A Winter Wonderland for Sure!!!!

We have had quite the dump of snow in the last few days. Everything is laden with snow. Very white and still.

Should you wish to visit now, you will have to walk your gear in. As you remember, it is not a long walk. The driveway is always ploughed but you will need a 4x4 or excellent winter tires. Getting down the driveway is never the problem but getting up can be a tad of a problem.

We can get a neighbour to light the woodstove for you for an additional $25 if you wish. It will also give you a broken trail. If you are feeling adventurous, blaze your own trail and be patient for about 4 hours while the cabin heats up.

The cabin holds its heat well but we do recommend something warm for your feet.

Hiking in the bush can be great fun, follow in the deer trails. Snowshoes are always a good idea. We get a lot of snow.

As always, enjoy, enjoy!!!!!

Women of the cabin

It is interesting to me that we have more women coming to the cabin than men. Many women choose to come on their own. They love it and return time after time. Some women come with a female friend and they tend to return again and again. Women appear to connect with the energy of the land. They feel safe. They have a great time and we look forward to all of their return visits!!!!!!

I should mention that we have had a pack of brothers coming for years and we do have many couples. All are always welcome!!!!

Such a beautiful time of year

This is such a beautiful time of year. Each season is unique here and has a beauty all of its own. When you arrive on these crisp days, we will have the cabin all toasty warm and ready for your arrival. Don't let the cooler weather stop you from coming away for a few days of r&r. You can still drive to the cabin for the next few weeks. Take advantage of this unique time of year!!!!

I'd say the colours are pretty well peaked. It is gorgeous here. It has been windy and rainy today so many leaves have hit the dirt!!! This weekend is still available but the next two are booked so you can't come until the 23rd - 24th of October weekend. If you can get away during the week, you can come a lot sooner.

The area gets lovely at this time of the year. Many leaves on the ground and you can see a lot further in the bush. The river is quite low right now and very pretty. The cabin is comfortable four seasons of the year!!! Right now you can still drive in but that will change with the snow!!!

Hope to see you soon at the Rustic Cabin for peace, quiet and a wonderful experience!!!!

They're coming........

I can hardly believe that the wonderful colours of autumn are starting to paint our landscape. This is such a gorgeous time of year. For the last week the weather has been wonderful and the next week looks like it is going to be the same.

Weekends are almost all booked for September but if you can get away during the week you will probably find a vacancy to your liking.

This has been a great year for the Rustic Cabin. Many old friends have returned and we have met some wonderful new people. We already have three confirmed reservations for next August so if you are thinking about returning please get your request in early so you won't be disappointed!!!!!

The Who's Who of the Rustic Cabin

We have such interesting and amazing people stay with us that we would like to share them with you. We think you will agree that they are very diversified, talented and come from a wide range of interesting backgrounds. They generally all come to the Rustic Cabin for its peace, quiet, privacy and to relax.




*****************************

"I visit the Rustic Cabin to rejuvenate body and soul. I'm deeply grateful to Val and her family for sharing this sacred land with me, allowing healing in a place of gentle vitality."

Judith Cockman

writer

Toronto

****************************




Bio: Rae Ellen is an actor, teacher and director who lives and works in Toronto.

"My stay at the Rustic Cottage is exactly what I wanted it to be - restful, quiet and serene. Waking up and falling asleep to the sound of the river was blissful - not to mention having a skinny-dip in the swimming hole! Surrounded by trees, away from the noise and speed of the city, I spent whole afternoons sitting in a Kawartha chair reading and writing the day away. Val and Ray could not be more accommodating, generous and kind - they are amazing hosts. I can't wait to return!"


*********************************

I have been a guest of the "Rustic Cabin" for seven years now and look forward to my annual weekend there throughout the year. The cabin is truly a phenomenal place located on over 100 acres of forest and just steps away from the Magnetewan River which has a beautiful, refreshing swimming area. If you are looking for privacy, seclusion & the essence of true nature, the Rustic Cabin is the place to be.

Debbie
Port Perry, ON.

****************************

I'm a reformed lawyer, who went back to school and has not quite managed to get out of school again. I work for government by day, teach by night, and will one day finish that Ph.D. In the meantime, I spend far too much time in front of my computer.
Staying at the Rustic Cabin was fabulous. It was secluded, cozy, with everything you need, and the river and surrounding area are beautiful. It made for a truly reviving break.

Janna, Toronto, Ontario.

********************************

.

“It's like camping, but with a warm cabin instead of a tent. Lots of cut wood and kindling for evening camp fires, and down a shady path through the woods, an outhouse with a million dollar view. A short walk across the foot bridge, the forest path wanders by fallen remains of rotting birch trees. Mushrooms, mosses and new trees compete with each other for the nutrients that nature is recycling.”

Peter & Diane, Toronto

On Those Hazy Crazy Days of Summer.....

This is how we spent every afternoon last week. Don't forget to look in the green garbage pail at the patio. It is for stuff you might need not garbage!!! There is a hammock which will probably put you to sleep with its movement along with the sound of the river!!! There is a rope that you can tie off one of the floating chairs. That way you can take an icy cold drink out in the chair along with a good book and just float the day away and not go anywhere.

The water is really warm. Feels a little cool when you first get in but then it is just wonderful!!!

As well as the floating chairs, there are also two noodles and large trianglular tubes. We have two kayaks for dumbies ( plastic mold ) open concept. You can swim in the swimming hole or go outside of the swimming area into the river. You can start a river run upstream from the bridge and float down until you see the cabin down stream on the left. Get out of the water on the right hand side and follow the path back to the bridge. That should keep you happy for a few hours!!!!

We own both sides of the river which is why it is so private. We rarely see kayakers on the river. You can always hear them coming as they are yelling and talking through the rapids.

This is an awesome spot to spend the days of summer!!!!

Why We Don't Allow Pets.....

Yes, we love animals BUT we don't allow pets. Let me show you why. These critters live at our place.

Availability Calendar

If you would like to see the availability for our cabin please click on the following link http://www.homeawayconnect.com/calendar.aspx?propertyid=464216

Look what's new!!!!

These are a fun addition to the cabin. As most of you know who know me, I love whimsical. There are chains under the birds and when you pull on them they fly. Like little air conditioning units!!!!

The Outhouse Story

When you don't have hydro or running water, you need an outhouse. Ours is lovely. I always tell people that it has a beautiful view as it is three sided. It does have a roof and floor!!! There is no door. Our outhouse is odourless. Should an odour ever develop we can solve the problem with chemicals ( not our usual way to deal with things ) or by adding wood chips or wood ash to the mix. Works like a charm!!!!


One of our guests in the past left a portapotti which is quite a convenient luxury in the middle of the night. It will be in pristine condition when you arrive and that will be the expectation on your departure.

Every spring we clean the "debris" from down the hole. I'd hate to make a list of what we have discovered!!! Please do not use baby wipes. They do not decompose at all!!! Yuck!!! And if you drop a bottle down there be sure to include your name so we can send it back to you!!!! Toilet paper etc. only please!!!!

The outhouse is a pleasant stroll from the cabin. Out of sight in the bush and a great place to pick up kindling on the way to or from for the woodstove.

Painting and a new window.....

We have been very busy for the last week painting both of the bedrooms and the living area. We painted all the same colours so there are no surprises there but the big news is the window over the couch. It faces west and gets sun all day. You can sit on the couch and read now!!!! Naturally there is a great view of the surrounding bush. Look for some new pics when the sunshines and does it justice.

Activities in the area.....

There are many activities in the area. There are many artists with galleries you could visit. Numerous lakes and rivers are here for you to discover with public launch sites at most. Fishing and swimming are great seasonal sports.

During the winter you can find hiking, snowshoeing, snow sleding, cross country skiing and dog sledding.

Many local towns offer a flavour all of their own, ie. Burk's Falls, Magnetawan, Kearney, Katrine, Sprucedale, Novar, Sundridge, South River and Huntsville.

Huntsville offers a small enclosed mall and wonderful downtown shopping. The Almaguin Theatre always has something to offer the theatre minded. You can also find a movie theatre in town.

Things to do at the Rustic Cabin

The number one activity that we recommend is to do nothing except sit in a chair and breath in the fresh air and listen to the birds and the river. You could lay in the hammock at the river which usually results in a nap in just a few minutes. You could sit by our pond and watch the goldfish. You could sit on the porch of the cabin and read a book, play a board game, converse or just be quiet. We have two kayaks available. The kind for idiots that are not enclosed, a plastic mold. There are trails throughout the property. You can fish in the fishing hole or swim in the swimming hole. The only demand on your time is that you do exactly what you want to do that will make you happy!

After six o'clock, you could enjoy a campfire at the pit on the way to the river and as the night progresses the stars will astound you.

Rates

Our rate per night is $110 for one or two people. This rate is changing to $120 a night for one or two as of January 1st, 2017. $10 for each additional person up to 4 in total in the cabin and $20 a weekend for the perfect dog. Our weekly rate for the cabin starting in 2017 will be $775.

Peace, quiet and privacy......

The Rustic Cabin is the ideal location for those people looking for something different. A step back in time to a simpler life style. The Cabin is set in the bush. You can hear the Magnetewan River rushing by and the sounds of numerous birds. We have chosen not to clear a view to the river but to leave the area in its natural state. You will be surrounded by nature and all of its beauty.

The Cabin side of the river is located on sixteen acres. Our home is on the same side of the river but the Cabin can not be seen from the house. We offer complete privacy to our guests. There is a bridge crossing the river and we own fifty acres on the other side. There are marked trails. Behind our property is 200 acres of Crown Land that can also be used for hiking.

This section of the Magnetewan is rarely used by boaters as there are extensive rapids infront of our property. There is a patio with chairs and a hamock at the river. It is a very short walk from the Cabin.

The sounds and sights make this a special magical location. A place to relax and unwind from lifes stresses.

The Cabin

The cabin is 15 feet x 24 feet. The outside is curly hemlock and the inside is drywalled. There is a front porch with furniture including a swinging chair, a barbeque and two burner propane hot plate. Inside you will find a main room with a dining area, sitting area and kitchen. There are two bedrooms each with a double bed. A central woodstove can be used for warmth and cooking on.

One of the unique features of the cabin is that there is no hydro or running water. Lighting is accomplished with oil lamps and we provide 10 litre containers of water. Guests are welcome to use one of the showers in the main house.

CANDLES - forget it!!!! We have candle wax on the floor, furniture, woodstove, porch!!! Get the picture? We don't like them one little bit. The only way they may be used is in a closed container so there is absolutely no way that they can drip. No tapers under any condition please!!! They may be romantic but not to us!!!

The kitchen is well equipped and if you can not find something you need we will probably have it in the house for you to use. Bedding is provided. If you would like to bring your own that's fine. We suggest you bring your own towels but if you forget we have extras.

How to Reach Us

For more information please call Val at 705 636-1679 or email me at vassheekey@bell.net .