Do you like to host parties and events? Do you belong to a private club, civic organization or have an "in" with a unique venue that could host an OLT themed fundraising event for little or no cost? We would also like to find hosts on the Front Range and in Colorado and New Mexico who could hold a benefit event for OLT.

Dan Jones is hosting a small Garden Party near Taos next month. This is going to be a wonderful event featuring Dan's unique Zero Energy home and gardens, all to benefit OLT's Wastewater Treatment campaign. We are hoping to gather folks in south Denver and elsewhere for events like last April's dinner with John Fielder. However, we need affordable venues to raise funds. Another idea we are looking at is a Vegan / Oriental cooking class with a professional chef. For this, we'd need a commercial kitchen or private home, again as a benefit for our WWTF campaign.

We'd welcome any ideas for fundraising events you and your friends might want to host. Staff can help with promotion and outreach materials. Help us create more community-building fundraisers with unique settings and minimal costs. Call Pam Nelson, Director of Development, at 719-298-2289 to share your ideas.

Sunday, August 17th, 3-6 pm
1245 Cardenas Lane, El Prado, NM 87529

Support OLT’s Wastewater Treatment Plant Campaign, meet new Executive Director Doug Bishop,visit with Founders Neil & Terry Seitz, experience Board Member Dan Jones’ sustainable, Zero Energy home & gardens, enjoy food from Matts Bakery Taos  as well as Dan's garden and greenhouse and sample local wine & beer.

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

[may split this into a series of stories regarding OLT's financial background... winter reserves, reservoir, land conservation, human resources]

Do your eyes glaze over when you look at a spreadsheet full of numbers? Do you wonder where the money goes? Me too.

I was recently at a meeting where one person pointed out that a couple of decades ago, the rates at the hot springs were lower and there were fewer people on staff. What happened? Part of the explanation is that Neil and Terry wore a lot of hats and worked a lot of hours. When the land trust was formed, decisions that they used to make around the dinner table were being discussed around that same table by a board of directors. There was a lot of work to do, background context to be digested, lessons to be learned, intentions and cautions to be communicated. Even though the land trust idea had formed and there was a board, the tax free status with IRS had to be obtained, which took some time and effort. Hard on the heels of that giant step we were faced with the "Land for Sale" signs along Road GG. OLT, with Neil's personal connection with the owners, contracted to buy the ranch. A few years later, and with much gratitude to you, the long suffering supporters of this place, we paid the bill and OLT became owners of the Everson Ranch. We have since purchased a couple more parcels along Road GG that protected the three mile view and the water shed of the hot springs.

In line with our land conservation mission and thanks to your generous contributions, one project that was undertaken after buying the ranch was the construction of a reservoir. There were dreams of using the water stored in the reservoir to irrigate a field using a circular pivot. The reservoir construction was costly and we learned from some mistakes. Now there is a nice reservoir that is part of a fish habitat project that we have with NRCS and the DOW. The fish are flourishing and the agencies are enthusiastic about the success. The reservoir (land trust?) successfully protects the whole cycle of the hot springs waters from recreation to power generation to natural areas to working farm and ranch.

Along the way, Neil and Terry still wanted to donate the hot springs and their other land to the trust. That took a while to accomplish and there were the inevitable legal fees and hurdles. At the same time, we entered into a conservation easement with The Nature Conservancy that provides another layer of protection for the springs, the hydroelectric property, and the ranch. We also have a conservation easement agreement with the DOW on the bat habitat at the mine. Now OLT holds a hot springs, a ranch, an old mine and bat habitat, a handful of tours and educational programs. There are still the usual (and unusual) aspects of maintaining the place with the added amenities of the new pools and carefully upgraded infrastructure. With our own water, waste water treatment and electric power systems, OLT provides all the infrastructure of a small municipality. It takes more people to keep up with it all and still attend to the requirements associated with the being a non-profit organization and the services and programs provided. We can never thank you, our members, enough for your patience and support.

Another question that was asked at that meeting was how much will the WWTP cost. As I tried to answer that question I remembered an initial presentation a few years ago from a company with a designs ambitious and innovative treatment systems. It was inspiring and beautiful. As we explored that option, we realized it was also very expensive. There were costs connected to investigating that possibility even though we ultimately decided to choose a less expensive avenue. Since then, we have paid a design firm for their work, we've paid fees to the state for inspections and permits. Each conversation with the experts includes a price tag. Altogether, we've already spent more than a $100,000 dollars ($118,000) for the WWTP even though we don't have many actual holes in the ground to show for it. Our estimate for the remaining actual construction costs of the facility is about $180,000. That is the amount for which we are taking donations. Your admission fees have not only kept the hot springs going, we have also covered all the costs of the WWTP so far.

We have also made improvements at the ranch. Existing, historic structures have been stabilized and maintained. Mike, the ranch manager, has been mending fences, irrigating hayfields, cleaning ditches, and tending animals while he has also worked on a bath/kitchen facility that will make it possible to have people visit and volunteer at the ranch. Once again, we offer our gratitude for your generous support.

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!

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

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

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

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

"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)