Outdoor destinations in Oceano, San Simeon, and other areas along the Central Coast are among the locales featured in author Jill Thayer’s book, Sojourns: 100 Trails of Enlightenment Inspired by the California Central Coast.
Thayer—a local author, artist, art historian, and professor who teaches at Allan Hancock College and other schools—will be signing copies of her book at Peloton Cellars in Avila Beach on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 3 to 5 p.m. Admission to the book signing event is free.
Released in 2023, Thayer’s book is also available for sale locally at the Los Olivos General Store, Hancock’s bookstore, Ron’s Nursery in Arroyo Grande, the Hearst Castle gift shop, the Coalesce Bookstore in Morro Bay, Paso Robles Antiques and Vintage, Terracotta Home and Garden in Cambria, and other outlets, as well as online through Amazon and other retailers.
Described as an examination of Thayer’s favorite hiking trails, the book includes several photographs Thayer took during treks at various destinations over the years, along with journal-style narrative entries and insightful quotes from others that resonate with her.
She chose quotes from various artists, naturalists, and philosophers, and other notable figures, including Henry David Thoreau, John Muir, Soren Kierkegaard, and E.B. White.
“The quotes, I feel, bring context to my imagery,” Thayer told New Times in 2023. “The process of compiling the photographs, quotations, and narrative was cathartic, introspective, and fulfilling. … I’m very grateful for the opportunity to be able to share the beauty of our region.”
The book also includes a forward written by Kaila Dettman, executive director of the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County. One of Thayer’s hopes for the book—which took her about two years to write and compile before it was published in April 2023—is to showcase local trails in a way that inspires others to explore these spaces for themselves while promoting initiatives that support land conservation and environmental sustainability.
“The beauty of our region is the result of care and advocacy in land conservation and sustainability of the environment,” Thayer said in press materials. “These sacred spaces bring peace and clarity. They resonate in the mind and speak to the soul.”
To find out more about Sojourns: 100 Trails of Enlightenment Inspired by the California Central Coast and more of Thayer’s works, visit studios.jillthayer.com. Peloton Cellars is located 470 Front St., Avila Beach. Call the venue at (805) 627-1080 for additional details. Δ
This article appears in Pet Issue 2024.