The humble hammock

With many trees near the cabins, hammocks are easy to hang and a fun way to relax and take in all the sights and sounds of nature.

A hammock normally consists of one or more cloth panels or a woven network of thin twine stretched with ropes between two firm anchor points such as trees or posts.

There are few things more relaxing than the gentle swing of a hammock. The way your body is cradled is easy on your back and, unlike chair seating, the suspended hammock gives you the sensation of floating on air.

Dating back as far as 1597, hammocks were originally called hanging cabbons. Spanish colonists noted the use of hamacas (nets) by Native Americans, particularly in the West Indies at the time of the Spanish conquest. One of the reasons that hammocks became popular in Central and South America was their ability to provide safety from disease transmission, insect stings, and animal bites.

Hammocks were adopted for use in sailing ships in the 16th Century as they provided a more comfortable sleep than a bunk or berth since the sleeper stays well-balanced during rough seas.

Hammocks are also used in space travel! The hanging beds reduce the cooling effects of contact with the cabin floor and provide softer support for optimal sleep for astronauts.

Today hammocks are popular around the world for relaxation and are often used as a lightweight bed on camping trips. All in all, the hammock is a simple idea that works.