I arrived at Farm Sanctuary’s Orland, California farm around 10pm, and the sky was filled with stars. Then the moon, orange and just past full, rose on the east horizon shedding light on these mellow rolling hills.  I slept well and woke to singing birds and flowers alive with bees.

There have been reports about the disappearance of bees, and it was great to see so many thriving here.  The loss of bees is a major problem for agriculture, which needs them to pollinate plants and facilitate agricultural production.  In spite of agribusiness’ ongoing movement to replace natural systems with various artificial technologies, the bees are a reminder that we ultimately depend on nature for our food.

After a leisurely morning, I visited the barns and the rescued farm animals living here, including some truly happy cows.  When I returned to the cabin, I read comments written by people who stayed here, referring to Farm Sanctuary as a “life affirming place” and “an Eden” where visitors feel “renewed” and “energized.”  I couldn’t agree more. Farm Sanctuary is a sanctuary for all animals, including humans.

Gene