For more than 40 years, our second home has been Valley View Hot Springs and OLT. Over the years, when we thought about buying or building a place in the mountains, we always came back to "Why would we want to do that? We have Valley View."

Recently, in an Orient Land Trust (OLT) External Affairs Committee meeting, we were discussing a topic that has been on the minds of many of us who treasure this special place; How will we be able to sustain OLT in the midst of the challenges of this time of uncertainty? As we pondered these questions, only half joking, I (John) said we would mortgage our house in Denver if necessary to help save Valley View. I realized after the meeting, that I wasn't entirely joking; that is how much OLT and Valley View mean to me (and us).

That being said, like many people right now, our financial resources are more limited, given that we are living in a time of economic instability. Yet as we are struggling to rebuild our own financial stability, we also are wanting to help sustain and fortify those causes that matter most to us. This, we realize, is a dance of balance that we all must do --- a balance between self-care and care of and for the greater good. For us, OLT is among those causes that are at the top of our list of what matters most.

As we reflect on why OLT matters so much to us, we find ourselves thinking more broadly about why it's come to matter so much to so many. In ways, it's hard to express in words why this place has grown to be so important to us. If there was a place on earth that comes close to being "home" (which for us is more than a physical place), it's Valley View. The very nature and nurture of this place reflects what home feels like to us.
At Valley View, we can experience the safety and freedom of being oneself in the context of caring and mutual respect for one another and for the land. In that context, we care about the safety of everybody who comes to the hot springs, whether they are visiting for the first time, or have been a part of the OLT community for many years.

A recent example of this experience of feeling safe, respected, and cared for was when we were there this past August, shortly after the hot springs reopened after many months of closure due to the pandemic. While we really missed being there soaking in the soothing waters, walking the wild trails and taking in the beautiful vistas, we were grateful for the thoughtful planning that went into the timing and the precautions taken around decisions about the when and how of reopening. While there, we so deeply appreciated all the measures that were taken to keep everyone safe.

While there are limits to freedom right now, the freedom and renewal of one's spirit at Valley View did not for a moment feel diminished in our recent experience there, and is in fact, always enhanced when we visit this extraordinary place. As we walk the trails, our spirits soar with the hawks, the eagles, and the wonderful bats, and in the healing waters of the hot springs, our bodies, minds and spirits are renewed. Thoreau had his Walden Pond, and we have our Valley View ponds. We wouldn't trade him for a moment!

In extending this care and respect out beyond the people, we deeply value the rare, raw, extraordinary beauty and nurturance of the natural environment. The growing call in our lives to protect and nurture this place is both a shared responsibility and a shared opportunity to be a part of something that is exceptionally uncommon, and in fact incomparably unique and truly precious.

The hot springs have been reopened at a drastically reduced capacity, which comes at a great cost to the Orient Land Trust. That being said, this decision was made in alignment with the values of OLT, to protect all who visit. As members of the OLT community, we invite you to join us in shared stewardship. In giving what we can, together we will help to ensure that this special place and all the gifts that it offers, will continue to be here for us and for future generations to cherish and enjoy.

John and Suzanne Mariner

Valley View has been open for seven weeks. The plan seems to be working fairly well. Having a reduced capacity makes it feel spacious and relaxed. The one area that could use improvement is wearing masks. Some people are a little too relaxed about this detail, which is the one thing we can do to dramatically reduce the risk. One person related that it was confusing as to when to wear a mask and when it was OK not to wear a mask. A good rule of thumb: If someone else is visible, mask up! The only time you should be without a mask is in the pools. The state requires masks around swimming pools. We are less crowded than some pools but we still want you to wear a mask when you are on the swimming pool deck. With your cooperation, we can remain open. Our capacity is much reduced to help prevent the spread of the virus. If we could step up the use of masks, we might be able to increase the capacity a little, which would give more people an opportunity to be here.

Our revised guidelines state:

WEAR A MASK! REQUIRED ANYWHERE NEAR OTHER HOUSEHOLDS OR STAFF!
REQUIRED - INDOOR COMMON AREAS except your own room or camp site.
REQUIRED - OUTDOORS You may encounter others at any time. Have your mask on so you don't forget. Please wear your mask when sunning on the swimming pool deck
OPTIONAL - IN POOLS where breathing may be difficult

Thank You!

We wear masks to protect others more than ourselves. Homemade and cloth masks are adequate. Bring more than one mask. Wear your mask at check-in. No Mask - No Entry

Another concern is intoxication. We added a statement to our new guidelines in an attempt to clarify OLT's position on the consumption of alcohol and drugs on our property and at the pools & ponds. We have a long history of tolerance for both alcohol and, more recently, marijuana use, as long as guests were respectful and behaved responsibly, not impacting others. That has not changed.

Unfortunately, the nature of alcohol and drugs is that the user relaxes, may consume too much and may not be aware of their impact. High altitude and hot water intensify the effects, also adding to dehydration. It's been our experience that when guests over indulge they lose the ability to make good decisions, to follow guidelines and be respectful of others. This often results in not just impacting other guests' experience but in a medical emergency, this puts our staff, our local Emergency Medical Personnel, and other guests at risk.

During this time of pandemic, it's even more important that you think of others, make good choices, keep alcohol consumption and other substance use to a minimum. Stay away from pools & ponds and hiking trails if you are impaired so that you are not putting our staff, volunteers or others at risk. Responsible consumption is acceptable. Intoxication or the use of illegal drugs on OLT property is not.

OLT says goodbye to long time patron, member and dear friend, Germaine Fraley.

Since 1997, Germaine Fraley has been a Patron and Member of Valley View Hot Springs and then in 2001, Orient Land Trust. Most likely longer than that, but that's as far as our records go back! A strong woman with a big smile, Germaine was down to earth, friendly and honest. She is someone who always told you exactly what was what with grace and kindness and took the time to get to know our staff and other guests. Germaine and partner Joe were the first to visit us once we reopened this August. She brought us flowers along with well wishes for a successful reopening. Germaine passed away in September, 2020. We are so grateful for her decades of patronage, support and friendship, we will miss her greatly.