THINGS TO DO AT LONE ROCK RANCH

Welcome to the house that Kit's dad Bob built in the 1950s. It hasn't changed much, and in fact offers a respite from the hustle-bustle of modern life. No internet access or cell coverage. No soccer practice or planning commission meetings. Instead, get up a game of tennis among the pines; relive the glory of the Olympics with non-stop Ping-Pong; experience a pristine, private beach where you can build a sandcastle or just dodge the incoming waves. Play some horseshoes; take a walk; read a book; take a nap. Do make time for simple enjoyments between the more organized activities planned for the weekend:

Friday, after everyone's arrived, set up camp, and eaten dinner, we'll make s'mores and tell ghost stories around the fire pit. Earlybirds on Saturday morning can get some coffee and go pick huckleberries while the dew is still heavy in the meadow. After breakfast, we'll commence the big teeshirt tie-dye operation led by Brenna Blessing. Meanwhile there will be expeditions to the beach for disorganized play, including an exciting walk through a tunnel and down a cliff to get there.

After lunch, gather for the big hike of the Ratcliff property, visiting Kit's uncle Walt's place (with the original house built by Walter Ratcliff). Later on the grudge matches will begin as the 33rd annual Mandatory Volleyball Championship pits the jocks against the couch potatoes for fierce rivalry and pulled muscles.

Dinner will come together with the helping hands of many as we prepare everything fresh and from scratch. Sue Estey cranks up her magic ice cream machine for anyone wishing to take a turn. Save room for dessert which we hope features a masterpiece of huckleberry harvesting in a locavore "buckle" (and homemade ice cream). After dinner (and liberal libations) we will get to know one another in a game of truth or tall tale, when we all (employees, better halves and young'uns) put our make-believe skills to the test to mislead the audience about our claims to fame.

Sunday morning is the perfect time for another walk to the beach or around the property, just so long as you report for a decadent French toast brunch before 10:30. Then it will be time to clean up and head home, or head to the local attractions in the town or Gualala or, north, to the seaside communities of Anchor Bay and Point Arena. A museum of the area's history is located at the Point Arena lighthouse and is highly recommended.

We have a great group attending this year, and know everyone will chip in and help out to keep everything running smoothly. We have given the “help” the weekend off, so all the cooking, cleaning and organizing will be our responsibility. You need to "volunteer" for chores and a list is circulating through the office which we need back by Wednesday.

HUCKLEBERRY HEAVEN



Last year was a bumper-crop year for huckleberries at the ranch, and this year looks to be another.  This means fresh huckleberries on cereal, huckleberry syrup on dessert, huckleberry cobbler, huckleberry ice cream, etc.  We'll send out the foragers with empty tin cans to gather the berries, then sit around the table sorting out the stems and duds until there is a beautiful bowl of blue.

Retreat planning is off to a great start, with Kit, Ron, Brian, Patricia, Jorge, Tom, Mike, Bill and Alison Blessing kicking things off.  Alison is our guest chef, helping to plan Saturday night's big dinner and Sunday morning's brunch. We've also asked Sue Estey if she will make a return appearance with her magic ice cream maker.

Everyone is welcome to the planning meetings, every Wednesday at noon from now until the retreat.  We are eager to know our guest count, so please let us know your plans.  Look for the retreat sign up sheet, via email this year, that  asks about food allergies and other predelictions.

Time to place your tee shirt order!  Please complete the order form, also via email, by Wednesday, August 22.

LOOKING GROOVY

Did tie-dye ever really go out of style? Here is this year's tee shirt design, Bill Blessing's 11th hour entry that launched a wave of nostalgia today and handily won first place over the other 6.5 entries.  The plan is to issue two versions, one on factory-dyed product, the other on white shirts that will be hand dyed at the retreat.  Jorge snagged second place with his cubist parti, and Rob won the bronze with his stately riff on the Ratcliff corporate look.

Thanks everyone for entering, with a special shout-out to Miss Aanika Feagans for letting her dad show her art.

SALT AND PSYCHOLOGY

Welcome to RATTITUDES, the official retreat blog. Watch for new postings with retreat announcements. Better yet, join using the button below and add your own comments.

SALT AND PSYCHOLOGY:  Fitting thoughts with which to begin ramping up for the 2012 Ratcliff Retreat. 
Salt:  suggestive of the sea or sailing life.  To add zest or liveliness to, to season.  Sharp, lively wit, pungency of expression.  To stock up or store away.  [Worth one's...] worthy of continued support, deserving of sustenance.  [With a grain of...] with reservations concerning truthfulness or accuracy.  Psychology:  The science of mental processes and behavior.  The emotional and behavioral characteristics of an individual, group or activity. 

You will find lively psychology, fresh air and exercise, wonderful food, laughter, relaxation, conversation and quietude, closer to nature than most of us get to experience in our daily lives.  What's more, there's Kit, expounding on deep stuff.

We hope you will join us this year, the 33rd annual.  The dates are September 7, 8, 9 at the Ratcliff ranch, at the coast in Mendocino County, about 10 miles north of the town of Gualala.  Planning gets underway Wednesday August 8, at noon, with meetings every Wednesday through August.  All are welcome.