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

Mike Haasl wrote:Hi Esteban, I fleshed out my idea a bit better for easier junk pole fence options.  It might be neat to try a few experimental sections somewhere, put a trail camera on them, and see if they work...   Shorty Junker ideas

Hey Mike, thanks for taking the time to flesh that out — I really appreciate you sharing the Shorty Junker ideas.

I like the idea of trying a few experimental sections. I’ll experiment with your approach temporarily on some of the remaining ~25 blown-over panels and see how they behave. Putting a trail cam on a test section is a solid idea too — it could tell us a lot over time.

For context, it’s just me out there right now. And while chickens are part of the long-term vision at the Abbey, I’m keeping in mind that they can fly surprisingly high, so any fence experiments will need to account for that reality.

Thanks again for the thoughtful input — I’ll let you know what I discover as I test things out.

aranka fisher wrote:HI Esteban,    thank you for sharing with us your daily life up there in Montana.... I always look forward each night to read about your daily work and learning journey and the pics , esp. the fluffy 'commander' your super smart pup.  
so how much does the bootcamp cost new students ? is this a year long or longer program? am curious how it works...
I assume  its pretty tough up there esp. in winter,  well thank you!!! for sharing , its great to see how things are done up there,  follow your  progress and adventures,    sending you , your pup and the whole crew / group much Loving Light energies...  aranka from So Oregon coast

Hi Aranka, thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful message — it truly means a lot to me. I’m really glad you enjoy the daily updates and the photos… the fluffy “commander” definitely knows he has an audience and takes his role very seriously. 🐾

The boot program itself is cost-free for the “boot,” and that’s entirely thanks to Paul’s generosity. I’m deeply thankful to him for opening up his home and land in such an intentional, welcoming way — it’s not something I take lightly at all. The program can last up to about two years I believe, depending on the person and their path, and it’s very much a hands-on, learning-by-doing experience rooted in daily work, observation, and growth.

You’re right — it can be pretty tough up here, especially in winter, but it’s also incredibly grounding and rewarding. There’s something special about learning these skills in all seasons and really living them day by day.

Thank you again for following along, for your curiosity, and for sending such loving light our way. It’s felt and appreciated more than you know — by me, the pup, and the whole crew. 🌲✨

Yesterday's Log ( 01/07/2026 )

After the morning’s meet, I headed over to the Abbey and wrapped up threading junkpoles on the final panel of the section I’d been working on. With that completed, I shifted over to another panel near the tipi gate and got started there.

Later in the day, I finished installing the turtle lot sign, which felt good to finally have back in place. I wrapped things up by continuing work on the delivery signs, making steady progress before calling it a day.

Solid, productive hours out on the land.

The turtle lot sign is adorable! Nice progress on the fences.

B.E.L. Post # 64

After the morning’s meeting, I went straight into processing materials, filling up three crates of woody bits and breaking down cardboard. From there, I shifted focus to the wooden signs: one was fully installed at the bermshed, another is completed and ready for installation at the red cabin, and the last sign just needs a few minor touch-ups before it’s ready to go live.

After lunch, I headed over to the Abbey and finished one full panel of fencing before wrapping up for the day. A solid mix of processing, finishing details, and hands-on building to close things out.