[notes from camp at the mailliard ranch]

Really, what else do you need? After a day of exploring on the ranch, you cross a hand-built foot bridge into Page's camp and are met with a cocktail from the stocked bar, kisses from other guests, and a seat at the large table made with thick bevel-edged boards planed from trees on the property. It's impossible not to leave the busy world behind here. An evening without electricity and cell service, the dense woods are lit bright by 12 gas lanterns strung throughout camp, small candles, the laughter of good friends, and sleep under redwood giants. I brought my own sleeping bag, amazing Fabriano watercolor block, and watercolors instead of oils (easier to pack in).

Open-air kitchen built of and among redwoods.

[Side note: having just finished work on Wes Anderson's newest film set--Moonrise Kingdom--I know he would have killed to have had access to this ranch for filming. A clearing just large enough is home to hundred-foot long tables, log seats, a stage, a dance floor, and plenty of room for tents.  Perfect for soirees of a few hundred of your closest friends. Check out the film when it comes out next year and you'll see what I mean.]