I’m pretty tired, so this’ll probably be a short post…
Had another late-ish start today, mostly on the account of having trouble getting out of my nice warm bed to brave the crisp air. Eventually, the combined realization that 1) it was sunny out, and 2) my solar panel was pointed in the wrong direction, got me out of bed in a hurry. I had my usual eggs, greens, and tortillas for breakfast. The eggs were the last of the dozen I’d bought in January, and were fine despite being 3 weeks old, and having been left in freezing temperatures. The tortillas, however, had frozen, but other than a few at the top having frozen in weird shapes, they tasted fine.
I spent the early afternoon gathering more snow, and collecting some twigs and branches that I use for kindling. Before starting Project 31, I had 2 buckets filled with kindling, but already burnt through one. Since the sun had dried out some branches, I decided to fill up that bucket again, so I still have the other bucket. I also have a large pile of branches under a tarp, if dry branches aren’t otherwise available.
Later in the afternoon, it started snowing again, so I worked some more on the hut floor while listening to music. At this point, half the floor is done and insulated. The raised floor feels much, much more solid than the original floor, partially because the joists on the raised floor are spaced closer together and are laid perpendicular to the original joists to spread the load, but also because the OSB is oriented in the right way (after all, the “O” in “OSB” stands for Oriented). I still need to do the other half, though it’s more like 3/4 of the half since the area near the door will not be raised. The lowered floor near the entrance is a standard feature in Japanese houses, where you’re expected to take off your shoes. Your shoes stay in the lowered area near the door, and the height difference also helps keep mud and dirt out of the rest of the residence – a feature I intend to take advantage of in Hut 2.1.
In general, I’m feeling good. Even though this is Day 2, I got here on Monday, so I’ve been here 4 full days now, and I’m settling in. It’s nice to have everything I need here, and not have to worry about going into town, or the roads not being clear (seeing how they haven’t been anyhow). There’s also a certain peace of mind in being committed to staying here. I get emails about things happening in the city, and normally, there’d be a pang of doubt: a part of me would wonder if I might have a better time there than here. But, now, there isn’t. I simply file away those emails, because I am here, not there.
29 more days to go.
Laptop and a Rifle 
well, I’m up at this ridiculous hour, asleep earlier. I was invited to go on a trip for the day, but I’m not going :), or at least, I sent my text to that effect.. I can go back to sleep. The snow is supposed to make its way over here some time today, and I just don’t feel like going away right now.
29 days is still four weeks 🙂 and one day. You seem good so far. I guess you could have started counting backwards. I think you are doing great. Thank you for the mental telepathy :). This is a season of change.
I’m following with curiosity and a strong touch of envy, for your courage to simply DO the steps that seem right to you.
And for your wonderful hut…
I would not worry so much about counting days..just enjoy your time and keep plugging away on 2.1.
Counting days, monday to friday…is a city thing People endure to get to to the weekend…all of your time is a Weekend.
existence in the wilderness is more about rolling with the seasons…not the day to day stuff…Have you read any of the Lewis and Clark journals? They were out there for over two years….just plugging away
Yeah, I tend to lose track of the day of week when I’m up here. At least, I used to when I didn’t have an internet connection… I certainly don’t treat days any differently. No weekends, no weekdays. Each day is its own thing, and I do what I feel like, and what the weather permits.
I like the idea of the raised floor!
You’re going to need tons more wood for your fire, you can never have enough.
Have you considered making fire starters instead of just piling up some kindling to start the fire in the morning? You can increase your efficiency by using a standardized amount of kindling and if you have some paraffin or wax you can use that newly emptied egg carton (if it’s paper). Having pre-made fire starters will also help get you warmed up faster in the mornings.
I don’t know if you’ve covered it before but what’s you sleeping situation like? You’re obviously keeping warm but do you have a actual mattress or are you sleeping on a cot of some kind? What about blankets or a sleeping bag? Do you have enough that you don’t need to heat the cabin at night?
It’s awesome and inspiring to see you trying this. Stay safe out there!
Yeah, I’m guessing my current wood supply will probably last me 3 weeks, but possibly not the entire month. I’ll start worrying when I’m down to about half my supply (right now, I’m probably over 90%).
A fire starter sounds like a good idea. I have a bunch of tea candles that I don’t use, so I might be able to melt the wax, maybe mix it with some sawdust and use egg cartons like you suggested.
I’m sleeping on a futon mattress, under a nice thick duvet, and it keeps me warm even if I’m just in a single layer PJ. On particularly cold nights, I’ll put on an extra layer, or sleep in a sleeping bag liner (in addition to the duvet). I usually throw in a little extra wood in the stove before heading to bed, but the fire’s generally pretty low by the time I actually go to sleep after doing some reading. I also have a sleeping bag, if necessary, though I haven’t had to use it so far.
Ryo, I’m late to your saga. I was wondering, what did you use for studs when you built? 2×4’s or 2×6’s? Obviously , 2×6 walls would be more expensive but would hold more insulating space? Just curious, is there an entry that breaks down your building with details like that?
Do yourself a favor when the weather gets warmer and build yourself some boot jacks/elevated shoe rack to keep the wee critters out of your boots. They like to climb inside boots especially spiders and scorpions. Keep your clothes off the floor even inside the cabin. I prefer boot jacks as they allow air in to dry off the sweat inside the boots. Air circulation will also help kill any mold or foot fungus that tries to start inside your boots. Last thing you need is a fungal infection living out in the boonies. If you’re feet start to itch or feel sweaty, it’s time to change your socks. You’ll likely have to do this once or twice a day during warmer weather. During hot weather get some sort of rugged sandals like Tevas and go sans socks.