APPALACHIAN DREAMER HIKER HOSTEL

I have a working farm with cows, goats, donkeys and cats. With this in mind, I know that I cannot allow hikers to bring pets onto the farm. I am located at 502 Dotson Ridge Rd.(Hwy. 619 Ceres VA. 24318 about 2.5 road miles West from where the trail crosses VA. Hwy. 42 (Old Wilderness Rd.) and also from where the trail crosses Old Rich Valley road (Hwy. 610) . It is a pleasant, mostly downhill walk. Catching a ride to Dotson ridge from either of these crossings is possible. If cell phone signal is available, you can call and I will pick you up at either crossing. I fix Breakfast of pan cakes for my guest. I have frozen pizzas hikers may purchase and can prepare in hiker kitchen. The views from my home/hostel are spectacular. From the front the view is of Walker mountain where the trail crosses between my hostel and Mount Rogers. Each Season has its own beauty from the Spring when everything comes alive. The Summer when the days are long, the sunrise and sunsets are spectacular. The Fall brings the colors as the Mountainsides turn from shades of green to beautiful bright colors of every shade. The Winter is a time when the hills turn white with snow and the animals with there bright coats stand out against the background of white. Whether Southbound or Northbound you will be treated with a landscape unmatched anywhere.I have rules in place which I require my guests to agree to and acknowledge receipt of which I feel will insure my hikers have a pleasant stay. I also have a hold harmless agreement which I require my guests to sign which states that since this is a working farm there are issues which I have no control of. I require a photo I.D. so I will know who my guests are and also who I need to contact in case of emergency. All of my guests in the past have appreciated the rules and also understand the need for I.Ds. and the hold harmless agreement. I welcome suggestions from hikers as to how I can improve my services. I want my guests to be comfortable while they stay and also want them to be rested and ready for the return to the A.T. I promote Christian values and request that my guests respect this. I depend on donations from my hiker guest to offset the cost of operating the hostel. For your convenience I accept credit cards. I am not funded by any Church or Denomination, although my home Church of Mid-Way Baptist in Raleigh NC. has contributed many items and supplies in order for me to be where I can provide the services which hikers need when they come off the trail for a day or two. Without the prayers and support of my home Church, I would not be able to have this hostel. There are many hours of work represented here which were given by friends and members of my Church. If you stay with me, you will be able to view and appreciate the expert craftsmanship of these men.

Since I cater to long distance hikers, I don't furnish linen. I do furnish clean pillow case, towels and bath cloth. Guest need to have there own sleeping bag.

RULES FOR GUESTS STAYING AT APPALACHIAN DREAMER HIKER HOST

I PROMOTE CHRISTIAN VALUES

1-Each hiker must produce a valid and current driver's license or other picture I.D. (i.e. Passport)

2-No one under the age of 18 years will be allowed on hostel property unless in the company of parent (proof of relationship required)

3-Each hiker must read and sign the RELEASE, HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT.

4-Each hiker must acknowledge receipt of a copy of these Rules by signing document.

5-Maximum stay of two (2) nights in any six (6) month period NO EXCEPTIONS.

6-No possession or use of illegal drugs or alcohol, no smoking, no profanity, no sexual activity, no pets. no contact with livestock, SHIRTS AND PANTS MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES (NOT JUST UNDERPANTS) OTHER THAN SHOWERING. No fighting or disorderly conduct, no weapons of any kind (other than pocketknives). Weapons must be delivered to owner for safekeeping.

7-Quiet time strictly observed from 9:00 PM. until 6:00 AM

8-Cooking in Kitchen only (clean up kitchen after using). Remove cloths from washer and dryer promptly.

9-I have cats. If you are allergic to cats, you are advised to stay elsewhere.

NO VISITORS UNLESS 18 YEARS OF AGE AND PRE APPROVED IN WRITING BY HOSTEL, NO VISITORS DURING QUIET TIME, OR OVERNIGHT, ALL RULES APPLY TO VISITORS AS WELL. THE HOSTEL RESERVES THE RIGHT TO DENY ADMITTANCE TO ANYONE SUSPECTED OF MISREPRESENTING THEMSELVES AS HIKERS OF THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL, BEING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR ILLEGAL DRUGS, BEING DISHONEST WITH THE OWNER OF THE HOSTEL IN ANY WAY. THE HOSTEL ALSO RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REFUSE ADMITTANCE TO ANYONE WITHOUT EXPLANATION. HIKERS WILL NOT CREATE EXCESSIVE NOISE OR OTHERWISE ENGAGE IN ACTIVITY WHICH DISTURBS OTHERS USING THE HOSTEL. $25.00 DONATION PER BUNK REQUESTED AND APPRECIATED FOR STAY. FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE WE ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS (TIPPING THE COOK IS PERMITTED)

ANY HIKER WHO FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THESE RULES WILL BE REQUIRED TO LEAVE IMMEDIATELY. THE SMYTH COUNTY SHERIFF OR THE VIRGINIA STATE POLICE WILL BE USED TO ENFORCE THIS RULE.

NOTE: DRIVERS LICENSE MAY BE RUN THROUGH VIRGINIA STATE POLICE DATA BANK