Hi Everybody,

I’ve had several folks ask about the inside of the Grotto where Dennis paints so I thought I’d give you a “virtual tour” of the place. The Grotto is a one bed room/one bath cabin that has been lovingly restored by the park folks for the artist in residence program.  It was originally built in 1924 and was the museum for the park. They’ve just celebrated its restoration and reopening as a part of their Centennial celebration. Very cool!

Here is the bedroom complete with a nice sized closet and alarm clock

Bathroom

Kitchen (complete with coffee maker, microwave, stove, refrigerator, pots/pans – the works!)

½ of the living room complete with a Dennis (no phone, TV, internet or cell service- he’s just looking at pictures)

Other ½ of the living room where Dennis paints (they supplied the desk where his monitor sits, but he brought the easel, paint caddy, and outside pack stuff)

Here’s what his paint caddy looks like close up

Melvin, resident lizard and, as I understand it, the reason all the chocolate chip cookies Liz sent are missing

Dennis at "work"

I’ll write part three tomorrow. Aunt Judy, as to your question, the park is amazing after everyone is gone. There’s a little woodpecker that lets you know that industrious creatures are about to get off their “day shift”, but it seems like the mountains sleep at night. He’s right back at it at the crack of dawn… the woodland creatures sure don’t slack around here.