Michigan Forest Life - March 29, 2025
- mcoulombe98
- Jul 29
- 2 min read
Good evening, friends,
Welcome again to the Michigan forest. 'Tis a damp, gray evening below the tree
canopy. Chilly. Windy. 32°F.
I would like to devote today's email to the Bunkee - the guest log cabin at Winterfield
Pines Nature Sanctuary. Earlier this week I sent information about the Bunkee to a
person interested in staying for a few days and I realized how terribly outdated the
Bunkee photos on my phone were.
When this week's Bunkee guests left, I took an updated series of photos. I think most of
the recipients of the Michigan Forest Life email will also be interested to see what the
Bunkee looks like in 2025, already seven years after construction began in 2018.
As a reminder, the Bunkee is an off-grid, hand-built, electricity-free custom log cabin. It
has woodstove heat, hand-pump water, and kerosene lamps. It was constructed using
many materials taken directly from the property on which it sits.
The Bunkee is a charming step back in time for people interested in an experience with
one foot in the 19th century and the other in the 21st century. It provides a chance to
understand the gratifying side of a manual lifestyle that is close to nature and requires a
bit of participation to get through each day.
Consider this email to be an updated Bunkee photo album.
Photo 1: The front porch.
Photo 2: The interior from the northwest corner.
Photo 3: The interior from the southeast corner.
Photo 4: One of two twin-size Murphy beds lowered for
sleeping.
Photo 5: The queen-size loft bed and library.
Photo 6: The campfire pit.
Photo 7: The outhouse, affectionately called the
"Superbenjo."
Photo 8: The Superbenjo sitting vestibule where parents can wait for their children.
Photo 9: The Superbenjo interior.
Photo 10: The water pump.
When guests stay at the Bunkee for a few days, if they would like to enjoy an off-grid
meal at the Treehouse, I am often able to make that part of the experience. The final
two photos give a feel for what a Treehouse meal is like. Many people say it was the
best meal they ever had in a tree. Last week's guests enjoyed Treehouse-baked Italian
baguette, beef eye of round roast, mashed potatoes, gravy, and corn, paired with a
bottle of Cabernet Souvignon. The dessert was Treehouse-baked cherry pie and an
after dinner taste of bourbon. All prepare in a simple, electricity-free setting.
Many of you have spent a few nights in the Bunkee. I hope these photos bring back
some fond memories. Those who have not stayed may look on them with curiosity.
What the Bunkee offers is a peaceful connection with nature. If you have a longing for
that kind of experience, send me an email and we will try to find a few days that work for
you.
Some of you may remember that a guest couple made a fifteen minute YouTube video
when they first stayed several years ago. When I shared the video then, a reader said
that watching the video was the most peaceful 15 minutes he had spent in a long time.
This is the link:
I wish you a dry shelter, a friendly campfire, and a forest meal that is prepared with love.
Until next time,
Dan
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