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

B.E.L. Post # 243

We started our day heading to the Abbey, where Leo and I were cutting junk-pole-sized trees that will be used for supports for another section that needs to be rebuilt.

I noticed a couple of the existing posts had rotted from the bottom, so this gives us a good opportunity to bring that section of panels up to the new standard while we're rebuilding it.

Meanwhile, everyone else was working on irrigation, chop-and-drop mulching, and other tasks as assigned.

After lunch, Stevie and I cleaned out the work rigs and planted some seeds. I then filled one of the work rigs with gas and came back to do some chainsaw maintenance.

To finish out the day, I did some trail widening by the turtle lot.

Another good, productive day getting things done and continuing to improve the place.

B.E.L. Post # 244

Today at the Abbey, we split into two teams. Dan, Jesse, and I worked on the junk pole fencing, building on the progress from earlier in the week when we cleared another 50 feet of fencing and harvested poles for the support pieces. Today, the plan was to start digging the post holes and getting the posts set, while Jesse continued filling in the frame sections from another part of the fence.

The first half of the day came with a few challenges. The retaining pin on the auger sheared off and disappeared, so we had to head back to the shop to get another one. Once we got back to work, we also ran into a lot of large rocks that kept stalling the auger and slowing down the digging.

After lunch, Dan and I headed back to the Abbey and were finally able to get all three post holes dug. The holes were spaced 9 feet apart and dug down to 3 feet deep. We put about 3 inches of gravel in the bottom of two of the holes, set the posts in place, and backfilled around them with gravel to create a gravel sock.

Meanwhile, Stevie and Leo were working on irrigation, chop and drop, and other tasks around the site.

Afterward, we headed back to Base Camp for some delicious huckleberry pie. A big shout-out to Paul for being so kind and treating us to such a delicious treat!

After having my slice, I broke off to harvest some potatoes and do some trail maintenance before wrapping up the work week.

A productive way to finish out the week!

B.E.L. Post # 245

I woke up to a beautiful, delightful morning. It was cool and just felt like a really good start to the day.

I took my little dog for a walk all over the place, and afterward we sat up on top of the berm shed, overlooking the beautiful scenery in the background. It was one of those moments where you can just sit there and appreciate where you are.

After taking care of some personal business, I spent some time journaling, writing, drawing, and studying for a bit.

Later, I irrigated at base camp and filled up both of the turtle tanks so everything would be ready for Monday morning.

For the remainder of the day, I just relaxed with my dog and enjoyed a quiet, peaceful day.

Sometimes the simple days are the best ones. 🌿🐕

Esteban Ademovski wrote:The first half of the day came with a few challenges. The retaining pin on the auger sheared off and disappeared, so we had to head back to the shop to get another one. Once we got back to work, we also ran into a lot of large rocks that kept stalling the auger and slowing down the digging.

Is that new auger to replace the old one, or just an additional one?

B.E.L. Post # 246

Today started off with a nice walk with my little doggo. The weather was absolutely beautiful—cool, comfortable, and just a really nice way to start the morning.

After our walk, I spent some quiet time doing some more journaling, drawing, and reading. I'm really enjoying having that time in the mornings to slow down a little, reflect, and get my thoughts down on paper.

After that, I got into some hands-on work. I did some chainsaw maintenance, worked on irrigation, and spent some time doing chop and drop.

Nothing overly dramatic today, but it was one of those days where I got a little bit of everything in—some quiet personal time, some equipment maintenance, some land work, and some time outside.

I wrapped up the day hanging out with my fellow boots, which was a pretty good way to finish things off.

Another solid day at Wheaton Labs. 🌱🪵🐕