Opening to the Equinox

Thursday through Sunday, September 11–14, 2025
4-day weekend in Friday Harbor, WA

Before the turn of the season, we gather at the edge.
With whales, watercolors, and quiet time to connect.
What begins here continues through the week ahead.
A shift in rhythm that you can carry with you.

This retreat was shaped by a desire to experience the ocean with care.

Whale watching can be exhilarating, but it often moves too fast with loud boats, crowded decks, and an unspoken expectation that animals will appear, interact, and impress. It’s easy to lose the thread of what drew us there in the first place. That kind of pressure can turn a sacred encounter into a spectacle.

I want to offer something different. A way to be near whales without disrupting their world. A space to slow down, to ask questions about our role and responsibility, and to hold onto the wonder without needing to chase it.

This weekend reflects that approach. A quieter rhythm. Respectful presence. A chance to connect with land, sea, and self in a way that feels aligned. Our experience will be both grounding and memorable.

Included:

  • At a spacious oceanfront lodge with full kitchen, cozy fireplace, sauna, private beach access, and panoramic views of the Salish Sea

  • 6 hour adventure on a comfortable boat with two skilled, local naturalist guides from Maya’s Legacy.

    We get to see a lot more and go father distances on the all day trips, so fun!

  • One of our guides, Sara Hysong-Shimazu, is not only a very skilled naturalist and boat captain, but also an amazing artist and teacher.

    Her nature journal is on display at the Maya’s Legacy office so you’ll get a chance to have your mind blown with her art.

    What a treat that she has offered to guide an art activity while we’re out at sea!

    • Meals from dinner on Thursday through breakfast on Sunday are included

    • A mix of nourishing, self-serve meals and casual group outings

    • Dinner at the lodge and local spots, including a Saturday meal out after our day at sea

    • Catered lunch aboard the boat

    • Light breakfasts, snacks, and road trip refreshments

    • Full kitchen access for any personal contributions

    • Gluten-free and vegetarian options available with advance notice

    • If you have specific dietary needs, you’re welcome to bring what supports you best

    • Reflective prompts and simple practices to support your personal equinox ceremony

    • Open Ecology group experiences including guided walks, tidepooling, and quiet invitations to connect

    • Thoughtfully gathered group of like-hearted humans

    • Space to rest, reflect, and settle into natural rhythm with land and sea

  • All taxes, gratuities, payment processing fees, and other details, so you can simply show up and enjoy!

Not Included:

  • Additional meals, drinks, snacks, or desserts beyond what is provided

  • Full accommodations for all food allergies and sensitivities

    • While thoughtful effort will be made to offer simple, nourishing meals with care, full accommodation for every dietary need may not be possible.

    • Participants are encouraged to bring any specific items they require to feel well-supported.

  • Spa services or optional off-site activities not listed

  • Personal items, trip insurance, or unplanned purchases

Planning at a Glance

  • Children, pets, and unregistered companions cannot be accommodated.

    This extended weekend is designed as an adult-only gathering.

    The setting we’re co-creating for this particular trip calls for a shared attentiveness that is not aligned with the natural energy or needs of children.

    The guest list is intentionally limited and curated. All participants must be pre-approved and fully registered

    Thank you for honoring the care being offered through this gathering.

  • To support the depth of this experience, the retreat is substance-free.

    Calm, quiet presence and minimal phone use are encouraged, especially during shared outdoor time.

  • The pace is intentionally slow and spacious, with time on the water, quiet walks, and practices that invite stillness, presence, and reflection.

    We’ll have a great time rain or shine.

    Directions, weekend flow, and a packing list will be emailed after registration.

    Saturday is a full day at sea, with the option to take part in a relaxed watercolor activity guided by the boat’s naturalist.

    Expect to feel nourished and inspired.

  • Option 1: Early Full Payment of $1,780
    Register by July 31 and save $75.
    Confirms your registration immediately. Lodging options and upgrades may be available upon checkout.

    Option 2: Reserve your spot with a deposit of $520.
    Refundable through August 15. Remaining balance of $1,335 due by August 15 to complete registration. No discounts or lodging options are available for this option.

    Option 3: Standard Full Payment of $1,855.
    Secure your place at the retreat with a single payment. Per person cost starting August 1, after the early payment option expires. There may still be lodging options or upgrades available upon checkout.

    Please note:

    • Registration is not confirmed until full balance is paid.

    • If you feel deeply called to attend and need support with timing, please reach out. We're happy to explore what's possible.

      While all payments are processed as full registration or deposit + balance, limited payment plans may be available by request.

  • Life happens, and plans can change. The following policy reflects both flexibility and respect for the shared commitments that make this retreat possible.

    Full Refund Window
    All payments are fully refundable through August 15, 2025.

    After August 15
    $520 of your payment becomes non-refundable—whether paid as a deposit or as part of your full payment.

    For the remaining balance, a refund is available based on the timing of cancellation:

    – Cancellations between August 16 and August 28: 50% refund of the total amount paid, minus the $520

    – Cancellations on or after August 29 (within one week of the retreat): No refund

    This policy helps cover non-refundable group costs such as lodging, meals, charter services, and transportation that are confirmed well in advance.

    If unexpected circumstances arise—such as illness or emergency—please reach out. Whenever possible, unused retreat funds may be offered as credit toward a future offering.

Getting There

  • Transportation is fully included for all guests.

    A private 12 passenger van will carry the group from our meeting point all the way to San Juan Island.

    All costs of transportation included. This shared travel experience sets the tone for the retreat—spacious, connected, and stress-free.

    • Round-trip travel to Friday Harbor and back (from our meeting place in Oregon)

    • All ferry fares and fees (vehicle + passenger)

    • Island transportation to all group activities

    • Snacks and drinks for the ride

  • Guests can leave their cars safely at our meeting place.

    However, Open Ecology, LLC is not responsible for loss, damage, or theft of vehicles or personal belongings.

    Guests are encouraged to:

    • Arrange a ride to/from van if possible (via friend/fam, taxi, or rideshare)

    • Avoid leaving valuables in parked vehicles

How to Join the Retreat

  • Complete the Registration Form

    This gathering is intentionally small, quiet, and rooted in shared respect for land, rhythm, and each other. Start by reviewing the Community Agreements to be sure it’s a good fit.

    You'll also have a chance to share relevant details before continuing to payment.n

  • Secure your spot by selecting one of the following payment options:

    🔹 Full Payment Confirms your registration immediately

    • Option to upgrade lodging (private or shared room/bed)

    • Or choose the discounted bunk option (paid in full only)

    • Early registration discount available through July 31

    • If no lodging upgrade is selected, you’ll be assigned an available bed

    🔹 Deposit Option

    • Hold your spot with a $520 deposit

    • Pay remaining balance of $1,335 by August 15 to finalize registration

  • Lodging upgrades and bed preferences are only available to those who pay in full at the time of registration.

    If you select the deposit or payment plan option, you’ll be assigned to an available bed based on what remains at the time your balance is completed. No specific room or bed choice can be guaranteed until full payment is received.

    Upgrades are optional, limited, and filled on a first-come, first-paid basis. 

    If no lodging option is selected, default accommodations may be a premium air mattress in a shared room, complete with plush bedding, adjustable firmness, and quiet group space.

    Lodging Options – How It Works

    • The base retreat cost includes a shared room with a standard bed (bunk, twin, or air mattress).

    • Lodging upgrades are optional and available only when paying the full retreat cost upfront.

    • Options must be added at the time of full payment and are subject to availability.

    • The early registration discount ($75 off) applies only to the base retreat price—not to upgrade costs.

    • The base retreat cost includes a shared room with a standard bed (bunk, twin, or air mattress)

    • Lodging upgrades are optional and only available when paying in full

    • The early bird discount applies to the base retreat price only, not upgrade costs

    • All rooms are single occupancy by default unless a shared bed upgrade is selected

  • Once payment is submitted and lodging (if applicable) is selected:
    ✔️ You are officially registered
    ✔️ You'll receive a confirmation email, packing list, and welcome information
    ✔️ Your bed will be assigned or confirmed

Join the Retreat