BUNKIE

This is ‘glamping’ – essentially camping in style. The bunkie is a small, yet comfortable cabin situated on the north shore of the island. It is equipped with all the necessities you could need for camping – barbecues, wood stove, fire-pit, food-prep area, cooking utensils, cutlery & crockery, as well as the all-important ‘outhouse’. You will, however, need to bring personal bedding (sheets & pillowcases and/or sleeping bags). As well as food please do not forget bottled water!

Fully insulated to keep cool in the hot summers and warm in winter the bunkie also has a green living roof which, while being an attractive addition, also acts as a secondary insulator.

You can rent a canoe for $20/day, allowing you to explore the shoreline and the crown islands further afield. You may also rent a boat from the marina ($300/day for something smart to get you across the entire lake or $125/d for a small fishing boat) but you shouldn’t need to as the fishing from the island shore and canoe is excellent.

If it is raining we still recommend getting out – bring a net and fishing rod to encourage you to brave the weather. If you prefer to hunker down out of the rain there are a number of games & books to keep you occupied.

If you are coming for absolute relaxation please be aware that during the months of April, May, October & November as you are likely to hear Maxim working in the woods while we carry out the Restoration Programme activities. The trails are occasionally trimmed so this may be heard at any time of year but it’s worth it to be able to walk around the island.

Starlite Marina provides parking which is currently $10/day but please check as this is charged directly by the marina and not us. If you arrive during closed hours Maxim can take the cash on their behalf.

To minimise the attraction of bears and raccoons to the bunkie, after eating any meat or fish please burn any bones in the fire-pit. if it is not lit then please throw them in to the reeded bay to the east of the bunkie – the mink and otters will be grateful recipients however DO NOT THROW CHICKEN BONES IN THE LAKE – these must be taken away in trash as they embrittle after being cooked and pose a choking hazard to the mammals.

In case of an emergency, Maxim lives on the opposite side of the island which is only a 5 minute walk at a quick pace. He will stay out of your way but if do you need any assistance he will be more than happy to help.

Any income from meals, canoe hire etc is put immediately back into conservation & reforestation programmes: Once costs associated directly to the Bunkie are paid (propane accounting for 90% of this amount), all profit is then donated to silvicultural works.