The coffee is extra strong this morning. I might have allowed it to burble on the stove a little bit longer than I should have, but it has a nice kick. I’m sitting here, almost ready to head in to work and I’m trying to make plans. I knew that hibernation would wear off eventually.
First off, I want my cabin. I really, really want a proper cabin. It would be so much easier to heat than this RV. We would have more room to work in the kitchen. We could have better spaces to relax or hang out and not be in each other’s way. That has to wait. My loose plan is to wait for March when things melt to get the sawmill working and get the lumber cut so that when the season ends my shuttle job I can put in the time to build.
Then there is the garden. I want a garden. I’m pretty sure I can grow potatoes and cabbage, carrots and beets. I just don’t know how much protection I will need to install so that critters won’t trample or eat my garden. I put a question in to a group about that. We’ll see if I get anything useful.
I still don’t know what I’ll do for work in summer. Or if Chris will work and I can live off of his paycheck for a few months. I haven’t decided if I’ll drive for Basecamp for a second season or not. Some of this resists planning. It’s too far away and has too many variables.
I used to make lists and plans all the time. I find it really helps when your brain is too busy. Having things written down helps me focus. I’ve been getting better at letting go and winging it, but I would like an outline.
I know what I want to do out in the real world. I’m pondering a couple of ideas for content on the blog. I want your feedback.
What do you want to know about life in Alaska? Do you want to know about living off-grid? How do we keep warm? Cost of living? What it’s like driving? Ask me questions!
I have just finished reading through my posts for the last year. More recently I have been telling stories, but last January I posted a series detailing my camping list. I want to revisit that and compare camping to my current lifestyle. That could be an interesting ten articles.
Please, tell me what you think. I love sharing what it’s like up here and I would love to share the adventure with you the way you want to hear about it.
Hey Bonnie, Well, for one thing I believe you have the right attitude about making flexible plans. As for a garden, You will need something like a high tunnel with 4 or 6 mil plastic, and this would just be a season extender, where as you would be able to till and plant a couple weeks before the usual time. I would also do some sort of water collection that you can use rain water or stream water for irrigation. As for storage of your veggies, like root veggies, you can dig a root cellar like a bomb shelter type. I have a bunch of other suggestions too but for now, have a great day!!
The high tunnel is a great idea! I will probably also need a greenhouse if I want to grow any tomatoes or other warm season veggies. I’ll definitely keep you in mind for questions when I get going on the garden!
My question is how do you plan on heating the cabin? Are you wanting to use that one system you had talked about building years ago (I hope you know what I’m talking about, ’cause I can’t remember the name of it)? We’re struggling to find a wood stove. Not many small ones are available (that aren’t camping stoves). The only one I’ve found so far that doesn’t cost an arm and leg is apparently out of stock. I guess January is not the time to shop for specialty sized wood stoves. Love hearing all your updates, keep them coming!
I believe you are thinking of the rocket mass heater. Yes, I still want to try that out at some point, but I need a cabin first! I am currently planning to have a Toyo heater in one corner and a wood stove in the other so we have backup for when something goes wrong. For your small stove have you looked on Marketplace or similar sites? A new, efficient stove will cost up to $2k but it’s worth it. A used one will be less expensive, but might not be up to emissions standards. Good luck.
Hi Bonny,
I’m Dan Martin’s mom n he was telling me about you n I wanted to know more. I also love email or text. I used to go to Anchorage each month in my job n did a couple of trips to Fairbanks. Always wanted to go to Nome for the end of the Iditarod. Saw the start one year – about froze to death. 😏
Wow, I’m so glad you found the blog! I’ve been a bit distracted from keeping it up the last week or so, but I have a few things I plan to write about. I think later today I’ll have something about how we keep from freezing. I would love to see part of the Iditarod or Yukon Quest race. They have dog sledding available for guests at Borealis Basecamp and those dogs always show such eagerness and joy in the running. I hope you enjoy my stories. It’s easier to write when I know someone is reading.