So, I got this idea in my head, right? I wanted to do one of those “nature-friendly eco-lodging” things. Sounded cool, good for the planet, all that jazz. I figured, how hard could it be?
My Big Plan Kicks Off
First, I spent ages, and I mean ages, scrolling through websites. So many places claimed to be “eco.” Some looked like fancy spas, others looked like, well, a shed in the woods. I was trying to find something legit, you know? Not just a place that recycled a few bottles and called it a day.
I finally settled on this one spot. The pictures looked amazing – wooden cabins, solar panels peeking out, talk about composting toilets (which, okay, I was a little nervous about, but hey, for nature!). They said all their food was locally sourced, organic, the whole shebang. I booked it, feeling pretty proud of myself for being so responsible.
The Journey and Arrival
Getting there was an adventure in itself. The directions were kinda vague – “turn left at the big oak tree, then follow the dirt track.” My car was not happy. I was starting to think maybe “eco” also meant “impossible to reach without a monster truck.”
When I finally pulled up, it was… rustic. Like, really rustic. The pictures online must have had some good lighting, let me tell you. The cabin was cute, in a “might fall down in a strong wind” kind of way. The solar panels were there, so that was a plus. But “locally sourced” dinner turned out to be whatever the owner managed to forage that day, which sometimes wasn’t much more than some interesting-looking berries and a very small fish.
Living the “Eco” Life
Okay, the composting toilet. Let’s just say it’s an experience. You get used to it. Sort of. And the “limited electricity” thing? That meant one dim bulb that went out at 9 PM sharp. I read a lot of books by candlelight, which was actually kinda nice, until I ran out of matches.
Here’s a list of things I quickly learned:
- Showers: Solar-heated water is great, until you get a cloudy day. Or three cloudy days in a row. Cold showers in the woods really wake you up.
- Wildlife: It’s very nature-friendly. So friendly that spiders the size of my hand considered my cabin their home too. And the noises at night! I swear I heard a bear, but it was probably just a very large raccoon.
- Connectivity: Zero. None. My phone was basically a paperweight. At first, it was terrifying. Then, it was actually… okay?
What I Really Did
So, what was my actual “practice”? Well, I chopped wood for the tiny stove because it got surprisingly cold. I learned to identify at least three types of edible plants (and about five that would definitely make me sick). I figured out how to wash dishes with minimal water, using some kind of biodegradable soap they provided. I spent a lot of time just walking, listening to the forest, which I guess is the whole point.
The owner was a super nice guy, really passionate about his eco-stuff. He showed me how his greywater system worked, basically filtering used water through plants. Pretty clever, actually. He also explained that “eco-lodging” for him wasn’t about luxury, it was about genuinely trying to leave a small footprint.
Wrapping it Up
Was it the glamorous eco-retreat I’d seen in some magazines? Nope. Not even close. It was a bit rough, a bit uncomfortable sometimes. I didn’t get any amazing Instagram shots of me doing yoga on a pristine deck overlooking a mountain. My main shot was probably me looking confused trying to light the stove.
But you know what? I did feel closer to nature. I did use way fewer resources than I do at home. And I did realize that “eco-friendly” isn’t always easy or polished. Sometimes it’s just about making do and being a bit more mindful. It was a learning curve, for sure. Would I do it again? Maybe. But next time, I’m packing more matches. And maybe a bigger flashlight.
