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gwindhurst
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# Posted: 5 Apr 2020 02:06pm
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First and foremost I’d like to thank all those who’ve shared their stories, knowledge and experiences before me on this Forum. It truly has been inspiring and motivating. As I write this, as promised in a previous post, I have yet again been reminded to live life to the fullest and as if it were your last. You never know what tomorrow may bring. So follow your heart and your dreams, and do your best to accomplish them.
Although this paragraph is not directly related to my story, it’s a stark reminder of those words above. Just over a week ago on Friday, March 27, 2020 I lost a very dear friend in a tragic accident. And during this time with the Covid-19 pandemic, normal ways of living are changing by the hour. As such, my friend will not receive the proper arrangements he so rightfully deserves. This world has lost a great man.
So here is my story dedicated to my father, John, my brother David, and dear friend Alan.
My Dad, John
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Brother Dave
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Alan.jpeg
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gwindhurst
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# Posted: 5 Apr 2020 02:10pm - Edited by: gwindhurst
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“Today is the oldest you’ve ever been, and the youngest you’ll ever be againâ€
~Eleanor Roosevelt
I was born the third child of five boys, and together as a family we did a lot of camping over the years. My Dad had always dreamt of buying a piece of property and starting a family compound. A place we could all go too at will. That was a long time ago, and a dream I held dear to my heart. Over the years I’d periodically browse the internet for properties however, I never inspected any of them until recently. I suddenly realized I wasn’t getting any younger, and that cabin dream was beginning to fade. My father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and passed away in June 2016. Back in September of 2008, I had lost my older brother to cancer.
I have two young sons of my own and began to think, making this happen would not only fulfill my father’s dreams, but mine as well. This would be my legacy. A place for my family and friends to enjoy and reminisce. So began discussions with my loving wife and to my surprise, she looked at me and said, “So go find some property and make it happenâ€â€¦
Flashback to January 2018: The hunt was on. After browsing countless properties online and visiting several with careful consideration we found it. The “Camp†property. A property that met all our requirements; Within 200 miles of home, had a water source/feature (stream), sizable acreage (14.4ac) with plenty of frontage (not just a 100 foot wide landing strip), on a town maintained (gravel) road off the beaten path, and close to 4-season recreation.
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gwindhurst
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# Posted: 5 Apr 2020 02:14pm
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July 26, 2018: I drove the 200 miles north and closed on the property. Then, took a drive for a quick visit to the property before turning around and heading back home. It was a long but worthwhile day. A few more trips over the remainder of the summer/fall of 2018, tent camping to scout the property for potential site location(s). A lot of research and planning through winter and preparations for mud-season (aka Spring).
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gwindhurst
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# Posted: 5 Apr 2020 02:16pm
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April 2019: I unexpectedly acquired two large loads of free lumber from a friend of my father-in law (a work shop clean-out). Now what? A change in plans of course… (You can read original post here: https://www.small-cabin.com/forum/6_8888_0.html) IMO It’s easier to plan, purchase and build to said plan, than acquire a pile of sticks and try to figure out what you can make of it. But after careful inspection and inventory, there was enough material to build most of the bones for a 10x12 Shabin with loft. It beats sleeping in a tent (especially in inclement weather), and offers security for tools I don’t have to schlep back-n-fourth.
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gwindhurst
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# Posted: 5 Apr 2020 02:17pm
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August 2019: After a busy summer (not all cabin plan related), I drafted plans and purchased the additional materials needed to complete a dried in structure. Measure twice, cut once! I began to cut and pre-build what I could at home; pre-cutting roof rafters, rim and floor joists, blocking, making window and door frame kits (headers, jack-studs, cripples etc.). I temporarily pre-fit and assembled the critical components in my yard, then disassembled and transported everything on two separate trips north…
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gwindhurst
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# Posted: 5 Apr 2020 02:21pm
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September 21-24, 2019: Perfect Saturday morning-- Happy Birthday to Me! My list of objectives in hand, truck loaded to the hilt with building materials and tools, I embark on an extended solo weekend mission. Hours later, I arrive at my adjoining neighbor’s property to barrow his tractor/loader he so graciously offered me to use anytime I needed. With the tractor bucket filled to the brim with implements of destruction (chainsaw, brush-cutter, plenty of gas/oil, bar-oil, rakes, shovels etc) I gain clear access into my property. Next, I shuttle several loads of building materials to the remote build site. Over the next couple days I manage to remove all the organic material from footing locations, construct the piers and build the floor system. Mission one complete…
First load ready to go
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Neighbors tractor
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First open access
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Completed rim/floor joists
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gwindhurst
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# Posted: 5 Apr 2020 02:24pm
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October 4-6, 2019: Friday morning, another trip north loaded to the gills. Upon arrival I’m surprised by a “Grand Re-Opening!†Apparently my adjoining neighbor from down the road has greater skills with his tractor than I do. Turns out he inspected my work at some point during the week and decided I needed help. So he returned with his machine and thoroughly perfected my hack-job. Well done! Thank you Wyatt! (A Cabela’s GC is on its way for you!) Okay, back to the plan. For this trip I’ll have help for one day. My brother plans on leaving later this afternoon after work and making the trek up. He arrived at approximately 9:30 p.m. We discussed the mornings plan over a couple of beers before retiring for the night. Early Saturday—a big day ahead, the walls were being assembled, going up and sheathing begins. The days end brings us to dinner at a local restaurant before he makes his trip back home. The following morning I proceeded to finish the sheathing, house-wrap and securing the Tyvek with strapping (furring strip) so it doesn’t get destroyed until I return the following weekend…
Grand Re-opening!
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Second at the property
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Walls going up
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Tyvek secured
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gwindhurst
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# Posted: 5 Apr 2020 02:26pm
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October 12-14, 2019: Columbus Day weekend, with the help from my brother for the duration we started on the roof system. Despite all the rafters being pre-cut, progress was still slow but steady. The uneven terrain and lack of staging around the outside the building made things difficult. Slow and steady wins the race and, I was determined to get dried in before the snow started to fly. Safety is always paramount and of great concern. Nearly 2 miles off the paved highway up a dirt mountain road, help is not around the corner and cell service is sketchy at best. By the end of the weekend the roof was complete with exception to a few minor details. A great sense of accomplishment which would not have been possible without the tremendous help of my brother (Sweat equity!). Thanks Pablo! ;o)
Rafters and purlins
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Me roofing
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The Shabin
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gwindhurst
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# Posted: 5 Apr 2020 02:28pm - Edited by: gwindhurst
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November 18-19, 2019; Beautiful Monday morning and another solo trip to finish up a few items from the last trip. I also brought up some basic provisions and a temporary heat source. Installed one of three windows and buttoned everything up until spring. It’s been snowing all morning, and as I make my departure I think to myself-- Success! Can’t wait to get back next Spring, lots of projects to work-on…
First snow
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From across the stream
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The stream
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Hangblague
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# Posted: 6 Apr 2020 10:44am
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Well done! Thanks for sharing. What part of the world?
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gwindhurst
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# Posted: 6 Apr 2020 11:36am
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TY, just east of Ludlow, VT
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jsahara24
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# Posted: 7 Apr 2020 12:00pm
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Nice! Look forward to seeing the progress! How does the size feel now that its built? Trying to decide what size cabin to go with....
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gwindhurst
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# Posted: 7 Apr 2020 12:24pm
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Small... I was originally planning on a 12x16 but working with what I had acquired I scaled down. I am planning a larger cabin (16x20 or 16x24) in the next year or two. Either way, this will serve as my getaway until then and during the future build. I would go as big as you can however, it’s better to have something small, manageable and affordable than nothing at all. On a final note, I’m in a town without zoning. Something else to consider in you decision...
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gwindhurst
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# Posted: 7 Jun 2020 10:04am
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Finally made it back up to get some work done last weekend 5/30-6/1. Drove up Saturday morning with my 11 y.o. son and we left Monday afternoon. Installed two windows, built loft, sealed some gaps with Great Stuff and fiddled with my new solar components/system. Planning another trip soon now that I can freely move across state lines...
Hauling in materials
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At the Shabin
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Loft & kitchenette
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Loft
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Hangblague
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# Posted: 7 Jun 2020 11:34am
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Looking great!
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gwindhurst
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# Posted: 7 Jun 2020 12:32pm
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Thank you. Not as nice as yours but it'll do for now. Hope you are feeling well after your marathon build. Stay safe and healthy.
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Brettny
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# Posted: 9 Jun 2020 09:38am
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Looking good gwindhurst
Are you having to bring everything in via the UTV? Acess was a major issue I tackled early on in our pre build. It's nice being able to drive upto the site.
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gwindhurst
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# Posted: 9 Jun 2020 10:07am
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Thank you. Yes, I use the UTV to haul everything in via old logging roads which are in poor shape. For now I like the remote access, keeps others from driving right in and adds to the adventure. Eventually I’ll improve the roads (and build a bridge over the stream) for easier access but not until absolutely necessary. Maybe in phase-2 when I build the larger cabin.
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gwindhurst
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# Posted: 25 Jun 2020 04:19pm - Edited by: gwindhurst
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A beautiful extended weekend at the Shabin for Fathers Day with my boys (4 days!). A little work, mostly play. Traveled up Saturday morning, unloaded and relaxed. Sunday we started with setting up my repurposed drafting table for the solar panels. Then worked on the control center for a little bit. The rest was pure relaxation...
Except for the close encounter with a Black Bear. I walked out of the cabin and as soon as I closed the door behind me and looked up, there he was. By the time I collected myself and got my phone out, he was making his way through the woods... I posted a video on YouTube if you’d like to check it out.
https://youtu.be/uU3t_mczxh8
Cheers!
Repurposed drafting table
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MPPT Controller
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gwindhurst
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# Posted: 19 Aug 2020 08:40am
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Another productive weekend at the Shabin! And a big Thank You to my buddy Curtis for his mad capentry skills and hard work! We managed to build the outhouse (w/bucket toilet), add a deck, apply board-and-batten too lower half and start cedar shingles above. And as a bonus, we had another visit from "Bert" the bear...
Loaded and ready to go!
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Outhouse in the making...
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Progress...
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"Bert" the bear
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KelVarnsen
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# Posted: 19 Aug 2020 09:11am
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Quoting: gwindhurst So began discussions with my loving wife and to my surprise, she looked at me and said, “So go find some property and make it happenâ€â€¦
I talked about my cabin dream for a long time with my wife. I almost let my dream go but she kept me on track and said "We are doing this!", mostly because she knew I wanted it. It is so nice to have that kind of support.
The Shabin is really coming along. Great work.
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gwindhurst
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# Posted: 19 Aug 2020 12:31pm
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Yes-- Yes it is. Thank you KelVarnsen
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gwindhurst
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# Posted: 8 Sep 2020 09:24am
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Another weekend with my boys to the Shabin. A delicate balance of work and play...
South (door) and East
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North and East
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North and West
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My boys!
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Brettny
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# Posted: 8 Sep 2020 09:40am
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Looking good Gwind! I like the shakes with the contrast of the board and batten on the bottom.
Do you plan on putting a roof over the deck?
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jsahara24
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# Posted: 8 Sep 2020 09:50am
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Looks great....
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gwindhurst
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# Posted: 8 Sep 2020 10:06am
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Thank you. I couldn't decide on all board and batten, all shingles or a combo of board and batten w/shingles on the gables. Then I discovered Mike870's cabin (aka 50 Acres and a Cabin) and loved it!
As for the deck, yes. I plan on a screened in porch.
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Alaskajohn
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# Posted: 8 Sep 2020 10:16am
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I enjoyed reading your update! Great property and project!
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gwindhurst
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# Posted: 8 Sep 2020 12:12pm
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Thanks All! I really appreciate the comments.
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DWindy
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# Posted: 20 Sep 2020 10:06pm
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Happy 1 year anniversary on the beginning of your dream my wonderful hubbie GW â¤ï¸. Your dad would be proud, as would Dave, even though you’d probably just be arguing 🤣 & of course Alan.. there’s no words there right now. Thank you for having a dream, keeping it alive & bringing our boys into that passion. You’ve done an amazing job & I’m so proud of what you have pulled together on our shoe string budget!! Everyone should have a dream & try to fulfill it while they can. U did it!! â¤ï¸
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tichalet
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# Posted: 20 Sep 2020 11:13pm
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Great looking cabin GWindhurst! (The B+B/shingle combo you chose is so picturesque, it should officially be moved up from mere "shabin" status, I think.)
You & 50 acres Mike are definitely on to something. That detail seems to make the proportions of these small cabins so pleasing.
And speaking of picturesque, that photo of your boys - the expressions on their faces! - proves that every moment of effort getting this thing done has been worth it, doesn't it?
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