Come join OLT and its Board of Directors at the pavilion for lunch and more! 

It's no secret. OLT's membership cares tremendously for the organization and its direction. Our volunteer board is comprised of people just like you! They care passionately, bring diverse experience, listen attentively, and work together to see the best possible future for this special organizaiton and place. Board meetings are always open to the public, but each July we make a special effort to bring everyone on board, answer member's questions and address their concerns. It's a great opportunity to let us know how we're doing and learn where we're headed. Plus there's a free picnic lunch!

Those who can't join us in person can attend the session online (barring any technical difficulties). So pop in anytime! Google Hangout on Air

We'll be meeting our newest board members, checking in with our committees and management around fundraising and finances, progress with the WWTP and at the Ranch, and affirming OLT's values along with the deed restriction that ensures our committment to naturism. You can always catch up with past discussions and check the full agenda online at www.olt.org/meetings

9AM - Board Meeting Begins (see full agenda and packet)

Noon-1PM: Free Picnic Lunch at the Pavilion, Everyone Welcome!

1PM-2PM: Q&A – Board Members & Guests

3:30PM - Meeting Adjourns

Overall, OLT's funds are recovering steadily and things are looking good! We're seeing more visitors lately and hitting our capacity quota more often. Members are expressing support as donations increase through a variety of fundraising opportunities and events. And we're already reserving funds to carry us through the slow season, carefully tending to all of our delicate resources. We can't thank our members enough.

by Doug Bishop, Executive Director

Valley View isn't just a special place. It's also a remarkable community full of diverse talents, brilliant insights, and unending kindness. Like our spring waters, this extended family brings warmth and nourishment to the Valley View experience. It would not be the same without you!

OLT is honored to celebrate all our amazing supporters with this annual party and concert. It's the one weekend we set aside our capacity quotas and turn no member away. Many travel from afar to reconnect and reminisce with old friends. We all pass along Valley View's traditions and culture. Some who grew up coming here now bring their own children. But even with so many people, our common respect for nature and one another prevails. Folks work together to share the limited space and facilities throughout the weekend, making for a very chill festival. 

Invite friends and make your plans early...

We'll host a Contributor's Auction Saturday morning and try to beat the Raft Record of years past (18 in 2007). There's a huge potluck before Saturday night's concert and staff will be serving up breakfast the next morning.

There's often games, body paint, drumming, dance, and music--plenty of silliness for kids of all ages. Given the recent rainfall, we'll likely have hosted campfires each evening. We'll host special tours for the Ranch, astronomy, hydroelectic system, and of course our beloved bats. We'd especially like to recognize those who've carried Valley View's torch the furthest and longest. There will be prizes and gifts. Here, everyone wins!

If you visited Valley View in June or July 2013, you may have noticed the thick, choking smoke and the western horizon ablaze.

The West Fork Complex fire, actually three fires started by lightning in spruce forests that had been ravaged by beetles, burned 108,000 acres. In the heart of that fire was Rainbow Hot Springs, a collection of primitive, clothing-optional pools every bit as lovely as those at Valley View, but requiring a long hike each way into the Weminuche Wilderness to reach.

Some wondered what would happen to the springs. Would the campsites be destroyed? Would post-fire erosion fill in the fragile pools? Would the U.S. Forest Service keep the trail closed?

I am happy to report the answer is "no" to all of the above. Though the area is a sea of dead or burnt trees, as of late June 2013 the campsites were usable. The largest pool, known for its huge slime-coated waterfall, was hot and clear. The relaxing warm pool in the meadow beyond was fine, and some good Samaritans had recently dug out the hot pool just across the San Juan River. They told me it was 104 degrees, hotter than they'd ever seen it.

The hike is not for the faint of heart, 6 miles and 1,200 feet of climbing - and you thought the hike to the top ponds at Valley View was a lung-buster. But make the trek and you'll experience solitude and immersion in the wilderness like never before.

Reach the trailhead just west of Wolf Creek Pass on U.S. Highway 160. Turn north at the sign for the West Fork Campground and drive 3.5 miles to the trailhead. Trail No. 561 goes up the dirt road then turns off to the right and is easy to follow. You'll know you've reached the first pool when you see a trail to the left marked by two small cairns. Carefully follow this down steeply to the river for the first, and largest, pool.

To find the other pools return to the main trail and hike another quarter-mile, where a trail branches to the left and leads into a meadow. One lukewarm pool is in the meadow and the hottest pool is across the river.

The area is snow-covered and difficult to access November through April.

by Scott Rappold

Finding a volunteer that has the right mix of strong communication skills, a knowledge of conflict management, a positive attitude and a thorough knowledge of Valley View culture, is not that easy to find. That's why this summer season, we're lucky to have two guys that possess all of the above virtues, and more. Plus, they have committed to perform Camp Host duties for the entire summer!

Camp Host Dave Hendricks acts as an assistant Volunteer Coordinator, monitoring volunteers and keeping them on task, giving various engaging talks on Saturday nights, as well as serving as a full-time ambassador for the organization. Camp Host Kevin O'Donnell provides orientation to guests, monitors a fire at the pavilion on weekend nights, as well as doing some light-duty tasks at the Welcome Center during the day. This frees up our busy front desk staff to complete the myriad tasks that keep Valley View running smoothly.

The volunteer Camp Host position is a "working vacation' for these dedicated folks. They are expected to be on-call, via 2-way radio, 24 hours a day/seven days a week; including weekends and holidays. Sure, they get to sit in the pools and mingle with guests as part of their job description, but they could be summoned by staff at any time day or night; to help a visitor find the correct accommodation, re-supply the ice freezer, unclog a shower drain, jump a car battery, or perform a hundred other tasks, as needed.

So, the expertise required of our valued Camp Host's and the extensive training required to orient them to their responsibilities, necessitates that they commit to a longer stay. The continuity this affords provides a better experience for our guests and makes life easier for our small staff, as well.

If you only have a week or two that you can commit to volunteer here, then we've got several other host opportunities that might work for you. Please complete an OLT Volunteer Application and drop it off at the front desk. If your skills meet our needs, you'll be hearing from us.

As always, thanks for your interest in volunteering at OLT/Valley View Hot Springs!

by David Beaulieu, Visitor Services Manager & Volunteer Coordinator

Meet Our Massage Therapists and Bodywork Team

To enhance your Orient Land Trust stay, we offer massage, bodywork, reflexology, watsu and small yoga classes with talented therapists. Guests are encouraged to book  onsite therapy appointments by contacting therapists directly.

It is recommended that guests reserve their appointments before their stay. Due to the rural location of Valley View, therapists are required to travel to fulfill on site appointments.

 Cynthia L. Nielsen - Bodywork, Yoga, Watsu (OLT Bodywork Coordinator)

(email) 719-298-0360  www.radiantflow.co

"...bodywork that settles the mind and touches the heart..."

Cynthia is an intuitive Bodyworker, Yoga Instructor & Water Being.
Call to discuss which therapy fits you best. Modalities offered:
   Watsu, myofacial, trigger point therapy, Hot River Rocks, scalp massage,
   Hand-crafted essential salves & reflexology.
~Sign Up for WiseWomen Yoga Retreats as they fill up quickly~
~Private and Semi-Private Yoga classes offered Spring & Summer~

 Suzanne Rouge - BSE Certified Reflexologist

970-308-1415  http://www.hummingbirdhorizons.com 

Reflexology is acupressure on feet, hands and ears. It induces deep relaxation, increases circulation and clears neuropathways. Creating an alignment with the natural world, Suzanne reads auras, uses sacred numerology, medicine wheel insights, and elemental breathwork to bring the body into balance. Her mission is to teach people how to heal themselves.

 Elzabieta Kosmicki - Licensed Massage Therapist, advCBP

720-434-6757  www.bodytalkyourbrain.com

Elzabieta utilizes a unique combination of BodyTalk, Structural manual therapy techniques, Classical Chinese Medicine channel dredging / acupressure and postural awareness to restore balance and alignment to your body. Her skillset focuses on integrating your body's structure to relieve tension, improve posture, and enhance your body's natural movement patterns.


Elzabieta has been in practice for over 20 years and has developed an unparalleled approach to following the innate aspects of the body and its energy systems while applying manual therapy. Her understanding of the Mind-Body connection, structure and movement, energy anatomy and decades of clinical experience make her approach to bodywork distinctive and optimized to meet your unique needs.  

Elzabieta Kosmicki advCBP CBI LMT
Advanced Certified BodyTalk Practitioner, Certified BodyTalk Instructor
Qi Gong & Movement Instructor
Integrative Licensed Manual Therapist

Greetings from the new and inexperienced trainee on staff. It’s been great! Thanks to all for the warm welcome. The competent and capable staff has been patient and helpful. Those who’ve offered their congratulations and support have helped me start this new job with confidence and the comfort of your warm wishes.

We reached capacity over the Memorial Day weekend. Reservations will make things run smoothly for everyone during the busy summer months.

We’ve had some rain and some spring run-off from the snow melt. The volume of the water of the springs is up. The top spring has cooled down to 80 degrees. The valley looks green, though I don’t think the drought is over.

The big project is approaching. The final design has been sent to the state and we may be very close to getting the green light. Even though it will mean some big machinery at work below the Oak House, we are excited about digging in.

Thanks to the board for your leadership and hard work. Thanks to the community for your strong and abiding support. Thanks to all for your contributions to the spirit of wisdom and care and the characteristics of goodwill, trust, and generosity.     

Doug Bishop

"I've always just loved giving things away. But then we created the non-profit. So now, it was my job to give! People from all over gave to me so I could share with others! Even organizations supported me... doing just what I always loved!"

I'll never forget how Neil's face lit up as he recounted OLT's founding years. And he wasn't alone in this adventure. He and Terry worked side-by-side with a group of incredible volunteers and professionals who each loved and respected this delicate and precious place. Together, they carefully crafted the principals that would preserve this unique experience for generations to come.

I was recently asked what motivates my service to this community. The founder's example immediately came to mind, but also the hundreds of others whose kindness meant as much to them as to those who received it. There was the hippy who first introduced me to Valley View decades ago, the wealthy couple who shared their favorite hot springs secrets, or the exuberant nine year old who helped me build tiny rock houses for the magic people. There's musicians, cooks, and artists. Even if it's just a kind welcome or some soaking story, we all love to share. And through OLT, each of our gifts mean so very much to so many. So like Neil, I only wish I had more to share.

- Doug Bates (the other Doug)

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Ever try to squeeze into the Oak House kitchen on a busy evening?

Many have asked about the cabin we positioned next to the pavilion. Last summer, it served as a trading post. But this summer, we'll be opening it for campers to store food and prepare meals with the nearby grills. We'll add a couple communal refrigerators and room to stow coolers inside keeping any curious bears away. Spring water will be available for drinking and cooking. When done, dishes can always be cleaned with sinks at the main bath. It's not perfect, but it should help keep the Oak House less cluttered and easier for everyone to share.

Eventually, we'll move it from this temporary position to a permanent site. A number of options are being considered. We're also reviewing many exciting and innovative suggestions to better accomodate the community's cooking and other needs, year round.

We hope this eases the crunch at Oak House and makes the cabin's present position a bit more palatable for the time being.