Unexpectation is an adventure in its own.
The unique cabin is always one of favorite elements at the PNW (Pacific Northwest) in wintertime, along with rainy and moody vibes, calling me to return again and again. I picked some unique cozy cabins on Airbnb in the woods with an outdoor tub, a cool loft area to sleep and a sauna, with crackling fires and started my recent PNW (focus on Oregon) adventure. It is typical PNW wintertime: the day is short and it gets dark very early. So I head out to explore natural hot springs in the daytime and enjoy “indoors” by the fireplace by late afternoon.
An unexpected adventure and beyond awaits…
Day 1-2: An “interlude” during my stay at Niksen House
It was raining outside.
For my first stop, I stayed at a Scandinavian inspired A-frame cabin in the woods nestled at the base of Mt. Hood National Forest in Oregon. I sat next to the big open window, glimpsed at trees outside, cooked in the open kitchen, the strong fire burning in the stove. My mind was empty, but I wrote down some thoughts.
A couple of “interludes” happened: the washer stopped working mid-cycle until it was fixed the next day; and the wall-mounted shampoo/soap dispensers suddenly dropped and broke. I heard the noise from upstairs. Even though things were not going right during my stay, I would treat them as an “adventure” instead, with a positive attitude, and they did not unsettle me too much.
Winter season in the PNW can be risky and extremely dangerous, especially in an Alpine environment where ice, snow and irregular conditions exist. Be Cautious! My car was skidding and in low visible conditions getting to Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood. I was very nervous and sensed the potential danger, due both to my limited winter driving experience and that I was solo, so I decided for safety not to go further.
Day 3- 4: Blends with exhilarating and peacefulness at remote Tree Top Studio
I arrived at Grants Pass, Southern Oregon late afternoon, in the dark. The Tree Top studio is located at Still Moon Farm, an adequate isolation. I followed the directions provided by the host and used Google Maps during the trip, as I had no cell reception in a rural area. My car crossed backroads and transitioned to a dirt road, and I kept going until I saw the forest opened up into pastures. The host reminded their address is not super visible, I must go another 0.25 miles and their driveway is under the forest canopy.
Unfortunately, I turned into the wrong entrance and got lost in the forest in the dark. There were only the car’s weak headlights to shine ahead amongst the forest, and my intuition quickly told it was the wrong direction, but I had to speed up and find enough space to turn around on the steep and narrow dirt road. I could hear my heart beating a roar in my eyes, and I was filled with a lot uncertainly. What a wild drive and adventure again! Finally, I found the right entrance and pulled into the driveway to the remote cozy light filled studio in the treetops.
Without any distraction, I unplug from regular programming, only accompanied by nature and trees. I opened my design radar again, taking inspiration from each fine detail in the studio, from the cute kitchen with blue color, the living room to bedroom upstairs, also an outdoor shower and outhouse. I found peace and the state of solitude, I re-connected with nature, I enjoyed listening to the sound of the creek and the “crackling” noise from the fireplace. I lost myself in the trees.
Along the way, I was uncertain, nervous, adventurous, and curious and calm, and that is when I know the adventure has it right.
It was a cloudy and foggy day.
Day 5: Experiencing more than an adventure
It was Thursday, December 12, 2024.
My original plan for this day was to explore the wild and awe-inspiring Southeastern Oregon – from Burns to Fields, Oregon (Alvord Hot Springs). It was “weird” that only one day I did not book any cabin on the journey, I was very flexible on it, because I knew it would be a very long drive from Southern Oregon, a lot of campgrounds should be available along the way. Let the adventure takes me somewhere!
On the way to Fields, Oregon, my car was the only one on the icy and fresh white snowy covered mountain road. My car experienced skidding, and I lost control again when I drove down. I realized that it was not wise to keep moving under this severe condition, with increased risk and it being likely hard to find help in the remote mountain. I immediately adjusted my itinerary, turning around to Brookings, Oregon to explore the Oregon Coast instead.
At noon, I got to the Redwood Highway (U.S. 199), a critical link between Northern California and Southern Oregon, but the road was shut down after a landslide sent rocks and debris tumbling onto it, leaving U.S. Route 199 impassable and closed. I parked in front of a local store to wait for it to reopen, with the highway’s status unpredictable. I was in a little bit of a rush since I was going to follow someone with a small detour to avoid the closed highway, and I accidentally bumped into a lady’s car that was parked, too. Both of us were not injured and there was no visible damage to her car. She was a creepy people with some mental issues, saw an opportunity since I had no experienced dealing with a traffic accident. She argued and demanded a big amount money from me onsite. I was helpless and worrying. Some kind strangers saw and helped to process it in the right way to stop her doing irrational thing to me.
I learned a lesson from this accident: every driver should know that the first thing you do when there is an accident is call the police so the police can write a report, so there is an accurate record if anyone asks for any payment or insurance is used, otherwise someone can make up any story. We should know how to protect ourselves, and always ask for legal advice if necessary.
Life continues to deliver the unexpected to me.
After experiencing the accident, I continued to wait, thinking I might sleep in the car overnight. I breathed the fresh air out but still felt anxiety, then a kind tall man (Edward) and his daughter spoke with me, knew the situation, and provided a free trailer to me to stay overnight in his backyard nearby, to help me escape the freezing cold night and get a good rest from the worrisome experience, until the highway reopened next day. Wow! It was such a big help! I did not expect it at all. I was so surprised and very appreciative.
What a long and unexpected day! At the same place on the same day and time, I experienced an emergency and met all kinds of humans out there, such a big comparison. The universe gives me a precious gift: lessons, emotions, danger, worry, unexpectation, adventure, surprises and appreciation. It is so amazing! Now I look back at my decision and thoughts, realizing that the universe has its plan and wants me to have this unpredictable experience. This might explain why I was open for that day only to not book any cabin.
It was more than an adventure!
Day 6: Returned and reconnected to those beautiful old memories
A new journey continues.
After saying goodbye and expressing my appreciation to Edward and his family, I was back to the road again. My car was moving in the pouring rain and strong wind, the Oregon Coast like to wear a new cloth to express its power and mystery. I returned to one of my favorite luxury resorts – Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa, immersed myself in an “old” and fancy “indoor” adventure, but with a new perspective this time. I witnessed the endless incredible views of Cape Kiwanda again: the sound of the high ocean waves around my ears, a line of birds flying in the sky. I went into the sauna and soaked at the resort, my mind was recharged, and my body was so relaxed.
Day 7: Received a personal book of “Choose your own adventure” from the unique Cottage Airbnb host and builder Kristie Wolfe
Heavy rains continued with a chill in the air in this unknown land full of surprises and enchantment.
I stayed in a one-of-a-kind fairytale style Airbnb in the woods of Western Oregon, named Cocoon Cottage, nestled on North Tenmile Lake, Lakeside Oregon, a wonderful ending to this cabin adventure. Before the trip, the host Kristie left a little package at Lakeside Marina for me. I was so curious without any expectation to pick up and take a boat to this unique Airbnb (Note: there are two options to get the cottage, either boat access or forest drive. Due to high winds and rain, the staff at Lakeside Marina suggested I take a water taxi for safety).
I was so surprised that she created a personal book of “Choose Your Own Adventure” for me. It was inspired by the classic 1980s series. In this adventure book, I am the main character, taking on a role to adventure, featuring the phrase “Option A/B then turn to page…” to navigate the story and experience based on my decisions. Yes! Only Stephy can decide! It puts a mirror to me: self-discovery, reflection, creative inspiration, connecting with nature, soaking in my favorite outdoor tub, gathering vibrant wildflowers and ferns ….
Stephy will make choices that will shape her adventure.
I embarked on a boat adventure and spot the whimsical Cocoon Cottage nestled in the trees as I approached the dock. Wow! It is such a fantasy that I’ve ever seen. I followed the dreamy forest path, was wondering and playing, an area full of unique mushrooms, ferns and “snails” of the world, feeling happy and content. That was my fairytale world, too.
I was obsessed with this wide and magic wonderland. I lost track of time, immersed fully in this dreamy wonderland. Wow! The cottage, the exterior shaped like an airstream, interior with a mini kitchenette, a small bathroom with pressed flowers decoration, a sitting area, and a bed hidden in its nook behind a set of green velvet curtains, was awaiting me to explore.
The rains still pound outside the cabin. Di, Di, Da, Da, Di, Da, Di, Da….
In the evening, I opened the “adventure book” again as I settled into the window nook, “Stephy’s solo adventure: The enchanted Cocoon invites you to craft your own story. Each decision shapes your adventure uniquely your own. This book isn’t a guide – it is your story”. True! I saw myself again. The smile on my face and eyes shined again, deeply! I found the big book in the library and carefully flip through the pages gathering vibrant wildflower and ferns.
The sound of crickets and gentle rustle of the trees and rain outside, each moment created a beautiful memory that will stay with me so long. (This unique cabin experience makes me think about my wonderland story at Hoh Rain Forest in Forks, Washington: https://adventurerstephyliu.com/2023/01/08/a-girl-wandering-in-an-enchanted-wonderland/ )
(Notes: The Cocoon Cottage is handcrafted from vacation home designer and builder Kristie Wolfe, an Idahoan who is passionate about living simply. She has built some one-of-a-kind homes like her treehouse in Hawaii, an underground hobbit hole in Washington, a fire lookout in the Idaho Panhandle, and a Big Idaho Potato Hotel (it is literally shaped like a giant potato) in Idaho Boise. If you are interested in staying at her unique cabins, please check her profiles: https://www.kristiewolfe.com. I can’t wait to stay at her other unique homes in the future. )
I brought the wishes and wonderland dream back to home.
Undiscovered till now…
At the beginning, I thought it would be a cozy cabin adventure at PNW. I was no stranger to exploration, from nature, hot springs, outdoor to inside, but this time, this journey is very different and entirely in my hands. Now I discover those unique cabins are one part, also a hint, leading me to a unique experience – unexpectation is an adventure of its own.
Bring a pioneering spirit and enjoy the adventure. The dictionary describes adventure as an unusual and exciting experience or activity. My PNW cabin adventure is thrilling and meaningful, including a new and unique experience, challenges, people, self-discovery, refection, solitude, outdoor, inside, emotions, life, lessons, growth and more. It is my story, also it is beyond an adventure. Those memories last a lifetime.
Choose your own adventure! It is your story, too! No two adventures are the same! Your adventure awaits…
STEPHY 