12/29/09
The last day of 2009, to wake up with the wind howling and the rain whipping against the window. We stay warm in our little old house. She has loads of character and very good energy. Thank you so much for the cookies and the heaters. We had loads of fun with Grandpa and Vicki. Hope to be back soon. Em & Josh Roth

12/21-22/09
No luck fishing today on the Elk, but what luck to run into Cathy & John! What a cool little place. Took a walk on the beach both days and both times spotted a seal (or sea lion? I don’t know my maritime mammals). This is my first trip to the Oregon Coast and it is as beautiful as can be. This house just adds to that experience. I need to come back in the warmer months to enjoy the garden and deck. Again…Cathy and John, thank you soo much!! Michael Boise ID

12/18/09
After winding down from a nine nite stay – we’re feeling sad to pack & leave. We both also live in a 100+ year homes and quite felt like “home away from home”! The personality and warm is very welcoming! Thank you for the Christmas lights! We also appreciated the house being “stocked” upon arrival (me personally…coffee! J) To finish out our stay, we’re heading to the “main house” where we will continue to wait for the arrival of the Ryder baby! Thank you again, so much for working wth us and allowing us to experience the Powder House. Norm & Norma Welch

9/15/09
This was our 1st trip to Port Orford, and for me (Sandra) to the Southern Oregon Coast. We felt lucky to have found the Powder House for our 3-day exploration. Adrian read this book with the same degree of interest he shows for picking out hikes/activities. Though we aren’t officially “researchers” as are some of your guests, we did explore – from the beautiful rock lined shores of Bandon to the “peak a boo” hikes in Boardman Park and Thomas Creek Trail. Thanks for the helpful guide books. The garden (we picked strawberries and made jam) and making it easy and fun to be here. Sondra & Adrian, Portland, OR

9/4-7/09
We had another wonderful “Battle Rock Weekend” square dancing with the Beachcombers! On Friday we drove up the Elk River. Then on Saturday, Phil ran 10 miles up the river Beautiful! Thanks for the suggestion. Sunday, we attended the performance of “marriage is Murder” at Theatre 101. What a hoot! Great acting and very funny. We had our traditional strawberry shortcake, fed the birds, read, woke up to sunshine, and danced and danced….ahh, what a great life. Thanks Janet & Phil, Lakeside OR

8/18-20/09
Thank you for a delightful place to stay and spend my 40th birthday. The yellow in the kitchen is the same as a yellow I chose for my kitchen several years back. Red is a color in my kitchen now. I loved the colors – the purple and greens – purple was a favorite color of my close friend whom was killed in a tragic accident a little over a year ago. It was a nice surprise for me to find two copies of Story – the journal (sadly now defunct) of short stories. I have issues on my bookshelf at home. And I loved the fence with all its colors. And the firm bed. Perfect. It felt welcoming, familiar, comforting, like a home filled with kindred spirits who come and go. Thank you too for the artichokes and strawberries and thank you as well for the hiking guides – very helpful. I hope to be back someday. In the meantime I wish you continued blessings. Best Kathy

8/16/09
It’s the Copper Salmon Wilderness Celebration, our 29th anniversary, and our reunion with friends from 25 years ago. To top if off, we have been treated to an enchanting stay in your lovely Port Orford home. We so appreciate what you’ve put into this dwelling, town, and new wilderness! Thank you so much! Tom & Kaye, Eugene Oregon

8/1/09
Great place. Perfect location, beautiful view! Thanks!Our restful week here at the Powder House has come to an end! We were cofotable, enjoyed the Elk, walked on the beach, biked on thrails and ate well. Thank you for the delicious strawberries, raspberries and artichokes. This was a perfect vacation. Sheie

7/22/09
Thank you so much! We really enjoyed your delightful house and gardens as well as the peaceful and scenic environs. Our work here went well, and we’ll think of you the next time we come by this way! PS You can find the Port Orford tide & meteorology data online at www.tidesandcurrent.noaa.gov station number 9431647 coming to you live from the city wharf! Maya & Kevin EHI/NOAA

7/12/09
Thanks for the berries. Your strawberries are the best! Loved waking up to hear the birds. Carelyn & Dave

6/27/09
An amazing stay as always! So many delicious strawberries, great weather and lots of productive field work. Trip to the Elk River again, but much warmer this time!Staying at the Powder House is the highlight of our research trips down to Port Orford! That isn’t to say that there aren’t tons of wonderful things to do down here though, we hiked Cape Sebastian, had berries and waffles yum! For breakfast, wandered around Port Orford, and finished two puzzles this stay! And the weather couldn’t be nicer!Thanks the PISCO Team

6/11/09
Yesterday was an amazing day. Went swimming in the Elk River with the ladies. Came back to the beautiful Powder House showered, napped, cooked dinner enjoyed a glorious feast complete with wine, pineapple, artichokes (the most local possible) and ambience in the garden. Listened to the swallows sing and feed their young. The Powder House is truly a magical place for friends and memories. Kat

3/27/09
We were excited to stay at the Powder House. It is so close to our family and we had a great walk over to the beach. We can’t wait for our next visit. Kristina Gore and Family

3/18/09
I must have needed a few days of solace, and there you were. How lovely to find myself here. Your casual generosity, your kindness – I am so deeply grateful. I am certain we will meet again. Until then, blessings on your path(s). Malcolm.

Hoppy Thanksgiving 2008!
We had a wonderful thanksgiving here in Port Orford with my dear friend Kathleen & Jann & Quinn and Bonnie & Michael (of Seaweed Natural). So much to be thankful for. We loved the Powder House, it was cozy and comfortable. The weather was perfect, agate hunting was good. A wonderful stay. Hopefully we will be here again sometime soon. We love the art, the garden fence the light switch plates the Christmas lights the skylights and sleeping under stars. Thank you! Colleen, Clif & IsaacMerry Christmas!We three Ways are having a great time this holiday season next to the sea! Thank you! Had another great Christmas! Relaxing and doing nothing was just what was needed. Slept till 10 – haven’t done that since last here! Really enjoyed our third visit here – hail, rain, snow and sun and all. And the cookies were scrumptious. Best wishes for a happy 2009Gloria Way and family

10/21/08
What a lovely place, - everything from the colors to the towels to the x-mas lights & the comforter on the bed. Thanks for your hospitality. I went to bed last night with a shooting star flying across the skylight and woke with a company of cedar waxwings in the tree beyond the yard – perfect. Thanks. JM

10/17/08
The FUBARS feel at home at the Powder House Ahhh…Fun 50th with ya and your place. Martha

Had to add the Powder House as a stop in my 50th birthday season! Thanks! We love you guys. Les

9/24/08
Another great Elk River Land Trust Board meeting. Thanks for the Club House. Jerry

9/17/08
This house and yard are a work of art! The colors and the special touches make it very welcoming (Handprint on bath rug!) There are so many hikes (not yet taken) and views (not yet photographed), that I’m thinking I’ll have to be back here again. I met an interesting character exploring the beach here on my first day. He told me about some rocks to check out when the tide was low – they form a sacred space. Then I got stories on the history of Port Orford, stories about the characters living here, some news about failed development proposals – what people like about living here – it was one of the most interesting conversations. And then he figured out he was the neighbor next door.

I really liked the RAD hiking and natural history book – wouldn’t mind buying a copy if they’re available.

The clouds and fog kept my photos to a more intimate level – no big views, but some great low tide photos of starfish and other tidal life. Last day was a trip to see redwoods near Crescent City – awesome “wow” trees. I really enjoyed my time here – especially in this house with some of my favorite colors (and the berries!). I’ll be back! Karen from Omaha, NE

9/10/08
We’ve had a fantastic time here! Such a lovely area with an abundance of great seafood. You are excellent hosts – will always have fond memories of the house & garden. We hope to be back in 2009. Fondly Dorothy Wilson & Steve Obermeier

8/29-31/08
Another fun-filled weekend in Port Orford…art, music, god food, great friends, and 3 days of square dancing, including dancing in the surf at Battle Rock. We had a great time. Thank you! Janet & Phil Lakeside OR

We just got here and we already feel very happy and welcome. This is a good house, and I’m so glad we could come. The garden is alive, the cookies are so kind! We will come again and stay longer.
Marilyn & Mark, Kathleen & Neven

Beautiful place – we loved our stay here. Hopefully we will return again soon.
Kelly & Crew – San Diego, CA

Thanks for the cookies. What a sweet way to welcome us to your eclectic house. The children had fun picking berries from your garden – a perfect accompaniment for the pancakes for breakfast. The Port Orford Heads trail is a nice way to spend the day and watch for seals. We really enjoyed your garden. What a wonderful way to spend the Labor Day weekend. Thanks for sharing your house & garden with us.
Rebeca & Jacob- Bend, Oregon

The raspberries are ripe and the sun is out. What a fine place to relax. We watched sunset from The Heads last night and it had to be one of our best ocean moments ever. We’ll look forward to our next visit to Port Orford!
Scott & Jill Stevens – Austin, Texas

I came in late at night for a business stay here on the beautiful South Coast of Oregon. last night I walked into the cutest little home, made a cup of tea, played with a jigsaw puzzle and actually unwound. I so loved looking at the stars while I was sleeping. Thank you, Cathy & John for your home and for guiding me here in the dark. I have a new favorite place and I can’t wait to go see the garden and the ocean – if just for a moment.
Heidi Clark, RDI, Eugene, Oregon

Strawberries, raspberries, currents and artichokes were great. This was just the right place for a get away. We enjoyed the 4th of July parade and the full hour of fireworks. We hiked on several of the trails and swam in the Elk River at 7 mile. The history of the area was great to hear at the lighthouse.
John and Cathy, George & Wanda Bowder - Fairbanks Alaska

I had such a relaxing few days at the Powder House. I love the bright colors of the place; they made me smile and brought tranquility to my soul. The switch plates were beautiful. The garden is amazing; Oregon really does have the best damn berries. We had a great stay in Port Orford. Can’t wait to come back.
Camelle Stewart – Eugene, Oregon

Thanks for a wonderful stay at the Powder House. We came to visit our sister. How could we forget Battle Rock and the long walk on the beach? Then there were the long talks around the table. We will remember this week forever. Thanks from the Great Lakes of Michigan
Veronica Nash & Freida Newman

I call this the “Powder Blue House”, an oasis of brightness and abundance with a wonderful, peaceful “vibe”! Clean and simple, a real refuge to get away from it all. Port Orford feels “real”, not touristy, with charming small shops and laid-back owners instead of commercial chains. The bed is firm and so cozy, with a skylight/starlight for romantic nights. The owners go the extra mile with personal contact and are very helpful. Highly recommended!
Laura Girardeau & Chris Hundhausen – Pullman, Washington

The Powder House was a wonderful place to call home for the last three days! We spent our 9th anniversary here and cooked a crab/salmon pasta meal. The kitchen is cozy and the house was inviting and pleasant. I enjoyed some of my best sleep in this home. Our 6 year old loved picking berries and our 10 month old enjoyed watching the bunnies! (bunnies?)
Thanks for the cookies and your generosity. My son said “That’s the most stars I have ever seen!” – In regards to sleeping under the skylights.
Missy, David, Oliver & Truman – Portland, Oregon

The Powder House could not have been a more lovely place to spend our 6th anniversary. Enjoying the sun and Cape Blanco, taking a “dip” in the Elk River and coming home to fresh baked cookies, Yummy! Thank you so much for a relaxing, enjoyable stay. The garden was filled with all the berries you could ever ask for and we enjoyed them even more in our pancakes! Charming place. We will be back!
Peter & Faith Butsch – Bend, Oregon

The House is a charmer, the deck a hidden treasure, and the garden a gardener’s delight. My 2 year old grandson and I faithfully fed the birds daily. Our son was enchanted by the last berries of summer. He greedily ate as many as his baby hands could grasp and proved to be meticulous in his daily search for yet another strawberry or raspberry.
Larry, Catherine Shadbolt and family – Portland, Oregon

A week trip – work trip – to Port Orford – one of our most favorite places on the West coast. Learning the story of the local fishermen who want to sustainable manage the fisheries here. This house has been a fantastic place for us to rest after long days. I love the very homey feel, all the light (sunny days and full moon night!), and the cheery, whimsical touches. Thanks so much!
Karen and Ralf – La Grande, Oregon

“This house played an important role in our “Gift from the Sea” experience.  Thank you for making it available.” Sally & Tim - Indiana

“Thanks for sharing your unique house.  We had a great time seeing our grand children and the weather cooperated.” Ann & Les – Ellisville, Missouri

“As usual, Cathy and John’s generosity have surpassed all expectations.  Our young family spent hours exploring the wonders of Port Orford, and returning to the Powder House at day’s end was always a cozy treat.  We hope to spend many more days and nights here as our two boys grow and learn.” Melyssa, Chris, Gavin, & Hayden – Medford, Oregon

“We were excited to be the ones to truly be the first guests to initiate the Powder House.  We came back “home” to participate in out class reunions.  We began our schooling here at Port Orford and we all graduated from Pacific High School.  We had so much fun visiting, walking about Port Orford, going to the beach, the parade, and watching the Fourth of July fireworks.  The Powder House is the perfect setting!  PS We look forward to coming again!” Tim & Mary Ellen, Charlie & Ingrid, Christine- North Bend, Oregon, Johnson – Coquille, Oregon

“This was the loveliest two day stay I’ve had anywhere!” Mardy – Ketchikan, Alaska

“Very nice stay and the pleasure and the opportunity to meet some wonderful people” Captain Bob – Ketchikan, Alaska

“What a wonderful experience –love the bright colors, the unique switch plates, and history of the house and, or course, artichokes from the prolific garden.” Barbara -Montrose, California

“Have truly enjoyed our stay in your “funky” house – little surprises in every room!  The colors are great and so were the vegetables.  The house has a wonderful spirit.  May it always be filled with love, laughter, peace, joy – all that makes beautiful memories for those who stay here."  Thank You!”Terry - Broomfield, Colorado

“I’m so happy we were led to the Powder House!  Inside and outside, this environment exceeded expectations for our mini family reunion.  We especially enjoyed the beauty and tastes of things growing here, as well as beaches, sunset at Paradise Point and trails at Port Orford Heads – WOW!  The RAD hiking guide was helpful.” Cindy - Colorado

Fabulous!!! The joy that springs forth from me is abundant.  This house exemplifies this joy.  The colors, the garden, the loving energy all says I have been blessed to have experienced such a wonder.  Thanks.” Nancy - California

“Powder House has been splendid!  A cozy place from which to explore.  Wonderful berries, kind hosts.  Great crab cakes at the Crazy Norwegian’s, homey Italian at Breadworks.  Whales in the bay, pelicans on patrol, Agate Beach, amazing.  Thanks to Cathy and John!” Maggie and Luke -Nevada City, California

“You must have had great fun planning and creating such a charming, holiday house.  And the berries are superb – I wish I could spend more time here.  Thank you!” Norah, David, and Cory - Seattle, WA

“We had fun!  Our family loved the garden, the free hand picked strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and the vegetables.  Could not wait to go to the beach.  Also been to Agate Beach was pretty cold but how beautiful!  We really had a blast.  We as kids appreciated the movies, everyone enjoyed the stay.  Love the beautiful, colorful house.  Hope we can have this place (house) when we come back in Port Orford.” The Sisters:  Vicki -Santa Cruz, California; Felice -Cottage Grove, Oregon; Linda -Jacksonville, Florida & Susan from Stoviakia (exchange student)

“Our stay has been wonderful and fun!  We came to the Port Orford square dancing festival and our stay at your house made it more fun.  Enjoyed your garden and the berries especially.  Looking forward to staying here again next time.” Vicki -Santa Cruz, California

“What a wonderful little house.  I love the colors and all the little pieces of art.  Your garden is wonderful.  Thank you for our off season rate!  I am sure you will have no problem renting this little unit out.” Dr. Chrisiane -Independence, Oregon

“Tidy as a little mouse
Port Orford Powder House
Floors, doors, windows, walls
You musta refinished them all
CATS ascopic colorific
Technicolor decorator
You forgot the refrigerator!
Shipp – shaped yard and garden
Did you ask the neighbors pardon
Temping deer into town
Chewing plants to the ground
But where’s your favorite decoration
Hubcaps from Rome Station?”
Al -Vale, Oregon

“Nice place you two have here!  We caught 6 nice crabs off the dock today and ate half –with homemade bread.  Got a kick watching the Columbia whitetail deer on the “Heads” and walked a bit of the beach.” Al & Gloria-Vale, Oregon

“Thanks for the cookies and all the personal touches that made our stay so comfortable!  We were really excited to see how cute this place is, and had a great time.  Thanks.” Ryan, Rebecca, Keila & Nick -Bend, Oregon

“Cookies were yummy and very welcoming.  How did you know I am the Cookie Monster?  What a delightful surprise to lay down and see the stars thru the skylight!  Also, to watch how much the skies change here.The bed is very comfortable, so we were grateful for that.” Judi & Don Bernardini