Retreat Information Sheet
Contact: Diana Napier 917-689-9930 / dinapier@icloud.com
Arrival
Please plan on arriving in Taos no later than 5:00 pm on Sunday, July 21. Check-in will begin at approximately 2:00 pm. If you have scheduled a shuttle, your travel information will be sent in a separate email. We use Santa Fe Valet (https://santafevalet.com). The number is 505-424-2171. If you have any travel delays, please contact Santa Fe Valet as soon as possible to update your planned arrival time and then text or call Diana at the number above with all updates. The shuttle service will also have everyone’s name, flight information, and cell phone number in case of a change. Those driving to the SMU/Taos campus should call or text if there are any delays or changes in your travel plans. You can find directions to campus here: https://www.smu.edu/AboutSMU/Maps/SMU-in-Taos.
Altitude Sickness
Taos, New Mexico has an elevation of 6,969 feet. Altitude sickness, also known as “mountain sickness,” can affect anyone but is most common at levels above 8,000 feet. Simply put, it is because there is less oxygen available at higher elevations. During the first 12-24 hours, it is normal to feel a little short of breath or have a headache. Rest, slower/less exercise, and adequate fluids usually cure it. Drink a lot of water! This will aid in the reduction or prevention of symptoms. If you believe it is necessary, you can bring over-the-counter altitude sickness medications with you. Because headaches are the most prevalent complaint, bring whatever helps you ease them.
Dinner, Welcome and Opening Ceremonies
Dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. in the Dining Hall. Following dinner, there will be a brief instructional session about the campus, dorm rules, checkout procedures, and so forth. We will also have our Opening Ceremonies, during which students can tell something about themselves – a short (5 minute) reading, expectations, bio, and so on.
Workshops and Schedule
You should have all of the manuscripts needed for your workshop, as well as discussion rules and a schedule of when your work will be discussed, downloaded via Dropbox. The faculty member who workshops you will schedule an individual meeting, most likely immediately following your workshop. A preliminary weekly schedule will also be supplied. Manuscripts from Fellows who are not in your workshop group can be downloaded and reviewed if requested, but please prioritize the manuscripts for your group. I’ll post the links for all the groups once we arrive on campus.
Dorm Life
The week’s accommodations are dormitories (casitas) with all the conveniences one would expect. There are no kitchen facilities (such as refrigerators, coffee makers, etc.) in most of the casitas, but three meals each day are served in the cafeteria. There will also be coffee, tea, and snacks available throughout the day in the dining area. Bring anything you need to survive (e.g., coffee press and favorite pillow.) There is no air conditioning, however the evenings are chilly. Because bathrooms are shared (Kimbilio Fellows will be the only occupants in our casitas), I recommend bringing a pair of flip-flops for the shower. Linen, pillows, and towels will be provided, but please use your discretion in determining what is most comfortable for you. A small desk lamp or one that clamps to the bedpost might be useful as well.
Computing Facilities
A Computer Lab with Mac computers and a single network printer is housed in the recently built Wendorf Information Commons. If you must print something, please keep it to a minimum (no more than 10 pages overall.) There are no on-campus copy services. WiFi is available throughout campus. Passwords will be given to you upon arrival. Please remember to bring your chargers!
Dining
The Dining Hall will offer three meals per day, as previously stated, and the hours will be displayed on the final schedule. Throughout the day, coffee, tea, and snacks will be available in the Dining Hall. Most accommodations do not have cooking capabilities, and there are no other meal alternatives on campus. If you have any dietary limitations that are not listed on your application (for example, vegetarian, lactose intolerant, gluten-free, no pork, nut allergy), please email me the information. The kitchen crew is quite helpful, and the food is great. Everyone will find something to their liking.
Gym
On campus, there is an excellent gym with equipment and free weights. There is no swimming pool.
Library
A library is located next to the Computer Lab and is a nice location for reading, writing, or relaxing. It is open throughout the day and late into the evening.
Restaurants/Town
The SMU-Taos campus is located a few miles outside of town. Most of Taos’ restaurants and shopping is located in or around the plaza and can be reached in about 20 minutes by car. Because a couple of our Fellows may have cars, trips for grocery shopping and other outings can be individually arranged. Be aware that regular transportation to town is not available, and Fellows should plan off-campus activities together. Because Taos is a tourist destination, bring any odd snacks or comfort items with you. In addition to the Walmart and Smith’s (Kroger), there is a small organic/health-oriented grocery store about 25 minutes away on the far north side of Taos.
Sightseeing
There are several interesting places to explore in and near Taos. Natural hot springs, Native American reserves, the Rio Grande Gorge, and other attractions abound. Please use Google to find out everything that is available. Transportation, like with other trips, can be arranged with other Fellows. Please bring appropriate apparel depending on what you want to see.
Weather
Check the weather forecast before you arrive. Although the days are usually warm with a chance of rain, it cools down at night. A light jacket or sweater should be adequate. Please bring proper footwear as the campus demands walking on gravel or dirt roads and even grass at points. I would also bring an umbrella. All events are casual. There is no need to bring anything other than comfortable clothing.
Safety
SMU/Taos is a secure campus. However, it gets very dark at night (very, very dark for city folk!) As a result, a phone/flashlight is useful, and appropriate measures should be followed. Because the college is in the mountains, “creatures” and wildlife are to be expected. Remember that we are visitors in their world. Orientation will cover the essential measures to take when doing things like wandering through the woods and campus policies on open food containers in your room.
Mailing
If you have too much to bring with you, you can ship products to yourself and have them waiting for you when you arrive. Keep in mind that deliveries to rural America may take an extra day. There are postal services nearby to mail items back to you. The mailing address is:
You name
Kimbilio Writers Retreat
SMU-IN-TAOS
Fort Burgwin
6580 Highway 518
Ranchos de Taos, NM. 87557
Check Out
The SMU Staff will provide procedures for check out. The last shuttle will depart from the Taos campus at 10am. Although you must vacate your room by 10am, you are welcome to stay in the Dining Hall until noon.
July 2024
