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

B.E.L. Post # 250

This morning, we all headed over to the Abbey and continued working on the fencing while Stephen worked on irrigation and other tasks around the Abbey.

During the afternoon shift, I worked on making log lights for the driveway. After that, I made roughly 15 no-spray signs. I used a router to create the lettering and then used a hand torch to blacken in the letters.

Once I finished torching the lettering, I ran the signs through the planer to clean them up and give them a better finish.

Tomorrow, I’ll start giving the signs a nice coat of raw linseed oil to help protect and preserve the wood.

B.E.L. Post # 251

This morning, Leo, Stevie, Jesse, Dan, and I headed over to the Abbey to continue working on the fences.

Dan and Leo were framing up the last sections of the fence leading up to the Cooper Cabin gate, while Jesse and I were filling the panels in with junk poles. It’s always satisfying seeing the fence slowly come together and watching those sections get filled in.

After lunch, Stevie and I continued working on the no-spray signs. We gave them a coat of raw linseed oil, which really helped bring out the character of the wood. We also fixed a wobbling stool and took care of a few other small tasks.

Then we headed back to the Abbey and finished out the day bucking and splitting firewood.

Another solid day of getting things done. 🌲🪵🔨

B.E.L. Post # 252

This morning we headed off to the Abbey, where Dan, Leo, and Stevie wrapped up the framing of the fencing to the west of the Cooper Cabin gate. They then split and stacked firewood from the woody bits we bucked the other day.

While they were working on that, Jesse and I continued filling in the junk-pole fence panels.

After lunch, I drilled a ¾-inch hole on either side of the no-spray signs using a spade bit and started installing them along the road. I installed one sign on the barbed-wire fence right next to the mailbox, then added another sign every 70 feet heading west from the mailbox.

For the tie wires, I used scrap pieces of metal fencing to attach the signs to the top strand of the barbed-wire fence. This should make the signs easier to disassemble and reposition if needed.

Afterwards, I reinstalled a slate piece for the sink cabinet at the Willy-Wonka willow feeder.

To finish out the day, Jesse and I headed back to the lab and continued filling in the junk-pole fence panels.

B.E.L. Post # 253

I woke up to another beautiful morning and started the day by taking Chapito for a walk and enjoying the beautiful scenery surrounding me.

Afterwards, I cleaned up some woody bits that were laying around outside the front door of the shop. I also installed some dowel rods onto the legs and joint pieces of the library stool.

Then I continued installing the no-spray signs along the road. It was a big stretch, but I made some good progress.

Afterwards, I did my normal things—some journaling, reading, and relaxing with my fellow boots.

Yesterday (2026/09/06)

I started off my morning with another delightful round of cleaning alongside the rest of the Boots, keeping things nice and tidy.

Afterwards, I did some chainsaw maintenance and a bit of chop and drop.

For the remainder of the day, I spent my time with my dog. We did a lot of walking and exploring, taking in the beautiful scenery around us.

After that, I spent some time journaling and reading.

Later, I sat on top of the berm shed, looking out over the beautiful scenery and getting lost in my thoughts. It was a peaceful way to end the day.

B.E.L. Post # 254

We started off our morning staying at base camp while Steven took Sam, the new boot, up to the lab to do some tours and other tasks.

While they were up there, I recut some light logs to readjust the angle of them so when people walk by, the lights won't be as bright and hit them directly in the eyes.

Afterwards, I cleaned up some woody bits, did some trail maintenance, and then spent some time doing chop and drop.

After lunch, we all headed up to the lab and started working on the fencing at the Abbey.

Another productive day of learning, working, and helping keep things moving forward. 🌿🛠️

Yesterday 2026/09/08

We started off the morning loading Roy up with all the tools we needed for the fencing work at the Abbey.

Once we got there, I continued working on one section of the fencing, sliding the junk poles through. Jesse was working on another section of the fencing, while Dan, Leo, and the new boot Sam worked around the Cooper Cabin gate. They were setting posts, felling trees to use as posts, and doing some framing.

After lunch, Sam tagged along with me for most of the shift. We restrung the barbed-wire strands along the fencing by the road, did some chop and drop, and cleared out woody bits around the area.

Yesterday 2026/09/09

We started off our morning heading over to the Abbey, where we continued working on the fencing. I nearly knocked out filling up another panel with junk poles. Jesse continued working on her panel of junk poles, while Leo, Dan, and Sam worked on cutting down another tree to buck to length for posts and continued working on the framing.

After lunch, Jesse and I irrigated Lightning Hill, Apricot Alley, and Raspberry Rock. Afterwards, we did some chop and drop and chainsaw maintenance.