Bandon, Oregon 2009 Tai Chi on the Beach Retreat

These are photos I took while participating in the 2009 Bandon Taiji Retreat, a fantastic three-day workshop focusing primarily on tai chi (taiji) and bagua. I went with my tai chi teacher Gene Burnett, and as always Gene’s teacher Andy Dale was there to share his knowledge, along with several other great instructors (including bagua maestro Joel Hartshorne) from the Seattle area.

Sunset at Bandon beach on the Oregon coast
Close-up view of the beach just before the sun set.
(Photo by John Soares)

Tai chi on the beach at Bandon, Oregon
Morning chi gong warm-ups. Note the flat, packed sand — perfect for tai chi and bagua.
(Photo by John Soares)

Gene Burnett and Neil Buettner doing tai chi applications on the beach at Bandon.
Gene Burnett and Neil Buettner doing tai chi applications on the beach at Bandon.
(Photo by John Soares)

Gene Burnett and Neil Buettner doing tai chi applications on the beach at Bandon, part two
Gene Burnett and Neil Buettner doing tai chi applications on the beach at Bandon.
(Photo by John Soares)

Gene Burnett and Neil Buettner doing tai chi applications on the beach at Bandon -- kicking.
Gene Burnett and Neil Buettner doing tai chi applications on the beach at Bandon — Gene’s doing a separation-of-leg kick to Neil’s ribs.
(Photo by John Soares)

Joel Hartshorne doing bagua circle walking on the beach at Bandon, Oregon.
Joel Hartshorne doing bagua circle walking on the beach at Bandon, Oregon.
(Photo by John Soares)

Starfish at low tide.
Starfish at low tide.
(Photo by John Soares)

Starfish at low tide.
Another shot of starfish and anemones.
(Photo by John Soares)

Face Rock on the Bandon, Oregon beach.
Face Rock, a famous Bandon landmark.
(Photo by John Soares)

Bandon, Oregon beach and ocean sunset.
Bandon, Oregon beach and ocean sunset.
(Photo by John Soares)

Sunset over the Pacific Ocean at Bandon, Oregon.
Sunset over the Pacific Ocean at Bandon, Oregon.
(Photo by John Soares)

Bandon beach sunset on the Oregon coast.
View of the beach below the Sunset Motel at Bandon.
(Photo by John Soares)

Barnacles and clams on rock at Bandon beach on the Oregon coast.
Close-up of beach rock at low tide.
(Photo by John Soares)

Seagull at Bandon
Seagull on the balcony of a room at the Sunset Motel at Bandon.
(Photo by John Soares)