The convoluted hillside topography of the Hermitage property drains using three streams. The one we call "The Stream" runs between the cabin on its south side and the tractor shed, sauna, and NewHouse on its north banks.
At first, water for the cabin was drawn by bucket from a hand-dug hollow in the stream bed. Later the water was piped from a culvert and crushed stone resevoir and drawn up by a pitcher pump in the kitchen window.
It was absolutely the best tasting water I ever tried. The airation provided by the pitcher pump probably contributed to the fresh taste.
However, that cool, refreshing surface well water also sometimes came with less than desireable ingredients as well. Upon noticing a bad taste I once found five dead mice floating in the well. Get out the bleach!
Also, a beaver from the valley would occaisionally make it up the stream as far as the cabin and old Doc Bouchard once diagnosed a lengthy bout of gastrointestinal discomfort as Giardiasis, or "beaver fever" as it is known coaquiallly.
