Hi All-
I got my plans for our cabin this past spring but have been out of the picture for the last few months. Summer is a very busy time for my company and I have been up to my eyeballs with work for what feels like forever (I do drop in here once in a while to see the progress on everyones cool projects). My last post was sometime in May- right after that we got slammed and I'm just pulling out of it- but busy is good, right?
So, I have the foundation done and stripped, a pile of lumber on site, and maybe six to eight weeks before the snow flies. I will be hitting it hard untill I have the cabin dried in or I drop-whichever comes first.
We start framing this week.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC03581.jpg)
Foundation poured and stripped.
I'll frame a 6' pony wall for the floor system to sit on which will give me 7' to 8' head height in the crawl space after I gravel it in.- add a 12' wide roll up door and I'll have locking storage for Quad / Snowmobile etc.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC03593.jpg)
Packing the never ending pile of material.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC03590.jpg)
My beautiful wife taking five.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC03595.jpg)
I drive a desk at work and after the last few days of hard labor I know why- but I do love the physical stuff- it really feels good at the end of the day. I was a PM for a construction company in my younger days and am no stranger to hard work but it does take its toll on the body.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC02519.jpg)
My other helper, Cash- True American Hero
Hope everyone had a great summer. I'm glad I'm back, I might have some technical questions for the gang when I hit a road block- it's nice to know I can get some feed back from you good folks.
Thanks for looking in.
Tom
Thanks for posting. G/L on the weather. :)
Looking forward to seeing more, Tom. Thanks for the update.
Looks like a great spot. The tall crawl space is a neat idea. Saw that alot in Colorado when I worked up there.
Got back to it this past weekend. The weather was not with us but we managed to get some done. The window before the really bad weather is getting smaller but I will be pushing hard for the next few weeks to get her dried in. We planned to have walls raised this weekend but progress was a bit slower with the bad weather. We'll re-group and hit it hard this weekend.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC03647.jpg)
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC03653.jpg)
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC03658.jpg)
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC03661.jpg)
A few more pics of the area around the place.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC03679.jpg)
The road in to the site.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC03695.jpg)
From the hill side above the cabin. The aspen are really starting to change.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC03690.jpg)
The sun broke out just as it was time to head back over the pass.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC03697.jpg)
In the pass- winter is knocking on the door.
More to come next week.
Hope you all had a safe and productive weekend.
Tom
Knocking indeed, the storm moving in tonight will be dropping more snow in the passes, especially Hwy 20 across the North Cascades. Figure you have maybe a month or so before they close that route for the winter. I'm headed over to my cabin in Ferry Co., just east of you, for a little more work on the cabin and some deer hunting. Hope the early snow at the higher elevations drives Mongo and the rest of the buck boys down to my level. Who is Mongo? Why, he is the mythical monster buck that all deer hunters dream and talk about.
Nice to see the aspens are changing. They should be peaking next weekend.
I'd like to pick up a roller skate like the pink one you found, to just leave over at the cabin for back-roads exploring.
Always good to have a pup on hand for homeland security and to keep the varmints (deer) from running thru camp.
Good luck on the build. At 8ft., think I'd call it the "lower level" rather than "crawl space." Only Paul Bunyan would need to crawl to get around in there.
Looks great. I have an offer on land 3 hrs east in Colville/Addy. Now if the markets (housing and stock) would stop the downward move I could consider moving forward.
Woodswalker-
Good luck with Mongo-
We had steaks from a friend of his this past weekend at camp. Yum!
I hope the snow holds off for another month- do you run the N Cascade pass also? Are you a "Wet-sider" too?
soomb-
Hang in there-
You will be up here before you know it.
That Colville area is beautiful and well worth the wait.
All the best-
Tom
Yes, I live on the wet side, but way south of you near Olympia (Lacey). I get over the hump through Snoqualmie Pass, and then all the way east of Moses Lake before heading due north to the Keller ferry across Lake Roosevelt, and then on up to Republic and Lake Curlew area.
Good luck on the weather. It came 3 weeks early here. Your location is beautiful. Be safe. I hope you have many years of good times there.
BTW - I have a match to Cash, his name is Jake. He provides moral support and exceptional company. He also holds my son down while we are cruising the lake.
(https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/Dirtofak/DSC00371.jpg)
Mike
(https://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u164/Woodswalker_WA/Cabinflyrafters08Dick011.jpg)
This is "Cirque," my cabin building assistant and security guard. That's not a picnic table, it's a pup perch.
Steve
Nce dog. Mine looks like a redneck compared to yours and he didn't even clean the food off of his face for the picture.
(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/spikefood.jpg)
He gets his lips stuck in his mouth when he's lusting after food. d*
Speaking of dogs...
Did you know that you can prove that dogs are man's best friend?
Heres how-
Take you dog and your wife and lock them in the trunk of your car.
Come back after an hour and open the trunk.
Which one is happy to see you?
Nice place,Love the landscape
Quote from: SkagitDrifter on October 07, 2008, 11:17:50 AM
Speaking of dogs...
Did you know that you can prove that dogs are man's best friend?
Heres how-
Take you dog and your wife and lock them in the trunk of your car.
Come back after an hour and open the trunk.
Which one is happy to see you?
I bet that really works. d*
That is a great view! Good job on making progress, looks like quite a few of us are trying to race against old man winter this year.
Here is my cabin building assistant Xandyr while we are sharing =)
(http://cabin.lorangerlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/camponeway_xandyr.jpg)
Xandyr sure is a cute pup, and I like your ride too.
Is that a Suzuki? Did you rattle-can it yourself? Nice job.
Good luck to all this weekend-
May the weather Gods be with you for the next few weeks.
Tom
Quote from: lonelytree on October 06, 2008, 10:02:10 PM
Good luck on the weather. It came 3 weeks early here. Your location is beautiful. Be safe. I hope you have many years of good times there.
BTW - I have a match to Cash, his name is Jake. He provides moral support and exceptional company. He also holds my son down while we are cruising the lake.
(https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/Dirtofak/DSC00371.jpg)
Mike
That's what Spike does to me all the time - I hadn't been back to the cabin for a week - working in the valley & yesterday he wanted to sit in my lap all the time - he weighs at least a 100lbs & is all muscle!
You are really making great progress! The area looks beautiful :)
Quote from: SkagitDrifter on October 10, 2008, 05:19:40 PM
Xandyr sure is a cute pup, and I like your ride too.
Is that a Suzuki? Did you rattle-can it yourself? Nice job.
Good luck to all this weekend-
May the weather Gods be with you for the next few weeks.
Tom
Thanks =) You seem to have a pretty darn good dog yourself.
It's indeed a Zuki and rattle canned by myself.
I have a question on the opening on the lower level of your place. is that going to be a walkout that you will pour inside later or is it something totally different?
great work so far and I can relate to the busy work schedule. After 60-70hrs the last thing I want to do is work another 20, but once I get to the cabin I get a second wind.
Been in and out of the office and back and forth to the cabin project. I'm not really sure where I am some days when I wake up in the morning. Anyway, we have been hitting it hard the last two weeks trying to stay ahead of the weather.
Sorry for the delay Lorangerlife but to answer your question... the lower level is basically an elevated crawl space- The plan is to put a plastic moisture barrier down and 3-4" of gravel on top. We'll install a roll up garage door which we will be able to lock. Secure storage for snowmobile, quad, small fishing boat etc.- no access from inside the actual living space.
Here are a few pics of our progress- things seem to take longer these days-maybe I'm getting old- NOT!
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/IMG_0529.jpg)
Loading material for wall framing
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/IMG_0540.jpg)
First wall up
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/IMG_0550.jpg)
More walls
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC03758.jpg)
On to roof framing
More Pics...
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC03748.jpg)
View from inside- note the pile of 2x12 Doug Fir rafters
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC03752.jpg)
More roof framing- the hardest part was setting the ridge- 2 2x12 sistered together with 2x4 running the full 30' with a steady 15 mph wind from the southeast
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC03761.jpg)
Rafters complete on to bird blocking
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC03772.jpg)
This view shows the 5-1/8" x 12" Glu-Lams on 4' centers
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC03777.jpg)
Got started on the metal siding which will run 6' high around the building- we get lots of snow which sometimes piles up on the walls.
I thought the metal would hold up better than wood.
A few more...
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC03770.jpg)
Main living area
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC03778.jpg)
My beautiful wife stained 6" cedar T&G for the 3' soffits- "I'll do any job you want as long as it's on the ground" she said.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC03782.jpg)
A couple more weekends of good weather and we could have her dried in.
Hope you all had a great weekend and got tons done on your projects.
Tom
very nice,
congrats to you and your landlubber better half.
Thanks for the update and pix.
Nice crib. You're making good progress. I need to learn that getting the wife to stain trick. d*
[cool]
It's been a while since my last update but things have been moving along- granted, sometimes at a snails pace, but nonetheless we are closing in on wraping it up for the winter. Sorry for the picture quality on some of these but my camera has issues with the cold weather and condensation.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC03933.jpg)
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC03927.jpg)
As a one man show I worked on metal siding and framing the small entry deck while I waited for my help to arrive.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC03960.jpg)
The weather took a turn for the worse- got some snow but not enough to really set us back too far. Hard to tell from the bad picture but the soffit detail might be interesting for some of you...
I droped the height of the gable end wall 3-1/2" and ran Cedar 4x4 out-riggers over the top of the wall and back to the last common rafter- this holds the barge rafter in place. After, I filled in between 4x4s with 2x4 at the building line.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC03969.jpg)
The next step was the cedar T&G which I installed on top of the rafter tails up to the bird blocking and out over the gable overhang. I then ran 1-1/2" OSB strips up the rafters to flush everything out.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC03971.jpg)
Next we sheet over the top of everything. This gives double thickness in the 3' overhangs so no roofing nails/screws poke through the soffit. Also, I prestained the soffit material and the rafter tails before we put it together, so I won't have to go back and do it later.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC03982.jpg)
With the sheeting done we installed the windows.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC03985.jpg)
...and got the paper on. I can breath a small sigh of relief.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC03990.jpg)
No picture but we got the Tyvek on as the day ended.
Last step is to install the metal which should be done this weekend.
Hope all of you who were fighting the weather got things wraped up.
More to come in the next week of so.
Tom
Beautiful land there in Okanogan! That is a gorgeous view of the drive up to the cabin! I just love to see how God paints our world especially in the fall. No master painter could ever do the Master's painting true justice!
Hi All-
Went over to the cabin to wrap up a few loose ends this weekend...
thought I would share a few pics.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC04116.jpg)
Most likley will not be able to do much more to the cabin this year- the weather is closing in on us- after the snow starts to stick around we will not be able to access the place except by snowmobile or snowshoes
(about a 1/2 hour walk in from the main road).
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC04118.jpg)
We hauled the old camper off the place and gave it to a friend- it was great to have on the place while we were building.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC04106.jpg)
We'll hit it hard next spring and get her finished up- although I often wonder...
Are you ever really done with a building project? There's always something else that needs doing.
Hope you all had a good, productive weekend.
Happy Thanksgiving- and remember this Holiday Season...
Gravy is not a beverage!
Tom
Tom, that looks fantastic. Very nice work and fast progress too. I am green with envy.
Have a good Thanksgiving too!
-f-
Old Chinese proverb. The man who finishes his house dies.
How can I not follow wise advise like that. [crz]
So, I'm snowed in.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC04391.jpg)
Our house on the coast with plenty of snow.
Really not normal for where I live but we're making the best of it. I decided a while ago to make up the exterior window trims for my cabin project in my shop and not on site. I took tight mesurments of each window and created a cut list. Each trim gets a 2x3 sill, 1x6 legs and head, and a 1x2 backbend to finish it off and create a logical termination spot for the cedar siding. I biscut joined and glued all the joints and use screws and 15 gauge finish nails to hold it all together. Working on the shop table makes it easy to get everything tight and square. When it comes time to install all I will have to do is place the trim over the window and nail it on- done!
The plan is to stain all the trims before install. One less thing to do on the ladder.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC04421.jpg)
Cedar window trims- I'm about 1/2 done.
Hope you all have a great Christmas!
Tom
Great pics Tom! You're really making alot of progress in a short amount of time!
Love the views. The metal at the bottom is probably a good idea with the snow.
Have a great Christmas!
The trim sections look nice.
very nice job on the cabin. I especially like the trim units. I haven't had the chance to do that with exterior trim yet, but prefer to handle interior trim this way. I use pocket screws, and make up a bunch of U's that then get installed on top of the stools which have been installed all at once. The cedar is all very pretty.
All the snow we've been having around here makes me wonder what the snow is like over there. Friends in Oroville and Tonasket say they've been doing a LOT of plowing on their spreads. I can't wait to get back to see how things are holding up.
Window trims look great. Good progress! It is coming together well and ahead of the weather. Well done.
Nice job on the trim. Want to frame out the ones on the cabin? Don't really look forward to that. There is no verticle plumb to the outside walls with the varing log widths and bows. Still thinking of how to make them shed water. Probably an angled kerf above in the log and then a drip edge onto the sills. Maybe a few more nights before sleep and I will have it pictured out. BTW nice snow picture. Should be on a post card or Xmas cards.
Hello Folks-
It has been a while since I posted an update. I hope everyone had a great spring and start to summer. I haeve been burning the candle at both ends for the last six weeks trying to get as much done as possible while I have the time. Here are a few pics of what we've been up to...
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/008.jpg)
Fianlly got some stairs built.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC05199.jpg)
Had to fence a small area around the cabin to keep the cows out.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC05186.jpg)
Got the wood stove hooked up.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC05265.jpg)
Got started on the cedar shingles.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC05301.jpg)
Got the shingles finished up last weekend.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC05311.jpg)
It's starting to look like a real building.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC05236-1.jpg)
Time to take a weekend off.
The plan is to continue on the exterior - decks, rails, garage door etc. and then move into the inside as the fall weather starts to close in.
I am on the hunt for info about solar panels and how to install a small system for lights only- I know many of you have gone down that road already- Any sugestions where I should start my search?
All the best- and thanks for looking in.
Tom
Your cabin looks great! I especially like the metal siding on foundation, and the shingles.
LOOKING GREAT! That is a LOT of work you've accomplished. Very impressive.
Don't you just love free range cattle? They do a nice job keeping our meadow mowed but what they leave behind...
Tom:
Thanks for keeping us all up to date on your fine project. Your work is looking very good and you've taken some great photos.
On the solar PV question - I was at a presentation last week by the solar folks linked below. They have a pretty good page of info on all the incentives that are available in WA state. Your utility may differ and if the system is totally off grid then some of these wouldn't apply. A grid tied system can look pretty attractive when all the incentives are bundled up with WA manufactured components (some of which will be coming to market in a few months). These folks are very helpful and can answer questions.
http://www.whidbeysunwind.com/incentive.html
Some how I missed your build thread last year. Looking good and you call that a cabin? ::); it looks bigger than your house. :D
Gotta like the cedar shakes.
A high off the ground design kind of looks like what folks do in flood plains. You guys must get a lot of snow.
Thanks for the kind words Gang.
And thank-you John for the link to the solar guys. I'll be checking them out sometime this week. I need to be thinking about running wires before I get too far ahead of myself- after spending nights in an old camper over there last fall and winter I'm thinking insulation- even thought its 90 degrees out.
Poppy- it's not uncommon to have 4+ feet of snow stacked up next to your house over in that area.
So got back to working on the joint over the last few weekends. It seems like I'm just picking away at the mountain of work that seems to be in front of me. I try to take one thing at a time and always remember that this is suppose to be fun right? My montra has been "keep it fun" and you will enjoy the process more.
Then came the garage door...
What a pain. When I opened the hardwear box there was what seemed to be an explosion of parts and pieces everywhere. I'm a wood guy and believe myself to be pretty handy but the garage door was way over my head. My advice... hire a pro. In the end I got it done and it even seems to open and close the way it should.
After installing the cedar posts for the deck rails I made up the hog wire and cedar panels in my shop.
I trucked them over and installed them- with a bit of tweeking they all fit like a glove.
Making the window trims and deck panels in the shop off site makes so much sense.
I have the panels for the stair to complete and install and the decking to put down (which I'm not sure what I'll use-maybe Alaska Yellow Cedar 5/4x6) and spread the two mountains of gravel in front of the place and the exterior will be done. This weekend I insulate- I'm really looking forward to that job-yuk!
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC05604.jpg)
Hog wire panels. The top cap in this picture is scrap wood- The final cap will be whatever I use for the decking
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC05609.jpg)
Closing in on completion of the exterior.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC05619.jpg)
The new garage door looks good from this far away. I wanted to screem during installation.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/gamecam8-22-09015.jpg)
Not the greatest photo but we've been seeing alot of bear scat around the place. Caught him with the game cam about 100 yards from the cabin. The date is wrong on the pic- it was taken Labor day weekend.
Fall is here- I hope you all get tons done on your projects before old man winter comes knockin'.
All the best- thanks for looking in.
Tom
Your place looks great !
I noticed you have a Mr. Heater propane heater sitting in front of the wood stove. Is that the Big Buddy model ? How effective is it in heating ? How big an area ? How much propane per day ?
Thanks.
PA
Thanks.
Yes- that is the Big Buddy model. We bought it when we were staying in a 10' truck camper on the place and it worked great. It would heat the little camper up in a matter of seconds. We would go through about 2 bottles of propane per weekend (friday afternoon till sunday afternoon). Now we use it for "spot heating" ie. when lighting the wood stove is not necessary but you would like to take the chill off. Good product I recomend it, very efficient and handy to have for a spare bedroom etc. It also has a auto shut off / low oxygen sensor so it is safe to run inside. But we always play it safe and have a carbon monoxide detector always standing by.
Thanks . . . that was the info I was lookin' for.
Nice work. It will not be as long as it has been. ;D
Did you get your Hog Wire in Omak? That looks good and doesn't obscure the view as much.
Heck of a year for Bears this year. Two in Seattle, another out my way and I know seven guys that have filled their tags so far this year.
Got the hog wire here in Skagit Co. Could not find the 4" mesh over there.
Built the panels over on this side.
Thought about getting a tag this year but then upland bird season hit.
Cash and I have been hitting the grouse woods pretty hard and lovin' it.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC01464.jpg)
Nice job. Really like the metal siding with wood shingles look.
Also, the taller crawl space/garage is cool.
Skagit,
I had some questions about your place and sent an email. If you get a chance, type me back.
Thanks
Jay
looks awesome man, great job!
really got me wondering now. Those exterior shots look like a raytraced computer model imported to actual photo of property. There something fishy going on here? You pulling our legs?
Oh noes! Another conspiracy!
It's those pesky Illuminati Rothschild Zionist Trilateral Commission dudes again! Oh, and where's that birth certificate, anyway?
Just kiddin', just kiddin'.
I think he may have used some digital effect to sharpen the photos, is all. If that.
No smoke and mirrors here gang- just good old fashion point and shoot camera work.
Spent the Thanksgiving weekend over at the cabin- did no real work. Got the snowmobile and snowshoes out of mothballs and ready for the snow. Did some grouse hunting, read by the fire, had some great pioneer food and drink and got my butt kicked by my wife in Gin Rummy. Slept great and got re-charged. Everytime I'm there I never want to leave. Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC05790.jpg)
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC05785.jpg)
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC05738.jpg)
It's been a long winter but with all the Okanogan action being posted I thought I should get busy and get something done on my project. We have been over a few times this winter for fun and relaxation but this weekend we headed over ready to work.
We started with a pile of Doug Fir T&G we will use for wainscot. I had all the T&G cut to length before we made the trip over. The less I have to use the generator the better.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC06095.jpg)
My fab wife in install mode- she thinks she is so bad when she has the nail gun in her hand- but then I have to remind her that she has a pink hammer. I installed the blocking ahead of her as we worked around the room.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC06108.jpg)
I also filled in between the Glu Lams with like material to give the room a more complete look- also it will make the install of the horizontal T&G easier.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC06097.jpg)
I built out the woodstove hearth and mantle area. Next trip over I will cover it with tar paper, wire mesh and hit it with a scratch coat of mud and get it ready for stone. The actual pad the stove sits on was given to me by a friend- If I had to do it over, I would build it myself. I may have a hard time blending the wall and pad together. The wainscot got a quick coat of semi solid stain. The T&G that we use for the rest of the interior will be natural Fir, run horizontally. We'll install a chair rail between.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC06126.jpg)
Nature is really working overtime. Everything is waking up- lots of deer and tons of grouse drumming in the woods.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC06140.jpg)
Looking forward to my next trip over- There never seems to be enough time to get everything done.
Hope you all had a safe and productive weekend.
All the best-
That wasn't you coming out of Valley lumber in Okanogan last Saturday, was it? Someone was in there with their black lab that looked a lot like yours ??? as I was heading in.
Looks like you are really getting close! I wish I was that close on the cabin, but the shed comes first. Your place is looking real good ;D
It looks like it is coming right along. I appreciate the toning of the wainscoat rather than just natural. I would critic some concerning the woodstove platform. From experience I would have raised the platform up off the floor on a 12" pedestal. Not that it would make it function better (heat wise) but it is a lot easier to load and clean with it being up off the floor. If you haven't noticed it now it will become apparent in the future. My knees and back are not what they used to be and I curse everytime I have to get down to the floor level to fire my stove. As for the 12" elevation it could be treated the same as the wall behind, covering it with stone as well and allowing the base to overhang the sides of the platform.
Java
Not me at Valley Lumber on Sat. - I try to bring as much material with me from this side and limit the trips to town as much as possible- I get more done that way.
Red- I like your idea of raising the hearth but like I said "if I had it to do over again".
I'm sort of stuck with the pad the way it is at this point. It would be alot of work to disassemble the stove/pipe, build the new hearth, re-fit the pipe etc. I think we'll have to just make the best of it for now and wait for the "remodel" by the next owner.
SkagitDrifter the only reason I mentioned it was that you were at a point that it could be done without too much modification . Wished I would have picked up on it earlier in your thread though. I did however build a raised hearth on the fireplace with 2X material & Ply followed up with lathe and stone. I just wished I would have done it at the house with the stove.
Hey Gang-
Beautiful weekend over in the Okanogan. We kind of took it easy but did manage to do a few things that needed doing. We made it into town for lunch and a few cold ones and to cruise the local junk shops looking for one of those one of a kind vintage items that you don't really need. I kept an eye out for any of the other Okanogan posse- Yonderossa, OlJarhead, dyifrank, JavaMan- but no luck. I'm not sure that I would be able to pick them out except maybe Ol because of his Jeep on steroids. I hope you guys were out at your projects working away enjoying the beautiful weather.
Wild flowers everywhere you look.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC06170.jpg)
Got the scratch coat done and will be ready for stone on the next trip.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC06146.jpg)
We put the tile backer down on Saturday and got the tile done Sunday morning. Pretty simple 4x8 pad at the doorway for wet/muddy feet/dogs etc. Never did tile before but I think it worked out ok.
We also got a start on the Doug Fir t&g for the walls. Were using a clear jel finish on the paneling- putting a coat on as we work our way up the walls.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC06167.jpg)
Welded some brackets together for the camp fire benches. I had some scrap 1x6 Ipe decking hanging around the shop and thought it would make nice bench tops.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC06161.jpg)
We'll be back over for the long weekend at the end of the month.
Hope you all had a great weekend and got tons done on your projects.
All the best-
Looking good. Might I give you a hint. If you are going to trim out the fireplace surround do it first or put a "substitute" demensional lumber temporaily around before you lay your stone. If not you will have to scribe the complete thing to make something work as a transition. That way you can cut your stone to go flush against the side trim.
Very nice!
How did you make your fire ring? Is that a truck rim inside with loose stacked stones? I really like the benches too.
Great view, but not much for summertime shade. Are you planning on a deck or arbor near the house?
Thanks Red-
Good idea as usual. I hope to layout the stone back home at my shop, number the stones and install over there. The less cutting/fitting over there the better.
PineCone-
Thanks.
The ring is actually 5" x 3/16'' flat stock that we welded the ends together to form the ring and then dry stacked the stones around it.
As for shade...
East of the cabin about 50 yards there is an aspen grove where we built a free standing deck. It is in the shade most of the day. Also the view side of the cabin has a 10' deck on it which gets the morning sun but by early afternoon is in the shade. We thought of building the cabin in the aspen grove but we were worried about the fire danger. Lots of wild fires over in that area and being out in the sticks no way for the fire dept. to get out there to save the structure.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC06136.jpg)
The deck is on the north side of the building which is in shade by early afternoon.
You can see the aspen grove in the background. Also, we're over three thousand feet in elevation so it tends to be quite a bit cooler than in the lowlands.
Very handsome cabin - standing proud on a lovely site. :D :D :D
I am not sure if you are using real or cultured stone. I have good results with a 4-1/2" angle grinder equipted with a diamond dry 4" blade (Harbor Freight (3) for $10. If cultured always cut from the face side to prevent chipping. Actually you will have very little cutting except on the ends of the courses.
Pine Cone as a alternative for a some what smaller diameter firepit some around here use an old washing machine tub ( The WV coming out I guess ;D). You can set it into the ground as far as you want it to protrude out. The factory holes in the side make good ventilation and draft.
Hope everyone had a safe and fun weekend.
We spent the long weekend at the cabin with family and guests in tow. Spent most of the time kicking back, riding quads, playing horse shoes and drinking beer- regular Memorial day stuff.
Did not plan to get much work done but I did get to the rock wall behind the woodstove. This is my first attempt at stone work. I picked up the stone at a local stone yard on this side of the mountians. We laid out all the stones on the floor of the shop and started to put the puzzle together. When we were happy with the layout we took pictures and did a rough sketch so we could transport and replicate it when we got over to the cabin. It went together pretty well with everything fitting in place
-sort of.
Anybody have any tips on grout?
Is there anything I need to do to clean the stone after grouting? Acid wash, etc?
Do you use a sealer on natural stone?
Thanks for any information you may have.
All the best!
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/075.jpg)
SkagitDrifter pick you up a grout bag, tuck point trowel (1/2" will get the most if you laid them for a uniform grout joint) and a natural hair brush. Mix the mortar a little wetter than used in laying. Fill up the grout bag to 1/2-3/4 capacity. Fold over the top. I normally start at the bottom and squeeze the mortar into the joints to the rock surface. Allow 20-30 minutes to semi-set up. Followup by using the tuck point to push the mortar back against your substrait (hardee board or lathe parge) and against the stone edge. Once that has had about 15-20 minutes of set time use the tuck point end and "rake" the high points and eccess from the edge of the stone below it's surface. Followup with the brush and gently brush the joints and stone edges. The result is a smooth grout joint and clean stones. Setting time may vary depending on humidity, amount of water in the mortar so you will just have to gauge it by trial and error. If you try to brush it too early it will smear on the stone surface. If it is dry it will brush clean.
If there is some joints that the tuck point will not flatly lay between the stones you might have to improvise with something else to tuck the mortar in between the stones. They also make a 1/4" width tuck point. I have used a variety of instruments ( What ever was handy and would fit ;) )that the standard width tuck point would not work. Common mistakes in laying is that you try to get the joint as tight as possible and forget that you need a uniform grout line. I think you get the jist of what I am describing. Have any problems just ask.
Thanks Red- Good tips as always.
Anyone have any thoughts on adding some color to the grout?
I was thinking of a dark grey/black color to pick up the tone of the wainscot paneling.
Thanks-
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/081.jpg)
QuoteI was thinking of a dark grey/black color to pick up the tone of the wainscot paneling.
Thanks-
I agree that a bit darker than plain grey grout would look really nice with those stones and the wainscot. I would not go too dark though, maybe just a little lighter than the wainscot?
Skagit - Love your place! I was showing my husband your hog wire deck panels. We are going to build a deck here in MI and really love the look of them. Could you give us some more detailed information on how you built them? Was the hog wire in roll or in separate pieces? We have a farm supply store we could check out but wanted to see more about what into the construction of the panels first.
Also where exactly are you? I was showing my hubby and 4 kids the pictures with the wildflowers and everyone has been asking - "where is that!?"
Thanks, Liesl
germangirl if I recall I think he used "feedlot panels" which are pre-made panels. They come in a variety of heights and configuration as far as the size of openings. Without going back through his thread he can tell you of the method that he used in constrution. SkagitDrifter I wasn't trying to hyjack your thread but I really hate it when my mind is running at high gear and I have to wait to complete my thought process. d*
http://www.tractorsupply.com/fencing/feedlot-panels/feedlot-panel-combo-16-ft--3610341
Those panels around here -the taller ones are called wire cattle panels and are about four feet tall. There is a shorter model called a hog panel and they are around three feet tall and are sixteen feet long. Both are manufactured the same and are very heavily galvanized. Some we have hit with paint and seems to hold very well. They can be bowed very easy to haul in the back of a pick up but tie them in. ;) As they will or can work out.
You can use them in so many applications other than intended. We have used them as SkagitDrifter to in the garden for pea and bean trellis (You never have to to replace it. I have installed them in four by fours in a couple rose arbors I have built. I use them over the tops of the gates around the eight foot deer fence going into our orchard. Wherever and however your imagine leads you.
Germangirl, I can tell you where he's located - in general.
There are a few of us building out in central Washington. The county is Okanogan - but that is a pretty big county. If I remember correctly, his place is up closer to a town called Tonasket, nearer to where Oljarhead is building.
Then again, my place is east and a bit south of them, near the county seat - the village of Okanogan, and south of the first county seat - Ruby - during the mining days.
It is beautiful here, but it is also quite dry, too.
Thanks everyone! Michigan is nice with our lakes and all but when I see mountains and landscapes like yours my heart just melts! We'll look into our farm stores and see what we can find regarding those panels. It's nice to belong to a group like this - everyone is so helpful! Have a wonderful weekend - we are having major storms going through the area including some tornadoes - now that I think about it I should probably shut this thing down! :o
Hi Liesl- Thanks for the nice coments about our project.
Been fishing and out of touch for a few days. No work on the cabin this weekend.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC06270.jpg)
Test driving the new furniture for the cabin.
It looks like the gang has answered your question regarding the hog wire panels. Thanks guys.
A few more things...
The panels I used are a four inch grid which will meet building code.
First I set my 4x4 posts and got them plumb- then took the mesurements between posts and created a list of panel sizes I needed.
Using 2x2 clear Cedar (ripped to net 1-1/2" x 1-1/4") I make two frames the same size and attach the metal to one of the frames using U nails- then screw the two frames together sandwiching the hog wire between.
If you can find (and transport) the panels in 5' x 16' that is the way to go. Using bolt cutters I cut the panel in half long ways and end up with 2 pieces 30" x 16'. With the cedar frame and the 4" space between the deck surface and the bottom of the panel you net out at about 34-1/2" high - add the top rail cap and it will bring the total railing up to about 36".
If you buy 4x8 sheets there is a lot of wasted material. I can get a 5' x16' for about $60 at my local farm supply store- Clear cedar 2x2 runs about $.65 per linear foot in this part of the country.
Let me know if this helps - I would be happy to answer any other questions or post more pictures.
Good luck and post up some pictures of your progress.
All the best
Tom
What lake is that? And are there any good fish in it? or were you simply drowning worms ;) (which can be a great way to pass the day :) )
Quote from: JavaMan on June 07, 2010, 02:47:33 PM
What lake is that? And are there any good fish in it? or were you simply drowning worms ;) (which can be a great way to pass the day :) )
Java-
The lake is to remain nameless due to an oath I swore many years ago. I will say that it is in the northern part of the county.
Flyfishing only and most people who fish it practice catch and release. If we ever hook up over there one of these days- I will take you to this lake- but you too will have to take the same oath of silence. Deal?
SD
Quote from: SkagitDrifter on June 07, 2010, 03:12:56 PM
Quote from: JavaMan on June 07, 2010, 02:47:33 PM
What lake is that? And are there any good fish in it? or were you simply drowning worms ;) (which can be a great way to pass the day :) )
Java-
The lake is to remain nameless due to an oath I swore many years ago. I will say that it is in the northern part of the county.
Flyfishing only and most people who fish it practice catch and release. If we ever hook up over there one of these days- I will take you to this lake- but you too will have to take the same oath of silence. Deal?
SD
You got a deal on that one :) I love flyfishing ... I grew up fishing for smallmouth bass when we would go on vacations in WI and Canada
Thanks Tom! Hope you caught some fish. I plan on having my husband read the "directions" when he gets home. :)
-Liesl
I was checking out photos -- good progress all around too -- and got to thinking about the hearth you're doing...perhaps I will have to meet you too! :D We need to have an Okanogan club meet soon so we can share (actually so I can steal) ideas :D ;P
Hey Gang-
Been picking away at various things over at the cabin and thought I would post an update.
We got the stone work done- the grout turned out a bit darker than I planned but it seems to look ok.
I'm sort of glad that job is done.
Also got the 4x8 Pine mantle installed.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC06345.jpg)
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC06364.jpg)
We got about half of the loft's 2x6 car decking installed over the beams. The space is 20' x 20' and I used full 20' long boards.
It was a bit of a trick loading them from the truck to the deck and through the front window up to the loft. It would have been eaiser to use short lengths but I cut all the decking to length and put a coat of finish on them over on this side of the mountians- so no cutting, just installing- it went pretty fast. I would have gotten the whole job done but my trucks lumber rack can only safely hold about 700 lbs.
I'll bring the next load over and finish it up next time.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC06372.jpg)
Before we started on the car decking we gave the timbers a wash with some grey transparent stain- we were shooting for a weathered look to contrast the light color of the Spruce T&G decking.
I thought all the construction on the place was exciting until the GameCam found this guy.
There have been a few sightings in our area- this could explain the low deer numbers this year. There have also been alot of cougar in our area. These days I bring along the shotgun even on a short hike in the woods.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/Wolfpost2.jpg)
I hope you all had a great weekend!
We have a lot of coyotes around but they never seem to bother the deer population. I would look to other reasons. Cats are certainly a predator, might be with all the summer foliage you just are not seeing them. There are also some other things that effect deer populations, habitat reduction, drought and disease.
I was thinking Wolf is what we have there...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/baggis/2558237638/
It's hard to tell whether it's a wolf or a yote, without anything to reference the size.
Coyotes do impact the deer population here in MI, especially in the spring. Fawns make an easy target.
That doesn't look like a yote to me. I think it's one of these.
http://www.komonews.com/news/local/99589814.html (http://www.komonews.com/news/local/99589814.html) [cool]
Same shot- larger and lightened up a bit. No question this is the Big Dog.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/Wolfpost2-1.jpg)
Send him over here.. I have some deer to feed him. They ate the leaves from our baby fruit trees. Time for more string fences.
A friend of mine has one of those as a pet! He is the coolest "dog", every little boy's dream. Cabin looks great BTW.
The picture makes me think that is a subordinate wolf and there are others just outside of the frame. Great picture.
LOTS of Yotes and Whitetails at my place this weekend. Saw 8 deer (at least) together feeding in the meadow and kicked up another 4 down by the creek. Bucks and Does, very spooky - usually don't see em' herded up together at this time of year. Also, no fawns. Got me wondering if there is a lot of predation pressure. Haven't found any recent kills though. Had Bucks hissing at me twice.
Found a few of these out beating the bush- not too far from the GameCam. I have a pretty big Lab but he would never be in this area without me. There may be other dogs in the area too - not sure.
It looks like a pretty big print (my boot is a size 10) but it could just be from the soil being soggy at the time the print was made.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC05113.jpg)
Hey Gang-
Headed over to the cabin for one more push trying to wrap up the interior paneling. Worked all day Saturday and most of the day Sunday- got a lot done but fell short. No complaints - there were a few areas that took longer than I had planned. The transitions between the walls and the rake and the transition between the flat ceiling and the rake. I did not want a trim piece in these areas so we spent a bunch of time fitting each piece. I was happy with the result. All the high work is done with the execption of the window trim in the gable- the part we missed is in the loft gable, which I can get to without a ladder.
Still plenty more to do but this was a pretty productive weekend. The down side is I did not hit the grouse woods at all this weekend- all work and no play- I'll fix that next time over.
Hope you all had a great weekend and got lots done on your projects.
Thanks for looking in-
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC06522.jpg)
Pine ceiling with fir walls. Note the transitions- lots of time trying to make these look right.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC06526.jpg)
Looking down from the loft.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC06530.jpg)
Temporary living room chairs- it's getting chilly at night so we had to light the wood stove.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC06537.jpg)
Open room below the loft - future kitchen and bath area.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC06523.jpg)
The area we fell short on. I'll finish it up next time.
Fabulous! Looks GREAT! ;D
add: Grouse are a bit more scarce this year it seems to me. I suspect the wet weather was hard on the broods last spring. I've only seen one on my place and figured I'd better leave him for next year to boost the numbers. I'd generally expect to kick up a half dozen or so on a typical walk. Recently the Bobcat is showing signs of being back - piles of feathers with no Turkeys in them, Deer are on HIGH alert too.
Quote from: Yonderosa on September 21, 2010, 10:46:24 AM
add: Grouse are a bit more scarce this year it seems to me. I suspect the wet weather was hard on the broods last spring. I've only seen one on my place and figured I'd better leave him for next year to boost the numbers. I'd generally expect to kick up a half dozen or so on a typical walk. Recently the Bobcat is showing signs of being back - piles of feathers with no Turkeys in them, Deer are on HIGH alert too.
Yes- we're seeing the same thing up by us- a wet spring sure takes it's toll on the birds. I have also decided to leave the grouse alone on my place this year. I'll hunt the public ground for the rest of the season. Lots of animals high on the food chain have been spotted in our area too. It seems everyone is hungry these days.
That probably also explains our diminished bird population here as well. (Whidbey Island)
I forgot to post this on my last update...
Our oldest boy when off to US Marine Corp Boot Camp in San Diego recently.
I made this flag for him- It will weather outside for a few months and then will hang in a place of honor in the cabin. We miss him and pray for his safety- but know he is on his way to great things.
Semper Fi
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC06485.jpg)
I wish him the very best and I'm grateful such men and women volunteer to serve. Among the finest people I know are vets or are serving now.
Great looking flag!
One more serving soldier for my family to put on the prayer list. We will keep him in our prayers for a safe career, however long he decides to make it. And the parents, too. Sometimes I think it's harder on parents and spouses.
Thanks guys, for the kind words about my boy.
Went back to the cabin for the weekend- it's hard to stay away.
We went over with the plan to relax, kick back and enjoy the place, and we did- but I did manage to complete the paneling in the loft gable end wall. We also got the oil finish coat applied to the walls.
Next up will be the flooring and the window / door trim.
Last weekend I was so hot on getting work done I never checked the GameCam.
I retrieved it and found this guy...
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/gamecamsept252010017-1.jpg)
I was pretty sure there was a good sized bear in the area due to the scat we were seeing.
The camera was set on the edge of a Western Service Berry patch on the hill behind the cabin.
The shot is a bit out of focus- he must have been on the move.
Hope you all had a great weekend!
Well, it has been long over due- or should I say over "doo".
I broke down and started to build a new outhouse.
Our long term plan is to use a composting toilet but with the economy such as it is we are holding back on major purchases.
At this point I am into the project about $200 and and a weekends worth of work.
My plan was to pre-build all of the components in my shop and with the use of a hammer and nails and a cordless drill and some screws put the thing together on site. My plan came together well - all but the door trim, cedar siding and the bench which I will finish up next time over.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC06618.jpg)
Dug a 5-1/2 foot hole with a standard #2 shovel- not that easy to do.
Pressure treated floor framing.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC06682.jpg)
Got the sheeted walls up and nailed, top plates to hold it all together.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC06684.jpg)
Laid a sheet of cheap vinyl on the subfloor before standing up the walls.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC06730.jpg)
Installed the outriggers and the pre-made trusses to create a covered area in front of the door. We get lots of snow.
Last thing you want to do is dig the snow out from in front of the door when nature calls.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC06740.jpg)
Sheeted the roof and got the metal roofing on. Got the metal siding on and called it a weekend.
Not what I would call a glamorous project but it was one that has been on my mind for a while.
My wife is happy- and you know the old saying... Happy wife, happy life.
Hope you all had a great weekend- old man winter is knocking at the door- better get those last minuet projects buttoned up.
All the best-
Don't forget the vent stack. It is an essential item. ;D
Wow- Busy winter so far- not work wise but hunting, family, etc. Have only been to the cabin a couple of times in the last few months.
Have not done anything new as far as construction- lots of snow but not as much as there should be this time of year.
We can't drive into the site with the amount of snow up there so we just walk in using snow shoes. It takes about 40 min. to get to the place- a bit of elevation gain but nothing too bad- it does get the heart pumping though.
Just like we left her
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/051.jpg)
The fire pit area- figure there was about 18" of snow on the ground.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/002-2.jpg)
View from above
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/036.jpg)
After the walk in we fire up the snowmobile (and the woodstove) we bomb down the trail to the truck and grab the supplies.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/tom1-1.jpg)
I built these "mud boxes" for duck hunting the tide flats- they also work great as a sled to transport supplies.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/001-1.jpg)
Hooked to the back of the sled with a make shift straight bar- we can carry all we need for the weekend in one trip. It can even transport worn out snow shoers.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/034.jpg)
Perfect weekend- It was great to be back at the cabin.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/tom3.jpg)
Hope you are all having a good winter.
Thanks for looking in-
Tom
Wow! Great stuff!
We plan an outhouse soon also -- even though we have the composting toilet I figure the outhouse makes a good backup in the winter when the compostser is frozen!
18" of snow is a lot more then we've managed to accumulate. All we've got is about 10" around us -- though I noticed where we've walked, driven and worked is still very low (maybe only 3 or 4 inches of mostly ice). We can drive through 18" of snow though :) The Jeep handles that with ease as long as I'm all chained up.
Anyway, great stuff! Glad you got to the place...I guess I'm lucky as I'm there almost as much as MountainDon is at his!
Looks like you had a great time ..gorgeous scenery!
The mud boxes are an awesome idea!
GREAT pictures!
Did those Elk stick around?
Thanks!
Here is one of the mud boxes in action.
They hide really well on the tide flats. We had birds landing on top of us.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC06762.jpg)
Greenwing Teal- fine eating bird.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC06769.jpg)
No Elk to be seen this trip- not too many deer either. Lots of Coyotes.
great project. just read the whole thread.... really like the crawl space, deck railings and interior touches!
how much land are you on? thats fantastic countryside!
Thanks Duncan-
We are on 20 acres- part of an original homestead that is a couple hundred plus acres- so the place feels a lot bigger than it really is.
Your cabin looks great - nice countryside! Looks like you are enjoying it :)
Wow SkagitDrifter I think you have been a great steward of your resources. I don't think I read - but did you mix your own concrete or ready mix? Or was your footing and foundation subed out? Do they require that dwellings be engineered for your location? We had plans drawn and engineered for a house, now we are having second thoughts. Looking at something smaller and keeping the house near Boise. It blows me away how much that Okanogan area looks like where our ranch is located about forty miles east of Boise.
Thanks Rick-
I had a concrete truck come into the place- he was quite a truck driver- I did not think he would make it in there but he did. We formed the foundation walls and a friend helped with the pour.
No engineering necessary on this build- we got our permit for a "limitted use" recreational cabin- it just means you cannot be a full time occupant of the place- not that anyone would ever know.
Spent the weekend at the cabin- Finished up the outhouse and concentrated on planning future work on the place. Decks, flooring, interior trim, shed roof over the entry door, etc.
For the most part we kicked back and enjoyed the place.
Lots of bear in our area this year- my neighbor has seen at least 3 different ones in the last few weeks. The trail camera picked this shaggy little guy up no more than 100 yards from the cabin.
Hope you all had a good weekend and got lots done on your projects.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/june172011040.jpg)
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/june172011041.jpg)
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/june172011042.jpg)
How often do you make it out to your place?
Cool pics of the bear! Nothing like that getting in the camera view around me for two years now!
This time of year we are over at the cabin every other weekend. I'd like to be there every weekend but my "real" house needs to be kept up also. There's grass to be mowed, garden needs tending, etc.
When we first got the cabin property we went two years without getting a bear on the trail cam.
This year there are bears everywhere around our place.
Keep setting the camera- you'll get one sooner or later.
I've been following your thread Erik- you are an animal- great work on the solar and the lumber milling!
Quote from: SkagitDrifter on June 22, 2011, 07:13:00 PM
This time of year we are over at the cabin every other weekend. I'd like to be there every weekend but my "real" house needs to be kept up also. There's grass to be mowed, garden needs tending, etc.
When we first got the cabin property we went two years without getting a bear on the trail cam.
This year there are bears everywhere around our place.
Keep setting the camera- you'll get one sooner or later.
I've been following your thread Erik- you are an animal- great work on the solar and the lumber milling!
Lol Animal?? Nah, just an old Marine :)
Tom,
Sent you my plans via email a few weeks ago. Did you get them? They did not get bounced back either.
Ron
Hey Ron-
Sorry... I never saw that e-mail come through.
Been really busy with work, life, family etc. so havent been around much.
Have been heading over to the cabin but this year it seems things are moving at a snails pace.
Not getting much done- oh well, it's to a point where it's comfortable and we are enjoying it.
I'll get back on track before too long.
Thought I would share a few GameCam photos from out at the cabin.
Things are getting a little wild over there...
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/MDGC0011.jpg)
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/MDGC0007.jpg)
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/MDGC0008.jpg)
Whoa - that mountain lion? looks pretty good sized... how close to your cabin?
We probably have mtn lions around, too but I haven't seen any... Glenn thinks he's seen a few over the years. I know we have bears & lots of bobcats.
Long tail! [shocked]
Very nice! We had one roam around last year but I got no photos.
Beautiful !
lovely creatures -
personally prefer in the wild than on the wall !
Ours seem to know how to avoid the camera's! I've taken pictures of tracks (within 6" of our cabin walls) but never the cats themselves.
Someday!
Wow, great trail cam shots! I'm with UK4x4, I'm a hunter but these beasts are so few in numbers and they are just beautiful in the wild I wouldn't take one.
Quote from: RIjake on July 31, 2011, 11:35:00 AM
Wow, great trail cam shots! I'm with UK4x4, I'm a hunter but these beasts are so few in numbers and they are just beautiful in the wild I wouldn't take one.
Might be where you are from. Oregon is being over run by them. Washington and Idaho has a very stable breeding population from what I have read. (I know Idaho does.) That however does not mean you will see them all the time. I am very fortunate I see felines and and k-nines in the wild. :) But I am not blessed to see deer and elk as seems most are. :(
By the way that is a remarkable cat. [cool] If they get to close to barns, houses, and livestock then I would put one down. Same with coyotes and bobcats. That said do not please get me wrong. In my thirty some years on the railroad as an engineer I have had just about everything imaginable jump, run or drive in front of a locomotive. I look at life a lot differently than most. I will be so glad when it is all over in a few months and there will not be any more beef cows, does and fawns, calf elk, cow and bulls and of course #$#$ cars. Sorry to vent but --- life is to precious, to special to take at a whim. Weight it all out before you pull the trigger. Is it always wrong? No. Is it always right? No.
Quote from: rick91351 on July 31, 2011, 03:27:52 PM
Might be where you are from. Oregon is being over run by them. Washington and Idaho has a very stable breeding population from what I have read. (I know Idaho does.) That however does not mean you will see them all the time. I am very fortunate I see felines and and k-nines in the wild. :) But I am not blessed to see deer and elk as seems most are. :(
By the way that is a remarkable cat. [cool] If they get to close to barns, houses, and livestock then I would put one down. Same with coyotes and bobcats. That said do not please get me wrong. In my thirty some years on the railroad as an engineer I have had just about everything imaginable jump, run or drive in front of a locomotive. I look at life a lot differently than most. I will be so glad when it is all over in a few months and there will not be any more beef cows, does and fawns, calf elk, cow and bulls and of course #$#$ cars. Sorry to vent but --- life is to precious, to special to take at a whim. Weight it all out before you pull the trigger. Is it always wrong? No. Is it always right? No.
Few Months? Did I miss something?
Hey All-
Well, after a lack-luster start to this summer I'm back in production mode on the cabin.
Found a closeout deal on some 5/4x6 PVC decking that I could not pass up. I am a total wood guy and never thought I would ever use plastic decking but at $.50 per linear foot - the choice was easy.
The stuff went down easy and even feels good under foot, also used it for the rail cap which ties the whole thing together. Still not sold on plastic but we'll make it work.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/024.jpg)
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/023.jpg)
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Got lots done at a relaxed pace- my wife even got in some hammock time.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/013.jpg)
Great weekend over at the cabin.
Hope you all had fun and got lots done on your projects.
Got any of that composite decking left?
We've got to replace the decking at the house, and that's exactly what Beautiful is looking for... Wish I'd beat you to it!
That looks like a great place to sit an relax - good job!
Java- I don't have any to spare myself but I could check with the supplier if you want.
How much would you need for your project?
This was a closeout product- so no warranty, returns, exchanges etc.
From what I hear the decking did have some issues with color fade - could be why they are dumping it.
If he has a lot and Javaman does not need it all I might be interested. How much does he have left after Javaman. How much and from where? I got a couple projects going and I am not comfortable with the numbers. Will be up in the Washington area this fall some time, the way it looks. Or hope to be anyway.... Got a come on up to the Sound fishing trip invite. Then we have a lot of close friends in the Seattle area.
Quote from: SkagitDrifter on August 24, 2011, 10:53:49 AM
Java- I don't have any to spare myself but I could check with the supplier if you want.
How much would you need for your project?
This was a closeout product- so no warranty, returns, exchanges etc.
From what I hear the decking did have some issues with color fade - could be why they are dumping it.
I'll go measure tonight and let you know this evening. Beautiful is away visiting her mother and I'd be a hero (again) if I could at least arrange for the materials at a good price! Best price I've found so far is $1.75 / lineal foot.
Now if I could only find an inexpensive Jacuzzi! :)
Quote from: JavaMan on August 24, 2011, 11:59:10 AM
I'll go measure tonight and let you know this evening. Beautiful is away visiting her mother and I'd be a hero (again) if I could at least arrange for the materials at a good price! Best price I've found so far is $1.75 / lineal foot.
Now if I could only find an inexpensive Jacuzzi! :)
I think we're looking at close to 1000 feet maybe even as much as 1500' (it's a BIG deck)... 40' along the front of the house (only 4" wide) and currently about 20'x8' on the side, which we want to expand a goodly amount
Wow! That is a big deck.
Unfortunately, My guy is out of the the smokin' deal decking.
He said it lasted about three days and was gone. Sorry Java and Rick.
Quote from: SkagitDrifter on August 25, 2011, 07:18:05 PM
Wow! That is a big deck.
Unfortunately, My guy is out of the the smokin' deal decking.
He said it lasted about three days and was gone. Sorry Java and Rick.
Doesn't surprise me none... that was truly a smokin' deal. I wonder if the local auction is going to have any coming up soon.
I needed the space at home so we thought it was time to start moving the pile of junk we accumulated over the years to decorate the cabin. Although we still have a long way to go - floors, cabinets, trim,- the "artifacts" really transform the place from a wood box to something more cabin feeling.
The exterior is complete and with winter here again I feel pretty good about that. I have the cabinets and furniture ready to go but I refuse to bring them over until I have the floor installed and finished.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/075-1.jpg)
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/093.jpg)
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(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/082.jpg)
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/cabindecor064.jpg)
Old apple crate tag from around our area.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/cabindecor030.jpg)
Coat rack I made from old pool balls and beer taps
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/068.jpg)
Old canoe paddle covered in beer/wine/wiskey labels
Hope you are all having fun with your projects.
Thanks for looking in.
Tom
Handsome project Tom!
With lots of neat creative touches. Nice work! This will be the family for a long time.
Awesome finishing touches. I'm trying to get my dad to part with his old snow shows like you have. I like the old side by side and fly rod!
I should be starting my thread any day now. We got the go ahead from the building inspector! ;D
Looks great. How much open.space do you have before the loft starts? I may have to extend my loft out further then id like to meet my min square footage requirements but yours reassures me it will look good
Your Cabin Looks Great!!! Its obvious you've put alot of work and care into it!
Thanks for the kind words gang.
Great news on the go-ahead to start on your place Ron.
I'm looking forward to seeing your progress.
Be sure to post lots of pictures.
CjAl-
The footprint of the building is 20x30 with the loft being 20x20.
It leaves about 10'x20' open to the loft above.
T
You have done some nice work.
Erik's (Ol Jarhead) post on the loft ladder/stair got me thinking. I have a temp. ladder that I plan to replace before the next trip over. I have the mesurements and have figured the rise and run- what I don't have is a design. Does anyone have any ideas? I have done a search and there are a few that I have found but still not set on one. I do know I want an actual tread with some sort of grab bar, not a typical ladder with round rungs. Erik do you have a plan for yours yet? Anyone else?
Thanks- Hope everyone is having a good winter.
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(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/DSC01209.jpg)
I'm basically using Scott's design (I think it was Scott anyway) of a ships ladder.
Using 2x10's for the risers and 2x8's (actually 2x whatever will fit since I can mill them myself) for the treads. I'm looking at 67/68 degrees which is pretty close to the 70 of a true ships ladder (I think it's 70 for them anyway). I plan to install a grab bar on the ceiling where the ladder stops and a rail along the outside to give folks something to hold onto.
Hi Gang-
Wow, time really flies when you're having fun. Have not posted in a long time- been real busy with work and picking away at the cabin project. Thought I would post a few recent pictures of the sometimes painfully slow progress...
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/horseshoes038.jpg)
View from above.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/001-2.jpg)
Outdoor Shower
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/004-001.jpg)
Inside the Outdoor Shower- Hot shower and a cold cocktail after work- that's livin'.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/005-1.jpg)
Finally got to instaling the hardwood flooring- Doug Fir.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/007.jpg)
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/004.jpg)
Slow going using a generator. Each piece had to be squared up on both ends.
Lots of running up and down stairs. After this weeknnd I'm about half done.
I have all of the "hard" cuts done. I set up the router with a slot cutter to groove the ends of the flooring where it meets a break board.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/horseshoes003.jpg)
Added the horseshoe pits. Just in time for the 1st annual Pine Creek Open on Labor Day weekend.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/011.jpg)
Cash enjoying a cool swim in a mountain stream after a long hot weekend.
Hope you all had a great weekend and gots lots done on your projects.
Thanks for looking in.
Handsome project in some lovely country. That stream looks refreshing.
Best wishes on the Pine Creek Open! :D
Lookin' good! That shower beats mine hands down.....but then....well you'll have to see! lol
Good to see another horseshoe player, the pits are the first thing I have done on my property.
Skagitdrifter,
Awesome outside shower. What is the silver canister on legs in the corner? Some sort of water heater? How is it powered? Propane?
I'm very curious.
Toyotaboy!
Quote from: Toyotaboy on August 23, 2012, 08:44:11 AM
Skagitdrifter,
Awesome outside shower. What is the silver canister on legs in the corner? Some sort of water heater? How is it powered? Propane?
I'm very curious.
Toyotaboy!
Hey Ron-
It's called the Zodi. Nothing more than a stainless tank that you pump up to get the water under pressure.
Small propane bottle / burner attaches to the bottom. It has a built in thermometer which gives you an idea on temp. Flick a valve switch and away you go. I just re-plumbed it to work with a standard shower head and a quick release hose connection. Pretty simple. I can get a solid 10 min. shower on one fill up with water running the whole time. Nice to have on one of those really hot days.
T
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Zodi-Hotman-Extreme-SC-Shower/745913.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3FN%3D0%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dzodi%26WT.z_mc_id1%3D43000000079389024%26WT.srch%3D1%26WT.tsrc%3DPPC%26WT.mc_id%3Dgoogle%7Ccam_Camp%2BEssentials_Showers%252C%2BToilets%2BAccessories%7CUSA%26rid%3D20%26pcrid%3D12987111978&Ntt=zodi&WTz_l=PPC
Thanks for the link!
What a cool little unit. I was trying to figure out what I was going to do at my place. I've never seen anything like it.
Ron
Got the rest of the floor done this past weekend. Was a ton of work but well worth the effort.
Moving on to interior trim in the next couple of weeks.
September 1st starts our upland bird season here in Washington. No work on the cabin for me- Cash and I will be chasing Grouse all Labor day weekend with some horseshoes, beer drinking and BBQ thrown in.
Hope you all have a great Labor Day Weekend.
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(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/047.jpg)
Not the best pictures but these came from the trail camera down in the Aspen grove about 100 yards from the cabin. This kinda looks like a sow with a cub. Saw a ton of bear scat while out chasing Grouse this weekend.
Glad I didn't get between these two.
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(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/2012bear.jpg)
Hope you all had a Great Labor Day Weekend.
Thought I would post a few more game camera photos from last week.
Seen a lot of bear in our area again this year.
The cougar makes me a bit uneasy. I spend a lot of time banging around the woods looking for grouse.
I suppose having a loaded 20 gauge with me is a good thing- that is if I ever hear them before its too late.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/MDGC0337.jpg)
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/seanbear.jpg)
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/MDGC0351.jpg)
Quote from: SkagitDrifter on September 12, 2012, 11:55:45 AM
I suppose having a loaded 20 gauge with me is a good thing- that is if I ever hear them before its too late.
Hope you are referring to the cat. The 20 ga will just P*@# the bear off. ;) BTW good pictures.
I finally got a cat pic near our cabin I'll post soon. It's a crappy pic but it's obvious what's in it.
Another cougar from this past weekends game-cam check.
Tough to tell but this guy looks like a pretty young cat.
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Nice!
Thanks for sharing the pictures. Inspirational.
Interesting pic. If I saw a pic of that kitty near my house I don't think I'd want to leave. I'm a big chicken though ::) and not very handy with a gun.
Spent the weekend at the cabin- worked like a dog finishing the door and window trim.
Pulled the trail camera to find this nice little family.
All we're missing now is Goldilocks.
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(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/emilyandliz060.jpg)
Still alive and kicking out here...
Dodging wild fires, picking away on small projects around the cabin all the while enjoying the place.
Spent the last year pretty much finishing up the place- but there is always a new project right around the corner.
(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/IMAG0234.jpg) (https://s143.photobucket.com/user/Skagitdrifter/media/IMAG0234.jpg.html)
Built and installed the screen door
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First attempt at wood burning
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Finally got around to the loft ladder.
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Got within 30 yards of this guy. Bow season starts in two weeks.
Glad you made it through the fires! How close were you?
Quote from: OlJarhead on August 18, 2014, 02:41:05 PM
Glad you made it through the fires! How close were you?
We got lucky. Missed us by a good bit this time. Really sad to see the devastation.
Yep, very sad. We had to rebuild a LOT of plant in the Okanogan and I've seen a lot of it. Biggest lesson I learned probably: dirt and gravel are your friend.
Some very nice cabins survived the burn in the hottest, fastest moving, worst parts of the fire storm because they were surrounded by dirt and/or gravel. About 30 feet of dirt around the cabins, no trees inside that space (more often 100 feet out) and steel roofs...total devastation around them but not the cabins themselves.
Learned a lesson there and will get my place that way!
That is good advice for anyone living in a wooded area. Not just for fire but for hurricanes too. If you are higher than the storm surge, then the only thing you have to worry about is a tree falling into your house. No trees within falling distance means little to no damage. My property is 3 1/2 hours from where Ike hit and we still have some trees that are bent over and hooked under another tree. They are all leaning the same direction. Who knows how many of the trees went down, as I didn't own the property then.
Austin
Lots of bear again this year. This guy looks a bit too comfortable.
Camera is set about 50 yards from the cabin door.
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Beautiful place... nice work on the cabin... looks great! A few more "locals" than I expected to see, but hey... we've got plenty of guns and ammo. Nice to see the wildlife as long as it doesn't wander too close
My daughter just bought 20ac. up that way out towards Oroville... we're going to build a cabin up there for her. Was hoping to get up there this winter but looks/sounds like we'll be out of luck til spring of '15, super excited to get up there and start building something. I might look for some temporary construction work over there so I can stay in the area next summer and get things wrapped up by winter. If I have to work in Seattle and commute every weekend back over there it just won't be realistic to get it done before winter sets in.
My dad has been going up there (Okanogan) for 15 or more years and he's always loved it there, we've spent a few summers up there at Concunully and Fish Lake. Maybe we'll see each other around town some time.
Wow! What a week.
Have not been here for a while.
Hoping that all the Okanogan folks on this site are hanging in there and are safe.
We got hammered by the wildfires- ripped right through our place but by the grace of God our cabin was spared. I planned the place with fire and snow in mind. The gravel pad and metal siding around the base of the cabin surely saved the structure. We lost the outhouse, a camp deck, and most of the fences around the place- all fairly easy to replace. Most of the mature Aspen trees look like they will make it- amazing how fast the fire came through. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the fire crews, land owners and all involved in the crazy time.
Lots of clean up to do, but first, a good nights sleep.
Thanks for looking in.
SD
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(https://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r158/Skagitdrifter/fire%20pic.jpg) (https://s143.photobucket.com/user/Skagitdrifter/media/fire%20pic.jpg.html)
All I can say is WOW. Happy for you that the place survived.
I've been thinking about surrounding my build with gravel/rock and this makes it clear what I should do. Good on ya for thinking that through beforehand.
So glad you made it!!! Where are you located? Near the Loop? Conconully? Hwy155? I've been over most of the area in the last week running around doing damage assesments and am always amazed when I see how some structures survive! So glad to see yours is one of them!
Thanks Erik-
We're up North Pine Creek- Right on the edge of the Sinlahekin Valley.
Quote from: SkagitDrifter on August 26, 2015, 07:16:47 PM
Thanks Erik-
We're up North Pine Creek- Right on the edge of the Sinlahekin Valley.
Oh geez! Glad you survived then! That area was burned early and often! Still burning out Sinlahekin and my guys couldn't get up there today to restore service because of backburns and fireline work
Loved watching your progress, most of us can only dream of such a beautiful place, the views and the wildlife.
I lived on an Island for 18 years, the wildlife and flora was wonderful, the views were great especially in certain weather, and certain seasons, fall was my favorite, that fresh smell, the leaves, and oh my, so many ducks, foxes and deer.
Dreadful to see the fire pictures, that would be so heart breaking.
Amazing pics. So glad you survived. I was wondering how close those fires were to you.
Way too close! Makes me want to put gravel down at my place.
R