California 10/2008 Ricky - Beer and Soaks

Ricky has reading week at RTS, and we head off to California to read, rest, restore, and recreate. Our destination was Sierra Hot Springs, which is fairly close to Reno, Nevada. Unfortunately, Northwest does not fly to Reno, so we have to fly to San Francisco. We arrive with no trouble, but fellow RTS student and USM alumni, Daniel, has special instructions for us. We are to make a beer run, and Daniel has given us specific instructions. So after picking up the vehicle, we head east, toward the Sierra Mountains and a beer stop.

Daniel has located the source of good beer in California. Apparently, the traditional grocery store has very limited choices for craft brews. BevMo! is a chain, and Daniel locates one right on our way to the mountains and hot water.

One of Daniel's requests are some products from the Stone Brewing Company. Looks like they named one after me.

I was also able to pick up some old favorites that we use for our monthly PCA meetings....

Black Butte Porter and Moose Drool Brown Ale

I also made a wonderful discovery...

Old Foghorn, which is a barley wine and mmmmmmm good.

Our shopping done, we continue our trip to the Sierra Mountains and finally arrive at Sierraville.

Sierraville is located in the Eastern Sierras, at the south edge of the largest alpine valley in the continental United States, Sierra Valley.

Sierraville was one of the earliest communities settled in the Sierra Valley and prospered during the Gold Rush era. Sheriff John Campbell developed the local hot springs, which were known far and wide for their healing properties, to accommodate over 80 overnight guests. Having become the eastern entrance to the northern Sierra Gold Country, the town of Sierraville, was established in the 1850s. Nestled along a small creek that escapes the dense conifer forest, the quaint rustic town is home to about 350 people. Known as the hub of recreation, Sierraville boasts over 130 lakes in a 25-mile radius. The Gold Lake region is one of the most beautiful sights in Northern California, offering many shimmering alpine lakes lying just below the stunning Sierra Buttes. Majestic views and world class hiking trails at the Yuba Pass or Gold Lake region are unforgettable and lie about 20 minutes from town.

The Sierraville business district is limited but surprising for such a small community. In order to increase your experience of Sierraville, we would like to introduce you to the following local businesses that provide services you may require.

Sierra Hot Springs is a non-profit retreat and
workshop center located at the cusp of an
enchanted forest and a beautiful alpine valley.

Here, it is impossible to resist the overwhelming
sense of tranquility. The natural spring water is as smooth as silk, and the pools are a true experience.

For centuries, Native Americans have regarded this land
as a sacred healing place.
Now we invite you to discover its incredible
powers for yourself.

The Hot Springs has over 700 acres bordering National Forest land, so biking and hiking possibilities abound. During winter, nearby cross-country skiing is another attraction, and our location is less than one hour from major Tahoe ski resorts. Sierra Hot Springs is a non-profit organization maintained and operated by a group of resident workers. Our goal is to provide stewardship for this sacred land.

This is the Lodge, where we took a room.

Now, let's check out the hot water.

These signs seem to set the stage for taking the waters here.

The hot water is found in the Temple Dome.

For almost 150 years, this land has hosted popular hot springs resorts. The spring water here is as smooth as silk and the pools are a true experience. Within the last several years, the springs have been beautifully redeveloped.

The Temple Dome Area is the main pool area and consists of The Hot Pool which is enclosed in a large geodesic dome, featuring stained glass and skylights. Complimented by two cold plunges this pool is also sand bottomed, with mosaic tile sides.

The sand bottom in the pool is a special treat for the feet.

One of the special features of Sierra Hot Springs are the cold plunges. Check them out in the background....

Both cold plunges

Closer views



The Temple Dome is a temple, it has its own Buddha.

There are also some really neat animal themed benches here...

Froggy

Mr. Bear

Piggy

Cupids

Stained glass water woman

Outside the dome, the large Warm Pool is complimented by a large sundeck.
A closer view of the warm pool.

Here is the pool looking back toward the Temple Dome. Note the movable shade to protect folks from that bright Sierra sun.

A closer view of the back of the Temple Dome.

There is also a new and improved dry sauna at the Temple Dome Pool area.

It's really hard to photograph the inside of a small sauna.

The Phoenix Baths are seasonal pools inside private rooms, and the warm spring water is drained and refilled between users. The Phoenix Baths also house the newly remodeled spa area.