Greetings!

 

We here at Golden Cup Wilderness are so delighted to be hosting you and we are confident your time here will prove to be restorative, relaxing, and memorable. In the following packet, we have itemized valuable information to thoroughly prepare you for your visit. Please be sure to read it through entirely so you can inquire ahead of time if you have questions and come fully prepared. 

 

                Thank you for choosing Golden Cup Wilderness as your vacation getaway.

 

About the property

 

Golden Cup Wilderness is a 160-acre permaculture botanical sanctuary and forest that focuses on bringing us back to our origins. Golden Cup has five acres of farmland run by our family, contractors, and our volunteer farm scholars. Our goal is to preserve the ways of the land and teach others about sustainability and the healing power of nature.

 

Our property is characterized by diverse climates, ecosystems, plants, and animals. The seasonal “Young Creek”, which is part of the Russian River watershed, typically runs through our property from December to July, bringing an abundance of life with it. We have an artesian spring, three active wells, a pond, and seven solar power systems. 

 

Composting food waste and self-composting toilets provide beneficial biology to the soil by utilizing high carbon from wood chips and forest leaves, high nitrogen from plants and manures, and high bacteria from grasses and kitchen scraps. We attempt to reuse everything within reason. We do all we can to be considerate stewards of the land. In addition to composting, we repurpose, recycle and reuse as many materials as possible, even building with self-harvested wood, clay, and other natural materials.

 

We are extremely conscientious of our environmental footprint and try to find purpose in all we do. Golden Cup Wilderness is a powerful place in nature, surrounded by gorgeous natural landscapes and filled with museum-quality natural building treasures.

Several forest structures here were designed and built by SunRay Kelley, a world-renowned sculptor, artist, and natural builder.

 

We run the sauna seasonally during Spring and Fall on Saturdays by booking with a $50 sponsor. You are welcome to explore whether or not it is being run, as it is a piece of art.

 

There is a redwood grove with a stunning two-story Treehouse to enjoy and a beautiful Gazebo by the creek where you can have a picnic, practice yoga, read, or meditate.

 

Our property is abounding with beauty and we encourage you to explore as much as you can while visiting.

 

   What to Bring

Check the local weather and bring weather-appropriate outdoor gear considering the potential for extreme temperature fluctuation between daytime and evening.

 

Make sure to bring along hiking shoes/boots if you are planning to explore the great trails. We suggest bringing along headlamps, flashlights, and/or lanterns. Remember, this is a remote wilderness area! You may also want to bring some camping chairs for sitting outdoors around your forest home or to pack with you on a hike.

 

Each forest home has a basic first aid kit, but you should supplement that with items like your medications, favorite home remedies, insect repellent, and other toiletries.

 

We supply all your essentials: bedding, warm blankets, towels and soap/cleaning products. We also supply the kitchen basics: pots, pans, silverware, cups, and bowls. All forest homes have a coffee maker (pour-over) and a water boiler for tea, in addition to a small selection of teas and coffee. You can bring your personal selection if you have any favorites!

 

There are two available shared showers One at the Sauna and another at The Big Yurt. If your unit does not come with a private shower, feel free to use these locations during your stay. You can view the property map here to locate them. (suggest saving for use during your stay)

                  Directions and GOOGLE pin:

IMPORTANT!    This is the link to the CrossRoads (main Golden Cup parking area). For best accuracy, use Google Maps (other mapping sources do NOT provide accurate directions). 

 

Please note: You do not need 4WD/AWD for the main road or to get to the Bear Hut. Areas that do require them are marked with clear signage. Please adhere to the signs.

 

As a backup to the Google pin, here are written directions to reach the CrossRoads, which is a WiFi zone, and the main parking area:

 

From US-101 SOUTH (5 miles from Ukiah): 

 

• Turn RIGHT onto “McNab Ranch Road” 

OR 

From US-101 NORTH (6 miles from Hopland): 

 

• Turn LEFT onto “McNab Ranch Road” (Watch for a turquoise sign picturing “Vineyard-and Retech” shipping and receiving warehouse on the opposite side)

 

Once on McNab Ranch Road, continue straight until you pass the “Bonterra Vineyard'' entrance and the paved road ends at a “T” intersection.  

 

• Here, you will TURN LEFT (South) onto “Valley View Drive”. 

 

Proceed on Valley View Drive, which will eventually turn into “Bus McGall Road”.

Continue on for 2.3 bumpy miles. Around the second mile, as you start your descent, you will see a Boat and Trailer landmark. (Be sure to FOLLOW THE ROAD TO THE RIGHT here). This will reassure you that you’re on the right path. In just a little under a half mile, you will reach “Young Creek Road”.

 

• Turn RIGHT onto “Young Creek Road” and continue for another 0.7 miles. 

 

• TURN LEFT at the first intersection (you are still technically on Young Creek Road) and PASS THROUGH THE OPEN GREEN GATE. You will then see a deer statue on your right and cross over a creek. Continue for about 0.4 miles and you will have arrived at the CrossRoads (the Wi-Fi Hotspot and main parking area).  

 

Try not to block other cars if this is where your designated unit parking is located (refer to site map).

Please notify us when you’ve arrived safely.

 

WiFi and Cell reception:

We provide FREE WiFi at the CrossRoads parking area with no password required. 

 

IMPORTANT: If you desire to have phone service over WiFi, you should activate it BEFORE you arrive. You must activate this while you still have cell service.

 

Being at Golden Cup is a great chance to disconnect and restore in a healing environment. We hope you will take advantage of the opportunity to disconnect and reconnect with nature and self.

 

Check-in Instructions:

 

Check-in is at 4 pm. You may come early, and enjoy the property until check-in time. The doors to your unit will be unlocked.

 

Please remove your shoes before entering your unit.

 

There is a walkie-talkie located in your unit for use while exploring the forest, to contact the Host, or to reach us in case of an emergency. 

 

Please be conscious that your power comes from solar; PLEASE use only the provided lights and electronics at night, as others are most likely to drain the batteries (other units are depending on this source of power as well).

 

We only use self-composting toilets all over the property and they are a vital part of our biodynamic composting methods. (See the site map for their locations). A self-composting toilet is used just like a regular toilet, except that instead of flushing the waste, you add composting material to break it down. After use, add a few healthy scoops of the wood chips provided and a scoop or two of ashes. We re-create the native biome of the land by harvesting the natural compost of the forest where we find the most biodiversity; with a sample of that, we inoculate a bigger batch of farm compost and let it “cook”- just as you inoculate yogurt and other fermented foods. A well-maintained self-composting toilet greatly benefits the land. Your waste does not go to waste!

 

In each unit, we have additionally provided a simple camping bucket toilet to use if you don’t want to walk to the self-composting toilet. In addition, there are wood chips to put in after each use. Please clean the camping toilet daily and at the end of your stay if you use it. Instructions on the proper setup, use, cleaning, and sanitation have been made available in your unit.

Don't hesitate to contact us if there are any questions or issues at any point during your stay so we can get them resolved while you are still here.

 

Check-out instructions:

We hope your time with us was pleasant and peaceful. We also hope you feel rejuvenated from your time in Golden Cup Wilderness, and that we have the pleasure of hosting you again soon.

 

• If you used your toilet bucket, please empty it into the self-composting toilet, rinse it thoroughly, spray it with disinfectant, and let it air out in the sun outside on your deck. Detailed instructions and equipment are provided in your unit.

 

• Please take all trash and recycling with you, and leave composting foods in the designated bucket on the deck outside the door. 

 

• Leave all used bath towels, washcloths, kitchen towels, and cleaning rags on the floor inside, by the door.

 

• Strip the sheets and pillowcases and set them by the front door as well

 

• Leave your dishes clean and put them away.

 

• Kindly sweep the floor of leaves and debris.

 

• Plug in the radio to charge for the next guest.

 

Please report any damages or anything that you find that is out of order. This helps us ensure we keep our property in top condition, as much as we are able. We greatly appreciate your assistance with this.

 

Check-out is at 11 am. Please be prompt about checking out on time. We need ample time to clean, sanitize and prepare the unit for the next arriving guests. Notify the Host by email or radio that you are checking out.

 

Once you’ve done this, feel free to enjoy the property for as long as you like before you leave. Hike, and enjoy the fresh air and clean water, as the forest is deeply restorative.

    Directions out:

1. Turn right from the CrossRoads onto Young Creek Road

2. Turn right at the “T” by the green gate

3. Turn left at the “T” by the yield sign

4. Turn left at the “T” by the boat

5. Turn right at the beginning of the asphalted road

6. Follow until you reach the 101