So I went to canada with my dear friend. What a treat. But it put a lot of things into perspective for me. The cabin was completely independant of utilities and if our own systems failed...we went without. Let me tell you, it was DIVINE.

We drank lake water. yep. It's true. The annual spring water tests come back cleaner every year than the nearest well.

We had a propane stove, fridge and some lighting. But it was too hot to use the lights (they throw heat) so we used oil lamps. The fridge wouldn't light the first day so keep it all in the coolers.

We were subject to bears so we had to be vigilent with garbage and grilling.

Outhouse. 'nuf said.

The generator never did work and we never missed it.

I came home and "conservation" came SO easily. It wasn't bad before I left but necessity certainly casts a different shadow. or light in this case. lol.

Some of you have already seen this, but I have a photo essay up on my blog if you'd like some visual aids. :) The Wool Food Mama (http://woolfoodmama.typepad.com/weblog/)

Oooo, I wondered how it went. I was thinking about you when the bridge collapse happened and hoped you were well on your way to Canada already. Did you have cell phone coverage, did you even know what had happened??? So shocking.

The pics are great, you have a really cool blog. How fun to get back to nature...reminded me of my childhood camping holidays we use to take, although it was always by the beach ~ not a Koala Bear in sight! LOL

And how nice to get the chance to have that bonding time with your DS. He will always remember that holiday he took with his mum!

Glad you're back safe and sound.

Oh geez. Yeah. I was on the the 35E...the bridge collapse was 35W. One is in mlps, the other in St Paul. I was in St. Paul. Anyway, I went through the twin cities the day it happened but didn't know a thing about it until the following day.

I didn't learn about the collapse until 1 or 2 days after it happened. The closest phone (and radio signal) was across the lake.

It was a fantastic time for me and Dane. My goodness, you think you know everything about your children...then you get them alone in the woods. :) Complex, simple, engaging, rugged...tender. Just wonderful.

Koala bears!! Oh wow. I know we all get accustomed to our surroundings but THAT would just be too much. lol. way too cool. I was so glad *we* didn't see bear.

That sounds wonderful, Katie. I loved the pics. Thanks for sharing!

I live in the midst of wilderness like that...yet when you live it daily you get caught up in the daily grind so easily. So strange to think that. How much having power and access to Net and media and refrigeration and just having to "do" all the daily "stuff" can interfere...

That sounds like a perfect vacation to me. Simple is always better. The pics are great!

That sounds wonderful, Katie. I loved the pics. Thanks for sharing!

I live in the midst of wilderness like that...yet when you live it daily you get caught up in the daily grind so easily. So strange to think that. How much having power and access to Net and media and refrigeration and just having to "do" all the daily "stuff" can interfere...

yes! I've felt so...um...complicated maybe, since I got home. Claustrophobic in a way when I'm actually more in touch with civilization. It's a strange feeling that I can't quite put my finger on.

All I know is that I miss Canada terribly. They got a good thing going on up there. lol.

It looks beautiful. It's funny but I grew up kind of like that - no running water, a woodstove for heat and a rain barrel for drinking water. I forget unless I'm reminded. Probably because when I was young I knew we were really poor but now looking back I feel blessed. Now why the heck can't I simplify like that now. I feel a major purge coming on :lol:

:drop: I'm jealous. Looking at pics now. You look happy.

:drop: I'm jealous. Looking at pics now. You look happy.

you think so? I've never felt more relaxed. I was completely in my element. Bear scat and all. Truly tho, I'm so relieved I didn't see one in the camp especially at night while headed to the potty.

My companion on the trip grew up with bear. She doesnt' like them one bit. Mostly because once their in your camp, they won't leave. Keep coming back for the free meal, yk.

Anyway....I can't wait for next year.

oh Heather, I so wanted to get rainbarrels set up this year. I never got it done. crud. lol.

That's my kind of a vacation. Dh would say, "Is breakfast included?" :lol:

I loved the pictures. Thank you for sharing them.

That sounds fantastic! I've been fantasizing about having a vacation exactly like that... simple cabin, slowing waaaay down. :)

you think so? I've never felt more relaxed. I was completely in my element. Bear scat and all. Truly tho, I'm so relieved I didn't see one in the camp especially at night while headed to the potty.

My companion on the trip grew up with bear. She doesnt' like them one bit. Mostly because once their in your camp, they won't leave. Keep coming back for the free meal, yk.

Anyway....I can't wait for next year.

oh Heather, I so wanted to get rainbarrels set up this year. I never got it done. crud. lol.


Yes, you look happy. And proud (not in a bad way).

Glad you had a great time!

Basically, you were camping in a very nice cabin as your tent!

That is the way everyone lived less than one hundred years ago.


We've come a long way!

Sounds divine! Thanks for sharing!

Glad you had a great time!

Basically, you were camping in a very nice cabin as your tent!

That is the way everyone lived less than one hundred years ago.


We've come a long way!

Yes...fancy tent.

I think I would have faired well 100 years ago. I've always felt sort of misplaced, time wise. Even coffee without my bunn came easily.

Hand sewing at night was nearly impossible tho. *squint* when did my eyes get old? lol.