Some people also enjoy work projects - if that is you, your help will be most welcome.
Surprise Valley is about a 6-1/2 hour drive or, for pilot friends, about a 3-hour flight from the Bay Area. Below are some things coming up in 2021 that might entice you to make that journey.
It is relatively easy to stay in a covid-safe, one-cow apart, outdoor environment up in Modoc.
February 12-15
Rock Hounding Weekend
Help look for stones for the Bath House floor and shower. We'll be doing this right on the property. You might find some rocks you like... if you can fit them into your vehicle, they're yours! Thursday, February 11 will be a moonless night and this weekend should be a great time to see the Milky Way.
May 26-31
May 26-31
Builders Weekend: Finishing the Star Deck
The plan is to build a star gazing deck up on top of the well house so people can get up away from the ground and relax in zero gravity chairs while looking up at the stars without worrying whether there are lions looking at us at the same time. The deck will be big enough to set up a tent on and will have its own parking spot. It'll be far enough away from the build site that guests will feel a sense of privacy, but close enough that we'll hear you calling if you need something. The full moon will rise shortly after 8:30 on Wednesday 26th if you want to join us a day early to watch that.
The plan is to build a star gazing deck up on top of the well house so people can get up away from the ground and relax in zero gravity chairs while looking up at the stars without worrying whether there are lions looking at us at the same time. The deck will be big enough to set up a tent on and will have its own parking spot. It'll be far enough away from the build site that guests will feel a sense of privacy, but close enough that we'll hear you calling if you need something. The full moon will rise shortly after 8:30 on Wednesday 26th if you want to join us a day early to watch that.
June 11-13
Stargazing Deck Inauguration
The deck will be ready for its first overnight guests. Join us for a celebratory beverage and be the first guests to sleep out under the almost-summer stars on the new stargazing deck.
July 9-11
July Dark Sky Retreat
Once the star deck is complete, we hope to start tapping into some of the enthusiasm that attracts people to nearby Massacre Rim Dark Sky Sanctuary, one of fewer than 10 certified dark sky sanctuaries in the world. Our Dark Sky Retreats will feature late nights and restful days. https://www.nevadawilderness.org/massacre_rim_wsa_dark_sky_sanctuaryJuly 31
Eagleville BBQ
Well, we just hope it happens this year.
August 6-8
August Dark Sky Retreat
Our Dark Sky Retreats will feature late nights and restful days. August 8 will be a moonless night and August 11 will be the 2021 peak of the weeks-long perseids meteor shower. Guests should be able to see plenty of "shooting stars" from the star deck.September 2-6
Builders Weekend: Bunk House
Who knows exactly where we'll be with the Bunk House by September, but there will be a project in there somewhere. Plus September 6 will be another no-moon night so there will be plenty of opportunities to relax on the star deck for long evenings of stargazing.
Who knows exactly where we'll be with the Bunk House by September, but there will be a project in there somewhere. Plus September 6 will be another no-moon night so there will be plenty of opportunities to relax on the star deck for long evenings of stargazing.
November 11-14
Veterans Nature Retreat
We'd like to celebrate Veterans Day this year by hosting an outdoor retreat for veterans and service members and their families... if you are or know someone who is a current or former member of the armed forces, who might enjoy an outdoor retreat in a quiet, natural surrounding, please let us know.
November 19
We'd like to celebrate Veterans Day this year by hosting an outdoor retreat for veterans and service members and their families... if you are or know someone who is a current or former member of the armed forces, who might enjoy an outdoor retreat in a quiet, natural surrounding, please let us know.
November 19
World Toilet Day
Yes, there is such a thing. Appreciate your toilet today.
Yes, there is such a thing. Appreciate your toilet today.
December 16 - January 2, 2022
Winter Retreat
A contemplative retreat in the Plum Village tradition. Come for all or part.
A contemplative retreat in the Plum Village tradition. Come for all or part.
