Back from another fun and successful trip. The trees are close to popping with greenery.
We were able to relax a little while still getting things done. We're heading into summer and we've got big plans ahead of us so from here on out, it's going to be some heavy-hitting projects.
First off, no luck with the trail cam. I was pretty convinced we were going to see something, but nope. Nuthin'.
The weather was gorgeous and we could have done without the wood stove. We did rock a small fire after dinner Saturday night but we let it die quick as Chris complained his stomach was so full he was close to exploding. We did install a new window above the door. Now we can crack that window when it gets too hot from the stove or whatever and get some relief. It came out great and was pretty easy. It's got a great little view from the loft as well.
The loft got reinforced with a second 2x6 on the outside and some side support as well. We definitely noticed a difference right away and it made me feel better sleeping up there at night, not having to worry that I was going to go crashing down in the middle of the night, crushing Chris...but I wasn't really ever worried. We also kicked around a few ideas about a permanent ladder to the loft that will be functional but not get in the way. The wheels are in motion...
Chris spent some time finishing the interior trim to the long and thin window while I dug through our wood scraps and built a small table and mini wood shed for the Lookout Spot. We also used some scraps to add a footrest in the outhouse (which, by the way, was everything I had dreamed it would be).
Sunday AM, Todd came by and we talked with him about our future plans and what we needed him to do. He was pretty sick from a rough sounding night of the flu so he didn't have much energy, but he got the idea. We're looking to build up the driveway all the way to the cabin (about 400ft.), have him trench around the cabin for water run-off, move a different culvert for a more efficient water path, and also to fix the end of the driveway. Chris and I are also toying with the idea of trenching for electric while Todd does the work but first need more information on what needs to be done to make the whole electricity thing actually happen.
We were able to have dinner at Maple Leaf Brewing in Wilmington and it was AWESOME. We'll be back fo' sho'. It just re-opened after being closed for 8 months after Hurricane Irene. We saw some pictures of the bar during the flood and the water was probably about 4 feet high in the restaurant...right where we were sitting. Crazy. Go Wilmington. And, they're definitely rebuilding the Famous Dot's restaurant in Wilmington. Apparently, it will re-open in November. Just ask Chris, he's got the bumper sticker to prove it. Literally.
Lastly, we scored an amazing wood table, made in VT from fir, it looks incredible in the cabin and it's much more functional as it's smaller and gives us a lot more usable space. Oh, and the previous owner of the land stopped by--how about that? He stayed for probably a good 30-45 minutes and checked everything out. I think he was happy for us but also a little sad too, understandably. He sees what we've got goin' and as Chris would say, he "smells what we're steppin' in"
