Amazing Progress

We just returned from a VERY successful day in VT. It was an abbreviated trip to meet our tree guy for a day of work with the heavy machinery. We got several small projects done, including: a trench for water re-direction that surrounds the building site, side yard clean-up and leveling, culvert installation for water re-direction in another area further up the driveway, extended driveway installation and more small tree removal, the "firepit" area was expanded, graded, and cleared, and the future shed spot was cleared, leveled, and opened up nicely. We also may have our first VT bear story--I'll save that for the end. Oh, and a muffin story too because who doesn't love a good muffin story.

The trench that was dug around the building site is intended to take most water run-off from the hill and redirect it around the cabin. So, the trench that was dug is about 100-150 ft. above the building site, deeper in the woods, and probably runs about 250 ft from one end to the other in sort of a half circle surrounding the building site. It should almost completely remove water from the building site and move it to other "safe" areas on the land where it will join in with the other water from the property. There was already signs of water in the trench before we left so it seemed to work immediately. Fingers crossed for now.

A side yard has been created to the right of the building site. It is a great space that was kind of created accidentally, probably by the loss of trees that were taken out when bigger ones came down. Still, it's a decent sized space with great potential and we're developing it to use as a place for cars, barbeque/ picnic area, recreation space. It's quickly becoming one of our favorite areas on the whole property.

Two culverts were installed. One new one at the road/ entry was done Friday, and the older one from the entry was moved to a needed spot up the driveway that was previously just trenched. There was a big discussion as to whether or not we should use it because it's pretty decrepit, but we finally decided to use it and in the end, we were glad we did. It looks so much better buried properly than just a big trench dug across the driveway.

The driveway now extends about 200 feet uphill to a newly created shed site. Stumps were removed and the driveway was graded leading up to the shed site. There's still tons of little roots everywhere, but hey, it's a big improvement. We took a few trees down near the shed site and it really opened things up so it's not only going to give us space for the shed, but also another small open area in the middle of the woods. Pretty cool.

Lastly, the "firepit" area was cleared, expanded, and graded. That is also a great new usable open space. We can use it for parking, bonfires, play space, and just general enjoyment...as long as we can keep the ferns under control. Damn those ferns are relentless.

The raspberries were in full effect as we were able to pick handfuls at a time and it seems that in about another week or two, they'll be in full bloom.

Last night, while I was asleep (earplugs shoved so deep in my ears they were probably touching my brain), Chris heard two animals calling back and forth to each other. He said it sounded almost like half howl and half monkey talk (seriously). By the time Chris rose me from my slumbers, they had stopped so I never actually heard it. We later asked Todd (tree guy) and he explained that it was probably bears since it's mating season. So, yeah, it seems like bears just hang out a few hundred feet from where we sleep. In a tent.

Also, I left my driver-side window open about 5 inches last night. No big deal, right? Well, it turns out some sort of animal (squirrel???) squeezed through the window and promptly devoured (and I do mean devoured) two blueberry muffins. That's right, two full muffins. Crumbs were everywhere and about half a muffin was left. The other was completely gone, paper and all. Luckily, the cinnamon bears weren't touched. I guess the squirrel was too full for delicious delicious gummies so in a way the joke's on him. Oh, and we made coffee this morning in a French press, thank you very much. And it was good too.

Next time up on August 13th-16th we're going to focus once again on the concrete piers. We're hoping this stretch of hot and dry weather will hold, so the pier-digging will be easier and the concrete truck can make it to the site. It truly is amazing to see this land change right in front of my own eyes and know that these changes are coming from a shared vision Chris and I have.

Cabin Postponed...For Now.

So, Chris and I spoke this week about the progress of the cabin build. While we've been steadily getting important things done, we have been thwarted in our attempts to get the concrete work done. The spring was so rainy and we've had a couple of untimely heavy rain spells that we just haven't been able to catch a break to get it done. The last thing we want is to have the land be too soft and a concrete truck gets stuck on route to the site and all we end up with is 3 yards of concrete discharged on the side of the driveway and a $1000 towing bill to pull the truck from the slop. Though frustrating, waiting is the right decision.

This doesn't mean work stops though-not in the slightest. We still plan to get the concrete work for the cabin done this summer or fall. This way, it's done for winter and we can start the actual building earlier next spring, potentially even with snow still on the ground. And this way, we can take our time building next spring and summer and enjoy every step.

In the meantime, we have new plans to build a small shed this summer...something roughly 10X12 and simple. We figure we can do the concrete work ourselves and have this thing up in just a few weekend trips. This new plan, of course, requires a little site prep before we begin so that will have to get done in the next few weeks. The shed site we have picked out is roughly 200 feet from the cabin and further up the "road" that goes into the land. The shed will probably be about 400 yards from the road.

So, with the recent news, this last weekend was more leisurely than usual, and that made it incredible actually. First, our uncle Cab took a sunny Saturday motorcycle ride down to see us. He had not seen the land since October and really liked the progress we made and saw all the changes. We got a coffee from the local coffeehouse (Lisa was out but left coffee and cream outside the store on the honor system of course....I love Vermont!). We realized we have hundreds of wild raspberry bushes on the land which was super cool as they're about 2 weeks away from being totally ripe, pickable and delicious. A few were ripe enough to pick and eat and we certainly did some of that. We burned a few brush piles and cleared some of the brush that has been piling up from all the trees we have had taken down. It was progress, but slow progress.

Sunday was amazing. We took the boat on the reservoir for a day or relaxing and tubing. The water was crystal clear and so refreshing and the views were stunning as we were surrounded by mountains on each side. Even cooler, the top of one of the mountains had 11 wind turbines. And, we saw a bald eagle as well. I've never seen one before and that was probably the coolest part of the whole weekend for me.

We did have one little run-in with a critter Saturday night. Chris woke me up in the middle of Saturday night saying, "Did you not hear that? There was some animal sniffing around the corners of the tent...it was like three feet from your head. I was clapping and making noise. It scurried away and a few minutes later it knocked the grill over." Probably a raccoon, skunk, or porcupine we decided. Luckily, I had my earplugs jammed so deep in my ears I wouldn't have heard a 747 jet landing two feet from me so the whole incident passed me right on by.

Next trip is in two weeks. I'm hoping Amanda and Sadie can come up soon and enjoy some of the beautiful weather up there with me because I keep wanting them there with me. There really is nothing like the serenity, the stars, the pink skies, the friendly people, and the slower pace of life and the quiet to make you appreciate life.