LOGISTICS FOR OUTDOOR PROGRAMS
| We recommend reading these for anyone planning on attending, before registration. Additional instructions may be given to participants prior to, or during these practices. A practice may be modified at any time. For information on actual logistical needs, waiver, and emergency contact form, scroll down or click here. See each individual program complete information, costs and itinerary We will provide a current copy of the itinerary for you to carry with you on each sacred journey. Add'l thoughts on each upcoming program are often in our latest news. LOGISTICAL INFORMATION For our Outdoor Programs, please be familiar with them: Here is important logistical information, and WAIVER and EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION which you MUST return to us before beginning the program. Additional information may be available in your particular program information on linne. We ask you to arrive NO LATER than the requested time the first morning, to park in assigned spaces, prepare, and settle in for the training. WE ASK THAT YOU BRING ONLY YOUR ESSENTIALS for the first day. When rooms are included, we will provide for their carriage for those nights. Please note below luggage restrictions. Please inform us where you are staying on nights we are not providing lodging. We will return to the Center of Light Sunday evenings unless stated otherwise. It will be best to carry out of your suitcase, everything you might need during each day. Keep it with you, under your seat, or in your backpack. If you are traveling with a drum or rattle, there may be opportunities each day to use that as well. We suggest you bring sacred tobacco, or other herbs, to use during our travels. We have these items here if you need to purchase them. We will teach you their use if you are unfamiliar with using them for offerings in sacred sites. There will be opportunities to make offerings of local flowers and other natural items throughout the journey. This
program will take place
rain or shine.
Please
note, below, items you may wish to consider bringing, climate, hiking,
and
other conditions. If you wish to view these, plan on
additional time before or after the practice. These
will be the only times we are here for purchases. We collect 6% VT sales tax on all
sales, if purchases are made in VT. Zacciah or
his assistants will be glad to help with these at the beginning or end
of each
day we are here. Some times, such as before a practice, Zacciah
may be
unable to assist. Many more instruments may also be in our
stock room, and you are free to browse. Visit www.sunreed.com if you wish some
idea of the
types of instruments we carry, many for the sound healing professional,
or call
us if you wish to be sure something is in stock when you are here. On those programs we are making despachos or mesas (Peruvian practices,) be sure you see our special instructions on what to bring. We may have opportunities
to be in water,
(some programs incorporate that in the program practices, note each program material.)
Please
bring a swimsuit and towel in those cases, on those days. When we travel by bus or van, we ask you to bring no more than one
large suitcase and a hiking size backpack, to insure maximum
room
efficiency on this tour.
If you need
additional space, PLEASE NOTIFY us. (International programs, you
may bring whatever is allowed by your carrier (usually up to two check
in luggage, 1-2 carry on items.)) We have had much hotter than normal summers recently, with more rain than usual. August is beginning to cool, with 70-80’s high, upper 40’s – 60’s lows at night. We will be in by nightfall each evening, except fire circle nights. It typically is 70-80 degrees (F), with comfortable humidity during the day, though daylight temps have been ranging (earlier in summer) in the mid to upper 70's to low to mid 90's, with far higher than average humidity. It may get fairly cool after daylight hours (night time temps as low as 40's to 70's,) though we will not be outside after daylight at any location.Temperatures can rise or fall rapidly, especially on mountain peaks. And, it can be warm in the sun, and cooler in the woods or near water locations we visit, as well as in changing altitude from river levels to mountaintops (Mountain tops can easily be 20+ degrees cooler than valley floor level, with significant winds and wind chill factors, ESPECIALLY ON MT. WASHINGTON.) Especially at these locations, you may wish to dress in, or have 1-2 extra layers, to cover all possibilities. Packing raingear & a hat is a good choice, also. You may wish sunglasses. And, bringing a change of clothes on days we may be high on a mountain, or forecast of rain, may be beneficial. Sunscreen is recommended. Insect Repellant: Insect problems are not usually big this time of year, but we have had more bugs, later than usual, in recent years, due to the high moisture of spring & summer. I would recommend something, especially for times in wooded areas. Be educated and aware of tick control. While Lyme Disease is not as big a problem in VT, as other parts of New England, it is a growing problem. Ask us if you are unaware of control procedures for this. Check which meals are provided. Most meals we provide will offer multiple choices of non-meat ,and, at least, poultry and seafood choices. Some red meat choices will be available, but not every meal. Most lunches will be pre-selected by you, and picked up by us to eat while in the field. Bring AMPLE water and snacks as you feel you need them between the stops for meals. We are not likely to be in towns for bathroom or meal or water breaks during most day time activities. If we pass through a town, and you have a need, we will accomodate it, but we ask you to pre-consider your needs each day upon arrival, or well before we leave, to insure you have what you need with you! We will spend extended times in natural areas (2-6 + hours at a time.) We will have paper, but may be near no facilities. We will be glad to educate you on outdoor bathroom possibilities, as needed. Watch current weather forecasts as we approach time for our trip; BE PREPARED for the many abrupt changes such as we have seen consistently in recent years' weather! If you wish local weather forecasts, go to www.noaa.gov and click on the weather information, HIKING: The locations we are working in have moderate hikes for the most part, some are more challenging, especially to those whom have not been consistently active outside. We have outlined time and type of hikes in itinerary for each trail. Look them over carefully Anyone reasonably fit and used to some form of consistent outdoor physical activity is not likely to find these more than mild to moderately challenging. Some individuals, however, have found our hikes challenging. We are giving you full disclosure of this, so you may make an informed decision. We have had some say we make the hiking sound more rigorous than it is. Again, anyone with any 'normal' range of consistent outdoor hiking or exercise regimes are not likely to find most of this hiking a great challenge. If you do not feel relatively physically fit, we strongly recommend you speak with us and your physician before engaging in our outdoor programs. While we take great care in insuring your well being, these are programs in outdoor natural and wilderness settings, and, ultimately, you must assume full responsibility for your physical & emotional well being to participate in our programs. You are required to sign a waiver to this effect, in order to participate. There are 2-4 hikes which some may find more significant of a challenge, though we consider them moderate to lightly challenging for someone with considerable outdoor hiking experience. The most difficult one is across the face of The other more significant hikes include 1 mi hike up a significant grade (angle) (in Temples of the Earth, not Return to Beauty program,) though it is up well groomed forest service roads; approx. 1.5-2.0 mi. around the top of Mt. Ascutney, some challenging areas, though, again, moderate by hiker standards; and a 1 mi. trail, with 1/4 mi. up steep forest service roads (in Return to Beauty, not Temles of the Earth.) Please contact us if you feel any of these may present any problem for you. Some locations are close to roads. We may experience mud. Good, comfortable hiking shoes are highly recommended. Bring (and drink) plenty of water. And judge your need for snacks, knowing a lunch break will be coming. In Chambers and caves, we may be climbing into, or sitting upon very musty earth. Bring older clothes you do not mind staining with soil on these days. Bring a plastic sheet or garbage to sit on if you wish to save as much stain as you can on these locations. In Return to Beauty, we do climb down several steps in a very tight opening into the cave. Everyone in every practice has achieved this, but we wish you to be aware of it before hand. In the Sounds of the Shaman program, we climb similarly into a 'kiva-like' chamber. Timing/Evening/morning Meals: Again check your program for what meals are included. Approximate times for those meals are listed in the itinerary. We are engaging in intuitive outdoor ceremony with a group of hikers whom may have different levels of physical prowess in wilderness terrain. This requires some flexibility in time, etc. It is possible some events may take longer, or less time, than anticipated. We ask you be open, flexible, and understanding of this. Before/after our trip: For a variety of dining experiences in the area RESTAURANTS IN THIS AREA In Ascutney, at the NE corner of the only light in town, is the Red Barn Cafe, good for breakfast and lunch sandwiches, soup, salad, quiche, coffee, teas, etc. A very good restaurant in the immediate area is in Claremont: New Socials Pleasant St Claremont, NH 03743 Also Common Man in Claremont Fast food, family, and pizza restaurants abound in Claremont, esp. on Washington St, the main shopping area of town. In High quality: Juniper Hill Inn In Many love The Weathersfield Inn 56 Main St. Relaxed atmosphere, mixed quality reports, food at reasonable cost. On the right 1/2 block before the only downtown stop light, as you drive into town. The Hartness House: Currently (06.2013) highly recommended: the star of atmosphere, though the quality of food depends on the current chef, from very good to mediocre at moderate to high costs. Dinner only, unless staying there. A little more difficult to find, recommend calling for directions. Our last encounter, and recent reports there, are excellent. 802.885-2115 The best Chinese in town. About 4 miles from I-91, at the second blinking yellow light, just as you enter the downtown district, on the right: Oriental Palace Restaurant 12 Clinton Street Springfield, VT 05156 802-885-1144 A few family restaurants and sandwich and pizza shops are in town, also. Follow the main thoroughfare (rt 11) to 1 mile after the central light in downtown Food stores: There are several convenience stores in each local town. The Ascutney Market, n. about 1 mi. on Rt. 5 from Rt. 131 has best selections in our village, including a small deli. Major grocery stores are in the White River Jct has a great co-op, Vermont is loaded with high quality restaurants and Inns, many in the quaintest locations.... if you want to drive a little further for any variety of dining pleasures, talk to us. *********************************** Again, I look forward to seeing you, and working with you for this program. Sincerely, Zacciah Blackburn The Center of Light P.O. Box 389, Hidden Glen Rd. Ascutney, VT 05030 USA Phone : (802) 674-9585 Fax 802.674.9586 E-Mail: info@sunreed.com Web site: www.thecenteroflight.net Emergency numbers; if you need us before your arrival, get lost from the group, or other such emergency: Zacciah's cell number: After hours: Zacciah's home number: 802.674.9585 I use my cell phone ONLY for private calls except during outdoor or away programs where others may have a need to reach me. I will ask that you honor this. *************************************** Directions to In general, from southern From Montreal or points west, in Canada, travel to From Boston area, and points east, depending on location, may travel best via I-90, Rt 2, or I-93 to I-89 in If you need assistance from other points in W.NY or W., central, or From In Vermont, once on I-91, take I-91 from points north or south to Exit 8: Exit 8, Ascutney, near mm 52 (40 min N. of Brattleboro, VT, 20 min S. of White River Jct, VT/W. Lebanon, NH, and I-89 Jct from Concord, Manchester, NH, or Burlington VT, etc.) ***From I-91: Exit east, on Rt 131, toward Ascutney, Claremont, NH, Ct. River, Rt 5; Travel 1/4-1/2 mile east; at the light, Rt 5, turn right, South; Travel 1/4 mile to Hidden Glen Rd., on the right, a small dirt road; turn right. Travel 1/4 mile to the end of the road; We are the only house at the end of the road. Go past the house to barn complex. Park here, and come back to the house. If this parking lot is full, turn around, and you can park just before the bridge, just below the house. If this is also full, or if you have a handicapped condition, park in the driveway to the house. Entry is through the glass porch on the east end of the house, from front or back. If you need assistance, call: 802.674.9585 ***************************************************************** For accomodations, Most current information is at: http://thecenteroflight.net/Accomodations.html Following info may be outdated: a local motel, newly renovated, older model (Folks have given very mixed reviews of there stay here.): Yankee Village, less than a mile away, on Rt 5, Ascutney $ 802.674.6010 877.9YANKEE (hi speed internet, refrig/microwave/tv in room.) The Hartness House has a good rate for Center of Light, a little less than: The Holiday Inn Express has provided us a discounted rate of $ , varies, double, as available. Please ask for the " Holiday Inn Express closest quality motel, 12 minutes. 802-885-4516 fax - 802-885-4595 800-holiday E-mail: hixpress@aol.com (not highest quality, but generally acceptable. Rates were $ , changed, possibly just for summer months.) Beauregard, off Rt 131 connector to Ascutney 603.542.2540 White River Jct, VT, West Lebanon, NH 15-20 minutes: Airport Economy Inn 800.433.3466 Best Western 802.295.3015 Ramada Inn 802.295.3000 Days Inn 603.448.5070 Super 8 802.295.7577 Current rates will be different, but this gives you a sense of comparative costs. To assist, some local accomodations would include following rates; phones listed above, or phone, location/proximity, is on line at this link: http://www.thecenteroflight.net/Accomodations.html These are all within 15-20 minutes away: Holiday Inn $ /night/double, Center of Light rate The Hartness House has a good rate for Center of Light Abby Lynn, $ for 1-2 persons Best Budget Inn, Claremont, NH $ /1 person, $ /2 persons, dependent on weekend Claremont Motor Lodge, $7 , 1/2 persons Economy Inn, Lebanon, NH 1-$ ., 2-$ , fall foliage, 2/$ Days Inn, $ /1 person, 2/$ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ We will send you a waiver upon registration in this or other outdoor programs. Also available here. Or, you can cut below, or cut and paste into a word document to send us: +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ WAIVER: MUST BE SIGNED AND RETURNED TO US NAME ______________________________________________________ RELEASE AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK I am aware that during the expedition, workshop or activity (hereafter referred to as ‘Activity’) in which I am participating through Zacciah Blackburn, and The Center of Light, in Vermont, and arrangements made through those individuals and organizations, I may incur certain risks, including but not limited to, the dangers of traveling in high altitudes, hiking, swimming, mountain climbing, travel by air, boat, automobile, bus or other conveyance, loss or damage to personal property, injury or fatality due to high altitudes, accident or illness in a remote place without medical facilities, water damage due to leaking bags or other containers, exposure to inclement weather, forces of nature and other risks and dangers. In consideration of, and as part of payment for the right to participate in the Activity and the service provided by and arranged for by Zacciah Blackburn, and the Center of Light, in Vermont, I hereby assume all risks and release and waive all claims against Zacciah Blackburn, and the Center of Light in Vermont, and its employees and representatives and will hold them harmless from any and all liability, action, cause of action, debts, negligence, claims, demands and damages of every kind or nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, contingent, consequential or otherwise, against them, which I now have or which may arise out of, or be brought by a third party in connection with my participation in the Activity or any other activities arranged by, through or with Zacciah Blackburn or the Center of Light. This agreement shall serve as a release, assumption of risk and hold harmless provision for me, my heirs, including any minors, participating in these activities. I have read and agree to these terms and conditions. Zacciah Blackburn and the Date _________________________ Signature _____________________________________ Please mail to: The Center of Light P.O. Box 389 Ascutney, VT 05030 If registering late in the program, bring to program, or fax and bring original: 802.674.9586 Top of Page |
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Zacciah Blackburn, PhD Director Phone: (802) 674-9585 Fax: (802) 674-9586 e-mail: info@sunreed.com
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