I've enjoyed reading the posts and following the progress of others on this forum so I figured it was time to contribute. We purchased 20 acres in Eastern Washington and have just begun building our little retreat to make enjoying the property more comfortable and convenient. Photos of the progress can be seen at:
https://s448.photobucket.com/albums/qq202/Yonderosa_photos/
Time and budget constraints factored into the design. We wanted to be able to build it quickly with the time we had to be there and give us as much space as we could reasonably afford. So far it appears we have met those goals. My wife and I have ten days into the project not counting drawing the plans and getting the permit.
Details.
12' x 16' main floor
12' x 12' Loft
8' x 12' Covered Porch
12' x 24' overall building envelope.
Simple design for speed and ease of building yet still has a little style to it. It is also very efficient with materials which makes it easy to do lumber take-offs and mitigates cost.
The windows - gable end loft, front porch and west side - have been framed in but I have sheathed through the openings until I can install the windows.
I like it. Keep up with the updated, I am interested to see how it comes out when it is all done. What plans did you go with?
Good bit done in 10 days. Want a job? Wished mine would have went this fast. Are you going to be on or off grid? What is going to be your primary heat source? Considerations is out there some place in that state but I think she is to the east coast also. With the onset of winter what to do project to have completed before then? Just being nosey. Anyway w*.
John
HG: I did the plans myself.
Originally I was going to do a smaller version - under 200 sf - but anything over 120 sf required a building permit anyway so I decided to add some size to the porch and to the interior of the building but not so much that it would add a lot of time or cost to the project.
Redoverfarm: It'll be off the grid. My neighbor heats his bigger place with a "Big Buddy" propane heater so I'm considering some sort of propane heat when it is needed. Right now we're building as we can. Like another forum member I was racing to get mine closed in before the winter kicks in. We did the floor in August and planned to just tarp the floor. A gap in my employment and my wife's need to utilize some vacation time allowed us spend a week over there busting our tails putting up the walls, loft floor, framing the roof and roofing it. Difficult but we got'r done.
Great progress in a short amount of time, nice spot.
Where are you in E WA?
How far away do you live from the site?
Well done- Keep us posted.
Tom
Skagitdrifter, I'm a wetsider too - Camano Island. The property is 26 miles out of Omak. It looks like we're sort of "neighbors" on both sides of the mountains assuming you're in Skagit County and your new place is in Okanogan County.
Quote from: Yonderosa on October 20, 2008, 04:29:20 PM
Skagitdrifter, I'm a wetsider too - Camano Island. The property is 26 miles out of Omak. It looks like we're sort of "neighbors" on both sides of the mountains assuming you're in Skagit County and your new place is in Okanogan County.
We're Anacortes on the wet side and our cabin is about 12 miles SW of Tonasket.
Do you do the SR 20 pass or SR 2?
Good to meet you neighbor.
Keep up the good work and may the good weather continue.
Tom
I am a neighbor too! Live in Bothell, have property and the start of a cabin up near Orient.....
I am a club member! heh
SBell-
What is it about us wet-siders?
I think we all like the fact that we can go east and dry out.
Orient is beautiful country.
Yup, drying out is one of the reasons. Elbow room is another. I sure enjoy the quiet and lack of traffic on the dry side.
SkagitDrifter it sounds like our properties are pretty close on the East Side. I usually go 20 if it's open. Ten days ago we had snow on the road between Rainy and Washington Pass but on the way back a week later it was all gone. Without pushing we do the trip in 5-1/2 hours which usually includes ice cream in Winthrop and a stop in Omak for groceries.
[cool] Here's a few images from the album..
(https://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq202/Yonderosa_photos/2008Aug8-11050.jpg)
(https://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq202/Yonderosa_photos/2008oct10-18A011.jpg)
(https://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq202/Yonderosa_photos/2008oct10-18011.jpg)
(https://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq202/Yonderosa_photos/2008oct10-18045.jpg)
(https://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq202/Yonderosa_photos/2008oct10-18104.jpg)
(https://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq202/Yonderosa_photos/2008oct10-18171.jpg)
(https://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq202/Yonderosa_photos/2008oct10-18176.jpg)
looks wonderful. If I can ever get the deal to close I will be east about 3 hours in Colville. ahhh the economy.
Nice blueprints, do you do it for a living?
Cabin look wonderful.
Yes, the drying out is wonderful.
Quote from: soomb on October 20, 2008, 09:34:53 PM
Nice blueprints, do you do it for a living?
Thanks Soomb. Some of my income is derived from drawing plans, mostly remodels. Until recently a bulk of it has been project management/consulting on residential construction projects. I still wear the nail bags on occasion too. My last project was a BIG custom project - nearly four years in design-permits-teardown and construction. It tied me up so much that I had to turn down other work. That was bad for business... especially now that the economy has slowed down. Hopefully I can get it ramped up again or I may be looking for another line of work. The gap in my employment does let me catch up on my own projects though...
I wish you the best. I look forward to watching your progress
Nice little project - well designed. w* to the forum.
Great progress on a nice, little cabin. Could tell right away you've had some building experience. Thanks to Don for posting some of your pics here from Photobucket. Am curious about details of the footings used.
My place is further east, near Republic, which turns out to be a 6+ hour drive. Good thing I'm retired and can stay for a week at a time.
Keep on building!
Steve
Thanks to all for your replies and encouragement.
Steve, we were really lucky to have some easy digging soil in the area. We hand dug the holes, or more accurately my (AWESOME) wife had most of them dug before I returned with the concrete. Once the piers were set I used string and batter boards to layout the PT 4x4's and built the floor. After they were inspected I buried them. I tried to make the bottom of the hole around 30" deep but some were less.
I've enjoyed following your project on this forum. I've done some design on some eastside cabins but had not run any projects so your posts and others helped me work out the logistics on mine. It is cool to see there are a number of us in the same general area. Hopefully Soomb can get his project off the ground soon too.
I'm in Mount vernon and 10 miles north of winthrop. cabin won't start untill next spring. there is big stump pile were the cabin will be sitting right now. its going to be burned this winter. I'm going to build a 14 by 18. i'll proabaly build most of it in my shop this winter.
Sounds like we have the makings of a convoy with all these wetsiders heading east. ;D
How are the skeeters in your area TroyL?
I spent one of the most miserable nights of my life at a campground north of Winthrop. I love the country but I use a tent with screens when I visit now... ;)
Have you had the property long? I was amazed at how much property was going for in that area.
the sketters are terrible in the july. its not to bad in june and they they are pretty well gone in august. but july, WOW felt like has in alaska, maybe worse than alaska. i screened porch is gonna be a must. i have only owned it a year. but got a pretty fair price on it.
My husband and I are west-siders moving east. He just finished our house last year just south of Colville. We will be full timers so already have our snow shovel purchased!!! This website has been a great resource and inspiration throughout our project. Good luck to all you currently building and may you have safe travel over the passes!!
I like the loft over the porch, great design.
Quote from: deertracks on February 06, 2009, 02:40:05 AM
My husband and I are west-siders moving east. He just finished our house last year just south of Colville. We will be full timers so already have our snow shovel purchased!!! This website has been a great resource and inspiration throughout our project. Good luck to all you currently building and may you have safe travel over the passes!!
Deer, where south of Colville? My wife and I have a hold on land in Addy (we keep the holding on in this market)
Great project! I have been looking at ways to frame a loft over the front deck for mine and I think you have answered my question.
Thank-you,
Mike
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/rawer.jpg)
While Winter has halted construction on the cabin itself, we have been contemplating the cabinets and interior trim. We've agreed we want a rustic style but the details are not yet decided.
A visit to a local sawyer turned up some quarter-sawn Douglas Fir that intrigued me. As an experiment I made a few drawers, finding it easy it is to work with and visually interesting. A style for the cabinet face-frames, drawer and door fronts has thus far eluded me. In subsequent trials I will incorporate elements to better highlight the grain features and give a more muscular feel.
I'm not sure where this will end up, but it does keep "cabin fever" at bay.
Wow, tight. :)
Nice job. I will send you the demensions of mine when I figure them out. ;D
A neighbor (2 miles away) that lives full time in the area sent me a picture of our place. I haven't been there since October... :-[ so I was glad to see everything looks just like we left it - except for the snow.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/inter2009februaryone.jpg)
Can't wait to get back!
Redoverfarm: I've penciled you into the schedule ;)
Earlier this year I made a REALLy big drawer. 36" x 48" with industrial slides for a client's wood box that tucked below a stair landing.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/bigdrawer.jpg)
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/bigdrawerclosed.jpg)
Biggest drawer I've ever made.
Very nice storage. I like that
Very nice finish work. I think you missed your calling. Just how far down the list am I. ;D
With the snow melted I was able to get back and do a little work and get my framing inspection (passed ;D). I also managed to get the loft window installed and left the other larger windows for next time when I had some help.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/cabinloftwindownw.jpg)
Plenty left too do. On my next trip I plan to install the remaining windows, close in the soffits (pine T&G) and hopefully get a good start on the Siding (Horizontal primed Spruce on the walls and Cedar shingles on the Gable Ends.
During my visit there were a number of distractions. A nice sized Moose wandered by - I missed getting a picture of him but took a picture of his tracks a few days later. Two whitetail bucks visited daily - probably the same two as last year. The Turkeys (Merriams) were happy to answer my calls but didn't manage to get them in range of my point and shoot camera. I would have liked to invite one to dinner - Turkey fajitas, yum but I was too impatient and kept getting busted by the hens. The Grouse were drumming, the Robins and Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers busy establishing territory - one found my aluminum ladder to have a very satisfactory acoustical quality that amplified his musical abilities. Also saw a Coyote, lots of hawks, warblers and nuthatches. The Larch were just starting to break buds as were the Wax Currant. Most of the plants had yet to shake off winter. The night time temperatures ranged from 17-22*F. The day I arrived it was 87*F in town and 82*F at the Yonderosa, the rest of the trip the day time highs were below 60*F. Except for one snow flurry it was mostly sunny during my visit.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/oosetrackapril2009.jpg)
Size 10 boot for scale
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/aprilwhitetailbuck2009cropped.jpg)
As usual, I can't wait to get back!
Beautiful!
What's the elevation?
3500'
It is a beautiful place. It can be difficult to get work done...
Yonderosa-
Great post! Your place is looking great!
I too have been itching to get over to the east side.
I have been gathering materials all winter long and am ready to get busy. We made it over to our place just west of Tonasket on Valentines day weekend. We had to snow shoe in and the place was just beautiful.
Now that the SR20 Pass is open we'll start heading over almost every weekend.
Good luck getting you place done and keep posting up your progress.
All the best!
Tom
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC04725.jpg)
Nice post, looking forward to seeing your continued progress - beautiful area - I have a friend who lives near Leavenworth, WA. Don't know if you're near there. I only lived in Washington state for 12 yrs, duh - need to look at a map... That moose must have been huge :o
I agree with Red, some fine work on the drawers & the finish work on the stair drawer.
Tom, I came back on the North Cascades Hwy - it was in fine condition. Most of the snow was near Washington pass. Still quite a bit at Rainy pass too. Pretty much everything under 4500 ft on the east side was all melted off. The dirt roads I explored were in great shape too. Do you have Turkeys out at your place? I look forward to seeing your progress too.
Sassy, Leavenworth is a few hours south, very similar environment. I'd love to find that Moose's sheds. Amazing creatures.
Slow progress is still progress. Got a few more bites at the elephant last weekend
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/may9eastview.jpg)
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/ay9dwview.jpg)
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/may9windowview.jpg)
Now we have a room with a view. We watched a coyote hunt down by the creek, deer feeding in the meadow and saw a sky full of stars through it. When it was too cold to dine outside we enjoyed our meals in comfort without feeling disconnected from the surroundings.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/ay9soffit.jpg)
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/may9gable.jpg)
Installed the soffit under the eves and gable ends. Still have the Porch to do
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/ay9southside.jpg)
Plenty of siding left to do too.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/may9trout.jpg)
The fishing was GREAT which made getting any work done at all a real accomplishment. This was the first to take my feathered offerings. Next time I'll invite a few to stay for dinner.
Your place looks nice Yonderosa. I'm heading over to start on mine this weekend. There's no fish creek to distract me tho. Lucky you :)
[cool] looks great. Thanks for the photos.
Just back from another visit. Didn't get a lot of work done but did have an unexpected and very welcome guest drop by.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/une9mooserail.jpg)
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/une9moose.jpg)
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/une9moose2.jpg)
Our July Progress:
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/uly9loftsoffit.jpg)
Porch/Loft Soffit
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/uly9addingwindow.jpg)
Cut in a new window
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/uly9wallsheathing.jpg)
Insulated and sheathed the interior walls. The plan is to use the rough sawn boards I'm getting from the Whidbey Island Sawyer (Jeff) for the Trim - Wainscot, window wraps, base and panels.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/uly9interiorsoffit.jpg)
Interior loft soffit, Pine T&G. I'll probably do the whole lid like this.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/uly9welevation.jpg)
The view from the downhill side.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/uly9seelevation.jpg)
The new awning window.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/uly9colorsceme.jpg)
The color scheme.
Hey Yonderosa-
Man, you are really making headway on your project. Have you been heading over every weekend?
At that rate, by Labor Day, you guys will be sitting back enjoying a cold one watching the wildlife go by. I really like the colors you picked- they blend well with the area. Well Done!
Tom
That moose almost looks like a horse. It's good to see wildlife.
Nice looking cabin. I like your windows so far.
Skagitdrifter, We make it over about once a month. This month we spent 9 nights there so far. Usually its 3-5. I try to get a little more done every visit. Of course my place is pretty small so it goes pretty quick. My goal is to finish the outside by this fall. Stairs, rail, post wraps, faux beams, siding and shingles (gable ends), insulate and close in the floor... My disproportionately hot wife (dhw) keeps me on my toes adding features to the inside. It should be a pretty nice shed when its all said and done. :)
Poppy, have to agree. The critters are very cool to see. I had not seen a moose in this state until I bought this property. In the last two months I've seen this little bull and a cow with two calves. Had a coyote walk right up to us this trip. I think he couldn't tell what we were while we sat very still and kept coming in, barking trying to get a reaction until he was so close I began to worry about our safety and his, so I stood up and off he went. It turns out there was another one coming in on the other side of us too... I think the cougar that killed three deer on our place last year might be back because the deer are on high alert. Only saw two of the bucks and one of the does this trip so he may have gotten two others since our last visit. I didn't find any fresh kills though. Wild kingdom to be sure. Looks the the Grouse are doing well this year, the brood down by the creek looks healthy.
Nice look to the place. :D :D :D Lovely setting and that nice big outside room is great.
Thanks for sharing the progress.
Looks better ever time you post. The color selection is good. Great work.
Mother Nature decided to show us who's really in charge... On the 27th lightning struck trees near our place and started a small fire.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/ffirepic1.jpg)
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/pfirepic2.jpg)
Luckily a neighbor spotted the smoke and another neighbor that contracts as a firefighter with the DNR got it out quickly.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/pfirepic4.jpg)
The lightning struck the taller trees on the left side of the picture. TOO CLOSE for comfort.
Glad everything is OK-
Been hearing reports of some crazy weather over on that side of the mountians.
We have not been over in a couple of weeks, but will head over this weekend.
Did you get any work done? The place is looking good.
Tom
Yikes! Yonderosa, I'm so glad the damage at your place was so limited. Let's hear it for great neighbors.
Sorry to go off on a tangent on your project thread, but could I ask about what I see at the base of that fir, it that's what it is? In your second photo? Is that a dry scorch mark, or is it turning gummy?
We have a huge oak that suddenly seems to have sprouted a black, gummy patch right at the base like that. It's very small - about six inches by three - but it scares me to death, since it's inside the log fence we just built to enclose the garden, and if the tree goes down, it's going to be bad. I know for a fact that it wasn't there a month ago. It never occurred to me that it might be a lightning strike, and I frankly doubt whether it is. Just wondered...
What a beautiful place you've got. Thanks so much for posting your inspiring photos. I just love the treatment you've done on the soffits.
Crazy weather indeed. Had some flooding down at the creek too. A neighbor lost a big chunk of his driveway. I guess it was a lot cooler there than here lately. I'm hoping to get back soon and install some more cabinets I'm building. September I'll try to make another good push.
woodsprite, Its a mystery to me too. Next time I head over I'll take a closer look.
Thanks for the wildlife report. We have coyotes in this part of the country also, but I haven't seen any around my place; probably too many dogs running loose.
We have reported cougar sightings too, but not close to me. There are a handfull of black bear, but again I haven't seen any.
We have plenty of deer and turkey though.
Just back from our most recent visit. The weather was AMAZING - more Indian Summer than Fall. I didn't get as much done as I had hoped - hurt my back on the third day, major bummer.
I did get the screen door installed. Its the roll up type, bought it at Home Depot ( http://www.homedepot.com/Doors-Windows-Doors-Exterior-Doors-Screen-Doors/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xh8Zbaed/R-100656621/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053 ) and so far it has been Labrador and bug proof. Easy to install and looks good too.
We also hauled over and installed the Murphy Bed, I like that a lot too. I built it using the Create-a-bed hardware and it works as advertised. The directions are good and the construction very simple. Might try to jazz it up more if I had it to do over - the rush to get it over there before the weather limited the time I had to do it.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/murphyup.jpg)
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/murphydown.jpg)
Comfortable and functional.
Picked up some cabinet hardware at Cabelas
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/cabinethardarewolf.jpg)
Wolf Track double post.
Had to replace a post that had warped on the front porch. It went smoothly despite having to pull up some decking and framing hardware. I've found that any lumber that isn't dry enough or firmly anchored in multiple directions will twist-warp into some pretty amazing shapes in relatively short spans. Fasten it securely or bundle it tight or end up with a bunch of wood better suited to build Viking ships.
Ate well, slept well, saw a bunch of critters. More proof that life is good.
Nice job on the bed. How much wall space does it take up?
Didn't know that Cabelas had hardware; looks good.
The bed (full size) takes up ~5' of wall, projects out ~16" and is ~7' tall.
I was wondering about you...
I love the Murphy Bed- Great job.
Did you get any more cabinets built / installed? Got Pics?
Right you are- Indian summer has been beautiful over there, almost too nice- When I'm there I never want to come home.
Everything looks great on your project- nicely done.
Tom
Tom,
I've got a few more cabinets almost ready to haul over there. Space and time are the big limitations. The next priority will be the floor - which we're still undecided about... As practical and inexpensive as vinyl is I just can't quite get onboard with it.
I hear you, we left yesterday - reluctantly. The weather was amazing while we were there. My sister and brother-in-law have a place near Bonaparte and they shared some Bear backstraps with us that they harvested on their property early last week. Fine eats! Tough to come back to beef under cellophane after meals like that. I just heard my sister tagged some venison too... I wish I treated her better when we were kids... ;) :) d*
Quote from: SkagitDrifter on September 17, 2009, 12:46:05 PM
Did you get any more cabinets built / installed? Got Pics?
Right you are- Indian summer has been beautiful over there, almost too nice- When I'm there I never want to come home.
Everything looks great on your project- nicely done.
Tom
If you use vinyl on that place I'll have to hurt you!
How much flooring do you need?
I just got a smoking deal on some VG Doug Fir 1x4 T&G flooring.
I think I may have quite a bit more than I need for my project.
Let me know if you may be intrested and I'll see what I have into it.
Maybe we could work something out.
Tom
Quote from: SkagitDrifter on September 17, 2009, 01:46:27 PM
If you use vinyl on that place I'll have to hurt you!
I'll second that. Look around. I bought Brazilian Cherry pre-finished for my cabin at $2 SF. A lot of options available. To get a decent grade of vinyle you will be paying that much anyway.
If it looks like you have enough extra (~200sf) let me know how much you need to take it off your hands. I'll have to do some convincing with the wife (now officially the boss of this job). She wants practical...
Just did a count...
I have enough extra to do about 100 square feet- about 400 lin. feet. I thought there was more in that pack. I'm into it for $.45 per lin foot - Its nice tight vertical grain, 3-1/8" net face- yours if you want it.
Tom
Screaming good deal Tom. I'll try to talk to the wife into it and see if I can locate some more. Where did you find it?
Yonderosa I just saw an add for Lumber Liquidators that they had prefinsihed flooring (hardwood) from $1.40-2.00. If you have one in your area they sometimes have smaller quanities or less that a buck a foot.
Very nice and cool :)
Did you get the 60 day occupancy permit and the standard $600 Okanogan building permit? I ask only becuase they've really infuriated me...(I'll leave it at that)...
I used to live on the coast (it's been a while) and spent years just inland (Portland and others) but now live in the desert and also bought 20 acres in your area :) We're between Tonasket and Republic :)
Red, Thanks for the heads-up. I'll check it out.
emcvay- I told them what I wanted to do and they told me how much to pay and where. Actually they were quite helpful but it does seem overly complex. A friend had some issues because he had a drilled well, even though it was capped and he was not pumping water out of it, he had to put in a septic system to get a building permit... Delayed his project for a while.
I've got a couple of good friends out your way, one up near Bonaparte and the other off 20 a bit. I've met a lot of good folk out there, even some of the transplants from the coast are alright. ;)
Quote from: Yonderosa on September 21, 2009, 09:49:05 PM
Red, Thanks for the heads-up. I'll check it out.
emcvay- I told them what I wanted to do and they told me how much to pay and where. Actually they were quite helpful but it does seem overly complex. A friend had some issues because he had a drilled well, even though it was capped and he was not pumping water out of it, he had to put in a septic system to get a building permit... Delayed his project for a while.
I've got a couple of good friends out your way, one up near Bonaparte and the other off 20 a bit. I've met a lot of good folk out there, even some of the transplants from the coast are alright. ;)
Yes the well throws them for a loop -- and I will use mine (why waste it?) the problem I have is spending $8k on something I won't use and that will then go sour and have a plugged drain field so that if I were to try to sell I'd have to then fix it (for nearly as much)...and the terrain is prohibitive at best -- but the county doesn't like the idea of someone trying to do things different then their regs.
Maybe it's just me...I guess I could just send in the 60 day and ignore the well...but then the $600 permit for a 400 sq foot cabin irks me too....I can build 200 sq feet here - twice -- without a permit.
On a side note, and so it might make more sense, I permitted, designed and built a 590 sq foot addition to my home in the last 5 years. I went through all the correct steps and even got some stuff someone else did approved. It's all above board and I had no problem with it. I am having an issue, however, with this nonsense about a small hunting/vacation cabin in an area where clearly very few bother....it's just me maybe ;)
emcvay: Is it 200 sf now? It was 120 sf.
I believe the well restriction is a statewide regulation - I've encountered it in other counties too. Of the counties I've worked with Okanogan is really pretty good. I started to avoid (whenever possible) doing any work in King county in the late 80s because of the extreme time delays and costs that government was adding to the projects. I have one project in Seattle right now :-\ and bureaucracy has at least doubled the time it took to get the permit (comparatively) and conservatively added 20% to the cost when comparing fees, regulations and increased cost of materials and labor - I can get concrete delivered to the boondocks of Okanogan less expensively than I can within Seattle city limits. Of course in Seattle one needs to make about double the average income just to qualify for a loan to buy what they define as an "affordable" home... I better quit now, I feel my BP rising and a long rant coming on...
Quote from: Yonderosa on September 22, 2009, 09:00:56 AM
emcvay: Is it 200 sf now? It was 120 sf.
I believe the well restriction is a statewide regulation - I've encountered it in other counties too. Of the counties I've worked with Okanogan is really pretty good. I started to avoid (whenever possible) doing any work in King county in the late 80s because of the extreme time delays and costs that government was adding to the projects. I have one project in Seattle right now :-\ and bureaucracy has at least doubled the time it took to get the permit (comparatively) and conservatively added 20% to the cost when comparing fees, regulations and increased cost of materials and labor - I can get concrete delivered less expensively to the boondocks of Okanogan less expensively than I can within Seattle city limits. Of course in Seattle one needs to make about double the average income just to qualify for a loan to buy what they define as an "affordable" home... I better quite now, I feel my BP rising and a long rant coming on...
I spent hours trying to understand the state WAC's and quite honestly, nothing is really clear. Typical WA State though.
My wife used to run a home daycare -- what a nightmare! She couldn't have toothpaste in the bathroom or shampoo in the shower or she'd get dinged. Eventually it was too much and it all came to a head -- she quit. The state Gestapo are too much sometimes and the lies and interpretations of their 'law' leave something to be desired.
If I get worried i think I'll just put bigger rocks in my easement and make it even tougher to get there! :P
Took Redoverfarm's advice and found a Lumber Liquidators ~ an hour from me. They had some select red oak for under $2 a foot and decided that would probably do.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/oinstallingflooring.jpg)
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/akfloor.jpg)
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/akfloorclose.jpg)
I also got a start on the Window trims. I used the D-fir I got from Whidbey Island and milled it up in my shop. Eleven pieces per window.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/indowtrim.jpg)
I'll start hauling more cabinets over every trip as I get them built.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/wall.jpg)
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/wallb.jpg)
To achieve a more rustic look I did my best to incorporate the defects in the stock I had.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/wallc.jpg)
Nice work on the flooring! I love red oak.
Cabinetry looks very nice as well.
Looking Good. Won't be long now.
Nice job Yonder-
I love the cabinets.
Do you plan to cover the plywood walls?
Will you sand and finish the oak?
With only a generator for power, can you run a standard floor sander?
What kind of finish? Traditional or water-based?
I see a box of Miller Shingles- I don't remember seeing shingles on your place...
-maybe in the Gable, over the covered porch?
The place looks great. Sorry for all the questions but I'm getting close to the same stage as you on my project- I'm trying to figure a few things out.
All the best!
Tom
Skagit,
The plywood walls will be covered. It is mainly a nailing substrate for the random width rough sawn D-fir I plan to install vertically on the walls. The exact pattern has not been decided but it will likely be floor to ceiling on the tall wall behind me in the picture and the big window wall will likely be to a wainscot if I can figure out what to do above it. The other walls are mostly covered with cabinets. The ceiling will get T&G pine.
The sanding and finish will be further down the road. I have a generator that will run the sander. Finish hasn't been decided yet.
The shingles are for the gable ends. I had planned to get them done this year but the wife decided I would finish the inside first so the progress on the outside has been stalled for now.
Any intrest in a D grade clear Doug Fir T&G, Kiln Dried 1x6.
Unlike the flooring,this time I have a mountain of the stuff.
Maybe 3-4k feet more than I need. I'm into it for $.29 lf.
Just a thought...
Tom
Great job on .. everything! Looks fantastic. Well done :)
Quote from: Yonderosa on October 02, 2009, 10:43:27 AM
Skagit,
The plywood walls will be covered. It is mainly a nailing substrate for the random width rough sawn D-fir I plan to install vertically on the walls. The exact pattern has not been decided but it ill likely be floor to ceiling on the tall wall behind me in the picture and the big window wall will likely be to a wainscot if I can figure out what to do above it. The other walls are mostly covered with cabinets. The ceiling will get T&G pine.
The sanding and finish will be further down the road. I have a generator that will run the sander. Finish hasn't been decided yet.
The shingles are for the gable ends. I had planned to get them done this year but the wife decided I would finish the inside first so the progress on the outside has been stalled for now.
You might consider buying a roll of rosin paper (36" X150') for about $12 and cover the hardwood floors until you get the chance to finish them. Just a thought.
Tom,
Fired off an email to you.
Mo
Mo-
I'm having e-mail issues-
Spent the last two hours trying to fix it.
I'll get it fixed and be in touch.
Tom
A few highlights from our October visit.
It was COLD outside! About 20 degrees colder than normal for this time of year.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/old.jpg)
It was nice and cozy inside. We'd run the portable heater for about an hour, longer and it would get too warm, and it would stay nice and toasty for 4 or 5 hours with a 40+ degree temperature differential. We were pleased with how well it held the heat and it was good practice for our upcoming winter visits.
This trip I finished the window and door trims
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/wingwindow.jpg)
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/xoxwindow84.jpg)
The plan is to cover the plywood with rough sawn Douglas Fir board (also considering SkagitDrifter's T&G option, just need to get a chance to get up there and look at what he has in stock).
I also hauled over another wall cabinet and a dresser I built. Almost half done now with the cabinets... ;) Still have two more wall cabinets to build, two base cabinets, a book shelf for over the dresser and a full height "closet" cabinet that goes between the Murphy bed and the dresser.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/allcabinet48.jpg)
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/nterior.jpg)
Sunday morning while I was eating breakfast this dude strolled by. The flash on the window washed out most of the picture but you can still see a nice looking kitty cat just outside the cabin.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/obcat.jpg)
That is a tad chilly. ;D
The interior is starting to look like a real home now. The cabinets are nice; more storage space with full to ceiling height.
Nice fish! Were you creek fishing? The River? A Lake? My son and I love to fish -- in fact, we ought to do a BBQ or something since we're almost neighbors! ;)
That dude was from the lake up the hill from me. There is a lot of good lake fishing, especially in May when the lakes are finally free of ice. For skinny water I like the Methow but with all the closures I haven't had the chance in recent years.
With so many of us in the general area we'll have to do some sort Country Plan rendezvous.
Quote from: Yonderosa on October 13, 2009, 12:52:07 PM
That dude was from the lake up the hill from me. There is a lot of good lake fishing, especially in May when the lakes are finally free of ice. For skinny water I like the Methow but with all the closures I haven't had the chance in recent years.
With so many of us in the general area we'll have to do some sort Country Plan rendezvous.
My son will love to try the lake out -- specially if we can put a canoe on it :)
We'll be up this weekend for Deer -- and maybe to get some work done around the place -- with all the rain I'd like to burn some dead wood too!
just back from a quick over there, deliver, install and get home trip - though I did do a little Grouse hunting... ;D
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/itchen2.jpg)
The cabinets are mostly done - still have one more base and two more wall cabinets to go... need to do countertops (most likely P-lam, probably not until next spring) and install the sink (cabinet below window), plus a few other this and thats. It is functional now, including the range, and convenience is much improved. Very cool to be able to cook home-style and have a place to store things.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/moonset.jpg)
Woke up to an amazing moon-set.
Weather permitting I'm hoping for another trip or two over this year. Had snow on the on the road at Washington Pass today. With any luck I can get another cabinet or three built and get back over in a week or so before winter really hits.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/ashingtonpasssnow.jpg)
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/interahead.jpg)
While the snow can make travel difficult, it sure is pretty.
Nice mountains. How much snow in an average winter? Is that pass kept open?
The cabinets are looking great. I just made my last trip for the year.
I almost stopped to take a picture of that peak this last weekend. It sure did look cold!
MountainDon, That pass will close soon until next may.
I would guess that the photo is of the North Cascades Highway (http://www.destination360.com/north-america/us/washington/north-cascades).
(http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/01/00/37/e0/north-cascades-highway.jpg)
This one is not as nice as the ones above.
Wow...That's Amazing..looks like a place I'd love to see closer.
Nice Pic
Photo of washington pass by Yonderosa. ;)
Hey Yonder-
Looking good.
Could you tell me more about the range and sink install.
Where did you find that cool range?
Does the range run off of a portable propane tank?
Is it vented?
How bout the water/drain?
Did you put in a drain field? A well?
As always, nice work. You're closing in on finishing her up.
Tom
Found the range at Sears. Ameri-gas in town had the Regulator and connections I needed for a portable propane.
No plumbing, the sink will drain into a bucket inside the base cabinet.
For now we're hauling water and "going old school" so to speak.
How high up are you? I'm at 3100' (roughly) and dodged the snow this weekend but ran into it in the mountains around 4500 feet.
Anyway, I'll be up again this weekend I think
Quote from: Yonderosa on November 07, 2009, 09:53:48 PM
Found the range at Sears.
I found 20 inch wide gas ranges could be special ordered at both my HD and Lowe's. We got ours at Lowe's. Nice spacesaver in a small cabin.
We made it over for a weekend visit. No work, just relaxation.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/cabinbelow.jpg)
It was cold outside, -1F this morning, saw -2 on the way down the Mountain.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/umptemp14th.jpg)
Inside it was nice and toasty. Once up to room temperature the low setting on our Mr. Heater "Big Buddy" kept it very comfortable. It was very enjoyable reading, eating and venturing out for walks, watching the shooting stars...
The weather service scared us into leaving early this morning with a winter storm warning. Still we're very glad to get two days+ and two enjoyable nights this time of year.
I am so missing kettle falls/orient area.
Nice job but let's get that weather warmed up a bit. Crimoney.... [waiting]
Yikes - Slinxy!
I'm dying to get up there myself since it's been what? A week and a half! ahahah
OK, I need to find out why No.1 is missing on the Road Warrior but then I'm back right after Christmas in hopes the tarped roof held!
Just got back from a very enjoyable extended weekend trip to the Yonderosa. Mix of weather, snow, rain, sun, wind... Spring is just starting to take hold. Not many critters out and about, a few Deer, a Moose and a small black Bear, I was hoping to see some Turkeys but didn't see any sign of them. The Grouse are drumming and the Robins are still flocked.
Didn't get a lot done but did start on the interior wall finish.
Beautiful and quiet. Loved every second of it.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/meadowview.jpg)
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/kirbycreek_2.jpg)
Kirby Creek
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/windowtrimandwainscot.jpg)
Wainscot and Window trim
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/couchcorner.jpg)
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/baseboardandwainscot.jpg)
Aw man....I need to find out where that fishing is! But of course, I need to leave the Canoe on the shore and get cracking on my roof!
This weekend we plan to nail off the rest of the roof sheeting (and install missing H clips) and felt. We might (I hope) get the gabled end trim in and the eve trim in so at least will have a start on the roofing.
Hello Yonderosa! From another up there in OK ;)
My place is over west of 97 and north of 20. And yes, I head over from the wet side, too. I'm in Kitsap tho, not up near all you folk from Skagit. (was up there this weekend for Tulips, and it was pretty up that way, too) I'd love to live closer to my property.
I am hoping to begin building this year myself. Had the place (named it Rock Of Ages Ranch) for about 2 1/2 years now - 40 acres at 3900-4400 feet. I think it's high time to start building the first shed there. It's been a bit tough in this economy, but I've managed to round up some side work (a small gig) that I will be able to skim some off of to put into the building fund.
Your place is looking great! I wish I was that far along :)
How were the inspections? I think the first shed I build will be under the size limit to have to be permitted, but the next one will be a full fledged cabin... and I'm wondering how close they inspect, etc...
Love the pics and will look forward to more!
Java,
The inspector in my area is a good guy. Everything went smoothly and I asked them what it was they wanted to see prior to the next inspection. Cleared up any ambiguities up front and they were very helpful. If I recall correctly anything under 120 sf doesn't require a building permit, Anything over, does... I was hoping for 200 sf, which is the limit in my county.
Jar dude, Looking forward to the progress pictures. Any Turkeys up your way? Season starts this week...
Quote from: Yonderosa on April 13, 2010, 07:47:12 PM
Java,
The inspector in my area is a good guy. Everything went smoothly and I asked them what it was they wanted to see prior to the next inspection. Cleared up any ambiguities up front and they were very helpful. If I recall correctly anything under 120 sf doesn't require a building permit, Anything over, does... I was hoping for 200 sf, which is the limit in my county.
Jar dude, Looking forward to the progress pictures. Any Turkeys up your way? Season starts this week...
Saw a couple dozen Turkey's but no Turkey hunting in Okanogan County I beleive. :( Otherwise I'd be there with my 870 -- oh wait, I will be there :D Just not shooting Turkey's I'm told
Wait! Wait! I just re-read the regs and I don't see ANY reference to not hunting Turkey's in the Okanogan! WHooHoo!
There were about 2 dozen around our place this winter...so um...maybe I better grab a tag and bring the 870 Super Mag along with some #4 fast lead! :D
supposedly there are Turkeys up on my place, too - but I've never seen them, nor heard them. I wish I would - I'd love to get one to take home - altho Beautiful would make me pluck it myself :(
Lots of turkeys around our northern NM mountains. The season starts Thursday here. I'll have to miss it though.
Had six beside the house this morning. If they wouldn't have seen me I could have probably hit them with a rock. I think the Hens have already split up from the gobblers since they have started their annual calling in the mornings. Our Spring gobbler season comes in the last of the month here.
Quote from: Yonderosa on April 13, 2010, 07:47:12 PM
Java,
The inspector in my area is a good guy. Everything went smoothly and I asked them what it was they wanted to see prior to the next inspection. Cleared up any ambiguities up front and they were very helpful. If I recall correctly anything under 120 sf doesn't require a building permit, Anything over, does... I was hoping for 200 sf, which is the limit in my county.
Jar dude, Looking forward to the progress pictures. Any Turkeys up your way? Season starts this week...
Yonderosa, I apologize in advance for what has turned into a long, ordinance quoting ramble, but I am curious to where in the Okanogan Building code the 120 sq ft limit is imposed?
This is because I was just reading the Okanogan Building Ordanance (Ordanance 2005-1 (Building and Related Codes) Adopted 3/8/05) and could not find any restriction of the size of a building to less than what the ICC codes state. It reads, in part:"The County of Okanogan hereby adopts the following codes as amended by the Washington State Building Code Council pursuant to RCW 19.27.074 ...". Later on in the ordinance it states that, "Section C - In conformity with the provisions of the State Building Code, the following resolutions and ordinances are hereby repealed:
Okanogan County Ordinance No. 96-2 as amended by Okanogan County Ordinace No. 97-8 (Building and Related Codes)
In addition, all other resolutions and ordinances enacted prior to the effective date of this ordinance, or parts thereof which are in conflict with or inconsistent with this Ordinance are hereby repealed"
The next section goes on to state that "except as exempted in the international Building Code..." you must obtain a permit - isn't it in the IBC that the 200sq ft limit is?
Of course, I haven't read all of the IBC, so I could very well be mistaken, and Okanogan County may have adopted the limitation since 2005 (which is most likely), but they really need to put this info up on the website!
Aside from that, I, too have found the people at the county to be easy to work with (so far), although I haven't actually begun my project(s) yet ???
We have more turkeys than ever before! They have had some effects, generally in April we will have massive amounts of field spiders walking everywhere, they are large and hairy, some would call them tarantulas...I'm thinking the turkeys have decimated their population! Turkeys here are not so good for eating.
Java,
Before I started mine I gave the county a call. I had a 196 sf version of the plan I built but was told that 120 was the limit for that type of structure without a building permit - with a few exceptions for farm buildings etc.
Since I was going to have to pay for a permit anyway I decided to up the square footage. The planning and health departments required some fees too if I recall correctly. I figured it was better to tell them what it was I wanted to do and just pay the ransoms required.
Yonderosa,
Yeah, I know they want the health dept and the planning dept involved. They are "supposed" to be involved even when building a farm building un-permitted. I was just hoping there was something to reference that said something like "except that any other unpermitted building shall be no larger than 120 feet" or whatever.
I'm still looking for it! If I find it, I'll let you know! ;)
Quote from: JavaMan on April 13, 2010, 11:24:13 PM
Quote from: Yonderosa on April 13, 2010, 07:47:12 PM
Java,
The inspector in my area is a good guy. Everything went smoothly and I asked them what it was they wanted to see prior to the next inspection. Cleared up any ambiguities up front and they were very helpful. If I recall correctly anything under 120 sf doesn't require a building permit, Anything over, does... I was hoping for 200 sf, which is the limit in my county.
Jar dude, Looking forward to the progress pictures. Any Turkeys up your way? Season starts this week...
Yonderosa, I apologize in advance for what has turned into a long, ordinance quoting ramble, but I am curious to where in the Okanogan Building code the 120 sq ft limit is imposed?
This is because I was just reading the Okanogan Building Ordanance (Ordanance 2005-1 (Building and Related Codes) Adopted 3/8/05) and could not find any restriction of the size of a building to less than what the ICC codes state. It reads, in part:"The County of Okanogan hereby adopts the following codes as amended by the Washington State Building Code Council pursuant to RCW 19.27.074 ...". Later on in the ordinance it states that, "Section C - In conformity with the provisions of the State Building Code, the following resolutions and ordinances are hereby repealed:
Okanogan County Ordinance No. 96-2 as amended by Okanogan County Ordinace No. 97-8 (Building and Related Codes)
In addition, all other resolutions and ordinances enacted prior to the effective date of this ordinance, or parts thereof which are in conflict with or inconsistent with this Ordinance are hereby repealed"
The next section goes on to state that "except as exempted in the international Building Code..." you must obtain a permit - isn't it in the IBC that the 200sq ft limit is?
Of course, I haven't read all of the IBC, so I could very well be mistaken, and Okanogan County may have adopted the limitation since 2005 (which is most likely), but they really need to put this info up on the website!
Aside from that, I, too have found the people at the county to be easy to work with (so far), although I haven't actually begun my project(s) yet ???
I need to look for Considerations post about the IBC but in the IBC there is a clause that states something akin to: no building permit is required for a building under 400 square feet provided it isn't the single family dwelling -- or maybe that was 'primary single family dwelling -- and then it gives examples.
I'll check that and see where it is but again it was considerations that posted it in her cabin topic -- I've been loosely using that as my justification for not permitting since my building is 336 square feet and decidedly NOT our primary residence or a single family one etc etc and a cabin is essentially a 'play house' after all :D
OK here goes:
UTILITY AND MISCELLANEOUS GROUP U
Buildings and structures of an accessory character and miscellaneous structures not classified in
any specific occupancy shall be constructed, equipped and maintained to conform to the
requirements of this code commensurate with the fire and life hazard incidental to their
occupancy. Group U shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
§ Agricultural buildings § Livestock shelters
§ Aircraft hangars § Private garages
§ Barns § Retaining walls
§ Carports § Sheds
§ Fences more than 6 feet high § Stables
§ Grain silos § Tanks
§ Greenhouses § Towers
So clearly a cabin isn't one of those examples except that you could call it a shed perhaps or a Private Garage (hey my Motorcycle can fit through the door -- even though I don't have one) but for the pruposes of argument I'm contending that I am building an agricultural building or a private garage that I just happen to have converted into a play house :P
Quote from: considerations on May 07, 2008, 10:01:23 AM
I'm stretching credulity with the codes, but I'm not alone in that out here.
"21.01.045 Exemptions.
Section 105.2 of the International Building Code (IBC) as published by the International Code Council regarding exemptions from permit requirements shall be amended to read as follows:
1. One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses and classified as U Occupancies, provided that such buildings are for private use only and are accessory to single family dwellings and provided the floor area does not exceed 400 square feet. Eaves may project not more than 24 inches beyond the wall line.
.......but then:
"Unless otherwise exempted, separate plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits will be required for the above exempted items."
So, I'm pushing it. There is no single family dwelling for the cabin to be "accessory to".
I'd argue that the 5th wheel is the Single family dwelling :) Heck I'll argue that my camper and tent trailer are but just becuase I will argue doesn't mean I'm right.
Luckily in my neck of the woods they aren't as likely to bother me -- so tell me all my neighbors -- other then to raise my taxes.
I should also note that my single family dwelling is 160 miles south of my cabin but that clearly means it isn't my single family dwelling and of course the cabin is only for private use :) :D
I suppose it could be looked upon as accessory to the primary dwelling ... you aren't using it AS the primary dwelling. Or it's a play house in the back yard - which just happens to be 160 miles north :)
Quote from: JavaMan on April 14, 2010, 01:36:17 PM
I suppose it could be looked upon as accessory to the primary dwelling ... you aren't using it AS the primary dwelling. Or it's a play house in the back yard - which just happens to be 160 miles north :)
:) 8) ;)
When I submitted my plans the criteria seemed to focus on plumbing and/or a heat source. If either was incorporated into the building, it changed how they categorize it.
Quote from: Yonderosa on April 14, 2010, 07:05:57 PM
When I submitted my plans the criteria seemed to focus on plumbing and/or a heat source. If either was incorporated into the building, it changed how they categorize it.
Oh, yeah, I was talking with them a year ago or so, and the minute you have "permanent heat" or pressure water, you need to have all sorts of other things, and it changes the way they look at it considerably!
Just back from another visit. I even had some time and some of the materials I needed to do some of the work I've been wanting to do.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/nterior2.jpg)
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/nterior_1.jpg)
The wall finish material is rough sawn Douglas Fir - "random" widths and thicknesses (wider below) trying for a rustic appearance. On a visit to Wind's place he showed me a bandsaw technique that I'll try that should allow me to go wider than my table saw (<6") will do.
I even managed to get some work on the exterior done
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/ableend3.jpg)
Where you been Boy?
Glad to see you back at it- your place looks great, I love the DF paneling. Nice R&R shingles.
It looks like you pretty much have it wrapped up- any plans for an out building, guest cottage, maids quarters, etc.?
Tell me more about the new band saw technique.
SD
Yonderosa:
Very handsome project. Nice details!
Skagit, still a ways to go but it does feel like we're over the hump. The boss has some good ideas and knows how to spur the progress along. Keeping her happy is the key to a "more harmonious outcome" or something like that. Could be that after 30 years I'm just well trained too.
I've been playing with a few other designs. We will need a well-house in the near future and might turn that into a multipurpose structure. Trying not to get too far ahead of myself until locations and what the county says what I can and need to do.
Also I have a few more cabinets to haul over. The weather has not cooperated so far but I expect that'll change soon. I just hope I have the time and space when it does - we already look like the Beverly Hillbillys when we head over.
Are you seeing any Bears over at your place?
It seems like there are more out and about this year. Had some neighbors get stuck outside their cabin while a Bear decided to camp out their porch. Pretty much everyone with a barbeque or a bird feeder has been raided. Having backpacked extensively we're careful with our food and garbage - hopefully our luck will hold and we can continue to enjoy the Bears from a distance.
Plenty of bear sign around but I have not seen any with my own eyes yet this year.
We have been seeing these guys around ...
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/4elk.jpg)
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/oneelk.jpg)
Our area is not really known for elk but these guys seem to like it- they have been hanging around for the last couple of months.
VERY cool! My sister's place is up near Bonaparte and they've been seeing more Elk lately too ;D
I hope they decide to show up in our neighborhood too. Bugling Elk in September is one of my favorite sounds, which reminds me, I need a new rest for my Bow... ;)
I've heard that Skagit herd is causing some problems for the locals and the game dept. Maybe they could truck a few over my way.
A little closer to having the exterior buttoned up.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/outpostjuly2010.jpg)
Just a little more trim, some touch-up paint and I can check it off! :)
We timed the weather perfectly. BEAUTIFUL for the whole week.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/muledeerfawn.jpg)
The Bears have been doing a number on these guys this year. It was good to see a few made it to the ambulatory stage. Good luck little dude!
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/yarrowlazy.jpg)
The Yellow Dog found a way to take a nap and not risk missing any meals.
P.S. Rant: The county, starving for revenue sent out the County Assessor looking for more things to tax. I don't mind paying for what I have but don't invent things I don't to charge me for. Is it too much to ask that the public sector workers actually be competent in their jobs? After all they get a better than average wage, vacation, sick pay, health care and a retirement package. This one seems to think the Outpost has a metal roof ??? and can't quite figure out how to use a calculator - he could have just looked at the building permit but I reckon that number weren't quite big enough for him... The Island County assessor is just as bad, they believe a home's square footage goes all the way out to the fascia. Maybe I'm just a little envious, I'd love to have a job that paid me even if I couldn't do it. Frustrating!
Looks real nice in that setting. Maybe you need one of Glenns land useage signs to recoupe some of that money back. ;D
Quote from: Redoverfarm on July 15, 2010, 03:43:16 PM
Looks real nice in that setting. Maybe you need one of Glenns land useage signs to recoupe some of that money back. ;D
I plan to put up some of those but it looks like you have to have them made. If I could find a place to purchase them I would do so immediately to save time! hehe....I need about 4 or 5 to make sure the bastards see them clearly.
Did a quick solo trip over to take care of some business and get a little work done. The weather was very mixed, mostly overcast with a few sun breaks, regular showers/rain and even some lightning. Temperatures were mild 45-65, didn't need any heat. Critters were out in force. Wish I could get over and stay longer more often.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/rainbowoutpost.jpg)
Proof that Rainbows do end on treasure. ;D
[cool] picture!!
Great photo Yonder-
Don't you just love fall in the Okanogan? Beautiful.
Managed to get back over last weekend. Short visit, little business and a lot of fun.
Woke up early Saturday morning to snow. It sure makes things purdy. Watched a BIG Whitetail stroll across the meadow but it was too dark to get a picture. LOTS of other Deer activity. I'm thinking the rut is (still) on. Lots of tracks in all the usual places hours after the fresh snow. Deer, Snowshoe Hare, Coyote, squirrel and Grouse tracks mainly. Passed on shooting a Grouse as I ain't seen many of them around this year. No sign of Bears - probably all hunkered down and snoozing by now.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/snowday.jpg)
The cabin performed well. Used one Big Buddy heater to get it up to room temperature in about two hours which was pretty impressive considering it was 25*F in there when I arrived. Afterward I could maintain the temperature with periodic use of the low setting.
No progress on the cabinets or interior. Didn't even bring tools this trip. Haven't had much time to build anything leading up to the trip.
As always, looking forward to the next stay.
Nice! Love the snow over there.
How was travel on the SR20 pass? (did you go that way?)
I was hoping to get over one more time through the North Cascades but it is looking like winter is here to stay. It won't be long till they shut it down for the season.
I bet it felt good to just go over without a work load and enjoy the place.
All the best - have a good Thanksgiving.
T.
I went Stevens. Had some snow at about 3500' so I suspect the North Cascades had a bit more. The weather forecast says it'll be -20*F tonight. The coldest I've seen while I was there is -3*F.
It was enjoyable poking around in the snow and then coming back into a warm cabin. Takes you back to when you were a kid and it was all fun.
Brrrr, that's cold! Glad you had the cabin to warm up in!
This past September I visited some friends who live 4-5 miles out of Leavenworth - beautiful area! Took the train through Steven's Pass to Seattle,WA to fly out from there - that was fun.
Neighbor had a trail cam picture of the Whitetail that strolled through the meadow while I was there.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/bigwhitail.jpg)
He has a lot nicer headgear than most of the Whitetails I see around there.
There are some nice Mulies too.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/nicemuledeer.jpg)
[cool]
Winter makes travel to our cabin difficult so when the opportunity to spend some time there, I jumped on it.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/theviewin.jpg)
Gear needs to be packed in.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/packingin.jpg)
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/sled.jpg)
This was mostly a waste of effort. We only used it once the whole trip. We use it to run tools and this visit was all about relaxation. The grain scoop was handy as a sled and a snow shovel though.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/yonderosabreakfast.jpg)
not a place to go if you're on a diet.
The temperature ranged from 20-45*F, unseasonably warm. The snow was knee deep in places. Once the trail was broken the travel was easy going but XC was challenging.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/piperscouting.jpg)
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/cabininthewoods.jpg)
The cabin made the stay very comfortable. A single Big Buddy heater used intermittently was more than enough to maintain a more than comfortable 70*+ F interior.
Most of the critter activity was evident in the tracks - mostly snowshoe Hare, but Coyote, Moose and Deer were also evident.
Snowshoes are on my to get list. Couldn't cover the ground I was hoping to see. All and all, a great visit!
I like the animal tracks. We followed some hare tracks that seemed to be followed by coyote tracks once, but never nothing seemed to come of it. Good for the hare I guess.
We like our MSR snow shoes a lot.
Sounds as if you had a great stay. Just saw some magnesium shoes on sale. Not top of the line but reasonably priced considering the amount of use they would get occassionally. The also have some more expensive models also.
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=771260
Looks familiar! Was over there 3 weks ago, ame home and got a pair of the military snowshoes, as well as on craigslist and found a new pair of Sherpas cheap. Like you, can't wait to go back and not daunted by this weeks turn to more snow!
Your place is beautiful, and you cannot have a more beautiful location then the valley there! It's a wonderful feeling when you can get in and stay warm! I look forward to all the eastern Washington builder posts to see what it looks like in our neck of the woods!
Looks like a great trip over Yonderosa!
Your place looks great in the snow.
I swear I could smell those sticky buns from my place.
How far is your walk in to your cabin?
Not as far as it is to yours SD. That mud box idea for skidding in the gear is just what the doctor ordered.
I could post the plan for the mud box-
Took about 2 hours to build, another 2 hours to fiberglass the bottom/sides
and cost about $40 for materials. Simple as it gets.
Tom
Here is the link for the mud box plan...
A guy like you could knock one of these out in a heartbeat.
http://www.takeem.com/blinds/coffin-blind.php
THANK YOU!!!
I like the paint job on yours better than the one in the link. Nicely done!
Thanks for the solution and the inspiration.
What elevation are you at? I keep seeing guys in and around me mentioning they can't get in this time of year and I wonder if I'm just the lucky one?? Of course I do have to chain up all 4 and the XJ does have a decent lift and other added things that make it a good candidate for getting in this time of year but it sounds like you also get more snow then me....unless I'm just keeping my road cleared because I keep driving in and leaving ruts to follow ;)
We're at 3500' and access is generally very good until I get to my driveway. I just shovel out a spot to park and walk the rest of the way in, which is not to far. When the snow is fluffy and doesn't pack it can be quite a workout going up and down the driveway or if the it warms up enough to ice the trail when it freezes again. I found that out last weekend when I rolled my ankle and fell on my butt. I've got a nice purple foot now but at least I can still move around.
The neighbors are saying we've had as much as 2' but it warms up and settles in or blows away. Except for right next to the trees it was knee deep around most of my place.
Quote from: Yonderosa on February 18, 2011, 10:09:19 AM
We're at 3500' and access is generally very good until I get to my driveway. I just shovel out a spot to park and walk the rest of the way in, which is not to far. When the snow is fluffy and doesn't pack it can be quite a workout going up and down the driveway or if the it warms up enough to ice the trail when it freezes again. I found that out last weekend when I rolled my ankle and fell on my butt. I've got a nice purple foot now but at least I can still move around.
The neighbors are saying we've had as much as 2' but it warms up and settles in or blows away. Except for right next to the trees it was knee deep around most of my place.
Did some driving in about 12" of snow which was ice on top and powder underneath. I only had chains on the front but made it through slowly. If I were trying to get in somewhere like your place with no previous driving to pack it down I 'might' try all 4 chains but might also be like you and not risk getting stuck. I have a winch mind you, but still, it's no fun getting buried in the snow!
Nice project! just read the whole thread... getting me excited for my project some day!
Yonderosa: Do I have it correctly that during your build you had two inspections ...a framing and then a final inspection? Sorry if I'm wrong and I missed an existing post.
Miles, All of the building inspections were done in two visits. Foundation, framing, sheer... on through to final. Planning and the health depts had separate inspections and also required permits and money. If I recall correctly I wrote checks to at least four different government agencies and did about a day's worth of paperwork. They were helpful in getting me most of what I wanted.
If you don't mind me asking, what did the planning and the health depts have need to inspect?
verify zoning conformance, legal access, on site sanitation ... etc. Got to make sure the revenue stream is in order which reminds me, the dept of revenue required some money too and some signage. A lot of hands come out when you want to do anything on "your" property. I try to :) when I open my wallet - gets tougher to do when times are lean. Keeps the JBT's from kicking in my door though ::)
Wow ...I can't even imagine why DOR wanted their fingers in the pot. But wow.
Quote from: rniles on March 17, 2011, 10:43:14 AM
Wow ...I can't even imagine why DOR wanted their fingers in the pot. But wow.
Improvements to raw land = change in tax classification.
We bugged out for an extended weekend for some much needed R&R. Didn't do much to the cabin though. Did a little exploring. Spring is showing some signs of its arrival and most of the snow is gone.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/mccanyonsqual.jpg)
The beauty of this area never ceases to amaze me. Sure feels good on my eyes. I think this view is looking out toward SkagitDrifter's way. The canyon here - lower right- came pretty close to being as famous as the Little Big Horn but the advance party spotted the Indians before the main force of 160 men entered the canyon. The Indians had to attack early, killed three and drove the rest down to the river.
Spotted lots of Grouse this trip. Found several drumming logs.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/rousedrumminglog.jpg)
I hope that bodes well for next September! ;D
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/alookn.jpg)
We did get some snow but it didn't stick around. The hill side did get dusted a few times about 500 feet above us.
The pictures have me aching for the mountains. Nice!
Nice!
Hope you had a great winter Yonderosa.
Can't wait to get back over there myself.
SkagitDrifter: Thanks. Hope your plans include a trip over to the good side of the hill and that fuel prices don't cut into that.
Tough Winter this year. Weather really sucked and cut into productivity. Luckily those projects didn't disappear, just postponed. Starting to see more guys in the building trades go under. The first wave cleaned out a bunch but I'm seeing some long established guys hang it up. I'm doing stuff I only did in the past out of necessity. As recently as a year ago I wouldn't even consider doing a foundation - it was hard dirty work when I was half this old - now it sucks even worse, but it's a paying job even though the wages have dropped back to what I was making 10 and 20 years ago. Sad part is, I'm one of the lucky ones. ???
I'm hoping to take another trip over soon. Looks like the North Cascades HWY will be closed for a while more. Adds about 40 miles or so to my trip going Stevens Pass. Those extra miles are starting to hurt a bit more at the pump. Worth every cent to go though.
(http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Pathfinder/porchpuppy.jpg)
The new pup is settling in nice. Shows some good bird instincts too.
2011 went by like a flash. Didn't get as much time over at the Yonderosa as I wanted but enjoyed every second I did manage to be there. I'm missing it something fierce and doing what I can to tide me over until the next visit.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFnVpPSia8U (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFnVpPSia8U)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gg_dvjGOJNk&context=C36fd7a3ADOEgsToPDskLaUj0MZxKikhLH9RyiojAv (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gg_dvjGOJNk&context=C36fd7a3ADOEgsToPDskLaUj0MZxKikhLH9RyiojAv)
A slideshow of some of the 2011 highlights.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I12OIx2Tdb8&context=C33ddcc3ADOEgsToPDskJBIF0KLTGZueXo75sYhzil (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I12OIx2Tdb8&context=C33ddcc3ADOEgsToPDskJBIF0KLTGZueXo75sYhzil)
Thanks for sharing and thanks for sharing......
Been wondering what happened to you! I have not seen any posts or comments for quite a while from you. :)
Nice update Mo!
Looks like you've made it to the "Relax and Enjoy It" phase.
Quote from: Pine Cone on January 23, 2012, 12:48:12 AM
Looks like you've made it to the "Relax and Enjoy It" phase.
Last year that was the case somewhat reluctantly - simply didn't have the time, which in this economy is a good thing. This year I aspire to accomplish more and spend more time there.
Did you get much snow out your way?
Pretty slideshow...and I love the "chocodiles!"
Nice little videos - love the song on the last one :)
Quote from: Sassy on January 23, 2012, 06:14:49 PM
Nice little videos - love the song on the last one :)
It made my Mom cry... in a good way.
Thanks to everyone for the encouragement and inspiration.
Looking real nice. Great Video's. [cool]
Quote from: Yonderosa on January 23, 2012, 07:27:40 AM
Last year that was the case somewhat reluctantly - simply didn't have the time, which in this economy is a good thing. This year I aspire to accomplish more and spend more time there.
Did you get much snow out your way?
Max snow here was about 6", but it has all melted. I lived with snow for enough years in the mountains of California that I am happy to only have a few days worth now.
I'll have to try and make something like your video for my build. What software did you use to put it all together?
I just used Windows movie maker and then added the music from Youtube's audio library.
Just back from our first visit of 2012. When we arrived it looked as if Winter was on the retreat. The snow was melting and there were patches of bare ground. I took advantage of that to test some gear and do some scouting.
(https://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/WhitSpurzon/Yonderosa040.jpg)
MSR Evo snowshoes worked great. I removed the tails for the first two days to get around on the crusty snow without slipping or post-holing. SAKO you need to get you some.. ;)
(https://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/WhitSpurzon/Yonderosa042.jpg)
I spent a majority of the daylight hours on these.
I did not see a lot of wildlife sign. I suspect most of the Deer are still at lower elevations though I did see a few older Moose tracks and Coyote too. The only critters I saw were Grouse and Snowshoe Hare (solid white phase) their numbers looked good. The Grouse we're mostly in the same thick cover they were last fall during hunting season.
(https://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/WhitSpurzon/Yonderosvideo015.jpg)
Fresh Bunny Tracks. In their White suits they are impossible to see until they move.
If it wasn't for Piper I'd probably walked right by without seeing them.
(https://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/WhitSpurzon/Marlin011.jpg)
On the third day we got 8" of new snow and plenty of wind to go along with it. It was a good test of my gear.
(https://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/WhitSpurzon/Yonderosa016.jpg)
I was glad to have a place to get back to for shelter each night.
(https://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/WhitSpurzon/Yonderosa024.jpg)
The dogs liked it too.
As always we were sad to leave.
(https://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/WhitSpurzon/Yonderosa024-001.jpg)
Can't wait to get back!
Nice little cabin. You don't have the artist and title to the songs you used on your youtube videos by any chance?
Dreaming Of A Little Cabin by the Isaacs
Vanishing Breed by Michael Martin Murphey
Enjoyed your videos, reminding me of our place over there just south of Curlew up on Empire Creek. If you ever get in the neighborhood and want to wander another pretty area I'll give you directions to get to the property and wander around...It's about 160 acres and borders timber company and state land, so no fear of imposing on others... Due to my wife's health we don't have the chance to get there very often, but it's still a special place. Many of the photos on our screensaver are of the place, just to remind us of its beauty.
Beautiful pictures! Looks like it was a nice trip to the cabin with a little bit of snow and a little bit of sun. I have the older MSR Denali snowshoes with tails (that I hardly ever need with the West slope Cascade concrete) and love them. Picked up a pair of the Denali Ascents with the heel lifts on Craigslist last summer too. Good to hear you're enjoying yours.
I was telling the wife while we were out scouting that we needed to get us a pair. some spots were thigh high.
We also love to see your photos, you have a beautiful place.
We are yet to see a moose, some sign but still no moose.
One of the "advantages" to having Wolves running around is they drive Critters right up to your front porch. Got a call from a neighbor today telling me that we had a Cow Moose and some new Calves camping out between our places. She's real aggressive with dogs so she wanted to warn me to watch out for mine.
Folks were wondering what happened to the yotes lately. Now that the Wolves are ranging through it makes more sense. Last visit everything seemed to be on high alert and on the move. Could be an interesting year.
(https://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/WhitSpurzon/Moosebabies2012Stevens2.jpg)
(https://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/WhitSpurzon/Moosebabies2012Stevens.jpg)
Wow!
Hadn't heard there was more wolf activity in the area. I need to get my camera back in action and pick up another one!
At least to the north and west of you there has been activity. Don't know if they're taking up shop though, probably transitory. When ranchers start seeing mortally wounded partially eaten stock ... that is a pretty sure sign of Wolf activity. A lot of buzz going on in our valley as of late.
I know of one Rancher who lost his dog recently. Not sure if he's still pro-Wolf anymore. Probably a good idea to keep a close eye on yer critters.
Good to know! Thanks
FREE to a good home. ???
(https://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/WhitSpurzon/Bearporch.jpg)
He'll eat anything and seems very friendly. About 110 pounds by the look of him. A bit skinny but with his appetite I'm sure he'll fatten up nice. Needs training. Excellent climber.
(https://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/WhitSpurzon/Bearinbound.jpg)
:-\
I'm hoping he'll find a new home soon before he makes too much a nuisance of himself.
Yearling?
Were you up at the cabin when you took these?
You have some good wildlife action going on up there ! I could spend all afternoon watching big critters
Quote from: OlJarhead on June 30, 2012, 02:34:31 PM
Yearling?
Were you up at the cabin when you took these?
I'm guessing he's a yearling. The three we had last year were more than twice his size. My next door neighbor (full time resident) took these pictures. He's "inside the wire" now which isn't good unless you're in the market for a rug. Hopefully he'll figure out he's overstayed his welcome soon.
Quote from: Yonderosa on June 30, 2012, 06:33:33 PM
I'm guessing he's a yearling. The three we had last year were more than twice his size. My next door neighbor (full time resident) took these pictures. He's "inside the wire" now which isn't good unless you're in the market for a rug. Hopefully he'll figure out he's overstayed his welcome soon.
I enjoy watch them too. Not to crazy about finding them on the porch when I'm letting the dogs out in the morning though.
Critter Cam pictures:
(https://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/WhitSpurzon/CritterCam095.jpg)
(https://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/WhitSpurzon/CritterCam103.jpg)
(https://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/WhitSpurzon/Crittercam007-1.jpg)
(https://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/WhitSpurzon/Crittercam007.jpg)
Have some Mule Deer does and two bucks hanging out too.
More critter pictures:
(https://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/WhitSpurzon/CritterCam043.jpg)
(https://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/WhitSpurzon/CritterCam066.jpg)
(https://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/WhitSpurzon/CritterCam079.jpg)
(https://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/WhitSpurzon/CritterCam109.jpg)
(https://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/WhitSpurzon/CritterCam403.jpg)
(https://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/WhitSpurzon/CritterCam404.jpg)
(https://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/WhitSpurzon/CritterCam411.jpg)
After monkeying around with a variety of designs I finally figured out that the "table" works best just mounted on the wall - no legs, no need to fold down. Sometimes the simple way is the best and most functional.
(https://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/WhitSpurzon/Yonderosa557_zps0ad8b586.jpg)
It's just a rough sawn plank I got from the sawyer, sanded just enough to get the slivers off and champfered the edge.
(https://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/WhitSpurzon/Yonderosa558_zpsbb2cd224.jpg)
Can't wait to get back!
(https://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/WhitSpurzon/Yonderosa563.jpg)
Were you just up?
It's been a few weeks.