| << . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . >> |
| Author |
Message |
aktundra
Member
|
# Posted: 25 Oct 2016 01:10am
Reply
Abby - Love the teepee beginning. I'd camp out in that for sure!
It is fun to be reminded to be a kid again!
|
|
aktundra
Member
|
# Posted: 16 Aug 2018 01:28am - Edited by: aktundra
Reply
It's been two years. I wish I could say the sauna is done. I keep on working on projects, but not necessarily the sauna. It will be done in 2018.
Big projects of 2017 / 2018 New roof, new decks, 480W Solar, move the outhouse, siding, storage, renovation...
I love summer.... green grass and blue skies
 Untitled by M M
Working on the front deck
 Untitled by M M, on Flickr
New back deck
 Untitled by M M
 Untitled by M M
Hung the prop
 Untitled by M M
 by M M
First step - install the pipe and pole mount solar for the 3 panels
 Untitled by M M
|
|
Shadyacres
Member
|
# Posted: 23 Aug 2018 11:07am
Reply
Loved reading your blog. Never made it to Alaska yet. Your pictures show me what I’m missing.
|
|
aktundra
Member
|
# Posted: 4 Sep 2018 01:47pm - Edited by: aktundra
Reply
Always working. Well we did take July off. The kids are only kids once... Had the niece and nephews out during July and really tried hard to not do any projects....
 Untitled by M M, on Flickr
I ripped down the fake rocks and decided it was time for a hearth in the main cabin. Various stoves have lived for 35+ years on the 2x2 cement pavers.
We used ceramic tile from Lowe's. I really wanted slate or something "Cabiny" but never find what we like. The cabin is dark (soon to change with LED lighting) so a light material was used. We like the elevated stove for starting fires, so I put the tile on several layers of hardy board and plywood. I really didn't want to bring a tile saw out, so the dimensions are set from what they were before - 48x48. I do wish I did 12x12 instead of 12x24, and maybe on the diamond. This old cabin isn't plumb/level/square so sometimes projects are a little frustrating.
 Untitled by M M, on Flickr
 Untitled by M M, on Flickr
I will put river rock up. I've collected some rocks already but only have 1/4 of the rocks I need.
 Untitled by M M, on Flickr
I also put the middle eastern style cushions on the porch. They make a great place to read and relax (I'm only assuming they will make a great place.... I'll let you know when we relax)
 Untitled by M M, on Flickr
 Untitled by M M, on Flickr
|
|
aktundra
Member
|
# Posted: 4 Sep 2018 01:57pm
Reply
It was time for some LED lights with the solar.
So I bought these wire track lights
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002N2W90M/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc =1
They are 110V. I took the transformer out and just left them 12V. I also swapped the antiquated bulbs for LEDs (MR16 bulbs).
 Untitled by M M, on Flickr
I have more lights to install with some E27 edison type 12V and 110V LEDs.
Simple projects help too. The counter gets cluttered and there isn't a lot of prep space. So I bought a magnetic knife holder.
 Untitled by M M
I'm embarrassed to show this, but feel it's important. The cabin floors have seen alot (new floors next year???). We sweep daily but sometimes they just don't feel clean. I bought the dyson V8 vacuum for around $300 on amazon. Kinda spendy, but I figured it would work well with the solar. It is wonderful. I actually want one for home. I vacuum more because I have no cord! This has been an excellent cabin purchase. Now to finish the cleaning closet.
 Untitled by M M, on Flickr
|
|
aktundra
Member
|
# Posted: 4 Sep 2018 02:11pm
Reply
Now the dreaded stove install. I've learned alot about building. The stove placement has changed several times. What I learned that's most important - get the stove installed while studs are up. Much easier to figure things out.
Well here's the Kuuma Large Sauna stove install. Not a professional but try to follow code and the instructions. This took a full day with lots of hands and ladders. I ended up putting a ladder on the roof (laying flat then anchored). The 12/12 pitch doesn't make it easier
 Untitled by M M, on Flickr
 Untitled by M M, on Flickr
Now through the back wall isn't recommended for a couple reasons:
1) Draft
2) Expensive
3) Straight up is best.
With the loft above, we decided to go out the back.
Here's the pipe ($1900 worth of OUCH!!!!!). We bought from the local woodstove store. We used Excel chimney. The double wall is $$$. The customer service was excellent. In 30 minutes, I had everything I needed. Usually I need to plan and read and draw everything out, because when I don't we end up with parts and pieces missing 3 hours from town. I had everything I needed. Again great customer service.
 Untitled by M M, on Flickr
We cut and framed the 10"x10" hole. The first cut was hard !!
 Untitled by M M, on Flickr
 Untitled by M M, on Flickr
We bought the extended brackets so we didn't have to go through the eaves. I don't know if I like Excels T out as well as some others I've seen that seem to add more support for the T/Box.
 Untitled by M M, on Flickr
Up Up and Up
Having to go 2' above the highest point within 10' made us have to go high!
 Untitled by M M, on Flickr
Now there are a lot of close trees. These will be removed...
 Untitled by M M, on Flickr
The first burn!
 Untitled by M M, on Flickr
|
|
aktundra
Member
|
# Posted: 4 Sep 2018 02:29pm - Edited by: aktundra
Reply
I've been told I overcomplicate things... Why so many links below? Well I see things online then takes forever to figure out the "Right" way.
Well I have two extra 100W Renogy solar panels. I bought before I went another route for the solar system.
$100 Solar panel
https://www.amazon.com/Renogy-Watts-Volts-Monocrystalline-Solar/dp/B009Z6CW7O/ref=sr_ 1_2_sspa?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1536084827&sr=1-2-spons&keywords=100w+renogy+solar +panel&psc=1
I bought Renogy Solar roof brackets
https://www.amazon.com/Renogy-Solar-Panel-Mounting-Bracket/dp/B00W49ZPPK/ref=sr_1_fkm r2_2?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1536085122&sr=1-2-fkmr2&keywords=100w+renogy+roof+brac kets
Victron BlueSolar 75/15 MPPT Charge Controller - 15 Amps / 75 Volts
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00U3MK0CI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&ps c=1
MC4 10' Cables
Initially I forgot to order these.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JH1PABW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&ps c=1
If you want to connect 2 of the 100W, you also need these MC4 Y. I thought 2 panels at first and ordered these. But decided instead to use the other panel in the old cabin.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Q5W30FY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&ps c=1
I plan on doing 2 6V Golf cart batteries. For now, I have a marine 12V battery hooked up.
I added an interior light, a porch light and a fan. I used the fan from the SunMar toilet. I'll probably just make my own next time. The fan seems to help incredibly. I put the fan in 4" ABS. I couldn't find 4" PVC. Luckily the 4" ABS coupling fits in a 4"ABS coupling.
The 4" PVC was put through the roof. Out the back would have worked too.... sealed with a silicone boot.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0189J4GPI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&ps c=1
So first the porch light:
I used the Portfolio galvanized light. I like these. I put one on the sauna project.
 by M M, on Flickr
T&G pine with min wax was taking a beating. Really because we need a better pathway to the outhouse. It was hard to keep clean. We installed luxury Vinyl. I didn't like the tongue and grooves. How do you not break those things? I really prefer real WOOD! But this cleans out nice.
So the final install -
1. Overhead light (temporary until I finish the T&G ceiling) 12V LED
2. Outside porch light 12V LED
3. 12V Fan
4. Luxury Vinyl floor
5. Wave 3 heater (bought a returned new one for $100 on amazon)
 by M M, on Flickr
 by M M, on Flickr
While we are talking outhouses.....
We don't throw the toilet paper down the hole (too many girls at the cabin), instead it goes in the garbage can to the left. Helps keep it clean.
|
|
aktundra
Member
|
# Posted: 4 Sep 2018 02:38pm
Reply
3x3 Outdoor shower.
Well it's got 6' PT sides with 4' tall galvanized roofing.
 Untitled by M M, on Flickr
We used left over trex for the decking.
Old boat cleats were used for towel holders.
 Untitled by M M, on Flickr
Currently a hose from the hot water heater is used. Plans for a copper hot/cold to shower head are in the works.
We used the old pavers from under the fire place for steps. I built a lower step for flip flops.
 Untitled by M M, on Flickr
|
|
|
aktundra
Member
|
# Posted: 4 Sep 2018 02:41pm
Reply
I keep clearing this spot for my future runway !!!
 Untitled by M M, on Flickr
Summer is over. I planned on two weeks off, but took a work trip that will keep me away until the ground is frozen.
Untitled by M M
Summer is over for me. Another great summer complete!
|
|
aktundra
Member
|
# Posted: 4 Sep 2018 02:53pm
Reply
Sunsets - flying - cabin time- river floats- homemade slip and slides, berry picking, beach time. Summer fun!
Finding the best beaches:
 Untitled by M M, on Flickr
 Untitled by M M, on Flickr
 Untitled by M M, on Flickr
 Untitled by M M, on Flickr
 Untitled by M M, on Flickr
Otter pops from the propane fridge freezer!
 Untitled by M M, on Flickr
 Untitled by M M, on Flickr
 Untitled by M M, on Flickr
 Untitled by M M, on Flickr
|
|
95XL883
Member
|
# Posted: 4 Sep 2018 06:36pm
Reply
Hi AK,
Beautiful cabin. Very well done.
I'd like to share my experience with the Dyson cordless vacuum. I have a similar cordless model but not that exact one. We love it but ours has one drawback. It is very susceptible to airflow disruption. It took me several months to figure out that was the problem. The motor kept surging and I kept suspecting it was a battery or short problem. I finally found a small blockage in the pickup tube. Once that was out, it was back to running normally. Just something to keep in mind should yours start doing the same thing.
|
|
skootamattaschmidty
Member
|
# Posted: 4 Sep 2018 07:01pm
Reply
What an amazing place you have! Great work you are doing! Keep it up!
|
|
aktundra
Member
|
# Posted: 29 Apr 2019 01:37am - Edited by: aktundra
Reply
What a great winter...
Had a week of hauling materials before the gang showed up. Cabin was full of kids, adults, snow machines, and a dog. Best days at the cabin are filled with the commotion of company. Really appreciate the friends and family when I’m alone out there.
|
|
aktundra
Member
|
# Posted: 8 Aug 2019 09:03pm - Edited by: aktundra
Reply
 Untitled by M M, on Flickr
|
|
aktundra
Member
|
# Posted: 8 Aug 2019 09:20pm - Edited by: aktundra
Reply
Electrical-
This has been very sporadic. First, I wired the main cabin, which is a challenged in a log place after the fact. I mainly used the stud wall for switches and outlets. I added an outlet for the future 110V fridge. 12V lights were easier for the loft, bedroom, and kitchen. I still need lights for the living room, but I
haven't figured it out yet. The bedroom, we used the same lights as the kitchen. They are easy to add to existing area and are bright and low energy with the LEDs.
 Untitled by URL
For the generator input, I used this on the side of the cabin. It's ugly but this is the less used side and I wanted straight out from my stud wall. This summer, this is also where I added the solar input.
The sauna was wired, but I had to finish the panel wiring, and outlet and switches. Also, I ran a line from the main cabin, off the circuit breaker, to the sauna (Not an electrical Guru, treated this kinda like a subpanel, don't recommend following my practices). Hand digging the trench was a days work.
 Untitled by M M
The sauna lights needed to be "unique." We used insulator lights. This was a fun project. I found pendant light kits from Home Depot and a bathroom light and just swapped out for the insulator and changed the base to Candelabra. I can add more detail if anyone is interested.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/143181757@N08/48492298132/
 Untitled by M M
I love LEDs
 Untitled by M M
Sauna Loft lights
 Untitled by M M
|
|
aktundra
Member
|
# Posted: 8 Aug 2019 09:23pm - Edited by: aktundra
Reply
Some days you need simple projects. With nieces and nephews age 3-9, we needed a simple way for them to get their own water (and spill less)
Solution: USB water dispenser
https://www.amazon.com/Drinking-Charging-Automatic-Dispenser-Universal/dp/B07KW4TPNG/ ref=sr_1_5?crid=3MCPE5JNSYDC4&keywords=usb+water+dispenser&qid=1565313835&s=gateway&s prefix=USB+water%2Caps%2C164&sr=8-5
Problem: Not designed for my favorite 5 gallon jugs. I Siliconed it onto the lid.
|
|
aktundra
Member
|
# Posted: 8 Aug 2019 09:34pm
Reply
New puppy happened and now we needed to fix the year(s) old problem with the lack of deck stairs.
A little nonstandard, but because we use the deck so much, I wanted the first step to be the stair and not the deck.
Supervising:
Complete
After doing the front porch 6', I wished the back porch was more... Oh well.
|
|
aktundra
Member
|
# Posted: 8 Aug 2019 09:38pm
Reply
Sauna: Woodshed & Water tank/pump house
The goal was a small foot print to not detract from the sauna... as you'll see I was initially too small and added on.
4x4 posts (not centered on purpose, that's for the water tank)
|
|
aktundra
Member
|
# Posted: 8 Aug 2019 09:39pm
Reply
 Untitled by M M, on Flickr
|
|
aktundra
Member
|
# Posted: 8 Aug 2019 09:43pm - Edited by: aktundra
Reply
I talked about the Spypoint Link Dark camera on another thread. I LOVE this. I'll see how it does this winter, but it's great to get picture with any movement or, when I'm bored in town, request a picture for a "status" update. I have it facing the hill so I can use it for weather when I fly in.
I was worried about the signal. Typically I get 1-2 bars 4G or 1 bar LTE, but it's hit or miss. I bought the antenna and this is my signal (1-2 bars with antenna). There are no problems sending pictures. I love this camera!!
|
|
aktundra
Member
|
# Posted: 8 Aug 2019 09:51pm
Reply
Freezer to Fridge Conversion
Another simple yet awesome project. Since March, the fridge has been running off of solar. It does great! I'm almost ready to ditch the propane fridge, but still need to figure out a freezer solution.
Here's the easy conversion.
1. Chest Freezer $120 Costco
2. I ordered the Johnson Controls A19AAT-2C Freezer Temperature Controller (D132), which will work. What I received was the Johnson Digital Control
https://www.amazon.com/Johnson-Controls-A421ABG-02C-Electronic-Temperature/dp/B01IWIZ JHA/ref=sr_1_3?crid=RHAYE75RDITF&keywords=johnson+temperature+controller&qid=15653154 04&s=industrial&sprefix=johnson+%2Cindustrial%2C148&sr=1-3
Place the probe in the freezer, tape, mount the controller, plug in and go. Super super easy.
I program what temperature I want the fridge turned on and off. I set 40 and 32. It does great.
|
|
aktundra
Member
|
# Posted: 8 Aug 2019 09:52pm
Reply
I'm sad the great summer is over.... but I had fun and did a weeks worth of projects.
|
|
Aklogcabin
Member
|
# Posted: 9 Aug 2019 10:18am
Reply
Really nice. Especially when you have to freight all your materials in. Nice looking boat. How far of a river run do you have? Do you freight materials in the winter?
We haven’t had a chance to get to our cabin since January. And I am really cabinsick. So seeing your pictures is good for my heart. My beautiful wife and I are flying out for the start of moose season. Our daughter will be joining us and has not gotten her first moose yet so that is exciting.
Don’t want fill up your thread. But wanted to say that I feel proud for you and your family. This is a lot of passion. Not work. Have a great day and good luck this hunting season.
|
|
FishHog
Member
|
# Posted: 9 Aug 2019 06:01pm
Reply
Beautiful. Thanks for sharing all that
|
|
aktundra
Member
|
# Posted: 10 Aug 2019 11:37am - Edited by: aktundra
Reply
Thanks for the comments.
Aklogcabin - awesome to hear from fellow Alaskans. I hear you on time away from the cabin. I was sad to close up the first week of August but work has me away. Hope you are successful in your moose hunt! We had a small bull in July hanging around. We didn't see him (too much noise) but caught a picture on the game camera in the back.
We run about 24 river miles to the cabin. Depending on the river, it usually takes 1 hour in the big boat or 1 hour 15 in the little one. I freight everything during the winter if I plan it right. I put over 1000 miles of hauling on my machine this year. The river was way too low to haul any materials up this summer, but in summers past I'll use the boat. Snowmachine is my preferred method.
This was one of my last loads. The trails were so poor (little snow) it took 2 hours a trip, plus usually 1 hour to load and 1/2 unload. Round trip takes me 4-5 hours and I ran 3-4 trips a day for a week. I could run more trips with easy tie down loads.
It's a lighter load.
Haul in the new
Haul out the old
|
|
Aklogcabin
Member
|
# Posted: 22 Jun 2020 11:51am
Reply
Hey tundra how was the winter ? What a great summer so far .
|
|
aktundra
Member
|
# Posted: 21 Aug 2020 08:23pm
Reply
Well I’m having problems attaching from
flikr.
725DE187A745427C8.jpeg
| 
0D86BA3FF87742B08.jpeg
|  | |
|
|
Alaskajohn
Member
|
# Posted: 22 Aug 2020 02:43am
Reply
Nice! I loved reading through this!
|
|
Nobadays
Member
|
# Posted: 22 Aug 2020 09:20am
Reply
Great place! I love the location right on the river...wow!
My wife and I had a good laugh when you talked about the middle east cushion on the porch being a good place to relax..... or probably a good place to relax if you ever relaxed!
We have had so many projects this year... and we live at the cabin nearly year round... but since the snow cleared in April we have put in a greenhouse- this required digging - by hand - a flat spot 14'x14' as our whole property is hillside... then building the greenhouse. Next was 3 2'x5' cold frames, yep digging a flat spot for those first. Next project was 9 piers in the ground to hold a 10'x20' shop/woodshed then two months nearly building the structure... it is 99% complete now but we are just now able to get out to cut the winter's firewood, luckily we have a lot of dead standing spruce and fir close by, maybe one or two more loads and we're set... oh... until we start building the lean-to on the new building to house the Geo Tracker (on tracks for winter)... we are at 9,500' in the Colorado Rockies and we are seeing a few Aspen beginning to turn...
All this to say, yeah when do we just get to relax! Hope it is a long fall with the snow coming a little later this year.
|
|
Ol Slim
Member
|
# Posted: 12 Sep 2020 11:47am
Reply
Absolutely amazing......
|
|
| << . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . >> |
