Pacific Piecemakers and a visit to Gualala
Every once in awhile I travel to a new and intriguing destination. Gualala is about 115 miles north of San Francisco and to me, it’s a rocky, windswept and dramatic place. Nature is right in your face-the cliffs are steep, the wind strong and the sweeping views are stunning. The Pacific Piecemakers brought me in for a 2-day workshop and lecture. The guild is small and very talented, as Gualala seems to attract artists and craftspeople.
My hosts completely spoiled me and showed me a fabulous time. This was my view from the studio where I stayed and I was smitten! I enjoyed amazing gourmet meals at home and one stellar visit to Anchor Bay Thai just down the road. I was surrounded by amazing hospitality and my every whim was attended to. My hostess’ Hubby is a geologist and I enjoyed the most lovely walks and learned so much about the area. It was downright bucolic. I felt like a local by the time I left.
Even the wild turkeys were excited to see me!
Besides the view, their home was like something out of a magazine, with beauty at every turn. These greet you at the driveway.
Imagine, orchids thriving outside your kitchen window, fairly unattended to.
We took walks everyday after class and once in the morning and the sights were gorgeous:
It’s a lot calmer in the morning.
The wind begins to kick in throughout the day.
Endless views.
Lots of rock outcroppings.
The wind in kicking in.
I can’t help myself with the photos:-)
One afternoon was pretty windy. But of course I have nothing to compare it to!
Low tide-all sorts of treasure to discover.
Delightful creatures in the tide pools.
Let’s head just a wee bit inland–oh, the wildflowers!
There was evidence of voles everywhere and this fat and bold guy posed for a photo-he was huge!
This felt magical and mysterious.
I felt like I was in a fairy tale or something, surrounded by cypress and ducking to get through.
Me thinks there is a story here…
This was an odd sight to come upon. Abalone season is closed this year to protect them and it would be pretty stupid to harvest them illegally. I’m thinking there was an abalone party and they are hung over. You know, what happens in Gualala stays in Gualala?
Oh yeah, there was some teaching going on!
The Gualala Arts Center was one of the best locations I’ve taught at. The grounds were beautiful, our space was huge and well lit with plenty of tables and electricity, and, there was staff there to help-doesn’t get much better!
This beautiful bouquet greeted us each day at the entrance.
A peek at some student work…
These two ladies made it all happen. Marcia, my hostess on the right treated me like I was The Queen-I am so grateful. I am sorry I did not get a photo of Francie. And Marianne gave me a delightful tour of her home and some of the beauty that surrounds it–it was a lovely afternoon and visit. What a magical time. I feel so blessed to do what I do. It’s not always this way!
I say this on rare occasion-“and I didn’t know California could be beautiful in yet another way.”
I’ll be linking up with Nina-Marie’s Off the Wall Friday. Every week I enjoy the links-hop over and check it out.
Thank you much for sharing. We love the area and it’s been to long. They were greatful to have you.
Thank you Ann! It was a wonderful visit.
Gualala is one of my favorite get-away-places. One place we stayed in had a private hot tub on the clift edge overlooking the ocean. So quiet at night and you can see the milky way go to the horizon at night when it is clear. Glad you had a good time.
Oh wow Linda-hot tub over the cliff? How cool is that!
That is someplace that I have not been to in California! Totally intriguing, I must find time to visit! Thanks for the pictorama!!
Oh you must go-beautiful and peaceful, about 4 hrs away.
Thanks for sharing. Looks like I’ll have to put that on my list of places to visit. It seems wonderful.
Regina it is lovely. It is a tiny town, no Starbucks and such. There are a series of tiny towns south of Medocino in that area, very lovely.
Thank you so much for sharing these wonderful photos! I can’t believe you got that great close up shot of the vole! That is a breathtaking place for sure, and who needs Starbucks anyway? (Says the girl who has her own espresso machine in her house). I’m sure the quilters in your class enjoyed having you!
Just more evidence that you and Hubby need to head this way for a visit! You could survive here without Starbucks:-) It is magnificent.
Gualala ARTS center? Whoa! When I was there in 80, it was a TINY place – nothing like that! NOW I want to go back and take a workshop!
Jaye it is a wonderful venue – open and spacious with good lighting. And the Gualala guild was a delight!