Frequently Asked Questions
Can I come just for the day?
Unfortunately, no. Accessing Westwind is very controlled, and so we are asking that all guests join us at the designated entry and exit times. We hope to make that as easy as possible by encouraging guests to join us on the bus to camp. That being said, if you have travel issues that make it impossible for you to join those times, talk to us and we can arrange an alternate entry.
What if I’m not that comfortable with the outdoors? Or with sharing a cabin?
We totally get it! This weekend will be a bit unusual and definitely asks a lot of our guests. We hope to make it as comfortable as possible, so please talk to us about any hesitations. There are lots of different housing options so it’s possible we can even find you your own cabin. That being said, if you’re at all uncomfortable we totally understand, and no pressure to join us! We’d love to celebrate with you at another time.
Just how rustic are the cabins?
Think summer camp. All cabins have twin bunk beds and sleep 8 people. But the cabins are heated and have electricity (we think they are pretty comfy!). We’ll provide linens (sheets, blanket, pillow, bath towel), but you are of course also welcome to bring your own.
How do I pick a cabin? When do I find out my cabin assignment?
We’ll break down your options in the RSVP, but please indicate what type of housing you’re comfortable with (i.e. sharing a cabin or not). We’ll assign everyone to a cabin and then give assignments during check-in at camp! Our guest list is extremely small, but please indicate on your RSVP people you’d be comfortable sharing a cabin with.
What’s the bathroom situation?
There are two communal bathhouses near Wilson Lodge (map available on RSVP). Cascade Head (the main bathhouse) is not renovated, but has plenty of private shower stalls and toilets. The second option is the Wilson Staff Bathhouse, located directly under Wilson Lodge. This bathhouse is fully renovated and gender neutral. Both bath houses are heated and have electricity. For the cabins located further away from the lodge, there are composting outhouse toilets (with some amazing views of the ocean) for late night bathroom needs so you don’t have to trek to the bathhouse. The dormitory style lodging in McIver has bathrooms down the hallway.
What should I bring?
Check out our packing list tab, but most importantly remember to bring lots of layers, a raincoat, and a good pair of walking shoes. And then bring something fun to wear on Saturday night! Kate and Hugh are dressing up, so we’d love for you to join in. It’s important to remember that once you enter camp for the weekend, you will not be able to leave again until our designated exit time on Sunday. So please remember all essentials like medications or toiletries. There will be no running to the store! Reminder that our luggage is brought in/out by the Westwind truck, so you don’t have to carry it on the hike.
What do you mean I have a job to do?
We know, it’s pretty unusual for a wedding weekend. However, Westwind is very remote and rustic, and is really built on a philosophy of community and stewardship. Due to the complicated nature of accessing Westwind, we can’t bring in any outside vendors or staff, so no bartenders, no DJs, no helpers. That means we are responsible for things like moving chairs, setting up for meal times, making a playlist, pouring drinks, and most importantly cleaning up! We’re going to ask each guest to sign up for a job to do over the course of the weekend. We’ll also all be responsible for cleaning our cabins at the end of the weekend (sweeping, bringing sheets to the lodge, general tidying up) and leaving camp in better shape than we found it. Specifics available on RSVP and at camp check in.
What’s the food situation? What if I have an allergy?
The kitchen team at Westwind is amazing and will be providing all of the food for the weekend. They are set up to handle all allergies/dietary restrictions, so please indicate your needs on your RSVP. We will be able to accommodate them! We’ll serve breakfast/lunch/dinner, and have coffee/tea and snacks available throughout the day.
I’d like to make a trip out of this since I’m coming all the way to the Oregon coast. What recommendations do you have?
Literally so many. Start by checking out our Oregon Coast tab (which also has a few Portland recommendations) but then DEFINITELY ask Kate. She loves nothing more than planning trips for people, and she has a whole list of Airbnbs throughout Oregon that she’d love people to try. She’ll send you more information than you want.
Are kids allowed?
100%!! This is a summer camp, so kids are more than welcome (we actually think it will be really fun for them!). Just talk to us about any additional needs you might have so we can make sure everyone is comfortable. Families will have priority in housing/cabin selection, so please let us know on your RSVP what type of housing situation would work best for you.
Do I have a plus one?
Yes and we absolutely mean this! Everyone invited to our wedding has a plus one.
Do you have a registry?
Nope. We know this weekend is a big ask - it’s a long way to travel, a big time commitment, and an unusual experience. It means everything to us that you’d be willing to make the trip, and we are so excited! If you feel compelled to show your love through generosity, we’d be honored if you made a donation in our name to the following organizations:
WAGS Pet Adoption - the LA county shelter where we adopted Mick (who is truly the center of our lives). Like all county shelters, they are always in need.
Scripps SCUBA DIVERsity program - both Hugh and Kate became scientific diver certified while in graduate school at Scripps, and we think the magic of being underwater should be accessible to everyone. To donate to this cause, click this link and add fund E7192 in the search fund number box.