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

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. 🌱🪵🐕

B.E.L. Post # 247

This morning the crew headed over to the Abbey. I had Jesse and Dan on my team, and we continued working on the fencing framework and making further progress on the fence.

Meanwhile, Stephen and Leo were working on irrigation.

After lunch, I had the same crew and we switched over to irrigation. We watered Apricot Alley and Lightning Hill, then filled up the turtle water tanks.

After that, we headed back to the Abbey and continued working on the fencing.

Another productive day getting a good mix of fencing and irrigation work done. 🌱🪚💧

B.E.L. Post # 248

After the morning meeting, we split up into two teams for the day.

Stephen, Daniel, and Leo worked on irrigation, chop-and-drop, and other tasks around the Abbey. Meanwhile, I had Stevie and Jesse working with me on the junkpole fencing.

I had Stevie frame the junkpole panels on the section I was working on, while I assisted as needed and helped keep things moving. Jesse was also building junkpole panels, but she was working on another section of the fence.

After lunch, we switched over to irrigation. We filled up the turtle water tanks and irrigated the area between the Red Cabin and the garlic patch.

After finishing the irrigation work, Daniel, Jesse, and I headed back to the Abbey to continue working on the fencing. Daniel and I pulled the pickets out of an existing junkpole panel and set them aside. I then switched tasks and started harvesting more support pieces for the new section of junkpole panels, while Daniel stayed behind to disassemble the frame.

Another productive day of building, irrigation, and putting more work into the Abbey fencing.

Coydon Wallham wrote:

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?

Yes this a new corded auger to replace the old battery one .... and it definitely packs a good punch with the torque behind it ...

B.E.L. Post # 249

I started my morning with some cleaning, and it was actually a very pleasant and delightful way to begin the day.

After that, I relaxed for a little while before heading over to the lab. I spent some time working on the fences and making a little more progress there.

Afterward, I headed back to base camp and helped with the preparations for the pizza party. It was nice to pitch in and help get everything ready.

Once everything was taken care of, I settled down with some reading and journaling. I always enjoy having a little quiet time to reflect and write.

I spent the remainder of the day relaxing with my little dog, Chapito. 🐕 He makes for pretty good company.

Overall, it was a slower-paced day, but a good one. I got some fence work done, helped out with the pizza party, and still had time for reading, journaling, and relaxing. Sometimes a balanced day like that is just what you need.