Blankets

There is a chill in the air, trees are turning to gold and a few leaves on the ground crunch as we cross the lawns.  Soon we will kick through leaves up to our knees and drink in that wonderful smell.  We’re getting ready to close the cabins.  I spent some of the weekend sorting bedding and getting things ready to put away until next spring.  This part of running the business hasn’t changed since the beginning.  There are blankets to mend, curtain panels to replace and braided rugs to shampoo and repair.  Quilts have to be inspected for seam integrity, their fabric panels replaced with stronger pieces.  There are a few new-found treasures I am anxious to refinish for the cabins including a charming wooden chair with delicate spokes rescued from the old shed.

While cleaning a closet I smiled as I discovered the hand embroidered wool blankets of the early auto court days.  They are worn, thin and a bit faded.  It struck me how symbolic these blankets are.  “Rankins Auto Camp”  “Rankin Court”  This is how we started.  We are still welcoming travelers as they journey and offer them a place to rest and relax.  Rooms now include coffee makers and small compact refrigerators.  But the basic comfort of a blanket will never change.