The last week of February brought in an early spring here at the Hostel. Although the nights have still been dropping to freezing or close to it, the days have been radiant and the flowers are blossoming.

We had a wonderful kick off to our early spring. The last weekend of February brought us a very interesting visitor, Joe Schriner, Presidential Candidate for The U.S. 2008 elections. That’s right folks, Joe and his wonderful family spent the weekend at the hostel, mixing with travelers from around the world, listening to how we have implemented spirituality with green consciousness through our acreage and beyond. The family as well as many other great guests joined us as Tom led us on a historical hike through the Hostel’s T-trail, wrapping up the walk with tea at Tom’s writing studio. Later the family Schriner, and the gaggle of Outward Bounders also present joined us for a Dream Catcher workshop followed by a drum circle and some poetry after dinner. Please be sure to check out his blog to learn more about this genuine and actual family man running for president.

We were then visited by Rising Appalachia, a trio of very talented musicians that have toured both in and out of the U.S. They entertained us into the night with their appalachian folk music and brilliant fireshow. Check them out.

Now at the beginning of March we kick off college spring break month. The early twenty-something crowd has started to amble in and with smiles of disbelief, as many come from the snow drenched north. This past weekend Tom led 14 guests through our monthly full moon Sweat Lodge. This sweat was also an Eclipse, and it may have been overcast where we are, but the energy both before and after the event was through the roof. Some hostel friends from Miami came through this weekend and once again kept the drums and flutes going amidst some bilingual rap sessions around the fire.

Around the Hostel we have been working on a decorative border in the flower garden. We have, as always, been improving our gardens, and expanding our fruit orchard. The Labyrinth is receiving a facelift and as I type this message Anneli and Ken are leading hostellers on a tour of our Composting Facilities. This weekend will also bring us more fermentation workshops, in which we will revisit Kumboocha, Kimchi, and Sourdough.

Hope to see you here soon Safe Travels, and May the Forest be with You The Hostel Staff