Remote, But Not Rustic

Our Airbnb destination early last week was listed as a “rustic cabin.” What do you think of when you see the word “rustic”? I think of tents on a barren, dusty site, maybe with a campfire. If you add the word “cabin” I think, sparse furniture, few amenities, …maybe even an outhouse. But this place? A little dated perhaps, but otherwise cute, cozy, and just the right spot for a short escape. Heck I could live here by myself year round. There is nothing rustic about it.

We traveled to Boyd Pond, a little north of Gouvernour, NY, a little south of Canton, NY. The cabin is situated on the shore of the pond; a short dock leads to a mound of land that doesn’t quite qualify as an “island.” We came here to check out the place before a longer, one week stay we have booked in early July.

It was a little over a two-hour drive and by the time we checked in at the approved time, it was too late to do much except a little local exploring. There are two dirt roads around the lake: one on the east side, the other on the west side, both private roads. The houses are mixed–some dating back 50+ years, others much newer. It’s quiet, although I don’t expect the same in July.

On the second day we took a hike out to Lampson’s Falls on the Grasse River, about a 20-minute drive followed by a half-mile hike. We extended the hike, following a couple of marked trails, to about 2 miles total. The falls were stunning. On our way back I spotted some lovely pink flowers that I think are lady slippers. If so, it’s the first time I’ve ever seen them, and I know they are a protected species in New York State. That afternoon we heard, but couldn’t see, the resident loon couple.

The days were warm but not hot, the sunsets gorgeous, and-on the last morning-a pair of loons appeared beside the dock. We will return in July to this remote-but definitely not rustic-cabin.

^{*featured image from Airbnb}