!! In the quiet hours of the bootcamp grind, I found myself: Esteban's Bootcamp Experience

B.E.L. Post # 14

October 31st

🎃 Today had that eerie, crisp Halloween chill in the air — the kind where the fog clings to the treetops and even the birds seem a little quieter than usual...

With the High Commander away on mysterious missions unknown, the Duke took charge of the day’s operations. After our morning gathering (no cauldrons, but close enough), I set out to replenish a box of processed cardboard and deliver three crates of burnable goodies to the Duke’s quarters — fuel for the fires that keep our permie spirits alive. 🔥

Then it was time to bring some order to the chaos — I ventured out to place sunchoke signs at both the Turtle Berm and the Tipi Berm, marking their domain like a druid labeling his potion jars.

But the day’s true horror awaited at the Abbey… 🦌
As I arrived, I caught sight of the destruction, left by the mischievous deers tearing through like ghosts breaking through old wards. In their desperate flight, they managed to shatter the handles of two gates — perhaps their idea of a Halloween trick.

After cleaning up the aftermath of their ungulate uprising, I returned to Basecamp, where I took to refortifying the garden’s gate and reinforcing the junk pole fencing — no deer, spirit, or ghoul shall breach these defenses again!

As dusk fell, I closed the day by widening and leveling the berm paths, turning rough ground into smoother passageways — perhaps for us, or perhaps for whatever wanders these woods when the moon rises full and bright tonight... 🌕

Happy Halloween from the wilds of Wheaton Labs — where even the deer have tricks up their sleeves! 🕸️🛠️👻

B.E.L. Post # 15

Today was technically my off day… but, as usual, when the land calls, I can’t help myself.

Started the morning at Basecamp, feeding our feline supervisors (the cats, naturally 😺). Then I headed over to the Laboratory to feed the cats there and walk the fence perimeter, checking on the gates that the deer had busted earlier in the week. Everything was still standing tall — no hoofed vandals today! 🦌

Back at Basecamp, I slipped right into a good working flow — processing a fair amount of cardboard, gathering pinecones for kindling, and packing out the kindling pile so it’s ready for the next round of fires. 🔥

During one of my walks around Basecamp, I noticed a massive pine tree that had fallen by its own accord. Nature did the felling for me this time! I’ll soon be logging, bucking, splitting, and stacking it — another fine addition to the woodpile waiting to be transformed into warmth and comfort. 🌲🪓

Feeling inspired, I also made six new sunchoke flags for the Tipi Berm,  then fashioned twist wire strands to better align sections of the barbed wire fence. Before calling it a day, I stopped by the Berm Shed to give it some much-needed love — mulching a patch that had been asking for attention.

So much for an off day… but honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Every small act adds a little more care, beauty, and balance to the land. 🌾

— Esteban

B.E.L. Post # 16

This post is for yesterday’s adventures! (Nov. 3rd)

After our morning meeting, I started the day by lighting the rocket mass heater in the classroom — setting a cozy tone before the day’s work ahead.

Once things were warmed up, Stephan, Zack, and I headed out to the laboratory. We walked the full fence perimeter and took another close look at the damaged gate handles — those persistent deer left quite the mess behind! After assessing the situation, we processed all the remaining kindling on-site before wrapping up our work there.

When we got back to basecamp, we shifted gears to the next big task: felling two trees to build a brand-new, stronger, sturdier gate from the ground up. After felling, logging, and debarking the trees, we finally got the frame laid out and ready for the next phase.

A solid day’s work all around — transforming forest material into the foundation of a durable new gate. Can’t wait to see it standing tall soon!

B.E.L. Post # 17

November 4, 2025

Yesterday was another full and rewarding day here at Wheaton Labs!

After our morning meeting, I got the classroom rocket mass heater lit to keep the place nice and cozy. Once that was burning smoothly, I processed more cardboard for future fire-starting.

Later in the morning, I spent some time with the new boot, showing him how to properly maintain and sharpen a chainsaw. After going through the basics — cleaning, checking the chain tension, and oiling — I had him test his work on a log, and he did great for his first time!

In the afternoon, the High Commander, the new boot, and I felled another tree — this one will be used for the rear gate replacement project we’ve been working on. Afterwards, the High Commander took us around the Lab to show the trail camera locations and go over the monthly maintenance protocols — very useful knowledge for future rotations.

We wrapped up the day on a tasty note — making tacos and sharing stories from the day’s work. Nothing like good food after a day of hard labor in the woods! 🌮🌲🔥

B.E.L. Post # 18

Started the morning by feeding the dragon its usual share of wood — keeping that classroom rocket mass heater happy and roaring. 🔥

Afterwards, Stephen, Zach, Chapito, and I made our way to the Abbey to feed the cats and walk the junk pole fence perimeter. Always nice getting to check in on that side of the property — peaceful, crisp air, and a few curious cats keeping us company.

Once we got back to Basecamp, we jumped right into working on the garden gate replacement project. Just before lunchtime, we all teamed up to prep for some hearty vegan soup — perfect fuel for a cool day.

After lunch, we got right back to it. By the end of the day, the gate was nearly complete — just a few finishing touches left before we can call this project done. It’s looking great!

And to top off the day, Stephan surprised Zack and me by treating us to dinner in celebration of my one-month anniversary here at Wheaton Labs. 🥂 It was a really special moment for me — a reminder of how this place isn’t just about projects and skills, but about people. Out here, it truly feels like family. ❤️