Hanging around the Berkeley center - post American retreat

After the American retreat a few of the attendees from around the world hung around the Berkeley center for awhile, and got to enjoy some of what the bay area has to offer. Each day we went somewhere different and practiced awareness in some of the beautiful surroundings we have here. We would meet in the mornings at the center, do a practice, and then we would be off. You'll  see some different faces as people came and went. 

Day 1- Tilden park  is one of the many beautiful east bay parks that we have here. This one is nesteled in the Berkeley hills.

before the walk

 

and were off

the path was surrounded by trees

this one looks like it's going to jump the creek

another interesting tree

on we go

lake Anza

one aussie two americans

fetch

we went for a walk around the lake

trees really seemed to grow sideways here

quack quack

cool butterfly, that's all for Tilden park and day 1

Day 2- On this day we went to the S. F. and got a tour from Steve who was a tourist himself, thanks Steve! Out of the few days we had with everyone, this one was my favorite.

 

coming into the city

fog rolling over the city

Ales jeep

we arrive at our first destination

right on time

to the S.F. conservatory of flowers, this place was awsome, filled with lush plants and flowers, and a butterfly bungalo!

one day our donation box will be this full

I will now show you an array of plants and flowers

looks like a hanging stomach

this one looks angry

into the butterfly bungalo

some dead bugs on display

moths & butterfies

trying to figure out which one is which

caterpiller moth

wow, cool

this guy lost part of his wing, they had alot of fans on  the ceiling so unfortunetly these poor guys take a beating

the reclusive buckeye

that's all for the butterflies

 

Thats it for the flower conservatory, on the way to our next destination we stoped by golden gate park to check out the buffalo. Buffalo are almost extinct in America do to over hunting, good to see a few of them still hanging around.

our next destination was Judah St.

to eat at

the spread

Steve shows off his new hat

after the recharge were off to the beach

are they gonna do what I think there gonna do

if any of you have been to an S.F. beach you know that water is not exactly warm

a surfer

A.J. enjoying an ocean breeze

hey it's me

enjoying one more view

a windmill

that's it for S.F. and day 2

Day 3- We went to Muir woods in Tamalpais valley to see the ancient redwoods always a good expierience!

Mt. Tamalpais

before the walk

Jason & Shannon discuss the meaning of life

some of you may remember the sign from my last blog

Ale rockin the simpsons T

I wonder, what will we see today

a deer

a fallen tree

ladybug convention

they were everywhere

another deer, they seemed to not mind people that much here as you can see I got pretty close to this one

tree crossing

I just wanted to thank everyone for sticking around awhile after the retreat as it was fun hanging out and showing you guys around. I wish you guys the best and am looking forward to to seeing you all next year! Much strength to you all.

Rob