These Boots are Made for Hiking...

Conducted every other week.
Curious About Meditation? Give Yourself the Gift of a Calmer Mind!
Hello. Many of you have asked me to do this so here it is.
Location is in the South Natomas area and will be provided to those who will RSVP 48 hours before the event.

Have you ever wanted to try meditation, but felt unsure where to start? Maybe you have tried on your own without much success, or perhaps the idea just feels a little mysterious or uncertain where to begin. You are not alone!

Whether you are a complete beginner, have dabbled a bit, or just want to see what meditation could offer you, this session is designed for you. We will gently explore a variety of simple, accessible techniques: breath awareness, japa ajapa (mala meditation), OM chanting, visualization, and simply being present.

No pressure. No expectations. Just a welcoming space to discover what feels natural to you. With my step-by-step guidance, we will make it easy, relaxing, and even fun—so you can see for yourself how meditation gently shifts your state of mind.

Meditation has many benefits that can positively impact your daily life. It can help reduce everyday stress and anxiety, improve mental clarity and focus, and boost your overall sense of well-being and calm. Regular practice often leads to better sleep and deeper relaxation, while also increasing self-awareness and emotional balance. Most importantly, meditation helps you respond to life’s challenges with greater mindfulness and calm rather than reacting impulsively.
Come with an open mind and a little curiosity—you might just be surprised by what you find. Experience why so many people turn to meditation for clarity, peace, and inspiration.
Ready to give it a try? So, join me as we explore. Dress comfortably.
We will conduct this event at my private residence and the address will be provided to you in private. It can become a regular event in the future.

We will also explore various Pranayama techniques.
About me: Yoga Teacher, ERYT500, YACEP, Author of yoga books and meditation

I'm back! Please note the earlier meeting time (8:20 AM) due to summer temps. Hike subject to cancellation due to high heat and/or poor air quality. Park closes on elevated fire risk days.

Hello fellow Walkin’ Boots people! This is a weekly intermediate-level hike of 5-6 miles on my home turf here in Auburn at my favorite trail system: Hidden Falls Regional Park.

General info about this weekly hike:
This will be a moderately-paced hike with 1 or 2 brief breaks to enjoy the scenery for an overall moderate degree of strenuous-ness, the goal being to get a good workout in a beautiful natural setting. Trails can be steep in places—usually for short stretches—and the last part of the hike back to the parking lot is always uphill for a mile and moderately steep, as the trail system is in a little canyon. Parts of the trail have lots of embedded rocks. There’s a fair amount of shade. Trails are well-marked and maintained, and shared with cyclists and equestrians. Dogs are welcome and must be kept on leash. Ticks are present and Lyme disease is endemic in Auburn. The area is considered to be at extreme risk of wildfires which can break out at any time. Cell reception is poor...see links below to download maps in advance. There is a wifi hotspot at the sign board near the bathrooms in the parking lot. Parking is free on non-holiday weekdays, no reservation required. See park website for "high usage date" weekdays requiring reservations.

Bring plenty of fluids and perhaps a snack, good all-terrain shoes, layered clothing including rain protection just in case, sun protection, hiking poles if you use them, first aid supplies, and don't forget that smile. :)

Meeting time is 8:20 AM in the HFRP parking lot at 7587 Mears Place in Auburn and we'll head out by 8:30. Apple's navigation app will misdirect you; Google Maps is accurate. If you’re coming from parts west, you could talk amongst yourselves and arrange to meet at 7:30 at the Sunsplash park n' ride in Roseville (1836 Taylor Rd.) and carpool from there. Due to poor cell reception, communication with me will not be possible after 7:30 AM the morning of the hike.

Links for downloading maps in advance:

Park website where you can download a trail map: https://www.placer.ca.gov/6106/Hidden-Falls-Regional-Park

Trail map on All Trails:
****(We will not be doing this exact route, but if you download this map it should give you access to all or most of the trails in the park.)****
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/hidden-falls-trail-loop

Note:
The hike is classed as ADVANCED because of the 45 minute extremely steep uphill climb for almost 1 mile which is equal to 65 flights of stairs. Please be considerate before you RSVP as we will not leave you behind if you are struggling, however that will have an affect on those members that came for the exercise but instead chose to help you. This hike is suitable for intermediate hikers that are accustomed to hiking UP HILL with a 1000 foot elevation gain. This hike is not suitable for beginners, do not make this your first hike.

Come join us to an excellent midweek hike that's about 4.5 miles long . We'll stop at the river to marvel at the view during the summer months. This complete hike is over lush green mountains and hills, amid a wide variety of trees. After the river, we'll make a long uphill climb. You could experience breathing challenges and joint pain, so keep these conditions in mind. We end by 8:30.

This is a dog friendly event so bring them along as long as you are in control of your dog. Also please have courtesy and clean up after your pet.

Things to Bring: water, headlamp, a smile and a gentle attitude. If you would like to join afterward for the potluck bring something to share. Please bring a bowl and utensil to use at the potluck and wash at home

Follow instructions below:
We'll meet at the trailhead: Take the I-80 towards Reno and exit at Newcastle Rd. heading straight to Indian Hill Rd. Turn left at Auburn-Folsom Rd. and a right turn on Maidu Dr. Go straight on Maidu until it dead ends where you'll see a green gate. This is just below the bike parks. (877274, -121.06591). Park along the sides of the road, we will meet in front of the gate. Please click on the map icon for more details.
See you on the Trail!

We'll meet at Rossmoor and Ambassador Drives at the Rossmoor Bar park entrance sign by the yellow gate, parking is free. We'll be walking on a mix of asphalt and dirt trails for 1.5 hours (3.25-4 mi). Meet for summer hours at 7am (June thru September), the rest of the year 8am. We depart promptly at 7:05 or 8:05 am all year round, rain or shine. It's mainly flat, we go the pace of the group. We alternate the route each time between heading toward El Manto or River Bend Park just to spice it up a bit. We see wildlife, go along the river (and sometimes in it) and enjoy conversation. Many don't sign up so expect 3-7 attendees most days. Dogs are welcomed, we have 2 regular fuzz faces. It is recommended you wear long sleeves and pants as we sometimes go thru stickers, shoe gaiters are helpful. There is always a bathroom stop if needed. Bring water, a hat, rain gear, sunscreen, hand sanitizer and a snack if needed.