Fallen Leaf Lake-The Ultimate Zen Experience

I am lucky enough to have very dear long time friend that graduated from Stanford University. Their Alumni programs are second to none and my favorite, which I am attending now, is Stanford Camp at Fallen Leaf Lake. Session 5 rocks.

Fallen Leaf Lake is nestled in the Tahoe Lake area and happens to be one of the most beautiful blue, crystal clear, pristine lakes in the area. It is about a ½ hour drive from South Lake Tahoe if you are trying to locate it on the map. The drive from the commercialized South Lake Tahoe area to Stanford Camp triggered many old childhood memories.

My parents took us kids to the mountainous rural lakes outside of Spokane. The pine trees grew as large as the red wood forest or at least it seemed like that to me and the smell of the pine permeated the air. We played near the lake shore where the ground was covered with pine needles and cones and squirrels scampered around trying to steal food where ever possible. When the lakes were calm or better yet early in the morning they were always as smooth as glass with a bit of low hanging cloud just over the surface. A childhood experience that is indelible and forever in my memories

My girlfriends and I start the day at 6:30am rowing. No, not the typical old row boat you think of associated with a summer camp but the one the rowing teams use in the Olympics. They are called skulls. Very cool and not very easy to row. It will be my third day tomorrow and I think I am getting the hang of it.

Then off to a yoga class that is held in an open air chalet at the top of the a hill that commands a view of the lake to die for. Our cute young yoga teacher is so adorable in his zen like yoga positions. We all follow along and actually do OK with this class.

Breakfast is fantastic and I chose a healthy start with yogurt, oatmeal, nuts, and fresh fruit. Yum yum but not very low in calories. Oh well we are at camp right!

The rest of the day includes stand up paddle surf, kayaking, hiking, sun bathing, lectures from guest speakers, games with wonderful friends and then it's time for happy hour. We over 50 crowd do know how to enjoy ourselves. We exercise, eat, socialize, eat some more, maybe take a nap, always have happy hour and off to eat again.

Ahhhh. Stanford camp. I love you and what a perfect Zen week.