report there is for highs in the mid 30s-40s and lows in the mid teens (degrees F).
After three days of scouting I found some serviceable campsites, that should suit us well for this retreat. They are near a small desert town, where the whether for the next few weeks is predicted to be highs in the mid 50s-60s and lows in the mid 30s - 40s (degrees F).
The first sites are just 3 miles off a paved two lane state high way. The road there is mostly paved with just a few sections of well maintained dirt road. These campsites have no trees, but they are on the bank of a river, which does not normally run, but by the time the retreat is happening it might be. There is also cell phone service there.
The second series of possible campsites are 5 miles further down that road. From the point of the first campsites the road is graded dirt, but well maintained by the county. These possible campsites are quite remote. They are on the bank of the same river that appears to run year round there. There are also stands of large willow and cottonwood trees there. We are not likely to have any disturbance at these campsites. However, there is no cell phone service there.
So, please express your interest in either campsite, and we can plan further.
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Jeffrey, Both areas are at the same elevation I assume. My truck and I like both - trees would be nice. It all depends on what the others need...Stu
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Yes, the elevation should be close to about 2,000ft (600m) of elevation.
I look forward to retreating with you again, my friend.
Everyone who has expressed an interest in attending this retreat has been sent a PM, so check your messages here. The PM should provide you with all of the information that you need to get there.
Please feel free to ask any questions. And, please let me know if you are sill planning on coming.
Some of you have said you might be flying, if so, then feel free to network with the others who are doing so, because you may all be able to connect along the way, and help each other negotiate the terrain.
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Either location is fine with me. It sounds like the first one might be easier though, especially with cell service if people are arriving at staggered times and need to contact each other. We could even move sites maybe, if that ends up sounding like a good idea. Anyway, I will continue this in PMs.
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The plan solidifies. I sent the info to my wife who's driving me and will sit with us for much of the retreat.
Otherwise, nobody knows the exact location and I won't make it public.
My friends all know I'm "meditating with a great teacher in AZ this winter."
So looking forward to this.
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Jeff, Received message... Stu
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Good to hear that some of you are coming. I have 3 tents and three sleeping bags to lend. Everyone should have a mess kit of some kind, but I have some I can lend.
Those who are flying, Alexander, Zack and whomever else might wish to network, and either take the same shuttle, or rent a cab.
Note on health:
One of the consequences of diabetes is rapid organ decay all around, so those who have met me before are likely to see me noticeably older than the last time you saw me.
It also so happens that limb pain, and skin pain are common for diabetics, and one of its manifestations is pain under pressure, and repetition, which means sitting for long periods of time in meditation has been impossible for me ever since I was diagnosed with diabetes. So, while I plan to join you all in meditation, I am not likely to be able to sit longer than 15-30 minutes at each session.
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Good to hear that some of you are coming. I have 3 tents and three sleeping bags to lend. Everyone should have a mess kit of some kind, but I have some I can lend.
Those who are flying, Alexander, Zack and whomever else might wish to network, and either take the same shuttle, or rent a cab.
Note on health:
One of the consequences of diabetes is rapid organ decay all around, so those who have met me before are likely to see me noticeably older than the last time you saw me.
It also so happens that limb pain, and skin pain are common for diabetics, and one of its manifestations is pain under pressure, and repetition, which means sitting for long periods of time in meditation has been impossible for me ever since I was diagnosed with diabetes. So, while I plan to join you all in meditation, I am not likely to be able to sit longer than 15-30 minutes at each session.
I have camped in the area for a week, have left it for more resources, and will return in a few days. Do not expect me to be on the internet daily until a few days before people start to arrive.
Each of you please let me know your arrival and departure estimates so that I can plan.
People are welcome to arrive early, and/or leave late, as I plan to camp in the area for the rest of the winter, with short trips back to my resource base.
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We're leaving early on the 24th and we hope to get there before nightfall. Leaving after New Year's on the Second.
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Thank-you, follinge, for letting me know your plans. I am still in the mountains acquiring resources and expect to head back to camp by tomorrow the 22nd, ahead of 4 days of rain and snow here.
Everyone should check in daily here for any last minute changes. And, if you all are traveling with a way to connect with the internet, then please do check in here upon your arrival.
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It does not seem I will be able to attend the retreat. But, if you have any sort of itinerary laid out Jeff, could you share it? If not, i'll plan for a minimum of 3 sits a day/hour per sit, for the duration of the retreat.
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Cal, nice to have you with us in spirit. One day, I hope we can meet in person.
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Hi Cal, sorry that you will not be able to make it. Yes, for those who wish to join us in spirit, we will have 3-6 sits a day of an hour-2 hours, depending upon the needs of others.
Stu just arrived. He is looking for me, while I am in town sending this message, but I am sure we will meet up shortly.
Also, those who are flying may need to take a taxi to the little town near the retreat, then get off at either the local McDonald's, or the local Bashas grocery store, then give me a call, and either Stu or I will come and pick you up.
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I am going to miss the retreat as well, as I need to use Christmas to work/prepare for a new job. I planned to come down just the 25th-28th, but given the cost of the trip I'd rather take a full week to meet Jeffrey. I will be meditating throughout the week, so I hope to be there in spirit.
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Leaving in an hour or so. I hope to see you tonight.
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We're going to go by the grocery store before we come. Should we bring anything in particular?
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I wanted to thank all those who were there for a successful retreat.
It was wonderful to meet everyone there and to ask the few questions, I had, in person regarding meditation.
Like on the forums, Jeffrey's answers were clear and specific to whatever was asked.
Jeffrey ensured that we all got enough to eat and were secure in every way.
We had one day with a wind storm and Jeffrey and Stu both helped to repair it.
I don't want to speak much more about the particulars to keep the privacy of the retreat.
But I do recommend that if you can make it, come out to a retreat.
My meditation improved and is continuing to improve at home.
Much gratitude to all that attended. Each person contributed a great deal which made my retreat perfect.
I'm going to start another thread to list the things that we need for a retreat.
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I am so glad, follinge, that you found the retreat beneficial. If my health continues to improve, then I can see the possibility of leading a future retreat. Perhaps as soon as this summer.
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Hello all. While I had every intention of participating in the retreat, circumstances prevented me from doing so. But I was still lucky to meet with the crew that did the retreat, that included my husband (follinge).
I feel extremely fortunate that I was able to meet with Jhanananda and ask a question that's been a huge block in my practice. I experience this very intense visuals that can be best described as something akin to an acid trip (as I've read about it), and it was too intense and would arrive quickly when I would sit. Jhanananda, being as well read as he is in was able to break down and explain what I was going through, and how it allowed me to be extremely lucid even in my dreams. This has been bugging me for a few years and made me nervous about sitting. But I can now and embrace the experience of the visuals and then all the other sensory experience more fully.
It was a great group and I hope to join everyone at the next retreat.
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Welcome, lucidtrip, to this forum, where you will find you are in good company with people who have similar experiences to your when they meditate. I truly hope that you participate in this forum, as you see fit, and I look forward to your presence at a future GWV retreat.
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Sorry I haven't checked back in yet -- it was a hard, convoluted trip back home and I've been tired, back on the work grind, and my computer was acting up and mentally I didn't feel like dealing with it.
But the retreat was definitely a good time. I enjoyed meeting everyone and experiencing the Arizona landscape, and like I was hoping I came home with some inspiration for my meditation practice. There's not much I want to do now but meditate (and try to recreate the coconut custard!), and I'm also interested in building lucidity in the sleep state, as I had some very interesting dreams out there in the desert.
I think the next retreat will only be more enjoyable, and I'm interested in doing one this summer, so I will post in that thread.
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I felt the same way when I got back.
I wanted to write a long post summarizing our retreat and letting everyone know I got back safe and that things went well.
But I, too, didn't really want to do it, but I had to force myself.
I figured you felt the same, Zach. Glad to have met you and glad to know that things are going well for you.
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...the retreat was definitely a good time. I enjoyed meeting everyone and experiencing the Arizona landscape, and like I was hoping I came home with some inspiration for my meditation practice. There's not much I want to do now but meditate (and try to recreate the coconut custard!), and I'm also interested in building lucidity in the sleep state, as I had some very interesting dreams out there in the desert.
I think the next retreat will only be more enjoyable, and I'm interested in doing one this summer, so I will post in that thread.
Inspiring others to lead a more rigorous contemplative life is one of the goals of the GWV, so I am glad you, Zack, and follinge, found the retreat inspiring you. Now the challenge is to keep it up.
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I finally got around to downloading, and editing the images from this retreat. They are below:
(http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j411/jhananda/GWV%20jhana%20retreat%20winter%202015/Wickenburg%20retreat.2598.2_zpsdiu4co15.jpg)(http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j411/jhananda/GWV%20jhana%20retreat%20winter%202015/Wickenburg%20retreat.2601.2_zps1ofm0ye2.jpg)(http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j411/jhananda/GWV%20jhana%20retreat%20winter%202015/Wickenburg%20retreat.2599.2_zpsfwl8w0fs.jpg)(http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j411/jhananda/GWV%20jhana%20retreat%20winter%202015/Wickenburg%20retreat.2600.2_zps6g7maos0.jpg)
This is the 360 degree horizon of one of the proposed campsites, but I cannot recall if it is the one we camped at.
(http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j411/jhananda/GWV%20jhana%20retreat%20winter%202015/Wickenburg%20retreat.2607.2_zps2wsvpbxg.jpg)
(http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j411/jhananda/GWV%20jhana%20retreat%20winter%202015/Wickenburg%20retreat.2606.2_zps4qqfygre.jpg)
(http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j411/jhananda/GWV%20jhana%20retreat%20winter%202015/Wickenburg%20retreat.2605.2_zpsncm7n6xr.jpg)
These are photos up river of where we camped where the river runs year round.
(http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j411/jhananda/GWV%20jhana%20retreat%20winter%202015/Wickenburg%20retreat.2612.2_zpsctaim7ze.jpg)
Sunset from our campsite
(http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j411/jhananda/GWV%20jhana%20retreat%20winter%202015/Wickenburg%20retreat.2615.2_zpshsd3tke3.jpg)
Stu and Frederick
(http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j411/jhananda/GWV%20jhana%20retreat%20winter%202015/Wickenburg%20retreat.2616.2_zpshbtkhvge.jpg)(http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j411/jhananda/GWV%20jhana%20retreat%20winter%202015/Wickenburg%20retreat.2616.3_zpsyzwgznlk.jpg)
Me, Stu, follinge and his wife
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Thanks for uploading these photos. This makes me very happy.
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Glad you could see them again, Frederick.
For the record, I told Jeffrey a few weeks ago I was more comfortable not having my photo posted, which had nothing to do with my feelings towards the group. I had forgotten about it (and as Mercury has been bottoming out its retrograde alongside Pluto my thoughts have been towards the recent death of a friend) but this seems like the equitable solution; at least a funny one. :)
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Great pics guys
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Thanks for sharing these wonderful pictures with us.
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I am glad you all liked the photos.
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Zach, I guessed as much. Made sense to me.