The entrance to the farm is right off of Highway 100 and can be easy to miss. Look for the MNA flag!! There will also likely be a few All Things Elderberry volunteers waiting to greet you.
Tip: If you are coming from Washington on Highway 100, after passing the town of New Haven, look for the VV junction sign. When you see it, turn your blinker on. It will be the 2nd mailbox (blue) on the left.
If you are coming from Hermann on Highway 100 look for Koch Valley Seed Company about 7 miles past the city limits on your left. When you see it turn your blinker on. We are the next blue mailbox on the right.
Disclaimer/Waiver
No pets or children. If you have special needs please respond to this email no later than Friday, April 8.
Attached you will find a formal disclaimer and waiver for All Things Elderberry. Your signature is required in order to enter onto the property on April 9. To streamline your registration process at the gate please review, print and return the attached document signed when you arrive. The ATE crew will be waiting at the gate to collect your waiver. If you do not have your copy handy, one will be provided to you. You will then be directed where to park.
Parking
Parking will be provided just past the entrance approximately 400 yards from the Guest House, where most of the day’s activities will occur. Cars will be safely sheltered by trees and kept out of sight from the road. If it rains we will ask attendees to park in the Koch Valley Seed parking lot across the highway. ATE volunteers will shuttle attendees back and forth.
What to Bring
Dress in layers. You will need a water bottle, yoga mat, and hiking shoes (it’s a farm). Slip on shoes or socks to wear indoors is encouraged (we ask that you please remove boots before entering into the Smith House or the Guest House). You may also want to bring a camp chair.
Ticks are out. Please bring tick and bug spray for your shoes and outerwear. You may also need sun protection, and/or rain gear. Fresh water, whole fruit, and plant based options will be provided throughout the day. Please bring additional provisions if you require them.
You may want some cash! There will be several highly desirable types of items available for sale related to the day’s content. Many facilitators handling transactions will use Venmo or have a card reader but please bring cash just in case. All transactions will be held after 230pm when all facilitators can be present.
What to Expect and to Note
There are 2 primary structures retreat attendees may access throughout the day. Please keep in mind that the farm is under construction. Sue and Mike Smith, your All Things Elderberry greeters, are currently building their home just past the lot of trees where you will park your vehicle. Construction has been moving much slower than expected on the Smith House. Their unfinished home is going to be perfect for hosting the Sound Workshop at 11am and Sound Bath following.
The second structure referred to as the Guest House, is central to all other activities planned throughout the day. This is where both restrooms are located, as well as refreshments, retail, and additional workshops. Currently yoga, the cacao offering, and the guided meditation to follow will occur at the Guest House as well. This may change due to weather. If so, you will be redirected to the Smith House.
A Note on Fasting and Cacao.
In the spirit of meditation traditions we encourage attendees to abstain from caffeine and food until after the cacao ceremony which begins at 930am. The cacao we are sharing is a potent stimulant meant to deepen your meditative experience. Additional caffeine can be overstimulating, providing a less desirable outcome. Fasting is suggested but optional. Plant based options will be available throughout the day. You are encouraged to help yourself.
Decorum
There will be approximately 50 people on the premises. Please be mindful of your space, your belongings and your footprint. There will be milk crate cubbies stacked outside the Guest House for attendee storage. We suggest you leave any valuables at home or locked safely in your car.
Please remove your shoes before entering one of the structures.
This is a farm and it tends to be muddy. We encourage attendees to be outside exploring the rolling hills surrounding the farm in between activities. Keeping time inside minimal keeps the structures clean and capitalizes on the time to connect with nature. There will be easy to locate chairs and areas for resting and picnicking.
Please assist in keeping the area tidy and be mindful to find a waste bin for your unwanted trash. The ATE crew are our hosts and are also volunteering their time to ensure we have an amazing day. We want to be great guests.
Leaving cell phones in a cubby or your car is encouraged. If you prefer to have it with you, please keep it on silent.
This is not a silent retreat but we do ask that attendees be mindful of other attendees seeking peace and quiet on this day. All itinerary items are optional and autonomy is encouraged. Hiking, exploring, and guided tours provided by the ATE volunteers are recommended too! Please review the itinerary and location for the workshops to ensure you arrive on time.
We are beyond excited that you are spending your day with us. Please note my cell number below if you have any questions. See you Saturday!