January EAT at Black Mountain Preserve:
January 5 - 19, 2008
BMP is in the Cazadero hills area of northern California, in west Sonoma County. The Preserve centers around a complex of dorms, dining/kitchen, classroom and offices, surrounded by 485-acres of forest and coastal hills. Expect a wide variety of natural beauty. Walking trails and unused dirt roads lead off in several adventurous directions, through ecosystems of redwood/fir, oak/madrone, and coastal prairie. You can see the ocean from high points on the property, while a couple of creeks run through in low spots.

We have held EAT sessions at Black Mountain since 2001; it is currently owned and operated by the Padmasambhava Peace Institute, a Tibetan Buddhist group. At one time BMP was a state camp for petty offenders, but renovations have made it a cozy and comfortable conference center, a real-life swords-into-ploughshares example. Among further planned improvements is a Peace Garden designed by EAT students. Next to our classroom is a beautiful and authentic Buddhist altar room, which is open to EATers for quiet meditation.

Standard accommodations are dorms with cots; bring your own bedding or rent some from BMP at extra fee. BMP is easily accessible by car; we strongly encourage carpooling and will have a shuttle for people flying in or taking bus. "Transportation Details" are in the confirmation packet when you register, as is much more information about the facility.

Almanac for January '08 EAT:

January is the rainy season in this part of the world. Exciting storms might sweep in for a few days, but often the winter EATs experience lovely weather, with crystalline clear, sunny days. Winter here is relatively mild (daytime temps usually around 50F-60F, nighttime 35F-40F ). It's the time of year when the hills turn bright green, creeks run fast, and redwood trees stretch and laugh. We advise all January students to dress warmly and bring rain gear.

EATers eat well. Our standard is gourmet, organic, vegetarian meals, served three times a day, plus afternoon munchies. Our favorite chef Carin McKay and her crew will be cooking for us. All food is fresh, plentiful, and substantial. Teas and coffee are available at all times. You may bring your own wine or beer for dinner.

Please use your registration form to request special meal choices. Meat is served several times a week for omnivores. Vegan variations are available at every meal. Options such as no-dairy and wheat-free are also possible if requested in advance. While we make every effort to accommodate food needs, those with highly specialized diets may need to bring some of their own food. Please check with Beenie, EAT coordinator, if you have any concerns about the food, and to make special arrangements.

Registration information for the January '08 session will be posted on the Register page as soon as possible.