June 1 – 5, 2023
Escape for a long weekend to charming Sierra City, a remote mountain town at the base of the Sierra Buttes, just a 3.5 hour scenic drive from Oakland. This unique retreat offers us the opportunity to practice yoga & hike together in the Sierra Nevada mountains, while experiencing the vibe of an old gold mining town with a population of only 225.
OUR HOMEBASE
The Sierra City Community Hall is a sweet, rustic venue located just off Main Street. It’s a grand, 40′ x 50′ room and its ceilings are 22′ high in the center, 13′ at the side walls. It has impressive log construction and beautiful wood floors.
YOGA
Leah, assisted by Martha Breen, Mary Beth Ray, Karen Johnson and Disha Gupta, will offer a balanced practice including asana, movement, breathwork and relaxation. Classes will accommodate all levels with the expectation that students are in relatively good physical condition and familiar with the asanas and transitions common to vinyasa yoga. All students are (always) encouraged to modify the practice to meet their individual needs. Assistants, will provide hands-on adjustments for most of the classes.
HIKING
On three afternoon hikes, and one shorter walk, we’ll explore: the town of Sierra City, the Wild Plum Loop which includes a section of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), the Lakes Basin area and, for the grand finale, a hike up to (or part way up to) the Sierra Buttes Fire Lookout for amazing views. It’s the highest peak around at an elevation of 8,500 ft.. Each hike, guided by Leah and Kurt, will have a shorter (~3 miles) and longer (~6 miles) option. For those seeking less ambitious sight seeing we can recommend some fabulous little-to-no-hiking options.
NOTE: The tuition for this retreat is not “all inclusive”, read on!
ACCOMODATIONS
The beautiful Wild Plum Campground is tucked in along Haypress Creek. It’s 2 miles from the Community Hall, just a quick drive, or maybe you’d like to bring your bike?! No showers available, BYOSS (bring your own solar shower).
The Buttes Resort is now completely booked: The Buttes Resort is a quaint cluster of cabins, sitting above the North Yuba River and just two blocks from the Community Hall. The cabins, most with a fully stocked kitchen, are being held for our retreat until February 1st. Check out the full gallery of cabins on their website then contact them directly to make your reservation.
MEALS
The retreat schedule accommodates brunch and dinner. Except dinner at the Sierra Pines Resort on Thursday, meals are not included in the cost of the retreat but the two sit-down restaurants in Sierra City are expecting you! The Red Moose Cafe, located just one block from the Community Hall will be open for brunch. The Sierra Pines Resort restaurant is .5 miles from the Community Hall or Buttes Resort. They’re open for breakfast until 11:00 and are the only restaurant in town serving dinner. Also, the General Store, right next door to the Community Hall, will likely be serving at their deli counter.
Even if you plan to dine out for every meal, you might like to bring light breakfasts and you’ll surely want snacks for the hikes!
BODYWORK SESSIONS
Jonnie Fellman will be available for bodywork & acupuncture sessions (woot!)
SCHEDULE (subject to change, especially if we have rain!)
Thursday
4:00 – 5:00 pm Yoga Class
5:00 – 6:00 pm Guided Walk in Sierra City
6:00 Dinner at Sierra Pines Resort
Friday
8:00 – 10:00 am Yoga Class
1:00 pm Hike – Wild Plum Loop & beyond
Saturday
8:00 – 9:30 am Yoga Class
12:00 pm Hike – Lakes Basin
Sunday
8:00 – 9:15 am Yoga Class
11:00 am Hike – Sierra Buttes Fire Lookout
Monday
8:00 – 9:30 am Yoga Class
Suggested activity, if you have time: Boat Rental at Lower Sardine Lake
REGISTER
TUITION
Tuition covers only the cost of classes, hikes, Thursday dinner and general retreat facilitation. Accommodations, all other meals, bodywork sessions, boat rental, travel and any other costs are not included in the tuition.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Tuition payments are refundable less $50 until April 1, 2023.
After April 1. 2023 tuition payments are non-refundable, regardless of the reason, unless you find another student to take your place.
OTHER ITEMS
Want to bring someone with you who won’t be participating in the yoga and/or the hiking? a partner? maybe a kid? a dog? This will probably work but is best arranged ahead of time. Fill out your registration form (above) accordingly!
You’ll be required to sign a Release of Liability Form prior to the retreat.
You’ll receive detailed information, closer to the retreat date, regarding what to bring and how to get here.
Carpooling to the retreat will be arranged closer to the retreat date.
Leah Gillman 