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5.0
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What a Perfect Spot!
I attended the Sonoma County Writers Camp retreat in July 2025. Although I had some trouble finding the location (cell service and gps "died" before reaching the destination and I got hopelessly lost), I finally arrived at the impressive Ratna Ling Retreat Center nestled in the northern California coastal woods. The property is a gorgeous, immaculately maintained, peaceful, nature-imbued oasis. The staff is so helpful, gentle and kind, often above and beyond what one might expect - even at a Buddhist retreat center! The cabin I shared was welcoming, comfortable, and beautifully appointed. Everything needed in the bedrooms, kitchen and bathroom had been anticipated - and in the unlikely event that it hadn't been, the staff got on it right away. The meals - oh my! - I wasn't particularly looking forward to vegetarian eating, and there was certainly an abundance of salad, but there was always much more to choose from, and everything was SO delicious. I have a new appreciation for mushrooms, as these were often a main ingredient in some of the dishes substituting for meat. Again, delicious. Throughout the Lodge (the main building where most of our events took place) were well-tended, and clearly well-loved, live flowering plants. I don't know why this detail struck me. It added a layer of beauty and serenity to our environment that so many "conference center-type spaces" omit or replace with over-the-top fake floral arrangements. This was so NOT THAT. I left feeling rested, peaceful and grateful for the space offered to us for this writers retreat. And honestly, a little sad that I had to return to "the real world" and its angst. So thank you to our retreat leaders for picking this space, and thank you to Ratna Ling for such a memorable 4 days.
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