SEPPer + WWOOF week Spring '24

Howdy, folks! I'm Clay, I'll be coming to visit May 18-27 (and again during the PTJ'24)

If you ever need a nudge to support a Kickstarter like the Low Tec Laboratory 2, by backing during the backathon I won a free stay! Like and subscribe to see what awesome candy is offered next time ;)

Yet, after listening to so many podcast episodes, I really wanted to stay in more than one structure, so I rented a few days through the SEPPer program.
I feel I need to viscerally experience a Rocket Mass Heater, so I choose to sleep in the tipi.

To my fortune, turns out it's WWOOF Week as well! With so many warm bodies, maybe we can get to work on some cool projects.

Is there already an agenda in place? What's on the docket?
I have some battery powered tools, chainsaw, pole saw, Dewalt power tools etc. would bringing those be helpful?
Besides the information Beau links to in his "Say Howdy PTJ'24" post, (gloves, glasses, appropriate clothes, no Marlboros, etc.) are there particularly useful items I should plan to bring?

Is there an option to loan things to the library?
I have a Samap hand mill which doesn't get enough use around here.
What about a portable 110v electric table saw by Porter Cable?
An air compressor? (I know I know, metal fasteners, but the Red Cabin needs to be painted sometimes...)

I'll be driving up from Boise so can help transport people and stuff!
I have a 4 door pickup I'm planning to drive (unless there's some weird weather thing or the adventure-road is extra adventure-y, then a smaller 4wd suv) and can haul at least 3 other adults.

I'm planning on stopping in Missoula for snacks and things.
Does anyone have a good source for raw, organic, A2 milk?

How about the Missoula Farmers' Market - is that a thing people want to go to? Would you need/want transportation? Should I leave Friday instead and plan to take several people into town from The Lab?

Thanks!! Looking forward to coming out :)

Hello Clay!

I am glad you are coming out to Wheaton Labs!

Hi Samantha! Thanks, me too :)

If anyone happened to find this before seeing the SEPPer Theme Week wiki there are some great ideas over there, as well!

Hello Clay! Thanks for supporting the KS campaign and for being willing to jump in with both feet here at WL.

I'm the current High Commander of the Boots, so I'll be here working with you once you arrive. Let me see if I can address some of your questions.

WHAT TO BRING:
Seems like you have a lot of stuff that would be useful, though I think we're already well-appointed with tools for the job round here. Lending things to the library means you want to drop it off so other people have the opportunity to use it, correct? Although this isn't a tool library, I'm certain that we could find a use for the hand mill (even if I'm just speaking personally, here). We use Makita tools here, for the most part, though we do have a couple DeWalt battery-charging stations despite that.

If you're handy with solar stations and sorting out battery banks and things like that, please bring those tools with you. I need a lot of help in this realm of knowledge and know-how. If we're able to put the finishing touches on some of our incomplete solar projects, things ought to be a dozen times better for everyone.

Bring a wide-brimmed hat to keep the sun off you, and maybe your favourite water container for walking about. Beyond that, the weather is excellent this time of year and I think whatever Beau has recommended in that other thread should be sufficient. He's been here for both years of summer events I've been in attendance so he ought to know.

WHERE TO FIND MILK:
There's a Costco in Missoula, and I happen to know they stock A2 dairy milk there. If you need/want some and don't have a membership, let me know and I can accommodate.

WHAT ARE WE GONNA DO WHILE YOU'RE HERE:
Hmm... There's nothing etched in stone at this point, though I am heavily leaning towards a couple projects. To be specific:
- lots of gardening: planting, irrigation, mulching, etc.
- junk pole fence-making, including rock jacks and a couple gates
- dog pen construction over at the DogStar structure
- mounting another pole for our summer sun shades, over at the classroom (easily the most involved project of the bunch... Ever use lineman's climbing gear?)

There will be a lot of tree-felling and log-peeling for our construction projects. Gathering rock will also feature heavily - no pun intended.

...That's all I can think of at the moment. Should you have any additional questions, please chime in here in this thread. Thanks, and I'll see you soon!

Stephen, thank you for your detailed reply! That gives me a lot to go on, and I'll definitely bring the mill!

I do have a little solar experience. Is there a thread about current solar projects/aspirations I could look through to see the status and goals?

Excited about the rest of the projects too, and while I haven't used climbed gear I'm game to give it a try. I also have a fun 16' tall orchard ladder I could bring, if that height is more advantageous.

BTW, your wood burned signs are consistently impressive, I'd love to see your technique!

Hi Clay, there are two trailers with big solar systems, called the Solar Leviathan and the Solar Voltswagon that usually need a bit of maintenance every year. There are also some small solar systems in some of the cabins.