Memories of Asilomar 03-24-20

When I first went to Asilomar Conference Center in Pacific Grove about four decades ago, it was very rustic and seemed removed from the surrounding town; just quietly existing on the shore of Monterey Bay.  Then I started going to the Empty Spools Seminars there in 1991 and it became one of my most favorite places in the world.  Since then it has changed, providing more accommodations and smoothing out the rustic flavor.  Now the dirt paths are paved with bricks, the stairs all have railings, there is a small café in the building where guests register, and many other "improvements".  It is in the California State Parks jurisdiction and one requirement is that the plants need to be natives.  But during the many years since it was built many non-native species had been planted, by people or birds, and those plants had to be removed.  The ice plant on the sand dunes was taken out and replaced by natives.  Other areas were cleared and replanted according to the new rules.  One of the most missed plants is the Calla Lily.  They grew everywhere, increasing their clumps each year and they were so lovely in the shade of the trees and in the "swamp' near the entrance. When they were being pulled up the park rangers gave away starts to anyone who wanted them.  I took three, but only one has survived.  This year it has huge flowers that make me nostalgic for those old Asilomar views.  Of course, the tree blight has taken most of the trees and the disease resistant trees are still small and guarded by wire cylinders to keep the deer away.  It is sad to see every year.  This year all but the first session of the Empty Spools Seminars were canceled due to the Virus, so I won't be seeing any of it, after yearly visits for all these years.  However, I cherish the Calla Lilies and the memories of all those years at Asilomar. 

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