The Sierra Nevada Mountains

We have chosen for the location of our practitioner seminar the spectacular Sierra Nevada mountains of California, called the "Range of Light" by the famed American naturalist John Muir (founder of the Sierra Club).

Stretching for over 600 miles from north to south along the eastern portion of California, the Sierra Nevada range forms the "backbone" of the state. Its slopes are filled with evergreen spruces, pines, and firs, and its peaks shimmer with the quartz and silica reflections of its granite outcroppings.

During the rainy season (October to May) fierce Pacific storms blow westward across California, and are uplifted by the Sierra range. These storms drop much rain in the foothills (where Nevada City is located) and copious amounts of snow in the mountains. There may be 15 to 30 ft. (5-10m) of snow on the ground at various high-altitude locations. Then during the summer months (June - September), the Pacific High cuts off the storm track to California, and we experience the sunshine for which our state is known. The vast snowfields melt, feeding the rivers and reservoirs which quench our thirst and feed our gardens and farms all summer.

And in the sun-lit moist alpine meadows, a perfect habitat is created for a profuse display of wildflowers. Many of the FES flower essences are prepared in these high Sierra meadows during the summer.

The Lake Tahoe Area

Lake Tahoe is considered the "jewel" of the Sierra Nevada. Located at about 6200 ft (1900 m) above sea level, the lake measures approximately 21 by 12 miles (35 by 19 km) and averages about 1000 ft (300 m) in depth. The water is so clear that in most places you can see the lake bottom.

Tahoe was a sacred healing place for the Washoe, the local Native American tribe. Although a popular tourist destination, Lake Tahoe is protected by many environmental measures so that its stunning beauty can be preserved for future generations.

The west shore of the lake, where the Granlibakken Conference Center is located, especially attracts visitors who love the many recreational opportunities and natural beauty of the area. The Tahoe City region of the west shore combines the best of urban and rural life, with excellent shops and restaurants, artistic and cultural opportunities, along with parks, hiking and biking trails, ski resorts, river rafting, beaches for boating and swimming, and nearby wilderness protected by parks.

Visit the Tahoe City Website
for information on nearby attractions.

Weather

Mid-July is a beautiful time in the Sierra Nevada. There is still some snow at the highest elevations, but most areas enjoy spring-like conditions, moist meadows, and brilliant sun.

Weather is generally mild during the day, 75o-85oF (25o-30oC), cooling off at night to around 45o-50o F (7o-10oC). Most days are sunny. (Lake Tahoe boasts 300 sunny days per year). However, it is not usual to have brief afternoon thundershowers in the summer.

We suggest bringing layered clothing, with jackets or sweaters that can be put on and taken off according to the fluctuations in temperature.

Check the Tahoe City forecast.