A New Hideaway
/It’s been a long, at times, frustrating process, but Riverwood Hideaway is finally ready for guests! Brien’s persistence throughout renovation has been inspiring. Little by little we removed what was deteriorated and replaced it with new wood, stone, glass and tile. We installed a full kitchen, propane refrigerator and gas stove/furnace for heat throughout the year.
While we worked, interesting creatures passed through the property or hung out near the cabin. Fascinating caterpillars and moths, a mama deer and her fawn, and even a young moose who walked the river for miles. Our area of the Knife River has the most concentrated number of spawning beds for steelhead and rainbow trout. As I step into the cool water, tiny fish dart around my legs.
Lots of late summer wildflowers are blooming along the river and trails. Asters, Daisy Fleabane and Maximilion Sunflowers to name a few. There are still some raspberries to eat along the way and we were thrilled to find blueberry plants in one of the areas that had been cleared of deadwood.
During heavy winds a few weeks ago, we were saddened by the loss of an ancient White Pine that had towered over the property. We planted fifty white pine saplings and as we clear out dead trees from the spruce budworm infestation, we will continue to plant many more native hardwoods and conifers.
It is our hope that we can protect this haven filled with native plants and creatures - as a special place where guests can experience all of the wonders of living in the forest beside the Knife RIver.