Category: #events

So Let’s Get to The Point

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How has it been more than 3 years since I’ve written a blog post? Oh! I know! We’ve had a global pandemic, renovated a 4 bedroom farmhouse in Weedville that was originally built in 1864 (with a random school bus abandoned in the woods), and built a new 2 bedroom cabin in Benezette (that we meant to build in 2020). We met a really cool race car driver and started sponsoring a race car, and then, we spent two busy Rut seasons running 3 cabins by ourselves! Right. That’s kept us busy!

We have been so blessed to have guests that have stayed with us through all of that excitement. I’ve been surprised to hear that a lot of you have read all of the blog posts (Deb W, Tim F, Andy L, Dad, Edgar, I’m looking at you [and, thanks for reading!]) and want to hear more about the adventures of remodeling an old house, and building a new one with supply chain issues. While some of it I’d rather forget (carpeted bathrooms and 20 week lead times for doors and windows), it’s all turned out great (at least we think so based on our returning guests!).

Over the next few months, I’ll be blogging about these projects to give you a behind the scenes look at just how glamorous building, renovating and renting vacation cabins can be. I hope you’ll enjoy our stories as much as you enjoy our cabins and as much as we enjoy hearing your stories when you rent an In The Sticks Cabins cabin.

I’m on a Boat!

We’ve got more than just elk viewing!

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Well, I was. On Saturday morning-ish. The husband and I have not been putting our kayaks to good use in the past 5-9 years (roughly). So, with great weather in the forecast, we decided to take a tour of the Bennett’s Branch of the Sinnemahonig Creek.

I originally wanted to start behind the Benezette store and head to the bridge by the Driftwood Saloon. The husband and I thought this was a great idea. However, my sister-in-law (SIL) and the little niece decided they were going to join us. They were hesitant about such a long trip. Upon further research, we realized it was a 9 hour paddle. So, we took a shorter trip.

  • Actual Kayak Trip Finish
  • Desired Kayak Trip Start to Finish

Less than 10 minutes into our trip, we saw a small elk herd on the side of the creek. Imagine our excitement to see a bull with non-typical antler growth. This guy’s antlers grew straight out! I’ve heard of him (Bullwinkle) and a bull that is supposedly his father (Handlebars).

Some online research tells me that Non-typical antler growth can be caused by genetics, hormone levels or injury – so the thought that this guy is the progeny of another straight out antlers bull isn’t out of the question!

On Friday night while we were out for an evening cruise, a bear ran across the road in front of us, and right up an apple tree. We were shocked to see him there again on Saturday night. This time, he had a friend (a raccoon)!

  • That’s a raccoon in the top right corner!

To round out our weekend full of wildlife – we had a nice little elk crew in the yard on Sunday morning. It was a great weekend and they’re just going to keep getting better. I’m certain I heard two bugles (the husband says not), and with Elk Expo coming up this weekend, that means it’s almost Fall, ya’ll!

The Beat Goes On

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The weather in Benezette has been perfect for wildlife viewing. However, the wildlife are being less than cooperative at In The Sticks Cabins.

The flowers on the other hand! Well, they’ve come to play ball! I’ve found two in the backyard and learned a little about them (this is where you get to learn too!):

This is Scarlet Beebalm.

Scarlet Beebalm is a member of the mint family and was used by the Oswego Native Americans to make tea from the leaves. The Beebalm is pollinated by ruby-throated hummingbirds (which! Yay! I have got to get a hummingbird feeder!) and butterflies.

This appears to be a Blazing Star.

The Blazing Star can grow to be SIX. FEET. TALL!! They also attract butterflies, bumble bees and hummingbirds! Native Americans used it to treat swelling and snake bites. I’ll see if I can get in any closer and get a better picture, now that I know more.

We did get to see the momma deer and the fawns who are living out back – turns out they have a whole little posse back there. Look at the party they were having next door!

  • Party Animals
  • Momma Don’t Play

This coming weekend is the 100 Mile Yard Sale. The sale runs through Clearfield, Cameron and Elk county but is headquartered in Karthaus. Participants are asked to pay $10 and display their official participant sign. We’ve set up the past two years and continue to be blown away at how far people travel to attend. Last year we met a mother and daughter who drove from Michigan!

This year, there are 95 participants listed in the directory! We’re going to take a small lap this year and see what we can find.

We’re also welcoming our first guests this weekend! So, that’s the most exiting part for us! I’ll be working on getting an upcoming events page on our website – but for those of you wondering when you should come – the answer is always! There is always something to do in Benezette, even if it’s just sit on the front porch!