Float Cabin Living: Getting Started
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Arrow 997 over Powell River Airport. |
We discovered Powell Lake and float cabins during our 2001 summer flying and camping vacation in our Piper Arrow 997.
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First night at the float cabin. |
The tin boat. |
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First day inside the cabin's great room. |
In the summer of 2005 (we were both educators), the float cabin became our primary residence. A small condo in town provides a place for mail, washing clothes, an occasional shower and a place to stay overnight when we have late evening activities in town.
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Our float cabin home in 2022. |
Since 2001 we've upgraded our float cabin to better match our lifestyle. Some of the major changes include (follow the links for more information):
- Solar power and battery banks.
- Wind power.
- Anchor cable repairs and shock absorbers.
- Chimney cap to prevent smoke blowback.
- Additional docks for boats and outdoor living.
- A floating garden with raised beds.
- A floating woodshed.
- A repurposed boat to become a writer's retreat.
- A bathroom addition with a compost toilet.
- Updated kitchen appliances.
- Enhanced insulation and pine paneling.
- Plastic barrels for extra flotation.
- Extra anchors and logs for our protective booms.

You can also read about our off-the-grid lifestyle in Wayne's Coastal BC Stories series books including Up the Lake, Farther Up the Lake, Off the Grid and Off the Grid: Getting Started. All books are available in print and e-book formats from most online book sellers. -- Margy

Hop on over to the Simple Life Mom and see some great ideas for homesteading and simple living.

Also shared with Tuesdays with a Twist at Stone Cottage Adventures.