Art and Hiking Retreat in the High Sierra

Join Yosemite painter Penny Otwell and Balanced Rock guide staff for a weekend exploring Lundy Lake and the Sierra Nevada mountains. Enjoy guided naturalist hikes around the brilliant colors, waterfalls and forests of Lundy Canyon, bring in the morning sunrise with a gentle yoga session, and reflective outdoor art sessions to expand and share your wild inspiration.

We will be working with watercolor and sketching materials. Learn to express your ideas with color, design, value, and plein air painting techniques. Change your perception of what's possible when you take to watching daily demos, sharing ideas, observing nature, and developing the art of working comfortably outdoors.

Become mindful to the creative process while immersed in the beauty of the Sierra landscape. Otwell will encourage you to reach down deep and find your own muse-your personal connection and response to nature-empowering you to portray your unique visual message. We hope that this weekend course inspires you to continue painting outdoors long after you return home.

Highlights:

• Guided naturalist hikes
• Watercolor techniques and demonstrations
• An opportunity to connect with nature and find your muse
• Optional morning yoga classes
• Fresh meals include local and organic ingredients

Notes on Lundy Canyon (from SummitPost.org):

While there are many magnificent canyons along the eastern escarpment of the Sierra Nevada, few present such awesome scenery in such an easily packaged bundle as found in Lundy Canyon. Many of the best aspects of the Sierra Nevada are found here: soaring cliffs, rugged peaks, gorgeous meadows, riotous wildflowers, excellent waterfalls, and, once the Twenty Lakes Basin is reached, spectacular granite summits and glacial lakes. All of this can be accessed with relative ease off of a major highway. While such beauty has not gone unnoticed, Lundy Canyon is nonetheless relatively uncrowded, particularly by Yosemite (which is located only a few miles west of Lundy Canyon) standards. Three superlatives are usually used when describing Lundy Canyon. Many say that the canyon has the Eastern Sierra’s best waterfalls, wildflowers and fall color.

Itinerary:

Friday
We will gather at Lundy Lake campground at 3:00 pm for introductions, intention setting and an orientation to the course. In the afternoon we will take our first hike to acquaint ourselves with the area. After dinner there will be time for relaxing, sharing stories, and stargazing as we settle in for our first night in the mountains.

Saturday
Each morning will begin with hot drinks, a nourishing breakfast, and creative fun. The day includes watercolor instruction, short hikes exploring the elements for investigations and inspiration from the magic of trees, granite rock, alpine lakes, or mountain streams. Nature invokes creativity and sparks the imagination for our art. We'll return to our camp with time for more painting, journal writing, lessons, and discussions. In the evening we will relax, prepare a delicious meal together, and enjoy good company and conversation before falling asleep under the starry skies of the Sierra.

Sunday
We greet the day together to continue our creative explorations and group activities. After a celebratory lunch at camp, you will have time to further explore our beautiful surroundings. You will leave this campground retreat inspired and energized, present and connected to nature, empowered with tools to continue your personal painting journey. We will conclude by 2 p.m.

Note on Itinerary:

This schedule is an outline. It is subject to change depending on the needs of the group and of course moods of the elements. It allows for spontaneous inspiration. This program operates rain or shine.

Price Includes:

Professional instruction and guiding, campground and permit fees, first-aid supplies, and group gear for camping. Balanced Rock provides delicious and high-quality meals, cooking gear, and water purification supplies.

Not Included:

Transportation to and from your hometown, and personal items including most art supplies.

Travel:

The driving time to Lundy Canyon from the Bay Area is 5-5.5 hours and varies depending on traffic and road conditions. The most direct and scenic route is through Yosemite on the Tioga Rd. This route requires park entrance fees. For California highway conditions visit http://www.dot.ca.gov/ or call 1-800-427-7623. For the latest road conditions and advisories in Yosemite, call 1-209-372-0200 then press 1. You are required to carry and be prepared to use tire chains.

Important Information about Air Travel:

Prior to purchasing your airline tickets contact Balanced Rock to confirm the trip has the minimum number of participants required. info@balancedrock.org or 209-379-9453.

Closest Airports:

Reno, NV 140 miles

Public Transportation and Carpooling:

Once you are enrolled we will send you detailed pre-trip information including options for carpooling.

Accommodations:

We will be camping at the Lundy Lake campground in tents provided by Balanced Rock.

Qualifications:

This trip requires the ability to hike at altitudes ranging from 8,000 to 9,000 feet, over varying mountain terrain. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip, we suggest that you engage in a regular exercise routine prior to the course. We also recommend that you stay well-hydrated prior to departure to assist in adjusting to altitude. Please see notes in the welcome letter for further information on preparing for our adventure. Appropriate and open to all levels of hikers and yoga practitioners.

Weather:

Daytime temperatures can range between 50°-90° F. Mountain weather can change quickly. It is common to have clear sunny mornings with building clouds and afternoon showers followed by clear starry skies at night. Please check the forecast frequently before your course and plan accordingly. Visit the Yosemite National Park "Plan Your Visit" site for detailed information and weather-related links. http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/hours.htm

General Information:

Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. Detailed pre-trip information, including directions to the meeting place, will be sent when you enroll.

We look forward to creating a special experience that you'll never forget! Why wait?