Dear Friends of Wilbur:
SPRING IS IN THE AIR! This has been an interesting year for Wilbur's weather. Early in March our temperatures rose to 85 degrees. Then winter returned and we received substantial rainfall. As a result the wildflowers are even more spectacular than usual.
WILBUR CELEBRATES WITH NEW 'WILDFLOWER SPECIAL'
As many of you know, Colusa County and nearby Bear Valley in particular are one of the best places in the US - and indeed the world! - to enjoy the stunning seasonal displays of wildflowers. (Experts say the necessary Mediterranean climate and geology are found in just a few places, including far-flung areas of South Africa and southwest Australia.)
To welcome enthusiasts, both new and old, to this delightful experience, Wilbur presents its brand-new "Wildflower Special," offering guests One Night Free when they pay for two nights. This "Pay 2 / Stay 3" spring special is available for stays from Sunday through Thursday nights between April 1 - May 31 (excluding holidays).
Those who enjoy California's native plants will love exploring our own 1800-acre, private nature preserve, in this unique region that is known internationally for its rare quantity and diversity of blooms. In spring, the wildflowers that grow in profusion in Bear Valley include orange poppies, yellow tidytips, blue lupine, purple owl's clover, rare adobe lilies and more. (Because rainfall and temperature are key for blooming, call 530-473-2306 for details - and keep in mind that early spring is usually the best time to enjoy the wildflowers at their peak.)
UPCOMING WILBUR GUEST CHEF WEEKENDS
En route to Wilbur for this past Guest Chef Weekend , which featured Rachel Fann, the flowers on Highway 16 were so extraordinary that I stopped the car several times to breathe in the colors. I arrived at Wilbur as a light mist was surrounding the hotel and a light fog was emanating from the swimming pool. I said hello to the staff and immediately made my way to the bath house. Bliss!
Before long the dinner bell rang and I savored the first of Rachel's delicious meals. I sat with Richard Davis, general manager of Wilbur, and Dr. Robert Argand, my dear friend whom I met at Wilbur 30 years ago. Soon we were joined by an woman who is running for Parliament in 
England, a man who had just finished a 14-year run as star of a soap opera, and a documentary filmmaker just back from Costa Rica. Walking into the kitchen for coffee I met a French scientist and then discovered that our chef was close friends with Mr. and Mrs. Warren Buffett. Fine food paired with interesting companions - what a delightful dinner!
The weekend went from good to better to wonderful. Bathing, eating, conversing, massage, reading, napping all the time surrounded by the most pristine natural environment. It was indeed a weekend to savor.
Based on the positive response, we continue to offer our Guest Chef Weekends about once a month. Please join us as we feature noteworthy chefs and delicious, healthy food. Five gourmet meals are just $100 per person extra. Here are the dates for the next two events :
· April 29-30
· May 20-21
Also, if you are interested, take a look at some of the past menus for the Guest Chef Weekends on the Specials page of our website at www.wilburhotsprings.com .
YOGA WITH THOMAS FORTEL
Kathleen de Wilbur will be hosting Thomas Fortel at Wilbur for the Fifth Annual Spring Yoga Retreat. The event starts at 5 pm, Thursday, 
April 28th, and concludes after lunch on Sunday, May 1. All meals will be prepared by Charlie and Marion Cascio, chefs at Esalen and popular Guest Chefs at Wilbur. The retreat includes nine meals, from dinner on Thursday to lunch on Sunday.
Massage is available by prior appointment for an added fee. Please call Wilbur at 530-473-2306 to book your massage.
Cost & Accommodations
· Private room - double occupancy: $535 per person (linens included)
· Bunk Room: $460 (bring your own blankets or sleeping bag)
· Fees include 9 meals, lodging, yoga classes (mats & props provided) and full use of all Wilbur facilities. Please bring your own towel and slippers.
Registration
Deposit of $150 is required upon registration; final payment is due by April 14, 2005. Please note the dates and remember that last year's retreat filled up early!
Make Checks Payable To:
Kathleen de Wilbur
211 Colusa Avenue
EI Cerrito, California 94530
Phone: 510-525-3447 Fax: 510-559-8753
E-mail: mbcdex@aol.com
Feel free to contact Kathleen with any questions.
About Thomas Fortel
Thomas Fortel is an Iyengar-trained, Ashtanga and Anusara-influenced Hatha Yoga teacher. A student of yoga since 1982, Thomas studied with Rodney Yee in a three-year teachers training intensive in Oakland, California (1994-96) and has been teaching consistently since 1993. Since 1997, Thomas has presented workshops and retreats worldwide from his resident teaching position at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California. He continues teaching weekly classes and workshops there.
For more information on Thomas, visit: www.yogawiththomas.com .
YOGA RETREAT WITH SARANA MILLER
Dr. Richard Miller's daughter Sarana Miller , pictured below on a recent cover of Yoga magazine, will be leading a Yoga retreat at Wilbur on the weekend of June 3-5. Sarana studied with Thomas Fortel and Ana Forrest and graduated from Rodney Yee's advanced yoga teacher 
program. She then continued her yoga studies in India and Thailand. Currently, Sarana teaches in the Bay Area, Davis and at Esalen.
Please join Sarana for a weekend of asana breathing, chanting, and soaking in the healing mineral waters of Wilbur. Strengthen your practice while relaxing and rejuvenating your body and mind.Step back from your 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 sound of spring birds 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 opportunities for bathing, hiking, massage and personal time. We will gather in the late afternoon for a restorative session followed by a delicious dinner. Come and join us for a retreat that will invigorate your body, renew your spirits, and quiet your mind.
The June 3 - 5 Weekend includes:
· 6 organic, vegetarian meals prepared with love
· 6 yoga sessions, which begin Friday at 5 pm
· 2 nights' accommodations, which include use of baths, sauna and grounds.
Please make checks payable to Sarana Miller and mail to 3017 Wheeler, Berkeley, CA 94705. Enrollment is limited.
Please sign up as soon as possible to reserve your space. Cost is $395 private room double occupancy, $375 bunk room, $320 camping.
Please contact Sarana at 510-502-9642 or sarana@mac.com with any questions.
Meanwhile, we hope to see you at Wilbur soon!
Wishing you good health !
Richard
Dr. Richard Louis Miller
Wilbur Caretaker since 1972