Showing posts with label Cabin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cabin. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Katrina Cottages
I knew about the original Katrina Cottage which was developed as a dignified, non-toxic alternative to FEMA trailers, but I had no idea that it had inspired a movement. An article in the NYT turned me on to the fact that there are no many different "Cottage" plans to choose from and that Lowes and several other Companies are selling the plans and the materials. I have always been a big fan of cottage and camp architecture and I am glad to see it coming back with a vengeance. Enough with the crappy McMansions and their tacky Palladian windows. In any case, these cottages are perfect for a summer family camp and most can be pre-fabbed and put on a trailer which makes building on a remote site a whole lot easier. I also think that these would make great housing for the elderly, as an alternative to assisted living apartments. I got the plan above from Cusato Cottages but the Katrina Cottages Organization has a list of vendors and more information on the whole deal check it out, it's quite possibly insanely great Link: www.katrinacottagehousing.org
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
House Keeping Camp Yosemite National Park
I have to say, I have camped in a lot of places, but House Keeping camp is my favorite of all.
It's not really camping, per-se, but if you are lucky enough, as we were, to get one of the sites
near the river, it is one of the most magical places imaginable. It is true enough that you are
close to your neighbors, but that drives a camaraderie that I have not experienced elsewhere.
And even though you are in close proximity, it feels private because of the way the sites are
situated. This beautiful shot is by a guy named Pete Burrow and it really captures the
essence of the place. The best thing about it is that the park provides much of the bedding and
such and you can follow our model and fly in and spend 1/2 hour at Target and take care of the
rest of your needs. Yosemite is a great place, and House Keeping Camp is a great way to
experience it.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
C. Crane Co. CCRadio
Another essential OTG item
Shortly following luxurious shelter, light, heat and a tub in Maslow's hierarchy of OTG needs is a good battery powered radio. You may be tempted to rely on a cheap K-Mart transistor Shower Radio, Hello Kitty radio or some other abomination, but I can assure you NOTHING sucks as much as trying to tune in a Red Sox pennant game in the fall, under a brilliant star lit sky, and having it fade in and out. There you are, you've got your campfire on, your drink on, the cicada's are singing and Don Orsillo is fading in and out in a battle with a mariachi station. Ninth inning, men on first and third, winning run at the plate, 2 outs, full count......AGHHHH. Well, do yourself a favor and get a good quality AM Radio, yes the price is usurious, but it's worth every penny. The CC Radio was developed by a company who's core business is bringing AM radio reception to Militiamen, Bush Pilots, Tree Standers and other hinterland dwellers.
Link : C.C. Crane Co
BriteLyt Lanterns
Yet another OTG (Off the Grid) must have, the BriteLyt Petromax Style Lantern. Maybe not for the Snorkel Tub, but you're gonna need some light in your Yurt, TeePee, Cabin, Tent, Airstream or Bunker. Purportedly the brightest lantern in the world, the BriteLyt is solid brass and multifuel (capable of burning Diesel, Gas, Kero, Veg Oil etc). Manufactured and supported in the United States, the Britelyt is apparently the lantern of choice for U.S. troops in Afghanistan. Although it is also available in polished brass or chrome (left), I personally like the utilitarian flat grey of the military model below, lanterns aren't intended to be fancy. Link www.britelyt.com
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Snorkel Cedar Hot Tub
Being "off-grid" doesn't mean you have to live like Grizzly Adams or the Unibomber.
With these wood fired wooden hit tubs, you can get your soak on , in traditional Japanese
style no less, just steps from your yurt. The water is heated by an underwater wood stove
and though "fast" by wood standards, still takes some time. Most people use these without
chemicals and change the water after a day or so. Still I can imagine few things as nice as
the luxury of a hot bath in the woods. Hey-Now !
Navigator Marine Wood Stoves
These cute little marine wood stoves are made by the Navigator Stove Works on Orcas Island in WA State (right accross the bay from Bellingham). Seems they have acquired the rights to the old Lunenburg Foundry patterns. Lunenburg had been around forever - think "Mayflower" , so it's a proven design. Navigator updated the look with colorfull porcelain coatings and stainless rails. Although they were created for use on sailing vessels, they are equally at home in any small space. One of these stoves would be great in a cabin, tent, workshop or even an RV.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Colorado Yurt Company Platform Tents
The Colorado Yurt company makes these seemingly well sorted out Cabin Tents. Designed to be set up on a permanent platform, these seem like a good solution for family summer camp housing. Equipped with a woodstove and screening on all four sides, you could extend your stays well into the shoulder seasons. You could pull the tent down and store the tent, stove and whatever furnishings in a large storage shed, bunkhouse, cookhouse or other permanent structure, leaving only the platform exposed to the winter elements. The plaform construction makes this is a particularly good solution for hilly or uneven terrain such as a river bank or lakeside setting. And of course, the company makes Yurts and Teepee's should your tastes run in that direction.
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