The Backwoods Cabin

April/May 2004… April showers bring May flowers

On a Personal Note…

Hello Friends, Hope this note finds you well!

Knowing that Spring is here and Summer is just beyond the horizon fills me with excitement. It is amazing how a mere sampling of warmer weather and sunshine can evoke a feeling of such deep joy and enthusiasm for what lies ahead. It’s as if your soul is awakening from a lengthy winter nap along side Mother Nature and so many of her creatures.

After 3 long months of " Old Man Winter", and keeping indoors a little more than we like, Pat and I decided to "warm" our spirit with a weekend excursion to one of our favorite spots, Ohio’s own beautiful Hocking Hills. I admit this does not compare with the ‘warmth" you could expect from one of those "tropical" vacations to the Caribbean or other exotic destination. But if you just want to take a couple of days not too far from the homestead, this area of Ohio has enough beauty to revive even the most dreary of moods!

Finding lodging in this very popular vacation spot is not hard feat. Just jump on the Internet and you’ll be amazed at the multitude of choices: "Luxurious B&B with 7 course gourmet dinner", "3,000 sq. ft. home, with satellite dish and Playstation", or the "Honeymooner’s Special-heart shaped bed and hot-tub." The ad Pat and I were hoping for went something like this, "Charming log cabin, secluded in woods, large fireplace and, most importantly, pets welcome."

After laboriously searching the web for "The Dream Cabin" that would accept our three girls (two and half really, considering Lily tips the scale at a whopping 5 lbs.) I stumbled upon a place called "BACKWOODS CABIN" . When I dialed the number, the voice I heard on the other end of the line was that of a kind hearted character. His message stated that he was not in right now, but out on the back 40 ruslin’ up some opossum for dinner. His good nature and sense of humor had me intrigued and I looked forward to his return call. Ed, as his message promised, called me back later that afternoon. We discussed his "cabin in the woods" and his handmade furniture business. I found myself not only looking forward to our stay in this perfect place, but really looking forward to meeting Mr. Ed Fassig.

As our trip grew near, Pat and I "rustled" up some food of our own. Pat made sure to grab our trusted camper pie maker. While I was guided by a well-informed stock boy about the most delicious delectables that Trader Joe’s had to offer. Armed with enough food and spirits for at least a week, we packed up our babes and headed for the hills, Hocking that is…

As we approached the last bend, we saw the sign "Backwoods Cabin". And there, nestled in the woods, we found the most charming authentic log cabin, built by Ed himself. It stood between two ridges and over a meandering stream. As we entered this rustic little home we felt like we were stepping back in time- the gorgeous stone fireplace was huge and all of the furniture was again, hand-crafted by our innkeeper himself. There were braided rugs, a country kitchen table and queen sized bed donned in quilts overlooking what would soon be a roaring fire. No television, no phone. This place could not have been more perfect if we had dreamt it up ourselves.

Pat and I spent three fabulous days, watching from our bedside window each morning, as the many deer crept down the hillside to be fed by their caretaker, Ed. The remaining daylight was used for exploring the gorgeous countryside and playing with our girls. The evenings were filled with firelight, games of chess, talk of our dreams, and lots of good wine. It’s amazing how peaceful life can become when you escape the distractions, settle down, and let yourself focus on the meaningful aspects of life.

Our weekend in the woods, and meeting our friend, Ed Fassig, is not a time we will soon forget. Not only did Ed create an enchanting cabin and animal sanctuary, he also created a place that awakens your spirit and warms you heart.

Hope this coming Spring does the same for you!

Talk to you soon.

Annie M.

Columbus, OH