Soul of the Forest

The moment you step onto the porch of Hitherside at Mountainwood Cottages in Mentone, you don't just see the woods; you feel them. They press in, a vast, ancient presence, not menacing, but deeply, profoundly alive. During the day, they are a tapestry of greens and browns, a quiet invitation. But as the sun dips below the farthest ridge, painting the sky in hues of plum and fiery orange, the true spirit of these woods begins to stir.

Young male deer at pond

The Lore of the Forest's Breath: Local legend, whispered around campfires for generations, tells of a powerful, unseen entity that resides within these very woods – the "Anima Sylva," or the Soul of the Forest. It is believed that the wind that whirls through these trees is not merely air in motion, but the very breath of this ancient spirit. When it sighs, it carries the wisdom of centuries; when it roars, it cleanses the air of modern worries. Those who are truly attuned to the forest's rhythm claim that if you stand perfectly still, with an open heart, you can feel the Anima Sylva's gentle inhale and exhale, a profound connection to the living essence of the earth. It is this breath that imbues every leaf, every stone, and every creature with its vibrant life, making the woods around Hitherside not just a collection of trees, but a single, vast, breathing organism.

As the last sliver of twilight fades, the forest floor, once bustling with daytime creatures, falls into a hushed anticipation. Then, the first of the nocturnal guardians emerge.

A soft rustle, a barely perceptible shift in the shadows, and then, a pair of deer materialize at the edge of the clearing near the pond. Their movements are fluid, almost ethereal, their dark eyes reflecting the moonlight. They browse with a quiet grace, their presence a gentle affirmation of the forest's peace.

A flash of russet, a quick dart across the path – it’s the fox, a silent hunter, a phantom of the undergrowth. Its senses are finely tuned to the night, every twitch of its ears, every sniff of its nose, a testament to its mastery of this nocturnal world. It moves with a playful cunning, a streak of wild energy that reminds you of the untamed heart beating within these woods.

Deeper in the thicket, a heavier, more deliberate sound breaks the stillness: the soft crack of a twig, the rustle of leaves disturbed by something substantial. It's a black Bear, moving with the quiet power of a mountain. You might not see him, but you feel his presence, you hear him “huffing” – a deep, grounded energy that speaks of ancient wisdom and an undisputed claim to this wild domain. He is the forest's silent, powerful anchor.

Black bear on property

Then, from the distance, a sound that sends a shiver down the spine, a primal call that echoes through the valley and across the ridges: the haunting, collective howl of the coyotes. It's a chorus that speaks of the wild, untamed spirit of the land, a reminder that beyond the cozy walls of The Hitherside, nature reigns supreme, raw and magnificent. Their calls rise and fall, a wild symphony that paints the night with untamed beauty.

And finally, punctuating the night, comes the soft, resonant hoot of a Barred owl. Perched high on a silent branch, its eyes, like luminous orbs, scan the darkness. The owl is the silent observer, the wise elder of the night, its presence a comforting, watchful gaze over the sleeping cottage and the active forest. It is the wisdom of the woods made manifest.

At Hitherside, you don't just stay in a cottage; you become a part of the forest's nightly rhythm. The wind isn't just air in motion; it's the breath of the woods. The animals aren't just creatures; they are the living pulse of this ancient realm. Here, under the vast, star-dusted sky, you understand that the woods are not merely surrounding you; they are alive, breathing, whispering, and inviting you into their timeless story…

Barred Owl

A stay at Hitherside of Mountainwood Cottages isn't just a vacation; it's an experience that rejuvenates the soul and creates lasting memories. It's a chance to reconnect with nature, unwind in comfort, and discover the simple joys of a slower pace of life. If you’re dreaming of your own mountain getaway, Hitherside might just be the perfect place to turn that daydream into a beautiful reality.  The Animaa Sylva, the soul of the forest awaits you…

Hitherside

Driveway to Hitherside