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| About the Retreat Facilities |
Ghost Ranch in general
Ghost Ranch sits on 21,000 acres and the emphasis is on the landscape and quiet. The accommodations are modest and simple -- think summer camp -- although we will not be staying in dormitory style rooms and private rooms with private baths are available. The road into the Ranch is a well-maintained dirt road, passable with any vehicle. Once on the Ranch, visitors are encouraged to pocket their keys and walk as much as possible. Golf-type carts are available for those with disabilities and door to door driving is an option if necessary. The dining hall, guest rooms and our meeting rooms all are in different buildings so, if you can walk, bring comfortable shoes.
There are lovely hiking trails on the Ranch, gravel/dirt roads for mountain bikes, many places to sit and enjoy the views and two museums and gift shops on site. The main shop also carries basic necessities such as bottled water, simple snacks and toiletry items. (Sorry, no knitting needles but the museum did have handspun yarn for sale in August!) The Ranch also has a walking labyrinth and a very good library with quite an extensive collection which is open 24 hours a day.
There is no cell phone access at the Ranch and no telephones in the rooms. There are telephones available for guest use around the Ranch that take phone cards for long distance calls. There is wireless Internet access at various points on the Ranch and a computer lab with four computers with Internet access and a printer.
Meeting Rooms
We will be meeting for our daytime sessions in a meeting room which may have only metal folding chairs (some with cushions). If you have a comfortable chair which is portable, I suggest bringing it or an extra pillow to soften up the folding chairs.
For the evenings, I am hoping a room with comfortable arm chairs will be available. Lighting in some rooms can be a challenge in the evenings so bring an Ott light if you have it.
Guest Rooms (This is not the Hilton).
Our guest rooms will have two twin beds and no televisions or radios but adequate heat. Some rooms will have private baths and some will have semi-private, meaning they are shared with the room next door. You may either share a room with a roommate or pay $80 extra for a single for the weekend.
Dining (Cafeteria food at its finest!)
The food at the Ranch is very basic fare and is served cafeteria style but, as far as we know, no guest has starved yet. The coffee is lousy. I will bring a knitter's coffee pot and good coffee for those with coffee/caffeine needs. The kitchen can accommodate special dietary needs, particularly vegetarians. Please indicate any such needs on your registration form. There is no food available in the dining room between meals so it is a good idea to bring yourself a few snacks and beverages. I will have chocolate available for any emergencies. Private groups such as ours are permitted to have alcoholic beverages in our rooms and meeting areas.
Close to the Ranch
The Monastery of Christ in the Desert is located at the end of a rugged thirteen mile Forest Service Road just north of the Ranch (forty minute drive). Visitors are welcome at most services, particularly mass on Sunday.
Tierra Wools, a 100 year old weaving studio and showroom owned by local weavers, spinners and growers is located approximately forty-five minutes northwest of the Ranch in Los Ojos. In addition to their beautiful traditional woven rugs and their open-to-the-public studio, Tierra also carries some knitting yarns. Knitters often enjoy visiting there.
Bode's General Store is located approximately ten miles south of the Ranch in Abiquiu (fifteen minute drive) and carries most basic items, including a not half-bad selection of wine.
The Abiquiu Inn is just down the road from Bode's and has a very nice gift shop and art gallery and a restaurant with some fairly good offerings.
Weather
Ghost Ranch is at 6500 feet above sea level. It may warm up in the afternoons in October to short-sleeve temperatures but it will be quite chilly in the evenings. Be sure to bring a jacket, long pants and, of course, a sweater or shawl. You will also want a hat and sunscreen. |
| 9/13/2006 01:01:00 AM |
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