W W Y D

I am almost certain a few people will write and say 'typo' mistake when they spot the title of this post. This has nothing to do with W W J D but then again, He is certain to let me know His thoughts to be sure!

Whilst I must admit to being computer challenged most of the time, this title is therefore not a spelling mistake but rather some reflection of my upbringing by the Ursuline.

In lieu of an explanation, let me quickly say Sister Marie Renee would turn any question or rather problem by asking us: 'What would you do?' - thus making it personal, she never failed to get our attention. 
Her highbrows would shoot up when I came up with yet another 'interesting' notion, but in my defense I am sure the good Sister knew at least I was listening...even if I rarely came up with the answer she hoped (prayed) for!

Back to W W Y D (or What would you do?) I am looking for some direction...

Life on an island is most enjoyable when all is quiet and peaceful, the birds are singing, the occasional deer visits and you eat Al Fresco under the shade of cedars whilst listening to the screeching of seagulls and the nearby surf...(the island is about 1 1/2 mile long by 1/2 mile wide!)
Once Summer comes, goodbye tranquility! A guest pass is required but given to a friend of a friend of a friend and we never know whom is visiting. Rules are discarded quicker than you time to say 'hello'!

Our pets are making the most of island life, napping side by side as you can see. 
Mac loves the cabin (all that snow!) but Maira has yet to visit and experience life in the wilderness!

We have lived on the island almost 12 years (rather a long stretch for us!) and have been thinking of a change, this time in a different climate.
It is amazing to note how very different one side of a state is different from the other and since we happened to own not one, but two residences, we have a choice.
There are some differences however which would help making such a choice so if interested in helping me to decide, read on.

The island house is three times the size of the mountain cabin (1040 sq ft versus 320 sq ft), the first has a community well, the second is ours only. With a depth of 306 ft. it is solar powered  (as is the cabin, no electricity).
The island house is situated on 1/3 acre versus 20 acres of prime forest land for the cabin (next to a national park).
The island house is only accessible by a private ferry running on a schedule which prohibits any outing after 1850 hours. Miss that ferry and...well, you get the picture!

Any emergency involves approximately a 45 minutes round trip for the crew, providing the Fire Dept. is available to respond. Mountain response is the same.

With no amenities on the island, shopping means ferry rides both ways (short but expensive), a lengthy ride across a peninsula to reach the motorway etc...It means going off island twice a month with an occasional run to the mainland to pick up the post (no postal deliveries).
Shopping amounts to hauling food in bulk (forget about ice cream due to the many shuttles).

Another obstacle...the ever increasing cost of HOA (Home Owners Association) dues...Thirteen times for the island the amount we pay for the mountain's with only one difference, the running of the ferry for the island (ferry tickets are additional!) and going up yet again this year. Special assessments are a regular occurrence as well.

The cabin is situated on a mountainside, 3.5 miles off the road and approximately 21.5 miles from the nearest 'general store' (think West here Folks!). Other amenities can be found another 6.5 miles down the motorway and whilst limited, not an obstacle. There is even a farmer market on Saturday.

Whilst the temperature on the island is relatively mild, the cabin sees snow 7 months out of the year, accessibility drastically reduced in Winter (possibility of being snowbound a couple of months).
Our garden is a concern since growing period is rather limited but containers is a possibility.

There are more neighbours on the island of course (approximately 40+ families living full time) versus a handful of weekenders on the mountain and a few ranchers here and there.

Our four legged neighbours (see photo above) would be exchanged for others (see photo below) including elks and a few I prefer not to encounter on a regular basis (grizzlies, black bears, mountain lions etc...) 
You didn't think I stood taking photos did you? Check again though, I might surprise you in the future!
I would still have songbirds and even hummingbirds!

One chain of mountains could be exchanged for another (yes, we like their proximity)

Island view

Mountain view.

Of course the terrain would be more rugged...A four wheel vehicle is a blessing!
And a very well stocked fishing lake is only 1/4 mile away (as the crows flies)!

Pastimes would remain the same with Internet access provided via satellite. Let's not forget a daily Scrabble game! 

Bookshelves would need to be planned for our rather extensive library!

Knitting is always easier over there for some reason!
Alright, you get the idea! With no electricity, cooking and heating is done with wood and I am surprised at the ease I switched to cooking on a cast iron stove!

So what do you think or more accurately, W W Y D???