"Have you seen it?," I ask, getting what I know will be a negative shake of the head in return.

The clerk follows with a story of a couple who had relayed their dismay after staying there, having to actually hike to an outhouse in the middle of the night! I just smile.

I gaze up the trail, preparing for what I hope will be one trip only of hiking in with necessary items from the car. There is no driveway to the cabin, as there most likely wasn't 200 years ago when it was built. There is a nice meadow where the car can spend the night, having been warned to park backwards in case of rain, so the front-wheel drive can more easily pull out the next day. I have re-packed what I need in clothing, balanced with the groceries from the store. A third bag holds books, journal, pen, camera and asst. items for some sense of comfort - a favorite afghan, a heavy flashlight and a small coffeemaker, along with fresh ground coffee beans.

Locking the car (from the squirrels??) and heading toward the cabin, I pass by a pond with water lilies and hear the echo of frogs croaking, along with an occasional splash. As I approach the half-way mark, I see the shadow of a structure in the distance that looks like a page from a history book. Barely peeking through the pine trees is the two-story log home that Jim relocated and restored from Gatlinburg, purchased from a woman who had grown up in it. Walking closer I see the large porch in front, rocking chairs placed conveniently for gazing out at the pond. I must enter from the back, as the front door is locked not by a modern lock, but with a board that inserts across the back, hence removable only from the inside.

As I step inside, I am immediately transformed back in time. Every item is reminiscent of days long gone, from the antique stove to the large wooden table and benches in the center of the room. There IS electricity, so I place the groceries in the old-fashioned refrigerator, then take out bottled water as there is NOT running water. (There is a pump and a sink, but the water is not drinkable. I decide to play it safe and use bottled water, even to boil for pasta and coffee.) I then climb the stairs to the loft to inspect the sleeping arrangements, where I find a nice double bed, bunk beds, quilts, old chests and rocking chairs.

I am apprehensive only about the 200 yr. old "bathroom," which is a good 200 yards from the cabin. The trail to it is wide enough for daylight, but I am told this is snake country, bear country and whoknowswhatelse country. Yet, opposed to the couple who had reviewed this cabin to the store clerk, I find the history and authenticity interesting and educational, which is why I purposely chose this cabin over a much newer one with first-class amenities. So I set my giant flashlight by the back door and settle in for the night. I succeed in fixing pasta and sit with bowl in lap on the porch, astonished at how peaceful the pond appears.

As night falls, I move inside and spend the evening writing and reading, finally making sure the doors are bolted with wood slats before climbing up to the loft. I anticipate some nervous sleeping, being not only isolated but in a time warp also, but to my surprise I sleep well. There are no raccoons scurrying around on the roof or any other wildlife that I can hear. In the entire stay at this quaint cabin, the wildest creature I encounter is a small grey tabby kitten who shares the porch with me.

Morning arrives with fresh coffee and I am thankful for the electricity. Check-out time is not until noon and I use every minute to enjoy the peace. I will admit that this cabin is probably not for everyone, but it is perfect for me - at least for occasional stays. Honesty forces me to admit running water is a "nice thing" and a few additional conveniences would be desired for me to actually live here. However, the view is incomparable and the lesson in history is invaluable.

I am grateful for having found this last minute retreat from the modern world, which can be read about at the Yesteryear Log Cabins web site. And an added plus - nestled in the Hocking Hills area of Ohio, there are many state parks to explore and hike, including Old Man's Cave - an easy hike, with beautiful scenery. If shopping must be done, there are interesting general merchandise stores, including the one where I purchased the groceries. The clerk now has my "yes-I-survived-the-night-and-even-loved-it" positive review.