Cabins and Creedence Clearwater Revival

This weekend a bunch of my friends are going to a tiny cabin on a lake. (I am not going because I have to work. Boo.) Alaska is great for a number of reasons, one being the Public Use Cabin System. There are cabins dotted all over Alaska that you can rent through the state for cheap. They are rustic (and even that might be a little generous) woodstoves, bunk beds, no running water, that sort of thing. Some of them are remote even by Alaska standards  (floatplane, boat, or snowmachine access only), others are right off the road and handicap accessible. It's a great deal.

I've stayed in a lot of cabins since moving to Alaska and I consider myself a cabin connoisseur. If I'm going to stay in cabin for more than just a few days, these are some things I'm looking for:

1) Coziness

This is not a cabin:

It's a large home built in a cabin style. This is not what I'm looking for in a cabin. I want something that is maybe just a little too small. Something that encourages everyone to sit together around the fire. Furniture should be overstuffed and a little worn. Lots of snuggily fabrics. Slippers. You get the picture.

This is what I'm looking for.

2) Fireplace/Woodstove - Speaking of cozy, right? I don't care if it's just for looks or for heating, but there should be some source of fire. How else will you make s'mores and pie iron pizzas?

3) Porch - With rocking chairs, since I'm making a wish list.

4) Clawfoot tub - Okay this is not a necessity, there is one in Trapper John's cabin in Talkeetna and I'm obsessed.

5) Hammocks - Not a necessity either, but definitely an added bonus. Want to rock in something, but don't want to sit up? Then a hammock is for you. I like having rock options

The more the merrier?

This week's hot jam is Fortunate Son by Creedence Clearwater Revival. Don't ask me why, but I love Vietnam era anti-war songs and Fortunate Son is no exception. Way to stick to The Man with rock 'n roll, CCR. I particularly like this version because it features John Fogerty and BRUCE EFFING SPRINGSTEEN. It's oddly patriotic, don't ya think?