8-21-2012
Yesterday I caught a bus into Rutland, VT with simple plans. Resupply, laundry, shower. But the bus stopped and picked up Knoxville, Samson, and Tinkerbell, and they were headed to an all you can eat Chinese buffet and after minimal prodding, so was I. A Wal-Mart was beside the buffet, my resupply, and then there was a hostel close by, which I figured I could work something out to where I could just shower, do laundry, and skedaddle. So I came to this hostel, “The Yellow Deli” and instantly I felt this overwhelming sense of hospitality and belonging. As I approached, a whimsical version of ‘Blackberry Blossom’ was playing on the outdoor speakers, I entered, and was Blown Away. I’ve never seen a décor like this. All reclaimed wood, old barn beams, whiskey barrel staves as booth backs, scythe handle incorporated as railings, and stained glass lampshades. It really would take pages to describe everything. The hiker sitting nearby asked if I was staying, I said no just laundry and shower. He’s like, “No, you seriously need to stay. We’ve been here for 3 days, we can’t leave.” So I get set up with a shower and all, and in the guys dorm I noticed some literature about biblical things, and everyone had different names I realized, and then I realized I’d heard about this place. It was rumored to be a cult. Everyone lives in community, and they use this deli to make money. It’s called the 12 Tribes. Well long story short, I was sucked in, for the night at least. Hopefully. I’m still here…but my bags are packed. I did some chores, made beds, washed dishes and windows, and so that’s called 'work for stay'. Therefore, I was able to stay without paying 20 bucks. I also got the best sandwich I’ve had on the trail. I’m telling you, make the trip to Rutland, VT and eat here. Join us! Just kidding, but seriously, they don’t seem too out there, just following the Bible very fundamentally. They don’t consider themselves Christians, because of the negative connotations with the crusades and everything, but they believe Jesus, or Yahshua, which is the original pronunciation of Jesus. And that he is the son of God and died to save us of our sins.
                So anyway. I’ll be back in Rutland on Friday evening with Kelly and Caitlin. Our original plans were to jsut hang out but I'd like to come here for a Sabbath celebration and meal Friday night, it sounds fun.
                We’re all still sitting here, Uncle Oops, the guy who said I should stay, and Carver, they’re sitting in their same spot they’ve been in for days. A great rendition of Wayfaring Stranger is playing now as I realize how addicting these folks are. They say cults suck you in and if they’re anything like this, I can see how. Everyone is so gentle and peaceful. My occasional loss of temper might subside hanging around the peaceful guys like Levmilech.

    (....Later notes....This place was indeed a cult, and from accounts from other hikers I heard the 12 Tribes is one of the best cults at sucking people in. I'm glad I left, luckily the trail was calling me harder than them, and they were weirding me out anyway.)