Disaster resilience/POC retreat packing list
Address
The retreat center is located at 8941 Overland Road, Ward, CO 80481, approximately 45 minutes northwest of Boulder by car. The landline at Ecodharma center is 303-459-1012.
There is no direct public transport service from the airport to the center. It takes approximately 1 hour travel time from airport to Boulder through RTD public transportation (AB Bus). Please check your email for carpool options. For a small group (4 people), you might consider Lyft or Uber directly to the center from the airport.
Car-pooling to RMERC
We strongly recommend carpooling for two reasons: 1) Reducing carbon emissions and 2) to form/deepen human connections. If you haven’t already planned carpooling, we recommend that you meet others at 418 Lee Hill Drive (Close to Lee Hill/Broadway at Four Mile Canyon trailhead parking area) and self-organize to go in as few cars as possible. It takes about 45 minutes from this area. See your email for carpool link.
Driving and parking directions
For legal and logistical reasons, please know that no one is allowed on the RMERC land without registration. After you have registered, download detailed directions for drivers. Please know that sometimes Lefthand canyon is closed for construction and taking Lee Hill Drive up to James Canyon might be preferable. There is no phone signal up Lee Hill. Park in our parking lot and not on the Overland road. There is no phone or WiFi connection after Lee Hill Road: please print directions in advance. The landline at Ecodharma center is 303-459-1012.
What to pack
— Bring your own sleeping bag, sleeping pad, towels, pillow, comforter(s) and sheets ONLY IF you are camping. These things are provided for those staying inside the lodge.
— Please bring sun, darkness and rain protection (flashlight, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, water bottle, lip balm, poncho/umbrella).
— Please bring sturdy shoes/boots for hiking and flip-flops for indoor use. Expect uneven surfaces on trails.
— Toiletries, prescription/non-prescription medication, dietary supplements, and/or other personal items.
— We will prepare vegan food on site. There will be very limited refrigerator space for personal perishable items which can be used during personal time but not formal meal times. You can bring Tupperware to take cooked food away with you at the end of the retreat. Please tell us about your dietary allergies/needs if you haven’t already.
— You are welcome to bring your own snacks & tea/coffee supplies. We will make coffee in the morning and there will be a selection of herbal/caffeinated teas available at meals.
— Water in the lodge is from a recently tested well and is very much drinkable. It is very dry at this altitude. Bring two water bottles (and preferably a one gallon jug if you are camping).
— We have heavy chairs for indoor meditation which cannot be taken for walks. Bring light portable chair (e.g., Crazy creek, Thermarest etc) or foldable blanket for outdoor meditation. There will be carpet pads available for outdoor use.
— Do NOT bring any flat-mat (pad or zabutan) or round cushion (Zafu) for indoor meditation. We have them.
— Please bring a daypack/bag to take on hikes or “solo day in nature” with you. This pack will hold two 2L water bottles, moisturizer, hat, blanket or yoga mat and altar items etc for outdoor activities. A flask for hot drink. Please bring 2-3 tupperware for storing food/sandwiches/snacks that will be given to you. Small liquid soap bottle (or sanitizer) for washing hands. Plus maybe something sharp to dig a hole.
— Please bring your favorite ear plugs. The lodge is a bit squeaky if you are sensitive to sounds.
— Please bring jacket, hat and gloves, as appropriate for you. The temperatures can swing between 80s and 40s even in the summer. Bring layers. Three season camping gear (not relevant for Fall retreats).
— Please know there are ticks, ants and mosquitoes in some areas. Bring your natural bug repellent along. Please bring biodegradable and scent-free toiletries for the protection of the ecosystem and people around you. Some people have multiple chemical sensitivities.
— Please do not bring any pets as they are not permitted at the center due to all of our wildlife.
— Please do not bring any electrical gadgets (hair dryer etc) with you. The electrical lines of the lodge can not handle too many gadgets.
— Please bring your musical instruments and songs. Art supplies are welcome at every retreat.
— Altar items: Please bring along photos, drawing, images, stones or anything that is related to your love/gratitude and grief/anger/fear in this world.
— Please bring a yoga mat if you can. We will always have some extra ones for those coming from out of Boulder/Denver area.
— Other things (small notebook & pen, emergency whistle, if needed).
While you are up at RMERC
— There is no phone or WiFi connection after Lee Hill Road. The landline at Ecodharma center is 303-459-1012.
— To drop deep into our hearts, we will maintain noble silence for the first 2-2.5 days except for instructions, interviews and as needed to complete our cooking/cleaning assignments.
— Reduced oxygen levels at 8500 feet can cause altitude sickness. Please drink plenty of water, eat lightly and consider bringing chlorophyll drops (see here).
— Please expect to see wildlife (moose, bear and very very rarely mountain lions). We will give instructions for safety.
— Smoking and campfires are expressly prohibited by the Boulder county sheriff due to extreme fire danger.
— We will create more guidelines as a community to honor each other’s needs at the beginning of the retreat.
Bring your passion to explore your own unconscious and sub-conscious mind, love and care with you. May our gatherings serve us all very well. Looking forward to connecting with you very soon!