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

October 25–26

This weekend was one of those rare stretches of calm and quiet that make you fall in love with the land all over again. I took the time to wander a bit farther than usual, letting curiosity guide the way. The air’s been getting that crisp edge that whispers of winter on the horizon, so I figured I’d better take advantage of the mild days while they last.

Little Chapito was my adventure partner as always — tail wagging, nose buried in every patch of grass and pile of leaves along the way. We covered some new ground, following deer trails through the tall pines and watching the shadows shift across the hills as the sun made its slow autumn descent. There’s something grounding about those moments, where you’re just walking, breathing, and noticing.

In between our treks, I spent time journaling — scribbling thoughts about the rhythm of the place, the small victories of the week, and a few dreams for projects to tackle before the snow comes. There’s a quiet satisfaction in capturing the mood of the season on paper — like bottling up a bit of fall to open later when the world turns white and still.

All in all, a weekend well spent — exploring, reflecting, and soaking in the last golden glow of October before the boots get traded for snow gear. Chapito agrees — though I think he’s mostly in it for the extra walks and the chance to chase every rustling leaf.

Post # 10

Bootcamp Log – October 27th

After our daily morning boot meeting, I went over to the shop to light up the rocket mass heater and get the day warmed up. Once the shop was nice and cozy, the High Commander and I headed out to the Abbey for our usual rounds — fed the cats, checked on things, and inspected the fence line.

While walking along, I spotted a pretty large V-gap along the fence — looked like the local deer union was planning another entry point! Stephen and I tackled it right away and got it handled before anyone with hooves could sneak through.

While we were over there, I also took some time to chop up a pile of firewood — nothing like the sound of splitting logs echoing through the cool morning air. It’s one of those chores that somehow feels like a workout and a meditation session all at once.

Back at base, we rolled up our sleeves for some chainsaw maintenance, sharpening and tuning so the saws stay happy and humming. Afterwards, we got started on the gutter project, which might sound simple until you realize every piece insists on having a personality of its own.

We wrapped up the day making more protective cages for the little trees, giving them a fighting chance against our four-legged salad enthusiasts.

All in all, another full and satisfying day — a little smoke, a little sawdust, and a lot of good work under the Montana sky.

Post # 11

October 28

Yesterday kicked off the usual way — with a little spark of warmth. Lit up the fire at the shop to get things rolling (because no day really begins until the rocket mass heater says so). 🔥

After that, Stephen gave me a proper walkthrough on how to attach the backblade to the tractor — one of those tasks that looks simple from afar until you realize there’s a whole dance of pins, angles, and a bit of tractor whispering involved.

Once we had that sorted, we shifted gears and added a few more cages around the young trees. The deer out here seem to think we planted a buffet just for them, so every cage feels like putting up another “keep out” sign for the four-legged freeloaders. 🦌

Then it was over to the Abbey, where I cut a few more lengths of scrap wood and stacked them neatly — future firewood for future chilly mornings. There’s something satisfying about a good woodpile; it’s like seeing next season’s comfort lined up and ready.

Wrapped up the day working on the junk pole fencing — a classic mix of teamwork, sweat, and creative problem-solving. By the time we called it a day, it felt like one of those quietly productive days that make life at Wheaton Labs so rewarding.

All in all — a fine day of fire, fences, and figuring things out. 🔧🌲

Post # 12

Started the day the usual way — with a match, a bit of kindling, and that familiar whoosh from the shop rocket mass heater. There’s no better morning greeting than the sound of fire waking up for duty. 🔥

After that, Stephen and I headed over to the Abbey for our routine rounds — fed the cats (who, as always, acted like they hadn’t eaten in years) and walked the perimeter. Spotted a few telltale signs of deer sneaking around again — those rascals never rest. 🦌

While there, we replaced the handles on the gate that leads from the Abbey to Cooper Cabin — a small fix, but one of those satisfying little upgrades that makes things smoother for everyone who passes through.

Back at base camp, we turned our attention to deer-proofing the garden area. Added some extra fortifications and even crafted new handles for that gate, too — apparently, it was “handle improvement day” across the labs.

Rounded out the afternoon by processing a healthy stack of cardboard — the kind of behind-the-scenes work that doesn’t look glamorous, but sure keeps the whole permaculture engine running.

All in all, a solid day of tending fires, feeding friends, and keeping the deer (and the chaos) at bay. 🌲🔥🐾

Post # 13

    Today began as any other day — with our daily morning meeting and then feeding the dragon its fair share of firewood (gotta keep that fiery belly happy).

    Once the flames were content, I shifted to processing cardboard.  Afterward, the High Commander and I made our way to the Abbey, only to find the gate knocked clean down! A closer look revealed deer tracks all around the scene… those pesky deer sure are determined to test our defenses.

    After assessing the situation and resetting the gate, we ventured over to the "Dances with Pigs Meadow" to collect mulch — a task always made better with good company and good dirt. Back at the Abbey, we harvested about half a pail of sunchokes, which we then started planting around the berms at the Tipi site.

    Lunch came as a welcome break before diving right back into the rhythm — more sunchokes went into the ground at the Turtle Berm, and we wrapped up by crafting a few sunchoke flags to mark the new spots. Finished the day by laying mulch on the Berm Shed — a fitting end to a solid day’s work.

    All in all, a full day of dragons, deer, and dirty hands — just the way I like it. 🌱🔥🦌