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Two inexpensive getaways on short money

 Linda and I married - probably too young, in 1966, and we had two kids, Marc and Lisa. Money was short then, and we had to figure out a way to be able to get away and to give our offspring some experiences.

The top two photos are of a camp I built - by myself, and without any power tools, and the acre-and-a-quarter lakefront lot with 200 feet of sandy frontage. The cost to build the camp was roughly $800.00, and the lot lease was a "whopping" $150.00 per year.

The remote lot was nine miles from the nearest paved road, and there was no electric power. None. Coolers, blocks of ice, an outhouse, propane lanterns, a wood stove, spring water and a battery-powered radio provided what we needed. It was simple perfection.

The bottom two photos are of a trailer we owned at an ocean campground - starting in 1981 - right on the water - and "Russell's Lobster Shack" across the street where we would have the lobsterman cook his catch for pickup. Our first trailer cost $800.00, and the photo is of an upgrade a few years later. 

The camp and trailer were two of the best decisions Linda and I ever made. People can brag about their expensive vacation properties - on the beach, in the mountains - or wherever, but I can not imagine getaways that would have provided what these two, very simple structures - and gorgeous surroundings -  gave to the four of us. 



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