Heartfelt congratulations go out to the ever wonderful West Point Inn, recently added to the National Register of Historic Places.
A true treasure known to hikers for over a century now, the simple and well hidden inn retains its charm as a refuge from the world.
If you're looking for a bed and breakfast or similarly pampered experience, be forewarned that this is not the place for you.
A hike-in inn described as truly rustic, its guest rooms and cabins have no heat or electricity. Or linens for that matter. Nights on Mt Tam can be cold so a warm sleeping bag is a good idea.
There's gas lighting in the public areas for a few hours in the evening but guests are required to bring their own flash lights to maneuver the hallways or for use in their room or cabin.
No breakfast either, unless you count the monthly fundraising Pancake Breakfasts which are always a big hit in the warmer months.
All that said, the views are sublime and the overall experience provides a unique reward for hikers of the glorious trails around Mt Tam.
An added bonus: if you find the constant chatter of cell phones and the life-distracting activities of texting to be annoying, you'll love the West Point Inn. No phone, no cell coverage, no distractions.
Just nature. And a treasure of a place.
