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Carla’s Niche
Avalon Journal
Copyright © 2006 L/L Research
March 6, 2005
LoneBear’s Log
Spent the last three days working on the erosion problem at the Sumai site. Might actually have it under control now—at least until a big storm hits. The proper correction would be to deflect the flood waters where they enter the property on the south side to an alternate path, and not allow the main part of the creek to turn into a torrent.
In order to get the rock needed to repair the bank, I cleared out the “island” (photo, below left), which was almost all rock. Not only did we get some erosion repair and a rebuilt bank, but we’re two-thirds the way to having a beautiful pond!
Sumai Site Erosion Damage and Repair
March 12-13, 2005
LoneBear’s Log
Cold day today, with occasional snow showers. Too much mud to do anything else (we had about 4 inches of snow a couple nights ago, and it melted and soaked everything pretty good).
Put up the solar array today. Need to pick up a junction box and make a temporary connection to the charge controller, so we can start charging batteries. Eventually, the solar panels will be relocated to the roof of the Sumai (above the tree line), and more panels added for the higher power demands.
Solar Array
Four Photowatt PW-1650 panels that generate 165 watts of power in full sun, each. Of course, today it was cloudy and snowing, and the panels were only putting out about 35 watts when I tested them.
Yesterday, made some anchors out of 2 inch EMT conduit and put in some guy wires to the top of the post for additional stability. It is fairly sturdy now. My only real concern is wind blowing branches off the nearby trees into the panels.
March 14, 2005
LoneBear’s Log
Solar Array Working!
The solar panels are connected and working—better than expected. The panels are rated at 165 watts, and the measured output from each panel, in direct sunlight, is about 180 watts, so it looks like we got some good ones.
Shed Foundation Blocks
V and K spent the day heaving rock and leveling ground for the shed foundation and sub-flooring. The shed, itself, actually sits on pressure treated 4x4 skids, so it can always be hauled off to another location if need be.
Temporary Solar Power System Running
We’ve thrown together a temporary power system to supply 120 VAC to the Sugar Shack, so we can use power tools for the construction of the shed (which is about 50 feet east, beyond the wall shown).
The solar panels charge the Trojan 220-amp batteries, which are connected to a Xantrex SW4024 inverter, which converts the 24-volt DC to 120 VAC. This gives us enough power to run all the tools, even the table saw.
We have an additional 12 batteries, but cannot use them at the moment because the flooring in the Sugar Shack will not support their weight. As soon as the shed has walls and a roof, the power system, in its entirety, will be relocated there providing the shed and Shack with about 20 kilowatts of clean, solar power.
March 15-17, 2005
LoneBear’s Log
Shed Construction—Flooring
The shed is constructed of 2x4 over pressure treated 4x4 spaced at 48 inches. The entire assembly is up on concrete blocks, with rock (obtained from stream) dumped underneath for drainage.
First Wall
First wall in place. In the background, the solar system can be seen up and running (on 1/4 capacity), which is more than enough to run the power tools. Batteries stayed at 100% the whole time, since we were unable to use more power than the panels were generating. The array is putting out slightly over 800 watts, which is pretty good considering the panels we bought are only rated to produce 660 watts.
Two Walls
Wall #2. We decided to start at the back and work forward, for two reasons: first, we wouldn’t have the front walls in the way, and second, there weren’t any doors or windows in them, so they were a lot easier to assemble.
Three Walls
This is how far we got today, before muscles gave out. The shed walls, being “barn” style, are shorter than the average house wall, and placing the window we a bit of a challenge, being 4’ tall. We decided to push it all the way to the top, because the barn section above will make it appear to fill in more. It turned out to be a good height, and will have a nice view of the crop fields below.
(Back view)
March 18, 2005
LoneBear’s Log
Four Walls and a Door
Well, a hole for a door, at least. The lower framing for the shed is done. Next step is to frame the windows in the gable ends (which can be seen laying against the side of the building), then lift them into place. Once they are up, we can start putting the siding and roof on.
Shed with a View
This is the view from inside the shed, looking out toward the existing field (future crop area). There is still a good amount of trees and brush to clear off to the left, so we can reclaim part of the hillside for root crops (the field, itself, is too wet).
Things are just now starting to turn green. The daffodils are up, but haven’t seen a flower yet.
Road Re-Grading (not shown)
Did a re-grading of the road after all the wet weather. Not really a problem with erosion, as much as the deep tracks left by the truck going up and down. Talk about “getting stuck in a rut!”
Locust Creek
The creek is still flowing at a good clip. Our miniature version of Niagara Falls is shown here, the “Canadian” horseshoe view seen here (the “American” side is off to the left). Work on the creek above this has changed the flow pattern somewhat, from all the dislodged dirt and small rock, which built up on the sides, narrowing the falls more towards the center.
March 24, 2005
LoneBear’s Log
After the Second Flood …
Had a lot of heavy rain … again! The shed flooded underneath, so we are going to have to do some extra work to keep the water from running under it, and add some extra drainage to keep it dry.
This will all come after we get the siding on, so we can backfill it to the baseline with some stone, gravel and pipe.
Most of the day was spent surveying the flood damage, since the creek was very high and all the feeder creeks coming from the knobs were running full-tilt. I have another 64 pictures taken of the flooding areas that we will have to address in the future. Figured it was best to photograph them now before the leaves come up and block the wider views.
Some Other Avalon Sites
Avalon’s Guardian “Ent”
This mighty tree watches over the fields of Avalon. (This part of the field is yet to be cleared). The munchkin at the base is none other than our own David Wilcock, for size comparison.
There are two other trees like this up on the knob areas of Avalon, and are estimated to be close to a century old.
“Fixer Upper”
This unique fixer-upper opportunity also sits on Avalon, being the second farm house.
We intend to just dismantle this building, but keep the wood since there is a lot of good, old hardwood making up this building.
A second well sits in front of it, and a root cellar behind it.
Ye ‘Ole Root Cellar
Or, in the future, may make a very good spot for a kiva-type mediation point. The entire structure is made of lose-stacked rock (no cement except for the entry way). It is still 75% intact, and just needs some cleaning up, and a new roof.
March 29, 2005
LoneBear’s Log
Avalon’s First Flower of the Season
I don’t know what it is, but found it popping out of the ground today. Many more in the area have buds, waiting to blossom out (including several hundred daffodils).
The Island Returns!
I had completely emptied the pond area of loose rock, and after this weekend’s rain, was quite surprise to find that almost all of it returned. The only problem is, is that I cannot figure out where it came from! The retaining walls are still in place, though some rock slid down to the bottom that were on the top, and all the flood control dams put into place above this location are still fully intact. There is close to 50 tons of rock here now … I’m not complaining … actually, I was complaining that I ran out of rock, so I’d better be careful of what I ask for!
Surveying
It was far too muddy and wet to do any real work. The shed was sitting in a huge puddle, the roads 8 inches deep in mud, and the fields soaked, but it was still a gorgeous day out, so I did some surveying and started laying out the stakes and guy lines for the various items we will be constructing at Avalon. Pictured will be the foot bridge running from the parking area (extending to the right) at the base of the access road, across the feeder creek to the Sumai site. I made use of a natural break in the trees for a 10’ section across. We intend to build the bridge with some of the local cedar that Jim had cut a few years ago, which is now well seasoned.
I’ve also staked out the main fence line to separate the Sugar Shack/Shed area from the rest of the cropland (the neighbors are running cattle in the adjacent fields now, so it will give us a second “line of defense” in case they break thru the old barbed wire. Also sectioned off a second bridge area over Locust creek for farm use, which will give us access to a small field to the east.
March 21, 2005
LoneBear’s Log
Shed Walls and Roof Trussing
First Wall
K, G and V putting up the siding on the northeast wall. The window overlooks the farm field.
I’m busy assembling the roof gables (and taking pictures).
Back Wall
G-man starting of the back wall. The instructions said to put up all the roof framing before starting on the wall, but since the walls were a bit shaky, we decided to put the siding on to firm them up, before spending the day climbing on them.
Start of Roof Trussing
My creation being put in place! We secured the ends with some extra 2x4 for safety until we can get the actual roofing on. Those beams will come off once all the OSB is in place.
Crew at Work
This is the largest work crew we’ve had yet—5 people, including myself behind the camera.
Assembling Remainder of Roof
We used my backhoe to haul the roof truss’s into place, which were secured by G and K. Worked fairly well, and save a lot of tough hauling.
Backhoe View
The last of the trussing going into place.
Happy Roofers
“It’s DONE!”
Last Board
Putting the last board in place for the day. The gable end pieces are cut and ready to install. The roofing poses a bit of a problem, since it is not easily accessible. We’re going to have to set up some scaffolding or something to be able to set the roof OSB.
(What you can’t see is that it’s almost dark here. The flash and Photoshop light enhancement makes it look like day.)
March 30, 2005
LoneBear’s Log
The Widow-Maker is Down
This tree has been hanging over the access road for some time, getting lower with each rainstorm. The weather was finally good enough to cut it down, and drag it off (which required hauling it with the backhoe—it was so heavy due to water, we were unable to even lift it). It is now drying out in the field.
Shed Nearing Completion
V. and I started putting up the final bits of board for the shed. It was quite a lot of fun, dangling on ladders that would sink into the mud when you climbed up on them.
Unfortunately, our muscles gave out before our spirit did, and we are two boards and a roof vent short of finishing the shed. If the weather holds tomorrow, all the lumber should be in place and we can install the doors and windows, and start putting the roofing and siding on.
Once the shed is watertight, the power system will be moved into it where we can use the full battery compliment. We plan to use the shed for tool and supply storage, perhaps with a small kitchen since the solar system can run a small refrigerator. We will feed power down to the Sugar Shack for lighting, and set up a “farm pole” at the Sumai site so we can use power tools at that location.
March 31, 2005
LoneBear’s Log
Shed—Nearing completion
Finished putting the boards up on the roof, got some tarpaper on, and installed the doors and windows. Next step is to finish the tarpaper (steep sides), put up the shingles, siding and trim.
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