Off-Grid Cabin Tips

We know that some of you may not have experience with certain elements of off-grid living and are excited to make the process as smooth and easy as possible! Here are some tips for some of the most commonly asked questions:

Propane Lights

1. Open the valve on the propane tank outside of the cabin near the door.
2. With the provided lighter in one hand, place your free hand on the switch to the left of the light fixture.
3. DO NOT touch the mantle with the lighter. It is just ash and WILL crumble.
4. Ignite the lighter near the mantle (WITHOUT touching it) and begin adding propane by pushing the lever slowly in and then up until it has reached the top position.
5. If the lamp is not lit the gas may need some time to reach the light. Please put the lever all the way down, wait 10 seconds and repeat steps 2-4. If you are unable to light the lamps after 3 repeated attempts, please contact us and we will be happy to assist.
6. When finished with propane appliances, please shut off the propane tank valve outside the cabin!

Water

The property has 2 hand pump wells. The well water has a high concentration of iron but is completely potable. We have a “water buffalo” near the water pump by the garage which contains pre-filtered water. If you wish to pump your own well water, we recommend using the provided water filter pitchers to remove the irony taste or color.

Outhouse

The Outhouse is very efficient; however, it will smell badly if paper is placed down the hole. DO NOT put ANYTHING artificial in the hole. ALL PAPER and feminine products should be PLACED IN THE WASTE BINS PROVIDED.

Fireplace

Heat in the cabins is provided by a wood stove which requires handling matches/lighters and fire. Fire mitts are supplied for handling the stove when hot. It is always a good idea to wear work gloves when handling firewood to avoid blisters or splinters. Exercise extreme caution if splitting wood to make fire starts. Please do not burn any paper or materials other than wood in the fireplace except when starting the fire. Small children around hot wood stoves are not recommended. Please contact us in advance for options.

Sauna

Start the fire and leave the ashtray open 1 cm or 1/2 inch for the first fire. While the fire is getting started fill the buckets with lake water and place them on the top bench. They will get warm enough for a bucket and ladle bath by the end of the “sauna bath.” After the water work, the kindling will have burned down enough to fill the firebox with full size logs. It will take approximately 30-60 minutes for the sauna to reach adequate temperature and you will need to fill the firebox 30 minutes following the initial wood fill after lighting. Please ask us if you need any help with the sauna!

Hot Tub

The wood-fired hot tub takes 8-12 hours to heat and advanced planning is required for it to reach sufficient temperature. Detailed instructions for heating the hot tub are provided inside the sauna building. Please let us know if you are planning to use the hot tub so we can assist you.

Shower

The outdoor shower uses a pump to pressurize water from a holding tank which is then inline heated with a propane heater. There are detailed instructions posted in the shower area. The temperature may be a bit brisk depending on how cold it is outside. I find it pleasant after a minute of getting used to.