FAQs about the venue
Where Is The Sanctuary Located?
Mountain Light is located 24 miles (35 minutes) northeast of Asheville, near Barnardsville, NC. Specific directions are sent to guests once a reservation has been made.
Are linen & towels provided?
If you are a local pan player - please bring your own linens and towels. If you can not due to traveling - let me know and I am sure I help you out with some!
What is the bathroom situation?
We have two indoor toilets in the lodge, one indoor shower and one permanent outdoor composting toilet and outdoor private shower. In addition to this we have five mobile composting toilets that are in or near each accommodation for night use.
What about food?
We are lucky enough to have Miss JekhaRose back as our Head Chef and she will have one assistant with her! We are in for a delight with this one cooking for us! We will have a early breakfast, mid-snack of fruit and such, & an amazing dinner Friday, Sat, and Sunday. On Thurs we will have a light snack for arrival with our first shared meal at dinner. Monday there will be a light breakfast for you before we part ways.
Is internet available?
We have high speed wi-fi internet available so you may bring your laptop to keep up with necessary business or personal concerns.
What about telephone use?
Cell phones do not work here, but you are welcomed to use the house phone as needed. We have unlimited long distance service, only requesting that guests to limit calls to fifteen minutes or less. The number here is 828-626-3966 if you wish to leave it with family members in case of an emergency.
Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Drugs
Firearms, weapons, liquor and illegal drugs are inconsistent with the frequency here at the Sanctuary and we kindly ask that they not be brought on to the property. In deference to other guests, we ask tobacco users to limit their smoking to the camp fire ring in front of the Hobbithut. Guests are welcome to bring wine and beer for their meals but the Sanctuary is not an appropriate place for recreational or addictive alcohol or drug use.
Quiet Time In respect for our neighbors & other guests, we observe quiet time after sundown. For this reason we request that sound be limited to quiet conversations after dark and within the immediate area of ones personal space: i.e. no drumming, music, etc. The Sanctuary is primarily a place of quiet retreat. To maintain that frequency and for the sake of our neighbors, it isn't an appropriate venue for those who need outdoor music which requires amplification with speakers, a boombox or microphone. Non amplified music for meditation or movement is fine outdoors during the day or in the upstairs meeting room during the day or in the evening as long as the sound doesn't extend beyond the immediate area. Some exceptions are made for groups who have reserved the whole Sanctuary. We will be allowed to play music in designated areas til the wee hours.
What should I bring with me?
What To Bring:
Blanket to sit on or snuggle with
Flashlight & extra batteries
Clothes appropriate to the weather
Bathing or birthday suite for sauna and creek (if you are hardy}
Sleeping bag or other bedding & towel & toiletries if you are in one of the shelters
Are there other safety concerns?
While the Sanctuary is for the most part a very safe place, there are a few things to be aware of:
Use Your Flashlight
There is the possibility of tripping and falling by walking at night between buildings without a flashlight, so please walk with care after dark.
Open Flames
Please do not use any open flame candles. All candles should be in a glass container.
Plants
We don't have poison ivy on the property but there is stinging nettle in some places bordering the Sanctuary. It produces a very temporary minor itch. If you aren't familiar with it, asked to have it point out to you, especially if you will be hiking in the forest. And by the way, it is also deliciously edible when cooked!
Shoes
Recycling in the mountains, in past generations, was often a matter of how far you could throw containers from the house. For this reason, from time to time we still find broken glass in the gardens, along the property bordering the Sanctuary and on the trail down to the swimming hole. For this reason, we recommend wearing shoes if you are off the grassy area.
Hiking
The Sanctuary borders over a half million acres of national forest and offers incredible opportunities for hiking, camping and enjoying the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains. In terms of safety, we encourage you to either hike with a companion or let someone know which trail you are taking. As long as you stay on a trail there should be no problem. The greatest risks in the forest are injuries from falls or getting lost.
Swimming
We have a nice swimming hole adjacent to the Sanctuary property. OK, the creek isn't really big enough to actually swim in, but the water - flowing directly out of the national forest - is clear and icy cold. it's a great place to take a refreshing dip on a hot day.
Are there anything else I should be aware of?
We try to live in a way which is respectful of one another, the Earth, our neighbors and our community life. To this end, we invite you to be mindful of the following guidelines.
* In order to insure the privacy of guests, residents and neighbors, please do not venture onto the private property which borders the south and west sides of the Sanctuary.
* We endeavor to live in harmony with the land and at peace with all creation. Please help us respect the life of the animals, plants and insects.
* Please respect the land and help us keep it free of trash and debris. We especially ask smokers to properly dispose of filters.
* In order to maintain a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, we ask that radios, 'TVs, firearms, weapons and illegal drugs not be brought into the Sanctuary.
* We recycle glass & plastic containers, cans and grocery bags, and ask guests to be mindful of this.
What about mosquitoes and other insects?
Fortunately we have very few mosquitoes. From late May until the end of July, on some nights, we may have'noseeums' just about dusk which can produce an itchy bite, but much milder than a mosquito. You can wear long sleeves in the cool evenings or ask for skin cream repellant which we have available.
Are there poisons animals or plants to be concerned about?
The Sanctuary is a safe haven for wildlife. We have rabbits, squirrels, birds, raccoons and snakes, including a couple of five foot black snakes which are quite harmless (unless you are a mouse). While there are poisonous snakes (copperhead and rattlers) in these mountains, they are very rare and we have never seen either on the property. It is said that have black snakes around, you won't have poisonous snakes.
A Word About The Elves...
It's true. We do have elves here at Mt. Light - as well as gnomes and fairies. Some of our visitors have seen them and they occasionally show up in photographs. We are still getting to know our wee friends and learning to work together. There are stories from Europe of how the elves - in the olden days - would often help out with household chores as simple acts of kindness. While you are visiting Mountain Light, we invite you to liberate your own elfin nature; not only in exploring your capacity for spontaneous joy and delight, but also with the little acts of kindness such as tiding up here and there or helping out with chores which you see need to be done. These small acts bring joy to yourself and to all of us who are sharing community for our brief time together.
_
Where Is The Sanctuary Located?
Mountain Light is located 24 miles (35 minutes) northeast of Asheville, near Barnardsville, NC. Specific directions are sent to guests once a reservation has been made.
Are linen & towels provided?
If you are a local pan player - please bring your own linens and towels. If you can not due to traveling - let me know and I am sure I help you out with some!
What is the bathroom situation?
We have two indoor toilets in the lodge, one indoor shower and one permanent outdoor composting toilet and outdoor private shower. In addition to this we have five mobile composting toilets that are in or near each accommodation for night use.
What about food?
We are lucky enough to have Miss JekhaRose back as our Head Chef and she will have one assistant with her! We are in for a delight with this one cooking for us! We will have a early breakfast, mid-snack of fruit and such, & an amazing dinner Friday, Sat, and Sunday. On Thurs we will have a light snack for arrival with our first shared meal at dinner. Monday there will be a light breakfast for you before we part ways.
Is internet available?
We have high speed wi-fi internet available so you may bring your laptop to keep up with necessary business or personal concerns.
What about telephone use?
Cell phones do not work here, but you are welcomed to use the house phone as needed. We have unlimited long distance service, only requesting that guests to limit calls to fifteen minutes or less. The number here is 828-626-3966 if you wish to leave it with family members in case of an emergency.
Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Drugs
Firearms, weapons, liquor and illegal drugs are inconsistent with the frequency here at the Sanctuary and we kindly ask that they not be brought on to the property. In deference to other guests, we ask tobacco users to limit their smoking to the camp fire ring in front of the Hobbithut. Guests are welcome to bring wine and beer for their meals but the Sanctuary is not an appropriate place for recreational or addictive alcohol or drug use.
Quiet Time In respect for our neighbors & other guests, we observe quiet time after sundown. For this reason we request that sound be limited to quiet conversations after dark and within the immediate area of ones personal space: i.e. no drumming, music, etc. The Sanctuary is primarily a place of quiet retreat. To maintain that frequency and for the sake of our neighbors, it isn't an appropriate venue for those who need outdoor music which requires amplification with speakers, a boombox or microphone. Non amplified music for meditation or movement is fine outdoors during the day or in the upstairs meeting room during the day or in the evening as long as the sound doesn't extend beyond the immediate area. Some exceptions are made for groups who have reserved the whole Sanctuary. We will be allowed to play music in designated areas til the wee hours.
What should I bring with me?
What To Bring:
Blanket to sit on or snuggle with
Flashlight & extra batteries
Clothes appropriate to the weather
Bathing or birthday suite for sauna and creek (if you are hardy}
Sleeping bag or other bedding & towel & toiletries if you are in one of the shelters
Are there other safety concerns?
While the Sanctuary is for the most part a very safe place, there are a few things to be aware of:
Use Your Flashlight
There is the possibility of tripping and falling by walking at night between buildings without a flashlight, so please walk with care after dark.
Open Flames
Please do not use any open flame candles. All candles should be in a glass container.
Plants
We don't have poison ivy on the property but there is stinging nettle in some places bordering the Sanctuary. It produces a very temporary minor itch. If you aren't familiar with it, asked to have it point out to you, especially if you will be hiking in the forest. And by the way, it is also deliciously edible when cooked!
Shoes
Recycling in the mountains, in past generations, was often a matter of how far you could throw containers from the house. For this reason, from time to time we still find broken glass in the gardens, along the property bordering the Sanctuary and on the trail down to the swimming hole. For this reason, we recommend wearing shoes if you are off the grassy area.
Hiking
The Sanctuary borders over a half million acres of national forest and offers incredible opportunities for hiking, camping and enjoying the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains. In terms of safety, we encourage you to either hike with a companion or let someone know which trail you are taking. As long as you stay on a trail there should be no problem. The greatest risks in the forest are injuries from falls or getting lost.
Swimming
We have a nice swimming hole adjacent to the Sanctuary property. OK, the creek isn't really big enough to actually swim in, but the water - flowing directly out of the national forest - is clear and icy cold. it's a great place to take a refreshing dip on a hot day.
Are there anything else I should be aware of?
We try to live in a way which is respectful of one another, the Earth, our neighbors and our community life. To this end, we invite you to be mindful of the following guidelines.
* In order to insure the privacy of guests, residents and neighbors, please do not venture onto the private property which borders the south and west sides of the Sanctuary.
* We endeavor to live in harmony with the land and at peace with all creation. Please help us respect the life of the animals, plants and insects.
* Please respect the land and help us keep it free of trash and debris. We especially ask smokers to properly dispose of filters.
* In order to maintain a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, we ask that radios, 'TVs, firearms, weapons and illegal drugs not be brought into the Sanctuary.
* We recycle glass & plastic containers, cans and grocery bags, and ask guests to be mindful of this.
What about mosquitoes and other insects?
Fortunately we have very few mosquitoes. From late May until the end of July, on some nights, we may have'noseeums' just about dusk which can produce an itchy bite, but much milder than a mosquito. You can wear long sleeves in the cool evenings or ask for skin cream repellant which we have available.
Are there poisons animals or plants to be concerned about?
The Sanctuary is a safe haven for wildlife. We have rabbits, squirrels, birds, raccoons and snakes, including a couple of five foot black snakes which are quite harmless (unless you are a mouse). While there are poisonous snakes (copperhead and rattlers) in these mountains, they are very rare and we have never seen either on the property. It is said that have black snakes around, you won't have poisonous snakes.
A Word About The Elves...
It's true. We do have elves here at Mt. Light - as well as gnomes and fairies. Some of our visitors have seen them and they occasionally show up in photographs. We are still getting to know our wee friends and learning to work together. There are stories from Europe of how the elves - in the olden days - would often help out with household chores as simple acts of kindness. While you are visiting Mountain Light, we invite you to liberate your own elfin nature; not only in exploring your capacity for spontaneous joy and delight, but also with the little acts of kindness such as tiding up here and there or helping out with chores which you see need to be done. These small acts bring joy to yourself and to all of us who are sharing community for our brief time together.
_