Cohabitation

In the process of clearing away some of the trees right next to the old log cabin, we generated quite a few tree branches that needed to be burned. We took advantage of the wet weather and decided to have a burn pile.

Despite the fact that the burn pile was quite a distance from anything else that could burn, and despite the fact that it had rained on and off for a couple of days, we still were very careful to keep the fire under control.

About 10 PM last night, I ventured outside to check it out to make sure it was settling down for the night so we could do the same. Once I could see the orange of the smoldering flame, I stopped and turned off my headlamp to enjoy the scene. Shortly after doing so I heard something. Thunder? I wondered. No couldn’t be that. Then I heard it again. A very low sound, just like a…… bear! Quickly, I turned and headed for the house, not waiting to confirm or deny my suspicions.

I cannot say for certain it was a bear, but nor can I think of a better explanation. If it was a bear, it was obvious he was giving me a firm but polite warning, and a reminder that we don’t live out in the wilderness alone.

The Log Cabin

When we first saw this piece of property one of the things that drew us to it was an ancient log cabin that sat by the road. Shortly after buying the property we began to rehabilitate the cabin and as a result, numerous neighbors in the valley stopped by to see what was going on. Most were concern that we might be tearing it down. All were relieved to find out we were not. But in those conversations we learned more about the cabin and its history, notably that it is the oldest building in this valley. Our love for the cabin grew greater.

Two years ago we had a heavy snow year and unfortunately the roof of the log cabin collapsed. I had thought about just using a pre-fab truss frame to replace the roof, but have since been inspired to rebuild the roof using more traditional methods. Since making this decision, I have been researching and planning the project.

Today was the first day, and we made good progress.

The past two winters we have had a giant tarp on top of the flat floor of the loft of the cabin, but it has been of marginal benefit. Everything inside was damp and moldy if not falling apart.

Here are a few pictures of the progress we made to today, with a couple of before and a couple of after pictures.

Dog Sled Races

Some pictures of a local dog sled race recently: