What people see when I post a photo on social media appears to be a cute little cabin somewhere in the woods near Lake Michigan. It seems almost perfect. But the reality is that although we purchased this property in October of 2018, it is nearly March of 2021 and still have yet to move in. Additionally, we are unable to stay on the property until we have an occupancy permit which makes working on it that much more challenging.
We are close to mastering how to survive between base camp and our project. During the summer months, base camp is two miles away at the Leelanau State Park. Yes we are paying to stay elsewhere while we work on our cabin and we have been since 2018. But it really gets expensive during the off-season when the State Park is closed, and we are forced to seek hotel accommodations. The average room rate ranges from $100-$150 per night, even in Traverse City which is a 45-minute drive from our cabin. So for obvious reasons, progress slows to nearly a halt.
Tim and I have both agreed that it hasn’t been all that bad staying at the State Park when we are in full-swing construction mode. We actually have vowed to continue getting a site there every now and then just because we love it there that much.
But even the 2 mile gap presents it’s own set of challenges. We typically have to pack as if we are gone for the day including clothes to work in, clean clothes for after working, shower items, food and beverages, dogs, leashes, food bowls and toys, music, cell phones and chargers, etc. As you can imagine, forgetting one little thing means that you have to head back to base camp to retrieve it. A typical day includes no less that 4 or 5 trips between our locations.
Two miles seems like a walk in the park as compared to the drive to Traverse City when you forget a tool or materials for construction. Imagine being just one 3-inch section of pipe short to finish a run of plumbing because of a simple miscalculation or a change in plans. Hanging onto receipts and frequent returns have become a thing because it is better to buy more than you think you might need just so you have enough.
Renting equipment is also unpredictable. A dull concrete blade rented with the saw in Kalamazoo doesn’t do you any good in Northport. Luckily, the company we rented from understood and gave us the saw the following weekend to go back up and finish the job. Unfortunately, they did not cover the cost of gas, food and a campsite.
Honestly, I can’t think of a more beautiful place to ride out the pandemic and I have been very fortunate to be able to work remotely. My nature desk and WiFi is all that I need. It is a pleasure to log off for the day and head to my campsite for a little late-day sun and swim. I couldn’t be luckier!
Cooking over a fire and also with only basic utensils has turned out to be super rewarding! Towards the end of this past summer, my garden was ready for harvest as we were in the thick of our plumbing installation. So, I would pick what was ripe and bring it up north with me to can on the campstove. The Leelanau Peninsula is rich with agriculture, fishing and food artisans that make exploring ingredients for creative meals feel less like shopping and more like a decadent treat. I knew that I would miss having fresh Lake Michigan Whitefish from Carlson’s throughout the winter, so I purchased 15 pounds and brought up my vacuum sealer and froze a bunch to take home. The Northport Farmer’s Market happens each Friday from 9am-noon. In addition to produce, you can find meats, cheeses and baked goods all made locally. The Apricot Croissant from 9 Bean Rows is my favorite find! But again, there is nothing like a cold cider and a pickled egg from Tandem!
Taking care of business is presents its own hurdles. Simple and essential self-care requires certain basic necessities like the “green box”. The cost to rent a porto-potty is $100 per month, but worth every penny when you really have to go! We ended up having to put a “No Tresspassing” sign on our green box because people were using it while we weren’t there. Did I mention that our cabin is located at a trailhead? Showering is a luxury! At least we made it that way. Tim built me a little stand so that I could easily pour hot water into our outdoor shower bladder without burning myself.
There is nothing like showering by candlelight in the forest! We have made living out of a tent as luxurious as possible in order to make the most of our situation.
Little Leelanau 