Tebbetts

Anyone ever stay at the hostel in Tebbetts? I'm preparing for my hike from Clinton to St. Charles (leaving Clinton on June 4th 2007)ng

We stopped by last week and it was locked with no sign indicating whom to call for lodging. While we hadn't planned on staying, we were interested for future trips. I am guissing that checking with the nearby post office might get an answer as the general store keeps very odd hours and was closed.

somebody correct me if i'm wrong bouts this. i believe i read somewhere on this forum that the hostel is always locked, but there is supposed to be a key hanging from a post close to the building or on the hostel itself. just don't know where i read it, or how long ago it was. hope this helps.

I know where the key is, but I'm not going to post the location on the internet for fear that it will become common knowledge to every hobo, whino, gypsy, and teenager in the area looking for a warm place to 'party'. Think about it.
If you are interested in staying at the shelter, call the number that can be found on this website. (I realize that anyone can call the number and ask, but at least it is an additional step that involves planning and forethought; therefore eliminating a majority of vandals.

In response to the OP's question, I stayed there six years ago before the plumbing was finished (used the bathroom at the trailhead). I was riding the trail solo and not sure where I was going to stay that night when I met another solo rider who had a reservation for the shelter. She warned me that she had not seen the place and that the plumbing was not finished, but I was welcome to join her. When we got inside and looked around I said to my riding companion: "Ya know, I think I've paid good money to stay in places a lot worse than this". She replied: "I KNOW I have!" I sent the shelter foundation $20 when I got back home. A few years ago I heard a story about some folks from the Springfield, MO. area that stayed there and were so impressed that they returned a few weeks later for a 'work day' which included wallpapering the bathrooms and they paid for the materials themselves.
The bunks in the shelter consist of 2x4 lumber framed bunk beds with a thick piece of foam padding covered in plastic for a mattress. You need to provide your own linens and pillow. The building is two story and there are additional bunks upstairs. It has been a couple of years since I was inside, but as I recall other shelter amenities include: Refridgerator, microwave, coffee maker?, window air conditioners, ping pong table (upstairs), picnic table (one inside & one on front porch), bathrooms with flush toilets, hot showers, sinks, mirrors, & electrical outlets. There used to be a large sign across the balcony above the front porch that had the toll free phone number for informatin about the shelter, but I do not know what hours the number is answered or if it always goes to voicemail and someone returns your call.
Jim's place next door has a very limited selection of grocery items, plus cold beer and some hot food.

Stayed at the Hostel during our Clinton to St. Charles ride at the end of September 2006. There were about 7 other people staying there. Call the number and they will provide you with the info you need. There is a key stashed, and they will tell you where. While this is basic, it is very adequate. It was created as an alternative to camping, and it does the job. The only thing we found a little irritating was the lack of privacy. There is ONE shower room, and ONE bathroom with two stalls. The doors don't always lock well, and we got walked in on a couple of times. But we just didn't let it bother us too much. I mean, there are stalls. The heat is on, and the bunks are as good as staying at camp. There is a refrigerator and a coffee maker. I highly recommend it for the price.

Stayed at the Hostel during our Clinton to St. Charles ride at the end of September 2006. There were about 7 other people staying there. Call the number and they will provide you with the info you need. There is a key stashed, and they will tell you where. While this is basic, it is very adequate. It was created as an alternative to camping, and it does the job. The only thing we found a little irritating was the lack of privacy. There is ONE shower room, and ONE bathroom with two stalls. The doors don't always lock well, and we got walked in on a couple of times. But we just didn't let it bother us too much. I mean, there are stalls. The heat is on, and the bunks are as good as staying at camp. There is a refrigerator and a coffee maker. I highly recommend it for the price.