Travel Plans with Fernando Pinho
Join airplane pilot and accidental adventurer Fernando Pinho on a journey to discover your next travel destination. Part toolkit, part love letter to travel, this podcast is a deep dive into exciting destinations and cultural experiences with curated guides, immersive episodes, and live Q&A sessions. So grab your passport and headphones – your next flight to adventure is boarding now!
Travel Plans with Fernando Pinho
Here's Your Prescription… a Tiny Cabin in the Woods
Fly to the wilderness in this immersive episode of Travel Plans with Fernando Pinho.
Join Fernando on a journey to a secluded, tiny, Unyoked cabin in the heart of a Norfolk forest, where he'll disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature.
Experience the tranquillity of the forest, the cosy comforts of the cabin, and the restorative power of spending time off the grid.
Discover how this unique experience can help you de-stress, find clarity, and gain a fresh perspective on life. Plus, learn how you can plan your own off-the-grid adventure.
If you wish to see photos of this trip and a list of suggestions of places to eat, visit and sleep, you can subscribe to my newsletter for free at www.travelplanspodcast.com
The music for this episode was composed by a talented group of composers and musicians represented by Musicbed.
You can also have access to their music. Use this link to get 14 days of free access #ad
So where is he going this time? Are you serious? To the middle of the forest, oh dear. Okay. So before we embark on our journey today, I just want to let you know that this is an immersive podcast experience. We've woven in sound effects, great music and even field recordings to transport you right into the heart of the forest alongside Fernando. So if you can grab a pair of headphones and get comfortable, trust me, it'll make the adventure even more special. Alright, then, headphones on and let's get this adventure started.
Joy:Join pilot and accidental adventurer Fernando Pinho as he takes you on captivating journeys to discover exciting destinations across the UK and Europe. In this immersive podcast, you'll fly with him to find your next travel adventure, uncover off-the-beaten-path locales and elevate your travel plans. Travel Plans with Fernando Pinho is your ticket to exploring the world and its history. With a friend who navigates both the skies and the vibrant streets below. You'll enrich your soul and make your friends and family say oh wow, thank you for bringing me here. In this episode, we're ditching the city and venturing deep into the wild heart of the Norfolk Forest. For three days we'll live completely off the grid no internet, no phone signal, just us and the elements. The best part. We'll show you how you can experience this incredible adventure for yourself.
Fernando :Welcome to Travel Plans with Fernando Pinho. I am so excited to have Plans with Fernando Pinho. I am so excited to have you along for this special episode. Today we are saying a big goodbye, to stress those overwhelming task lists and the feeling of being constantly overwhelmed. It's time to hit the reset button. We are ditching the city and venturing into the heart of a peaceful forest in Norfolk, in the east of England. Imagine towering trees, sunlight filtering through the leaves and the sound of nature, all around a tiny wooden cabin. Now, for reasons I will share later in the episode, I can't reveal the exact location. I will tell you how you can find it too.
Fernando :The people who own this cabin say it's a place that can melt away stress and anxiety, boost your mood and help you reconnect with yourself. But we are not just taking their word for it. So in this episode, you and I are embarking on a journey together to see if those promises hold true. On a journey together to see if those promises hold true, we will experience firsthand how immersing ourselves in nature, even for just a few days, can impact our well-being and give us a fresh perspective on life. So are you ready to trade the city noise for the tranquility of the forest. Let's find out if nature holds the key for a calmer, happier Earth.
Nathan:Let's go 262, delta Bravo. Good morning runway C5 taxi to holding point Alpha 24L QNH 1023.
Fernando :25. Also taxi to Alpha. 2424l, qnh 1023, runway 262. We'll be taking off in the next couple of minutes and I'll talk to you again before we reach our destination, but for now, sit back, relax and check out our newsletter, which is packed with photos and videos from this trip, plus all the details you need to experience it for yourself and even a discount code. The website for the newsletter is travelplansPodcastcom. The link is in the episode's notes. November 262, delta Bravo at Alpha and ready for departure.
Nathan:November 2, delta Bravo roger runway 24L. Takeoff at your discretion with 2808.
Fernando :Taking off runway 24L. N26u Power set. Velcast status is 60. 70. 60, 70, welcome back, and we are now cruising along smoothly at 4,000 feet. Today we are heading to the stunning Norfolk region where our forest and cabin are located.
Fernando :During World War II, Norfolk's unique landscape and proximity to continental Europe made it a perfect spot for military airfields. They built nearly 50 of them here, and the brave airmen who flew from these bases were crucial in the war effort, helping to make D-Day a success. These days, only a few of these airfields are still active. Most were sold back to farmers, and that's what happened with RAF Great Massingham, where we will be landing today. It's not an airfield anymore, but we spoke with the farmer who owns it now and he's letting us land on the old runways, which are now 70 years old. But before we land, let's enjoy some in-flight entertainment with our very own Nathan.
Nathan:And now for your in-flight entertainment, a glimpse into the past. At the height of the Second World War, Norfolk witnessed a friendly invasion. The invaders were 50,000 young Americans from the US Army Air Force. They were here to help the Allies of B-24 Liberators and B-17 Flying Fortresses, as massive aerial armadas took flight from a countryside so dotted with bomber bases that it earned the nickname Little America. The arrival of these North American servicemen profoundly impacted Norfolk's culture and landscape. Hundreds of miles of concrete runway were laid in a matter of months, and there was the introduction to our rationed region of peanut butter, doughnuts, chewing gum, popcorn and Coca-Cola. All great news for dentists, no doubt. Oh, and let's not forget the introduction of nylons, swing music and the jitterbug, Although, it seems, baseball never quite caught on with the locals. The Americans even brought their own pets, some more exotic than others. Tales abound of a grizzly bear and a monkey, causing quite a stir in the quiet Norfolk villages.
Nathan:The 2nd and 3rd Bombardment Divisions of the mighty 8th America Air Force occupied no fewer than 17 bases throughout Norfolk. Their contribution to the war effort was immense, but so too was their sacrifice. Around 6,300 of them made the ultimate sacrifice in the relentless bombing campaign over Europe. Recently, Apple TV launched a critically acclaimed series, produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, honouring the heroic achievements and sacrifices made by these young men. Today, we will be landing at what was once RAF Great Massingham. This airfield was home to the Bristol Blenheim bomber and, for a short while, the legendary B-17 Flying Fortress. Seventy years on, the region is a haven of natural beauty, boasting some of the most picturesque villages and landscapes in England. Among them is Sandringham, the much-loved country retreat of the British royal family. And now back to your pilot, Fernando.
Fernando :And there you have it a brief history of Norfolk's wartime legacy. Fascinating, isn't it? We are on our final approach to Great Massingham Airfield and we are beginning our descent. Now here's where things get a bit interesting. Since this airfield is no longer in official use, there is no control tower or anyone to guide us in, it's just us and this grand old runway. And to add a bit of spice to the mix, my onboard computer doesn't even recognize the airfield. It's going to be flashing all sorts of warnings and telling me to pull up, but don't worry, it's perfectly safe and we have permission to land here. But it does make our arrival somehow more adventurous. Alternatively, you can reach our destination by using a combination of train and taxi. I'll give you all the details a bit later, but for now, sit back, relax and enjoy these final moments of our flight as we descend to the heart of Norfolk, november 260, dr Bradford on lane for Great Massingham 192.2.
Speaker 4:500. Terrain ahead.
Fernando :Pull up, pull up, pull up, pull up and here we are. Apologies for all the warnings during the landing, but we've arrived safe and sound at this historic airfield. Back in its heyday, over 600 servicemen would have been living and working here. Today, apart from the three runways and a lone hangar, it's mostly agriculture, equipment and fields as far as the eye can see Now. The reason we landed here is that Great Massingham Airfield is the closest one to the forest we are heading to From here. It's either a quick 10-minute taxi ride or a scenic two-hour walk. Minute taxi ride or a scenic two-hour walk. Now I've got a small suitcase, a backpack, with me, so I think I will opt for the taxi. Thank you very much, but now I'm just going on a short walk because I need to find a shop.
Fernando :Great Massingham is considered one of the prettiest villages in Norfolk, renowned for its impressive village green. You will notice several large ponds dotted around the village. Some of these actually date to the 11th century, originally serving as the fish ponds for an abbey. The village itself is thought to have roots stretching all the way back to the 5th century. It is a vibrant community today, with a village shop, a few local businesses and an award-winning pub and restaurant that even offers bed and breakfast. Speaking of the shop, I'm rather glad it's here because I need to stock up on food for the next three days. The cabin we are staying apparently has plenty of comforts, but you have to bring your own provisions and, wouldn't you know it, there's the shop right ahead.
Speaker 4:Morning.
Fernando :Morning. Some bread, some steak. Could I have one of these tails of the salmon?
Speaker 4:Yes, thank, thank you, thank you, thank you.
Fernando :So besides the shop, there is also a post office. They were selling these beautiful wooden postcards, and I just decided to send one to my girl's home. It's such a beautiful village, but now it's time to get our taxi and head to the forest.
Fernando :Hello so okay. So over the last few years, there's been this really cool trend popping up companies that are all about getting people to spend proper time in nature, and we are not talking about a quick walk in the park, but like full-on getaways for a few days or even longer. I guess it makes sense. There is more and more research showing how good being in nature is for us. Plus, with all these new eco-friendly tech, they can build these amazing off-the-grid tiny cabins in the middle of nowhere. But perhaps the most compelling reason for this trend is simple those who tried it keep coming back for more.
Fernando :One of the companies doing this in the UK is Unyoked. According to their website, they are all about helping us to de-stress, sink clearly and just generally slow down a bit. They say spending time in the wilderness is the key, and they want to make it as easy as possible for us to get out there and experience it. So how do they do it? First, they scout out the perfect spots all over the country, and you might ask what makes a spot perfect? Well, unyog says that every site is handpicked for safety and seclusion. They want you to feel completely at ease, knowing you won't see or hear anyone else but the birds and the breeze.
Fernando :The locations are accessible, but they do require a bit of efforts to reach. You might need to hop on a train, grab a taxi to the edge of the forest and then do a bit of hiking to reach your cabin. For most people it's about a 1-3 hour journey door to door, and don't worry, they will give you super detailed instructions once you book. But hey, that's part of the adventure, right? Anjog said, and I quote Sounds pretty tempting, doesn't it? So far they've got cabins in Norfolk, suffolk, wales, shropshire, the South Dons, exmoor and loads of other places too. Over 25 locations and counting. They also have cabins in locations across Australia and New Zealand. Now, when you get to your cabin, it's all about minimalism. They claim they've sort of everything, so all you need to worry about is bringing your own food. No people, no internet, barely any phone signal, if any, just you, nature, your thoughts and a whole lot of time to relax. Sounds pretty amazing, right? Well, let's head to our cabin and see if it lives up to the hype.
Joy:Actually, it should be here now.
Fernando :See here. Do you see anything singing in the oak?
Speaker 4:You have a sign up there.
Fernando :Yeah, it's there. Sorry, right, let's start to pay. I have no signal, so hopefully you have some.
Speaker 4:I've got two networks.
Fernando :Alright, good, very fantastic, right. Hopefully I'll be able to book a taxi to pick me up later.
Speaker 4:I was going to say do you need to pick it?
Fernando :up. I need a 12 o'clock on Tuesday 12, midday.
Speaker 4:Yes, midday, yes yeah do you want to book that then?
Fernando :Is that possible?
Speaker 4:Yeah, there's my number, in case you need to change it.
Fernando :OK.
Speaker 4:I'll book it in for 12 o'clock pick up here here.
Fernando :Is that okay? Please don't forget me. Thank you very much for your help. Thank you, bye, alright. So the taxi dropped me off at this spot marked on the map they sent me. If you come by car, this is where you need to park it and from now on you have to walk. And look at this. They even left a couple of wheelbarrows to help us transport our luggage the rest of the way From here. It's a 600 meter walk through the forest to reach our cabin. I can already see a signpost pointing the way, so let's grab a wheelbarrow and get this adventure started. So we are now leaving our drop off point and walking towards the middle of the forest. There is a pass that will guide us, hopefully, to our cabin. So every annual cabin is named after a person, and this one is called Flint.
Fernando :All I can hear from here is the sound of the trees and the wind and some birds. It's very peaceful. The track now is much narrower than it was at the start. The forestation is becoming denser. You feel somehow more secluded, more isolated than I was at the beginning. I can see another yellow harrow pointing to my right. It's absolutely beautiful here, far away in between the trees I can see some structure. I guess it's our cavern. Occasionally I can hear some noises that I guess are from wildlife, but noises that I've never heard before, which makes me as curious as alert. It's a long walk, but yet it's almost like an introduction to what's to come, a welcome drink, let's say, to make you feel at ease with what is to come over the next few days. I belong here.
Speaker 4:Only you, it's only you, it's only you.
Fernando :It's only you and I was right. It's our beautiful cabin. We are out of the woods and just at the edge of the forest, a few steps from this massive meadow, there's a little clearing and right in the middle, surrounded by these giant trees, it's our cavern. Wow, it's even better than in the pictures and if you want to see just how stunning it is, head over to our episodes newsletter. The link is right there in the episodes description.
Fernando :It's late september as I'm recording this, so autumn is in full swing. The whole place is bursting with these amazing colors. We've got the warm browns mixed with these deep, vibrant greens and the sunlight filtering through the trees almost like a spotlight shining right on the cabin. Oh, and look at this, a couple of shares just waiting for us. Let me park the wheelbarrow here and take a seat Time to take it all in. It's so quiet here. I can hear the wind through the trees and these trees are so tall. The birds Not much more.
Fernando :To be honest, the cabin itself has this sleek, modern look. It's rectangular, clad in dark wood with a matching black roof. In one corner there are two massive windows that let in tons of natural light, and right in the center, a glass door leads out to the deck, with a cute little chimney peeking out from the roof. Speaking of the deck, there are a couple of wooden chairs, a small table and just enough space to soak up the surroundings. A few meters in front, there is a fire pit, surrounded by large logs that double as seats. I can imagine a cozy evening there under the stars. Oh, and look at this. There is also a wood fire, pizza oven and a log splitter.
Fernando :Even though this cabin looks absolutely stunning from the outside, I have a feeling that the best surprises await us inside. Let's go check it out, shall we? Oh, wow, okay, now I get it. It's way bigger on the inside than it looks from out there. They've done such a great job with the design. All these wooden panels on the walls and ceiling gives it a really clean and modern feel, but it's still so warm and cosy.
Fernando :Remember those huge windows we saw from the outside? Well, from in here, they are like these massive picture frames showcasing the whole forest, and the best part is that the bed is right next to them. You could literally stargaze all night and wake up to the sunrise without even getting out of bed. Speaking of the bed. I'm just going to have a quick lie down and check it out. Oh, wow, it's so comfy. I definitely wasn't expecting a bed like this in the middle of nowhere. This is a world apart from what you get when you are camping. Yes, I could definitely get used to this. Next to the bed there is a table with two stools to seat two people. Oh, and check this out even have charging usb ports and the cd player with some music. Let's see what they have available here. So they have oh, bob dylan, beach boys, neil young these are all great albums and super trump. These are all great albums, and Supertramp.
Fernando :Now you might wonder how do they have electricity out here in the middle of nowhere? Well, it turns out there is a high-tech solar panel very close to the cavern. It can generate enough power for the lights, for the fridge, for charging your phone, for the CD player and for other appliances that are installed in the cabin. The system also has a battery that stores any extra energy, so nothing goes to waste. Over by the entrance there is a wood burner connected to that beautiful chimney we saw from the outside. It's perfect for keeping the cabin toasty during the cold months. They even left us a complimentary bag of wood, and there is more stored in a cupboard outside if you need it.
Fernando :Beside the bed you have a beautiful, small Scandinavian style kitchen and, honestly, if someone had told me about a kitchen in the middle of the woods, I would have pictured something basic, maybe a camping stove and a cooler. But this, this is something else. There's a gas hob, shelves with mixing bowls and plates and lots of cutlery and spoons and knives Basically everything you need to cook coffee grinder, coffee beans, tea, teapot, olive oil well, the list goes on and, of course, there is a mini fridge to keep all the food I picked up at the shop in the village. So we've got the bed in one corner. The kitchen is here in the middle and at the other end of the cabin there's the bathroom. So we've got the bed in one corner.
Fernando :The kitchen is here in the middle and at the other end of the cabin there's the bathroom and, just like the rest of the place, you can tell that a lot of salt went into this space. It's all wood with tiled floor. There is a stone basin, shampoo, shower gel, towels. Oh, and check out this shower. It's a proper rain shower and you've got a view of the forest right from the stall. Why don't we turn this off Now?
Fernando :This bathroom is packed with some pretty fancy sustainable technology. For example, the shower uses collected rainwater and is heated using the solar panels. The toilet is a bit different too. It doesn't flush, but instead it uses composting technology to break down. Well, you know what I'm talking about. I'm not entirely sure how it works, but I'm happy to leave it at that for now.
Fernando :So there you have it, a peek inside our cozy cabin, beautifully designed, well thought out and put together with such attention to detail. It has everything you need and nothing you don't. You have to see it. I'll be uploading photos and videos in our website to see it. I'll be uploading photos and videos in our website, so please check the episode description for the link or go to wwwtravelplanspodcastcom.
Fernando :So the cabin itself, inside and out, is absolutely spot on. It's beautiful, it's functional, it's everything I could have asked for. But now comes the real test. How will I adapt to life here in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by nothing but nature, completely cut off from the busy side of the world? Will it really help me to de-stress, think more clearly and find that sense of calm, will I feel recharged after a few days and can immersing ourselves in nature, even for a short time, truly have a lasting impact on our well-being and give us a fresh perspective? There is only one way to find out let's settle into this peaceful space and see what unfolds in the days ahead. Let's settle into this peaceful space and see what unfolds in the days ahead?
Joy:Is a short escape to a forest in the middle of nowhere truly relaxing or will anxieties creep in Coming up? We see how Fernando handles the solitude and if he can overcome his fear of a surprise visitor.
Fernando :Axe in hand. I've been here for six hours now and I've been asking myself one question over and over again Now what? I've unpacked my bag, I stored all the groceries and then I realized I have nothing to do. And looking around the cabin, I noticed a small leaflet Agnjogd calls the infield guide, and up in the corner it says in small print your remedy for modern life. And then I opened the booklet and there was the question I've been asking myself now what the idea of these cabins in the middle of nowhere is, that you really disconnect and to. To be fair, I can't imagine being more disconnected than this. I have no phone signal, no way to contact anyone. I haven't seen a soul and the nearest village it's an hour and 30 minute walk away, part of which is in the forest. Now, for someone who's always connected, I'm feeling a bit of a shock to the system. It's like my head is saying something is wrong run. Fortunately, the field guide explains what's going on. It says you are in the middle of nowhere. Yes, I think I've noticed that. And they continue. You are on a nature-inspired self-discovery and you've already run out of things to do. You are not alone in this feeling. And they continue.
Fernando :Dropping into an unyoked flow is not something that happens immediately. There are many ways to get there, but there is one we can guarantee works every time. Do nothing. That's what I'm doing, and it feels pretty uncomfortable. Oh wait, there's more. It says while humans become experts at attaching outcomes to everything we do, unyoked is about unstructured time. It's about staring, daydreaming, walking, drawing, journaling. It's entire hours flying by, sitting in bed, watching other lights, dances across the trees, seeing sunsets and sunrises. No expectation, we call it good boredom. Your brain will be screaming at you, but soon enough all that stuff will melt away. Look up, look down, breathe in deeply. This moment is just for you. Okay, I get it. I guess we expect outcomes from everything we do and comes from everything we do, and being here is all about not expecting anything. Just go with the flow.
Fernando :The challenge is that usually I will land at the destination and tell you all about what there is to do, where to find the popular restaurants, the welcoming hotels, but here I can't do that, because I'm here to tell you how it feels to be in the middle of a forest, off the grid and basically doing nothing, and right now it feels cold. So I guess it's time to use that wood burner. But before I have to cut some wood wood using the splitter to get some wood, I need some small pieces of wood. Some fire lighters very good and now let's just wait and see what happens. I can see a very bright fire, so hopefully it will work tonight. It feels crazy that I'm actually here. It feels almost wrong. My head is telling me you should be working, you should be busy, and probably that's part of what's going on with us humans. We don't allow ourselves to stop, or maybe society doesn't allow us to stop, or maybe both. Now I was planning to cook a meal on the fire pit outside the cabin, but has been raining non-stop and everything is very wet, so I'm putting this very functional kitchen to good use. Today's menu is salmon with greens and small potatoes, and voila, it's all ready. Bon Appetit. I'm looking outside and imagining my family around that fire pit at night roasting marshmallows, singing out loud the Yellow Submarine from the Beatles, a family favourite.
Fernando :I guess that you can experience these cabins in a very different way depending on which season you visit or who is with you. Personally, I love autumn and winter. I can see the full power of nature around me, but in the spring and summer you can do many more activities outside. You can build a den, explore the forest without mud to your knees. You can build a den, explore the forest without mud to your knees and you will probably enjoy more sunsets, sunrises and be able to stare at full moons and the stars. Talking about families, bear in mind that each cabin accommodates two people only, so if you are a family of four, for example, you will need two cabins. Some locations do offer multiple cabins, but they are never side by side. You will need to walk a short distance to get from one to the other, and in the winter that means that you might need a torch to navigate the forest. There's one in each cabin.
Fernando :The rain still hasn't stopped, so I've been exploring what's available in the cabin. I've listened to Bob Dylan, made some progress with the book I've been reading, stared outside through these two massive windows. It's so soothing. It's now nearly 9 pm and something interesting is happening. It's pitch black outside. I can hear the rain. On these big windows and on the roof, the wood fire is warming the cabin. Big windows and on the roof, the wood fire is warming the cabin. It's quiet, it's peaceful and my body is starting to tell me it wants to sleep. That's two hours ahead of my usual bedtime. It's almost like if you aren't exposed to your day-to-day routine, to your devices, to the internet and the news, your mind allows itself to relax. I guess I'm already starting to feel the effects of being disconnected. My body wants to rest. It's saying, hey, I'm ready to sleep. And who am I to say? No, I'll take it.
Joy:Thank you, Mother Nature. Night-night code for unyoked cabins Just subscribe to the Travel Plans newsletter at TravelPlansPodcastcom.
Fernando :Easy peasy. Good morning. I went to bed at 9pm last night and it's now 8am Wow. In all honesty, I don't remember the last time I slept this much. This bed is one of the most comfortable I've ever tried. Maybe the sound of nature or the wind or the rain helped, but this was quite a restoring sleep. Waking up to this view, I'm so lucky I have this giant tree literally standing three meters beside me. Hello you, right time for a slow brewed coffee fruit coffee.
Fernando :I'm going to make a. I am now grinding my going to make my coffee. I do accept that modern life or city life might not necessarily allow us to spend 30 minutes preparing a cup of coffee, but there is something so relaxing about it and I can see a pattern starting to reveal itself. Everything here is designed to slow you down. There is no coffee ready at the push of a button. No, you have to grind the coffee, boil the it, wait. If that's the intention, it's working out perfectly, because yesterday I was somehow anxious about this experiment, but today I'm so happy I'm here, and that's despite the fact that it's wet and windy outside, and I might even spend most of my day inside this cabin sitting by a warm fire, reading a book, listening to really good music and watching nothing but the squirrels collecting the chestnuts from the ground. We all leave. The elephant parade. The elephant parade, the elephant parade.
Speaker 4:We all leave the elephant parade.
Fernando :It's so nice and warm here Just what you need after a shower. Oops, now it has stopped raining, so I think I'm going to take the opportunity to go for a walk. Right off we go. There's a tree here that I think is just asking to be hugged, so I'm going to hug this tree here. Hello you, you are very tall, you know that. Hello, mr and Mrs Squirrel Shall, we sing a song. Right here we go, the wheels on the bus go round and round, round and round round and round, round and round.
Fernando :I walked for two hours and it's fascinating because it's so isolated from everything else that I didn't see a village, didn't see a soul. Before I came here, I wondered how vulnerable or fearful I would feel simply by being in the middle of a forest, far from civilisation, amongst the wildlife. I'll admit it, it crossed my mind that someone might appear in front of my cabin, hacks in hand. Or what if there was an emergency? Maybe I would burn the cabin down or break a leg tripping over a fallen tree. How quickly could I get help? The truth is, for the most part, this anxiety is caused by my modern way of living. We aren't exposed to nature as much as we used to be, and that lets fear creep in. In reality, these cabins are very secure. They are located on private land. Now, most likely you won't have phone signal, but in an emergency, 999 will use any network available. If you drive to the location, your car won't be that far away. On this particular occasion, I have encountered strong winds and heavy rain and I did feel vulnerable, but that's okay. We should feel vulnerable. It means we are aware, focused and we understand that in life we can't always control everything. And that realization can be beautiful too and help us to accept life as it is. Oh, now that I'm back to my cabin, I am going to cut some wood and prepare for the evening. The steak is ready now. I'm just going to rest for a few minutes. Oh no fire alarm, it's okay, it's okay. It's okay, oh alright, sorry, too much smoke.
Fernando :After a full day here, I've been thinking about who these experiences are geared towards. Three groups of people come to mind. The first one is those in need of hitting the pause button and taking time to get clarity or to relax or find a new perspective on life. The second group would be the creatives. These caverns don't only let you disconnect from a busy and demanding world, but they also have the power to inspire busy and demanding world, but they also have the power to inspire. So I can imagine a writer here or a musician drafting lyrics and notes to a new song. As I said before, by cutting off those things that we don't need, this space can help us focus more on what we want. And then the last group would be those looking for a new experience a group of friends, a family with children.
Fernando :This is an adventure like no other and fairly accessible At the time of recording. A three-day, two-night break at one of these cabins would cost you around 350 pounds, and there is an extra cost if you want to bring your dog. Now I can also tell you who might find this experience more of a challenge. If you depend on a medical device like CPAP machines for sleep apnea, the power provided by the solar panels might not be enough. Also, if you experience reduced mobility, the distance between the place where you leave your car and the cabin, combined with some challenging tracks through the forest, might make it difficult. I would recommend you contact Unyogued directly and discuss your requirements. If you can't imagine yourself without a phone connection, then you need to select a location with good coverage, and Yogurt's website will help you with that too. And finally, if you tend to get scared in dark and secluded environments, I would suggest you come with a friend or a partner Talking about darkness.
Fernando :It's night time again. Partner Talking about darkness, it's night time again. And after one of the most restful sleeps I've ever had, I confess I can't wait to go back to sleep. Hi there, good morning. I just woke up to a beautiful day, very different from the weather over the last couple of days. Usually I end these episodes back at the airplane and about to take off and saying goodbye to the wonderful destination we've just visited, but not today. I confess.
Fernando :When I arrived here a couple of days ago, I had many questions and some doubts, but in less than one day I adapted and embraced being disconnected from the world where often others dictate our schedules and rhythm. I also didn't have access to a 24-7 stream of news coming at me in pop-up notifications, and I guess that was key to helping me start, unwind and feel calmer. For the first few hours a little voice in my head was telling me something was wrong, but it quietened down. Then I had two amazing night sleeps. Gosh, those were great. The days were never rushed. Brewing a coffee was slow. I had to chop wood to keep the cabin warm, but all these tasks were so satisfying. I went on a very wet walk through the forest. I hugged a couple of trees, I had an imaginary chat with a couple of squirrels and just allowed my mind to wander around. I'm not sure yet if these days will have a lasting impact on my well-being, but it absolutely did for the time I was here.
Fernando :Now you might ask do you need a secluded retreat to de-stress? Probably not, but it would require a determination that isn't always so easy to achieve. It's not easy to get off a train when it's moving fast, right, but here in the middle of nowhere, you have no option. Nature can slow you down and cut you off from the outside world. Now I wasn't fully disconnected over the past couple of days.
Fernando :I was here to report back to you, so this time I'm extending my stay by one day and I'm going to disconnect the only device I kept on all the time, this microphone. I love it here and I hope one day you will too. I hope you enjoyed this episode and, if so, please share it with your friends. If you want to see photos and videos of this trip and get a 15% discount code for unyolked cabins, you can subscribe to my newsletter at wwwtravelplantspodcastcom. You can find a link in this episode's notes. Right time to turn off this microphone. I'll be back next month to take you in another flight to an incredible destination, to an incredible destination. A massive branch just fell from a tree on the roof of the house. Well, I'm safe. Talking about safety, it was a gust of wind that caused it.
