FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
What's New
As pretty much everywhere, things have changed in Big Sur, Esalen, Tassajara, and other venues since the pandemic. Esalen is open and has had to close and re-open many times because of weather events here in Big Sur. Tassajara has chosen to stay closed again this summer. All of my scheduled European programs have been canceled since the pandemic. I have been offering some in-person programs in New York City.
Most of the progarm I am offering are at Esalen. I am conducting some on-line programs, and working with individuals mostly over Zoom and some in person.
Many of the questions below apply to my wilderness/hiking based programs at Esalen. If you find yourself with questions please feel free to contact me.
For Esalen:
Esalen Institute or call the reservations line at: 1-831-667-3000.
Email for General Inquiries: info@esalen.org
Esalen FAQs. For Planning Your Visit at Esalen. For Esalen's current Covid Policy
What equipment will I need for the hiking portion of the workshop?
What will I need for the “indoor” sessions of the workshop?
Do I need to prepare for the workshop?
How long are the hikes?
How difficult are the hikes?
What is the age range of the participants in your programs?
What will the weather be like?
What will we do for lunches on the days we are out hiking?
Are waivers necessary and how can I get an Assumption of Risk & Release from Liability Waiver?
Esalen Only: When are the best days and times to schedule massages?
What equipment will I need for the hiking portion of the workshop?
When you register for a workshop a waiver and further information sheet that includes an equipment list will be sent to you by the Esalen, Tassajara, or sponsoring venue. The following is a general list of things you want to consider bringing for the workshop. While you need not have all of these items, the items in bold font are most important. (Download Equipment List)
For Our Day-Hikes:
- Hiking Boots/Shoes: comfortable, lightweight boots or shoes with good tread.
- Socks: that fit comfortably with your hiking boots or shoes.
- Day Pack: large enough to carry extra layers of clothing, food, and water.
- Water Bottle: at least one quart/liter (you can refill water each day).
- Long Pants: lightweight, light in color, and comfortable for walking.
- Shirts: T-Shirts or Sport Shirts
- Fleece Jacket or Wool Sweater
- Rain Jacket: a rain jacket and pants are better than a poncho (rainy season only)
- Rain Pants: (rainy season only)
- Long Sleeve Shirt
- Shorts
- Sun Screen
- Lightweight hat with brim
- Small Flashlight
- Sandals or "wet" shoes: sport sandals or old shoes if we need to cross a stream
Miscellaneous optional items that past participants have found useful: camera, binoculars, insect repellent, running shoes, bandanna, matches, sun glasses, lip balm, moleskin (for blisters), hiking poles, alarm clock.
What will I need for the “indoor” sessions of the workshop?
The Esalen, Tassajara, or Green Gulch office will send you a further information sheet when you register for a workshop. This sheet will includes any special items you might need for the specific workshop.
For Sessions At Esalen:
Bring clothes that are loose fitting, comfortable and easy to move in. It is important to have extra clothes and shoes to change into after our hikes.
For Sessions At Tassajara:
It is nice to have extra clothes and shoes to change into after our hikes. Bring clothes that are loose fitting, comfortable to move and sit in. For the Zendo (meditation hall): bring clothes that are subdued in color, comfortable for sitting, and that cover the legs and shoulders.
Do I need to prepare for the workshop?
While no previous wilderness experience is necessary, it is useful to prepare yourself by walking and/or running some each week. Experience has shown that those who have spent time physically preparing are often able to more fully participate in the workshop.
Consider setting up your time at Esalen or Tassajara as a retreat and minimizing the amount of “outside” business or phone calls you need to make. Do what is necessary to clear your schedule and let yourself fully partake in your time at Esalen or Tassajara.
Please plan your travel to arrive in time to participate in our first meeting as a group.
How long are the hikes?
The lengths of the hikes depend on the specific workshop theme and location. In some workshops the hikes range 2-5 miles in length, while others range 4-10 miles in length. Please read the workshop description. Weather, the group’s ability, trail conditions, and other factors might alter the actual hike lengths.
How difficult are the hikes?
This is the hardest question to answer. One person’s walk in the park is another person’s challenge. The emphasis of most hikes is to be in nature, not to see how fast we can get through the hike. I allow for a wide range of hiking paces so that individuals can usually find their own pace. Almost all of the hikes have some elevation gain and loss. If you find yourself with questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.
What is the age range of participants in your programs?
The typical age range is from the twenties to sixties. Age however is not as important as willingness and ability. I have had participants as old as 85 and as young as 15 in my programs at Esalen and Tassajara. I do ask to speak with participants and parents of anyone under 18 years old to confirm that the workshop is an appropriate fit.
What will the weather be like?
Around these parts there is a saying, “that only fools and newcomers predict the weather.” Having said that… it really depends on the season, workshop location, and hundreds of other factors. Generally the wettest time of the year for the coast of central California is from December through March. Fog can roll in off the ocean at anytime dropping the temperature quickly. If you bring the equipment on the list you will be prepared for most weather conditions. Here are links to the National Weather Service Forecast Office for:
Esalen Institute: Big Sur
Tassajara Zen Center: Santa Lucia Mountains
Green Gulch Zen Center: Muir Beach
What will we do for lunches on the days we are out hiking?
This depends on which retreat center we are hiking from:
Esalen: A wide range of food is packed up for us each morning that we all share in carrying on the hike. We stop somewhere along the trail and each person creates a "personalized" lunch from the abundant healthy ingredients we have brought along.
Tassajara: We bag lunches before the hike. Each person creates their own lunch from a wide range of choices.
Green Gulch: Each person brings their own lunch and one item to share with the group.
Are waivers necessary and how can I get an Assumption of Risk & Release from Liability Waiver?
Yes, each place I lead programs requires a waiver be completed. Please read, complete, initial & sign the waiver. We ask all participants to be mindful of their personal safety. Some activities of the programs have risks, including certain risks which are inherent and which cannot be eliminated without destroying the unique character of the activities and the wilderness environment.
Please contact the sponsoring organization directly if you have not received a waiver. Thank you.
When are the best days and times to schedule massages (for Esalen only)?
Please contact Esalen through email. When booking check to ensure the massage time does not conflict with our workshop shedule.
Still have questions?
For Questions specific to:
Esalen Institute or call the reservations line at: 1-831-667-3000;
Email for General Inquiries: info@esalen.org
Esalen FAQs
Tassajara Zen Center or call: 415-475-9362 & Toll Free: 1-888-743-9362
If you still find yourself with questions or particular concerns about the workshop please feel free to contact me. I look forward to our time together.