We had six sitters at Autsit this year, including newcomers Richard and Michelle, and veterans Paul, Hal, Anlor and Greg. Unfortunately two others could not make it due to a family emergency in France. It was good to be back after the year's hiatus! The huge winter preceding had us worried we might not even be able to get in, but apart from big potholes on the road and a water-main leak that had to be repaired all went well, with pretty sunny weather interrupted by rain only once despite dour prognostications. We followed the same schedule as in recent years: In addition to the many hours in the zendo and the usual silence until noon, Autsit this year reprised the group hike to a "hermit hut" in the wilderness. Highlights this year included a roaring waterfall due to the big winter, a nearby cabin smashed by an avalanche, culinary treats from Michelle and Richard, and shortly before most arrived, a bear.
We got right down to business, as usual. This is what we looked like a lot of the time.
There was the usual delicious, fresh food.
Here's the unfortunate cabin. A giant cornice of snow broke off the peak towering above, with the result you see.
We headed off on a grand adventure, in silence.
...passing an amazing a capella group practicing on the beach. Never did find what all they were up to.
Hal scaled a cliff above the waterfall.
We headed up to the hermit cabin in the wilderness.
...bringing along our own hermit!
Here you can see Anlor holding the paper we wrote on to communicate in silence.
Warming up for a swim!
A noted actor, having filmed a scene in Fallen Leaf Lake, said he would swim in it again between two water heaters, prompting this response from our crew:
Here's the solitary rain.
Anlor being the zen priest she is, before our cozy fire. We talked about meditative practice for all sorts, including the God-lovers among us.
We just generally had great warm-hearted conversation and community all around.
There was care of more direct kinds, too,
...and plenty of moments for quiet contemplation,
...and romance!
All in all it was a wonderful and thoroughly enjoyed gathering of the mind.
