refuge

When I was offered the chance to go to a conference at Asilomar, I took a  look at their website and saw this:

 Take a deep breath and settle in for a time of serene relaxation, reflection and rejuvenation. Celebrated as Monterey Peninsula's "Refuge by the Sea" - Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds is a breathtakingly gorgeous 107 acres of ecologically diverse beachfront land. Situated within the quaint and scenic town of Pacific Grove, Asilomar offers guests the simple comforts of cozy cottages and rustic lodges - and an unforgettable escape from the demands of everyday life.

I dug deep and found a way to manage the time away.

The work was inspiring, the collegiality was motivating, and the food was abundant and rich. But most noteworthy of all was the refuge, the unforgettable escape from the demands of everyday life.

There were these boardwalks all over the property, and at first glance it's impossible to tell where those appealing symmetrical wooden planks will lead you

until you round a bend to find yourself face to face with the  majesty of my old friend, the pacific ocean

It's different up there, though. In a word? Blustery.

The ocean is all around you, the air is positively soaked with it. You take a deep breath and feel hydrated.

The wind is formidable and relentless, and suffice it to say that this SoCal girl packed poorly for her NoCal adventure.There was a gift shop, though, and what better excuse to expand one's wardrobe of warm layers?

One morning was bright and bold, and feeling similarly inclined I set out for an early run before the day's work began. The boardwalk runs among the dunes on the Asilomar side of the seaside road, but once you cross that street the shoreline holds its own path, a path almost too adorable to bear.

Could there be a more appealing place to run? Really, could there?

Now all of this outdoor living really is almost all a girl needs, but after long days of stretching one's mind, I needed a place to lay my fool head. Enter, the convent

My room! Who could have imagined that my refuge would have a bed such as this?

I wish I had copied the history of this building, the Lodge. It was built in 1921 and designed by Julia Morgan, the architect who designed all of the original buildings that were primarily intended for use by YWCA camps in the early 1900s for western regional meetings  intended to help women learn how to more effectively claim their rightful place in this world.

The view from my window

There were lots of interesting things to see around the grounds. For example, here's an old man walking a miniature horse!

Layla is a guide horse! Don't ask. But I called her a pony and was summarily schooled.

And there were really cool common areas all over the place, some with enchanting signage

On our last afternoon, I found a few hours to explore the surrounding area, and got myself some wheels  
  

The thing about indescribable beauty is that it's impossible to describe.

If you visit the Monterey Peninsula, and you find refuge and you seek beauty, and if you take some time to explore but then find that the beauty is starting to overwhelm you, just look up and you'll find the perfect place to refuel.

refuge.