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Bryan's Blog: Options...

10/16/2020

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By Bryan Wiegers, EHMI Board Chairman

The next time you hike to The Cabin, you will have options. You can either take the “Gordon Trail” or the “Norman Trail.”

The Gordon Trail climbs from the South and is the traditional route that most of us have used over the years, and the Norman Trail ascends from the Northwest, popping you up onto the summit ridge of East Haven Mountain with views of East Mountain on your left and the Burke valley on your right as you walk the final 30 minutes to The Cabin. These two marked trails are named in honor of the two families that made the trails a reality for us to use, and we are grateful!

Additionally, there are three unmarked trails that lead to The Cabin following old logging roads from harvesting operations decades ago that I have used, as well as the limitless options for bushwhacking to The Cabin using a compass and/or GPS. All this to say, there are options for deciding on how to climb up to The Cabin!

Similar to hiking to The Cabin, our lives are also filled with options and choices. Making a Cabin trip requires decisions on preparation, direction, exertion and focus.  Sometimes the focus is on the next step you are taking, and sometimes you are focusing a long distance in front of you to make sure you are headed in the right direction.

Over the years, many have climbed to The Cabin pondering the options that lay before them in their lives as well, and a Cabin trip is a unique parallel to our lives as we sift through all the available options that lie before us and make choices. 

It is our hope and prayer that The Cabin will be a safe and peaceful place for people to get away to rest and gain clarity on the options before them.  We hope people will be encouraged as they walk the trails, read and look out over the mountains, and we believe people will help each other along the way as they converse on the deck with either new or old friends. 

They may even be mentored by someone who is invited to share some of the wisdom they have gained over the years through the ups and downs of life. Greg Gordon built The Cabin 30 years ago because he had a love for the mountaintops and a desire for solitude mixed with prayer after a long and busy week.  He had the option to keep it to himself, or to allow others to experience his place of refuge.  He chose the option to share this special place, and that decision has brought joy to many lives.

As we all consider the options that lay before us, I hope we can learn from Greg’s example to choose not just the best option for us personally, but options that bless others.

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Reaching for the Summit in Partnership with EHMI

10/16/2020

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By Kent Koeman, EHMI Board

Hauling a 250-pound woodstove by hand up a mountain took teamwork. While the hike was less than a mile, it took a total of two  hours. For only 37 minutes of those two hours did we actually move the stove uphill.

The remainder of that time was spent resting, trading off, encouraging and planning our next move. Strapped to a couple of 2x4s, "Ark of the Covenant-style," hauling that stove was difficult, but we did it together. Partnering on that significant achievement is part of what The Cabin is all about.

We’d like to invite you into a similar experience. While you may not be crazy enough or physically able to join the heavy hauling crew, we’d like to invite you to be an EHMI Summit Partner. 

A Summit Partner helps sustain the mission and operation of The Cabin with a total annual tax-deductible gift of at least $1000. The funds help sustain vital ongoing operating expenses (insurance coverage, property taxes, propane, etc.). Summit Partners also reinforce the commitment and participation that’s necessary to maintain focus on our common mission: inviting others into The Cabin experience that so many have come to benefit from.

Hauling a cast iron stove up a mountain took a true team effort. So does maintaining the mission of The Cabin at East Haven Mountain. We hope you’ll consider joining us at the top as a Summit Partner. For details, contact Treasurer, Doug Stark at info@the-cabin.org



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Cabin Improvement Progress Report - Fall 2020

10/16/2020

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By Doug Stark, EHMI Treasurer 

If you haven't been to The Cabin recently, we wanted to pass along an update on a number of improvements and updates that have been made since EHMI's purchase of The Cabin in April:

  • The outhouse has been completely cleaned and repainted! A new toilet seat has been installed and there is a battery-operated light inside. 
  • The original "EAST HAVEN 1989" sign has been replaced.
  • The interior of The Cabin has gotten a recent deep clean, vacuum and has been reorganized to allow for more room for personal items and gear. 
  • Cabinets have been emptied for food storage during your visit. We ask guests to continue taking unused food with them so there is plenty of room for the next group.
  • The exterior trim of The Cabin has been painted making it "pop" again when you first view it from the valley approach. This will also keep the wood from rotting.
  • The gutter and cistern system has been replaced providing plenty of rainwater for the kitchen faucet (during non-freezing months) as well as making reserve pails of water available.
  • The solar power system is once again working perfectly! We no longer need to use precious propane for lighting, making The Cabin safer amd more comfortable for all.
  • The doors and roof on the attached wood and kindling shed have been repaired 
  • Signage has been installed to help visitors locate the proper trails, the outhouse, the water hole and the tent platform.
  • Trails have been newly cleared and marked: 1) to the water hole, 2) tent platform, 3) outhouse and the newly named 4) "Gordon Trail" and 5) "Norman Trail".
  • Views from the deck, picnic area and the outhouse have been improved by careful clearing of trees.
  • The "Wood Splitter Shed" has been organized and new shelves have been built and organized for tool storage.
  • Seasoned firewood has been split, stacked and hauled to the wood shed for the upcoming winter.
  • Last, and by far not the least, a BRAND NEW Vermont Castings wood stove has been installed, a monumental effort having been accomplished to carry it up the mountain.

Please let us know if you would like to make a trip up to The Cabin. We are working hard to make The Cabin as wonderful an environment as possible for you to connect better with one another and our heavenly Father!



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Gordon Trail or Norman Trail? New Trail Names Dedicated

10/16/2020

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By Doug Stark, EHMI Treasurer

The EHMI Board is pleased to announce that we have formally named the two major trails on East Haven Mountain after two very special people associated with The Cabin. 

The trail that was built by the original owner of The Cabin, Greg Gordon, has been officially named the "GORDON TRAIL." This is the two-mile original route from "Shorty's Landing" on Victory Road that has been used for the past 30 years. Greg cleared this trail and has maintained it with great love and care for the past 30 years.


​Honoring Greg and his family name gives the EHMI Board great joy. Greg remains a dear friend and will always be welcomed with open arms to The Cabin. Needless to say, he has continued to be an amazing resource of knowledge as we have transitioned the care and ownership of The Cabin to the EHMI nonprofit. Thank you, Greg, for all you mean to so many people! May God bless you for the gift you have given to so many by having the vision to build The Cabin.


The second trail is a newly cleared route going up the northwest side of East Haven Mountain. It is named the "NORMAN TRAIL" in gratitude to the Walter and Winnie Norman family who are great friends of The Cabin and have allowed us to access The Cabin from their land. The Norman's have also built a number of new bridges on the "NORMAN TRAIL" to make access to The Cabin safer and more interesting. Thank you once again, Winnie and Walter for being such great partners with our nonprofit!   


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I’m complicated but this was simple

10/16/2020

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By Heather Kempskie, Cabin Newbie

​I love the outdoors, especially in Fall. I also love my own bed.

I love adventure. I also love routines and schedules.

I’m a complicated person, but everything about my first trip up to The Cabin was just wonderfully simple.


Simple because once we parked the car at the base of the mountain, it was just the four of us. My husband happily led the way through the first stretch of trail. My 17-year-old son, asked to carry our small cooler in addition to his own backpack, taking long, easy strides and our 15-year-old daughter was cranking tunes through her earpods while taking in the beauty all around us on the mountain.

Simple conversations. Simple (and beautiful) observations of nature. Simply one foot in front of the other.
I was at the back for most of the hike. Forever cautious/paranoid, I wanted to keep an eye out for dangerous wildlife.  We only saw one. A tiny, leaf-colored tree frog. We said hello and let each other pass on our respective ways.

Simple also because I had escaped my usual home full of usual dishes and things to do and instead carried everything I needed upon my back: sheets, pillowcase, clothes, toothbrush, some snacks and water. 

This hike is no joke. Coming in at a little over two miles, there were stretches that were steep enough that we broke them down into ‘let’s-just-get-to-that-tree-up-there-and-we-can-rest’ parts. And ‘by-up-there’ we’re talking 15 feet away.

And just as I was contemplating dumping the extra boots (weighing ½ pound) and the Bananagrams game (probably ¼ pound) to relieve me of some backpack weight. There. It. Was.

Nestled between pines and overlooking treetops and mountains as far as you could see, was The Cabin. Simple. As if it was part of the natural landscape itself. Unimposing. Inviting.

You know that feeling when you finally reach the spot for your vacation ‘getaway’? I’ve always arrived via car or plane but this time, I’d arrived via my own two feet carrying a backpack and somehow that made reaching the front door so much sweeter.

It was simple because our basic necessities were met. Heat from a fireplace, water from a catch system and an outhouse set on a ledge with a better view than it ever deserved.

The kids and I eagerly examined every nook and cranny in the main room and the loft above. Each piece of wood and furniture and every kitchen utensil or area rug had been brought up here piece-by-piece, on the backs of many, over 30 years. You just knew it was all done out of an act of love and somehow, it felt like The Cabin loved you back.

Simple games. Simple dinner of grilled pork and beans, followed by hot chocolate as a lightning storm raged outside. Just the four of us. Cozy. Away. Together.

The hike up had left us (or just me) tired and sleep came easy for us all. Happy to report there were no outhouse runs in the middle of the night, for me. In the morning, we cleaned up, packed up and headed back down the mountain. Maybe our loads were lighter because of all the food we consumed, but the hike down was quick and easy.

There was another unexpected blessing that resulted from this trip. A photo we took on the deck the morning we departed. Sleepy, a little cold and sans makeup or even the hint of a hairbrush being used, we smiled huddled together. And for the first time ever, we all were pleased with the photo. A moment in time, that was simple and will forever be treasured.

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Keeping the Mission Alive: Opportunities to Help

10/15/2020

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By Carl Rubin, EHMI Board

The Cabin is more than 30 years old and common to any structure that has withstood 30 years in the harsh climate of the Northeast Kingdom, there are always items that need replacing or upgrading. Additionally, to keep The Cabin in working order, there are annual projects that require attention. Many people that have been to and enjoyed The Cabin in the past have asked us how they can help in the mission to make it available for generations to come. We've identified two broad categories for how you can help support The Cabin: 
 
  1. Financial support - for the general operating fund or towards a specific project
  2. Skilled labor to repair / upgrade / maintain specific needs 

Financial support
Ideas that will help us meet specific and ongoing needs (not necessarily in order of priority):


Become a Summit Partner
For a minimum gift of $1,000 annually, your gift will allow EHMI to provide need-based scholarships (i.e. grants to pastors, students and others) and to help keep overall costs down for our guests. Summit Partner gifts go into The Cabin operating budget to address vital ongoing expenses and will ensure someone’s financial situation does not preclude them from making a trip to The Cabin.  

“Buy-a-Bed”
After 30 years, we’d like to replace all six bunk mattresses. We'll haul the new ones up the mountain and the old ones down. We’ve found comfortable yet durable replacement mattresses at $140 each. We have replaced TWO already and need to fund four more by 2021. Our hope is that these new mattresses will encourage a restful nights’ sleep.

“Buy a Chair”
Currently there is one "comfortable" chair that is in need of repair. As we continue to replace old and worn out furnishings at The Cabin, we’d like to upgrade the seating so guests can more comfortably gather at the table for a shared meal or around the wood stove to engage in conversation. We could use four additional chairs that are sturdy, comfortable and can fold and stow with ease. In the meantime, we could use donations in any amount specifically for purchasing new chairs.
​

Scholarships
Provide a scholarship for someone who cannot afford to stay at The Cabin. Mark your donation "scholarship fund" and we will earmark the gift for that specific use as needed. The cost per person per night is $50.

Skill Support
Volunteer opportunities:


Emergency / Overflow Shelter: We could use skilled help to build an emergency shelter and overflow shelter in the utility shed, which sits 200 feet from The Cabin. This would be vital in the event of a fire.

Appliance Expertise: We need an appliance expert to adjust the stove burners and check the propane regulator.

Carpentry: We need a carpenter to replace a rotting windowsill and a drafty storm door at The Cabin.

Trailblazers: We always need crews to assist with trail maintenance, marking and clearing.

Woodsmen & Woodswomen: We always need folks who are willing to cut, split and stack firewood which is the primary fuel to heat The Cabin. It’s a fun and gratifying experience!

CrossFit Training: For those looking for a workout, we are always in need of people who are willing to carry heavier than usual backpack loads up and down the mountain. Just think - a CrossFit workout that helps move our mission forward!

We are thankful and grateful for any and all support from our Friends of The Cabin.


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FROM THE VAULT: A Visit to The Cabin, 2009

10/15/2020

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By Frank Koudelka, EHMI Board

My first time visiting The Cabin was March 2009. Bryan Wiegers had been asking me to join him for a trip and after hearing the conditions (lots of snow and cold) certain times of year, I have to admit I was skeptical. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE to hike, but this has always been a spring, summer and autumn hobby. The early descriptions and gear requirements gave me thoughts of Mt. Everest and I wasn’t interested in coming home permanently damaged with frostbite!

Bryan assured me I’d be safe and he had all the gear I was missing. We (Bryan, Brian Crabtree, Jay Duncan, Pat Laughran and me) met in the parking lot of New England Chapel on Friday, March 13th to head up together in Bryan’s truck. Everyone that knows Bryan understands he does everything with a purpose.

The 3-hour drive up together was an ice-breaker. We knew each other from NEC, but didn’t have “relationships” at this point. A comfort level with each other was being developed as Bryan probed with questions that needed more than a “yes” or “no” response. We arrived at The Cabin trailhead parking area (now known as the Gordon Trail that starts from Shorty's Landing) and Bryan opened up the back of the truck showing a selection of snowshoes, gaiters, ski poles, etc. to choose from. 

The hike up was great! The conversation flowed and the snow was easier to navigate on the trail than I expected. It was hard to believe we were walking on 3 feet of snow! (Note to self – get a pair of snowshoes)!

We came to a clearing and decided to have a couple of snowshoe races. Jay was a pro and dominated the field. I got my first view of The Cabin after a couple of more twists and turns on the trail. It came out of nowhere and just “popped” into view. It was beautiful, sitting majestically on the summit of East Haven Mountain. (It was almost as if a helicopter dropped it on the mountain…) We had some chores to do, clearing snow off the deck, getting wood for the stove, turning on the old propane lamps to get some heat and light before a feast of steaks, potatoes and vegetables. 

So what do you do in tight quarters, without cell coverage or television to distract you? You get real! After filling our bellies, we sat in a circle and Bryan started the conversation.

"Who are you?"
"Tell us about your upbringing?"
"How is your marriage?"
"How did you come to know the Lord?"

I had just become a believer and knew transparency regarding my past struggles was part of the healing process. It was so great to have guys that I began to trust and I could see cared about what I had to say. We talked for several hours. Nothing was forced. We were just five guys talking about life…highs and lows and everything in between. We prayed for each other. 

The next day we hiked some more and explored the mountain, and had a fun (and safe) target practice session on a few aluminum cans with Jay’s 9mm. The weekend was great. Relationships were forged. Burdens were unloaded. The cold did not take away any of my fingers or toes.

Hiking down, I felt a bit of melancholy. Life was simple, without distractions at The Cabin. We had a big breakfast at a local diner and headed back home. It’s been 11 years and I still remember the details about my first trip to The Cabin and am looking forward to taking up my four grown sons next time!
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