Free PDC for deep roots, ants and their gappers!

Looking forward to this very much!
I have registered with Howard
I have paid my $400.
I have read all the posts, but I would like a little more detailed info about possibly camping on site, if not now, then when appropriate.
I have a 16 ft. travel trailer.
1. Would it be possible to camp on site with it, or only at the timber land?
2. If possible to camp on site, about how far away is water?
3. If you don't want RVs on site, will we be getting more info about the tipis, if any are available?
4. Would an electrical outlet be available for charging phone and computer?
5. Can you share the approximate location so I can research other possible camping sites or lodging?
6. Regarding beds, if available, is this in a type of dormitory or other shared dwelling?
Thank you.

I'm okay with rvs and campers at basecamp provided that you don't run a generator, don't plug into my stuff and don't have spare people or critters.

Basecamp is 20 acres and there are a few hydrants for water.

There are several tent pads - first come first serve. There are also several flat spots for a tent where there are not tent pads. There is one really huge tent pad - and we have one eight man tent that fits on that pad.

Because you paid howard, howard will provide location details, inlcluding other accommodations nearby.

Beds - some are still available. You have to ask through howard who will then pass your request on to jocelyn.

Alright, dib'd and paid for!

If I'm doing the PDC who would I talk to to make arrangements to come out early, howard or someone at the labs? I'm hoping to come out for the whole super week before but I might miss the first couple of days, depends on business here at home.

If I bring my chainsaws would you be able to provide gas/mix and bar oil? At the very least gas cans that I can use to go get fuel in? I'd really prefer not to drive from Mt. Shasta to Montana with my gas cans in the trunk of the rental car.

Michael Newby wrote:Alright, dib'd and paid for!

If I'm doing the PDC who would I talk to to make arrangements to come out early, howard or someone at the labs? I'm hoping to come out for the whole super week before but I might miss the first couple of days, depends on business here at home.

If I bring my chainsaws would you be able to provide gas/mix and bar oil? At the very least gas cans that I can use to go get fuel in? I'd really prefer not to drive from Mt. Shasta to Montana with my gas cans in the trunk of the rental car.

Yay! Welcome to Michael and all the other PDC participants! Yes, you would contact Howard about coming out early, since he is tracking who he sends directions and such to for the folks who register through him.

Though I can say coming out early is great! And bringing chainsaws is most awesome! Yes, we have gas/mix and bar oil as well as gas cans. We actually just purchased some vapor-lock fuel cans or whatever they're called, too.

So yes, please don't drive from Mt. Shasta with gas in the trunk.

Jocelyn Campbell wrote:Yay! Welcome to Michael and all the other PDC participants! Yes, you would contact Howard about coming out early, since he is tracking who he sends directions and such to for the folks who register through him.

Though I can say coming out early is great! And bringing chainsaws is most awesome! Yes, we have gas/mix and bar oil as well as gas cans. We actually just purchased some vapor-lock fuel cans or whatever they're called, too.

So yes, please don't drive from Mt. Shasta with gas in the trunk.

+1 more chainsaw coming...
Any other tools or supplies that I could bring that would prove most beneficial?

OOPS. This bit was a bit in error.

Jocelyn Campbell wrote:
Though I can say coming out early is great! And bringing chainsaws is most awesome! Yes, we have gas/mix and bar oil as well as gas cans. We actually just purchased some vapor-lock fuel cans or whatever they're called, too.

In my effort to try to save Paul from answering every inquiry here, my reply was slightly incorrect. I'm not sure if we have gas/mix and bar oil on hand because we mostly use electric chainsaws. We do, however, have gas cans and could get some.

Howard has started a list of hands-on projects for the PDC, and I've completely forgotten what was on that list!

In general, it's always good to have your own gloves, safety glasses, and/or your own favorite tool(s) as long as you track them and know that in a busy, new, distracting and dynamic environment it's easy for tools to get misplaced!

That will work great, I can bring my preferred mix and get fresh gas in town. I'll be bring my full complement of safety gear too, I don't really work without it.

Another tool that I've been going back and forth on whether to bring is my scythe and peening anvil/hammer. I'm far from an expert with the thing but it's a good working tool from One Scythe Revolution that I'm sure most permie-minded people can appreciate.

I'm working on bunk assignments for those who have asked. It's complicated...and I've had to send out a bunch of inquiries. I hope to have answers within a couple days--earlier if people reply quickly enough.

In answer to other questions sent via e-mail:

We now have a refrigerator in our red cabin at base camp that will be for guest use. There are also two bunks in the red cabin, so it will mean taking care to respect the folks staying there and their sleep habits!

Others have asked about places to cook. While we don't have an outdoor kitchen yet, at the very least we have one of those smaller square canopy/awning deals we could set up. And we have the following devices.

Base camp:

rocket stoves (we'll have 3)

cock-it, lock-it, rocket!

smallish barbecue (bring your own briquettes; we have a chimney starter that can be used)

the lab - in wofati 0.7:

propane cooktop

propane oven

Howard,

How many spots are left?

Looks like 4 spots left.

Howard

Hey everyone,

There will be a tour of Basecamp and maybe more on SATURDAY June 20 at 3PM the day before we start the PDC.
Paul will be leading us, so come early and get the "official tour".

Look forward to seeing you all soon.

Howard

To Everyone arriving EARLY (before JUNE 18

We need those arriving early to help us set up the site and help get the site functional with some comforts. Here is a specific list (given to me by Jocelyn) of 5 projects and what is needed.
As a PDC project professional you will need leadership skills. So here is your chance to get coached. Please choose one project and then go to the lead person (yet to volunteer) and ask "how can I help"?

1. DISH WASHING station needed - behind shop/auditorium or in the new berm shed?
Rocket Stove set up to boil water, set up near compost hot water mound
big pot to heat water
big pot/bin(s) for washing, rinsing
soap
towels, washcloths
We need one lead person to take responsibility of this getting this set up and keeping it for the duration - Who can take this on?

2. Cooking station(s) - behind shop/auditorium or in the new berm shed
rocket stove(s) - bring down 2 from wofati 0.7
barbecue - remove/move from behind house to cooking station, barbecue tools from office
cock-it, lock-it, rocket
wofati 0.7 has propane cooktop and propane oven
fuel/kindling for rocket stoves - propane for wofati 0.7?
We need one lead person to take responsibility to get set up and see its kept tidy? Who can take this on?

3. AUDITORIUM (Garage)
-rug from up in the rafters in the office for yoga if desired (roll up after yoga)
-hang floaty chairs?
-round up/set up chairs and tables - want tablecloths?
-chalkboard on back of rolly shelves (Brian might do this)
-basket for chalk, eraser
-coffee urn
-hot water urn
-coffee, tea, accouterments - who will manage/clean/start each day/stock? who is supplying coffee and tea?
We need one lead person to take responsibility to get set up and see its kept tidy? Who can take this on?

4. SET UP 8-man tent on largest tent pad for anyone to use
SET up canopy/awning for cooking station or could be in berm shed?
Install clothesline between showers and pooper.
We need one lead person to take responsibility to get set up and see its kept tidy? Who can take this on?

5. GARBAGE can(s), recycle bin(s) (Jocelyn to make a sign on what can be recycled),
a. compost goes into compost pile (compost buckets?) NO PAPER IN COMPOST (most permies aren't used to that)
b. Pooper keeping it stocked with toilet paper, tidying, making sure cans aren't over full -
We need one lead person to take responsibility to get set up and see its kept tidy? Who can take this on?

People arriving early: Curtis Budka - Claudia Shimkus - James Hanaway - JR Megee - Michael Newby

Please post in here what you chose, so othesr know to come offer to help.
Could you also email me your choice at GoAntVillage@gmail.com

Thanks everyone for steeping up to make this the awesome course it will be for us all!

PS: Please bring your own dishes and mugs.

I can set up the 8 man (#4). Would it be helpful for me to bring a 14x16 canvas wall tent? Do you think that 100' will be enough line for all the things that might get hung on a clothesline? I'll probably bring two 100' hanks of line just to be safe, they're small.

1. DISH WASHING

station needed - behind shop/auditorium or in the new berm shed?

Is a table under some sort of shelter/roof with said supplies sufficient? Is there one available, or does someone need to build one out of logs/lumber?

big pot to heat water
big pot/bin(s) for washing, rinsing

Are these likely to be found somewhere at basecamp/the lab or do they need to be picked up in town?

soap

Organic/natural preference?

towels, washcloths

To avoid the kitchen towel problem affecting Jocelyn/Paul, I'm going to assume new towels and not what is already available?

2. Cooking station(s) -

behind shop/auditorium or in the new berm shed

Is a table under some sort of shelter/roof with said supplies sufficient? Is there one available, or does someone need to build one out of logs/lumber?

propane for wofati 0.7?

I can do this if who ever picks me up at the airport brings the tanks with them and still has enough room for two large travel bags on wheels. Then again, if someone is arriving by car, I think it would be much simpler for them to do this.


3. AUDITORIUM (Garage)

-basket for chalk, eraser
-coffee urn
-hot water urn

Again, are these already available?


I am asking these questions to help make things a little clearer now rather than later when things need to be done in a hurry. This isn't a list of all the things I'm willing to commit to, I just tried to consolidate a bunch of questions that I figured people, including me, would would (or should) ask. If nothing needs to be brought in from town for a particular task set, I'm happy to see to that those tasks gets done. If something does need to be picked up, I can go with someone to help, I can't be the one responsible for making sure that particular task gets done since I will have no car.

Note to others coming early: If there is something that needs to be picked up in town, that's an easy thing to knock off the list before you even get there, especially if you can provide your own transportation.

Since this is a "by the book" PDC should we have the Designers Manual? If we do need it will there be copies available at the site or should we source our own.

Maybe if there's going to be a lot of PDC's at the lab Paul could have another small income stream by getting a bulk purchase discount and keeping copies of the book at the site for sale. Really, a book store stocked with Wheaton Permaculture approved books would probably be of interest to most people willing to make the trip to the land for a tour or for other classes....

Michael Newby wrote:I can set up the 8 man (#4). Would it be helpful for me to bring a 14x16 canvas wall tent? Do you think that 100' will be enough line for all the things that might get hung on a clothesline? I'll probably bring two 100' hanks of line just to be safe, they're small.

Cool, thanks! (Hopefully someone besides me knows where it is. )

I wouldn't worry about bringing your canvas wall tent (though that sounds cool!). Most folks have their own tents, and we have 3 or so other extra little 2-person tents should someone have an issue or forget their tent.

Brian helped us out and hung some clothesline between the showers and the pooper already! We might need more hung up though not sure just where just yet.

Curtis Budka wrote:1. DISH WASHING

station needed - behind shop/auditorium or in the new berm shed?

Is a table under some sort of shelter/roof with said supplies sufficient? Is there one available, or does someone need to build one out of logs/lumber?

We'll have a table (gappers built a couple this past year!), though we're short on shelter/roof thingies. We have a pop-up canopy that is about the size of a small vendor booth at a fair or market, though not sure if that small a size will be useful and whether it will be used over dishwashing, cooking, etc.

Curtis Budka wrote:

big pot to heat water
big pot/bin(s) for washing, rinsing

Are these likely to be found somewhere at basecamp/the lab or do they need to be picked up in town?

soap

Organic/natural preference?

I think we can find something in terms of a pot and bins to use at here base camp. It's kind of amazing how our plastic bins break and get leaks...well, when they were filled with sand for a wofati project that does kind of stress them a bit. Plus, the bins will need emptying and de-greasing after use, otherwise if the bin is greasy-dirty, your dishwater effectiveness is reduced by 50% with the next fill up. So not cool.

I'm/we're happy to have some soap for folks, it's just kind of amazing how quickly it empties and needs attention to be refilled, etc.

Curtis Budka wrote:

towels, washcloths

To avoid the kitchen towel problem affecting Jocelyn/Paul, I'm going to assume new towels and not what is already available?

Ha! We probably have some to help get things started. Again, it's an attention and monitoring thing. They need to be hung to dry after everyone's done, changed out each day perhaps, that kind of thing.

Curtis Budka wrote:2. Cooking station(s) -

behind shop/auditorium or in the new berm shed

Is a table under some sort of shelter/roof with said supplies sufficient? Is there one available, or does someone need to build one out of logs/lumber?

We don't have an outdoor kitchen yet. Some attendees asked if we have things to cook on, and we do. Again, we have a table to two, and the canopy mentioned in the dishwashing reply above, so we're kind of limited. It just makes sense that folks might want to cook together outside and if we're providing a barbecue, and/or rocket stoves, it would be nice to make sure someone is making sure the fires are put out properly, kindling is out of the way of foot traffic, the grill is cleaned for the next user, etc.

Curtis Budka wrote:

propane for wofati 0.7?

I can do this if who ever picks me up at the airport brings the tanks with them and still has enough room for two large travel bags on wheels. Then again, if someone is arriving by car, I think it would be much simpler for them to do this.

That's awfully kind of you to offer Curtis. It might make sense for those staying on the lab and using these propane cookers to coordinate and combine forces, so to speak. It just came to my mind in the big list of things.

Curtis Budka wrote:3. AUDITORIUM (Garage)

-basket for chalk, eraser
-coffee urn
-hot water urn

Again, are these already available?

Well, the large chalkboard arrived damaged, darn it. We'll try a second time. I could come up with a basket; the idea was that the chalkboard and basket would be attached to the back of one of the huge rolly shelves in the auditorium. Some times the finer details like knowing how to find/keep the chalk and eraser get missed. With 25-30 people it's amazing how things get buried under a jacket or on a chair that gets moved. You know. The basket was on the list simply to make sure it gets handled and the utensils are handy.

We have a 100-cup coffee maker and a 50-cup hot water pot - both electric. They will just need someone to monitor and maintain and know how to operate. These are VERY expensive appliances that could get ruined if used improperly or allowed to run dry (though they have some safety mechanism for this). And they take 1/2-hour or an hour to heat up or percolate. So they need to be started early!


So yes, good questions and I hope my answers help clarify a bit!

Curtis Budka wrote:
propane for wofati 0.7?


I can do this if who ever picks me up at the airport brings the tanks with them and still has enough room for two large travel bags on wheels. Then again, if someone is arriving by car, I think it would be much simpler for them to do this.

That's awfully kind of you to offer Curtis. It might make sense for those staying on the lab and using these propane cookers to coordinate and combine forces, so to speak. It just came to my mind in the big list of things.

I guess it would be a good idea to know what I would be paying for when I say that I could take care of that. It dawned on me that since this is kind of sort of a large event, I imagine that the total cost of the propane would be seriously out of my affordability range. With that said, I can still donate a little towards the total as a part of a combined effort for those who use it, like you said.

I am driving in and should be there on the 17th. I can take on the Auditorium projects and bring enough coffee for a few days but can't supply enough coffee/tea for 25-30 people for two weeks. I think if every coffee drinker brought one pound of their favorite brew then we would have enough for the whole two weeks. Same with tea drinkers, if everyone who likes tea brings a box (or loose leaf equivalent) of their favorite tea, then we should have plenty.

Additionally, I can bring with me a full 20lb (BBQ style) propane tank. Not sure how long that will last but I'll bring it anyway.

Michael Newby wrote:Since this is a "by the book" PDC should we have the Designers Manual?...

I was planning on bringing mine. Although now that you mention it, if there is a "house copy" already at the site that we could use then all the better. I'm trying to travel light. Paul? Jocelyn? (How do I tag someone on here?!)

Jeremy Watts wrote:

Michael Newby wrote:Since this is a "by the book" PDC should we have the Designers Manual?...

I was planning on bringing mine. Although now that you mention it, if there is a "house copy" already at the site that we could use then all the better. I'm trying to travel light. Paul? Jocelyn? (How do I tag someone on here?!)

Unfortunately, Paul has lost more books than he can count. Paul's books do not leave the office/house - including/especially The Designer's Manual (his one and only remaining copy after owning 3).

Recently, we found some of Paul's books that were left in unoccupied housing over the winter and they suffered some moisture damage. He's not exactly feeling generous in this space at this time.

That's understandable not wanting to deal with the headache of loaning out items when it seems unappreciated. I was really asking if there would be copies of the Designers Manual available to purchase with Paul (or Howie) getting the meager profit vs. somebody I have no connection to what-so-ever.

It's a moot point for me though because I went ahead and ordered the manual from amazon but I at least used Paul's link. It's a book that I've wanted to add to the collection for a while so I can't wait until it arrives.

On another note I wanted to put it out there that I'll have an extra cot/space in my tent if there's someone who is in need. We picked up a set of those bunk-bed cots for a hunting trip and I'll be bringing the whole set if nothing else so I can go all out luxury and have a couch in camp!

I'll do the cooking stations stuff. Is there dry material available that can be processed into kindling or does it just needd to be gathered together and kept neat.

I suspect that I might need some help moving some of these things, especially if its to or from base camp to the lab.

Hello Everyone,

This is the updated schedule. Looks great, looking forward to seeing everyone soon.


PDC beginning on Sunday June 21 to July 4th, 2015. The daily schedule will be 9am - 5:30pm with hands on most days at 4:00 PM. Evenings available to guest instructors, open to talks, group work, as well as any videos the group may wish to see based on the days topics.

Site/Project/Owner: www.Permies.com -www.richsoil.com- Paul Wheaton, Jocelyn Campbell – Basecamp & Lab., Missoula, Montana

Head Instructor- Howard Story PRI PDC Instructor Assistant Instructor - Jeremy Watts

Guests, Instructors (Josho Somine- June 30- July 2), (Morgan Bowen - June 20- 23) (Abe Coley 6/28 or 6/29), Zachary Weiss, Dave Hunter, Jacquelyn Freemen
Schedule: (subject to guest instructor change)

Saturday 20 Site Tour by (Paul )
Sunday 21 Intro. Course rules and Introduction to Permaculture HS (hands on local inputs)
Monday 22 Concepts,Themes,Design, 2-3:30 Compost (Morgan B) (hands on Compost)
Tuesday 23 9-12 Methods of Design 2-3;30 Holzerculture (Zach W.) (Ant- Eva-Hugel berms@paddock)
Wedneday24 9-12 Patterns 2-4 Bees (Jacquelin and Dave ) (Ant-Evan-plant HugelKulture)
Thursday 25 Soil - (Jeremy W.) (hands on Vermiculture)
Friday 26 Water - Jeremy W. (Ant Project-Evan–Pond/Fence)
Saturday 27 Break - Day Off (Missoula Farmers Market?)
Sunday 28 Climates, Aquaculture, Animal systems (Abe-Homestead butchery-Pig)
Monday 29 Trees (Ant Project-Evan- Pond/Fence)
Tuesday 30 Earthworks(HS), Formal Landscape Design (JS)/Design Exercise ( Excavator/front end loader)
Wednesday1 Urban permaculture, Natural building, (Josho S.) Design Exercise
Thursday 2 Alternative Nations/ Communities (Josho S.)/ Design Exercise
Friday 3 AM- Open time 2:00 PM- Design Presentations 7:00PM (Talent Night)
Saturday 4 9:00am Diploma information/Permaculture academy/Certification Award
10:30 Break, Feedback opportunity - 11:00 Photographs and goodbyes-12:00 Finish

Looks like a lot of great stuff and people!
Can hardly wait.
very best regards,
Howard

Hello
I'm very new to all of this. I'm very interested in learning more. I've been trying to follow the posts, threads, emails, podcasts (all wonderful sources of information and great ways of sharing the same info with many folks). Yet I'm a bit unsure if I ( a novice) may attend the up coming event starting June 20th? If so please advise as to what steps need to be taking by me to make that happen. Due to my current situation, sadly I can't come early or stay later than the workshop days of June 20th to July 4th. I'm more than willing help with whatever needs done while I'm there. I understand there will be a fee that I pay to Howie, right?

Heather Ahrens wrote:Hello
I'm very new to all of this. I'm very interested in learning more. I've been trying to follow the posts, threads, emails, podcasts (all wonderful sources of information and great ways of sharing the same info with many folks). Yet I'm a bit unsure if I ( a novice) may attend the up coming event starting June 20th? If so please advise as to what steps need to be taking by me to make that happen. Due to my current situation, sadly I can't come early or stay later than the workshop days of June 20th to July 4th. I'm more than willing help with whatever needs done while I'm there. I understand there will be a fee that I pay to Howie, right?

You gotta send $600 to howard.

Hello Heather,
Thanks for your post and inquiry.
Any questions just send thm my way Goantvillage@gmail.com

to get place use PayPal and send $600 to Howard.story@gmail.com. you'll receive a welcome email and information within 24 hours.

We have some awesome guest instructors and the best equipment hands on I've seen on a PDC .
Hope to see you there

Howard Story
Instructor

Looks like we still need volunteers to take on the dish washing and garbage/compost stations. Come on, who's gonna step up to the plate? The next person to volunteer will receive a free deck of permaculture playing cards signed by Paul, a pack of Fukuoka's heritage rice seeds, a VIP pass to Permaculture Voices 3 and free access to the Holzerhof for life. Just kidding. Don't be selfish. Do it for the love.

I should be arriving Tuesday evening. Show me what you need done with the garbage and compost. I am sure there will be more that I can do. Cant wait to get there!

Where should we go/what to do if we get to the shop and nobody's around?

Michael Newby wrote:Where should we go/what to do if we get to the shop and nobody's around?

Contemplate that you are now in "big sky country". Look up. Does the sky seem bigger?

Weird, isn't it?

Next, see if anybody is at the red cabin. Then the office. Then the house.

If anyone has a laser pointer they could bring that would be appreciated.

If anyone has an extra rocket stove/camp stove that they could bring for yourself or everyone else to use, that would be great. Right now we have one rocket stove that does really well and another rocket stove that doesn't want to do the rocket thing, but will still burn and produce heat after babying it with lots of smoke...so kind of OK for heating water for dishes but probably not for cooking food. Maybe I'm missing something?

Then we have the cock it lock it rock it, which has some sort of griddle, water heater thing and I'm still trying to figure out how to use it.

I have a Coleman Camp stove that burns Coleman fuel or unleaded gas and a Kagaroo Kitchen that uses butane bottles. I can bring both and we be happy to share.

I have a couple of questions for whomever may know the answers. I would like to bring some frozen meat along to eat, share, barter with. Is that okay and is there by chance freezer space perhaps at Basecamp to store the frozen and/thrawed meat until it's all cooked and eaten up?

Thank you!

Apparently there was a third stove, which is brand new and has an electric fan that needs to be plugged in. It doesnt have a feed hole at the bottom, so someone could fiddle around with that to see how it works. The fan also needs two screws to mount it.

Last time I checked, there is still some room in the freezer, but not a whole lot, and a lot of people are going to be getting here tomorrow and Saturday.

Bermshed construction

More berm shed construction

Whenever Paul ventures out of his office there's a group waiting to suck up Paul-knowledge

Paul even managed to get up to the lab to pontificate about WOFATI's, bee shelters and other early features on the lab.

Guest instructor Dave Hunter gave a great presentation on solitary bees as pollinators. He even left a nice little solitary bee habitat mounted by the office.