A Journey To Infinite Woods
As I drove up to the entrance of Infinite Woods, a hillside environmental research center and retreat tucked away in the heart of Vermont, I couldn't help but marvel at the beautifully carved wooden welcome sign that greeted me. With my windows down, the crisp autumn air filled my lungs with the unmistakable scent of fallen leaves and damp earth. The driveway leading up to the main house was adorned with small environmentally-themed artifacts and pieces of outdoor art nestled among the trees, their vivid colors blending harmoniously with the spectacular fall foliage. As I continued up the hill, an impressive array of solar panels shaped like flowers came into view on the left, a testament to the center's commitment to sustainability. After coming level with the main house, I turned off to the right to park my EV beneath another set of solar panels, which provided both shade and the promise of a guilt-free recharge.
The air was pure and invigorating, and the gentle rustle of leaves overhead completed the idyllic setting. I was greeted by Jake, one of the co-founders, who explained that Infinite Woods is set up to be a living example of a post-energy-scarcity community, powering all of its activities with electricity generated by its solar collectors. In the foyer of the main house, he showed me a fantasy-style graphic map of the 100 acre property with beautifully drawn icons of the house we were in, several cabins in varying architectural styles, a series of yurts scattered throughout the woods and the hillside, a large community center in the shape of an infinity symbol, and a spa complex in the shape of a tree next to the pond.
We met Kim, a master gardener, who was just running some herbs back in from the raised beds next to the house, and stopped in on Mark who was firing a new batch of earthenware in his pottery on the first floor of the house. They were all heading for a meeting and left me with a smaller copy of the graphic map on the wall so I could take a self-guided tour.
I set off and eagerly explored the property beyond the initial cluster of buildings, taking well-marked trails through serene fields and dense woods. Along the way, I discovering several cairns among the trees, a few sculptures in the clearings, and all the berries. On the way back to the main house, a large blackberry patch seemed close to breaking free from its enclosure, and nearby sat a small raspberry patch and a row of hoop houses growing several varietals of blueberries. Jake later explained that the blueberries were growing year round, all thanks to smart solar powered climate control systems in the hoop houses. The commitment to local, sustainable agriculture was palpable, and I couldn't wait to taste the fruits of this labor.
One of the highlights of my visit to Infinite Woods was the nordic spa, nestled just above the pond west of the house. The spa's design resembled a tree on the map inside the main house, with a central structure as its trunk and several outbuildings and hot pools as its branches. Charlie, the other co-founder, led me up a heated-stone path to the spa's trunk, a long building with slatted wood siding. Inside, I found a cozy lounge and a tea station, the perfect spot to rejuvenate after a day of exploring. I found a fresh robe and towel in the changing room, changed, and was ready to soak away my minor aches and pains.
The spa facilities were nothing short of extraordinary. The composting toilet, for example, was a revelation – there was no smell whatsoever, and no need to spin a barrel of waste. It left me wondering why we don't see more of these eco-friendly solutions in our daily lives. Another branch of the spa tree led to a set of two showers, their walls inlaid with exquisite painted tiles crafted by the father of one of the co-founders. The hot pools - each with room for two people and set to different temperatures - were similarly adorned with these gorgeous tiles, as were the entrance to the sauna and the ceiling of the steam room. It was evident that every detail had been carefully considered, and the result was a space that was both functional and visually stunning. And perhaps most impressively, everything was electric and powered by sustainable energy from the solar arrays that dotted the property.
After all my thermal therapy, I couldn't resist taking a bracing but refreshing cold plunge in the pond, feeling the chill of the water give way to an invigorating sensation. The experience was heightened by the beauty of the surrounding foliage, their vibrant colors reflected on the water's surface. Afterward, I enjoyed a warm shower with Dr. Bronner's soap, a fitting choice for this eco-conscious retreat, and later savored a cup of rose tea in the lounge area.
Dinner was served in the main house, a true farm-to-table feast featuring food from the property and surrounding farms. The flavors were bold and fresh, a testament to the importance of truly local cuisine - of course the blueberries made an appearance at dessert in the form of a seconds-needed pie with fresh churned cream. The communal dining experience provided an opportunity to connect with several environmental researchers who were staying with Charlie, Jake, Mark and Kim at Infinite Woods on fellowships from Harvard, Yale, and NYU. Engaging conversations about current carbon sequestration research, ocean acidification reversal research, and the telescope they were helping to install on the property enriched the meal and left me feeling both inspired and hopeful for the future of our planet.
The evening culminated in a meditation session held in the community building, a large structure shaped like an infinity symbol and situated in a field adjacent to the main house. The symbolism of the building's design was not lost on me, as I closed my eyes and allowed myself to become fully immersed in the present moment, feeling a profound connection to the land and the people with whom I shared this unforgettable experience.
My time at Infinite Woods not only provided a much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life but also opened my eyes to the possibilities of sustainable living and the importance of ongoing environmental research. The retreat's integration of eco-friendly practices, renewable energy, and innovative agricultural techniques demonstrated that living harmoniously with nature is not only achievable but also deeply rewarding.
As the sun set on my final day at Infinite Woods, I found myself standing on the hill overlooking the rolling hills of Vermont, enveloped by the vibrant hues of the fall foliage. The air was crisp, and the aroma of damp earth and decomposing leaves filled my senses. I felt a profound sense of gratitude for the opportunity to experience this extraordinary place, where nature, art, and sustainability intertwine seamlessly.
I left Infinite Woods with a renewed appreciation for our planet and a determination to incorporate the lessons I learned there into my daily life. The retreat had served as a reminder that the choices we make – from the food we eat to the energy we consume – have a lasting impact on the world around us. And as I drove away, the beautifully carved wooden sign that had greeted me upon arrival seemed to offer a final, gentle reminder of the infinite possibilities that await us if we choose to live in harmony with nature.