Clearwater Cabin Living

My Cave Falls Hike

2010-10-14T23:24:00.000-07:00

At the south end of Yellowstone National Park in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, just over the Idaho border into Wyoming, there lies a beautiful group of water falls on both the Bechler and Falls Rivers. The hikes to these falls range from an easy 3 mile round trip to 20 miles and this area has some of the most gorgeous scenery I have come across in Southern Idaho.

The drive to the trail head is on a fairly good dirt road off of Hwy 47 near Ashton, Idaho. There is plenty of good parking available and there is not the $25.00 fee to enter the park as there is at the main entrance. Of course, you have no options other than to either hike from here or go on horseback but I was glad to keep the $25.00 in my pocket.

For most of the hike, the trail follows the Bechler River with the Falls River being the first river you encounter. Surrounded by tall lodge pole pine trees and quaking aspens along with the river on your right side, I felt I was in Heaven for the entire duration of my adventure. Although I did not encounter any wildlife other than a very friendly grouse, I have been told of hikers often seeing deer, elk, moose and an occasional wolf on this trail.

After my hike, I realized how lucky I was to discover this beautiful area very close to my home in Idaho Falls. If you are at all familiar with the southern part of Idaho, then you know that it is not anything like the northern part. Idaho Falls lies in a high desert region (around 4800 feet above sea level) amongst 1000’s of acres of potato farming. But on the plus side, with a little bit of driving you can get into some spectacular areas that rival any part of Northern Idaho’s beauty.

If you live close by and have not taken the time to visit this wonderful area, then I would suggest you do so. If you are planning a trip to Yellowstone Park in the near future, then I would definitely make this part of your trip. Because of the trail’s location, you will find fewer hikers on the trail and much more seclusion than being in the main part of Yellowstone Park.

Below is link for the map of Yellowstone Park. You can find the Cave Falls road and trail head if you look at the lower left hand corner of the map: http://www.yellowstonepark.com/planyourtrip/pdfs/NPS_Official_Park_Map.pdf

If you would like directions on how to get to the Cave Falls trail head, please go to my contact page on my website, http://www.clearwatercabinliving.com and send me a message. I will gladly send you the directions right away.

You can view the photos of the Cave Falls area here: My Adventures

Mike Powers

P.S. Thank you to Bill and Jeanne Steffener of Idaho Falls for suggesting this hike to me because I would not have found it without you!

She Was Not So Deer To Me

2010-08-21T14:33:00.000-07:00

In the region of North Idaho between the cities of Coeur d’Alene and Kellogg, there lies a beautiful stretch of river known as the North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River. Here is where an unusual event took place between me and a not so dear deer.

There are many wonderful campsites along the North Fork that offer spacious secluded spots with many of them sitting right on the banks of this crystal clear river. Some of these sites have campground hosts and charge a small fee per night for your stay. Many of the sites are free and this is where I chose to stay for my weekend adventure. The site had great shade, a perfect swimming hole and was off the road enough so I thought I would not be disturbed by any humans so I could enjoy a nice quiet couple of days. Well, it was not the humans I should have been concerned about after all. I never thought a small female deer could be so much trouble.

It all started on my first night while I was having a nice camp dinner of spaghetti, garlic bread and salad. In the middle of my feast, I left the campsite for a minute to get some water from the river. Down at the river, I heard a sound coming from my camp table. I forgot about getting my water and hurried back to my table only to find my dinner on the ground with a beautiful doe munching on the spaghetti. I was quiet and watched her eat the rest of my food and when she was done, she sniffed around the campsite for a while and slowly meandered down the river bank.

This was fun and exciting for me to see and I was thankful for the experience until the next morning. What a great feeling it is to wake up to the sound of a rushing river and the crisp mountain air, I thought, as I began cooking my breakfast of scrambled eggs, potatoes and bacon. The coffee was perfect, the breakfast tasted better than any other and once again, I found myself in the presence of my dear deer friend. With her nose up in the air sniffing the aroma of my cooking, she seemed to have little fear of me. As beautiful as this deer was, I shooed her off so I could actually finish this meal but my shooing did little to keep her away from my table. The doe would not come up to me but she did come within three or four feet with her mouth watering and her lips smacking. I gave in to her hunger and threw her some eggs and potatoes. She gobbled this food down quickly and wanted more. “That’s all you get!” I told her and she eventually left but not before relieving herself of some of her pellets on my site.

I love to hike more than just about anything in my life so after breakfast, I set off for a short five mile excursion along a trail that went to a gorgeous mountain meadow well above the river. After two or three hours of some great scenery and rugged terrain, I was back at the campsite ready for a snack and a cool drink. Normally when I camp, I am not too worried about putting my cooler away until I go to bed so I had left it out under my table. Like I said, normally this is fine but not this weekend. My cooler had been tipped completely over with food and ice scattered everywhere. Plastic wrappings that held a variety of different food items had been chewed open and whatever was in them was gone. The only thing left was my raw eggs and bacon. I did not even think twice about who the burglar of my food was. Can you guess?

I was not really upset about this and it gave a great story to tell you. Luckily, there was a small store and restaurant just down the road a few miles so In case you were worried if I starved that weekend, I did not. I did learn a valuable lesson about putting away my food when leaving the campsite. I also learned from a forest ranger that I was not the only person in the area that had been visited by this deer. The doe had been going around to many of the campsites the entire summer and had actually had been given a name from a group of campers a few weeks prior to my visit. The name they chose was Frita, for the deer’s insatiable love of Fritos.

If You Can’t Do The Time….Don‘t Do The Crime!

2009-12-02T11:56:00.000-08:00

I heard this saying somewhere on a movie once: “If you can’t do the time, don’t do the crime”. This came from a dialogue between two long time criminals who made their living from stealing from rich millionaires. Their philosophy was that if you wanted to take the risk involved in committing a crime and getting caught, you had better be prepared for the possibility of time in prison. For these two criminals, the risk was worth it.

The above saying reminded me of what most network marketers go through as they are trying to start their online business. If you are not willing to put in the time it takes to become successful in network marketing, then don’t waste your time trying because success will not come to you magically. It takes a great deal of hard work, tedious daily repetition of certain tasks and an attitude of never giving up no matter what comes in your way. Maybe the network marketer’s motto should be, “If you can’t put in the time, then you might as well go wash dishes”. I know it doesn’t rhyme, but you get the point.

So what does it take to get your network marketing business going successfully online? This is what all the money makers started doing and are still doing and it does work:

*Surf the free traffic exchanges. It really does not matter which ones your surf but I would suggest picking around 5 to start with and try to get 100 credits a day from each. This takes time and is tedious work but it is a great free source for getting hits to your website.

*Write articles and submit them to a few article directories. I know it may be hard to come up with some content but just take some time and think about what interests you, write about it and give a link to your business opportunity in your resource box.

*Join Twitter, Facebook and any other social network that interests you. Post a link everyday about what you are up to in your business or your life and people will start noticing you. It can be either business related or just fun stuff, but doing this everyday is important.

*Be active on any forums you can find that are relative to network marketing. Ask questions and give your own advice if you have some. Just make sure you put your website link in your signature file when joining.

*Set up a blog and start posting your articles there. If you cannot afford a website right now, this is a great free source for you to start with. Just go to www.blogger.com and they will walk you through on how to get started.

*Join some free safelists and start sending your ads out. This is an easy process and like the traffic exchanges, this will bring a lot of traffic to your sites.

Now, the above list is just a few of the steps to make it on the Internet but starting with these is a great start and you will see some business come in if you are diligent everyday with these tasks. A bit overwhelming I must admit isn’t it? But, you need to look at your business as a real job that takes real work. Like any profession, learning and studying is a must to become successful. The ads about making millions in a few short months are absolutely a lie and wrong so please do not fall for these. Find a legitimate business that offers value and truth to what they offer and stick with it. It might take a year or two until you see some real results but do not give up and the money will start coming in.

If you are looking for a home based business that offers great tools and is affordable to start with, please look at this: http://onlinebusinessalliance.com/5dollar.php?id=mwpowers
or, if you would rather get a free report about making money on the Internet and sign up for our series of newsletters, go here: http://teprofits.com/report.php?id=mwpowers

Thank you,

Mike Powers

Online Business Alliance Review

2009-10-19T10:29:00.000-07:00

Welcome,

Well, I did it. After countless trials and errors and many many hours of searching for something to suppliment my window washing and lamp making businesses, I found a great company that I believe can teach me and others how to make money on the Internet. The company is called "Online Business Alliance". OBA offers a flood gate of tools and resources that, if followed correctly, can take any novice Internet marketing person and teach them the tricks of making money on the World Wide Web.

This is by no means a get rich quick scheme, an undertaking that requires no work or an opportunity that promises you thousands in just a few weeks. OBA requires commitment, dedication and persistance but the rewards are great if one has the desire to succeed. Online Business Alliance offers no hype but tells it like it is. My favorite quote from one of OBA's ads that I use in my advertising is "Let's Stop the Nonsense Now!" Internet marketing is not easy and requires hard work but the rewards are tremendous if the right tools are applied correctly.

Now, the best part...To join OBA only costs $5.00...That is right...just $5.00!

Take a look for yourself and see all the wonderful tools OBA offers and decide for yourself by clicking on the link below:
http://teprofits.com/report.php?id=mwpowers

Or go here for some more information:
http://www.onlinebusinessalliance.biz/?id=mwpowers

Thanks for looking,
Mike Powers
TEProfits
http://www.clearwatercabinliving.com/
http://cabinliving.blogspot.com/
mwpowersnet@gmail.com

My Trip To Sheep Falls

2009-09-27T19:28:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, I took a beautiful little hike to a place in the lower Targhee National Forest called Sheep Falls. The trail is right off of Highway 20 going towards West Yellowstone National Park (from Idaho Falls, Idaho) and really is a diamond in the rough for hiking and viewing purposes. I don't believe a lot of people know about this wonderful place and I was blessed to stumble upon it. Take a look at some of the photographs I took while enjoying the scenery.

If you would like directions to this magical place, please leave me a comment and I will gladly email you the specifics of how to get there.

These Tough Times Require Better Measures

2008-12-19T13:41:00.000-08:00

Times are not what they used to be are they? Of course, our parents said that, our grandparents said it and now we, in our 40’s and 50’s, are saying it. There will always be those times to remember when things were better. Heaven knows, many of us live day after day with regrets hoping for the old days and what they were and they what they gave us. I must admit I am one of those people and I am making my New Years Resolution to start making this beat up, tough to make it, impossible world a good place to remember when I get old.

So how am I going to change this coming year?

Here are a few thoughts I have about making this coming year and the years to come more productive and enjoyable for myself and maybe for those of you who read this article.

Give to others. I am not going to contemplate on what is wrong with my life but start taking the focus off of myself and start caring for others. It is a proven theory that the more you care and give to others, the more blessed you will be and the more at peace you will become. I will do my best to start giving financially to the charities of my choice and lend a helping hand to my neighbors when they seem to need it. No more looking away when someone is in need as I have done in the past. Giving of myself is a big priority to my new start this coming year.

Recycle, recycle recycle! How many times have we thrown away those plastic milk jugs, newspapers, steel cans and aluminum cans? All these products are recyclable and we all should take the time to make a special place in our garage to create a recycle bin so we can take this stuff to the recycling center and not throw it away in the trash. Besides, we all know that aluminum cans bring money when returned to the proper facility. So, if nothing else, there is some money in that garbage of yours!

I will not raise my business prices! If you own your own business, keep your prices reasonable. I have a window washing business and a couple internet businesses and I have seen so many of my competitors raise their prices year after year. I refuse to be a part of this I am making a promise to keep my prices the same and in some cases lower. There is no need to continue this greedy money grabbing way of life that so many of us have chosen.

Walk more and drive less. The gas prices are finally back down to where they were several years ago…Hurray! I guarantee you they will go back up if we all choose to start driving more and start using more gas. I plan to walk to the post office, the store, the park, or where ever I need to go where I can easily walk instead of driving. Not only will this save gas, it will keep my waist line in check.

I will keep on thinking over this wonderful Christmas season of more ways to find a better life in this mixed up, turmoil of a society we live in. Keep an eye on my articles and when I think of some more ideas, I will let you know.

http://www.clearwatercabinliving.com
http://www.solidbeginnings.com (offers tools and resources to help improve your credit)

Smoking Salmon…A Quick Guide

2008-11-20T18:42:00.000-08:00

I received so many great responses from this recipe that I decided to post it again...enjoy!

Have you ever tried to smoke a fish? (I know, it is hard to get them lit!) Anyway, I have here a great recipe for smoking salmon and trout that is simple but very tasty. In a minute, I will give you the recipe but first a little story about how this recipe came about.

Years ago, my uncle Bob along with his 2 sons and his father-in-law decided they would like to start fishing for the small Kokanee salmon, (commonly called bluebacks), at a couple North Idaho lakes namely Lake Coeur d’Alene and Lake Pend Oreille. My uncle came up with this special bait he figured would catch those fish like crazy so they all decided to give it a try. Back in those days, maybe 30 or more years ago, both these lakes had commercial fishing available on them with limits from 125 to 250 fish a day per person for the small Kokanee salmon. On a good day, a group of four could really bring in the fish. My uncle and his crew all purchased commercial licenses and began fishing with his new discovered bait.

It took only a few hours on their first trip out to discover that my uncle’s bait was indeed amazing and that all of a sudden they had caught a whole slew of fish. When they returned to shore and counted their first bounty, they discovered that they had brought in a total of 650 fish! What were they going to do with all these slimy creatures? Well, they put their minds together and they decided that smoking them would be the best way to not only preserve them for a length of time but also maybe they could make some extra money selling them to the local stores.

So, to make this story readable and not bore you with all the details, they did start a little smoked fish business and began distributing their fish around the local town. Before I give you the recipe for this incredible smoked fish, there are some essentials you must have to get started.

A good quality smoker is needed to begin with. I don’t believe you have to pay $100’s of dollars for one either. I have a small little smoker I purchased from Home Depot for around $75.00 and it does very well. An electric smoker is preferred because you don’t have to tend the fire as often and it cooks much more evenly.

As far as the wood you need I would recommend apple, cherry or hickory wood chunks (not chips if possible). The wood chunks last much longer and burn slower. Slow, cool smoke is what you are after and the wood chips tend to burn too quickly. Before you start your smoking, soak the wood chunks overnight in water so they will burn slow and not catch fire so easily.

Now, here is what you have been waiting for, the recipe.

*1 Cup Non-Iodized Salt (it must be non-iodized).
*1 Cup Brown Sugar
*2 Gallons of Water
*1/8 Cup of Pepper if preferred.
*Soak your fish overnight (12 hours) in the above mixture and take out and leave at room temperature for an hour before putting the fish in the smoker.

That’s It!! I know it looks simple and it is. Many recipes ask for seasonings, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce and other things but this recipe is simple and the very best.

Your fish should be filleted if possible but not completely necessary as the meat will pull away from the bone easily after smoking. It is important to leave the skin on the filets as it keeps the fish from sticking to the grill. Use good quality salmon or trout when smoking. Fish with white meats do not do well and tend to dry out, as they do not have the oil in the meat like the salmon family does.

Place your wood chips in your smoker and put your fish on the grates. Depending on the temperature outside, it could take a couple of hours to several to smoke your fish. Test the fish after an hour or so to see how the texture looks. You can taste test the salmon as it is getting done to get the required texture you desire. I like my salmon fairly moist but others may like it drier. The choice is up to you.
It may take a time or two until you get this smoking thing down but after you have perfected this recipe, you will be smoking fish on a regular basis.

Mike Powers is an internet marketer and craftsman. Mike's website, Clearwater Cabin Living, offers a variety of tools to equip you along the way in creating the cabin and outdoor lifestyle you desire. We offer articles on building and decorating your dream cabin, great trails to hike, camping tips, the best ways to hook a rainbow trout, outdoor cooking and much, much more. http://www.clearwatercabinliving.com/

A Craftsman Dilemma

2008-10-24T20:22:00.000-07:00

For years now, I have been building furniture and home accessories by hand. Each piece I have created has been designed and put together by me alone and finished with the utmost care. In today’s highly competitive world, craftsman like myself are unfortunately getting pushed to the side by the “box furniture” we see in so many stores like Wal-Mart and Kmart.

To the normal untrained eye, this boxed furniture looks great. You can purchase a pine end table for around $50.00 to $75.00 that looks well made and has a decent finish on it. You can purchase at the same store a table and 4 chairs for $150.00 that will certainly hold up for at least a few years.

So how do my colleagues and I compete with this? There is no way I can buy the wood, put in the time involved in cutting the pieces, assembling them and putting the finish on for $50.00 and still make a profit. My table and chairs wholesale for no less than $400.00 and that means they sell in a retail store for $800.00. In other words, a true craftsman cannot compete and this is the dilemma we are facing today.

I am a firm believer in hand made goods, doing business with a hand shake instead of a contract and giving to people excellent quality in both my products and customer service. This is disappearing in America quicker than we would like. The hands on, old style, down to earth craftsman is slowly being put to the wayside.

I remember back way back when, (much to long to admit to you), when I started making my first products to sell. I made a ton of birdhouses and a ton of twig baskets. I sold these at a very reasonable price and it was a great beginning to my future products I developed later. Now, you can buy on many Internet sites birdhouses and baskets made in China that are of good quality and are under $10.00 each. I couldn’t even walk to my shop for $10.00 let alone make a basket for that.

So what do we do? It is up to the people who still believe in the true quality of handmade products and the craftsmanship that goes into them to stay away from Wal-Mart and Kmart for furniture and go back to buying solid, well made, handcrafted goods. Not only will you find the product you purchase most likely be one of a kind, but it will also last your lifetime and more.

Visit my website: http://www.clearwatercabinliving.com

Creamy Fettuccine With Romano Cheese Sauce

2008-08-28T20:27:00.000-07:00

After some thought about what I should add next to my blog, I decided to add some of my favorite own recipes that are not only tasty but add a bit of elegance to your cabin or camping experience.

That being said, on your next overnight camping adventure, become the hit of your campsite with my version of fettuccine with a creamy Romano cheese sauce. This is easy to prepare and the ingredients will not take up a lot of room in your camping cooler.

Here’s what you will need:

½ package fettuccine noodles.
½ cup Romano cheese (you can substitute parmesan but I wouldn’t recommend it)
½ cup sour cream
½ cup butter or margarine
½ cup sautéed onion
1 tablespoon garlic powder
Seasoning salt and pepper to taste
Chopped tomato (optional)

Suggested additions to sauté with the onion:
Ham
Shrimp
Sausage
Chicken

Cook the noodles as per package instructions in a fairly large pot (you will be using this to mix your noodles with the other ingredients…less dishes to clean up you know). When the noodles are done, be prepared to move fast as this recipe requires to mix everything while the noodles are still hot! Drain the noodles into a colander and immediately put the butter, sour cream and Romano cheese into the pot the noodles were cooked in. Put the drained noodles right back into the pot on top of the ingredients and mix together to create a wonderful creamy sauce. Now add the sautéed onion, the tomato and the meat of your choice along with the seasonings. I believe you will find this to be a 5 star restaurant quality dish that will make you an instant success!

Enjoy,

Mike Powers
http://www.clearwatercabinliving.com/

Lamp Making With Rocks As Your Primary Material

2008-08-14T19:45:00.000-07:00

This blog was so popular, I decided to publish it again for those who missed it!

Let’s get started with the tools and parts you will need. These tools are essential for getting this project done correctly and may require a little bit of a financial investment to get started.

1. A drill press. The press does not have to be a large, floor model…it can be a bench top type for now. It does have to have a setting on it that will enable the drill to go fairly slowly through the rock. A setting of around 200-300 rounds per minute is best.

2. A 3/8” masonry bit. The masonry bit for this purpose only has to be around 5” long. DO NOT buy a carbide-coated bit, as these seem to not work as well. Home Depot or Lowe’s both carry a standard 3/8” mortise bit for around $5.00.

3. A lamp kit with a harp included. These lamp kits are easy to use and will come with everything you need to put your lamp together. You will want to make sure the kit comes with a harp also if you are planning on using a shade that requires a harp. These sell for around $8.00 at most hardware stores.

4. A 3/8” thread rod around 10 inches long. This rod can be bought along with your lamp kit in the hardware’s lighting section. Usually, the lengths come in 24” to 36” and cost around $4.00. After you put the lamp together, you will want to cut the rod to length and I will explain how to do that.

5. A hack saw for cutting the 3/8” rod to length.6. A good strong epoxy glue that sets within 30 minutes.7. An angle grinder with a wheel suitable to grind rock.

Your Rock

The best place to get your rock for your lamp is to find a dried up riverbed. Rocks from dried riverbeds tend to be easier to drill and lend themselves more easily to making a lamp. Please note: We don’t want to disturb riverbeds that are in use by our natural rivers and streams but picking up rock from dried up sources poses no harm to the environment. You will need a base to start with. Look around for a fairly flat base that when set down on a table, it won’t rock back and forth but will sit stable. For this project, your base should be about 8 inches square and about 1 inch to 2 inches thick or thereabouts (any variation is ok as long it is fairly flat). After you have found your base, look for smaller rocks of different shapes and sizes and choose ones that are fairly flat on both sides too. This will make it easier to drill and fit together on your lamp. These should be around ½ “ thick or so. You will need about 6 of these smaller rocks.

Drilling The Rock

Now that you have gathered your choice rock for your lamp, it is time to drill. Place the base of the rock on your drill press and roughly find the center of the rock. (You do not have to be exactly perfect in finding the center as this is a rustic lamp and if you are a little off, it only makes it more rustic and interesting). You should make sure that where you are going to drill is relatively flat so the drill bit does not dance around on you. (Before you drill, make sure you have a little water on hand to either spray the drill bit or splash some on to it as the drill bit can get very hot and could break if not kept cool). Begin drilling slowly, around 200 to 300 rounds per minute, and continue until you are completely through. Yeah….you did it! Now, repeat these steps with your remaining smaller rock until all are drilled and ready to put together.

Pre-Assembly

Take your length of 3/8” rod and cut it down to about 10” or so. Place the rod into the larger base and start stacking the smaller rock on top. Since none of these rocks are exactly flat, you may have to move them around a little to make sure they fit together snuggly so that the inner rod does not show. After you have completed this process you will most likely have extra rod on top that needs to be cut off. Taking your lamp parts into consideration, you will have to leave enough rod to hold your coupler, your piece that holds your harp, and your actual lamp fixture base. Usually, this means leaving about 1 inch or so above the last stacked rock. You can test this by getting all your lamp parts out, putting them one by one on the top of the extra rod, and then making a mark just under the first piece (coupler) to see how extra rod you need to leave protruding out. Mark your rod where you need to cut it, pull off the rock one by one keeping them in order and cut your rod to length.

Final Assembly

Put your pre-cut rod back into the base and put some of your epoxy glue around the hole where the rod fits into and around a small area where your first small rock is going to sit. Take your first small rock and slide it down over the rod and put it on top of the glued area on your base. (It is important to keep your glue area small so it is not seen after the rocks are placed together). Continue this process until all the rocks are places tightly together on the rod. Make sure the inside of your rod is clear all the way through the center without any obstructions so you can slide your lamp cord through it in the next step. You have now completed the most difficult part of making this lamp. Let your lamp sit for a couple of hours or so to let the glue set up.

Using the directions on your lamp kit box, assemble the rest of the lamp parts as shown. You will have to push your cord all the way through from the bottom of the base. (Sometimes, depending on the rock base, your cord will not sit correctly under the base and may cause the base to rock a little. This is where you will need your angle grinder with a wheel suitable to grind rock. Turn your lamp upside down and take your angle grinder and dig a small indentation from the middle of the rock where the rod is towards the back of the lamp. Just make sure the groove is deep enough to hold the lamp cord).

Finally, spray the lamp with a satin or semi-gloss clear lacquer to seal the rock and to bring out the natural colors of the stone. Apply two or three coats of the lacquer. After the lacquer is dry, you may want to put a piece of felt on the bottom of your lamp so it will not scratch the table it sits on.

Congratulations, you have now made a beautiful rustic stone lamp!

Mike Powers is an internet marketer and craftsman. Mike's website, Clearwater Cabin Living, offers a variety of tools to equip you along the way in creating the cabin and outdoor lifestyle you desire. We offer articles on building and decorating your dream cabin, great trails to hike, camping tips, the best ways to hook a rainbow trout, outdoor cooking and much, much more. http://www.clearwatercabinliving.com/

A Mountain Lake From Heaven

2008-02-27T19:15:00.000-08:00

Far into the mountains of Northern Idaho, above the rivers and streams that flow in the lower valleys lies a small little alpine lake that could have possibly been sent down from Heaven. Crystal clear water with native brook trout abundant in it’s waters, Revett Lake is truly a wonderful marvel to see and is one of the most beautiful lakes of the many alpine lakes scattered throughout the North Idaho mountains.

With a short jaunt of only 4 miles to the lake’s shores, Revett Lake’s easy trail gives the hiking enthusiast incredible scenery from the beginning to the end of the hike. Because the trail is only accessible from June through October, I find that June is the best time to hike this trail as the greenery is especially lush and the trail is not dusty. Along the hike’s journey is a gorgeous spectacular waterfall that flows heavily during the late spring giving another reason for June being the best time to go.

With the high point of the hike reaching 5600 feet above sea level, the 4 mile round trip excursion has an elevation gain of only 500 feet from the trail head making it a relatively easy hike for just about anyone. For the campers in your family, this hike is perfect for that first overnight backpacking trip. On the shores of the lake, there are several well established camps already to go with areas to pitch your tent and build that warm fire.

Along the trail we came across one of my favorite mountain flowers, Xerophyllum tenax. Can someone tell me how to pronounce those two words? Actually, this is the technical name for Bear Grass, which is plentiful in the springtime at Revett Lake. Maybe you have seen this flower on your hikes and didn’t know the proper name for it. The flowers of the plant grow on a stalk that can be up to 6 feet tall with many small flowers. The flower is creamy in color, saucer shaped and has a sweet aroma.

When walking along Revett Lake’s trail, be prepared to see moose, dear, coyote and even bear. Grizzly bears are probably not going to be around this part of Idaho but certainly black bear are abundant. My friend tends to be deathly afraid of bears and gets nervous every time we hike together. She carries a canister of “bear spray” which is really a larger version of pepper spray and can shoot much farther. In reality though, if you do come across a bear, just make a great deal of noise and most likely the bear will turn away and will never be seen again for the remainder of your hike. ( I try to tell my friend this but she still is nervous).

Next to the Revett Lake trail, just over the Idaho and Montana border, are two sweet little lakes called Blossom Lakes. In my next article, I will tell more about our hiking into these two lakes along with a funny story that happened along the way.

Mike Powers is an Internet marketer and craftsman. Mike's website, Clearwater Cabin Living, offers a variety of tools to equip you along the way in creating the cabin and outdoor lifestyle you desire. We offer articles on building and decorating your dream cabin, great trails to hike, camping tips, the best ways to hook a rainbow trout, outdoor cooking and much, much more. For more information about Revett Lake and other adventures we have taken, visit: http://www.clearwatercabinliving.com/

The Cabin Theme…Still Going Strong

2008-02-22T21:04:00.000-08:00

Years of building furniture of many different styles has given me much insight into what people like and dislike in the decorating world. One thing that is often common in many of my clients is that people seem to long for the simple life and cabin living. Like me, many of us are in search of the mountain sort of living, which gives us a sense of hope to return to the days when things were a more simple and not so confusing. There are all kinds of ‘cabin’ décor websites, magazines, brochures, books, and how to videos for sale just about anywhere you look from your local grocery store to the Internet.

One reason for the phenomenal popularity of this particular type of home decorating style probably has a little bit to do with the simplicity of it. There are no hard and fast rules, there aren’t fancy faux finishes and textured painting that needs to be done in order to complete the look and there aren’t overly complicated rules for what is and isn’t acceptable. From the bear budget to the champagne and caviar crowd there is some sort of décor available that will suit not only the home decorating needs but also the need for quality as well.

Another thing that many find appealing about a cabin themed home decorating plan is that it simply exudes warmth year round. From the dark colors to the flannel materials and the soft homespun simplicity of the design many find it simply irresistible. If you want the warmth of a Montana cabin in your home every day of the year this is one great way to do it. Bring the bears, the moose, and all the furry forest friends to frolic in your living room, on your light fixtures, and in your dreams as you fall into restful sleep each night. From the bedroom to the bathroom and the kitchen in between, the cabin style of home decorating is one that is making great waves in the market place.

You will find many stores online and locally that cater to the cabin loving audience for hardware, knick-knacks, and what knots galore. The thing to remember is that the design essence isn’t the little touches you add along the way, it’s the warmth of wood, fire, leather, and wrought iron. These are the materials that will establish the cabin appeal more quickly than any of the small accessories you may find. Drywall and plaster simply cannot carry the look. Knotty pine, cedar or some other rich style of wood is the best option for walls when pulling off a cabin home appeal.

More importantly than anything though is the need to include a little bit of yourself in the design. Do not hesitate to carve your initials with a heart into the wood of your walls. It is one more thing that will be not only endearing but also appropriate to the home and the atmosphere. There is a type of innocence about a cabin style home and your own little touches will leave a lasting impression and create the cabin living lifestyle you have always dreamed of.

Mike Powers

Mike Powers is an entrepreneur, craftsman and internet marketer. His website, Clearwater Cabin Living, offers a variety of tools to equip you along the way in creating the cabin and outdoor lifestyle you desire. We offer articles on building and decorating your dream cabin, great trails to hike, camping tips, the best ways to hook a rainbow trout, outdoor cooking and much, much more.
Visit Mike’s website: http://www.clearwatercabinliving.com

How To Build A Lamp Out Of Rocks

2008-01-24T22:21:00.000-08:00

A lamp out of rocks?…Am I crazy? Actually, I have been doing this for a few years now and when done correctly, the final product is beautiful and extremely unique. If you decide to take this venture on, be prepared for your family and friends to be in awe of your new wonderful creation. A stone lamp fits wonderfully in that cabin of yours in the woods or can be placed in that special rustic corner in your traditional home.

Let’s get started with the tools and parts you will need. These tools are essential for getting this project done correctly and may require a little bit of a financial investment to get started.

1. A drill press. The press does not have to be a large, floor model…it can be a bench top type for now. It does have to have a setting on it that will enable the drill to go fairly slowly through the rock. A setting of around 200-300 rounds per minute is best.
2. A 3/8” mortise bit. The mortise bit for this purpose only has to be around 5” long. DO NOT buy a carbide-coated bit, as these seem to not work as well. Home Depot or Lowe’s both carry a standard 3/8” mortise bit for around $5.00.
3. A lamp kit with a harp included. These lamp kits are easy to use and will come with everything you need to put your lamp together. You will want to make sure the kit comes with a harp also if you are planning on using a shade that requires a harp. These sell for around $8.00 at most hardware stores.
4. A 3/8” thread rod around 10 inches long. This rod can be bought along with your lamp kit in the hardware’s lighting section. Usually, the lengths come in 24” to 36” and cost around $4.00. After you put the lamp together, you will want to cut the rod to length and I will explain how to do that.
5. A hack saw for cutting the 3/8” rod to length.
6. A good strong epoxy glue that sets within 30 minutes.
7. An angle grinder with a wheel suitable to grind rock.

Your Rock

The best place to get your rock for your lamp is to find a dried up riverbed. Rocks from dried riverbeds tend to be easier to drill and lend themselves more easily to making a lamp. Please note: We don’t want to disturb riverbeds that are in use by our natural rivers and streams but picking up rock from dried up sources poses no harm to the environment. You will need a base to start with. Look around for a fairly flat base that when set down on a table, it won’t rock back and forth but will sit stable. For this project, your base should be about 8 inches square and about 1 inch to 2 inches thick or thereabouts (any variation is ok as long it is fairly flat). After you have found your base, look for smaller rocks of different shapes and sizes and choose ones that are fairly flat on both sides too. This will make it easier to drill and fit together on your lamp. These should be around ½ “ thick or so. You will need about 6 of these smaller rocks.

Drilling The Rock

Now that you have gathered your choice rock for your lamp, it is time to drill. Place the base of the rock on your drill press and roughly find the center of the rock. (You do not have to be exactly perfect in finding the center as this is a rustic lamp and if you are a little off, it only makes it more rustic and interesting). You should make sure that where you are going to drill is relatively flat so the drill bit does not dance around on you. (Before you drill, make sure you have a little water on hand to either spray the drill bit or splash some on to it as the drill bit can get very hot and could break if not kept cool). Begin drilling slowly, around 200 to 300 rounds per minute, and continue until you are completely through. Yeah….you did it! Now, repeat these steps with your remaining smaller rock until all are drilled and ready to put together.

Pre-Assembly

Take your length of 3/8” rod and cut it down to about 10” or so. Place the rod into the larger base and start stacking the smaller rock on top. Since none of these rocks are exactly flat, you may have to move them around a little to make sure they fit together snuggly so that the inner rod does not show. After you have completed this process you will most likely have extra rod on top that needs to be cut off. Taking your lamp parts into consideration, you will have to leave enough rod to hold your coupler, your piece that holds your harp, and your actual lamp fixture base. Usually, this means leaving about 1 inch or so above the last stacked rock. You can test this by getting all your lamp parts out, putting them one by one on the top of the extra rod, and then making a mark just under the first piece (coupler) to see how extra rod you need to leave protruding out. Mark your rod where you need to cut it, pull off the rock one by one keeping them in order and cut your rod to length.

Final Assembly

Put your pre-cut rod back into the base and put some of your epoxy glue around the hole where the rod fits into and around a small area where your first small rock is going to sit. Take your first small rock and slide it down over the rod and put it on top of the glued area on your base. (It is important to keep your glue area small so it is not seen after the rocks are placed together). Continue this process until all the rocks are places tightly together on the rod. Make sure the inside of your rod is clear all the way through the center without any obstructions so you can slide your lamp cord through it in the next step. You have now completed the most difficult part of making this lamp. Let your lamp sit for a couple of hours or so to let the glue set up.

Using the directions on your lamp kit box, assemble the rest of the lamp parts as shown. You will have to push your cord all the way through from the bottom of the base. (Sometimes, depending on the rock base, your cord will not sit correctly under the base and may cause the base to rock a little. This is where you will need your angle grinder with a wheel suitable to grind rock. Turn your lamp upside down and take your angle grinder and dig a small indentation from the middle of the rock where the rod is towards the back of the lamp. Just make sure the groove is deep enough to hold the lamp cord).

Finally, spray the lamp with a satin or semi-gloss clear lacquer to seal the rock and to bring out the natural colors of the stone. Apply two or three coats of the lacquer. After the lacquer is dry, you may want to put a piece of felt on the bottom of your lamp so it will not scratch the table it sits on.

Congratulations, you have now made a beautiful rustic stone lamp!

Smoking Salmon…A Quick Guide

2008-01-17T17:48:00.000-08:00

Have you ever tried to smoke a fish? (I know, it is hard to get them lit!) Anyway, I have here a great recipe for smoking salmon and trout that is simple but very tasty. In a minute, I will give you the recipe but first a little story about how this recipe came about.

Years ago, my uncle Bob along with his 2 sons and his father-in-law decided they would like to start fishing for the small Kokanee salmon, (commonly called bluebacks), at a couple North Idaho lakes namely Lake Coeur d’Alene and Lake Pend Oreille. My uncle came up with this special bait he figured would catch those fish like crazy so they all decided to give it a try. Back in those days, maybe 30 or more years ago, both these lakes had commercial fishing available on them with limits from 125 to 250 fish a day per person for the small Kokanee salmon. On a good day, a group of four could really bring in the fish. My uncle and his crew all purchased commercial licenses and began fishing with his new discovered bait.

It took only a few hours on their first trip out to discover that my uncle’s bait was indeed amazing and that all of a sudden they had caught a whole slew of fish. When they returned to shore and counted their first bounty, they discovered that they had brought in a total of 650 fish! What were they going to do with all these slimy creatures? Well, they put their minds together and they decided that smoking them would be the best way to not only preserve them for a length of time but also maybe they could make some extra money selling them to the local stores.

So, to make this story readable and not bore you with all the details, they did start a little smoked fish business and began distributing their fish around the local town. Before I give you the recipe for this incredible smoked fish, there are some essentials you must have to get started.

A good quality smoker is needed to begin with. I don’t believe you have to pay $100’s of dollars for one either. I have a small little smoker I purchased from Home Depot for around $75.00 and it does very well. An electric smoker is preferred because you don’t have to tend the fire as often and it cooks much more evenly.

As far as the wood you need I would recommend apple, cherry or hickory wood chunks (not chips if possible). The wood chunks last much longer and burn slower. Slow, cool smoke is what you are after and the wood chips tend to burn too quickly. Before you start your smoking, soak the wood chunks overnight in water so they will burn slow and not catch fire so easily.

Now, here is what you have been waiting for, the recipe.

*1 Cup Non-Iodized Salt (it must be non-iodized).
*1 Cup Brown Sugar
*2 Gallons of Water
*1/8 Cup of Pepper if preferred.
*Soak your fish overnight (12 hours) in the above mixture and take out and leave at room temperature for an hour before putting the fish in the smoker.

That’s It!! I know it looks simple and it is. Many recipes ask for seasonings, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce and other things but this recipe is simple and the very best.

Your fish should be filleted if possible but not completely necessary as the meat will pull away from the bone easily after smoking. It is important to leave the skin on the filets as it keeps the fish from sticking to the grill. Use good quality salmon or trout when smoking. Fish with white meats do not do well and tend to dry out, as they do not have the oil in the meat like the salmon family does.

Place your wood chips in your smoker and put your fish on the grates. Depending on the temperature outside, it could take a couple of hours to several to smoke your fish. Test the fish after an hour or so to see how the texture looks. You can taste test the salmon as it is getting done to get the required texture you desire. I like my salmon fairly moist but others may like it drier. The choice is up to you.
It may take a time or two until you get this smoking thing down but after you have perfected this recipe, you will be smoking fish on a regular basis.

Mike Powers is an internet marketer and craftsman. Mike's website, Clearwater Cabin Living, offers a variety of tools to equip you along the way in creating the cabin and outdoor lifestyle you desire. We offer articles on building and decorating your dream cabin, great trails to hike, camping tips, the best ways to hook a rainbow trout, outdoor cooking and much, much more. http://www.clearwatercabinliving.com/

Attack Of The Bear

2008-01-14T21:05:00.000-08:00

She talked about it; she dreamed about it, she never let it go. This was how a friend of mine regarded her fear of coming across a bear when we would go hiking in the wilderness areas of Idaho. Her character is strong in all other ways. She is kind, hard working, intelligent, prosperous and loving. But when the word “bear” crosses those ears of hers, she turns to Jell-O. In other words, her life is somewhat Un-Bear-Able!

We were hiking last spring in the Coeur d’Alene mountains going for a 10 mile excursion to visit one of the beautiful alpine lakes that are plentiful through out this part of Idaho. We packed a lunch, threw on our backpacks and set off for a glorious day of exercise and becoming one with nature. My friend, however, was nervous and carried a canister of bear spray (kind of like pepper spray only for bears) with her just in case. I assured her that bears were harmless in this area. Only black bears roamed the woods here…no grizzlies I told her. Yet she was set out to believe that a bear was a bear and in her mind, they were all very very bad.

After about an hour of vigorous hiking we sat down for a minute to take a drink of our water and take in the natural beauty that surrounded us. SNAP! went a tree branch just up the trail and there it was…everything she ever imagined in her worst nightmares was in front of her. It was, you guessed it, a big black 10 foot growling snarling bear! Actually, that is how she remembers it. It was actually a small female black bear just crossing the path about 50 yards in front of us. My good friend screamed, grabbed a hold of me and started to shake. I joined in with the screaming part because the first thing you do when you come across a bear is make a lot of noise to scare it off. So I figured, what the heck, I might as well scream too to make her feel better.

Well, the bear scurried off, my friend almost fainted and I laughed till I cried. I gave her a few minutes for her heart to slow down from it’s 160 beats a minute and then I calmly and gently said to her, “You see, bears are not going to hurt you”. She calmly said to me, “We got lucky this time buster”. Well, needless to say, this experience did not help her fear of bears but only increased the intensity of her phobia.

We still go on hikes together and now my friend is more at peace in the wilderness like never before. No, she did not get over her extreme terror of bears. No, her dreams have not stopped. No, she has not made peace with this precious animal. When we returned to our city dwellings after that last hike, my dear loveable sweet caring friend immediately called up a shooting gallery, enrolled in a class to learn how to shoot a gun, and now carries a pistol on her side whenever we roam the hills and valleys of bear country (just in case, she says). My friend feels less nervous and seems to enjoy our hikes like never before. Me, I feel sorry for the poor bear.

Visit our website and see our new line of stone lamps and candle holders.

http://www.clearwatercabinliving.com/

Loving the Ling: A Tribute to the Ugliest Fish in the Sea

2007-11-03T23:18:00.000-07:00

The ling or “eelpout” is without a doubt a disgusting, repulsive, annoying, slimy, smelly and unattractive fish in the sea. Despite these negative qualities, it has a delicious lobster-like taste and boasts its own annual festival near Walker, Minnesota. Why? The eelpout may be ugly, but its redeeming qualities far outweigh any appearance deficiencies.

Eelpout, also known as spineless catfish, lawyer or burbot, tend to reside mostly in the deeper waters of clean cold Northern lakes. Their appearance is part eel, part catfish, sporting one single chin whisker known as a barbel. Its physique is lean and mean with considerable strength, challenging anglers with an audacious game of hide-and-seek. Its primary draw for many anglers is the ease with which they are caught. During the winter months, eelpout relocate into water 25 to 50 feet deep for spawning. As a result, anglers can expect to catch large numbers of these homely swimmers, often weighing in the double digits.

Early evening and after dark are prime times for successful eelpouting. These ugly creatures of the deep are known carnivores; if it’s fishy and fits in their mouths, they will eat it. While this makes baiting them somewhat easier, it is this trait which also makes them an unwelcome guest to other anglers, as they tend to steal bait. Like other nocturnal creatures, eelpout prefer to sneak up on their victims while they rest.

The strength, depth and aggressiveness of this species require stronger equipment than most game fishing. Stronger lure combined with leaders of at least three feet and a swivel will keep the catch online and prevent lure from twisting with the fish. Glow hooks and rattle spoons with minnows top off the lure, which is then allowed to free-fall to the bottom. The lure mingles with the muck and is then snapped back to the surface, at which point an eelpout may already be on board. During the spawning period in late February, a catch of 100 or more is not uncommon, weighing on average between 3 and 8 pounds.

Those who love the ling are welcome to pay its tribute at the annual International Eelpout Festival on Leech Lake in Walker, Minnesota. Three full days commemorating the ugliest fish in the sea begins with an Opening Ceremony, complete with Torch Lighting. Entrants are encouraged to use their imagination when constructing their fishing shelter, as prizes are awarded for the most lavish structure built on the lake. Extra points may be earned if the shelter sports a logo from one of the sponsoring companies of the tournament. Prizes are also awarded for the single pout with the most weight, for the most combined pout tonnage by a single angler and for most combined pout tonnage by a team of anglers.

If actually catching these despicable creatures is not on your agenda, the Festival offers numerous activities to help celebrate the eelpout in style. The Eelpout Peelout is a 5K run which challenges its contestants to be the first to win the race and win the angling contest. The Snowmobile Radar Run, Eelpout Bowl Rugby Tournament, the Polar Plunge, a black-tie dinner on the ice and an “On-Ice” Auto Race ensure there is something fun for participants of all ages, whether an angler or spectator.

Few creatures are as unappealing, yet offer so much in the spirit of fishing. There is nothing refined or fancy about fishing for eelpout; it is simply fun. For those who like to fish, enjoy the outdoors, and catch a lot of fish without regard to species, the eelpout is a beautiful thing indeed.

Clearwater Cabin Living
www.clearwatercabinliving.com

Ski Vacations with Ski Clubs

2007-10-24T21:21:00.000-07:00

Ski Vacations with Ski Clubs

There are many different types of clubs throughout
the world. In fact, there is a club or organization for
just about everything that you can imagine! Skiing is
no exception. Ski clubs are a great way to learn new
things, and to go on ski vacations with other
members. In fact, ski club members often get
discounted rates on ski vacation packages.

No matter where you live, there is a ski club near
you. This is true even if you live in a place that does
not ever get snowfall! These clubs regularly get
together for trips to various mountains, ski areas,
and ski resorts. Some are local clubs, meaning that
the slopes that they ski on are within driving
distance, while others are more national or global,
which means that they not only ski locally, if
possible, but they also plan ski trips.

Again, members of ski clubs often receive deep
discounts on ski vacation packages. Arrangements
are usually made through the club, so that everyone
is eligible for the discounts. The money that is
required from each member for the trip is usually
paid to the club, and the club passes the funds on
to pay for lodging, airfare, meals, lift tickets, and
other perks that are included in the trip. Because
arrangements are being made for a group of people
– which is usually fairly large – discounts are given.
This benefits all members of the club.

The discounts aren’t the only thing to be excited
about. These clubs get together regularly – even if
they aren’t getting together to ski. They join together
for other activities as well, such as cookouts and
fundraisers. Many ski clubs do annual fundraisers to
help less fortunate families and children at Christmas
time. Others do annual fundraisers to help preserve
the environment – which is usually a topic of great
importance to skiers who love being out in the wide
open spaces and fresh air.

While skiing is what brings these groups together in
the first place, it is not necessarily what keeps them
together. Their love of a common sport, and their
common interests and feeling of community is what
keeps them together – and it keeps them skiing
together for years and years. If you are a skier, you
should definitely consider joining a club. It doesn’t
matter – in most cases – what level you are at.
Beginners are usually welcomed, and this is a great
way for beginners to quickly improve their skills and
techniques out on the slopes.

Fishing With A GPS System

2007-10-22T20:35:00.000-07:00

In this day and age, you would be hard pressed to find a fishing boat without some sort of fish finding device. GPS devices have become the latest in technology and water safety when it comes to fishing. They are used as a means of navigation and a way to mark your spot so that you can find it again in the future.

A GPS is a Global Positioning System that is made primarily for navigational purposes. They work off a network of satellites that are placed into orbit by the United States Government. The best part about a GPS system is that because they operate off satellite, they can be used in any weather conditions at any hour of the day.

The satellites will circle the earth twice during the day and transmit signal information to Earth. The signals can then be used to calculate the user’s exact location by implementing triangulation and pinpointing exact spots. Triangulation means that the GPS receiver must be locked into three spots before a calculation of longitude and latitude can be displayed. After the satellites have mapped the location, the GPS can narrow in on other satellites for useful information such as speed, track, trip distance, destination distance and sunrise or sunset times.

The accuracy of the GPS system is very acute because of the multi-channel designs that are available. A GPS will lock onto a satellite and maintain that lock through one of their channels. A GPS fish finder is accurate up to fifteen meters while the newer models increase in accuracy up to three meters.

There are many benefits to investing in a GPS and people are using GPS more regularly and relying on them more than the more traditional ways of navigation such as maps and charts. If you have plot points that you have saved on a GPS, you may be able to save time and frustration on the open seas by going directly to the location that had the fish the last time you went out. Another advantage to the GPS is that it can detect hot fishing spots that may not be detected by older maps or charts. In addition, if you find a perfect fishing spot, you can share it with a friend when you go fishing on another boat.

GPS systems are also a great safety tool when you are out on the water. Many times, especially if there are many people socializing on a boat, it can be easy to lose concentration. People will easily be turned around or lost and a GPS is an easy tool to use to find your way back home. You can also use a GPS system if there is unexpected bad weather such as fog or heavy rain. GPS systems are also equipped with mapping software that makes it easier to find a dock. The GPS is so accurate that it is able to communicate exact positions to the Coast Guard or rescue crew if an emergency arises.

You can purchase a handheld GPS online or at your local marine or boating store. Ask a salesperson to help explain the different features and costs for the varying models. If you decide to purchase your boat from a dealer, you may have an option for a built-in GPS. Your local boat supplier will be able to give you a reference to someone who can properly install your electronics.

You should never rely on just one navigation tool when you are fishing. A GPS seems to cover all of the bases, but it is still a computerized tool. You should always be proactive about your safety and always have marine maps and charts onboard at all times. You should also have a handheld radio or cell phone handy in case of emergencies.

Clearwater Cabin Living
http://www.clearwatercabinliving.com/

Tent Choices Make A Difference

2007-10-16T17:01:00.000-07:00

How To Pick The Best Tent To Ensure A Comfortable And Safe Refuge While Camping

If you choose to sleep in a tent while camping, your outdoor camping experience is largely dependent on the tent quality of your choice. There is a large selection of tents from various manufacturers available for you to select from. The first and simplest way to narrow your tent choices is to decide the tent dimension that you require.

Tents are constructed to house a specific number of individuals. A solo backpacker will be looking for a tent that is much smaller from family campers who may require a bigger and roomier tent. Almost all tents are labeled with a description and their capacity which indicates how many individuals the tent can hold. If you do not intend on having a collection of tents in different capacity or sizes, it is wise that you establish the largest number of individuals you believe will sleep altogether in the tent.

Basically, there are four tent components including the poles, tent body, rain fly and the tarp, which is some kind of footprint or ground cloth to extend your tent’s floor life.

Apart from these basic components, here are some guidelines in choosing the best tent for you:

*Consider your needs. Know your particular camping requirements, such as where do you mostly go camping, at what season, would be backpacking? How many campers are in your group? All these can give you a clear idea of what type of tent you will need.

*Set your budget. When you allocate a budget before you go looking for a tent, most likely, you will not overspend.

*Tent weight and size. How many individuals will be sleeping in the tent? The size of your tent will not really matter should you go “car camping”; however, if you intend of going backpacking, then consider a “light-weight” tent.

*Tent features. Today, tent manufacturers offer a variety of different features in their tents. Some manufacturing qualities in tents to consider are mesh panels that allow the breeze go in your tent at the same time keep the mosquitoes and bugs out, “shock-corded” tent poles allow speedy setup, waterproof durable flame resistant fabrics for safety and a rain fly for added rain protection. Check the tent’s coating. You must see a waterproof and shiny coating inside the floor and rain fly. If this is not visible or you cannot feel this on the tent’s fabric, then it is not thick enough to withstand heavy use.

Select the proper tent color. Inspect how the color of the tent transmits light well unto its interior. Certain colors generate a brighter interior, whereas others create a cave-like and dreary ambience. Light colors are best during summer camping since they tend to be cooler whereas dark colors are able to absorb in solar energy so that they are great during camping in cold weather. Almost all tents available in the market have weather ratings. Make sure that you purchase a tent specifically made for a particular weather condition or season that you will be camping in.

In the forest or wilderness especially, the wrong chose of a tent can send you down packing to a motel and making you regret having planned the camping outing. For that well-planned and enjoyable camping vacation, take your time when you purchase your tent. Remember, it will be your home for a few days. Having the right tent will keep you comfortable and warm especially on those rainy and cool nights.

http://www.clearwatercabinliving.com

Rustic Cabin Decorating

2007-10-16T11:14:00.000-07:00

Tips For Accessorizing Your Home Or Cabin

Accessorizing your home is a very important aspect in the decorating process. When you buy a new outfit it is greatly enhanced with jewelery, scarves and purses for women and ties or watches for men. A home is no different! You can add character and beauty to a home in many ways just by following a few inexpensive changes.

First look at your home and decide what theme you want to accomplish. Is it a contemporary, country, southwest, traditional or ethic style that would suit your personality? Look in magazines, books or the Internet to get a flavor of the accessories you would like to see in your home. Have at least one piece you treasure in every room! Purchase accessories that go with the theme and color of your room. Color choices should compliment the main color in the room.

Occasionally it is simply a matter of rearranging some of your accessories on a shelf. It is recommended to group your accessories in odd numbers rather than even numbers. Different heights and textures are also attractive. For example, a night side table can have a lamp, picture frame and small pot of flowers as a grouping.

Entry ways should be uncluttered. This area of the home is the first hint at what the rest of your home is like. A side table with your most dramatic or unusual accessories will set the tone in this important area of your home!

Pictures or art work are often hung too high. The rule of thumb is the picture should be hung so that the middle of the picture is at eye level. Art work should be placed no more than five to eight inches above the sofa or seven to ten inches above a table. Try to align pictures in different geometric shapes (vertical, circular, triangular or rectangular groupings) in various sizes for a different effect.

Bookcases are often found to be too cluttered and full of small knickknacks. Try to vary the size of the shelves vertically for interest. Vary the heights of books with the tallest in the middle. Don't put small books next to tall books. Take off dust covers from books to show their often rich colors. The upper shelves can be used for candles, family pictures, fancy bowls or larger ornaments in odd number groupings of 1, 3 or 5 pieces. You can also mix and match books with ornaments, but make the books the focal point. Don't leave a gap between the ceiling and the top of the bookcase. Place a plant on the top shelf for balance.

Lighting is an important element in accessorizing your home. Accent a large picture with a spot light to enhance a focal point in a room. Lighting creates ambiance and should coordinate with the theme you want to create. Get creative with an old lamp by adding tassels, beads or decorative finials. Use faux paint or wrap funky fabric around the base to give it a new lift.

Area rugs can define a space and pull a room together. Place furniture completely on the rug for a warmer effect. Area rugs used under a dining room table should be large enough to also accommodate the chairs when fully pulled out.

Use many pillows on the bed as this can add a splash of color in a bedroom. Vary the colors and patterns of the pillows and graduate the sizes from large to small. Pillows are also great on a sofa and will add tremendous character to a dull living room.

Mirrors are great to expand a smaller space. Try a large mirror that stands on the floor attached to the wall behind a small dining room table. Try leaning a tall mirror behind a bed as a head board for a dramatic look! These mirrors can be five to six feet tall. It has an amazing effect!

Bathrooms can have a spa appeal by placing clear glass bowls filled with colored soaps, bath salts or bubble bath beads on the bathroom counter. Candles are also nice on a bathtub. Low lighting with lit candles will sooth all your troubles away!

Kitchens also can be accessorized to create a gourmet feel. Hang copper pots and pans from a wire rack above to add color. Don't be afraid to hang plants from any bare ceiling corner to give a lived in feeling to a plain kitchen. Grow a few herb plants on a kitchen window sill to use in your cooking and add wonderful aromas. Accessorize your counter tops with small attractive appliances or cooking utensils. A large bowl of fruit on the kitchen table can be fresh or artificial. Prints are also a welcome addition on kitchen walls.

Have fun trying out new things. Shop around for different accessories for your home. Try antique stores, consignment shops or flea markets for ideas. There are many craft books available that you can also explore. First impressions are lasting. Do not mix beautiful furniture with cheap accessories. Accessories can make or break the ambiance of your home. Be creative and trust your instincts!

http://www.clearwatercabinliving.com

Clearwater Cabin Living

2007-10-02T14:40:00.000-07:00

Have you ever dreamed of living in a cozy, rustic cabin far out in the wilderness—a cool lake practically at your doorstep? How would it feel to hike at your leisure, pick huckleberries for breakfast, or get up early to fly fish for those trout that are jumping in the middle of the lake? Wouldn’t you like to leave behind the hectic, fast-paced lifestyle and escape to a place where cool mountain breezes and fresh air invigorate and refresh you; a place where you can relax and enjoy each precious moment of life that you have been given?

Clearwater Cabin Living was created to help make those dreams come true; offering a variety of tools to equip you along the way in creating the cabin and outdoor lifestyle you desire. We offer articles on building and decorating your dream cabin, great trails to hike, camping tips, the best ways to hook a rainbow trout, outdoor cooking and much, much more. We hope this site will enlighten you and bring out the passion deep within to get you on the road to living the life for which you have always hoped and dreamed.

Throughout this site you will see exquisite wilderness pictures. Many of these pictures were taken at places we have visited, the others were found and posted here to show you nature’s breathtaking beauty. As you enjoy these photographs, imagine yourself surrounded by their beauty, enjoying the outdoor lifestyle you love.

One final note. We at Clearwater Cabin Living are very concerned about the well being of our wilderness areas. We have recently added an Environmental News page to keep our visitors and ourselves informed in regard to issues dealing with nature and how it is affected in today’s world. As you enjoy the great gift of our national forests, please keep in mind that it is up to all of us to help preserve the beauty we admire and love.

http://www.clearwatercabinliving.com/