View Full Version : The Graymoor Monastery
2009ThruHiker
10-01-2008, 19:47
Just read about this place in Ten Million Steps...is this place still taking in thru-hikers???
Blissful
10-01-2008, 19:58
You are allowed to stay at the ballfield shelter. There is water, privy, and cold shower. You can order pizza delivered too. But be aware, partiers sometimes roll in in the wee hours and stay overnight. Some guy was hanging out there too for a week with his tent set up in the shelter. Unless I were with others, I'd likely skip it next time.
2009ThruHiker
10-01-2008, 20:05
ARe you saying u can't stay at the monastery any longer?
Footslogger
10-01-2008, 20:24
I don't think you could ever actually stay IN the monastery. In 2003 they allowed hikers to set up tents and hammocks under the pavillion which is half way from the ballfield to the monastery building. At dinner time they would come down, meet us and then escort us up to dinner.
'Slogger
2009ThruHiker
10-01-2008, 20:33
I don't think you could ever actually stay IN the monastery. In 2003 they allowed hikers to set up tents and hammocks under the pavillion which is half way from the ballfield to the monastery building. At dinner time they would come down, meet us and then escort us up to dinner.
'Slogger
Interesting. According to Nimblewill Nomad in his 1998 hike he was "shown to his private room in the old Friary." He also mentions an incredible breakfast spread, and the beauty of the monastery itself. Apparently in 1972 the first thru hiker stumbled into the Gramoor and the Superior allowed him to stay overnight...Word spread like wildfire among the other hikers, and the tradition of staying in the friary for thru hikers held steady between 1972- until at least 1998 according to the book. in fact, Nimblewill says the 1998 Superior told him : " The year 1998 marks our 26th year of lodging hikers at Graymoor. We are happy to have you."
I wonder when it changed....and why??? But you say they invite the hikers up for dinner?
Staying in a cell at the Monastery and having dinner with the Brothers used to be a highlight. Not sure when that stopped or why.
Footslogger
10-01-2008, 20:35
I wonder when it changed....and why??? But you say they invite the hikers up for dinner?
=====================================
Well ...they still were in 2003 - - and it was a fantastic dinner followed by a tour (at your choice) of the monastery.
'Slogger
lonehiker
10-01-2008, 20:45
They don't provide meals any longer. But you can still stay at the Pavillon, get water, shower etc.
Lone Wolf
10-01-2008, 20:57
Staying in a cell at the Monastery and having dinner with the Brothers used to be a highlight. Not sure when that stopped or why.
too many hikers, too many of them ungrateful. i was fortunate enuf to stay "inside" 3 different years
sasquatch2014
10-01-2008, 21:20
Just to the south of the Monastery where the roads meet there is a new connivence store getting ready to open they were working on it this year should be open by next year so it will simple for short term resupply right there.
fiddlehead
10-01-2008, 21:25
Just to the south of the Monastery where the roads meet there is a new connivence store getting ready to open they were working on it this year should be open by next year so it will simple for short term resupply right there.
Oh brother.
I too stayed inside twice. Very Very Cool.
I believe another reason they stopped is because those guys were getting very old and dying off. There was only a few of them left in '95. They were very friendly and the food was great.
Now to look forward to a convenience store instead, (at the junction) will make a thru a lot less colorful.
It is built in a very beautiful settin also. A walk around the grounds of the monastary will impress most.
sasquatch2014
10-01-2008, 21:32
Oh brother.
Now to look forward to a convenience store instead, (at the junction) will make a thru a lot less colorful.
They did name it Appalachian Mart or something to that effect if it helps any? :rolleyes:
max patch
10-01-2008, 21:59
I stayed inside. One nite only; no exceptons. AYCE dinner, breakfast, private room, shower, access to library. Great stop; very friendly.
I wonder when it changed....and why??? But you say they invite the hikers up for dinner?
When I stayed at the pavillion in June 2003, hikers were invited to dinner during July and August only.
While I was there, the Brother stopped by, and we chatted. He said that thru-hikers were not the true mission of the Monastery, and thus, they were doing less rather than more. I can accept this, because there are certainly many people much more needy than us thru-hikers.
LIhikers
10-02-2008, 07:58
I'll be up there in a couple of weeks to do some AT corridor boundary work.
I'll look to see if the store is open yet and post the info here.
Cookerhiker
10-02-2008, 08:21
When I stayed at the pavillion in June 2003, hikers were invited to dinner during July and August only.
While I was there, the Brother stopped by, and we chatted. He said that thru-hikers were not the true mission of the Monastery, and thus, they were doing less rather than more. I can accept this, because there are certainly many people much more needy than us thru-hikers.
My experience was very similar. I stayed there in June 05 (http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=102837) and also talked to one of the brothers. I didn't ask him about staying in the monastery or meals but I told him we hikers appreciated having use of the pavilion.
I had arrived on a Sunday night when the field hosted several organized soccer games played by Latinos. It was some sort of league with uniforms and referees. Fun and fascinating to watch. The women were serving delicious meals and invited me to partake; my only reason for declining was a desire to lighten my pack of my own food. By dark they were all gone and I slept soundly.
sasquatch2014
10-02-2008, 10:04
I'll be up there in a couple of weeks to do some AT corridor boundary work.
I'll look to see if the store is open yet and post the info here.
That would be great. I don't get over there often enough. Let me know when your doing your boundary stuff if you want a hand I'll see what I have going on.
RITBlake
10-02-2008, 10:14
We stayed in 05 and were told that hikers were no longer staying inside. We slept under the roof of the sports field pavillion.
At 6 pm a brother came down, counted heads. He came down an hour later w/ deli sandwiches. Great place, nice people, cool experience, and an amazing place to walk around at night to see everything lit up.
http://www.maine2georgia.com/NY/slides/P1010021.JPG
Staying in a cell at the Monastery and having dinner with the Brothers used to be a highlight. Not sure when that stopped or why.
It was still happening in 1993. I and my grandson, then age 11, stayed in a room inside, allowing Jon, an agnostic acolyte, to query the brothers with a thousand questions. We were served both supper and breakfast.
A few years later the practice was discontinued, but partially resumed after some hikers helped with some repairs as I vaguely recall.
I suspect growing numbers of sloppy hikers contributed to the change.
Weary
superman
10-02-2008, 17:26
In 2000 I was among a bunch of thru hikers who had the unfortunate job of pacifying the people left in the wake of a bunch of young folks that did bad stuff all the way to katahdin. They were offering breakfast at the monastery until the friars took a head count for breakfast and the hikers said they'd have breakfast but left without breakfast. The friar guy was not a happy camper and they discontinued breakfast.
I met Pat from Maine there and when we hiked out in the morning she turned left (sobo). I said, “I think we want to go the other way." She assured me that we were going in the right direction. I had hiked in when it was dark so I figured I'd gotten turned around. Then we got to the rode, which made it clear we'd gone the wrong way. We just turned and hiked back. After a while Pat said "aren't you nice for not saying anything." I said "don't worry, I won't mention it."
Happy Feet
10-02-2008, 18:16
We stayed inside in '97. In addition to a hot bath, great meal, and private room, we were treated to the sounds of the brothers in Gregorian Chant. It echoed through the entire place. It was incredible.
2009ThruHiker
10-02-2008, 18:21
We stayed inside in '97. In addition to a hot bath, great meal, and private room, we were treated to the sounds of the brothers in Gregorian Chant. It echoed through the entire place. It was incredible.
I will attempt to dream of this experience under the pavilion if I am fortunate enough to make it that far. In the meantime I am jealous!
Footslogger
10-02-2008, 18:24
I will attempt to dream of this experience under the pavilion if I am fortunate enough to make it that far. In the meantime I am jealous!
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Hey ...don't knock the pavillion. All things considered it's not a bad place to hang for the night. There is a small area in front of the pavillion (maybe enough for 3 - 4 tents) and otherwise there are the picnic tables under the pavillion roof. The bath house is just a short walk from the pavillion with real toilets and running water.
'Slogger
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]In 2000 I was among a bunch of thru hikers who had the unfortunate job of pacifying the people left in the wake of a bunch of young folks that did bad stuff all the way to katahdin. They were offering breakfast at the monastery until the friars took a head count for breakfast and the hikers said they'd have breakfast but left without breakfast. The friar guy was not a happy camper and they discontinued breakfast.
Was that before or after the Feds stole some of their land to insure extra protection of that delicate stretch of the AT, I wonder.
HikeGalPA
10-02-2008, 19:03
Unbelievable piece of property. stayed there this labor day weekend one night, outside under a pavillion. nice outdoor shower. very quiet. also a safe place to park as long as you ok it ahead of time. I'd certainly go there again.
superman
10-02-2008, 20:00
Was that before or after the Feds stole some of their land to insure extra protection of that delicate stretch of the AT, I wonder.
That thing was still going on and the friar told us their side of the issue over dinner. I have no idea who was right or wrong in that issue. I appreciated the meal and the brief stay in the ball field.
gsingjane
10-03-2008, 08:07
When we were there in the spring of '06, we met a wonderful monk who entertained us with many interesting stories of his service in South America, and also shared some delicious zucchini bread! He invited us to attend services the next morning and we did. Even though we aren't Catholic, so couldn't fully participate, I found it one of the most moving and meaningful experiences I've ever had in the context of backpacking.
Jane in CT
rambunny
10-03-2008, 08:17
The reason i got was that the nuns lost their residence and were placed in the former hiker rooms. 2000. They work with recovering addicts. We were fortunate to get dinner in 2000. No meals but a great tour in 2001, skipped it in 2002. Great place.
Was that before or after the Feds stole some of their land to insure extra protection of that delicate stretch of the AT, I wonder.
I'm not sure "stole" is the proper word,
XCskiNYC
09-02-2009, 11:40
Summer 2009, the soccer-field shelter is still there. There's an open, covered pavilion where people sleep on the floor, sign the hiker registry, hang clothes to dry, etc. A couple of spotlights on the side of the pavilion provide evening illumination (until 9 p.m. -- hiker midnight -- when they usually get turned off). There are about a dozen picnic tables out in front of the shelter and almost unlimited smooth, soft playing field lawn for pitching tents. About a hundred yards north across the field there's a row of porta-toilets. Behind the pavilion is a water tap/large sink and a wooden closet containing the cold-water shower.
There's another shelter further up the hill, located on one of the inner ring roads.
superman
09-02-2009, 12:34
I'm not sure "stole" is the proper word,
There were two sides to the story. The monk made sure he lobbied us to lobby our representatives on the monasteries side. My understanding of the situation was that there was an agreement where the monastery was not to develope or erect buildings on a tract of land. The monastery was in flagrant violation in spite of repeated objections by the feds so the feds asked them to comply or lose the property.
Tenderheart
09-02-2009, 12:55
The reason i got was that the nuns lost their residence and were placed in the former hiker rooms. 2000. They work with recovering addicts. We were fortunate to get dinner in 2000. No meals but a great tour in 2001, skipped it in 2002. Great place.
I think that is what happened. We heard that the nuns lost their residence, maybe by fire. The ballfield was open in 2000, and one of the friars came down in the evening for a head count for dinner. I had arrived too early to stop for the night, and decided to push on. I'm sure I missed a great meal and experience. Seems at that point in my hike, I had become more concerned with miles than with memories.
litefoot 2000
Jester2000
09-02-2009, 13:05
I don't think you could ever actually stay IN the monastery. In 2003 they allowed hikers to set up tents and hammocks under the pavillion which is half way from the ballfield to the monastery building. At dinner time they would come down, meet us and then escort us up to dinner.
'Slogger
too many hikers, too many of them ungrateful. i was fortunate enuf to stay "inside" 3 different years
Hikers were allowed to stay in the monestary at one time, as mentioned by others, but the discontinuation of this practice had nothing to do with "ungrateful hikers." Quarters used to house hikers were turned over to the Sisters of the Atonement when their quarters were destroyed. Tragically for some, no drama having to do with hikers was involved.
In 2000 there was drama, also having little to do with hikers. The Federal government filed an eminent domain claim against the Friary for violation of an easement agreement. The Friary had started a rehab program, and the added people on site required renovation of their water supply system. A manhole cover was actually sited right on the trail in the woods, which was actually kind of funny to come across.
As you can imagine, a land grab against a bunch of monks isn't a popular thing to do. But the filing did get the attention of the monks, who otherwise would not have sat down to hammer out a new easement agreement (which was done to the satisfaction of both parties). The monks assured me that they didn't hold what had happened against the hikers.
Hikers were allowed to stay in the monestary at one time, as mentioned by others, but the discontinuation of this practice had nothing to do with "ungrateful hikers." Quarters used to house hikers were turned over to the Sisters of the Atonement when their quarters were destroyed. Tragically for some, no drama having to do with hikers was involved.
In 2000 there was drama, also having little to do with hikers. The Federal government filed an eminent domain claim against the Friary for violation of an easement agreement. The Friary had started a rehab program, and the added people on site required renovation of their water supply system. A manhole cover was actually sited right on the trail in the woods, which was actually kind of funny to come across.
As you can imagine, a land grab against a bunch of monks isn't a popular thing to do. But the filing did get the attention of the monks, who otherwise would not have sat down to hammer out a new easement agreement (which was done to the satisfaction of both parties). The monks assured me that they didn't hold what had happened against the hikers.
But a drunken hiker saga makes for such a better story and allows the regulars to have something to complain about.
superman
09-02-2009, 14:10
But a drunken hiker saga makes for such a better story and allows the regulars to have something to complain about.
Actually I think there is an assortment of events that happened at the monastery around the 2000 hike. There was a group of hikers, who were there just before me, who signed up for breakfast but hiked out instead. That was when the breakfasts were discontinued. The same bunch used a preachers computer for porn at another place. Drama...there is always drama with some hikers but that doesn't mean that the places, like the monastery, don't have their own drama going on.
Jester2000
09-02-2009, 14:38
The same bunch used a preachers computer for porn at another place. . .
Yep. That was at Vernon. Same folks. By 2000 the Friary had already discontinued housing hikers, so that can't be blamed on them.
I don't think you could ever actually stay IN the monastery. In 2003 they allowed hikers to set up tents and hammocks under the pavillion which is half way from the ballfield to the monastery building. At dinner time they would come down, meet us and then escort us up to dinner.
'Slogger
I stayed there last spring, no offer of dinner at the monastery. I ordered from the local sub shop. The grounds keeper checks on hikers every night. I pitched a tent at the pavilion and watched a ball game. Latter took a tour of the grounds and building. It's a great place to spend the night. Footslogger, I hope you're doing well!
paintplongo
10-21-2009, 16:53
I, along with 3 other AT hikers, got to be there to celebrate their 100 year anniversary this year! We got AYCE Lunch and Dinner and got to play games with the friars and guests. It was quite cool, but no, you don't sleep inside and they do not feed you anymore either. Unless it's a special occasion:).
ShelterLeopard
10-23-2009, 15:32
It makes me so sad that they don't do this anymore- I would have preferred staying at the friary a hundred times to a hotel. I hope they didn't really stop because of ungrateful and rude hikers... though they probably did. :(
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Hey ...don't knock the pavillion. All things considered it's not a bad place to hang for the night. There is a small area in front of the pavillion (maybe enough for 3 - 4 tents) and otherwise there are the picnic tables under the pavillion roof. The bath house is just a short walk from the pavillion with real toilets and running water.
'Slogger
As of last month, there's a two stall shower and outdoor sink about 20 yards from the pavillion.
The ground along the side of the ballfield is hard as rock (actually, the soil is full of small stones under the nice sod). I bent an MSR ground hog stake, which is quite a feat.
The closest I got to the brothers at the monastery was the morning after my stay when one drove by and waved. I didn't budget any extra time to explore and chat, which is a shame. Unfortunately, my "vacation" only consisted of three paid days so far this year, so I didn't want to "spend" extra time. Such is the life of a section hiker :rolleyes:.
Sasquatch was kind enough to shuttle me to and from the trail again. Many thanks to him and other friends of the Trail.
Okie Dokie
10-28-2009, 22:24
Sad that the "Graymoor Experience" is no longer available...my wife and I "thru-ed" in 1991 and enjoyed ourselves there...along the trail, way back then we saw many instances of hiker ingratitude...guess if you don't value it you lose it...
Well, if you can spare the time, here's how it was in '91...(from my trial journal, which covers 2 days/entries, with some deleted for brevity)
Monday, 8-5-91 Graymoor Monastery, Old Friary, Rooms 11 & 12
...Turned right at Old West Point Road and followed a driveway up the mountain to Graymoor Monastery, home of the Society of the Atonement Friars. Old chapels and friary buildings built of the native stone back in the early 1900's mixed with the more modern institution-like structures of the Christian Unity Center, bookstore, etc.. Flower gardens, shrines, religious statues, and carefully tended lawns – a very solemn, meditative atmosphere where one feels immediately at peace. The first “Brother” that we saw looked like a picture from an illustrated Bible – silver-grey hair combed perfectly, full-length robe held at the waist by a sash with three knots (symbolizing the three vows of celibacy, poverty, and obedience the friars take) and a broad smile of perfectly white teeth. Jill (my wife) and I agreed later that he looked almost unreal, as if he was prepared for ascension at any moment. Brother Jerry was paged by the receptionist and became our host, showing us the cafeteria – where we were to meet him promptly at 5:25pm for supper – and the shower and laundry facilities, and finally our separate rooms in the west wing of the Old Friary.
Showered and washed clothes then went down to eat, finding Brother Jerry waiting. Most of the other 45 Brothers were on hand, some in robes, others in civilian dress. Some were very old, a few in wheel chairs – this is a retirement center for Brothers as well as a Monastery. We ate extremely well – a tremendous buffet-style salad bar augmented by sausages, bread, vegetables, brownies and custard all brought out by waiters. We were naturally on our best behavior, but found that we had overeaten when we got up to leave. Brother Jerry excused himself and we went back to our rooms for naps. We strolled down sto the Monastery library later on for rest and reading. By 9:30pm we were hungry again – set out to look for a vending machine in the Administration Building – ran into nice Brother Chris who made change for us. Hearing that we were thru-hikers he asked us to wait, disappeared into an elevator, then returned in a few minutes with half a chocolate cake for us. Said he had been in the brotherhood for 45 years –great guy, has been all over the U.S. on all kinds of service projects. Thanked him, then took the cake back to our rooms for a bedtime feast. These soft clean beds look so welcome tonight – we’ve pushed hard to get here. Sixteen miles today. Tough week.
Tuesday, 8-6-91 ½ Mile N. of Dennytown Road
Breakfast is served at 7:00am at the Monastery, so we were up at 6:30am, sleepy-eyed. I slept deep and hard; Jill not so well, finding it hard to get to sleep in her room. Brother Jerry was waiting, joining us for a relaxed breakfast of fresh fruit, cereal, bagels, toast, juice, eggs, sausage, bacon, French toast, pancakes and coffee. Not many Brothers on hand – Brother Jerry explained that many of them skip breakfast, some for self-discipline. During the meal Brother Jerry gave us a short history of the Monastery and told of some of his more interesting experiences in the Brotherhood. Graymoor began as the dream of an Episcopal minister back in 1893 – he wanted to found a society that would pray and work for atonement of the Christian faiths, bringing all churches to a state of “at-one-ment”, reconciling and unifying them. He could interest no one in the Episcopalian community in his idea, so he converted to Catholicism and together with a former Episcopalian Sister established Graymoor. The Sisters and Friars at Graymoor are working to support the ideals and aims of unification through the well-known Graymoor Ecumenical Institute which sponsors theological conferences and seminars. They welcome people of all creeds and faiths for retreats and ecumenical meetings. Brother Jerry went on to explain how he has spent his life in service, saying he felt most comfortable and useful when working with the homeless. The Monastery operates a homeless shelter on the mountain known as Saint Christophers Inn, which houses around 180 people, each for an average of three weeks at a time. When we commented on how little Brother Jerry ate we learned why he was rail-thin – his stomach was removed two years ago (for some medical reason) and his body absorbs only a small amount of what he eats. To maintain his weight he must hook himself to an I.V. each night. A very kind, gentle man – made us feel at home and continually urged us to eat all we wanted. Back to the rooms to pack, then a stroll around the Monastery and a few pictures at some of the shrines. Made a contribution to the Monastery at the receptionist’s desk and headed back down the driveway toward the trail. A wonderful place – we will long remember the Franciscan hospitality of the Society of the Atonement on Graymoor Mountain…
As you can tell the Brothers were much more hospitable then
ShelterLeopard
11-03-2009, 11:24
Thanks for posting that- I read the whole thing, and it made me wish even more that they continued to do this. And I don't think the brothers are any less hospitable now, than 15 years ago.
I've heard two stories about why they stopped- 1, (and I hope this is the reason, it would make me feel much better than the other) they felt that their calling was not to tend to hikers, but the homeless, and they wanted to concentrate their efforts where they were needed most, and there were too few friars to spread out between their various endeavours. And 2, hikers were rude (and this one makes me feel terrible).
westville
11-07-2009, 15:02
There is a very credible reason given (the quarters being used for purposes other than hiking) earlier in the thread. Are people not bothering to read all of it?
ShelterLeopard
11-07-2009, 16:01
No, as I said in my post, I was just worried that it wasn't the real reason they stopped letting hikers in.
Graymoor Friars
10-06-2011, 15:39
Hello from Graymoor,
I just wanted to set the record straight. Yes, through the years, many hikers did have the opportunity to stay in the old friary, but that is no longer possible because the old friary is in dis-repair. Within the next year or so, plans are to take down the old friary and replace it with a new friary that will be home to the senior/retired friars of this Community. However, hikers are always welcome to enjoy the Graymoor grounds. There is a pavillion, shower (cold) and port-a-potties from early Spring till late Fall. You can order pizza and have it delivered to the pavillion, or just at the edge of the Graymoor grounds is the Appalachian Market - a 24-hour deli and mini-market.
There is Mass (open to the public) everyday and confession is also available. If you would like to stay indoors, you can make reservations at the Graymoor Spiritual Life Center. The retreat center is located in the large Pius X building -- the Friar's former seminary. With reservations 2 weeks in advance, you can arrange for a "day of grace" which includes overnight accomodations in a Friary cell and 3 meals in the Friary/retreat center dining room. 2011 fees are $70 per person per mid-week "day of grace". (Since there are generally always weekend retreats, it is harder to get reservations for the weekends, but certainly worth calling.... 845-424-2111.)
The Friars stopped providing free meals and lodging for a number of reasons - but most significant was the cost. True to our Franciscan heritage, the Friars are mendicants and live on the donations provided by benefactors. In order to serve more of the homeless and addicted men who come to St. Christopher's Inn (the rehab center on the grounds of Graymoor), care for those in hospitals and prisons and continue our ministries in ecuminism, the Friars simply could no longer afford to provide meals and lodging for hikers. Additionally, Graymoor is home to the retired/senior Friars - with the younger friars working in ministries around the world. It is difficult for most of the senior Friars to travel over the hilly grounds of Graymoor to get to the ballfield -- although Fr. Fred and Fr. Dan do try to visit as often as possible. (And, yes, there were a few rude, disrespectul and destructive hikers -- but they are forgiven and we wish them peace on their journey.)
Please allow a few hours for a tour of our beautiful grounds. There are several shrines, gardens and statues to enjoy. We have one of the largestest shrines to St. Anthony in the US as well as a St. Anthony candle grotto. Also not to be missed is the World Trade Center Memorial Cross in the St. Jude Prayer Garden. The cross was built in 2001 by the Ironworkers Union who dismantled the wreckage at Ground Zero. The cross is build of steel girders from the North and South towers. Please visit our website at www.AtonementFriars.org (http://www.AtonementFriars.org) for more information about the Friars and to view pictures of the grounds. You can also stop by our new Visitor Entrance and ask for a map of the grounds which will provide a guided tour. There's also a bookstore and thrift shop if you want to go shopping while you're hiking. Come to visit soon.
max patch
10-06-2011, 16:55
Hello Graymoor Friars,
I don't know if you will be back to this site - I know you have more important things to do than to monitor a hiking website - but if so I wanted to take the opportunity to tell you that I was fortunate enough to spend a nite in the old Friary during my thru, and that the hospitality and generosity of the Friars made this one of the true highlights of my trip. I wish you all the best.
Being a Good Samaritan of Graymoor Father Bernie Palka let me take a shower. Went to the Mass thing, slept outside because it was nice, ate, then headed South. This was a couple of week hike a few years back maybe 2007.
Stayed on the grounds at the pavillion and it was wonderful. If you do see this, thank you so much for your kindness.
I hope that store makes it into the Companion (it is not in the 2010 edition at least)...
I stayed at the large pavilion this year with about a dozen other thru-hikers. The ball field was occupied by some seemingly semi-permenant campers. The staff did ask us to leave early since they had a group coming to use the pavilion. We made sure the place was cleaned up before we left. Thank you Graymoor for hosting us hikers!
The Appalachian Mart has a deli that serves great hot sandwiches and variety of food items for resupply.
Trail Bug
10-11-2011, 07:29
Stayed there last year. The bells going off every hour kept waking me up.
Stayed at the monastery in 1976 and were treated amazingly well. We happened to come in on the day when new friars were being ordained and were having a dinner and party. It was fun drinking and joking with the friars. Stayed at the pavillion in 2010 and it was not quite the same but still much appreciated.