Weaving Toward Mt. Shasta

The puddle-jumper brought me from SFO to the airport in Redding, CA – the closest one a traveler can get by civilized transport to Mt. Shasta …if you call a propeller-driven antique Brazilian airplane that took off to the sound of breaking glass somewhere in the fuselage civilized. I didn’t care – I wasn’t going to Mt. Shasta. I was going to Weaverville!

Not named for either Dennis or Charlie, Weaverville is a beautiful town of about 3500 souls in Trinity County, California. When not tending their “patches” of that special herb that apparently lots of people up here have a prescription for, the residents of Weaverville are busily turning this small mountain town into an Arts and New Age Colony that produces work worthy of the best galleries and salons of Beverly Hills.

If it’s history you’re looking for, Weaverville is home to the Temple of the Forest Beneath the Clouds, which is the oldest Taoist temple continuously in use in the U. S. It is now a State Park and a California Historical Landmark. Once a mining colony, Weaverville and environs attracted Chinese men who came to work the mines. Not only were Chinese miners in California successful, but they were also industrious and prosperous enough to contribute greatly to the state’s tax coffers. In fact, during the time of the gold rush in California, fully a third of California’s tax base came from the exorbitant taxes levied on the Chinese miners.

In addition to its natural beauty, historical interest and art scene, Weaverville is home to a large New Age contingent. For example, “Flowers, Angels, and You” is a typical workshop on making flower essences and connecting with archangels that is sponsored by two local alchemy groups: Angelic Alchemy and Fleur Alchemy. Hard to believe such a small town is home to not only one but two alchemy practitioners.

If you’re more into nature first-hand and want to do something a bit more active than meditating in the woods (although I can’t see why anyone would want to do anything else here!) the area is known for its hiking, fishing, river-rafting, bicycling, golf, and other sporting opportunities.

The Trinity Theatre is newly remodeled and shows the most independent films of any theatre in the greater Trinity County area. The small historic downtown area is home to not only art galleries but also local crafts merchants and intriguing boutiques and cafes such as Mamma Llama, a coffeehouse, book, music, and DVD retailer as well as an internet cafe.

After an energy healing and a chili relleno lunch, it’s on to angels, fairies, Reiki treatments, and a walking meditation.

Weaverville info: www.weavervilleinfo.com