Stone Collecting

Northern California is blessed with some of the finest suiseki collecting sites in the world, and the Eel River is one of the most famous. Here you can find serpentine, jasper, and even jadeite if you know where and how to look. Find out how on the GSBF 2010 Tanseki (stone hunting) trip. You will have 2 days collecting on the Eel River with guidance and coaching from experienced Northern California suiseki artists and stone hunters.

The evening program will start with a short introduction to suiseki by Felix Rivera, followed by a “show-and-tell” where participants can discuss and receive advice on their collected stones. Join us for two days of guided stone hunting with a sack lunch at the river.

The tour will begin in Willits, at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 27, at the Super 8 Motel (about 3 hours north of Santa Clara on Hwy 101). Map

The Stone collecting trip runs through Thursday, October 28th.

Participants must provide their own transportation. Additional information will be sent to tour registrants. NOTE: Participants must register in advance; no walk-ins are allowed.

GSBF Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt & Private Gardens Tour

Join other convention attendees for a tour that includes stops at each of these
very special gardens.

• The GSBF Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt,
• The private garden of Boon Manakitivipart
• The private garden of Gordon Deeg

Many wonderful and inspiring bonsai are in each garden. Garden curator, Kathy Shaner, will lead a tour of the grounds at the Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt, and Boon and Gordon will be available to discuss their trees. This is an excellent opportunity to view the level of trees you may not see anywhere else.

The tour takes place Thursday, October 28, from 8:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.