What a Difference a Year Makes

 The biggest snowbank on our road into the cabin, that spot about 100 yards past the gate where the snow lies deep, most years. Last year we barely busted through the big snowbank at the end of June. Not a problem on May 10, 2012.
This next picture is looking from the road up towards the pump house there were a few drifts of snow, and the biggest snowbank was over towards the meadow, otherwise known as the "wedding snowbank" because it's the spot where we loaded tubs with snow last July 2 to use to cool the drinks. Last year on July 2 the snowbank was just about the same size as it is today, May 11, 2012.

 Some critter had a nice winter. We seemed to have shared our house insulation with someone from the forest. Andrew patched over the hole, I believe it's hole number 5 in the same upper SE corner of the cabin.
Then he scrubbed the floors. What a guy!

We left a little work for another time, and a little nesting material for another happy nester.  As for the work, this is the summer to reseal the deck and railings.













And to figure out a better way to heat the pump house other than to plug both the heat tape and the barn heater into the same extension cord.  Fortunately it's always cool and damp in there.

More Shaver Pictures

Looking out from the old boat dock by 'Johnnys".

The old earthen dam and mill site.

Working on the new membrane covering for the dam.

Leavin Out

Late every fall the families who lived at the mill packed up all their belongings and moved down to The Valley for the winter months. We called it moving, many of our neighbors who came from the Ozarks called it Leavin' Out. Either way we packed up and left, and that's what Ann & Jane did last Monday. Jane's last carload of the season included 2 Christmas trees, a wedding dress and suit, 2 sets of snowshoes and the last of the recycling. Not the usual haul but a good reminder of a special July event.

There's another type of leavin' out happening over at Shaver. When this picture was taken there

was still about 20 ft. of water remaining at the foot of the dam. The new white membrane surface is visible on the top half of the dam and by the end of Feb 2012 it will cover the entire dam and the lake will start to be refilled. The old earthen dam is visible upstream from the remaining water and the old lumber mill site is just to the left of the old dam.

Bottled water and FLOUR desperately needed

There is about enough flour for one round of pancakes and that is it.  The next people up need to take flour. If driving in, take at least 2 5-lb bags.  Likewise with bottled water. There isn't any and altho we are more optimistic about not losing water this year, it is best to be prepared with a few large jugs.

No need to take beer, wine or scotch. There is more than ample for the winter.

All Tucked In

Ann and Jane visited the cabin overnight on Sunday and got the last of the chores done for the winter. We also harvested a couple of Christmas trees each.  It was clear but quite cold. In the low 30s when we arrived and in the low 20s overnight.  There are some small patches of snow left under the trees and on the road but it was easy to drive over them.  And surprisingly, there was no evidence of the high winds that were reported for the sierra.

Draining the log cabin

To drain the log cabin:

Step 1. At the pump house, turn off the water to the log cabin. Do that by turning the middle lever to the horizontal position



The drains when there is water to the log cabin






The water to the log cabin shut off. Note that now the middle lever is horizontal


Step 2. Go back up to the log cabin and open all the faucets, they stay open The faucets include

- the faucet by the woodpiles,

- the faucet on the porch,

- the faucets in the sink and shower and most importantly,

- The two drains in the back

























I drained the water heater too but father said I needn't do that

Step 3. Go back down to the pump house and open the drain. It is the leftmost lever and should turn from horizontal to vertical. A lot of water will run out the drain outside by the door. It will eventually stop. After flooding the area. That is all the water in the line.



The drain from the log cabin is now open. Note that the bottom left lever is now horizontal



Water draining from the line to the log cabin



Step 4. Go back to the log cabin and flush the toilet and scoop out all the water in the toilet bowl and the back tank. The little paper cups and/or a sponge are good for the last part

Step 5. Pour antifreeze (stored under the sink) in The toilet bowl,The sink drain andThe shower drain

Leave all the faucets and the drain open until the water is turned on again in the spring

Rains, sun shines, rains, sun shines....

We arrived last night at midnight and throughout the drive along Hwy 5 we could see the coolest lightning far far away. When we arrived to the cabin it was 60 degrees (at the bottom of 4 lanes it was 80) and once we entered the cabin, it was a very nice and cozy 72 degrees.

We woke up this morning to bright blue skies, followed by rain packed clouds that moved quickly, then nice ble skies again, then rain again, then sun again.... you get the picture.

Very lucky and relaxing to be here this weekend!