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

B.E.L. Post # 32

After the morning meeting, Stephen walked us through how to properly light the rocket mass heater over at the Red Cabin. Always cool seeing how something so simple and low-tech can heat a space so efficiently when done the right way. Once things were roaring along, we loaded up a single 10-foot log and rolled out toward the Abbey for the usual cat-feeding duties and a quick perimeter fence check.

Nothing too wild today—no fresh coyote mysteries, no surprise critters—just a calm circuit of the Abbey grounds with well-fed kitties watching us like supervisors.

With that done, we headed back out to the sawmill site. After a few final tweaks and adjustments, everything was dialed in and we officially went operational. Satisfying to see it all come together and start turning logs into lumber the way it’s meant to be.

A good, productive day—simple jobs, solid progress, and tools earning their keep.

Thanks for all the updates Esteban!!!  Have you guys put a trail camera by the problem spot in the fence to see who's testing the perimeter?

Esteban Ademovski wrote:After that, John, Stephen, little Chapito and I headed over to the Abbey for our usual rounds. And sure enough… again, we discovered another odd V-shaped gap at the bottom of the junk pole fence, in the same spot as previous times. Starting to feel like some sneaky critter has a favorite doorway. 👀🐾

John had a great idea on the spot – weaving cordage between the junk poles to help stiffen and tighten that section. So we gave it a try as an experiment and, honestly, it came out pretty solid. Time will tell, but it definitely feels sturdier!

I'm wondering whether a double stick at the bottom may be worthwhile for a more durable change, so that the uprights are restrained on both sides? More difficult to slot the pole in I suppose though.

Mike Haasl wrote:Thanks for all the updates Esteban!!!  Have you guys put a trail camera by the problem spot in the fence to see who's testing the perimeter?

It's absolutely my pleasure Mike 🙂 .... Thanks for the great suggestion! no we haven't and I brought it up in this morning's meeting ....

Nancy Reading wrote:

Esteban Ademovski wrote:After that, John, Stephen, little Chapito and I headed over to the Abbey for our usual rounds. And sure enough… again, we discovered another odd V-shaped gap at the bottom of the junk pole fence, in the same spot as previous times. Starting to feel like some sneaky critter has a favorite doorway. 👀🐾

John had a great idea on the spot – weaving cordage between the junk poles to help stiffen and tighten that section. So we gave it a try as an experiment and, honestly, it came out pretty solid. Time will tell, but it definitely feels sturdier!

I'm wondering whether a double stick at the bottom may be worthwhile for a more durable change, so that the uprights are restrained on both sides? More difficult to slot the pole in I suppose though.

Thank you for the suggestion Nancy!  We did something similar earlier today and I will update with pics on today's B.E.L post ....