Technology:

Generally we want to stay away from plugging-in. But we understand that sometimes life is just easier when you can plop your child down in front of a movie. So here is what we have: VCR, DVD, and a 27in monitor. Sometimes we have broadband internet and wifi and sometimes not. If you see up to the minute weather conditions on the weather page, then the internet is up. Sometimes we have a Wii and sometimes not. Generally, the more kids, the less likely there will be a Wii or other electronics. There is no TV (cable, sattelite, or broadcast).

There is no cell phone reception at the lake. Depending on your service, you can start loosing service around Belfair. Verizon has the best coverage, but it will go out about 15 minutes before the lake. We have a phone and answering machine. The number is 360-877-6275.

Whe generally use two way radios at the lake. We're still testing, but I think the entire lake is within range.

Food Logisitics:

Food is planned on a case by case basis. But generally these guidelines should be followed. Minimize prep time, minimize clean-up, minimize "junk food", everyone cleans-up. If you want to bring an item that requires prep, do that part at home and just do a quick assembly at the lake. The kitchen has all the normal stuff. Microwave, range, toaster, coffee maker, fridge, and gas BBQ. We have a lot of staples, but if you are counting on something specific, ask first to make sure we have it.

Sleeping Logistics:

There is a guest bedroom with a queen size bed. This room also doubles as a kitchen pantry and coat closet, but nothing is so needed from the room that you should feel the need to get up in the moring because of it.

The basement has two twin beds and a queen hide-a-bed. Cusions from the couch will accomodate another person.

We have sleeping bags and sheets. If you use our sheets, please strip the bed on the last morning and bring the sheets up to the guest bedroom to be washed. Let Jeff or Michelle know so that we can start the laundry going.

If you don't care about pillows, we might have some or you can bundle up a towel. If pillows are important, you probably want to bring them.

Sleeping arangements often change at the collective whim of the children present. The kids currently like sleeping in tents in the yard.

Swimming in the Lake:

The lake is clean and clear water and relatively warm compared to the Sound and other Olympic lakes. There is no algee or plant material. The bottom is rocky (around fist size, some bigger, some smaller). Water shoes or strap on sandles are recommended. The beach is no bank and very gradual slope out to the boat which is moured in about 8 to 10 feet of water. Neighbors on both sides have small docks. We restrict the kids to swimming between the neighbor's docks and not further out than the boat. There is a doughnut shaped floating island for sitting on calmly. It is not a trampoline. Small children might go or fall into the center of the doughnut and will be out of sight from the shore and unable to climb out.

Fun

There a lots of games and toys in the basement. Most age ranges are represented, but you won't find "girl toys". The Daltons play a lot of games so you'll also find board games and card games which you may have never seen before. These make good evening or bad weather activities.

The main activity is on the lake. There are many toys which encourage you to be on the lake. Here are some:

• Kayaks
• Inflatable Boat
• Inflatable Island
• Noodles
• Pull toys which you ride on behind the boat (no skill required)
• Waterskis (single and double)
• Wakeboard (170 lbs. +)
• Kneeboard

Dangerous Situations:

The Bugs: There are mosquitoes, yellow jackets, horse flies, and no-see-ums that all bite. Some years are worse than others. We have various repelant sprays. If you have a favorite, you might want to bring it. Bugs are no worse then on a hot day on Bainbridge.

The Cove: The cove to the far side of the boat ramp is very deep with steep sides. It is also out of sight from the house. You do not want kids over there.

The Beach: There are many things that can cut your feet on the beach in and out of the water. We have found rusty nails, broken glass, crushed rocks, sharp sticks/wood, etc. We obviously pick up what we see, but we do find new items every year.

The Road: Potlatch Drive is the main road into the community for this end of the lake. While it is normally quiet and slow, there is the occational driver who races around.

The Construction: We are in a constant state of remodel; consequently, there might be sharp tools laying around or a wall that is open to electrical. If you feel these are a threat to your family, please point it out and Jeff will take care of it. Our children have out grown child safty issues so Jeff doesn't always find situations which are obvious to you.

The Low Ceilings: The basement and basement stairs have low ceilings. If you are close to 6 feet tall, you need to look out for these.