Those who know me know I will happily sleep outside in the middle of the woods with nothing but a hole I dig with my bare hands as a bathroom. I find this style of camping to be an adventure, and it allows me to fully submerge myself in nature. The problem with this is not everyone enjoys the rugged style of camping, and if I want to get away with those that don’t enjoy hiking 5 miles into the wilderness for isolation I need a plan B.
When Glamping Hub, “the worlds leading online booking platform dedicated to unique accommodations in nature,” reached out to me to see if I’d be interested in staying at one of their featured Washington locations I was ALLLLL OVER IT. From tree houses, to yurts, to tents fancy enough for royalty I struggled to narrow down my first choice of locations.
Then, just as I thought there was no way I could choose I read the words: “private island.” Sold. This was as close to being isolated as I was going to get with the perks of running water and heat. I chose a spot located on Herron Island in Washington, a tiny island with no more than 150 residents. So isolated you need a special pass to board a ferry to get there.
#VIP
The roads on the island are all gravel, the speed limit is 15 MPH, and there are no street lights or traffic stops. I saw more deer than I did people during our stay (which is perfect because I prefer animals to humans anyway.) I had no idea how they all made it to the island, but later discovered they SWIM. They SWIM TO THE ISLAND. I didn’t even know deer could swim. As if the deer weren’t enough, holiday ornaments were randomly placed on branches around the island adding to the charm.
Note: Island has no shops/restaurants, and no wifi. Bring food and entertainment. Basically you have to exist how they did before we were brainwashed by corporations and technology. 🙂
The host of the beach house we stayed at was kind beyond words, and very helpful with any of my questions. “So, is anyone going to get into the house with us being so secluded?” As visions of one too many horror films flashed before my eyes. “Oh no, there is a zero percent crime rate on the island.” Phew.
With two rentals on the island, our host Donn allowed us access to both.
My heart sang louder than a canary in heat for his tiny cabin over looking the water. You know those scenes in movies when someone has a moment where time stops, their face freezes up as they go into deep thought, and the camera zooms into their mind to show a memory or a vision? Similar to what I think an out of body experience might feel like?
Well I had one of those moments in this tiny cabin. I saw my future life, living in a similar abode with an amazing view and minimal items.
The cabin is the perfect size for a couple that wants to get away, or a solo adventurer that needs some peace and quiet. Heat for the cabin is man made in a wood burning stove, so you’re guaranteed to go home smelling like a large dose of “I’m awesome.” The back deck overlooks the water and leads down to the private beach.
Poor lighting, but you get the idea. Main bed, bathroom, and stairs leading up to two loft beds!
Kitchen to the left, dining to the right, entertaining space straight ahead.
I will have to go back to sleep in this tiny cabin, it’s so amazingly perfect and I swooned so hard. My family and I stayed in the other rental on the island because it was bigger fit for the three of us, but secretly I pretended I was alone in the cabin. Actually it wasn’t a secret. I verbally expressed, “how about I leave you guys tonight and sleep alone at the cabin?” Crickets sounded as a response.
The beach house we slept at was equally charming, and well fit for larger groups and for those that enjoy entertaining. I was a fan of the minor details of the house and the old appliances. My photos don’t do justice to the professional photos on the site, so I suggest you click the green links for a better view. I don’t get anything if you click them, I legit just suggest you look at a professionals eye view.
Coat rack with fishing reel hangers.
I chose the bedroom overlooking the water because I have a life goal to beat the birds when rising from the dead each day, and I wanted to see the world come to life out the window. This house sleeps up to 8, with four small loft beds up high. Perfect for kids.
The heat was produced by a pellet stove, which was fascinating to me. Summer months won’t need the heat, but we definitely needed it in the winter. Both rentals offer kayaks and other boating systems to explore the beach with, but I was a wimp and stayed bundled on land.
Kayak cabin.
I was able to go for a 30 minute run on Saturday morning to get a lay of the land, and it was indeed small. It was fun to see all the deer, and other houses. Also, the beach house has a Whomping Willow out front, so that was cool. Our on site host was also very kind, and she sent us home with homemade bread, perfect ferry snack.
There are three takeaways from this post that I will sum up for you now.
- If you live in Washington and want to get away I strongly suggest the tiny cabin, it was so adorable, and I want it for Christmas.
- If you don’t live in Washington, but want something similar check out Glamping Hub for areas near you.
- Deer can swim. I clearly didn’t watch enough Discovery Channel growing up.
As I bid you adeiu, please enjoy this short video of a morning time lapse from the beach house.
Q: Do you prefer camping in a tent, an RV, or in a cabin?
