We are currently planning new events to take place at the Hostel over the coming weeks. Details of these will be published very soon.

The winds of winter are blowing through the once lush forest canopy, raining down leaves that add to the already rich brown underbrush, and covering the barefoot-packed sand paths that crisscross the Hostel. Squirrels bound about collecting fallen goodies, and the chickens scratch the ground ferociously hoping to reveal a morsel or two just below the surface.

Summer at the Hostel was of great heat and high productivity, with folks from all around the world contributing their skills and expertise to the myriad of projects that came into fruition during the height of the sun’s glow. Whether with a wheelbarrow and shovel spreading fresh sand to revitalize the paths, or venturing forth on the T-trail equipped with a chainsaw and machete to ease the obstacles that come with forest care-taking, much sweat and goodwill was poured into the forest.

The Hostel garden flourished into a jungle like wonderland filled with tons of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables. Along with our regular summer crops, such as tomatoes, squash, and peppers, we were surprised by the curious growth of papaya trees. Walls of okra neighbored stalks of sunflowers, looming large near the luffa vines which grew pervasively along the perimeter fence, blossoming beautiful yellow flowers in their wake.

The momentum of summer was carried with the breeze into the brisker months of autumn. The beauteous soul kitchen received some heavy loving; many caring kitchen managers and Hostel patrons sunk their love into maintaining its glory as they curated the creative cuisine that is at the heart of the Hostel experience. This culmination of adoration and affection came to a crescendo with the installation of a new kitchen floor, restored once again to its (new and improved) wooden origins.

Workshops and retreats were in abundance during the cooler months. Early in fall, Melissa Delynn instructed a yoga fundraiser combining the physical, meditative and spiritual aspects of the practice. In September, Mycol Stevens shared his incredible understanding of mushrooms by leading a field-identification class, followed by an introduction to the articulate art and nature of tree grafting. The beginning of November brought Karen George down from North Carolina to teach workshop participants how to effectively create and build with cobb, explaining the material’s versatile uses and mediating the construction of a brand new cobb oven for the outdoor kitchen. Beth Langley, in mid-November, expressed her love for labyrinths to the forest, giving Hostel-goers a deeper knowledge and appreciation for the many uses of this ancient spiritual structure.

During our Energy Workshop Weekend, Spencer Perez and Taylor Kimball of Perc Coffee, came down from Savannah to share with us the art and science of coffee. Additionally, we were humbly joined by the much-beloved, former manager and integral fellow, Murray. Murray developed the Hostel’s solar pumps, and built the solar-charged batteries which provide energy to our huts without electricity. As a part of the weekend-long workshop, he led a class on solar electricity, where he shared with us practical knowledge and terminology as an introduction to the many processes, calculations, and developments of this energy-efficient technology.

Along with the welcoming of winter, arrived the next Hostel caretaker, Dawn Marie. She arrived to find the Hostel in glorious condition thanks to the grandiose efforts of Carch and Frank. The forest is more beautiful, cleaner and efficient than it has ever been thanks to them and the dedicated staff that continues to tirelessly give their love and helping hands. With the New Year, the Hostel enters it’s 40th year and we cannot be more excited for all that has happened and all that will continue!

May the Forest Be With You

The Hostel Staff