Rebirth, Repair, then Rebuild!
Behind The Scenes Of Our Repairs:
Off-Grid Systems Repairs
The September fire caused tremendous damage to all of the off-the-grid infrastructure systems at Breitenbush Hot Springs. Power production, geothermal heating, domestic water, septic systems and off-land communications were all inoperable.
The old reservoir was built in 1928 and has been in use since then. For many decades it supplied all the water needs of the camp. Since we built our new reservoir, it is now used for irrigation of our beautiful front flower beds, and will again after repairs. Irrigation water will be critical for establishing new trees. On the inside concrete wall are the date, five handprints and the initials of the men who built it.
The Damages
  • Thousands of our beautiful, beloved trees and precious wildlife lost

  • Spiral Tubs cooling trough damage

  • Geothermal system infrastructure damage

  • Domestic water infrastructure damage

  • Electrical infrastructure damage

  • Septic infrastructure damage

  • Footbridge decking and utilities that traversed it damage

  • Entire inventory of electrical, plumbing and mechanical parts lost

  • Well #4 pump house burned down

  • Backup diesel generators lost
A heroic group of five firefighters, led by the Breitenbush Fire Department, fought the fire for two days and nights as it ravaged our beloved home and business. Their efforts are what saved many of our essential utilities, as well as our historic lodge, the kitchen, the greeting station and office on the hill.
After the fire was controlled and Breitenbush staff could return to land, a small group of our systems and maintenance teams, dubbed the Strike Team, worked under difficult and hazardous conditions restoring the damaged infrastructure.
Because of their hard work
  • Sauna flow is restored

  • Spiral Tub mineral water is flowing again

  • Geothermal heat is restored on both sides of the river

  • Hydroelectric system is restored

  • We are working with Oregon State Drinking Water Program and DEQ to restore our domestic water system
R.I.P. Wally World
The Breitenbush maintenance shop building, fondly called Wally World, housed the Maintenance Team’s office, work bays and tool storage. It was the behind-the-scenes nerve center for the business and community, providing care and feeding for some one hundred buildings, a fleet of vehicles, miles of underground utility lines, valves, pumps, you name it.
 
Wally World was our wood shop, vehicle repair shop, metal, welding shop, and tools and supplies inventory storage. Preparing for each season, pushing through the winter snows; guest tents taken out of storage in Wally and put up in the early summer, and then packed away in the fall. There were years of heart-felt meetings, creativity and hard work held by Wally, an unassuming building full of rich Breitenbush history from the early years.
 
It is shocking to see all of it vaporized, but we will treasure the memories and we see the light ahead because the heart of Breitenbush is still here - the land, the spirit and the healing waters.
 
The Breitenbush maintenance staff are still here, devoted to patiently caring and feeding the physical of this sacred land.


~ Michael Hudson, Breitenbush Maintenance Team.
We are hiring a Facilities Director
Breitenbush is seeking a Facilities Director to help plan and coordinate the multi-year rebuilding effort needed to restore guest facilities, utilities, and more. Job description here.

Please apply or pass this along to any friends who might be interested. Send cover letters and resumes, or equivalent materials, to personnel@breitenbush.com by December 7th, 2020.
A Poem of Hope from a Summer Home Neighbor
George and I first came to Breitenbush in 1979. Over many years we became more and more engaged, until we bought a summer home right down the road 17 years ago. During that time, we’ve used it as a retreat for family and friends, and a base of operation for things like Breitenbush Fire Department meetings and workshop housing for ourselves. (Each of us served on the “faculty” at different times, and George has been an omnipresent worker bee and D.J. at Breitenbush events for years.)  

Now it’s been two months since we lost cabin to fire. During this time of reflection on the meaning of the sacred springs and the community, my mind has landed again and again on the Sanctuary. I’ve been nurturing that inner sense of sanctuary as I light candles in the dark of winter, honoring and remembering the powerful source of healing that Breitenbush holds in our hearts. I’ve built a couple of simple altars in my inner sanctum to honor our cabin and all the spaces that are gone. When I shared this poem about what remains in my heart, I had many responses from friends and strangers, each wanting to share moments of insight and transformation in that sweet circular space. I’m offering the poem here, in gratitude and in hopes that it will inspire your own special memories. 
Our beloved Sanctuary before and after the 2020 fire damage.
Sanctuary
for Breitenbush, 2020 
They say the firestorm took the Sanctuary,
The vaulted wooden arches, the soft carpet
receiving the deep bows of a child, 
its windows opening to the sound 
of roaring river in the gully below.
A setting small enough for quiet whispers 
or the sound of voices meeting voices in song 
Yet big enough for rampant drumming, 
under tall tall trees and blue bowl sky.

And here in the heart of this valley, not so far away,
on this winter morning,
There is no fire but the candles greeting the pale sky, 
and the weak sun gently waking up the far hillside. 
The Big Beyond exposes herself, 
draped in a mauve whisp of cloud. 
A slow dawn teases with hints of her Great Beauty.
Love of what is 
here shines bright, and what was
is tucked like a secret in this heart
and remembered 
with little altars Everywhere.

~                     Susan Grace Beekman
Only because of you,
can we rebuild!
Thank you so much for your continued support and blessings. We have been overwhelmed by the loving energy, kind words, offers to help clean up and rebuild, and your financial donations. With so much happening all around us and so many in similar need, we are in awe of the generosity of our extended community. You are the heart of Breitenbush Hot Springs and without you, we could not rise from the ashes, much less thrive. 
We appreciate you. 
We love you. 
And we look forward to serving you as we welcome you back next year.
Photograph taken by Melina Meza, one of our presenters.
Let's stay connected!
PO Box 13249
Salem, OR, 97309