The Mother Lodge

INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR THE MOTHER LODGE

Thank you in advance for your cooperation in caring for the cabin and land as gentle caretakers of this space set apart for the sacred practices of silence, solitude, prayer, creativity, relationship, and play.

The following information will help make your stay safe and will be supportive of us and the natural beauty of the planet.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO THE MOTHER LODGE

East of 131 and South of 13 mile road.

The Mother Lodge Address:
20564 MorningStar Trail
LeRoy, MI 49655

Once you turn off of 13 mile road at the mailboxes you'll pass two private driveways on the left. At the next fork in the road go to the left and just up the road you'll see the Mother Lodge. The Lodge is the first building on the left with a circular driveway. Here you'll see the sign for "Mother Lodge".

WHEN YOU ARRIVE:

Follow MorningStar Trail until you see the Mother Lodge and a small turn off to the left. This is a circular drive where you can park during your stay. Let us know what time you plan to arrive and we will meet you if you'd like. We default to no contact check in, the cabin will be unlocked prior to your arrival with the key inside.

WHEN LEAVING:

Please leave the cabin as clean and tidy as you found it.

Make sure at least one pitcher is filled with water to prime the pump.
Sweep and vacuum floors and shake out small rugs carefully (braided rug seams break easily).
Strip the sheets and pillowcases from the beds you used and place used linens and towels in the mesh laundry basket found in the cabinet under the stairs by the front door.
Wipe down cook stove and countertops.
Wash and put dishes away or leave in the drying rack.
Clean and dry the sink.
Flush the toilet with three (3) full buckets of water and wipe clean.
If you use the woodstove, please restock kindling and firewood.
Put compost (no meat or dairy) in the brown compost frame behind the sawdust bin located between the garage and small brown and green shed (at the main house just up the road).
Clean or rinse out the compost bucket.

CONTACT:

Krista Arendsen lives in the main house (Phoenix House). If you’d like to meet her or have any questions she can be reached at 734-210-7812.

If Krista is not available Brian and Karen Cool are our amazing and helpful property managers. You can contact them for information or in case of emergency at 231-768-4624.

Book the Mother Lodge

Reservation and Cancelation Policies

HOSPITAL CONTACTS:

Spectrum Health
300 N. Patterson Rd. Reed City
231-832-3271
15 min 13.6 miles SOUTH
off US 131 exit 153 Reed City

Munson Health Care
400 Hobart St. Cadillac, MI
231-876-7200
22 min 15.6 miles NORTH

FIRE EXTINGUISHER:

Located near the stair landing and upstairs near the west window. Pull pin and aim at the base of flame. In case of fire, call 911 and call the numbers above.

TOILET:

Toilet flushes with buckets filled at the pump in the kitchen poured into the BOWL quickly enough to create a siphon. *Use 2 bucketfuls of water after use with solids (poop). Flush only paper used for solid waste. Put all other TP or facial tissue in the trash. DO NOT flush pads, tampons, wipes, or food down the toilet! Let one of us know ASAP if plumbing gets plugged.

CANDLES:

Please be conservative and cautious in your use of candles. Watch for drips. Use only jar candles or tea lights. Make sure candles are extinguished before heading to bed or before going outside. Please put all used matches in nonflammable containers.

ELECTRICITY:

We ask that you are mindful in your use of this convenience. Please keep electrical appliance use to a minimum.

WOODBURNER:

Start by turning both vent knobs on the doors wide open and open both doors to load. Place paper and kindling against and under logs and light. Starting the fire near the back of the stove helps the smoke to draw out of the chimney. Close doors and control heat by vent knobs. Don't burn over 500°. Place water containers on top for hot water and optimal humidity. Metal pail for ashes is located outside the door entering the porch.

When reloading the stove, slowly open the front door, not allowing too much smoke to escape. This might take a few seconds as the draw needs to be strong enough to pull air in.

TRASH:

Burn paper (no foil or plastic) in the woodburner slowly or take home with other trash. Take home your trash and recyclables.

GAS COOK STOVE:

Has automatic pilots. If the burner does not light, lift up the stove top and check to see if the pilot is out. Relight with a match. If the pilot does not relight, notify us immediately.

WATER:

The pump will be ready for you to use. Always keep some clean water available in the pitchers in case the pump needs to be primed. If it loses its prime, hold your hand over the spout to restrict water and pour clean water into the opening at the top then pump, pump, pump until fresh water appears.

ELECTRIC HEATERS:

Space heaters may be used as back-up heat when very cold at night. The lower switch | and 6 on the dial is recommended for plenty of heat. Leave at least 2-3 feet from wood on all sides.

GAS WALL HEATER:

Currently not available for use.