Site 2 - Bicycle Camping in the Island Woods
Tent site · Sleeps 4Our bike camping sites are reserved at this special rate for people who arrive and leave by bicycle or foot only. Our sites are in the woods, with privacy, quiet, and lots of nature. Endless firewood (plus a bucket of kindling) is included with your reservation.
If you need advice on how to bicycle to the island from Seattle, Bellingham, or elsewhere, message me. I am knowledgeable about best routes, bike trails, buses, and trains. It's possible and fun to come here via bike only, or bus/train and bike.
The homestead is a quiet retreat (NOT a party spot). Loud voices, radios, and significant drinking are not allowed. We encourage you to come if you want a peaceful time in forest and field, with respect for our home, our neighbors, and other guests. 9 PM to 9 AM is silent time here.
The homestead is a mile in two directions from the Pacific Ocean beach, and is 3/4 mile from the Guemes Island Resort, which is next door to a county park with launching opportunity for your kayaks and other small boats. It and other nearby points on the island are great jumping-off points for visiting nearby and wilder islands.
The Guemes Mountain Trail is part of 600+ acres of preserved land on the east side of the island, and affords wonderful views of the islands after a short (1.2 mile) hike up the 668-foot "mountain". The trail head is about 4 miles from the homestead.
Ian is a nationally known expert in renewable energy, and has been living off-grid at the homestead since the early 1980s. He wrote Wind Power for Dummies, was an editor with Home Power magazine for 20 years, and teaches workshops in Central America and elsewhere to help people learn about how to use renewable technologies. He also consults with homeowners and businesses, and sells renewable energy systems. As a bonus for your stay, Ian will give your group a tour of the renewable energy systems at the homestead on request. These systems include solar electricity, wind electricity, solar and wood hot water, solar cooking, wood heat, rocket stoves, and more. Just ask when you arrive or before, and we will schedule a time for this tour. As part of your reservation, you'll get to pick the brain of a renewable energy and off-grid living expert!
If you're interested in experiencing saw milling, offer to help for 3-4 hours, and Ian will likely be willing to fire up the mill. He's excited about turning local logs into boards, live-edge slabs, and pieces for benches and tables. He also enjoys building rustic furniture, and offering to help a bit might encourage him to show you what can be done. Workshops on building your own bench have happened in the past, and custom rustic furniture is available. Offer to help build something for the homestead at no charge for a fun experience, or inquire about the cost for building and taking home your own custom stool, bench, table or ??.
Our garden and orchard are overflowing in the summer and fall, and some things are available all year. We plants lots so we can share the abundance with family, friends, neighbors, and guests. Ask what's available when you are staying with us, and enjoy. And if you like getting your hands dirty, there's always weeding and other garden tasks available if you want to make a contribution.
If the cost of staying at the homestead is truly a challenge for you, you can ask for a discount for your children, or for options to work trade for some of the cost.
Quick reminders:
NOT a party spot.
This rate is for no cars (use other listing if you'll have a car).
Two-night minimum.
No pets.
One tent per site.
We love kids enjoying our place. Ask me about discounts if needed.
Questions always welcome.