A Rustic Family Tradition

For the past couple of years we have been attending an old fashioned celebration of Thanksgiving in a cabin. The charm of this situation totally suits the gathering of friends and family associated with the Thanksgiving holiday. The beautiful drive in the country to get to the secluded location is down long winding roads, past old farms, and through small towns. We feel grateful and fortunate to have been invited to share in this unique tradition created by the generous family of one of Ben's relatives. I just love this cabin, and the love that goes into making this communal event something special for 

so many people! Truly a day of thanks and giving.

The feeling of warmth you get from this old camp located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains is absolute perfection. A central stone fireplace with a hearth on both sides, fills the room with heat and a relaxing place to sit and enjoy being in an old rocker. Certainly a great place to catch up with the relatives and warm our toes.

It is a large and friendly group that comes together to share the great outdoors and the cozy cabin atmosphere. There were about 37 people sharing Thanksgiving together in this space. The only thing that would make it more perfect for me, is to have my children drive out one year and share in this experience. Not to worry though, I did visit with my babies after Ben and my glorious afternoon in the country.

It is my guess that this private fishing and hunting club has been in existence since the late 1800's. The rustic main cabin is filled with the kind of old memorabilia you would expect to see in such a time honored place. It is living breathing vintage that's still being used to it's fullest potential today. Surely that is the way it should be.

The cabin sits on the edge of a large creek that after three days of rain had over run its banks.  The water was just feet from the cabin and caused road closures in the area just one day before Thanksgiving. Lucky for us that rushing water receded, and we had 
a warm, sunny, and wonderful autumn day. Everybody was happy, 
and all was right with the world. You can feel the goodness in those moments and be grateful. Being in nature gives you a chance to meditate on those thoughts in the ultimate peaceful surroundings.

There are many old group photos of the members of the club from over the years on the cabin walls. Old fashioned scenes of camping, and men standing in front of the very same cabin wearing the patina of time. This camp is still used by it's members all year long, weather permitting. The main cabin and surrounding land reminds you of a time when there was no television, people enjoyed the outdoors, each others company, and reading. How refreshing not to be assaulted by football and obnoxious commercials, and live the true spirit of Thanksgiving... Family, friends and great food.

Sitting on this stunning property is an expansive field next to a pond, just right for the sporty types to get their game on for real. For those who would like to relax while they enjoy nature there are many weathered picnic tables in the shade of various venerable old trees.

Families that are associated with this club have had their private cabins for generations. It's a fantastic tradition of sharing with your family and friends something other than a TV screen and a hand held device. You have to love that these days! Needless to say there is no need to replace that authentically aged sign either.

Everywhere I turn I find treasures and time worn items. Even the new addition to the cabin porch is done with that natural cabin style. But something was missing... Off I went looking for the old dinner bell that used to sit where this railing is today. I found that the old iron bell was currently resting on the ground beyond the porch.

You can see the creek runs right along side of the cabin. Pretty cool! So picturesque! Oh I was talking about the hubby! Well I think it's time to get back inside and see whats cooking! Hmmm I could have sworn that clock said ten of two before we walked outside... Most fishing and hunting cabins have their fair share of the ubiquitous stuffed animals on the walls, and this old place is no different. Saw a moose...saw a moose...did he do the fandango?

All the family members and guests bring a dish to contribute to the bounty of the many overflowing Thanksgiving bowls and platters that are set out on a table on the far side of the fireplace. The dessert table is up front by the entrance, I suppose so you can make a quick escape with your pumpkin muffin! Two very long wooden tables flank the room with rows of comfortably worn old wooden chairs on each side. I can smell ye olde' Turkey. So it's time to choose our seats, hold hands for a few kind words, and say grace.

Dinner was delicious, and I did a fair job of not overdoing it this year. Even with all the yummy dessert temptations, I only had a teaspoon taste each, of a pumpkin casserole, and an apple bake. Outside the sun is getting low on the creeks freshly made mud flats, and the girls are counting raffle tickets on the porch steps. I think we need to walk off dinner and stare into the calming effect of nature.

You can certainly see why I took so many pictures at this charming little camp. As I look at this photo of these branches from the woods next to me, something about it reminds me of the old John Lennon 'Imagine' album cover. Cool.... and hey, dig that 'Wizard of Oz' fighting tree with it's gnarled arms just below!

Our drive home during sunset was lovely and I was snapping photos out the car window! Silly me, a bit obsessed. I wish my eyes were a camera! Anyway, now we were off to round two of turkey time at my daughters home. My son was visiting and that is a rare treat! Oh, and I can't believe I had more to eat, but it was so gosh darn good!

You can view all of my images from this Rustic Cabin blog much larger in a slide-show format by clicking on the first photo. Even an image in the middle will do fine. A new larger view will open with a black background and then you can then click on each small thumbnail to scroll through the entire series. Images look much better that way!

Textures: Shadowhouse Creations, Frames: The Coffeeshop Blog