1 Talkeetna Estates
Despite our exclusive sounding address, 1 Talkeetna Estates, ours is far from a gated community. Forget the image that springs to mind when thinking of the subdivisions that many of us grew up in. Talkeetna Estates has no pavement for bike riding, no corner bus stop and no town septic or water. Here, a subdivision consists of a large track of tangled woods and sometimes swamp surveyed into lots and put on the real estate market. Most subdivisions have some type of road access, but one must be wary, particularly if the word "recreational" is used to describe the property. There are many subdivisions that have no power running to them and some are only accessible during the summer or by 4 wheeler. Happily, we had Carlisle available to research on our property. We have easy access via dirt road to our lot and will soon have power. We are not required to put in septic or water. The only restrictions on these are to abide by setbacks when installing. Our intent is to eventually dig a well, but for now, it's the "little" house. Carlisle asked early on if she could construct the outhouse and we were very happy to have her do this. She began by cutting the ends off of a 55 gallon drum. After digging a significantly deep hole, about 7 feet, the oil drum was dropped in. She then placed gravel at the base of the hole. Using slab wood, hauled over from milling of the timbers, she got to work on the house. As of today, all that is left to do is to salvage some metal roofing, we'll see what we come up with, and to plant the window box. |
| The "woodsy" location. |
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| A cute little window box soon to hold forest flora. |
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| Testing the seat height, very important.
Carlisle and I have been full-filling our yearning need for interior decorating. With the cabin not yet at this point, we have focused our energy on the outhouse. Carlisle has so many interesting things picked up in her travels and as of yet no home in which to place them.
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While tasting home brew with our neighbors, Dennis and Sharon, Dennis mentioned seeing moose on our property. We noticed tracks as soon as our driveway was put in. We're hoping that there will be many stimulating moose sightings from the "little" house!
Last winter's heavy snowfall resulted in many moose dying. Bucky was happy to see this cow and calf looking so healthy.
This is how the cabin presently looks. The pine seen on the front is the interior wall and will be covered with rigid insulation and eventually with cedar shakes sitting in VT. We're using an outsulation technique, building from the inside out. The poles supporting the porch will be replaced by some larger Spruce posts that Carlisle is carving. I can't wait to see them. Next step is to get all of the rafters into place so that we can get a roof on. It has been difficult to keep things dry with so many showers.