Sleeping in the forest at Blue Rock Station, surrounded by the soft sounds of nature, is an experience we have pretty much kept for ourselves - until now.

BRS is offering an exclusive weekend one time per month during the warm months of the year. You can stay in the Firefly or the May Apple (tiny straw bale cabins in the woods - no heat source so only for warmer weather), or the Happy Nest or the Dogwood Chalet (that are enclosed with electric and heat).

If you have ever wondered what it might be like to chuck it all to live more simply, or you want to someday build a straw bale (or Earthship) out in the woods, milk the goats, do a bit of gardening - well, here is your chance to experience that lifestyle for a fraction of the cost of telling your boss off in a moment of frustration and walking out the door.

Or, if you are seriously considering building an Earthship or straw bale home and want to spend a long, leisurely weekend discussing real world concerns - here is a pleasant opportunity at a fraction of the cost of formal consulting.   You can choose to arrive on Friday evening and depart late Saturday afternoon or arrive first thing Saturday morning and depart late on Sunday.

Upon arrival, you’ll settle in with a proper cup of tea at the overlook, followed by a little tour of the farm plus a chance to meet all the critters.  We’ll want to talk to you ahead of time about the subjects and projects that interest you so that we make sure that our time is used well.

Your options for accommodations (no electricity in some cabins) include:

• Firefly: tiny strawbale in the woods (double & twin bed)
• May Apple:  tiny strawbale in the woods (twin bunk beds)
• Happy Nest:  tiny cottage behind the Earthship available in the autumn only (twin bunk beds & a twin futon)
• The Dogwood Chalet: vaulted strawbale cabin with electric (should be completed summer of 2012)

The cabins are available on a "first-registered-first-assigned" basis.

There is a fabulous solar shower, and the straw bale privy that will provide all of the comforts of home, plus a million dollar view.

As you can see, the accommodations are not Club Med - but rather for those who are very serious about exploring a more sustainable lifestyle.  Your meals will be locally grown and produced food, and eaten family-style with Annie and Jay, and any other guests that might be visiting for the day. No liquor is served, but there are healthy drinks and snacks in between meals.

Package Includes:

• Accommodations (1 night)
• Welcome tea and snack
• Tour of Blue Rock Station
• All meals (2 days)
• Formal or informal sessions on green living
• Peace and quiet (no extra charge)

2012 Dates for the Weekend Skill-Building Workshops:

• June 16-17
• July 21-22
• Aug. 18-19
• Sept. 1-2
• Oct. 20-21

What to bring:

If you need insect repellent or sun screen, it’s best to bring your own.  You can bring your own sleeping bag and pillow  or, if we know ahead of time we will make up the beds for you (sometimes when people are flying or taking the bus this is the best arrangement).   You can bring food to share, and musical instruments.  If you have house plans that you want to discuss, don’t forget to bring them as well.

New in 2012, By Arrangement - Two or Three Day (and night) Full Immersion Skill-building Internship

You can fully immerse yourself in the sustainable farm life by joining us at Blue Rock Station for two or three days – living simply and learning how to naturally care for livestock, grow or preserve food, and a variety of other activities, depending on what is happening on the farm in May.

Accommodations:

The Happy Nest is a re-purposed garden shed that is a sturdy tiny cottage that contains a set of bunk beds, a desk and a chair. This is just for sleeping. The Sun Room is a large space for hanging out, reading, eating and socializing.

Food:

We will cook healthy real food together. If you have any food restrictions, please let us know in advance. The food here is generally vegetarian, and can be wheat-free since Annie is gluten intolerant. Three meals per day will be provided The menu can be discussed prior to arrival.

Skill-Building:

The day begins at 8:00 AM. After breakfast everyone does chores. Chores include feeding the livestock, carrying water to the animals, milking goats, mucking out stalls, and generally getting ready for whatever activities will be a major part of the day. Chores are also done again at evening time and might include milking goats, but usually they involve watering and shutting up the different livestock.

Time can be spent learning a variety of skills including livestock management, tire wall construction, earth plastering, food preservation, cheese making and healthy food menu planning, plus solar cooking and natural gardening. Prior to your visit you will need to pick at least three areas you feel are of interest.

Costs:

The two-day intense skill building experience: $310 per couple*

The three-day intense skill building experience: $450 per couple

All food and accommodations are included in the price. Airport pick-up can be arranged (and drop-off) for an additional $35 – travel time from Columbus OH to Blue Rock Station is 1 ½ hours one-way.

*If you arrive on by mid-afternoon, then you would depart on either mid-afternoon the second day or mid-afternoon on the third day, depending on whether you select a two day or three day stay.

If you would like to discuss an extended stay, or set a date - give Annie a call at 740-674-4300 or e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it