How is the road to the hermitage, and what type of car do I need?
Blue Jay Gulch (the dirt road to the cabin) is a mountain road. It is plowed during the winter but can be a difficult road to drive. In the summer, because of the ruts we advise driving a high clearance car. In the winter, you need 4-wheel drive vehicle.
The road is one lane. (If you meet a car on the road, the car coming down has the right of way, and the car coming up needs to back up).
Is there wildlife at the hermitage?
The grounds are relatively safe, but there is wildlife present. One mountain lion was spotted once in the last ten years. Two black bears have also been spotted. Lots of birds, a big owl, deer, wild turkeys, bobcats, and rabbits are more commonly seen.
Coyotes are heard at night.
We ask that you refrain from walking the grounds at dusk or dawn. If you choose to leave the cabin, take along a walking stick.
To prevent wildlife from approaching the cabin, please use common sense and follow typical cabin rules: Don’t leave any food or garbage out, and clean the BBQ grill after you use it. We all love hummingbirds but don’t put a bird feeder out.
How can I benefit the most from my stay?
We understand that most retreatants can only spend a short time at the hermitage, 1 or 2 days. Our deepest hope for you is that you spend this time experiencing the presence of the Lord, receiving His blessings, peace, and joy.
Here are some of our suggestions on how to benefit from your stay:
- Live the silence as much as possible.
- Avoid distractions (phones, computers, tablets, or too many books.)
- Spend some time in the Chapel.
- Read your Bible.
If you only have 24 hours, schedule your time loosely.
It is good to start prayer with a grateful heart, bringing to mind all the blessings God has poured out in your life since your birth until the present. This exercise in gratitude will deepen the certainty that the Father is here for you, that you are the apple of His eye (Dt.32:10), that He holds you in the palm of His hand (Is 49:16) and will never let you down.
Bring your petitions to God. Not only pray for others, but also remember to pray for yourself.
Listen. God is a good listener, but He also gives good advice. Give Him the mic! Seek His guidance. Be assured that the brothers and sisters in our community know how precious this day is for you, and we are praying for you.
Is there food, or are meals offered?
Due to the presence of wildlife, we do not keep any food in the cabin. We ask that our guests bring their own food to eat and/or cook. Please don't leave or dispose of any food or garbage on the grounds, in the cabin, or in the refrigerator. Upon ending the retreat, guests are asked to take with them their food, trash, and garbage.
Are children allowed?
As a rule, because of the presence of wildlife and the purpose of silence, children are not allowed. If you see the necessity to bring children, please speak with us before making reservations.
Are pets allowed?
No. The presence of wildlife in the area, the purpose of silence, and the desire to have clean couches and rugs, free of animal hair for people that are allergic, make us firm on that point.
Can I smoke?
No. No smoking indoors. If smoking is absolutely needed, it has to be done outside, but the cigarette butt must be extinguished with special attentiveness because of the high risk of fire.