Dear @FirstName,

Welcome aboard the Adventure and congratulations on taking this big step towards claiming your Vision for your life in this world!

This is the first of several emails you will receive regarding your preparation for this unique and momentous life experience. Please read it carefully to begin your preparation for your Vision Quest Journey. In order to maintain a safe container for all Questers, the information below is for you only - please do not share it with those not attending this event.

LOCATION: 40 Acres, 1313 Ourimbah Creek Rd, Palm Grove, about 1.5 hours from Sydney and Newcastle and 30 minutes from Gosford and 20 minutes from Ourimbah Railway Station. Exact directions to the venue will be sent in a later email.

TRANSPORT: 40 Acres is a 20-30 minute drive from the Pacific Motorway Ourimbah exit. The last 4 km before you reach the venue is unsealed road, so please take extra care in wet weather. If you don't have a car, we recommend car-pooling and you will be added to the Vision Quest Rideshare WhatsApp Group a few weeks before the event.

THE VENUE: The site, on Guringai/Darkinjung Country, is in a secluded valley surrounded by rainforested hills and two small creeks running through the property. It is a haven for a variety of wildlife, including wallaby, wombat, platypus and a rich variety of birds and reptiles. It is lovingly cared for by owners Guy and Zena, along with their dedicated on-site support team. During your group time on-site, you will have access to hot showers and compost toilets. There is also a creek to swim in if you choose.

ACCOMMODATION: On the first and final nights of your Quest, you will stay in your tent. Nights 2 - 3 will be spent at your chosen solo quest site under a tarp shelter with all the necessary clothing and bedding you require. 'Tarpology' lessons will be given to all Questers and you will be supported to ensure that your shelter is durable and waterproof for the duration of you 4-day solo adventure.

FOOD: All meals will be provided for you on days 1-2 and 7-8, that is, before and after your 4-day solo. Please ensure that you have let us know all your dietary requirments prior to the event. During your solo, you will be fasting with 2 litres of water provided for each day. If your medical needs require, you can take certain food items and medications with you (e.g., those with diabetes take appropriate snacks to stabilise blood sugar level).

PREPARATION:

We can't emphasise this enough!

Vision Quest is a big life event, in which you are investigating a significant amount of money and precious time. Committing to the preparation process will help give you the best return on your investment. The good news is... the fact that you have booked onto this journey means that you area already beginning your preparations! From here the three categories of preparation for you (starting NOW!) are body, kit and spirit:

BODY: give yourself a gradual detox program in the weeks leading up to the event. Phase out the following: alcohol, caffeine, non-prescribed drugs, sugar, red meat, dairy and starchy foods. Gradually substitute these with fresh, less-processed, high-fibre food. This will mean that your solo time won't be spent battling your 'detox demons' and that you can drop deeper and cleaner into the empty inner space where the magic happens during a period of fasting. If you like, you can fast one day per week between now and the beginning of the quest. If life circumstances make this difficult, try abstaining from everything except water between sunrise and sunset, as and when you can.

KIT: Here are the basics that you will need - further info and tips will be sent in later emails.

Small tent

Sleeping bag

2 Tarps: 3m x 4m heavy duty for the roof and 2x2 version for a ground sheet, plus rope (we recommend 30m length and 6mm thick.

Metal garden trowel.

Camping mattress (single-size, light and portable recommended)

A pillow

Blankets, blankets and more blankets! Your body temperature naturally drops when fasting. This, combined with cool October nights means you will need to have a warm 'nest', especially during your solo time.

Clothing: Please bring a range of items which will keep you comfortable between warm spring afternoons and cold (never freezing!) nights. Be generous to yourself - you can never have too many layers! A beanie and gloves are highly recommended in case of a cold snap. You will also need sturdy, covered footwear for short bushwalks and a full set of waterproofs in case of wet weather.

Self-care: Bring basic toiletries, sunscreen, insect repellent and a small, basic first aid kit in case you need to tend to insect bites, cuts or scratched during your solo time. Please also ensure you have sufficient quantities of any prescribed medications, including puffers, inhalers, etc.

Towels for showering and swimming

A towel or sarong to wear in the sweat lodge.

Head torch and plenty of batteries.

A sealable plastic bag to keep things dry.

Eating: please bring your own plate, bowl, cutlery and mug.

A brand-new notebook or journal and pen are essential.

SPIRIT: It could be said that you have been waiting your whole life to embark upon this Vision Quest journey, so it is important to prepare your inner world as much as it is your body and your kit.

Commit to taking time every week from now on to go to a quiet place outdoors. Take a notebook/journal and pen with you. The invitation is to reflect on the following:

What are my deepest desires in this life? Have I fulfilled any of them?

What is my purpose in life? Do I know it yet and if so, how on-track am I to living it?

What are the obstacles which stand in the way of fulfilling my purpose and my desires?

Is there anyone, living or dead, with whom I have 'unfinished business' or unresolved conflicts? How would it feel for me if these were resolved?

Is there anything I feel to let go of in my life? How would it help to let go of it?

Record your answers to these and any other questions which arise in your notebook/journal. Also record any emotions or physical sensations you are aware of and note any 'signs' that you notice in the natural world around you during this reflection time.

Your ticket includes 2 online packs: One for preparation (sent minimum one month before the quest starts, or immediately after booking, if you buy your ticket after 15th August) and one for integration back into everyday life. (will be waiting in your inbox when you return home).

TIMINGS:

Please arrive between 1.00 and 2.00 p.m. on Monday 15th September. This will give you time to have a light lunch and set up your tent before the group gathers at approximately 3.00 p.m. to begin the journey together. On the final day (Friday), after packing up your tent, we will have a farewell brunch and a closing ceremony, with all Questers leaving the site by 10.00 a.m.

MONEY:

If you have paid in full upfront, you don't need to do anything further.

If you have paid a deposit, this will hold a place for you until 1st September 2025, when your balance is due. If you would like to use a payment plan, please reply to this email and the event organiser will contact you to discuss a suitable plan to suit your needs. Please note that all balances must be paid prior to the event.

Yours in Nature,

Alasdair Taylor

Vision Quest Protector