North Coast Winds by Robin Joy Wellman — July 2020

When you need to get out of the house one of the many inspiring things to do on our Sonoma/Mendocino Coast is to take a drive into our beautiful backroads. Many of them are paved, some are dirt, and some are, in places, one lane. Naturally we take the familiar road. So true in life! But these backroads take you into the unknown and unforgettable sites and views. One such road is Tin Barn Road which offers glimpses of the Odiyan Buddest Temple that are mouth dropping. The beginnings of this retreat center was started in 1975 and today has many temples and gardens. When I lived in Annapolis I could see the amazing temples, a real treat. For more information and photos visit them at

Connected to the Odiyan Retreat Center is the Ratna Ling Retreat Center. I spoke with Rosalyn White about their many online teachings offering resident and guest speakers teaching yoga, meditations, QiGong, Kum Nye, mindfulness, and dharma talks. She said, ‘they have beautiful facilities, gardens, lands, and views but what is most important is keeping the true focus.’ Please check the website for all the updated offerings athttps://ratnaling.org. Get in Touch:510-809-4995 or reservations@ratnaling.org

Please remember when traveling these roads that people live out here. Drive slowly, pull over when you want to check out a view or to let folks pass.

A shout out to the Aging In Community group for their gift of $1000 from the Coastal Hills Community Project for their programs for the aging population. They group has worked diligently to support physical and social needs through exercise classes, social gatherings, food programs, and medical assistance. Thank you a million for all your work for the community As things open up in our communities continue to be safe by wearing a mask. Please! Check out these many places for things to do on our coast: Gualala Art Center http://gualalaarts.org Point Arena Lighthouse https://www.pointarenalighthouse.com Point Arena Theater https://www.arenatheater.org Action Network https://www.actionnetwork.info . And remember all our parks to get out and walk. Many blessings to each of you.