First Occupant's Impression of the Sleepout

Tim

Stayed: Feb - Oct 2021

I’m not sure what I was expecting when I found the cabin. I know I’ve always felt a bit different and that having my own space felt like a great idea. No-one to get in the way of my pedantic, perhaps slightly obsessive tendencies. I also love nature. I’m trying to love it more as a city-bred person.

Where to begin? The cabin and whole property have a calm, grounded feel. Dave and Marie are lovely, warm, and down to earth. I felt very welcome and free to be myself, which can be pretty odd – thanks for accommodating my various eccentricities! I didn’t miss the noise of city traffic. I remember making breakfast in the semi-outdoor kitchen to birdsong, all wrapped up in my puffer jacket and feeling immensely present and grateful. There were many occasions like that where my mind seemed to slow down or stop.

I got friendly with parrots, pukekos, and the chickens. The latter loves digging up the garden which I’m not sure Dave enjoys as much. I didn’t get so friendly with the mosquitos which were unfortunately highly present during the warmer season. I became very adept at killing them with an electric racquet though – it became a bit of a sport. I spent many days sitting out in the sun with a book and cup of tea and thoroughly soaking up the natural vibe. Even in the winter with thunderous, pouring storms, you can still sit undercover and marvel at the power of nature.

I enjoy my own space, although I did get a little lonely, especially with the lockdowns. I’m meticulously neat and the cabin and the kitchen became displays of this perfection. I brought my commercial water filter, turned off the Wi-Fi at night, and washed all my fruit with baking soda. I sung and rapped at maximum volume, I watched documentaries and called my partner while making lunch, and no-one was there to complain or suggest watching something boring on Netflix instead.

All in all, it was a very pleasant experience, although I’m not convinced I’d live on my own again. I don’t believe I’m enough of an introvert to enjoy it – Myers Brigg’s personality test has me pegged at a consistent 50/50 split.

It’s a charming little natural getaway in New Zealand’s largest city. A lot of effort has gone into making it the gem it is, and I highly recommend staying here if you feel so inclined.

Tim

https://evolvewithtim.com/