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Trolls Greet the Wandering Tourist - Page 2

© Jerri Brooker

He brought the trolls to life and captured their magical spirit. Coming from Gardiner Beach Road then left on Rondelay, you will first approach the barn on the right and the Loafing Shed on the left where trolls carry the weight of the roof - a fisherman, a mountain man, a woodsman and a storyteller work together to hold the structure up. You can't help but stop and gaze lovingly on the countryside carvings in this rural farm community. You can't help but smile. The Scream, a famous painting by Edvard Munch, was the catalyst for the stroryteller carving. Need I say more? See it for yourself, folks.

Staight ahead, when you are done savoring the characters at the Loafing Shed, is The (Tudor-style) Castle, complete with its magical purple-robed troll. Kitty-corner, gargantuan alpha troll "Uff Da" watches over the site. Green pants, suspenders and a Viking helmet create an image in this demanding character. He guards the corner school bus stop where neighbor kids meet for a ride to school.

This is all difficult to imagine unless you're a ravenous fairytale reader. You will just have to go there yourself to enjoy Brandy's treat. The Castle sits left of an ornate copper dragon gate. This gate takes residents to a private community. There's also an Indian Lodge and a nautical Neptune's Keep building.

Brandy sometimes rents these structures to vacationing folks and corporations for retreats. If you'd like to rent the five-bedroom castle, complete with Gargoyle-carved ceiling and velvet and hardwood thrones in the kitchen, a home theatre, and Jacuzzi, Temptress and Dungeon rooms, you may call (360) 797-7168 to inquire when rentals will be available. These lodgings are fully furnished, luxurious treats for the traveler wanting something unique.

At first Bandy's creation brought mixed feelings to his neighbors who prefer to maintain their quiet country lifestyle. Bandy decreased those emotions by donating land on Old Gardiner Road for a fire station; he also decorated the outside. It's a part of Jefferson County Fire District 5.

If you visit Troll Haven, please be courteous and pay attention to the sign that states only locals past the area where the castle is. His troll creations are intended to be viewed from a distance. There's a herd of buffalo in the field by The Castle; since they are not native here, be sure to take a look.

If you want to stay at a bed and breakfast within a short walk, you may stay at BearHeart Inn Bed and Breakfast on Gardiner Beach Road up the hill from The Castle and take a leisurely stroll to take in the Troll Haven sights. I have not stayed there, so I can't add my personal recommendation; from the outside it looks quite nice. I hear they have a good breakfast. Here's their info:

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