floating cabins

Located in beautiful Rockport, Washington tucked in between picturesque mountains the Ross Lake Resort floats its cabins on the lake. The lake itself was created due to the damming of the Skagit River and is located in the North Cascades National Park. Its 1600 foot elevation keeps you in view of snowy mountain caps and the lush rolling pine landscape. The cabins were built on log floats that are fixed to shore though do drift gently on the lake. Known for its seclusion the floating cabins are the only facility other than the dam on the entire lake. To get there, you can ferry to a shuttle truck or hike, there is no direct road access, so be prepared to bring your own provisions. All pricing for the locations do include most everything you would need from a hotel, plus pots and pans for cooking. There is also availability to rent low power motor boats, canoes, kayaks, and fishing equipment. There may need to be an addition to our perfect fall after all!

the perfect fall

Wow, how can you even begin to answer a question that spans all my ideals! Just recently The Rustic Camp was asked by Katie Garton from Dream Till Green; "what my dream Fall would be?" In an instant, the picture of what began to appear was rather concise. Knowing it wouldn't be an easy answer as it would have to be more of a feeling than an experience, and it developed just like that. One place that stays picturesque all year round, but becomes even more so during the fall is Washington State. One place that would beckon the most pristine landscape would be Olympic National Park, Washington. Olympic National is located on the western shores nestled next to the ocean, with vistas over mountains, rivers, and a bay over looking Seattle. There, set up camp for the season in a luxury yurt from Pacific Yurts just outside of the park boundaries set with camp provisions such as Pendleton Camp blankets and half the catalogue from Best Made Co to stay warm during the early chill. During the day there would be little to do other than hike the scenic wonderland, canoe, and fish while leisurely reading The Count Of Monte Cristo, which was listed on The Art of Manliness's: 100 must-read books.   In the evenings there would be nothing better than to sit curled up around a campfire lounging in Slim Fit denim from Gap and a Quilted vest from Barbour to be slightly bundled up while roasting marshmallows and enjoying a bourbon. There couldn't be a better fall. 

happy labor day

In 1882 a machinist, Matthew Maguire, proposed a holiday for the Central Labor Union of New York. The same year another Maguire; Peter, proposed the same holiday in May for the American Federation of Labor, after observing the annual labour festival held in Toronto, Canada. Regardless of whom first proposed the idea, Oregon was the first state to make it a holiday on Feb. 21, 1887. By 1894 it was a federal holiday with thirty states observing. It was rushed into being a national holiday by congress, due to the Pullman strike of 1894. The Pullman strike was a bloodied massacre that occurred on the south side of Chicago, involving the American Railway Union, led by Eugene Debs, that was originally a peaceful protest where the workers refused to pull Pullman railcars, in exchange for lower rent worker housing, which George Pullman refused. The standoff became unruly and Debs ultimately lost control of the 125,000 workers who began to set fire to buildings, overturning a locomotive and spurring demonstrators across the US to block the flow of goods through the Midwest by blocking railways and job walk offs. President Grover Cleveland with US Attorney General Richard Olney originally obtained an injunction against the striking work force and its leaders from protesting, causing more boycotting, resulting in a total of 30 deaths and 57 wounded when a military attempt to control the situation failed, the total collateral damage amounted to over 80 million dollars. After Pullman's company's practices were considered "un-American," by the Illinois Supreme Court, Pullman was forced to give up the rights to his land and it ultimately became public housing ran by the US government. While labor forces were still a hot button topic, Cleveland and the US congress pushed through Labor Day as national holiday to quell the tensions between unions. Resulting in having every first Monday of September as a paid day of rest from the work force in America. Labor Day also unfortunately marks the official last day of Summer before the Fall season rolls around. So soak up what sun and fun you can get today; jump in a lake, bar-b-q outdoors, go for a hike, play a game of bocce, but just enjoy the last throughs of the season while you can! 

Happy Labor Day!

chicago lakefront

Chicago has some of the nicest beaches of any major metropolitan area. It hosts 26 miles of total miles of fun and sun during the Summer season nested under the backdrop of a beautiful skyline. Lake Michigan offers a nice respite against a large bustling city, being a land locked lake it remains pretty calm most of the year, though since it is so large it does experience tidal patterns, resulting in large waves during and after large storms. With 24 beaches total intermixed with eateries, harbors, volley ball and tennis courts, a golf course, and places to wet your whistle there is a location for everyone. This year they started paddle boarding and boating lessons, the park district also offers classes in rowing and canoeing. If you visit Chicago this year, make a point to visit the lake to relax.

boundary waters

Separating the United States and Canada there is a beautiful vista known as The Boundary Waters. Nestled between Ontario and Minnesota and just west of Lake Superior the heavily forested area becomes respite for people who are looking to take a secluded holiday from  the bustle of the city life.  The area used to be famous for its fur trade route in the 1800's and as that died away the landing points have become small harbors or ports along the beach. The pristine landscape harbors relatively little civilization mixed into the bogs and vast network of waterways. Some notable areas are the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness where you can take a day adventure and paddle to the calm waters, and the Voyageurs National Park where the hills pine laden landscape crawls on. The tourist site is located here, for your planning convenience. 

welcome back

We are back from the spring/summer hiatus! And it feels so good to be back at camp. I know I have missed it. The regular rustic camp updates and activities will be returning to their normal schedule. Time to throw on the flip flips, grab a towel and head down to the lake for some rustic updates. 

red rock state park

Right in the heart of Arizona lies Red Rock State Park located in Sedona. Which is just an hour from the Grand Canyon National Park. The scenery is mainly dry, arid, and beautiful. The park is known for the mountain ranges that were carved from a millennia of erosion. The park used to be a large water source and the mountain range that lived adjacent to the grand canyon (when that was just a river). The park hosts a range of facilities, like wildlife viewing, hiking, horseback, guided tours, picnic areas, and day rentals. It also provides great photography outlets. 

muir woods

As Chicago got a glimpse at spring weather for a few days it makes me think about a nice escape across the country and visit a place that is warm and beautiful. The Muir Woods in California located 12 miles north of San Francisco is home to the most beautiful forest of redwoods in the world. The park's region is consistently a cool 40 to 70 degrees year round and due to its location to the ocean and its canopy it consistently is shrouded in marine fog that stays suspended a few meters from the ground. The area was to be saved from the deforestation of the region by Congressman William Kent. He and his wife believed that the area was so beautiful that they saved the area for themselves for buying the land for a mere $45,000. During 1908 Theodore Roosevelt declared the land a national monument and ordered a park system to be created within. The area is home to paved trails, ranger lead tours, and athletic events which give hours of activity. Even though there is no camping in the park, the San Francisco area is home to a region of camping facilities. 

mt hood

Mt. Hood located in northern Oregon overlooks the pacific northwest and has a wonderful distant view of Portland. The range has a rich history of native american tribes, like that of the Multnomah tribe that called this region home. It was also mapped by Lewis and Clark in 1805 and referred to The Dalles before it was renamed. The mountain feature is due to a potentially active volcano that has been considered dormant. Older lava flows and glacier movement have created river and lake features that carve out pristine mountain terrain. The mountain is host to climbing, skiing, hiking, and boating almost year round, that gives the landmark a distinctive quality. Lodging and camping is able to be found year round and is known for its vistas and scenery. 

jackson hole

A tucked away valley in Wyoming called Jackson Hole is the getaway for many people each year. The valley itself is tucked between the Grand Teton mountain range. It was originally documented by John Colter from when he traveled with Lewis and Clark across the the country and when returning from the Rocky Mountains. During the summer months the area is full of beautiful vistas and trails that can be easily traversed. During the winter months the region is coated in permafrost and snow which adds up to beautiful skiing and snowboarding that can used from as early as November and ends in March. Aside from the physical adventures, you have the ability to see wildlife all year round, from birds, moose, caribou, and buffalo it constantly provides a respite from the city life. 

lake of the ozarks

Lake of the Ozarks is located in central Missouri. Its natural geography provides 1,100 miles of shoreline, which provides scenic outcroppings for day trips, hiking, and boating stops. In 1912 Ralph Street built the initial funding for building roads, rail, and construction for the dam. The Lake offers many areas that offer camping, grilling, lodging and hiking spots. The lake is known in the summer to house party cove on the water. During the fall the lake offers a wonderful treat for leafers who want to come up to see the trees change color. Stargazing is also a popular sport, as the town lights are far enough away that you can see a rather clear sky. The lake in all is a beautiful retreat to the everyday. 

garden of the gods

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Garden of the Gods, Colorado. The park has a fantastic expansive trail that weaves around such a majestic scenery. The mountains and rock formations just tower above you. The trail was easily navigable, though extremely long. When going in warmer weather it is preferred to have two water bottles per person, if you are making the trek, this is not only due to the lack of humidity, but also due to altitude difference. For the avid adventurer there are many areas for rock climbing, steep trails, and rugged bike paths. Geological formations like fossils, alluvial fans, and brightly colored sedimentary rock beds litter the park and are denoted with markers. The park is truly a sight to behold, you can feel absolutely dwarfed in the landscape. Check their calendar for events and their visitor center web page for any tail closures or climbing restrictions (there is usually none) before you travel. 

saugatuck

Saugatuck, Michigan is one of the Midwest's hidden gems. Located 2 hours north of Chicago, on one of the more prettier interstates I have encountered, it is a home away from home. The locale is easy, and home town feel. The downtown has many boutique shops that specialize in food and kitchen ware. The Spice Merchants have an amazing store, and hundreds of flavors that are hand milled. The Butler Pantry is one of my favorite places to pick up fun kitchen equipment. Since the downtown is located on the harbor you can grab a drink at the Mermaid Bar and Grill and watch the boats come in. I like to make a trip to Saugatuck Brewing Co. and trying out their latest brews. If your into wine  I recommend taking a trip to Fenn Valley Winery and take one of their very informative tours. There is also the wonderful Oval beach that draws my attention, located next to a sand dune the scene is quite picturesque and water is always calm. I recommend going in the summer, though the city never shuts down and has many winter activities. 

campsite: starved rock

As it starts to cool down, a place that always draws my attention is Starved Rock, Il. This beautiful state park is located only 90 minutes away from Chicago. Being, a temperate climate the time to visit is most definitely now. While there is a few warm days left stop and take advantage of the scenic views that over look the Illinois River, and make some time to wade in the canyon pools while soaking up the sights of water falls and bald eagles. There is picnic grounds for when you want to make it a day trip and most definitely campsites for when you want to BYOT (bring your own tent). 

campsite: montauk

Let's go surfing! In Montauk, New York, camping surf style reaches the east coast. Montauk is located at the northern most tip of Long Island and has one of the most pristine views of Connecticut and the Atlantic Ocean, New York State has to offer. Most recently it has become home to several boutique hotels, Surf Lodge  and Ruschmeyer's that give you the air of staying in a updated cabin without having to "rough it." This dockside community hosts small venue restaurants, camp sites by the lake, and all the trimmings of a tight knit New England town.