April is a great cook, and has written her own vegetarian cook book. In addition, when not living in Yelapa, April has a successful vegetarian catering business in Washington State, and is the head chef for a cruise line during the summers.

April is responsible for preparing all meals during the retreat. She also oversees service and clean up and is assisted by Julia and Challo. During the retreats these three are on sight from 7 a.m. till 9 p.m. and are always available to assist participants with special needs.

Typically breakfast consists of a hot cereal, granola, fresh fruit (bananas from the retreat center, papaya, mango, pineapple, etc.), and yogurt. Occasionally we have eggs migas, eggs Mexicana or eggs ranchero.

Meals are usually set up as a buffet, with participants helping themselves. There is always more than enough food to go around, and special dietary needs are easily taken into account. For those who are not vegetarian, fresh fish from local fishermen is available occasionally during the retreat.

Lunch is usually a sit down meal with several vegetables, and can feature a wide range of entrees including vegetarian pizza. On days when we have planned all day excursions to the Marrietas Islands, or to the highland water falls, April prepares sandwiches and packed lunches for us to take with us. Every afternoon, those arriving back at Los Naranjos early for dinner are met with a large bowl of fresh guacamole, chips and salsa, or other tempting snacks.

We usually eat shortly after sunset. Dinners feature wonderful salads, great entree's like vegetarian lasagna and April's specialty - deserts. As there is no electricity at the retreat center, dinners are eaten by candlelight (see picture below). This is a favorite time of the day, relaxing with friends after a long day, sharing adventures, insights, break throughs, while the light fades from the sky and the stars come out in full force. The night sky is amazing in Yelapa - west is the pacific ocean, east are the Sierra Madres, south rugged coastline, and only north, 30 minutes by boat, do you find the first hints of either roads or electric lines. When the sun sets in Yelapa, it gets dark and the starts shine.