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.

Close-up view of the beach just before the sun set.
(Photo by John Soares)

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.
(Photo by John Soares)

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 — 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.
(Photo by John Soares)

Starfish at low tide.
(Photo by John Soares)

Another shot of starfish and anemones.
(Photo by John Soares)

Face Rock, a famous Bandon landmark.
(Photo by John Soares)

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

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

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

Close-up of beach rock at low tide.
(Photo by John Soares)

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