© Maureen Herron

In the old pioneering days of the American Southwest, and still today, cool, clear water is the most delightful and satisfying beverage of 100+ hot summer days as well as necessity for life. From these early days, and still today, there’s a way to detect rushing underground streams which can provide the landowner with a mighty natural resource for living: the well. That tradition, art and “witchery” is called dowsing, and the person who performs this service is a dowser.

Dowsing occurred from the time of the Renaissance in Europe, and obviously provided fodder for anyone wishing to engage or attribute properties of superstition to its practitioners.

The dowser uses the forked Y-shaped branch of a tree, perhaps a willow or hazel nut. This is called a dowsing rod or divining rod and looks like this:

Perhaps it was in these early times that stewardship began, in the identification and harnessing of water’s precious resources for communities. The neat thing is this tradition. It’s not superstitious; it’s scientific and it works. I have proof.

JoAnn Olson, owner of Sedona’s Briar Patch Inn purchased her Oak Creek Canyon property, complete with well. She recalls: “I would love to take credit for finding the well at Briar Patch. It was there prior to our purchase of the property. My dowsing experience was with an old timer known for his talent, who took me out to an undeveloped area of Sedona. He first walked over the land, and then led me to do so. Eventually I was able to locate the same locations of possible water that he did. I was fascinated with the concept and explored many areas on my own, but cannot claim the origin of the Briar Patch well.” Kids and grownups alike can engage in the practice of dowsing during their visits to the Inn. It beats the vortex experience as the magnetic pull of the stick makes you feel wonder for the properties of the earth!

JoAnn is a pioneer with her knowledge of the Canyon and its magic. She’s been a “stewardess” of the planet, and Arizona in particular, long before the green movement began. Since 1983, she’s honed the magic and explored the wealth of her 8 ½ acres, carefully preserving the ten original wood cabins while continuing to grace the canyon with houses of stone; providing hearth and home for guests respite who heartily savor the well water coming from their cabins’ spigots; sheltering the Canyon’s wild foliage and arbors by maintaining meandering nature trails for guests to enjoy; highlighting the sights, sounds and smells of a primeval sycamore-filled forest interspersed with creek rhythms quietly running or insistently rushing by. Where Nature is the performer, guests learn to relax and enjoy the concert. Attendance is free; the performance requires little: eyes, ears, heart. The real part of the green movement is this return to simplicity.

Essential to such simplicity are abiding techniques at Briar Patch Inn: housekeeping done with water and vinegar occasionally complemented with Murphy’s Oil Soap. “I find chemicals offensive, expensive and cause of health problems,” JoAnn simply states.

Composting and recycling are other daily environmental practices. More than 15 years ago, JoAnn explains, “Sedona Recycles” was established by two women who built a park for children with their profits. The duo employ handicapped workers from Rainbow Acres and acknowledge them as the best employees they’ve ever had.

Although the following are not technical sustainable features, they sure make life more authentic if you’re new to the Southwest. The Briar Patch Inn offers a welcome alternative to families in search of changing their children’s daily tethering to media of all sorts, which, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation’s study released January 20, occupies a stunning 7 ½ hours of daily life for kids 8-18! The Lodge library filled with books, games, fireplace and nooks, offers alternatives to outdoor treks to relax, think, enjoy, read, eat, play (or even use your wireless notebook if you must!)

The Briar Patch Inn in no way resembles a briar patch unless it would be to evoke the magical world of fairy tales. In both, sculpted giant hedges beckon discovery. At Briar Patch Inn, these labyrinths of ivy, pyracantha or vinca-carved paths lead to cabins named, “Sycamore”, “Ponderosa”, ”Owl”, “Creekside”, or “Casa de Piedra”. Very English-like, and cozy, to name your own guest home, most often providing your own fireplace; and not often with a television.

Filled with discoveries of hand-made furniture, wandering within suggests Goldilocks’ adventures. (My grandchildren actually took turns narrating and acting out this childhood story!) But Goldilocks didn’t discover a hand-written, personalized welcome note wishing her “warmth and connection”. Neither did Goldilocks delight in viewing hand-woven baskets/tapestries, Southwest art/artifacts or hand-carved gnarled wooden handles for cupboards, chests or doors. Yes, Goldilocks ate porridge, but you can do that with the steel-cut oats or homemade granola provided during complimentary breakfast. You might prefer homemade, thinly-sliced South African multi-grain bread*, literal basket of evenly divided hard and soft-boiled eggs, luscious yogurt or the quiche du jour. Alice in Wonderland might enjoy the orange marmalade….Later in the afternoon, mulled cider washes down the homemade cookies and brownies….”Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!”

Staple values like this probably are very Norwegian (Olson Family heritage), but enduring human values are equally important. JoAnn wants each guest to be as happy and peaceful as possible during his/her/their stay. That’s why, even in the current economy, cabins are often sold out for individuals, couples, families coming to relax, reunite, celebrate. And, JoAnn admits, they are “pricey”.

Even better, the staff at Briar Patch Inn need not worry about unstable employment. JoAnn considers the Inn’s commitment to them a priority. Some staff have worked at the Inn for more than 20 years. Others invite family or friends to join the team. Job sharing is also practiced by one husband and wife couple.

JoAnn often is visited by Hopi and Navajo artists and artisans who sell their jewelry to her for the Inn and its guests. Her concern for America’s Native peoples is manifest in her choice to award five scholarships each year to Native American graduate students at Northern Arizona University. JoAnn shares: "The ability to do this brings joy to my heart in that I feel education can be an instrument to help alleviate so many of the problems evident on today’s reservations.”

Add a touch of technology when it’s advisable to do so, such as hot water on demand so the precious stuff isn’t wasted. The comfort of home away from home is conveyed with original art and artifacts in the Lodge as well as in each guest cabin, and it’s sometimes difficult to tell the difference between a Norwegian hand-woven rug and a Navajo designed rug. I guess that’s where the looking/seeing comes to play.

What’s amazing is instant immersion into and identification with this haven along Oak Creek. This is the essence of spa! The rhythmic insistence of the creek; the rustle of the leaves; the baying of the three sheep whose job it is to keep the grass groomed; the sighting of javelina families mashing their outdoor beds for the night; the silent invitation to explore, the comfort beyond a notion of “home”…this is the province of Briar Patch Inn, serenely nestled in tranquility.

Years ago, when JoAnn was a young mother, she and her husband often traveled to Oak Creek Canyon with their children. It was love at first sight when JoAnn and her husband, “Ike”, discovered the spot that would become home. It was “just right” and, fortunately, JoAnn was able to trade her family’s Paradise Valley home for this property. In JoAnn’s words, it was “serendipitous”.

Originally starting with 2 ½ acres, the Briar Patch Inn grew to encompass 8 ½ acres. The Olson Family cherished the original ten cabins originally built by a German carpenter, Mr. Raache, to provide respite to Hollywood stars in pre-motel days. Fondly named, “Rocky’s Cabins”, the “Robin”,” Blue Jay” and “Heron” remain accommodations of choice for repeat guests still today.

A family business, the Briar Patch Inn is managed by JoAnn’s son, Robert (Rob) Olson, Innkeeper. JoAnn points out: “We have a working relationship in that he takes care of the things he does best and are not my favorite involvements and I do what I enjoy, which is meeting guests and overseeing details of the cabins and the lodge. I believe it works out quite well for each of us. It was great to have him return from work overseas in Egypt and Saudi Arabia and take over so many responsibilities.”

Rob Olson, general manager and innkeeper, chooses to apply stewardship by empowering his staff of 13. The Lodge staff of reservations and front desk representatives share the title of innkeeper with him. Rob says: “They are responsible for the entire property—making decisions that affect the day-to-day operations. I am the overall general manager, so I receive comments from the various staff asking my opinion on matters that continually arise.” The dining staff use family recipes in breakfast and snack offerings. The grounds staff care for the unfettered foliage and populous growth of their Canyon lands. Gathering this extended family of Briar Patch Inn was a reverse recruitment process, according to Rob. “When I came to manage the Inn, I decided I would take responsibility for doing things right until I found people who had the caring and sophistication I was looking for.” (We’ve heard the truism, “Build it, and they will come.” Rob waited, and they came!)

Managing comes second nature to Rob as he’s surrounded himself with this marvelous energy resource of people, again, giving sway to people and their conservation in human resource management, as a unique form of sustainability. Rob continues: “In my 14 years of being here, no one has ever been late to work. Everyone is a self starter; no one needs monitoring. Here, no one looks over his shoulder when the boss is around.

Rob has taken innkeeping to another level because his staff are the primary guests, and, as such, they’re a family. His solo years as a helicopter mechanic in Egypt and Saudi Arabia have been replaced by resolve to “do the right thing” always for the Briar Patch Inn, its “fabulous workers” and guests. Loyalty is a phenomenon demonstrated here on a daily basis from the heart out.

Empowerment and trust are sustainable initiatives of management. Here, the Head Chef, Juana, uses her judgment to purchase needed items not handled by the local purveyor, Sedona Produce, whom the Briar Patch Inn relies upon for bulk items such as eggs, fruits, vegetables all “boxed and ready to go”. TRESemme is the Inn’s choice for refillable shower plastic containers of shampoo and conditioner. Hypo/allergenic glycerine complexion bars graced with the Inn’s logo are hand-sized and feel just right, like flattened stones in the palm of your hand. To maintain the hypoallergenic ambience, pets are not allowed; consistency has its boundaries.

Cabins feature a 50s system of baseboard heating. Rob has recently replaced some of those structures while replacing electric space heaters with 220 units formerly employing 120 v for optional heat/air conditioning. “We are always looking for more efficient ways to provide heating and cooling in the cabins,” Rob states. The certified ADEQ water operator for the Inn, Rob monitors the property’s own water system, pulling the creek for irrigation over the grounds when necessary. “I try to improve the quality of life for everybody,” Rob maintains. “The more I am here, I realize I have the best job in the world!”

Receptivity to wayfarers has kept JoAnn’s heart open and availed Briar Patch Inn’s guests of the talents of culinarians, wood carvers and jewelers throughout the years. There’s a harmony of spirit here that is palpable, refreshing and healthful. This can be enhanced with the sensational experience of outdoor massage at the recently completed creekside Gazebo, privately arranged facials or Tibetan healing therapies onsite.

“Oak Creek is known as a healing, natural oasis,” Rob comments. The creek in the vicinity of Briar Patch Inn is fed by several springs which converge to provide a force that diminishes to a trickle a short journey up or downstream.” Mother Nature and JoAnn reign in this earthly paradise, a singular spot on the planet, where all you need to do is look, listen and enjoy. Enter your heart. You’ll find it at Briar Patch Inn! For further information, see www.briarpatchinn.com.

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Note: recipes available upon request for:

Baked goods;

Honey Bran Bundt

Carrot Muffins

Cranberry Oranage Muffins

Cranberry Nut Torte

Lemon Blueberry Muffins

Blueberry Muffins

Quiche:

Tortilla

Vegetable

Tomato Feta

Jalepeno Quiche Muffin

Chili Relleno 

Other items:

Homemade granola

Hard and soft boiled eggs

South African 7 grain bread

Prunes in orange cinnamon sauce

Fresh fruit

Plain yogurt