In a sense, Earthshine began when the two of us first met at the 1st National YMCA Outdoor Education Conference in November, 1987. The concept of Earthshine soon crystallized and the long, demanding, nearly insane process of taking a great idea and turning it into reality began. We had a fantastic concept, ideal backgrounds, and made an awesome business team. We only lacked one ingredient . . . $$$$$!

A massive feasibility study and property search followed. We found this very site in February, 1989. It was everything we wanted, but way out of our range. Negotiations looked hopeless. Meanwhile, the business concept of a limited partnership was forming, but it all hinged on the land. February through April, 1989, we looked desperately at over 100 pieces of property in five counties. Nothing touched this mountaintop.

In May, we finally had a contract. We were pitiful negotiators: "Please, just sell it to us. We have to have this land, please!" In incredibly demanding fashion, we made the business and financial end of things come together. In fact, the whole process was a terrific force of will -- this thing was going to happen no matter what was thrown at us!

Kim Heinitsh & Marion  Boatwright, co-owners and creators of Earthshine.

On August 20, 1989, we broke ground even though it wasn't our land yet. The deal nearly fell apart over the next four days as an old title dispute reared its ugly head. On the 25th, it was ours! So, we quit our jobs and started the climb -- moving towards a near-Kamikaze opening date of March 1, 1990.

From '90-'97, we constantly fine-tuned the Earthshine experience. Feedback from guests and devoted hard work from staff led the way. By January of '98, we built up enough of a track record to borrow the money to buy out our Limited Partners. Now, finally Earthshine belongs to us (and the bank, of course).

Our commitment is to make this place better (not bigger) every time guests return. Key to achieving that is our top-flight, dedicated staff -- check out their hire dates! Our management team includes Benny Upton (with us since 1998) and Josephine O'Ryan ('03) as senior managers; Peggy Browning ('92) as Finance Manager; Karen Montgomery ('00) as Special Events Coordinator; Nick Gardin ('92) and Marney Lenehan ('06) cook up a storm in the kitchen, while Malford ('94) backs 'em up, and our outstanding program, office, housekeeping and maintenance staff make the experience unforgettable.

For guests and new friends who continue to make Earthshine happen, we hope your time on our mountain touches your spirit, awakens the kid in you and brings you more in touch with yourself and the Earth! Lofty goals for a few days of mountain getaway . . . you better believe it!

Welcome | About Earthshine | The Earthshine Story | Activities on the Mountain | New for 2008 | Holidays | Special Winter Packages | Reunions & Weddings
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Earthshine Mountain Lodge
1600 Golden Road
Lake Toxaway, NC 28747
(828) 862-4207
E-mail: earthshine@citcom.net