Beautiful solitude and uninterrupted darkness

September 29, 2005

Situated at 4,000 feet just below Sprcue Knob, West Virginia, The Mountain Institute quietly suggests an alternative life. It suggests with a voice only as audible as the whims of the wind stirring the evergreen needles. It suggests with a taste as sharp and sweet as the lip-staining raspberry. It suggests with a beautiful solitude and uninterrupted darkness known only to the stars. It suggests with a community sharing responsibilities and joining hands in a circle before meals. I found myself in awe of the peaceful surroundings at The Mountain Institute as I visited with the EMU Campus Activities Council to plan the upcoming semester's activities. Our task seemed out of place in that setting, busying ourselves planning activities for busy students.