An owl peers down at me from the fencepost as I enter the driveway.
I've driven 1500 miles to reach the little log cabin that waits in the middle of the 25 acres on this property. Dark is just starting to fall, and the ferry ride to Whidbey Island has brought me in after front office hours. A map and key wait for me in a basket outside the main farmhouse door. Following the directions, I wind through the trees until I see the outline of the cabin. As I approach, I see the lights on, flickering in the windows. I have expected it to be nice, as it appears on the cover of at least one well-known travel book. But nothing...nothing could prepare me for what I find when I step through the front door. Soft light flows from hidden corners...music drifts through the air... A small, handwritten sign welcomes me, along with stuffed bears scattered throughout the rooms. Not a detail has been missed, from the table pre-set for breakfast to the fire ready to light in the wood stove to the basket of apples and oatmeal cookies. Everywhere I look is a special touch - chocolates next to the quilt-covered bed, a tiny pewter mouse holding a candle, endless books to curl up with under a soft afghan on the couch. It is perfect..PERFECT..and my eyes actually fill with tears, feeling as if I have stepped into a dream. Bringing myself out of this daze, I use the last minutes of light to explore outside, finding the grounds as enchanting as the cabin itself. Stepping stones lead down to the lower property area, where a pool and hot tub are available for guests' use. Inside the pool house is a library of videos..(yes - tv, vcr, jacuzzi bathtub - every modern luxury is hidden in the cottages at this incredible lodging.) I choose several movies, knowing it is not likely I will give up the peace and solitude for the sound of the television. But it is nice to have the option. I return to the cabin and read a bit, but mostly look around in awe at the fairy tale I have entered.
Morning finds me with fresh coffee, sitting on the back porch off the bedroom, in an Adirondack chair. The air is crisp and clean and a family of ducks cautiously approaches to visit. I look out over the pond and can see the Lodge - also available for guest lodging, but originally the home of the owners. Strolling down to the farmhouse office to say hello, I am greeted warmly by Peggy and Doug, who are busy with both indoor and outdoor business to keep this fabulous dream going.
Fighting the desire to stay on this property for every second of my two day visit, I leave to explore the small nearby town of Coupeville, the oldest town on Whidbey Island, founded in 1852. Parking my car at one end of the main waterfront street, I wander and explore the many shops housed in historic buildings. First stop - The Knead and Feed, where I enjoy delicious homemade black bean soup while watching the locals and tourists both stop in for food or fresh baked goods. I listen to a favorite Bonnie Raitt song and watch an otter play in the water outside the window. A man at the table next to me tells his friend he is thinking of moving to Seattle to escape the loneliness of island living. Another man helps his 2 year old son with his lunch. I finish and wander down the street, stopping in at Great Times, a coffee house that also sells used mystery books. The sign on the wall says "Loitering is allowed." The word "allowed" is crossed out and replaced with "encouraged." Al the Chef takes the credit for this, as I compliment them on the sign and purchase a latte. Tempting as the cozy couches by the book selection are, I again choose a window seat, where I can still see the otter still at play in the water and write in my journal. The couple at the next table are teachers, originally from Wyoming, who make horseshoe nail jewelry and wooden tables. Everywhere different people, different stories, different pasts, different futures...
Settling back in at the log cabin, I fix some myself some pasta (yes, full kitchen) build a fire and curl up to write..I know that this is my last night before re-enty into the city life and trade show that awaits me in Seattle. I know that I have found an incredibly special, magical place. My only advice to the reader is this: FIND a way to go there. Do whatever you have to do. Save quarters (yes, it will take quite a few!) Store dry pasta in your car to avoid the expensive of a dinner. Take a friend (or maybe Kevin Costner or Mel Gibson...) so you can share the expense ;) But go there. Just once. Treat yourself to a dream. In fact, go there now: GuestHouse Log Cabins (personal suggestion - turn down music on site while viewing and replace with Pachelbel's Canon in D or Handel's Water Music) Oh - and while you are there, say hi to the ducks for me ;)