Nestled in the serene woods of southern Bonner County in northern Idaho, my old hunting cabin was a simple retreat, a place to escape from the demands of everyday life and reconnect with nature. Located on 20 acres of land, the cabin provided everything I needed to unwind, from peaceful solitude to the comfort of a warm fire during chilly evenings.
One of the highlights of the cabin was the little Jotul wood stove that sat in the corner of the main room. Despite its modest size, this stove worked wonders in keeping the space warm and toasty, even on the coldest winter nights. I still remember the sound of the crackling fire and the comforting warmth it radiated throughout the cabin. It was the heart of the space, bringing light and warmth to an otherwise rugged retreat.
The cabin itself was nothing extravagant, but it was the perfect setup for a hunting lodge. The rustic charm of the structure, coupled with its remote location, created the ideal environment for hunting, hiking, and other outdoor adventures. The land surrounding the cabin was dense with trees and wildlife, providing an abundance of opportunities to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Every morning, I’d wake up to the sound of birds chirping and the distant rustling of animals in the woods. Whether it was the fall colors of the surrounding trees or the snow-covered landscape in the winter, each season brought its own unique charm to the cabin. There was something magical about sitting outside, sipping coffee, and taking in the untouched beauty of nature.
Selling the cabin six years ago was a difficult decision. The land had become a part of me, a place where I had built countless memories and spent hours in quiet reflection. But life changes, and the pull to move further north to Boundary County was too strong to resist. The decision to move 50 miles further north brought new opportunities, but it also meant leaving behind a piece of my heart.
Though I no longer have the cabin, I still think fondly of the time spent there. The Jotul wood stove, the stillness of the forest, and the simplicity of life in southern Bonner County will always hold a special place in my memories. Moving north to Boundary County brought new adventures, but those memories of my old hunting cabin will stay with me, tucked away in my mind like a cherished photograph from the past.
The lessons I learned there—the peace of solitude, the beauty of nature, and the joy of living simply—continue to shape my life today. I may have sold the cabin, but the experiences I had in that little retreat will remain with me forever, reminding me of a time when life was a bit slower, a bit quieter, and a lot more connected to the land.
