Meet the Slide Ranch Benches
While exploring Slide you may have noticed that it’s easy to get fatigued. Walking up and down hills all day isn’t easy, and as a Slide resident employee I’ve gotten to know the spots to rest and take in the view. Thoughtfully placed, Slide Ranch’s benches are some of the best sit spots along the California coast and I’d love to introduce you to them.
Office Bench: Central to all the action, yet tucked away and hidden, the bench outside of the Slide offices is the perfect place to take your tyke for a quick breather during a Family Farm Day. When free ranging, you’ll get a view of dust bathing chickens and ducks playing in their pond. Spend some time in the shade until you’re ready to rejoin the action.
Resident Area Benches: A personal favorite, the Resident Area benches are not only cozy, but the perfect place to end your work day. Come stop for a rest before braving your way down the North Beach trail on these pieces of craftsmanship, fixed together by yours truly. As always, enjoy the view, but keep your voice down as wild Slide staff are likely napping nearby.
Tidepool Trail Benches: Placed perfectly midway along the trail to our tidepools, these quaint seats offer close views of crashing waves and chattering Oystercatchers. Collect yourself as the ocean breeze cools your face, the horizon graces your gaze, and your socks dry from a sneaky wave.
Yurt Bench: Can you believe people get to get married here?! Overlooking the tidepools, Split Rock, San Francisco, and the Farallon Islands, this bench seems to have it all. Separate from picnic tables beside the Fennel Forest, these sequestered lunchtime views of crashing waves, dolphin pods, and wildflowers are not to be missed.
Garden Benches: Tiered along the garden are resting sit spots. In the lower garden you’ll be tucked away amongst the Nasturtium and Roses. In the middle garden, you’ll hear the buzzing of pollinators amid the Borage. In the upper garden, in the company of fruit trees, you’ll find the wind stops, the sun shines brighter and the views are immense.
Secret Garden Benches: Located across the street from our Chicken Coops, the Secret Garden and its benches are a great spot to catch a break for a busy bee. Recently renovated with the help of MAX 415, you will find benches and planters made from repurposed and decorated bee boxes.
Honorable Mentions
Stanchion Stumps: Frequented by school children and Family Farm Day participants, the stumps are where the magic happens. If you catch us at the right moment, you’ll find Slide staff milking one of our goats and have the perfect spot to join the audience.
Garden Stumps: The locale of our summer camp closing circles, the garden stumps seem to awaken something innate. Like clockwork, I watch as kids of all ages jump from stump to stump like frogs on lilypads, and parents help to flip logs looking for slippery worms and slugs. Shaded indefinitely by a great Monterrey Cypress, this centerpiece is a popular spot for a reason.
Dome Picnic Tables: If it were a bench it would blow the competition out of the water. With picturesque views of the Pacific and a lush green field for playing, the picnic tables at our Dome campsite are home to the best Slide has to offer. Kick around a ball, eat a sandwich, or paint a landscape; here the world is yours.
P.S Join us for Spring Fling on May 3rd! Tickets are selling fast! Sign up for our Natural Dyes workshop on May 17th! Give your children the gift of Spring or Summer camp at Slide Ranch. Our Summer camp now includes extended camp hours!
