Wilbur Hot Springs

Hi everyone!

2010-08-26T11:40:00.000-07:00

I think we are going to move to Tumblr.
http://wilburhotsprings.tumblr.com/

Does anyone have any thoughts on that?

Wilbur Hot Springs: What people want; what people need.

2010-08-26T09:55:00.000-07:00

This stuff is vital to think about, and we are thrilled to see the NY Times & Economist reporting on these oft overlooked impacts of modern living. What’s more, this is just beginning, and to all our fans who tire of the madness and pace of this modern world… it will subside. At least, the conversation that is being had will lead to more of us connecting, sharing, and living… without the drone of tiring tech.

This is relevant to you - to us - and to everyone else..... Please share this with your friends, family, people you love, and… especially... the people who need it. The problem is that the people who need it most will take the least amount of time to read and understand it. So the duality of human condition marches on.

Studying attention & memory as it is effected by the technology & pace of modern culture. Being off-grid & in nature repairs our tech-hysteria & dependence:

"But the trip’s organizer, David Strayer, a psychology professor at the University of Utah, says that studying what happens when we step away from our devices and rest our brains — in particular, how attention, memory and learning are affected — is important science.

'Attention is the holy grail,' Mr. Strayer says.

'Everything that you’re conscious of, everything you let in, everything you remember and you forget, depends on it.'”

Being over-attached to tech is harmful -- and we pay a price. It is changing the way we behave, interact, and exist within a moment.

“Scientists say juggling e-mail, phone calls and other incoming information can change how people think and behave. They say our ability to focus is being undermined by bursts of information.

These play to a primitive impulse to respond to immediate opportunities and threats. The stimulation provokes excitement — a dopamine squirt — that researchers say can be addictive. In its absence, people feel bored.

The resulting distractions can have deadly consequences, as when cellphone-wielding drivers and train engineers cause wrecks. And for millions of people like Mr. Campbell, these urges can inflict nicks and cuts on creativity and deep thought, interrupting work and family life.”

“Mr. Nass at Stanford thinks the ultimate risk of heavy technology use is that it diminishes empathy by limiting how much people engage with one another, even in the same room.

‘The way we become more human is by paying attention to each other,’ he said. ‘It shows how much you care.’

That empathy, Mr. Nass said, is essential to the human condition. ‘We are at an inflection point,’ he said. ‘A significant fraction of people’s experiences are now fragmented.’”

“Stuff” doesn’t make people happy, while experiences create a long lasting, woven tapestry of happiness– more and more people are asking the simple question, “But will it make me happy?” We often mindlessly do what the rest of the crowds are doing…. But is it fulfilling?

“S. STROBEL — our heroine who moved into the 400-square foot apartment — is now an advocate of simple living, writing in her spare time about her own life choices at Rowdykittens.com.

’My lifestyle now would not be possible if I still had a huge two-bedroom apartment filled to the gills with stuff, two cars, and 30 grand in debt,’ she says.

“’Give away some of your stuff,’” she advises. “’See how it feels.’”

The final thought, from the Economist, is going to hit everyone a little close to home.
Why Americans cannot enjoy their holidays - and how we don't *really* get away anymore. Not only do we give back nearly five hundred million vacation days back each year… when we are on vacation, we aren’t really on vacation.

“Even when Americans do take time off, they find it hard to relax. Having holidayed for many years with the family of a Wall Street lawyer, your columnist’s slumber has all too often been disturbed in the early hours by the murmur of writs, affidavits and threatening letters being dictated by phone to New York from Provence, Tuscany and other otherwise tranquil locations. It may be that without this unremitting industry the lawyer and his family could not have afforded quite so many hops across the Atlantic. But it seems pretty clear that something cultural—that famous Puritan fear of idle hands and easeful nights—is at work as well.”

These are profound thoughts, and shatter many a world view. This is a much more grounded, yet holistic, approach for understanding how we exist within our moments, our families, our communities, and more. Not unlike the subtle commentary of The Tao Te Ching (that link leads to the *ENTIRE* Stephen Mitchell Tao translation) to walk the centered path....

We need to re-center, and reconnect with what is truly important…

No, not our phones. Our – selves, our loves, our lives.

…. And maybe multi-tasking and constant professional vigilance isn’t proving anything to anyone, except that we silently suffer in unknown, embarrassed, agreement.

Admittedly, it's refreshing to know that our way of life hasn't been too far off... and while I just realized Burning Man has a cell phone signal available on the playa, Wilbur Hot Springs is still the same off-grid, unplugged, 100% solar, pure escape. Your phone wouldn’t work even if you wanted it to.

We are quickly becoming one of the only places you can truly reconnect with your hidden human without the external noise (be it yours, or someone else’s) that confounds the intimacy needed for self-actualization.

It's exciting to know that more people are going to look for the experience we have always provided... but it should also assure those of you concerned about our future that it provides every reason to stay precisely as we have for the last 30 years.

The future is what you know… to shed the complexities of earthly possessions, and flow like the springs into connecting with every corner of your mind, body, and soul!

Please share if you think these values are vital… or if you know people who simply need to step back once in awhile. I sure do.

Thanks for listening. =) Be healthy, at peace, and well!

Summertime Sharing from Wilbur Hot Springs!

2010-07-14T16:26:00.000-07:00

(It's either a bridge to nowhere, or a bridge to everywhere. Depends on the viewer.)

Another slight romp through the recesses of the internet.... and the curiosity of how a little historic hotel with ancient hot springs - 100% solar, 100% off grid, and 100% no cell signals - can be nestled in the middle of nowhere but still reach millions around the world through an amazing new technology. It is always special to see how people flock to us to be cradled, nestled, in our little valley and reconnect with themselves.... and how being away and less overwhelmed with modern technology can spark incredible art, words, meaning.

So, as always, our guests have been inspired, created, and shared.... don't hesitate to share your own in the comments section, on our Facebook page, or on Twitter.

The River of images (from Flickr) that flows from our springs and our nature preserve are always special....

In fact, sometimes the flow of our guests leads us from one place to another... like words which lead to photos. It means a lot to us when people share, especially across multiple networks, or multiple posts. It isn't easy getting the word out there about Wilbur: our ethos, our purpose.... but all of you help us do it, in a multitude of ways, and a multitude of websites!

Simone Blanc started with a teaser post, which led to a wonderful mention of us in this blog post, with stunning photos. In fact... she adds a couple more photos in this post as well, and we cannot begin to thank her for all the INCREDIBLE sharing ... a lot of her friends have been introduced to us now! =)

A nice mention in this very professional, cool looking blog.... Remote Hot Springs in California!

In fact, more and more off grid and eco / ethical tourism companies are finding us, which is thrilling. I have worked with a gent on a off grid article about to be published, Travel Good (responsible, ethical travel and tourism) just wrote us up in a piece about a "Global Search for Tranquility". Now those are incredibly kind words!

If you are going to find those hot springs... you are going to need a map. Here is a new mapping tool... and it shows an incredible orientation of our topography and location. Very cool!

Of course.. you may have remembered the blog post about our green weddings (how could you not... listing hundreds of photos and the do it yourself ethic behind a creative and STUNNING wedding). Since then we added a page about them *here* - but this is a fantastic blog post that talks about Green Weddings at Wilbur!

Guest stories & images, Sarana Yoga, Chef Weekend & more!

2010-06-15T10:05:00.000-07:00

Howdy all you Wilbur-ites!

Another installment of information, pictures, and more!

First of all, I want to make sure you are aware of the 25th and 26th of June, we have our incredible Yoga Workshop and Chef's weekend - incredible food to satiate you after an incredible and fulfilling day's worth of Yoga. More information about Sarana here - *CLICK ME!*, and a tantalizing, tempting, incredible menu from Angela Karegeannes. You can see what she has in store for every meal, just *CLICK HERE!*. It's actually quite incredible.... it's going to be so yummy! =)

If you have ever mused on taking a weekend and making it a retreat for the mind, body, and tummy.... it is something you should consider!

If you missed the June Newsletter, *CLICK HERE* for Meg's beautiful images, all our information, notes from the staff... and MORE!

Dr. Miller says hello to all of you! I wanted to be sure to mention his radio show, "Mind Body Health Politics" that plays bi-weekly... You can find all the information on Dr. Miller's Website for the show - **HERE**.

Now... let's delve into the words of our family. This week we find musings, prose, and thoughts about our existence in relation to the healing waters. They work in many ways, but *these words* - they spark me. It reminds us that every experience, and every trip, to Wilbur is different... and each one can affect the heart & mind and effect the body in ways that are constantly evolving. We didn't completely solve the author's concerns, but we helped in the healing. That is something very special.

It's also interesting to see how Wilbur has affected people so deeply, it alters their expectations and experiences at other hot springs. We don't like that we can be an forces that moves you from your center in other experiences... but we are all aware of what Wilbur is, and it isn't surprising that you can carry it with you beyond your visit. It's sort of beautiful, actually... and reading words like the link above helps us to continue doing what we do!

Now to images, pictures... stories standing in time!

I love the pots hanging, so I start with his last pic. Just click here and then work backwards through his stream!

Todd Petrik is a regular contributor and photographer at Wilbur... and his work always finds a new nook, or interesting cranny, as it were. It's exciting to see his take on our Wilbur... and these few shots are a joy. THANKS TODD!

Another moment captured in the photo stream - I love seeing young love share their story!

Finally... Flicker River. It's an amazing site that let's you search terms and find the most beautiful of photos in a way that is almost lyrical and storied. It's a treat to see the culmination of all our Wilbur photos, and the ways that people experience, and remember, our little hot springs hotel! Here is the main Wilbur FLICKER RIVER, but here are more photos based off of another search - "interesting!".

It's always a pleasure to share, commune, communicate... with all of you! If you ever have any questions, you can always reach me at wilburhotsprings@gmail.com

You can find out more about us here: Wilbur Hot Springs. You know you can find us on Twitter @WilburHotSpring, as well as on Facebook. We want to listen, learn and grow.... so let us know what you think, how you are doing, or about an experience you had with us! If the story is something we can share, we'd be happy to offer a thank you rate for your next stay!

Thank you all, hope this finds you well...

Cheers & Happy Springing!!
Michael at Wilbur!

Every day I am bereft of words to thank all of you, our family - These stories and pictures are just epic!

2010-05-18T16:51:00.000-07:00

I think top billing goes to Meg Solaegui, our bunny.... she has been at Wilbur for some time, and by the look of it has had a chance to hone her photography skills. I am to understand that she has 5-8K of wildflowers, wild animals, and Wild Wilbur to share with the world. She is just getting started on flickr, but her pictures assure that there is a lot of amazing artistry to come!

Social Workout helps to remind us of one of our most exciting events of the year... Sarana Miller Yoga workshop in Late June! More info here!

And onward to personal stories of escape, relaxation, healing, private adventure, and MORE!

In Hot Water!

A wonderful post helping new Wilburites understand a bit more about our culture, our pace, and, especially, our fantastic kitchen. Taking that long to cut fruit is interesting, and using a "Q" on a Sunday is remarkable. =)

A Woman in the Sun

This is a beautiful, lyrical bit of prose poetry. It dwells on the nature of being a woman, understanding it, and unlocking the part of your womanhood that gives you strength. Also, be sure to check out my comment. I got a bit nostalgic, and prose prone myself! =)

Powerhouse retreats chats about her retreat class from past weekend (there will be more)! =)

It's such a pleasure seeing people find us as a viable, worthwhile green wedding venue! It's so exciting to see comments like this!

In fact, we are still getting lots of interest from Eunice and Daniel's Hello Lucky / Martha Steward Wedding Mag wedding! Polyvore just picked up some of their ideas here and here.

It's also quite nice to see community developing around the power of hot springs, uniting friends and family in ways that were not previously possible! Being listed on sites like Find A Spring, and Cali Hot Springs helps get the word out! Don't hesitate to share what you know about us with your friends! Every little bit helps - whether it's a retweet from our twitter account, or sharing our page on Facebook!

Cheers to all of you artists and thinkers! Thank you for being part of our family, and hope you enjoyed this list of fun links and info! I hope this finds you well, and we hope this finds you at Wilbur soon enough!

Sincerely,

Michael at Wilbur!

Northern California Yoga Retreat with Sarana Miller!

2010-05-05T11:22:00.000-07:00

Upcoming Yoga Workshop with Sarana the 25th and 26th of June!

It's likely to excite many of you, as Sarana is well known, deeply respected, and profoundly experienced with Yoga. But for those unaware, Sarana is an amazing part of the culture and experience at Wilbur, and we cherish what she brings to the collective experience, our property, and hopefully your lives.

The next major "expo" is coming up... and if you have been looking for a personal retreat, couples escape, or yoga adventure... come to Wilbur Hot Springs to reconnect!

Please join us for a weekend of breath, chanting, asana and soaking in the healing mineral waters of Wilbur. Come strengthen your practice while relaxing and rejuvenating your body and mind. We'll step back from our daily routines and retreat to this sacred land, home to healing waters that have been used for renewal for centuries.

Students will practice yoga on Wilbur's beautiful yoga deck, cradled in nature with the sounds of nature and the Wilbur creek. We will begin each day with chanting and pranayama, followed by breakfast and then an active morning session. In the afternoon there will be time for bathing, hiking, massage and personal time. We will gather in the late afternoon for a restorative session followed by a delicious dinner.

Yoga Weekend Vacation Includes:
• 5 organic meals (Chef to be announced)
• 5 yoga sessions
• 2 nights accommodations - including use of baths, sauna and grounds

Cost: Private room, shared $515
Bunk: $475
Camping: $415

To Sign Up!

Enrollment is limited-please sign up as soon as possible to reserve your space.

Send check to: Sarana Miller, 3017 Wheeler, Berkeley, CA 94705

Phone: (510) 502-9642

Email: sarana@mac.com

Website: http://www.saranayoga.com/

Wilbur is?

2010-05-03T15:50:00.000-07:00

It's funny... I was replying to a yelp review, and this popped out of my noggin'. I wouldn't share it but I sort of think it's right on! =) That being said, it's not just about what I or Wilbur thinks... it's also how you define it! So beyond the below words -- which are simply my interpretation as to what Wilbur is for everyone else -- what is Wilbur to you (if it isn't too personal to share?)

Here's what I said that made me think of asking all of you!

"Wilbur exists for the individual experience, the reconnection with self & rediscovery of the human we lose touch with. It's an exceptional way to find that center again, it can even be a path to reconnect with the people & reorient the responsibilities in your life, as well. One aspect of Wilbur that has changed *MY* life, as well as many of our guests, is that it is something that you can carry with you & experience inside yourself even after you have left. Wilbur truly is a state of mind, & it's wonderful that you could explore that state!"

I hope this finds you well... and whatever Wilbur is to all of you, thank you and enjoy!

Michael

Please share us with your friends, be it Facebook, pics or stories!

2010-04-21T11:42:00.000-07:00

First things *FIRST*! Our late April "Flowers and Food" Chef's weekend with the Chef Cascio is coming up... QUICK! The rate is really low, and it's probably the best time to take advantage of this if you have always wondered what it's like. Tell them Mike sent you! =)

I know I know.... you are asking if I have any more links to that fantastic wedding from Martha Stewart! Okay ... maybe you are not. But I have to give one last one that sort of compiles the whole experience. What's more.... they were kind enough to not only use us... but to *SHARE* us with their world!

It's too kind, and we cannot thank them enough. In these dark economic times, we need to make sure people remember us! Being off grid, and 100% solar powered makes for the greenest hotel in the world. What it does not do is get you noticed... so we really need all the help we can in getting the word out about Wilbur!

If it isn't too much to ask, could you share us with your friends? Either suggest the facebook page to your network, tell people stories, or let us know about your flickr pics! We love seeing the other side of the guest experience, and how the impact of Wilbur is carried through into everyday life. We would love to see more of what you do, who you interact with, and let everyone that is like minded and get what we do to know they can proudly and happily share their experiences knowing it will help to bolster our future with new interest!

What's more... if you have a business or anything else you use a facebook page for, let us know se we can network and share between one another's networks!

Now.. on to more interesting stuff!

This is such a cool concept... "Flickerriver", which shows a river of your photos... quite appropriate for Hot Springs, if I do say so myself.

What's more... it alerted me to "KAP CHRIS" on Flickr... and his recent photos that are so surreal, and so novel. He attached a 35 MM camera to a 35 foot tall carp fishing pole and began taking aerial shots of Wilbur, Sulphur Creek, our abandoned minds, and more. This is truly amazing, and I highly suggest any Wilburite taking the time to see a view that few have seen.... in fact... NO ONE HAS! Until now...

This is from the "that's sort of odd" file, and if you ever feel the need to see Wilbur, but the free pics we provide are just too easy... what about buying some from images.com stock photography section? Wait.... what? I am not sure I totally grasp the internet yet, but if you ever need a shot of our property... just tell me and I will send it along! =)

In fact, if you ever need anthing... don't hesitate to reach out to me! Through this blog, twitter at http://www.twitter.com/wilburhotspring, or just shoot an email to wilburhotsprings@gmail.com.

I am all ears, and excited to learn more from all of you... so keep sharing all this wonderful stuff I come across on the internet. I am here for all of you, and hope to hear from you soon!

Sincerely,
Michael at Wilbur!

News, thoughts, meanderings, wanderings, amblings (okay okay that's enough mental rambling)

2010-04-05T18:22:00.001-07:00

Howdy all! Just another friendly edition of our "look at this cool stuff" blog!

The big thing we can share this week is Mr. Daniel Vitalis, a health guru and forward thinking gent in regards to nutrition, permaculture, and a more holistic understanding of life, love, and what we do at Wilbur! In his blog, he posted some commentary and thoughts on Wilbur, plus a running conversation with his followers is spirited, interesting, and fun! He is a sweetheart, with great intentions, and has chosen to share our special place with his fans! If you prefer just to watch his two videos, you can find number one here, and number two here!

Also, Daniel really roused a positive reaction from our very own Dr. Miller, and he was moved deeply in watching Daniel's missives on our little Hot Springs. Dr. Miller was thrilled that the non-cultishness and personal aspect of our hot spring came through - It was an honor to know that Daniel would choose us over any of our other sister-community Hot Springs!

A quick, mention of us with no real intent other than to show you a cute pic of a cow interested in a cute fluffy monster. Yup... I'm not kidding. I think you can see it there! ;^)

At the bottom left of Karel Hendee's art page, you will see a silkscreen (I think) of Wilbur's valley. Awesome work. I like it... it reminds me that there is always endless original art out there.... you never need purchase bad lithographs or gaudy copies of art.... there is something out there for everyone... you just need to look a bit. =)

I am utterly confident that you have already seen the beautiful wedding that was highlighted in Martha Stewart's Wedding Magazine, but in case you missed it... it's worth a peak! In fact, it's hard to get away from since other wedding blogs keep posting pics, like Fffffound, Picture Perfect Wedding and even the Martha blog where Eunice wraps up her thoughts, as well as some final pics.

A beautiful commentary on nakedness and being lost... Wilbur is integral or relevant to the post, but it isn't about us so much as her. It is so beautiful - in so many ways. It also brings to light the conversation between nude and naked... I am sure she used it appropriately in her post, but we often feel that the word "naked" is loaded with so much negativity and shame in regards to our body and self image, that the term nude is usually used in a positive context. BUT THEN... I looked it up; I cannot begin to tell you how academia is fighting over the concept of what means what.... so let's just do this: use whatever term makes your comfortable, but know it is something to be proud of, without shame or insecurity. It is our natural state, and it's beautiful!

The artists that are poets, painters, photographers and more that are our community are a true blessing. Every day our minds our stimulated and educated and opened to beautiful thoughts, and beautiful worlds. It is humbling, but empowering, to know the way we can affect a human being. It is our intent that Wilbur is much more than an escape, or gentle place to relax. We mean to be much more than a "night's stay", and the words above convince us that we are doing just that.... we want to be transformative, and impacting... so that when you walk away from Wilbur Hot Springs you have a refreshed attitude, and connection with yourself. Wilbur is a day or two long journey that can last years... and to see our healing impact both mind and body helps celebrate exactly why we exist... and why we truly want to be shared with others.

In fact, the above blog inspired me to write a piece on comfort zones and growing older.... I might just share it if I stop being embarrassed. =)

But Wilbur obvoiusly impacts, reaches, and affects many people, and it is an honor for people to be so open and share their lives in regards to their relationship with us. It is something we could have never appreciated without the help of the internet, and coming across a powerful, introspective blog post like this one is what keeps us striving to deliver!

Here is a new site I found that mentions us.... in a wonderful light! Some of the photos he got are fantastic, as well! But there are plenty of wonderful places to find us, like 71 Miles & Weekend Sherpa.

Speaking of photography, here is another photographer that has gotten some wonderful shots at Wilbur and in our Nature Preserve. Just thumb through the "Wilbur set" you see on the right.

I don't really want to say how much time it took, but my good golly I did it... I favorited every wilbur photo on flickr to our account. Now we can enjoy them in any way we wish... plug them into a screensaver, peruse them, share them.... or just stare at the slideshow as we wax longingly for a soak!

Wilbur is special, but it's the people that visit us that make it that way. We have some amazing artists who visit us!

And here's something educational - An educational abstract on gastropods found in our heat vents deep in the earth's crust... I think

March 26-28, 2010 Wilbur Hot Springs Guest Chef Weekend

2010-03-15T13:59:00.001-07:00

Join us and Chefs Charlie and Marion Cascio for a weekend of sunshine, fresh produce and abundance. Come celebrate the arrival of Spring!

For information or reservations, call (530) 473-2306

Our Wilbur wedding became the world's wedding!

2010-03-11T19:43:00.000-08:00

The Creative Director of Hello Lucky! Stationers fell in Love.... which is as magical a thing as Wilbur! What's more, they partnered (in a less lifelong and more business-like manner) with Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine. It wasn't just magical, nor just momentous. I have only seen one wedding that was more beautiful, and that was my own! ;^) Seriously... the Do It Yourself ethic (D.I.Y.) coupled with the creativity and artistry of Hello Lucky and their contacts created the most beautiful and inspired moment in time one could ever hope for.... and it has been a *DREAM* for Wilbur to be recognized and chatted about by so many people!

Well... the only thing we can do is say thank you to the effusive and epic love that spawned the creativity, inspiration, ingenuity, and diversion from derivative ideas that created this special day.... and made Wilbur looks as beautiful as ever!

So many people have asked for links, images, thoughts, posts, and more in regards to this day... and we must say we had little to do with it beyond the location. That being said.... we are happy to promote the special day, and all the amazing aspects of how it came together. Below are a gaggle of links helping you explore their special day, that wonderful DIY ethic, and everything else that will help you become inspired... whether for your own day or just *every* day!

Here is the main wedding gallery on the Martha Stewart Weddings Website.

But there is so much more! You can hardly hope to capture all the elements of an event like this, but they did a fantastic job......

General Overview of the wedding & follow up.

Then follow ups *galore*!

#1 - Save the Dates and Invitations

#2 - The Stunning Dress!

#3 - The Fashions!

#4 - The Carnival-esque Parade

#5 - Benches, Program fans, Flower Girl, and Confetti

#6 - The Amazing Stage

#7 - Signage

#8 - Food & Beverage

#9 - Customized Labels

On top of that, Hello Lucky has added a couple other things in regards to the event.... a Eunice centric postin regards to the makeup and hair, a post about the photobooth, the stationary, and one of all the overall wedding shots.

On top of that:

Wedding Bee Pro did a feature, as did 100 Layer Cake. "Because We Can" highlighted their INCREDIBLE work, and you can find us just about EVERYWHERE! (Yes that last one is a link to Hello Lucky's Facebook page.

This is so special for us, in so many endless, nameless ways. It is a powerful moment in Wilbur's history, and we really hope this sort of exposure helps more people to connect with, understand, and celebrate Wilbur Hot Springs. You know you can find us on Twitter @WilburHotSpring, as well as on Facebook.

THE AMBASSADOR PROGRAM! : A Message from Dr. Miller, Wilbur caretaker and kindly gent!

2010-02-23T11:41:00.001-08:00

Dear Friends of Wilbur:

This is a very special offer from The Wilbur Ambassador Program!

We have decided to spend our marketing money on our loyal guests and their friends, rather than on advertising and public relations. Bring friends to Wilbur who have never been here before, and we shall welcome them by picking up half of their bill! In addition, our gift to you, as a Goodwill Ambassador for Wilbur is 25% off all of your massages during your stay!

We have set aside a select number of rooms for the Ambassador Special. To receive this special offer, be sure to mention the Ambassador Special when making your reservation. This offer is only valid through March 25^th, and subject to availability, so call us soon to secure your rooms. Offer excludes holiday periods, cannot be used with other discounts, and is valid when reserving separate rooms.

See you at Wilbur!

Richard

Richard Louis Miller, M.A., Ph.D.

Wilbur Caretaker since 1972

A little bit of history for all you Wilbur-ites!

2009-10-12T11:21:00.000-07:00

It is pretty exciting for all of us who are huge fans of Wilbur Springs, and the wonderful little hotel and community that exists there. It has long been known that Wilbur is special... but when you start asking people why... well that's when it all gets a bit confusing! Wilbur Hot Springs is something so personal, and so deeply carried... that everyone makes their own experience, their own memories, and their own interpretation of what makes this place so transcendent and peaceful. It is one of the things that I truly enjoy.... being able to interact with everyone based off their passion and interpretation of the place. Some simply say that the "energy" here is unlike anywhere else in the world.... it is. Some strictly come for the waters... restorative and healing in every possible way. Others for finding a place that truly removes you from modern life, and reconnects you with your beleaguered human condition. Some just want to be part of the nature, others simply want to photograph moments.

Whatever passions and internal richness that are born here, one thing that constantly surrounds us is history... and it is important (not just fun), to understand where our current springs and hotel came from... beyond just the land... but relating to the recent history, how humans have altered the landscape, and what has happened in the years since.

Many people do not know how much of a "town" Wilbur Springs was, and it was a place of industry and hard labour between moments of serenity as a destination for the weary; there were those who worked hard in the mines, and those who needed the restorative powers of the springs - the reason we are still here! In the coming weeks, I will be posting stand alone pictures and PDF's of old news articles, deeds and documents for the truly curious history buffs. At other points I will be sharing stories, pictures, memories, and a little bit of the people and place that has led up to what Wilbur Springs is today! If any of you wish to share your stories or memories, I would love to hear them. You can do it here, on Facebook, or just email wilburhotsprings@gmail.com.

In this post, I want to share a couple of the photos that really delve into the history of Wilbur (beyond our expected nature scenes like the early 1900's Wilbur Springs Postcard pictured at the top). I have already started adding them throughout the post... obviously... but you may still be trying to make sense of the scenery - the earlier pictures show an industrious, crowded, and busy town that no longer exists! Many of our guests come to shed the past tension and stress, and contemplate the moment or even near future..... so many do not get the chance to delve into the past history of our area. There is much more to cover, like the true inhabitants of the past... the Native American population that had lived in the hills and plains for century upon century.

Along with the historic photos, I typically include a follow up photo of the modern location, so you can see just how different it is! Above, you will see a shot of the street scene, as if you were heading into the hotel. It is taken westward, and you can see the Adobe style hotel on the right side of the photo. To the right, you will see a small wooden deck that has since gone the way of the wind. It is my assumption this is, in fact, not a yoga deck. =)

Wilbur Springs is a rare moment of reverse development... where 100 houses and buildings used to exist - it has been returned to nature by many forces... people working together to better the landscape, nature rambling through with its own ideas and plans, or just simple accidents that can forever alter the history of this place! Like the one that burned down the original bathhouse... In fact as I sift through these historical documents it looks like it may have burnt twice!

The back side of the above postcard read: "Dear Mrs. Goodfellow: This postal will remind you of dear old wilbur. I hope you are all feeling good since you got home. We are fine but I would have enjoyed it longer if I could have stayed. Well the children seemed to enjoy it very much. How is baby since she got home? Hoping Mr. Goodfellow is well. Does he lease (?) still? With love, Mrs. Menamy"
Wilbur Hot Springs postcard sent September 4, 1909 (Thank you Sacramento Valley Museum!)

If you think that is interesting, look at the next set of pictures. Imagine you are relaxing during a morning yoga retreat with Sarana, and you look back over the top of the springs... and you don't just see the hotel or the solar house..... but you see an endless stream of teeming inhabited buildings!

It is pretty amazing being able to look at time standing still like this... especially because there is almost no reminder of how crowded this area was just one century before today! Here are a couple more old and new comparisons, like this below one that shows hotel up close.. then and now!

Our porch still intact, we added some extra rooms and support in the late 1970's. The hotel, as most of you know, hasn't changed much in 100 years, and it's possible that we could be certified a Historic Monument at some point, especially as we operated as a Post Office for years!

(A typical scene of a local farm between Williams and Wilbur Springs)

I need to thank Special Collections Department of the Meriam Library, which has an interesting page dedicated to being a "unique regional resource of written and pictorial materials which document the historical as well as the contemporary issues of the 12-county region known as "northeastern California". I also need to lend a big thank you to long time friends and guests "Suzanne & Dan"! They took all the modern location shots for some sense of perspective and historical juxtaposition. It isn't easy to look at the nature preserve and figure out precisely where things used to exist... but they did exactly that. In some photos, they have provided close in-sets to clear up any topographical confusion. That being said, this is more their project than mine.... and I am simply cutting it up and putting it online for more people to enjoy!

I will end there for now.... I originally planned to include the Wilbur Institute for Ecology & Health in this post, which is the non profit name of the 1800 acre nature preserve just past the parking lot! We are sure most of you have biked it, walked it, picnicked, photographed, or possibly just explored (and got to know the original spring that provides life to the springs!)

But that is a lot of information, so I will save those shots for another time.... and hope this sparks your curiosity, sense of awe and wonder in how the history shapes the modern moment, and just how special Wilbur is for more reasons than just epic peace! =)

As always, if you have any questions..... just let me know!

Find me on Facebook, Twitter, or just email me at wilburhotsprings@gmail.com!

Thanks for looking everyone,
Michael
Wilbur's Online Guy!

For being so remote, Wilbur Hot Springs sure is all over the place!

2009-06-23T17:32:00.000-07:00

Cheers and happy day all! I wanted a quick post to say that I am excited to get this going, and really happy to say we have digitized a lot of historic information about Wilbur Hot Springs, and I should be able to share it all here. I will also share videos, pics, people's stories, and more! For now, I want to let you know we are all about connecting with you, everywhere. If you find yourself in any of the follow social circles (so to speak), share with us.... say hi to us.... and enjoy spreading the good word of our little hot springs!!!

You can find us on Twitter, of course! @wilburhotspring at your service.... answering questions, talking about everything, and learning from all of you!

Find the Wilbur FaceBook Page - a place to interact, share, and ask questions (as well as be notified of events and special offers to our friends and fans! There's also an alum page, in case that is you!

There's our Wilbur Flickr photostream - documenting our story! We are going to be posting a lot of history there - feel free to connect.

Check out our Wilbur YouTube channel; with tours, exploration, and esoteric videos!

There is Trip Advisor, and we are also on Yelp - these are WONDERFUL resources to talk to us, share your enthusiasm for the property, and help spread the good word about our humble little offerings (and waters!). Please review us - it helps us a lot (and be totally honest... we can take it... in fact we learn from it)!

We also started Wikipedia entries - I will be adding a lot of history to them, but if you know anything or would like to pitch in with adding to their accuracy or depth, feel free! The entry on Wilbur Hot Springs, as well as an entry on Dr. Richard Miller.

So to say... we really want to be out there and available to everyone so they can know how special a place we are, and hopefully connect with new friends that can appreciate our offerings. Let me know if you ever have any questions... you can reach me any of the above places... or you can simply email me at wilburhotsprings@gmail.com

Cheers, be well, and hopefully see you soaking soon!

Sincerely,
Michael H.
Wilbur's online concierge, history buff, soak-bum, and lover of all things Wilbur!

YAY! Welcome Wilbur to the blogging & information world!

2009-06-18T17:58:00.000-07:00

This is so exciting. One of the most beautiful, stunning places in the world... deeply entrenched in the concepts of simplicity and calm... is HERE!

The duality doesn't escape me, fair readers. Not for a moment.

In fact, it's likely to be commented on... how come a non-tech historic hotel and hot springs resort from the 1850's that is 100% solar powered, not nearly ready for the world of blogs, moves forward into the world of communication on this modern level?

Well for one, it's hard to tell people about how cool you are when you are totally off the grid. Second, communication is about recognizing, respecting, celebrating, and bolstering our community.... and our community is what makes us so special! The third thing is much simpler: The human condition is littered with complex dualities that makes living even better than you would have ever imagined.

So it is with us... and if this is the first time you have come across us, our property, or our community... it is here where you will learn about what we are all about.

In the coming months, we will be sharing personalities, secrets, activities, ideas, events.... collaboration and pontification...

massive history that we can learn from and find respect in, especially as Wilbur has reverse developed it's community to sustainability and respect for the land.

We hope you learn to love us, or if you already do you learn to celebrate online as a way to spark and maintain the energy that makes us so great! Thanks so much for reading, and we will be back in a couple days.

Sincerely,

Michael H.
Wilbur's online guy!