by Sandra Bruce
Yep…this is a tough post to write.
Instead of packing and prepping for our 2021 retreat, I am unpacking things, and listening to the news about the Caldor Fire which has been approaching Lake Tahoe for a while now. We had to cancel our retreat in Zephyr Cove for next week. Zephyr Point is just over the California/Nevada border on Lake Tahoe, and only a handful of miles away from the fire. There’s been a bit of good news today with the weather cooperating a little more than it has for the firefighters who are working tirelessly to save one of the jewels of Northern California.
Zephyr Point Conference Center is one of the most beautiful facilities there is to hold a retreat. For 7 years we have conducted our retreats there, and marveled at the scenes outside our windows as we sewed: the pristine lake, mountains, and pine trees that smelled like heaven. Right now I shudder to think what the view is outside those windows. We hope and pray that the lake and all its surroundings are spared and the fire is extinguished in time. The Center is housing employees who live in South Lake Tahoe and have been evacuated. (I’m not sure if the Center itself has received the notice to evacuate.) If you would like to make a donation to the Center to help them during this difficult time, you may do so here:
Donate
We’ll be in touch, all of you who have faithfully followed our blog over the years. For now, we’re thankful to be safe here at home, as well as all our students who were so patient with us as this story unfolded. For now, I’d like to post a couple of my favorite Zephyr shots from past retreats.
Stay tuned, stay safe.
artisticalchemyblog 
Sorry to hear this news! I’m sure there are a lot of disappointed people.
Hi, Carolyn….yes, lots of disappointed ladies!
My heart goes out to you guys. We’ve been watching the fire closely due to having property at the top of Kingsbury Grade.
I live in the East Bay and most days we have the odor of smoke and can see the smoke line on all sides. I can only imagine how horrible it must be in Tahoe. The thought of blackened trees and lost structures is heartbreaking. I worry about all the ash falling in the lake itself as well. Thankfully most were able to evacuate early along the fire line. It’s always disappointing to have to cancel especially after last year but there is simply no alternative right now. Keeping everyone safe is the most important thing right now. Here’s hoping the weather cooperates for the next few days so the fire can be contained and the fire fighters can catch a break. Mother Nature is not happy right now, that’s for sure.
Thanks, Corkpop…couldn’t have said it better myself.
What a huge disappointment for all of you! I sure hope the fire gets contained before it gets to the lake. I have such fond memories of Lake Tahoe and of my week at Zephyr point.
Hi, Jane…that first year was super special, yes. I have fond memories too!
The other comments say it all. I feel so fortunate to have been able to go to this retreat tree times!!!! Gene and I have very fond memories of our time there and the friendships we made. It is so sad to hear about what is going on and the possibility of our friends having to evacuate. On disappointing for Artistic Alchemy, to have to cancel and for the students. Stay strong, my friends. Btw, nice pictures. Thanks for sharing.
Big hugs to you, Rejeanne…you are one of the friends I have made through our retreats. I’ll never forget my times with you, especially in Toronto!
Right back to you, Sandra. I also treasure those memories and I’m always hopeful we can see each other again. 😘
The other comments say it all. I feel so fortunate to have been able to go to this retreat tree times!!!! Gene and I have very fond memories of our time there and the friendships we made. It is so sad to hear about what is going on and the possibility of our friends having to evacuate. On disappointing for Artistic Alchemy, to have to cancel and for the students. Stay strong, my friends. Btw, nice pictures. Thanks for sharing.
Lots of fond memories, Rejeanne!
Looks like such an amazingly beautiful and peaceful place for a retreat so sorry to read this news.
Tierney, thank you, you’ve been a faithful follower and poster here, we appreciate it!
🙂