Wilderness Cabin
Cabin
Casie
Magnificent Beauty, Serenity & Awe
near Waterton Lakes National Park
Alberta, Canada
To reserve,
or for more information,
email Eric at:
eric@latts.com
... to Cabin Casie, as we affectionately call it, a wilderness retreat of magnificent beauty, serenity and awe. On the bank of the winding Lee Creek, surrounded by rocky-ridges and rolling hills, lies this 745 sq. ft. (69 sq. m.), 2 bedroom cabin. The mountains, dominated by Old Chief Mountain, provide a beautiful backdrop to this undulating landscape, hosting a variety of terrains. Lee Creek, fast-running, clean and fish-bountiful, curves it's way through the 75 acre (30 hectares) native grassland property.
Located in South-Western Alberta, half-way between Waterton Lakes National Park and Cardston, often described as the area where "the prairies meet the mountains", the land hosts an outstanding variety of flora and fauna. From the beauty and tenacity of the Bluebird, to the glorious soaring flight of the Bald-Headed Eagle, from the quickness of the weasel, to the elusiveness of the raccoon, Cabin Casie is a nature-lover's utopia. Watch the hundreds of varieties of flowers put-on their various shows over the summer; watch the deer as they walk-by your front door.
Located approximately 2 miles (3 km.) from your nearest neighbor, Cabin Casie does not have a developed road. While the "trail" allows for access by motor-vehicle, it is recommended you use a 4x4 vehicle**. Complete with running water, inside bathroom, wood stove, propane stove / light, and solar electricity, Cabin Casie gives you a feeling for the way it used to be, with a few modern-day conveniences thrown-in.
Walk to the river. Imagine the tee-pees huddled at the bend of the river, protecting the Blackfoot from the discomforts of winter; imagine the cowboys, tending their small fires among the Aspens in the river-valley.
Yes indeed, Cabin Casie is all this, and more. Listen to the silence. Can you take it? Watch the stars dance at night. And the full-moon? Oh, the beauty! Welcome to Cabin Casie!
** The most common question—"Do I need a 4x4?" While recommended, to date, as this is being written, no one has used a 4x4, and everyone's been perfectly fine. But, they were lucky. With heavy rains, the trail is virtually impassable without a 4x4. Without rain, there is no trouble, at all. Sometimes they even grade the road! But, it may rain, a little or a lot. Unless it's heavy rain, the trail dries very quickly in the warm westerly winds. So, while recommended, you do have the choice to enter with regular vehicle. If it’s raining, you likely won’t get in. If it’s raining, you likely won’t get out. Wait 45 minutes, and the trail will be dry, unless it rains a lot, then it might be 5 hours. The only real answer is in the heavens.
Cabin Casie is situated on 75 acres (~30 hectares) of rolling hills, a steep 1000 year-old cut-away, river-valleys of sand, rock or grass, treacherous mountainous fall-offs, leisurely walks through thick brush or 200 year-old aspens, natural prairie-grasses of numerous varieties, water gullies emptying into Lee Creek, river shoreline, and more. The wonderful variety of terrains is enough to fit any mood or desire. It's 100% natural, unaffected by the sometimes inconsiderate human populations.
Cabin Casie is set into the hillside on the west property-line, giving you an eastern, western, but primarily southern exposure to the beautiful Rocky Mountains. And there, in the middle, like it was perfectly-framed by design, stands the spiritual, massive Chief Mountain.
The variety of flora and fauna is infinite. With the huge river cut-away housing an animal world of it's own, from the numerous burrowing animals, to a variety of 4-legged mammals, from the massive varieties of woodpeckers, jays, song-birds, eagles, hawks, to the flower show that goes on all spring and summer, it's a place to enjoy every thing this amazing world has to offer.
And Lee Creek runs through it. Feeding from the heights of the Rocky Mountains, then into the St. Mary River, then to the Oldman River, then into the South Saskatchewan River, and finally into Hudson's Bay, Lee Creek is a clean, fish-inhabited water source with continuous flow all year 'round.
Cabin Casie is a 800 sq. ft. totally-renovated home, yet keeping it's historic charm. The 2-bedrooms are supported with a large kitchen / living room area, and a bathroom—all one really needs for interior comfort. Outside, Cabin Casie is surrounded by a wrap-around deck, totaling another 700 sq. ft. North, south, east or west—watch nature at it's finest from the comfort of the cedar deck.
The cabin, operated with a combination of solar energy (electricity), propane, wood, and gravity, achieves all necessary comforts, although sometimes with just a little more work than you might be used to. With a 50's era wood stove for heating and cooking, the heating is supported with a small outside-vented propane heater. The cooking is supported with a full-size propane stove and oven.
Water, fed from a 1600 gallon cistern, is gravity fed. With instant on-demand hot water, showers are a pleasure, although we would appreciate a conservative approach to water use.
With water-miser full toilet-flushing facilities, it's just like home.
A master-bedroom, with a queen size bed, and a second bedroom, with 2 single beds, allow for comfortable sleeping for 4.
With 2 rocking, reclining, and swivel chairs, sitting in front of the large picture window gives you a view of magnificent proportions.
Lighting is achieved, at least in the spring, summer and fall (when it's not too cold for the batteries), with solar electricity. In the winter, it's a propane light, supported with candles and flashlights.
Recently renovated, maple hardwood floors run throughout. Three comfortable wall colors dance in the sunlight. The bathroom, totally enhanced, with bath, shower, sink and toilet, has electric, battery and candle lighting.
With a new medium-sized propane refrigerator, it is one of the pleasures of home.
A protected wood pile is provided behind the house, with cutting-stumps and 2 axes.
Three barrels catch the rainfall, allowing the use of natures' necessity when possible.
Let's make one thing very clear....getting in-and-out from Cabin Casie is not recommended without a 4x4 vehicle**. With a non-maintained "trail" for entry and exit, combined with the necessary cross-field excursion, it is best to be prepared for the worst. Heavy rains or snows make the "trail" virtually impassable, although aggressive driving skills can sometimes get you to your destination.
Having the worst concern behind us, one can go for
weeks and months with no difficulties in entry or exit. Depending on the
rain, the sun and the wind, the "trail", even with heavy rains, can dry very
quickly. If you are capable of dealing with the unknown, and letting nature
determine your immediate destiny, the experience can be exhilarating.
** The most common question—"Do I need
a 4x4?" While recommended, to date, as this is being written, no one has
used a 4x4, and everyone's been perfectly fine. But, they were lucky. With
heavy rains, the trail is virtually impassable without a 4x4. Without rain,
there is no trouble, at all. Sometimes they even grade the road! But, it may
rain, a little or a lot. Unless it's heavy rain, the trail dries very
quickly in the warm westerly winds. So, while recommended, you do have the
choice to enter with regular vehicle.
If it’s raining, you likely won’t get in. If it’s raining, you likely won’t
get out. Wait 45 minutes, and the trail will be dry, unless it rains a lot,
then it might be 5 hours. The only real answer is in the heavens.
Cabin Casie is situated roughly half-way in-between
Waterton Lakes National Park and Cardston. Even more specifically, off of
Highway 5, which runs between those 2 locations, you go about 5 km. south at
the hamlet of Leavitt. The following interactive link to
MapQuest will help orientate you...again, Cabin Casie is about half-way
between Cardston and Waterton Park, about 5 km. south of Highway 5.
Using Google Earth, the following image provides a clear indication of the 'prairies meets the mountains' if you understand that the western Alberta border are the glorious Rocky Mountains.
To get your own image from Google Earth of the location of Cabin Casie, go to earth.google.com to download your own copy of Google Earth. Then enter either "Waterton'' or "Cardston", refine it to show international or provincial borders, terrain, hospitals, or other things, and experience a satellite image of Cabin Casie's wonderful location.
Cabin Casie has been designed to allow you some of the comforts of home, but constantly reminds you of the awesome effects of nature and it's beauty.
The leasing manager is Eric Kassian. Eric's mandate is to create satisfied customers. He knows the advantages of repeat customers. Eric will work to ensure an effective and efficient check-in process, a clean, safe environment for your stay, and will attempt to meet your every need.
You see, we want you back a second time, and a third time. We will work to ensure you remain satisfied ... throughout your stay, and beyond.
We want to see you again!
Cabin Casie, as we affectionately call it, is quaint well-equipped cabin, surrounded by 75 acres (30 hectares) of natural "where the prairie meets the mountains" terrain. Full of life, with creatures big and small, it's an amazing piece of river-front seclusion.
We've all heard it...it takes the first week of a vacation to 'begin to learn' how to slow-down, the second week to 'practice' how to slow-down, the third week to 'partially achieve' real serenity, and by the fourth week, maybe, just maybe, you experience what 'getting in touch' really means. To that end....
| RATES IN $CDN* |
|
Weekly | Monthly |
| Dec. 1 - April 30 | please inquire | please inquire | |
| Oct. 1 - Nov. 30 | $1,185 | $2,885 | |
| May 1 - Sept. 30 | $ 895 | $2,685 |
- *rates are based on double-occupancy; add $75/person/week for each person more
than 2.
-
*weekly rentals require payment of 5% GST; monthly
rentals do not pay GST.
If the circumstances allow you to consider a stay at Cabin Casie, upon contact we will forward a simple 2-page Lease Agreement for completion. Once comfortable with it's content, you are asked to print, complete, sign, then mail the completed form, with the necessary credit card information and payment. A minimum earnest-deposit of $500 is required, payable by check or VISA. For those staying longer than 1 month, a deposit of $500 is necessary for each month you reserve. This will hold your reservation until your arrival at Cabin Casie.
Then, on an agreed upon date and time, we will meet you at Cabin Casie to provide keys and complete the walk-through.
Upon move in, and the completion of a detailed walk-through, the earnest- deposit will subsequently be held as a security deposit. At the end of your lease period, a second detailed walk-through will be completed. Assuming no extraordinary wear-and-tear or damage, your security deposit will be returned by check within 10 days, less $150 for cleaning.
The non-refundable lease amount is due and payable, in total, 2 months prior to move-in. For those staying more than one month, the lease amount is payable on the first day of every month, payable one-month in advance of the month.
You’re payment options for monthly lease payments are varied. We accept cashier's checks, post-dated checks, direct-deposit of checks, VISA and wire transfers. NOTE: Wire transfers are subject to a US$20 service charge. Credit card payments (for lease payments only, rather than earnest deposit) are subject to a 4% service charge.
Cabin Casie does not typically accept pets, although we are prepared to review each situation independently. An additional pet-deposit may be necessary.
Email Eric at eric@latts.com or call Eric at 1.401.441.5055 if you wish to proceed, or simply want to know more.
We look forward to meeting your every need.
Booking (Availability) Calendar ...
We suggest you open the above link "in a new tab". By clicking on the 'Availability Calendar' link above, you will be taken to the web site of Homeaway.com, a third-party site that manages our bookings. From there, you can see if your desired time is available. Use your browser "back" button to return to this site.
We suggest you open the above link "in a new tab". By clicking on the 'Guest Book' link above, you will be taken to the web site of Homeaway.com, a third-party site that manages our Guest Book. From there, you can read the comments of others who have come before you. Use your browser "back" button to return to this site.
To contact Eric Kassian, Leasing Manager, the following alternatives are provided.
Email:
eric@latts.com
Phone: Eric at 1.401.441.5055
Please note: This phone number is a
Skype (VoIP) phone number, not as readily checked as email. While you are
invited to phone, email is typically better monitored. We apologize in advance
for any inconvenience this may cause.
Postal Service:
Eric Kassian, Leasing Manger
P.O. Box 2789
Cardston, AB, Canada
T0K 0K0
How much time do you have? This South-western Alberta location, combined with the proximity of Montana, USA, gives you more to see and do then you can ever get done. Of course, doing nothing isn't a bad option either. But for those with the urge to explore, here, in no particular order, are some ideas:
Waterton National Park
(Parks Canada)
Glacier National Park (Parks
USA)
Glacier Park, Inc (Glacier Park
Concessionaire, Columbia Falls, MT)
Southern Alberta Tourism
(Government of Alberta)
Southwest Alberta Tourism
(Chinook Country Tourism Association)
Crowsnest Pass Tourism (Crowsnest
Pass Tourism Association)
The Cowboy Trail (The Cowboy
Trail Tourism Association)
Town of Fort Macleod (Fort Macleod,
AB)
Town Of Cardston (Cardston, AB)
Horse Trail Rides
(Mountain Meadow Trail Rides, Mountain View, AB)
Golfing (Waterton Lakes National
Park)
Golfing (Cardston, AB)
Kimball River Sports (Mountain View,
AB)
Given you are likely making your accommodation decision from afar, we have attempted to provide you with the necessary information to ensure an informed decision.
Upon your commitment to Cabin Casie, near Waterton Lakes National Park, our goal is simple:
To make your stay at Cabin Casie comfortable, enjoyable and carefree.
And that's because … We Want You Back!
We know the best customer is the one we already have. And that could be you. If we earn your trust, we hope you will choose us again, and again, and again.
We will work hard to keep you satisfied.
Cabin Casie on Homeaway
From the back of the cabin, you see the huge deck, 3 100-lb. propane tanks, a picnic table, a supply of protected burning-wood, 1-of-3 rain barrels, and, oh yes, did we mention the view!
Standing on the deck, this image is about actual size. In other words, the spiritual Chief Mountain creates a beautiful and awesome backdrop for the river-valley in the foreground.
Chief Mountain, in all it's glory! The First Nations people of Alberta and Montana consider Chief Mountain to be spiritual, with plenty of stories to go with it. The Canadian / US border arbitrarily divided the Blackfoot people, now citizens of 2 different countries. Chief Mountain is actually situated in Montana.
Situated mid-way up the river-bank, the property continue to the left, over the natural hill visible in the photo above. Then, down that hill, you enter a zone of amazing beauty, with a 90° river-bend, sheltered from the elements. Chief Mountain stands tall, even down in the river-valley.
While standing on the deck, or looking out the sliding deck-door, this is the view of Lee Creek below. Can you find the hammock?
The centerpiece of the Cabin Casie is this fully-operable wood cook-stove. It's original beauty is surpassed only by it's practicality.
A full size propane-fridge, with freezer, and a 4-burner propane-stove with oven round-out the kitchen essentials.
An expandable kitchen table, with 2 chairs, are complimented by an electric light, a propane light, and candles.
A queen-size bed, complete with 3 changes of bedding and down-pillows, are complimented by the 2 reading lights and night-tables. Additionally, 2 chest-of-drawers, not shown in the photo, provide adequate space for all your essentials. Not shown in the photo is an extremely comfortable recliner-rocker chair.
The second bedroom features 2 single beds and a large chest-of-drawers. A reclining-rocker (not shown) provides seating comfort. This room, as in all rooms, have candles should solar-power not be available.
With vertical windows-blinds on the oversize sliding-door and picture window, you'll also notice one of 3 recliner-rockers in the cabin. Additionally, the sofa on the left converts to 2 very comfortable single beds. And, through the picture window on the right, you'll see the full-size propane BBQ.
With a TV, DVD and VHS (and DVD / VHS library), a computer & printer, and satellite-internet access, your entertainment and communication needs are looked-after. Of course, it all depends on the supply of solar electricity!
Not shown
in the photo's:
- new propane heater / furnace
- CD player / FM radio
- additional FM radio
- interior wood supply, with kindling
- outside wood supply
- complete supply of bedding for 3 beds plus sofa-bed
- towels & wash-clothes
- dish-clothes and towels
- dinnerware setting
- quality pots & pans
- cooking utensils
- 3 recliner-rocker-swivel chairs
- blinds on every window
- security system
Also not shown
in the photo's:
- the stars dancing at night
- the brilliant light of a full-moon
- the abundance of differing terrains
- the wildlife
- the flowers and grasses
- the fishing holes
- the swimming holes