Happy summer, friends! How is your summer shaping up? Thought I’d share a little of my small town travel I’ve been doing of late in beautiful Hope, British Columbia, Canada!
I’ll be completely honest… once I returned from my much needed little extended getaway, I wasn’t sure where my mind was. It was stuck somewhere in the middle of complete escape vacation mode wondering where to take off next, all the way to start sharing my adventures and get makin’ stuff pronto.
So I held off of the blog life, and just started living life. I went shopping, started painting stuff, starting a bazillion projects, took off to the bike trails, started eating better, all with the notion that they’d be a blog post some day.
I had kinda forgotten what DIYing for just real life was like. It’s nice, but scattered. I didn’t carry one thing to proper completion, so I can now see how in line blogging keeps me!
And boy, do I have lots to show you! So let’s start with the getaway today. Because who knows what will transpire tomorrow…
As you know, I took off for Eco Retreat once again, located in Hope, BC, Canada.
(this place is no longer being rented out)
It’s my fav little river-front forest getaway that is so nice, you don’t really want to even leave the grounds.
HERE is a story from last summer while staying inside the big cabin.
This round, I landed the Othello cabin. And what a total cutie!
There’s something to be said for a place where you adore every square inch of it. From the rustic natural surroundings, to the shake shingles, colour and even the lettering. Seriously, this place was made for me.
To my utter delight, the front porch had been revamped, making quite a cozy little outdoor living room! It had a sofa, chair, coffee table, small propane fire pit and even a hammock. The roof was see-through corrugated plastic, so even the sunlight could penetrate.
This was my view. Wildflowers and forest, with the sounds of the river beyond.
What I love most about this place is the seclusion. You can go in the busiest time of year, however because there are only 3 cabins on this property, you have your own space until you yourself desire to mingle with the guests in the common areas. IF they are around!
I did a LOT of thinking and non-thinking during this stay. I sat under this little roof, read some, but mostly stared into the flickering flames and was just content to rest.
The Othello cabin looked small from the outside, but once you got inside, the length fooled you into believing it was much larger!
The walls were filled with dark wooded antique pieces that made a striking impact against the light walls. Very pretty, clean and cozy all at the same time.
I slept with that screened window wide open all night, and delighted in the sounds of nature lulling me into a deep sleep. There’s really something to be said about a complete change of place to rejuvenate the senses and inspire you to think of other things other than what’s sitting waiting for you at home.
Or not think at all.
The first evening I arrived, I unloaded my bike and hit the bike trail quickly through the Othello Tunnels before nightfall, then returned and didn’t move an inch off the property. The wood heated hot tub was waiting after all…
However there was one spot though that I continually gravitated towards, and that’s what I deem the outdoor living room.
If I could plunk this entire thing in my backyard, I’d be one very happy girl!
With the river of course…
You had the choice of a sofa or table and chairs. I landed on this little sofa in front of the fire pit, wrapped in cozy blankets and quietly read my book.
This is really where the magic transpired. All the knots in my stomach disappeared, the overthinking of things quietening down, and I realized, this, THIS spot is exactly where I needed to be.
If I were to describe how this getaway made me feel this round, it was when I use to visit my Mom. She’d always take note my weariness, then encourage me to the ever so soft cushy sofa, and tuck me in with a blanket to just be.
When this lovely breakfast would wait for me each morning, that right there was my mom’s blanket. It was like someone was finally taking care of ME.
Plus, I had a whole carafe of decadent coffee to call my own… that I didn’t have to make!
I always brought my breakfast to my fav little river-front escape and just stared into nothingness.
River. Birds. Nature. Quiet.
There are sitting areas all along the river, each one unique. And you can bet I tried them all out.
During one sit, I found it difficult to let go of ‘stuff’. Sue the owner gave me some appreciated advice…
“Face the river moving away, and allow the water to push all the thoughts out. Then turn around, and allow the new in. It’s a different energy.”
My stay was booked for two nights. However the first evening, I pushed myself off the property rather reluctantly for a quick ride through the Othello tunnels and forest trail again.
Beautiful. Most stunning canyon views beside the tunnels EVER.
You can see more of the canyon in THIS post.
However, once I returned, I just didn’t feel good. It was like, I needed to just stay put. So I pretty much did. The next day I made one quick trip into town to the local antiques store 10 min away, and found some decadent oars I’ll show you soon! Then went to a place for homemade soup, then returned right back. I wanted to rest and enjoy my river-front and recoup.
But as the end of my stay drew near, I was disappointed I didn’t achieve some new-to-me adventures in the mix…
That’s when Sue mentioned in passing that there was a new 3-day cancellation starting the following day. I thought about it for about 30 seconds before handing her my credit card with, “I’ll take it!”
I mentioned this part in the “Longer” post HERE.
So I went home for one night to mow the lawn, see my kiddo, take in a scheduled class, pet the cats, then returned with my truck the very next AM fully packed from the night before.
I had completely overlooked it was Canada Day weekend, so the traffic was… eventful. I felt sorry for myself until I passed an upside down motorhome. Those poor folks. They appeared ok, they were both busy on their phones. That’s when I realized how so very fortunate I was, regardless of any snarled up traffic congestion.
And got to do and see SO much more new stuff this round, which I’ll show you next!
But there was one thing that stuck with me well after coming home. I missed that outdoor living room terribly and knew that I had to emulate it somehow with my own existing patio…
So I listed and sold my huge grill to make way for the new changes… then went shopping! I cannot wait to share the changes with you once it’s complete!
Guess I’d better get to work… so I can rest up again! : )
– – – – –
What have you been doing with your summer so far? Think this kind of little getaway would do it for you? Where do you like to go to escape?
You can visit my other HOPE sights HERE.
That place looks amazing -I could sit in those chairs by the water forever… Outdoor spaces are the best and this place seem to have to many perks. What a great find! Haven’t been doing much this summer – kind of waiting for a buyer to take this farm off our hands so we can begin our amazing journey. However while I’m waiting I realized there are somethings I could be doing so I’ve been in the garden sifting through the dirt, weeds, and discovering new ideas. So glad you had a nice stay.. Looking forward to that front porch!
It was interesting… I generally get restless sitting in one spot for any length of time, however not there. It’s like the water pulled me in. Or maybe it was lack of projects to work on… whatever the reason, it sure worked! : )
Hope the right person comes along for your property soon, Carole. I know how anxious you are to get going on your new life!
That’s a wonderful place, Donna and it’s great that you were able to spend some more days there. Sitting on the river must have been so relaxing. I look forward to seeing what you did with your patio.
Thank you for the party feature! After we had a fire in our bathroom last week, it was certainly something that cheered me up. 🙂
Wait… what?! Fire in your bathroom? I will be investigating this story!!!
Yes, that place is a total little sanctuary. What is it about water that just works?!
You are welcome for the feature. LOVE your work and appreciate you sharing it at the party!
What an inspiring and relaxing read, thank you so much for taking us to this beautiful, tranqual little get away and all the beautiful photos. Looking forward to seeing how your outdoor leaving space transforms and where you put those new-found old oars 🙂
a much-needed post for me…i woke not feeling creative today…so I ponder…I love the thought of how your mom made you feel…makes me smile!
the outdoor living space looks amazing and I can see why you would want to sit all day. Sue had some interesting advice and next time we head to our cabin I’m going to look at the river that way.
sounds like you are on a new journey…testing the waters…I’m so happy you are looking within and taking care of you, xo
Oh Jane… you are so not alone in the noncreative feelings. I’m still flip flopping on whether to let the guilt of not creating just go or dive in head first. I’m going to share what I learned in my last therapy session on how to deal with those pondering thoughts. Super insightful and actually really helpful! Since I don’t have a rushing river behind me… haha (sob)
Love that you came back refreshed and with a concrete idea of how to make your porch area more of a retreat.
I believe our homes are to be sanctuaries, safe and refreshing places, and moving in that direction will be fun to watch on your blog.
Now to move that river into your back yard!
Ha! Yes, indeed. There is a little creek behind me but it isn’t on my property, so if I’m desperate, it’s only a few short steps away at least.
But wait until you read the email I just got… I’m going to publish it. Funny how answers to our questions come when you are open to them…
Can’t wait to see what your new outdoor space looks like! Glad you had a relaxing time.
Thanks Laura! It’s really coming along! I’m gathering up some old relics to implement… I’ve been pretty active on Instagram Stories lately, so you can catch me on your phone at: https://www.instagram.com/funkyjunkinteriors/
Hi Donna,
I must say you take the best vacations!!!! I love when you hit Hawaii, but this vacation is to die for too. Thanks for sharing. I always look forward to your posts!
Thanks Maggie, glad you get something out of the posts!
I see myself on repeat for relaxation, so I’m trying to muster up the hard one… new locations for grand new adventures… yikes! : )
We all need some time away and it sounds like you got to spend some great moments.Good for you,and have a great weekend.
Hi there, What a wonderful place , I so would go there especially because of the outdoors where I live its tropical storms everyday. The tiny living seems like an unconditional type of living. Not too much to take care of and just enough to live. No worries…. The grounds are perfect a problem dissolving ease the mind kind of place. No wonder you wanted to stay. Cant wait to see your outdoor living area. Have fun creating!
Oh Donna that looks like paradise on earth. And I wouldn’t want to leave either. All that seating all around nature is so inviting , it just welcomes you to sit there and enjoy the view. That’s one of the problems I had when I used to go camping. No seating and my bones would start to feel it.
I’m looking forward to what you are going to do now that you’re back home after that idyllic breakfast area.
Wow ! I loved reading this. It was like living vicariously through you as you did what most of us need to do – stop the chaos long enough to breathe, to think and to comfort ourselves. My mom died suddenly when I was 24 – i am now 58- and yes, i miss that blanket comfort of home, love and care that only a mother can give you. It made me cry. I really want to change my life but I dont know how. I am on vacation now but all I am doing is painting furniture for clients in my workshop at home. I started a few projects just for fun and it felt good just painting something the way I wanted to. Anyways, enough of my rambling- I love this post thank you so much for writing it. ❤
WOW that was amazing! I have been wanting to do the same thing. Get away by my self. I do do do for Hubby, Daughter, SIL, Grandkids. I love it but I need to recharge at some point. Thanks for the pictures and the idea of the outdoor room. THAT I am working on some more now.
I live on a beautiful mountain in tennessee, in a neighborhood surrounded by houses and families and dogs and walkers……about 20 years ago, my wonderful hubby bought a lake lot on an 18 acre lake and we built “the little house”. It’s 25 minutes from my home but it is my refuge! I go and sit on the floating dock and watch the water. I have had the best naps on that dock. We have a wonderful front porch that faces the woods. Utter peace and quiet. I COMPLETELY understand how you need to get away. We have no internet, no cable, we do have lots of music that is so soothing and lots of books. Feed your soul, it’s the only way you can be complete. I teach at risk children and it can be so stressful. I work in my classroom during June, but the month of July- I do not enter my school. The first week of August, I am back- recharged and ready. This will be my 38th year of teaching and I still love it, because I take time for myself. You are very wise to take “me time”!
Wow Donna! Positively and absolutely wonderful for you! When you went home to check on the house and your cats and everything else- -Well kudos to you for going back to your get-a-way!I must say that would be hard. If I did that I would have to restrain myself from the desire, Or should I say the urging to be what the world call responsible. But it is responsible to care for you! The memory of your mom is precious!So glad you have It! And I too love the sound of a summer night! It is downright healing to one’s soul
I may sweat all day but I know the sound of the night and the soft white of my fan make up for It! Glad to hear you are well and working on staying their! Take care!
Thanks Joanne! And… it was AND wasn’t easy to go back. I made myself return. And I’m really glad I did, because I was having a hard time shutting it all off. Best thing ever is to throw yourself into something brand new for a real rest. And it’s so nice to know it’s still there if I ever desire a quick restful escape once again. 🙂