What you do at Lake wandawega in the snow season? (David waits all year to get the old Yamaha and pull behind rig out). Last year he nearly dislocated his shoulder pull starting it. (I guess thats what we get for letting it sit in storage 10 months a year). Thanks @lori_seidemann foe the pics and @struggle_inc with @petercreigtoalson for the skate date.
well, this just made our day. week. month. year.DEPARTURES MAGAZINE:”The 15 chicest, most artistic boutique hotels in the U.S.- all of which are a labor of love for their small business owners This little wisco corner just got included in a fancy party round up for @DeparturesMag(In this crowd, were definitely the one strolling into the cocktail party in muddy bean Boots & a 70s tennis racket wrapped in medical tape)Our #WandawegaHillhouse may be the closest thing we have to offer folks as far as luxury goes But we also like knowing that the stars are our #1 luxury amenity. And we get to share that sky with everybody, regardless of threadcount.We always look forward to @MayaKach s lists – everything she writes about makes us want to go travel. (Like, right now.) In this story, shes included some of our favs that have been on our bucket list – especially these two that weve been dying to see: @washingtonschoolhouse and @troutbeck.ny (last couple pics)As well as our old friends at the best glamping resort in the world: @theresortatpawsup (which we can’t wait to go back to, Davids old buddy hosted us once – itis nothing short of paradise.)link to Mayas story: (on profile) https://www.departures.com/travel/hotels/independently-owned-luxury-boutique-hotelsThank you to our friends @bradandjen and @matt.scheffer for letting us use your photos@stancioff for being an overall rad human being, believing in the little guys.
All of our favorite things in this months issue of @countrylivingmag – including our own little camp first aid kit and our new obsession : @theskotchkooler (well be sharing more of this adorable plaid wonder that these guys are creating)All of these things in this issue now please, thanks.
All the morning after feels this morning. Looking for ways to extend this high. Best advice we ever got (if one of your goals is a happier, healthier life)…Do these three things every day:Spend one hour a day on something mentally challenging.Carve out one hour a day doing something physical.Dedicate one hour a day doing something spiritual (anything that puts you in a calm headspace).(The whole mind-body-spirit thing).And ideally, find the thing that gives you as much opportunity as possible to combine these things. Consider buying a summer camp . Even in a pandemic, losing a years worth of events, having to close down for months, and working harder than we ever have – were still grateful for the work. @oolretaw
Not a regular Wednesday.(crying in my coffee & singing along with Garth brooks while muted/camera off on work zoom to spare my co workers)The future is feeling so much more hopeful starting today.And together we shall write an American story of hope, not fear, of unity, not division, of light, not darkness, … a story of decency and dignity, love and healing, greatness and goodness. May this be the story that guides, the story that inspires us
Everywhere here, Under the floorboards.There are Layers of stories.In this 1st pic: the lodge kiitchen (top layer was 1970s linoleum…we found under that the original 1920s battleship linoleum that was the most durable flooring during Wandawegas dining hall days. (Not shown here because it was too far gone to save). We are sourcing the OG maker to bring it back and will share the before / after when were done.But this second floor portrait is our favorite…Its in the old bunkhouse. This is the 1920s original Congoleum… each room features a different pattern. Congoleum was historically what folks used when they couldnt afford carpeting to cover their low grade plank flooring. (Most of these Congeum floors have never been covered and have been In consistent use for nearly a century.) Seems to have defied the odds that they would last this long – through wear and trends.Were glad to see that there are things that remain consistent, that sustain because they arent trendy. That remain unchanged based on the simple fact they can still serve a purpose and remain useful. They arent disposable, because their value is not measured by their beauty.There is a beauty in that. We have it everywhere here, if you lift up the layers.Some people that come here notice these things- most dont. When you visit us, (be warned) well probably talk you ear off about all the diff historic floor patterns around camp.Most folks dont look down to see it.An exception is @burtsbrisplease – she notices things that most dont see – and shared all these photos. Were grateful to those who take the time too look. And more grateful to find those who appreciate the little details.* the floor covering you can get a glimpse of in photos 3, 6 & 7 is original, unearthed under layers of carpet, padding, linoleum and underlayment. Its beat to hell, but shows its age so beautifully we cant help but think about all the families that it took to create that patina. Were never gonna rip it up.
Her pictures make our hearts burst A friend sent us a pic of our little treehouse featured in the recent issue of @betterhomesandgardens In @burtsbrisplease gorgeous house – her feed is a must see if youre into home design inspiration We love to get photos from folks that visit the OG treehouse here and then share pictures of their own kid-sized version in their homes. The last pics of her toddler feeding his baby sibling in the treehouse may be the cutest thing Ive ever seen Pictures by @burtsbrisplease Wandawega treehouse by @crateandkids
Weve never seen anything like this before the most unique gift you can give somebody Our new craft cabin now includes a home portrait (told through the landscape).Our neighbor (weaving artist @lori_seidemann ) spent the season-Foraging the grounds around camp, -Gathered all the different plants, berries & roots.-She boiled them down to make natural dyes.-That she dyed yarns with the custom colors.-That she designed a pattern with the yarns.-That she wove into a literal portrait.of our backyard here, our home.it turns out that even the ugliest, most invasive species we have here (buckthorn)- produces the most beautiful colors.Every yard has different plants, that release different colors; its like having your fortune read, a surprise to see what colors your backyard will reveal.OUR BACKYARD PALETTE:Pinecone, sumac berries & leaves, summer grapes, Pokeberries, she even used the bark from the evil Buckthorn (and its berries)*Zoom into shot 3 to see the hue key that she pulled out of our backyard.Weve collected little samplers for years mainly Latvian, Mexican & Native American (last photo).Most cultures across the world make their own version of these die charts (last pic)Making one of these weavings from scratch is incredibly time consuming & labor intensive and the result is unique.Our portrait is now hanging in the craft cabin, so she can measure the natural effect of light fade on these. Like the wildflower patches here, we expect it to evolve.Lori accepts special commissions on a limited basis, working out of her weaving studio on Lake Wandawega & her home studio in Chicago.portrait here taken at one of her weaving workshops at @SOHOhouse.
FOUND! A kind stranger messaged us – they found an antique postcard talking about dining at the Wandawega Hotel ( post marked 1942) Rachelwas guest here back when Wandawega operated with a full restaurant. (we still have all these tables, chairs and dishes)OTHER THINGS WE FOUND:- this businesscard in the drawer of the old reception desk says Excellent Food- the 1950s brochure here (not sure what taste thrills are?)- the proprietor in his tophat (also bartender) – the first ad weve found so far (1920s)advertised steak dinners for $1.25Folks have given us lots of photos over the years of the Dining Hall days here.Were starting to dig out all the old restaurant stuff thats been packed away since the last time the guest dining hall operated here in 1961….and making plans to start something weve always wanted to do. cant wait to share!
