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On our wilderness journeys, we will generally hike one or two days in with full packs and then set up a base camp, from which we can explore, establish class routines, and immerse ourselves in the place and our work. We will give our studies considerable effort while still preserving a certain amount of free time for personal exploration. The daily round is to have a class in the morning and often a class in the evening, with afternoons free for reading, writing, and day hiking.
While we are living at the Hinterlands, we will have a relaxing and full schedule, generally beginning our days with yoga and/or meditation, then a morning garden or discussion class. Some afternoons will be free, and others will be spent on field trips. Evening classes will be a time to discuss readings.
These are academic programs. You should be prepared to work earnestly with writing assignments, projects and class presentations as part of the process. Also, we want to have an enjoyable and cohesive time together as a group. Drugs and alcohol, or inappropriate personal conduct, are not part of the Sierra Institute experience. The Sierra Institute reserves the right to dismiss anyone who is a danger to the land, herself/himself, or other group members.
The backpacking can be done by beginners. No prior hiking experience is necessary, but you do need to be able to carry a loaded pack 5-10 miles in a day and have no chronic/debilitating injuries. Minimum impact camping will be stressed. Enrollment is limited to 12-13 students.
The conditions at the Hinterlands are somewhere in between wilderness living and the average frontcountry dwelling. We will spend most of our time outside, including sleeping.
The site has a simple large kitchen, indoor space for occasional meetings or events, and bathing opportunities—whether in a nearby river or creek or a hot shower.
We work hard to provide a safe learning environment in the backcountry. The wildlands and rural classroom, however, is different from studying on campus. You need to be aware of the normal risks of backpacking including but not limited to: snakebite, physical injury, getting lost, lightning storms, etc. In general, we will be away from typical emergency response services,
hospitals, and medical assistance. I have training in wilderness first aid, but I am not a health care professional. In event of an emergency we will do our best to get you promptly to proper care. We will also establish basic safety procedures at the beginning of the program.
Participants provide their own personal backpacking equipment. Group items (tents, stoves, pots) are shared by everyone and organized by the instructor. You may rent a tent inexpensively from the Sierra Institute. An equipment list will be sent upon acceptance.
Students will be responsible for their own breakfasts and lunches while on backpacking trips. For dinners, we will divide our group into cooking pairs who, on a rotating basis, will buy, carry in, and prepare a meal for all. We will decide as a group how we want to do communal and individual meals at the Hinterlands, and we will be growing and gathering some of our food. More information will be sent upon acceptance. Expect to spend approximately $15/day for food. Actual amount will vary depending individual food preferences, including in-town eating preferences during re-supply time.
Weather on the Lost Coast is variable; there may be warm sunny days, fog, or rain. Nights are cool and dewy. The Round Valley, Hinterlands, and Yolla Bolly Mountains are generally warm verging on hot as spring progresses. Rain is possible anytime, though much more likely during the first half of our course.
See also:
program info | courses | field conditions | instructor | costs
See SLIDE SHOW