The few things to check when you arrive, before you leave, and when the cabin needs care.
Unlock private directions, Wi-Fi, and the front-door code when your stay is approved.
Things happen. What matters is communication. If something breaks, spills, stops working, or needs attention, please let the family know right away.
Instead of emailing a list, please update the Supplies page before you leave.
Open the Supplies page →Crabbing can be a good reason to check the tides, licenses, and current WDFW rules before heading out. The dinghy and pots are in the shed.
Official check required before harvesting, fishing, setting pots, or lighting outdoor fires. Source to confirm: WDFW.
Before gathering oysters, clams, geoducks, or other shellfish, check current Washington shellfish safety and biotoxin closures — same day, every time.
Official check required before harvesting, fishing, setting pots, or lighting outdoor fires. Source to confirm: Washington DOH.
Late summer brings blackberries along the paths and cliff edge. Good for walks, snacks, and a guestbook note.
Effective June 22, 2026, permits are suspended and general outdoor burning is prohibited. Small attended recreational or cooking fires may still be allowed under Phase 1 rules, but check the official status immediately before lighting anything.
Official check required before harvesting, fishing, setting pots, or lighting outdoor fires. Source to confirm: Kitsap County Fire Marshal.
The stairs anchored to the cliff wall lead down to the beach. Check footing, railings, and weather before heading down, especially with kids.
The dinghy can drop crab pots only when conditions, rules, and safety line up. Check tides, weather, gear, and current regulations first.
Official check required before harvesting, fishing, setting pots, or lighting outdoor fires. Source to confirm: WDFW.
Every once in a while a submarine passes through Hood Canal. If you catch one, it belongs in the guestbook.
Bald eagles and deer keep their own rhythm around the cabin. Add sightings to the guestbook if you notice them.
If the wood near the stove is low, restock it before leaving so the next person can warm the cabin easily. More is outside the basement door.
Winter stays usually mean the wood stoves. Check firewood, kindling, matches, and the air purifier before settling in.
Getting Settled
First fifteen minutes: water on, water heater on, heat if you need it.
Try the kitchen faucet.
Depending on the season, the water may be shut off. If nothing comes out, follow the Water System steps below — it takes about ten minutes.
Turn on the water heater.
Its breaker is on the electrical panel on the east wall of the basement laundry room. It's left off when the house is closed down.
Warm the place up if needed.
Electric wall heaters in the bedrooms and main bathroom for quick heat; the wood stove for real heat. See Heating below.
Drinking water.
The small filtered-water faucet beside the kitchen sink is the best option for drinking and refilling bottles — it tastes much better than the well water. If you prefer bottled water, the family habit is to grab a couple of gallons at the grocery on the way in.
Using the Cabin
Leaving
Private / Important
With a group effort the house cleans up in about an hour — and it makes all the difference for whoever arrives next. Cheers.