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.
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