We’re in the rainforest. Bring an umbrella (Or a good hat, or a good jacket). We've had snow before, too!

Hiking trails start very near to the resort. Bring plenty of layers, and a waterproof or water resistant jacket. Bring solid hiking footwear.

Most of you will have laptops, so bring your power supply and cord in order to recharge from time spent in areas where outlets are scarce. Also consider bringing an extension cord or power strip, so that when in community areas you can reach (and share) limited outlets.

Internet service on the resort is available in the Lounge (community writing area). The resort has recently upgraded its system and boosted its signal. More areas of the resort now can get onto the (free) wireless signal.

There are no telephones in any of the rooms or cabins. There’s a phone in the resort store for emergencies.

Cell phone service is spotty. (You really just wanted to write, didn’t you!?)

There's a competition for biggest word count! Stretch those writing muscles ahead of time and join the fun.

Bring food and snacks with you. The resort has a great little store for those things you’ve forgotten (or run out of). Befriend a guest who has a cabin with a kitchen! You'll also be able to graze goodies in Cabin #6: There will always be fixings available for sandwiches and salads. Also: fruits, veggies, sodas, water, and snacks and desserts.

Cabin #6, the retreat office, has an open door policy, day and night. You can come in any time you like to grab a snack, or small meal, or update the word count board. Several writer discussions will happen here too, as well as a few group meals.

Bring cozy blankets. Bring a comfort item or two.

Don't forget the camera and/or video camera.

Bring extra money to spend at the resort gift shop (very reasonable prices!), as well as the restaurant. Support our friends at the Rain Forest Resort Village!

For those writers who write in the lounge, optical mice don't always work with the tabletops in there, so make sure to bring a mousepad.

When in the lounge writing, when it is not the normal business hours (4-9 pm), loud conversations are bad news. Take it outside or to the restaurant. We've had complaints before about this.

Past participants: Email Patrick with other helpful tips you suggest that can be added here.