Land of Medicine Buddha w/ Carpos

Carpooling highly recommended.
This is an approx. 6-mile, 1000' elevation gain, loop trail thru an enchanted redwood, fir and fern forest, that starts and ends on a privately owned Buddhist retreat. Almost entirely shaded. Many interesting Buddhist displays on the downhill side. It's so serene it makes you want to be a better person and since it's been a while, I figure I better get another dose. There is a lot of poison oak so long sleeves and pants might come in handy. Try to be quiet and respectful when near the retreat.
There are toilets at the parking lot.
There used to be no entrance fee but a suggested $5 per person donation box although the website now says there is a $20 fee per car so be prepared for either. Did I mention carpooling? Well worth the price of admission.
Note from the web site: There is NO parking on Prescott Road. This is a safety hazard for the neighbors and everyone at Land of Medicine Buddha. Prescott Road is an emergency access road and needs to be accessible by fire trucks and ambulances should the need arise. The pullout spaces on the road are for people to pass, not for parking. If your car is impeding the flow of traffic it may be towed!

Carpooling seriously recommended to conserve spaces. A good safe carpool spot is at the Congressional Church of Soquel at 4951 Soquel Dr. Soquel on the street or even in their lot.
Parking can be very limited, so PLEASE TRY AND CARPOOL TO CONSERVE SPACES. Click link below.
https://www.groupcarpool.com/t/z436kr
It is said that the Medicine Buddha's portly physique was a direct result of his ravenous appetite for the food at Carpo's at 2400 Porter St. #32417, Soquel. Since Carpo's has an arrangement with next door neighbor Beer Thirty (another one of Buddha's favorites), 2504 Main St. Soquel, where we can order food from Carpo's, pick up at the window and eat it at Beer Thirty's extensive Patio (and also enjoy one of their many beverages.) It's a match made in heaven (nirvana?)

THE IOPQ this week will be: What would you like to be reincarnated as?
ATTENDANCE: If you are signed up for a hike, or on the waitlist, please remove yourself to the "not going " list as soon as you become unsure about attending, so another waitlister can have adequate notice that they are going. Also, it is not okay to just show up to a hike you are not listed as "going" to. Hikers who violate these policies will have that information noted on their permanent record, and their parents may be notified.
DO NOT ATTEND if you're experiencing any cold or flu symptoms, have a compromised immune system, or if you've been exposed to or tested positive for COVID-19.
LIABILITY WAIVER By joining this group for any event, you hereby release its organizers, hosts, and participants from any and all liability, claims, demands, or causes of action that you now have, or may have in the future, for illness, injuries, damages, death and/or economic loss of any kind or nature, arising in whole or in part out of the activities, advice, or information contained herein.
Disclaimer: The South Bay Over 50 Social Hiking Group and its event organizer and members are not responsible for your safety. Outdoor activities are inherently dangerous. By signing up for these events, you agree to release the South Bay Over 50 Social Hiking Group and its event organizer and members from any responsibility, liability, or claim in law or in equity. If you don't agree to these terms, DO NOT join this meetup event. The South Bay Over 50 Social Hiking Group does not certify the expertise of its event organizer - I am a volunteer. All hike distances, routes and elevation gains are approximations and can vary from time to time. You are responsible for yourself. Please come prepared with appropriate hiking shoes, poles, hat, sunscreen, first aid, food, gear, electrolytes, and water. You should consult your physician if you have any medical conditions that might limit your ability to engage in this type of activity.