Gentle Journey: Backcountry Basecamp

Explore the Yosemite backcountry with grace and ease. Join Balanced Rock's Gentle Journey trek for a retreat into the wilderness without the burden of carrying heavy packs and gear. We invite you to take a deep breath and a sigh of relief. This course has been designed to facilitate an accessible wilderness experience for those of us willing to forgo the heavy lifting, but still wanting the delight of undisturbed wilderness away from crowded campsites and buzzing generators.

This course is designed to feed the whole person-mind, body, and spirit. Set in the awe-inspiring Yosemite wilderness, this journey includes daily hikes with a local Yosemite naturalist, gentle yoga or qigong exercises, and guided journal writing. There is also plenty of time to enjoy nature-resting in beautiful meadows, listening to mountain streams, or enjoying view of the High Sierra from our backcountry "hammock lounge".

Porters will graciously carry our food and group equipment to our backcountry base camp. From there we will adventure, explore, and relax. As on all Balanced Rock courses, you will be nourished with thoughtfully prepared food throughout the trek. (Not the "hot-dog and beans" dinners of your childhood camping experience!)

Highlights:

• Backpacking without the backache: porter-assisted adventure
• Local Yosemite naturalists that allow opportunities for bird watching, plant and animal identification
• Qigong or gentle yoga exercises, journal-writing, and personal reflection time
• Spectacular mountain scenery and pristine wilderness landscapes
• Fresh meals including local and organic ingredients

Itinerary:

Wednesday
We will gather at our designated campground in Yosemite National Park at 3:00 pm. We begin our adventure of mind, body, and spirit with introductions and an orientation to the course. We will spend time getting acquainted with each other and our surroundings. Our first day together may include gentle stretching, discussions on natural history, or a walk to a nearby meadow. We will organize and review our personal gear, learn about the basics of backcountry travel, and conclude the evening by sharing a delicious camp meal. As we settle in for our first night in the mountains, there will be time to share stories, gaze at the stars, and enjoy the stillness of life outdoors.

Thursday
We will greet the day with gentle movement. After a nourishing breakfast, we will pack our personal gear while porters carry the rest. It's then that we'll depart for the trailhead, where we begin our Yosemite wilderness adventure.

The hiking pace for the day allows us to enjoy our surroundings of rock formations, forests, and mountain streams. Our lunch break includes opportunities for conversation, journaling, and soaking in the warm sun. After lunch, we continue our journey towards camp. Together we set up for the evening and share a delicious dinner.

This campsite will be our base for the next three days. From here we day-hike and explore our surroundings.

Friday and Saturday
The next two days unfold at a gentle pace as we find our natural rhythm as a group. Our days will include hikes to breathtaking vistas, bird watching, dipping in mountain lakes or streams, and lounging under the clear skies of the Sierra. Through journal writing, and group discussions we brighten our spirits. Evenings around the campfire are set aside for wilderness education, creative journaling, and celebration of our accomplishments of the day.

Sunday
On our final morning we prepare for our transition from wilderness to front country. We enjoy our last breakfast in the field before we pack our backpacks and begin our hike back to the trailhead.

After putting closure on our journey together, we will conclude by 2pm.

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 backpacking and camping. Balanced Rock provides delicious and high-quality meals, cooking gear, and water purification supplies.

Not Included:

Transportation to and from your hometown to Yosemite, park entrance fees, and personal items.

Travel:

The driving time to Yosemite from the Bay Area is 3.5-4 hours and varies depending on traffic and road conditions. For California highway conditions visit http://www.dot.ca.gov/ or call 1-800-427-7623. For the latest road conditions and advisories in the park, 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:

Fresno, CA: 103 miles; Oakland, CA: 159 miles; Sacramento, CA: 170 miles

Public Transportation and Carpooling:

There is excellent train and bus transportation to Yosemite Valley. For information on public transportation options please visit: http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/publictransportation.htm. Once you are enrolled we will send you detailed pre-trip information including options for carpooling.

Accommodations:

Our first night will be at a campground near the trailhead. The following three nights will be in the backcountry. All four nights, we will be sleeping in tents or under the stars.

Qualifications:

This trip requires the ability to hike and carry a light pack at altitudes ranging from 6,000 to 7,000 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 for beginning backpackers.

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?