Almost two years to the day after leaving this place, I find myself back at Mount Madonna for two weeks and two days. I lived here for 4 months in 2005, doing the Yoga, Service and Community Program. It was a great experience at the time, and I'm really happy to be back here. It's part of my transition to Toronto life and it feels perfect.

It's a fascinating place, a year-round community of about 80 full time residents, some of whom pass through for a short while, some of whom have lived here as long as I've been alive. It's 300+ acres of redwood forest, looking out over Monterey Bay. It's really beautiful, and an interesting combination of retreat and bustle.

This time around, I've got wifi access. mwah ha ha! Only I am trying to keep the computer use to a minimum...