This article was originally published on January 18, 2022 on The Restless Viking website.
Ranked #5 on the national list of Hipcamps and #1 in Michigan, this off-the-grid Copper Cabin is a unique stay! Nestled in a pine and birch forest near the ghost town of Delaware, DaViking (my husband, Chuck) had reserved our stay for a weekend in January 2022. Linda and Darryl, the owners, had sent us emails with pages of procedures for their self sustaining residence.
The location of the Copper Cabin is near the tip of the Keweenaw peninsula. (Marked in Red)
Linda and Darryl’s careful directions led us to the plowed staging area where we parked and organized our supplies. DaViking graciously pulled a polk sled with our necessities.
It was a bitter nine degrees when we emerged from our Jeep.
Now I was apprehensive about traversing the mile-long snowy trail to the cabin. We’d brought cross country skis, but with the fresh powder and my “gracefulness,” I felt it would be better if I simply walked. Chuck had supplied me with “Yak Tracks” which stretched over my boots providing extra traction. You see, my joints have had this curious habit of requiring surgical interventions, so I didn’t want to create “issues” out here at the tip of the Keweenaw peninsula. The closest hospital was in Marquette which was over two hours away. (I also have a habit of noting the locations of the nearest medical centers when we travel.)
Our Hike To The Copper Cabin
Once we started the trek, I felt like I was walking through Narnia! (A mystical winter land in a children’s book.)
DaViking blazed the path which made it easier for me to walk. I was hoping to see wildlife, but alas they must have been burrowed from last night’s storm. The air was crisp and puffs of snow blew off the trees landing gently, sometimes even on my face. I felt refreshed.
DaViking embracing “situations” with humor.
As cited in Linda’s detailed directions, there would be a footbridge over a stream. “Of course my polk is too wide for the bridge.” DaViking shook his head and began to work the problem. He removed his carabiner clips and eased the sled over the rails of the span. He makes these obstacles look easy to solve!
We Made It!
The marshmallow snow hid the grill and picnic table. The sauna was covered in a thick mound as well.
The amount of snow resting peacefully gave me a chill. ‘How long would it take to warm the cabin?’, I wondered silently while wiggling my icy toes inside my boots. “Poppins, I’ll get a fire going.” Chuck unlocked the door and headed inside as if he’d read my mind.
Solar Panels
I grabbed the squeegee and started working to uncover the solar panels. (Linda’s directions were very helpful to know how to navigate their chalet.)
Wiping off the solar panels was a job that needed to be repeated often.
Two batteries were charged from this power source.
The Copper Cabin – My First Impression
Peacefulness! I felt instantly relaxed and ready to open the story I’d brought to read.
There was a small stack of split wood along the far wall behind the ladder.
The sliding door led to the composting toilet.
This cozy nook in the middle of the forest would be our home for a few days. I was pleased. I headed up the ladder to check out the sleeping arrangements.
There were two beds on each side of the loft. The windows opened easily for ventilation.
The view from the southern facing windows was pristine!
The sauna seemed to be “eyeing” us.
The Indoor Facilities
Curious minds have asked about the “indoor outhouse.” Peat is sprinkled over one’s refuse each time. This assists in composting the material. Urine is strategically deposited in the PVC pipe. There is another outhouse situated outside nestled between the pine trees, too. However, with the low temperatures and my comfort level, I didn’t venture out to that particular structure.
Splitting Wood
Darryl and Linda had a pile of firewood outside for their campers. The wood splitter was easy to use.
I used my foot to dislodge a log.
Wood Stove
The wood stove reminded us the Moai statues on Easter Island.
Every few hours we’d add two or three split logs into the belly of the stove. To my surprise, it was a toasty 67 degrees downstairs and much warmer upstairs in the loft.
Cooking
A friend of mine had asked me what it was like to be a chef in a rustic setting, so here’s the rundown, step by step.
I was channeling “Little House on the Prairie,” a pioneer-life book series and TV show, as I prepared our meals. Granted, we didn’t have to trap or hunt, unless you count opening the door in the freezer section at grocery store as “hunting.”
Next, I dump in a pre-made meal into a pan. I stir occasionally. Please follow me for more cooking tips as my given name is “Martha” after all. (Ha! Ha!)
The wood stove was from the 1930’s and had been converted to gas.
Our pre-made frozen meals were easy to heat up and enjoy. I hold an admiration for the frontier families of the past who had to constantly work just to survive. In contrast we had plenty of time to relax and enjoy our stay.
Working With A View
Chuck dutifully checks in on his clients regularly as well as producing videos of our capers.
Reading
I spent my time engrossed in a book.
Cleverly Built
When I took breaks from reading, I noticed how cleverly constructed this cabin was. From the reclaimed beams to the bowling alley countertop and the eyeball window on the sauna. I felt like each piece had a tale to tell. I was hoping to meet Darryl and Linda and ask about these pieces. The treasures in the display case were interesting, too.
Above this counter hung from a beam was a photograph of a chipper looking man on a ski hill. ‘Who was he?’ I wondered. I hoped to learn about him and his connection to the Copper Cabin.
Linda
Linda called and said that she and Darryl were going to be at their other cabin nearby later during the weekend. We wanted to meet her and learn the ‘behind the curtain’ story of the Copper Cabin. On Saturday night Linda stopped by for a quick visit and to grab flour and soy sauce.
Linda’s headlamp bounced in the distance as she approached through the darkness. When she entered, it was as if the cabin had come to life. Her charisma filled the room.
Linda shared her story of how she and Darryl met while skiing eleven years ago. Linda had been a single mom and working as a relator. Then she shared how she and Darryl had found this land and made plans for building tiny houses around 2013. Together they have sailed the Great Lakes often while keeping Wisconsin as their home base. Her adventurous spirit inspired me!
As we shared tales, Linda’s phone buzzed with a text. It was Darryl and his nephew who were back at their camp. They were waiting for Linda to bring the grocery items so they could make egg rolls for dinner. She quickly answered their message and then turned her attention back to us.
Linda’s beaming energy filled the space, bringing a warmth to the cabin.
She spoke fondly of their friend, Tim Sutter. (top right)
I asked about the photograph above the counter. “Oh, that’s Tim Sutter.” Linda lifted her eyes skyward, “He’s had a hand in almost everything you see here. Sadly, he passed away from cancer in 2017.”
I responded, “I felt there was a story behind each piece.” I asked about the stove and bowling alley. Tim and Darryl have spearheaded the “evolution” of this place with found objects. “The sauna was made in our barn. The octagon window was given to him. He said, ‘We’ll be looking at that!’ which was the inspiration for making the eye out of old cedar roof shingles.”
Our conversation flowed smoothly as we each shared quick quips of experiences. But alas, her family was waiting so she departed with an invitation for us to return. Linda and Darryl are captivating and inspiring! I am looking forward to meeting them again!
The Sauna and Outhouse
The next morning I was curious to see the sauna. So, when I emerged from the cabin’s warmth into the brisk air to squeegee the solar panels, I took a few moments to check out the other buildings. The sauna’s design was a piece of art!
The sauna had a dressing room and then through another door there’s the stove and two seats.
The outhouse (bottom left) sits quietly in the distance flanked by pine trees.
Glamping? Hipcamp?
What is “Glamping?” What is “Hipcamp?” Well, Alyssa Ravasio had a vision in 2013. She had started a website where people could register to “glamp” on privately owned property such as a farm, ranch or vineyard. These glampsites (glamorous camping) may include a cabin, yurt or space for your tent. Hipcamping is like an outdoor air B and B.
DaViking stepped outside to capture this moment. I stayed inside and had him send me this photo!
Photo Credit: Chuck Hayden
Summary
I was proud of myself for doing frontier things for a weekend. Well, it was a modified pioneer experience. You can, too! It’s really enjoyable! I was inspired by Linda and her family! They continue to create habitats on their property to expand experience opportunities. Linda was born over a decade before me and she’s so energetic with plans and adventures! She’s amazing! I am motivated by her example!
Chuck and Martha Hayden, aka The Viking and Poppins, enjoy going on adventures off the beaten path. They also like to share their explorations with others. The Viking is a retired expedition leader while Poppins is a retired teacher. The two offer independent views of their journeys showcasing places, people, and cultures as they explore the world. Visit and follow them on their website and social media accounts. Website | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube
Leave a Reply