Nowhere to go? Take your time getting there.

Circa 2004: Click on image to enlarge.

Circa 2018: An expanded ariel view. 0:47

Gordon'sGulch - 11/20/12 Slide

Click on to book through Airbnb 

Take a Walk Through the Wildwood Himitage (vs. Hermitage)
Sunsets & the Horizon
Learn its History
Watch us Grow and Change
Browsers' Bookmobile
The Men's Study
The Candy Shack
The Hokey Pokey Clinic
Creating a Butterfly Garden
How Close are You? A Map Closest Airport
Our Weather
Our Resident Himit (vs. Hermit)
The Dragonfly
Take a Private Advance at the Himitage - A Digital Detox
The Famous Ostrich Package
Attractions - North Bound 101 to Brookings, OR
Attractions - South Bound 101 to Brookings, OR
Area Attractions
Restaurants
Fishing & Hunting Info, Hiking Trails
Miscellaneous Services, Parks & Recreation
Clothing Optional in Oregon
Resources, Books, Other Retreats
Weather, Sneaker Waves
Today's Weather plus 10 Day Forecast
Local Calendar of Events
Contact Us

The WIld Rivers Coast and the Banana Belt

The Wild RIvers Coast is a 100 miles sandy beach and ruged coast line where the sea lions come to sun themselves. All of which is hemmed in forests of massive sequoias and old growth redwoods that are watered with creeks and rivers that empty out into the Pacific. And it is this that makes this a paradise for anyone trekking into the untouched wild of either sea or wood.

Home to the Jedediah Smith,Redwood Forest, the most northern grove on redwoods onthe Pacific Coast, the gorgeous landscape supports some of the finest outdoor activities in the country, from some of the country’s best bird watching, as well as more rugged outdoor adventures among the ancient redwoods like whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking, camping and fishing. You can pitch your own tent, or rent a rustic fishing cabin to be ready to slap the water with a line at first light. Beyond the forest, there is a different kind of adventure that beckons – available through jet boat tours, deep sea fishing charters and whale watching.

Even those of us who are seeking out the majesty of nature appreciate a little something in town. There is a local population with a lively scene that boasts art galleries, antique shops, local craft beer, and more. And of course, all the adventure outfitters that you’d ever need to fully experience all that this beautiful expanse has to offer.

For those who like to retreat to the comfort and quiet of a hot tub and warm bed after a day of outdoor adventure, the Wildwood Himitage is available to enjoy through Airbnb. Located just 12 miles north of the California/Oregon border, midway between San Francisco and Portland, the Wildwood Himitage sits 750' above sea level at the end of a valley in Oregon's Banana Belt. The view of the horizon looks 65 miles out over the Pacific Ocean. Weather is temperate year around and the sounds and sights of nature abound. (Current 10-day weather forecast.)

Welcome

When you surround yourself with beauty, it becomes a part of you. That is why the Wildwood Himitage takes time to manage and cultivate our grounds with many delightful spots to rest and reflect. Our pathways bring nature's color, variety and beauty to bear on the desire for an optimum meditative experience.

Froggie and the Dragonfly welcome you.

 And, the Buddha welcomes you, too!

1. Approaching the himitage. 2. Burmese welcoming bell at the arbor

1. The front entrance. 2. Our very own welcoming committee - Shriek and the Gnome. 3. Buddha & babies in the garden. Ever notice how much Buddha and Shriek look alike?

1. Buddha welcome from Bali. 2. The 45 lb. temple bell finally arrives from Thailand. 3. Stone woman from Bali is patiently waiting to offer the land's water to all who pass her way.

The Warrior Tree welcomes visitors to the parking area.

Walk through the meditation garden to the ocean side if you seek a refuge for quiet reflection
and spiritual rejuvenation.

1. Daisys in full bloom. 2. And, the Hydrangeas say "Hi!"

1. Through the meditation garden to the deck facing the Ocean. 2. Ferns everywhere, even through the deck. 3. The "Plant People" or "Potted Men" as some like to call them. 4. The Camper's cold shower outside the Guest Room.

Our bodies are overwhelming composed of water, we all have an ancient affinity to a water environment. The Spa is available for relaxation, for rest, and for renewal. As you can see, our Spa is in a lovely private setting that can help replenish the spirit and mind as well.

1. Deck - before. 2. Stage two - all new redwood over reinforced pilings.

1. Deck with spa surrounded by wind gongs in the keys of A, C, E, and G.
2. Deck with fog over looking the ocean.
 

1. Ocean view from deck, hot tub, picnic table, hammock and "Shakin' Shack". 2. Intimate dining for 20.

The Peeing Tree

Byers wrote a story in his column a number of years ago about a Father-Son's First Masculine Ritual called The Peeing Tree. When I was looking for property in 1998/99, I tried to buy 18 acres outside Ansa Borago in Southern California. One of the things I loved about that high-desert land was a huge oak tree. I used that image for many years until late last year when there was a mud slide behind my house that washed out my above-ground, gravity fed water system. While rebuilding the system, I found a statue of a cherib. I hooked up an extra water line directly to that statue and now I have a graphic example of The Peeing Tree on the hill in back of my house. He's constantly at work, watering one of my conifers (until our summer dry season reduces the flow of water.)

The Men's Study

Having traveled over 30,000 miles through 26 states over 4 and a half years full-time in an RV converted to hold over
1,000 books on men's issues (see Bookmobile),

4.
1. Almost 6,000 books, videos and audio tapes once resided in the Men's Study. Following my stroke in 2014, I sent them to the Changing Men's collection at Michigan State University. 2. Ganesha awaits outside to invite seekers to gain knowledge, meditate or just relax inside. 3. 7/30/03 sunset reflected in the front sliding glass door. 4. Entrance mat

1. A portion of the 6,000 books on 100 different men's issues. 2. "To give dignity to a man is above all things." Indian proverb. Drawing by Robert Redbird

1.
1. A total of 256 linear feet of men's books with

2. 3.
2. Ganesha reclined behind the recliner and 3. Ganesha overseeing everything from the top shelf.

The Balinese Stone Fountain

The stone woman from Bali has been placed and is ready to be of service. She offers the land's water to all who pass her way.

The Tall Bush

Our "Bush" also has thorns. It's a climbing rose bush in bloom about 50+' up the fur
(an inch down from the top of the photo). Click on photo for close-up. Unfortunately workers took out the vines when they repaired my hill after a mud slide.

Kuan Yin

1. Early painting of the male Kuan Yin. 2 The male Kuan Yin at the entrace to Gnome's Knoll. 3. Another view. 4. Kuan Yin with a mustache.

5:54
YouTube
Thousand-Hand Female Guan Yin

1. 2. 3.

1. Entrance to the Meditation Path down to a year-around stream to Seek Guidance. 2. A close up of an African guardian to remind us to be in silence on our journey down the mountain to the Whaleseye Meditation seat. . On it's right, a Coyote walking staff to help with balance and protection during the assent. 3. The "Caution" on a sign symbolizing Guidance. It reads: " Be careful of steep paths, loose soil, small, deep holes, uneven surfaces and stairs. Tripping hazards & unprotected water." Begin your journey here.

4. 5.
6.
4. Once down the mountain, one will find a seat on a year-around stream. (Sit here.) 5. The Himit meditating at one of his favorite spots at the Wildwood Himitage. 6. Himit relaxing. "Have a nice day." 03/08/03.

7. 8. 9.

Property Signage

Rusty Lutz, a friend and fellow Master of Ceremonies and Rituals, created the following signage for The Wildwood Himitage. The photos don't do any of them justice. Best viewed in person.

1. 2. 3.
1. Guidance. 2. Gateway. 3. Leading to Happiness

4. 5. 6.
4. Boundary. 5. Protection and 6. Home.

Gnome's Knoll

Near the top of the ridge stands a small forest of tall, white alders and lush five foot tall ferns.
What name speaks to you? Gnomes Knoll? Hobbit's Habitat? A Hobbitate for Humanity? E-Mail

Gnomes Knoll

Gnome's Knoll with snow.

I don't think the gnome knows we're here. He's taking a break from mushroom picking.

Spirit Houses

1. This spirit house, with an ocean view, is intended to attract the spirits that might otherwise inhabit the Himitage itself. Guests often leave fruit or rice as a reward if the spirits resist the temptation to molest the human inhabitants of the real house. 2. The larger Spirit House is one used in Balinese temples to house the spirits of the ancestors.

The Cave

1. 2.
1. Situated next to The Men's Study, the back portion of the 12' x 16' structure is The Cave, a 10' x 12' room with no windows. The interior walls and ceiling of the room are painted black complete with a black carpet. While it also serves as a music studio, it is basically designed for that time when one, especially a man, wants to be in silence and without visual stimulation, much like some of the ancient monks lived every day. It will provide this unique experience for the adventurous. One might consider fasting during this period. (See photos of the construction.) 2. More storage.

The Candy Shack

1. 2.
1. See the curious site-seer to the left of The Clinic. A young doe waiting for a walk-in appointment. 2. At dusk.

 
1. And a tree comes tumbling down. 2. A Warrior on a mission. 3. Bill conquers all.

4. & 5. Zoe and friends hanging out in the tree above the clinic.

Other Wildwood Critters

The two enjoying the shade of the hammock.

The Bucks Stop Here - 6 of them from three generations.

The Grand Poobah Elk stopped by - a first, for me, on this side of the ridge.

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Bob - cat paid a couple of visits. She brought her two cubs on one visit.

Chipmunks

1. Buddha's right-hand Monk, Chip. 2. Chip, the Chipmunk, not to be out done, gets breakfast on the rocks.

Oh Hail!

The deck for a moment on 12/1/01.

Our First and Second Snow - 2001/02

No snow (some hail) during the winters of 2002/03, 2003/04, 2004/05, 2005/06, 2006/07 and 2007/08 until early 2008

Stone Fountain

Balinese stone woman sits patiently in car awaiting the trip from San Francisco to her new home in Brookings, OR

This 38" high stone woman arrived from Bali and is patiently waiting to be placed on the Wildwood Himitage grounds.

Thanks

To Lauren, a special interior designer from Kim3 in San Francisco, shown here with the standing Buddha and Shakti at her left elbow. She located both the Buddha and stone woman fountain (above), among other things, to help bring the energy from the spiritual traditions of Bali to the land of the Wildwood Himitage.

*     *     *
For every fine, well-adjusted and smoothly functioning American, there are two who never had the chance to discover themselves. It may well be because they have never been alone with themselves. - Marya Mannes

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