Reserving the Week -- that will change your life

FOR EARLY MORNING WALKS AND GUIDED HIKES

  • Well broken-in hiking boots or shoes with aggressive lugged tread are REQUIRED for mountain hikes. Walking or running shoes with good soles are fine for other hikes.
  • Bring several pairs of synthetic or light wool hiking socks, and liners.
  • Warm-up suit or other lightweight-but-warm “layered” clothing system (i.e. shirt plus fleece vest) that allows you to be warm, or cool down, as needed.
  • Windbreaker
  • Water bottle: If possible, bring your own to help us use less manufactured resources (the Ranch provides a personal water bottle for your use if needed…)
  • Fanny pack or small lightweight daypack (capable of carrying a water bottle and snack on hikes)

FOR HIKES IN LATE FALL (NOV.), WINTER (DEC-FEB), AND EARLY SPRING (MAR, APRIL)

  • Rain gear (we don’t get much—perhaps 10 inches a year—but it can happen, usually in Feb. and March)
  • Warm, light-weight jacket (i.e. synthetic fleece)
  • Long, loose-fitting pants (warm up or hiking pants)
  • Scarf or cap
  • Gloves

FOR CLASSES

  • Aerobic, walking, running or cross-training shoes are needed for most classes
  • Workout clothes
  • Warm-up suits and cotton-blend T-shirts and shorts
  • Bathing suit
  • Tennis shoes with non-marking soles (if you play)
  • Tennis racket (loaners are available)
  • Avid birdwatchers should bring their own binoculars for bird walks and general birdwatching (we provide loaners for bird walks only)

FOR CLASSES AT LA COCINA QUE CANTA

  • Please remember to bring closed-toe shoes to wear to all hands-on cooking classes at La Cocina Que Canta

FOR EVENING

  • Casual pants or skirts
  • Shirts or blouses
  • Sweater or jacket for cool evenings
  • Low heeled shoes

DON'T FORGET...

  • Warm lightweight jacket (i.e. fleece). True, you may not need it in late spring, summer and fall, but even when days are warm (which can be any time of year) nights can be cool. Early mornings any time of year can be cool or cold until an hour or two after sunrise.
  • Cosmetics
  • Underclothes
  • Sleepwear
  • Toiletries
  • Shaving gear
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat (with brim or visor)
  • Wristwatch
  • Over-the-counter and/or prescription medications
  • Favorite music CDs (each room has a CD player/music system)

NO NEED TO BRING...

  • Plug adapters (the Ranch's electrical current and outlets are U.S. standard)
  • Hair dryer
  • Robes
  • Alarm clocks
  • Umbrella
  • Large towels
  • Reading material (we have a VERY large lending library)
  • Laptop (we have a free internet access center)
  • Spanish dictionary (everyone speaks English!)
  • Tote bag

Jewelry and perfume are best left at home. Instead, enjoy the natural aromas of our herb gardens.

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR SATURDAY ARRIVAL DAY

So that the magic of the week will begin quickly -- without delay -- we suggest you pack your suitcase with exercise clothes, bathing suit and walking shoes, all easily accessible on top. Thus, if you arrive in the morning or around midday and your room is not ready, you can go to a health center -- one for women and one for men -- where you will find changing rooms, showers and lockers... and your week can begin.

The Ranch now offers massages and beauty salon services on Saturdays. Book a soothing massage (Relaxation, Therapeutic, Energy Balance, Sports or Back & Neck) to enjoy before your departure or after your arrival.

Lunch is served in the dining room from 11:30 to 3 PM every Saturday.