A short visit

The wife and I took a two night trip up this week without the kids. We did relax but also did some exploring and met with our forester. He's going to draw up a management plan for us that will be submitted to the state. This will reduce our taxes significantly.
Now that the pop-up is up there permanently it's easier for us. We got a little rain (OK a lot of rain) on the second night but still had a very relaxing time. No wildlife sightings but much sign. Hunting season's coming!

Met with a state forester last week and walked the property. They gave me some great info on the trees on my property. It is all hardwood, predominately Beech, Sugar Maple and Red Oak. I'll have enough firewood for the rest of my life! Next step, get a mini-excavator in there to start clearing the site for the cabin and grade off the road a little. I also want to clear some walking trails through the property.

You gotta start somewhere

I hesitated to document this journey that I'm about to embark upon. You know opsec and all. But I figured, what the hay. Let's do it! This blog is dedicated to the construction and experiences I will have building and enjoying my 16 acre slice of heaven.

First a little background. This whole thing has been a dream of mine for at least 17 years. I've been making the yearly pilgrimage to this area every year for at least that long pursuing the elusive ruffed grouse during October. Something about the mountains, the wildlife and the clean air really clears my mind. Anyway, every year I see lots of land priced very reasonably and think, wouldn't it be nice..... So with the wheels spinning and the savings started it has sat on the back burner, simmering. Fortunately for me my wife, Sue is as passionate about nature and the need to have a fall back location as I am.

So, this year with the drop in the real estate market, the dangers of the looming economy and our hesitations with the decisions Comrade Obama is making, I figured now's the time.

The search for the land began with the usual outlets. Area classifieds, Craigslist, Realtor.com, etc. I compiled a list of about 30 properties that looked promising and Sue and I picked a date to head north and check them out. We looked at about 20 locations in one trip. My mind was spinning with the choices. It's strange how it worked out but the first one we looked at ended up being the one. 16 acres of heavily wooded land with a stream running through the middle and a rocky ledge at the back side. There was already a road of sorts running through the corner of it. I can't explain it but this area spoke to me. There's recreational possibilities all around the area. Lakes, rivers, small town about 15 minutes away. It had everything the modern survivalist could want.

After some haggling with the owner a price was decided upon and July 1 it'll be ours!

Stay tuned for the next installment when the clearing will begin. It's sure to be quite a journey.