Planning your stay

Altitude & Temperatures

We live at approx. 6,000 feet ie 1829 meters, in a high altitude desert. This means that there are 2 elements that visitors have to get used to in summer: the altitude & the heat. Temperatures in the high 80°s & 90°sF or 30°C-36°C are not uncommon in July. We have very dry heat, with almost no humidity which means that it is easier to be in than a similar temperature in Denmark, Ireland or the east coast USA! However, it is still hot.

We are fortunate enough to live right on the Rio Grande, so rare for NM, we have water flowing right by us even in the hottest weather and you are welcome to dangle your feet or even immerse/swim in the river. There is a strong flow in the center of the river but the water level is drops fast in summer. It is a rocky river so diving or jumping in, is not advisable and you will need river shoes, which we will provide.

The altitude takes a little getting used to also.Arriving a few days early will help you acclimatize. You will notice some traces of blood in your nose etc. as your body gets used to this altitude, all perfectly normal. So take it easy when you arrive. Rest and drink plenty of water. The biggest danger in the combined altitude & heat is dehydration. Drink lots of water. We also will have electrolyte powders in the house and some homeopathic/herbal remedies that can help, if you feel you need them. People acclimatize fast, in a few days and the key does seems to be hydration & rest.

Arriving Early/Staying Late
Participants are welcome to arrive a few days early and/or stay on a few days after the workshop at River Spirit, as long as we know in advance. Meals are not provided until the workshop itself but there are a few good placed to eat nearby and use of the kitchen can be arranged. If you wish to stay at a local B&B or other accommodations nearby either before or after the workshop, you could try:

Mission Embudo, Dixon ………+1 (505) 579-4111 www.missionembudo.com
La Casita, Dixon……………… +1(505)579-4297
Heart of Dixon B&B ………… +1(505) 579-4681
Rock Pool Gardens B&B …… +1(505) 579-4602

Scent-free Environment :
Please use scent free and un-perfumed products: lotions, soaps, deoderants etc. as much as possible. Do not wear scented products at all while at Felipe’s house as he is very allergic to such items.

Things to bring:

Clothing for pottery.
Bring some clothes that you don't mind getting dirty, dusty or even wet. Felipe will provide aprons and all the other items you need but your clothes will probably still get debris on them.

Sun gear
We have a number of sunhats here and you can always buy some cheaply enough in local stores but if you have a good one, try and bring it.
We also have sunscreen, of various strengths but again, bring one you like with you. You will need it.

Insect Repellents:
We have insect repellents, both natural and deet based. If you are sensitive either to insects or products and want to bring your own repellent, then please do.

Swimsuits
Bring a swim suit. We don't mind nudity in the river or our hottub... indeed it is our usual way of being in the hottub… but if you decide to visit Ojo Caliente Spa, near Felipe's home, then you will need a swim suit. Also, in summer, the river frequently has rafters floating by and you may prefer to wear something while in the river.

Clothing
bring light cool daywear and a light cardigan or sweater for evening. We may have some monsoon rains so a light waterproof jacket may be useful.

Biodegradable products
We provide biodegradable products for the shower & sink at River spirit as they are grey water systems. If you absolutely must use your own products, please try and choose biodegradable ones.

Some reminders:

Meals during the workshop are included in the fee.
Towels, bedding etc. are all provided.
Travel to and from Felipe's studio can be done in one of our 2 vehicles or with another participant.
Remember to have enough room in your luggage for a drum and pots, if you choose to carry them. You can also post them from NM. European visitors often do so and everything has arrived safely for them. There are good packing agents in Taos and in Santa Fe.