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.
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