I Can Smell Water...

I can smell water...why you ask? Because it's been delayed for over a week because of the recent rains BUT they are drilling now.

The rig is in place and drilling to China! Actually, at $11 a foot it better not be that deep. Unofficial projections are in the 300-600 foot range...ouch!!!

I went up to see the progress and you can't stay near the thing for more than a couple of minutes because of the noise. I have ear plugs for my visit today.

This may not be a big deal to you but it is necessary so all the other stuff that needs to be done can be done. Final grading, footers, foundations, etc come next.

On another subject, I had a date last night. Jere came to visit from Raleigh and we had supper together. Oh, Jere is my friend from Raleigh who also has some land here. HE dropped by for a visit (HE isn't a SHE...had you all worried).

We're tooling around WJ running errands and showing Jere the sights.

More coming,
z

I give up...for a few days anyway!

We've had 'on and off', actually more on, rain lately that's throwing a bolt into the machinery. I spoke with our well drilling operator this morning and he has to be cautious about taking his rig onto any wet or slippery ground. He feels like the weather is going to break and a couple of days of drying out should do the trick. He's on standby for this week.

Being the eternal optimist, I've decided to go to Raleigh on some business tomorrow and return to a beautiful, sunny Ashe County on Thursday. Dar is moving to lower ground in Raleigh (from a second story apartment to a first floor) so I'll be busy helping her move. If you haven't kept up, we're not divorced, we're separated while the grunt work gets done in the mountains. We will be back together soon! What's that old saying, "absence makes the heart grow...?"

This photo was taken at around 2:30pm today from the Lowe's parking lot. As you can see, we're seeing clouds touch the ground here.

I spend a lot of time at Lowe's looking at various materials for the cabin. I did get a call today that the shingles are in...only problem is that we need a cabin to attach them to. They'll keep them safe for us until we need them.

An encouraging note came from Myron, my Lowe's buddy...hard freeze doesn't happen until early November. We should be good to get the footers and foundation in the ground in the next 2 weeks...assuming Noah takes a vacation!

On another note, we have a fantastic library here in West Jefferson. I'm here so much they gave me a name badge. I was here working on some 'Cabin Keeper' stuff (I'll explain in a few days) and needed a logo and some type but the only thing I had was a ratty old brochure with those elements. The problem was that I didn't have them as saved images on my computer. I took a shot and asked if they had the capability to scan and low and behold, they took me to their little business center desk. Computer, leather chair, books and scanner. I felt like such an executive and five minutes later I had my images on a flash drive and inserted into my document...I love this place! Now if only I could read... &#(%@

More coming,
z

Infamous or Famous, It's How You Define It!

The weather here is still wet with more expected later today and this evening. I'm hoping for a dry spell starting early next week and we'll be back on schedule.

In the meantime, I recently joined the Ashe County Camera Club after seeing a display of prints at the Ashe County Arts Council show that was most impressive. When I joined, I kept my 'past life' as a photographer to myself. I wanted to join in without any history. That lasted about 2 days. I got an email from the president asking if I would put on a program. Those of you that know me know that I can't say no so...

I said yes. The program is scheduled this coming Monday evening. I did mention to the president that I was living out of a shoebox after he asked about my needs for projector, etc. They also asked me to write a short blip about what I was going to present. I thought it would go out as an email to the group until I read the Ashe Mountain Times this morning over coffee.

I've spent some time thinking about and planning the talk so I won't look like a complete buffoon! Come to think of it, I've never worried about looking like a complete or even partial buffoon so why start worrying now.

More coming,
z

Rain, Rain Go Away...

Even though it's raining, hard at times, I'm still getting stuff done. I dropped the truck off at the Ford dealership for service and am now tooling around town in a 2011 Ranger they let me use. Not bad and even might consider it for a future purchase.

I went by Lowes Home Center and ordered shingles and all the necessary accessories for the roof. Vicki helped me with the door order as well. We like the knotty pine doors and ordered them without the door handles bored. Our plan is to fashion handles out of native wood so as to make it more rustic.

My next stop was Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corp to set up our electric account. I got all the necessary paperwork some of which will require notarized signatures. I'll get those next week when I hit Raleigh for a day or two. Once we get the electric temporary pole set and inspected then they turn on the power.

Now I'm at the library, high and dry, doing my post and other essential computer stuff. We're really fortunate to have such a nice library. It's only a few years old (recently rebuilt) and has lots to offer the solitary man. I check out music cd's and a movie cd almost every day. The camper does not have satellite or the internet but it does have my Mac that can play movies. Some people have said, "how can you watch such a small screen?" and I reply, "you just get real close to it and it gets real big!".

You may remember me talking about getting the well drilled this week. Well (no pun intended) it isn't gonna happen with this rain. The grading crew built a driveway just for the well rig which means it's soft, loose dirt. The drilling rig is a big, heavy piece of equipment that has to get up to the site and leave again when finished. I've learned that soft, wet dirt and drilling rigs don't mix. It will happen when it happens...oh well (pun intended).

More coming,
z

Smith's Milling Company

Lots going on. We received our septic and well permit today. The well company has been alerted that we're a go and the well drilling should happen soon.

I took the permits over to the building inspection department but they wanted a couple more bits of information before they issue the building permit. Should be in the next day or so. Engineer is verifying and sending a letter so all will be ready.

Cutters that mill the tongue for the flooring

I had a few hours this afternoon and headed to Roaring River, NC to meet with the Smith's at Smith's Milling Company. Very interesting and impressed with the skills of Danny Smith. He operates a 1950's milling machine run by a diesel engine that turns out some very nice work. I placed an order with him to mill our flooring, wall pine and ceiling pine.

Pine being fed into the milling machine

Danny gave me the cook's tour of his shop. It's amazing what he can produce from rough lumber. We talked a bit about making some beams for the kitchen area and some other spots in the cabin. I'm going to wait until all the interior wood is installed before tweaking it with beams but he'll get the business

He'll have everything ready for us to install mid-November. I'm looking forward to working with him on our cabin.

Still looking for fourteen 9' locust posts in the 6-8" diameter range...any suggestions?

More coming,
z

Another Great Visit

My bride made another visit to the mountains this weekend and with her she brought lots of love and encouragement and some goodies too. Unfortunately, the mountain was foggy every time we went up. I was hoping for a break in the fog so she could get a glimpse of the long range views but that didn't happen.

We made it to the Farmer's Market in West Jefferson, which is our usual Saturday morning trek. We picked up 2 steaks that were out of this world good!!! These are grass fed steers that are antibiotic free. Cost...$6.00 total! String beans and potatoes were picked that morning. Wine from Whole Foods circa 2011! All to die for...

It's now Monday afternoon and Dar left for Raleigh. It's sad to see her go but these trips won't go on forever as we're both looking forward to 'full-time' together. we commented that we sure missed cooking dinners together. (note to all: appreciate those great times together, no matter how brief they may be)

We're moving forward with the project. The septic and well permits will be ready for pickup in the morning. Building permits probably Wednesday 9/21. The well drilling is scheduled for Wednesday also. Then final grading and we start building. Can't wait.

I'm at the library now doing some research on lighting, etc. Got to keep pushing forward with our resources.

More coming,
z

Trip to Spruce Pine, NC

Yesterday was a quiet day. I traveled to Spruce Pine to meet with the folks at the Bark House. They provide poplar siding, cherry and birch veneers not to mention having a huge inventory of character beams, mantels, etc. I found another rare wood distributor, quite by accident, on the way back to West Jefferson, and will most likely make some purchases there as well.

Some of the elements for the cabin will come from the Bark House because the items are so unique and will make the finished product a one-of-a-kind cabin.

The well will be drilled next week as planned. The surveyor has finished his work and will record the new survey with the County tomorrow afternoon. Turns out that the cabin was on one acre while the septic was partially on another acre. That little detail threw a bolt into the machinery that caused the re-survey...long story short.

I'm ordering the shingles next week. The SIPS have been ordered and are in production. Windows are being built also.

I received good news today from the Park Superintendent where I'm staying in the camper...they are going to let me stay beyond the customary 14 day limit because of my circumstances with building and all. One of my 'Cabin Keeper' clients is heading back to Florida at the end of October and has graciously offered their home for me to stay in through the winter. Their cabin is only 5 minutes away from our project. Needless to say, I am excited and will probably stay frost free.

My sweetheart is coming up this weekend. I'm so glad to be able to see her and share the progress thus far. We have lots to talk about and a number of decisions to make while she's here.

More later,
z

A Day On Maple Tree

I spent another great day on Maple Tree. Cut more firewood for the upcoming winter season and beyond. We'll have firewood for a good while.

Spoke with Smith's Milling Company about providing interior wood for walls, ceiling and flooring. Their prices are great, quality is excellent and I like the owner...makes for a good combination. I'll be contacting them once I get a tighter schedule identified.

I shot a short little video showing the progress so far. The brush pile and stumps are gone and the road is graded in from the paved road to the housepad and workshop.

As you can see, there's a mess of firewood. Looks like we clear cut the property but rest assured we did not. It doesn't take many trees to provide a good quantity of firewood.

I met David with Yadkin Well Company on site today and we looked at the proposed well location. He seems to be good with the location and getting his equipment in to drill. He said we were on the schedule for Tuesday or Wednesday of next week. Getting water to the site is critical for mixing cement, etc.

I'm headed to Spruce Pine tomorrow to look at poplar siding. We're planning on using poplar siding in several locations on the cabin. Should be interesting. I'll take some photos and share soon.

More coming,
Z

Lots Going On

There's a bunch of stuff going on with the development of our property in preparation for building. The land has been rough cleared. Stumps and tree branches are being moved as I write.

My good buddy Jason with the Health Department has spent some time with me deciding the best location for the septic system, tank and well. The photo to the right is of Jason making notes about the 'perk' test in preparation for the drainfield location.

Today he staked the location of the well. I called Yadkin Well Company and am on their schedule for Tuesday or Wednesday of next week. They can't drill until the county signs off on the well...see why Jason is such an important guy!

I've spent some time cutting and stacking firewood for the winter. The pile of downed trees is large but manageable. This photo is of the stack of 4' pieces ready for final cut when the time comes.

I've been working hard getting ready for final grading and for the footers to be dug and poured. The footers have to be in the ground before the hard winter hits.

I do have a moment of entertainment once in awhile and decided to give chainsaw carving a whirl. Nothing to write home about, but a start. I need a good book on the steps to follow. When I get time, I'll do some research. Meanwhile, 'cubby' is standing guard over the woodpile. The last moment of entertainment was this weekend when I washed clothes...yahoo!!!

More coming,
Z

Rough Grading Is Complete

After two full days of grading, it looks like the rough grade is complete. Stumps are due to be hauled out Monday. The large pile of brush is mostly limbs from the trees taken down and they will be burned.

I've included a quick video (excuse the shakes but I was standing on the edge of the track hoe bucket and about to fall) of the view from around the first floor level. I suspect I'm a bit low based on the wall heights and elevations.

Tomorrow I spend a spiritual day working with the soil. My job is to clear the septic drain field area of large stones (shoebox size and bigger). I'll throw them into a pile and they'll be recycled into part of the landscaping. An outdoor fire pit is planned and will require a bunch of rock. From the looks of things, we'll have plenty from other parts of the property as well.

I spent several hours cutting down dead limbs and trees that gave it up a few years ago when we had a bad ice storm. One large tree that fell from our neighbor's onto our property and has a nice view of the mountains was turned into a seat for resting and reflecting. It was easy and made a neat quiet place. Another large old dead tree near the road was cut off about 5' from the ground. It will become my first chainsaw standing bear...I'll let you know how that goes!

More later,
Z

Mudd Flinging To Start

Let the games begin...tomorrow is a big day. Grading starts on our property at Big Tree. This much anticipated event will create our driveway, house pad, sheep shed pad, septic system, etc. Don't get excited, we aren't going to start raising sheep. It's a shed for sheep but will serve as our new workshop. Lots of requests for handmade furniture, etc. from family (that's justification for the workshop).

Once the grading is complete, the well will be drilled. Water is needed for concrete and stone work. Electric temp pole will be placed in the next week or so as well.

We've decided that any stones, rocks or boulders that are dis-lodged will be reassigned to other areas near the cabin to be used as landscaping elements. Our plans include an outdoor fire ring with seating and my bride wants her hot tub so we'll incorporate some rocks into that ultimate project.

Starting the next post you'll see progress photos from grading to finished cabin. An everyday post might be difficult because of internet access but I'll give it the best shot I can every day.

More coming,
Z

Sweetheart Visits and Getting Ready To Move Dirt

Darlene set to 'crank it up'

I've missed a few posts due to the fact that I've been playing 'musical campsites' and Labor Day threw a wrench into my access to the internet.

Darlene came up to visit and also make sure I was on track ;^)  I assured her that all was moving forward. It was so good to see her smiling face and bottles of wine. It felt like normal for the first time in several weeks.

Our grading contractor brought his track hoe to the property so he'll be ready to start grading once the County signs off on the septic. Darlene is chomping at the bit to start grading. I am too.

I did stop by the County office this morning and it looks like tomorrow (Wednesday 9/7) is the day they will make their visit. They'll call me ahead so we can meet on site.

We spent the Labor Day weekend at RiverCamp USA along with a bunch of other folks. Now I know what a sardine feels like. We were wall to wall campers and tents. It started raining on the evening of the 4th and again on the 5th. The rain cleared the place out as everyone headed home. We packed up our gear and headed back to the New River State Park. It feels good to be 'almost home' again. The downside to the move was that Dar had to leave to head back to Raleigh...very sad to see her go BUT just before she departed, of all things, the truck wouldn't start. One of the rangers gave me a kick start. I said goodbye to Dar and headed to AutoZone for a battery check. Fortunately, it was the battery and not the alternator. It's funny what $100 can do to your mood not to mention starting the truck!

The rain started last evening (9/5) and came down in buckets all night long. Lots of wind and rain. They say we're in a flash flood warning for the area. I'm at the library now and it's still raining outside. My task is to get orders out for the windows and the SIPS today and I'll make that self imposed deadline.

Spent some good time at Lowes looking at roofing, doors and other stuff. Prices were very good. I'll check around for other prices to make sure.

I'll post again soon,
Z

Crown Point here we come!

There's a subdivision, just above our land, called Crown Point. There are three estate homes, all sold recently, that need the services of 'The Cabin Keeper'. Today was the day that I made contact with each property. No one was home but I left, well protected, information about our private property management services.

Now that I have the telephone thing under control, all should be good and the phone should be ringing off the hook.

Met with electrician, lumber mill and surveyor today. The surveyor was a priority as I've heard horror stories of people building up here and some of the structure was on someone else's property...NOT GOOD! Crown Point is our adjacent neighbor and I wanted to make sure we were good with our proposed house site. The surveyor assured me that we were....thank goodness.

Got my ears lowered today. Freda did the honors and as I've found countless times, she was a sweetheart and very hospitable.

Tomorrow's moving day, again. This time I head 9 miles up the road with the camper through September 5th then I'm back to the New River Campground until September 18th. After that is anybody's guess (they have a 14 day per month limit but I'm going to see if that can be waived).

More later,
Z and Katy out!