Cabin Life May 2012

Summer Kickoff!
It’s time to celebrate some of our favorite summer cabin traditions.
pg. 22

Canoe vs. Kayak: Which is Best for Your Family?
Got grandkids? Dogs? Gangly teenagers? Follow these expert recommendations to pick the right paddlesport craft for your crew.
pg. 24

Prevent Algae Blooms in Your Lake
It all starts in your kitchen sink, but it doesn’t end there.
pg. 26

Your Tired Outboard: Repair or Replace It?
How do you know when it’s time to replace your outboard with a newer model?
pg. 30

Inside the Wolf Pack
Find out how the wild predecessors of our most iconic cabin pets carry on their ancient traditions.
pg. 32

Fail-Proof Fire-Building Techniques
Follow these basic guidelines, and you’ll be lighting up the night like your Stone Age ancestors in no time.
pg. 35

Evict Creepy-Crawly Cabin Pests
Use these season-by-season tips to keep Asian lady beetles, spiders, centipedes, and their brethren in their natural (outdoor!) habitat.
pg. 38

A Simply Tree-mendous Cabin
A tree collector and his wife share a fanciful retreat fit for a hobbit.
pg. 40

Mini Retreat, Maximum Fun
Reclaimed materials, optimized layout & storage, and beautiful design make for a tiny award-winning remodel that’s all about fun on the water. COVER STORY
pg. 46

Inspiring Eco-Design Ideas
Architects share the practical, effective ways these two home designs keep energy and environmental costs low.
pg. 54

Cabin Life, 2012, May