Lapidaryforum.net
Off Topic Area => Random Musings => Topic started by: Asianfire on December 13, 2016, 01:20:00 AM
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Remember my project with the kids this past summer To get them out of the house for a while......?
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb340/kainzerkurt/ppUntitled%20-%203_zpsgx56vi73.jpg) (http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/kainzerkurt/media/ppUntitled%20-%203_zpsgx56vi73.jpg.html)
I'm back up there since end of September, every week once, and just signed a gentleman agreement with one of the owners for a small cabin.
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb340/kainzerkurt/ppUntitled%20-%202_zpsitmjxqv1.jpg) (http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/kainzerkurt/media/ppUntitled%20-%202_zpsitmjxqv1.jpg.html)
At one Dollar a year in rent in return for fixing up the place and keeping it in a reasonable state, I get unlimited use for the next 5 years guaranteed.
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb340/kainzerkurt/ppIMG_20161106_093403_zpsoejv17kw.jpg) (http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/kainzerkurt/media/ppIMG_20161106_093403_zpsoejv17kw.jpg.html)
Its a hell of a lot of work, considering there is no power and no water anywhere, and all supplies need to be carried in (usually takes me about 2.5 to 3 hours one way with an average of 60-70pounds on the back). But alone the sunrises on the way make it my kinda church...
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb340/kainzerkurt/ppSunrise%20630am_zpsuors2zzs.jpg) (http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/kainzerkurt/media/ppSunrise%20630am_zpsuors2zzs.jpg.html)
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb340/kainzerkurt/ppThankful_zpslhjnf26z.jpg) (http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/kainzerkurt/media/ppThankful_zpslhjnf26z.jpg.html)
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb340/kainzerkurt/ppUntitled%20-%207_zpsafpi8sun.jpg) (http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/kainzerkurt/media/ppUntitled%20-%207_zpsafpi8sun.jpg.html)
After two months of just carrying in sand, cement and other supplies, it was time to start up with repairs.
One of the biggest problem is one outer wall who shows visible neglect of 50 years.
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb340/kainzerkurt/ppOutside%20damadge_zpszubbno2y.jpg) (http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/kainzerkurt/media/ppOutside%20damadge_zpszubbno2y.jpg.html)
Lucky enough, those walls are a foot thick and consist of two layers of rocks. Only the outer layer is affected, so no structural problem.
The inside now starts to finally show visible improvement. Biggest challenge are the windows.
South
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb340/kainzerkurt/ppwindow%20south_zps4xngfnlu.jpg) (http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/kainzerkurt/media/ppwindow%20south_zps4xngfnlu.jpg.html)
Kitchen
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb340/kainzerkurt/ppKitchen%20Window_zpsfnqr5dzq.jpg) (http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/kainzerkurt/media/ppKitchen%20Window_zpsfnqr5dzq.jpg.html)
And East window. Just brought up an outer shutter two days ago and mounted. Will secure that better next Monday.
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb340/kainzerkurt/ppWindow%20east_zpspscqjbxw.jpg) (http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/kainzerkurt/media/ppWindow%20east_zpspscqjbxw.jpg.html)
All of that type of work is completely new to me. Its a huge puzzle, as I have never done something like that before.
Its fun, using nothing but the things you got laying around. Straight lines??? Never! but will work out in the end.
View from roof
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb340/kainzerkurt/ppPanorama%20from%20the%20house_zpsypxzvzjc.jpg) (http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/kainzerkurt/media/ppPanorama%20from%20the%20house_zpsypxzvzjc.jpg.html)
Hope to have it reasonably made up by Easter. Next up, shelves and working top for kitchen, then beautify basic BBQ outside and Rock-bench. January, sorting out small things and paint by February. After that, a few pieces of homemade furniture. All the while working outer wall a little at a time.
As of right now, a little improvement can be seen from the outside.
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb340/kainzerkurt/ppNow%20and%20then_zpsfnxfjecl.jpg) (http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/kainzerkurt/media/ppNow%20and%20then_zpsfnxfjecl.jpg.html)
Thanks for looking, Kurt
To be continued, when things improve visibly............
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What an awesome project. Rewarding in so many ways. I can totally relate to your "my kinda church" comment. Watching a sunrise alone in nature is the time I am most at peace in this world. And being able to enjoy it while working on a labor of love such as yours must make it that much better. I'm looking forward to the progression of the project.
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I've been wondering what you've been up to, Kurt. What a wonderful opportunity for you to be able to fix up that place and have access to it whenever you want! It's already showing the fruits of your labor. With those views, I can see why you're willing to do it. Good luck with your renovation and I'll be looking forward to your progress pictures!
:occasion14:
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That spot is wonderful, congratulations. Enjoy and I hope you share pictures from there. Thanks.
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Hi there, time for an update as things finally start to improve visibly.
Its winter, so weather is holding up nicely, making carrying 30+ kg for 3 hours bearable, and no rain means I can continue going up every weekend.
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb340/kainzerkurt/ppUntitled%20-%201_zpspqnw4kw1.jpg) (http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/kainzerkurt/media/ppUntitled%20-%201_zpspqnw4kw1.jpg.html)
Second shutter is in, so building is secured for the time being.
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb340/kainzerkurt/ppIMG_20170102_162410_zpsfqum48ki.jpg) (http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/kainzerkurt/media/ppIMG_20170102_162410_zpsfqum48ki.jpg.html)
Bigger undertakings are taking shape, most big problems inside to the wall are repaired, Kitchen top with concrete sink and shelves is basically build and needs a fringe of tiles to be completed. Fold-down table is well underway..
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb340/kainzerkurt/Table%20and%20kitchen_zps0eh2xqgj.jpg) (http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/kainzerkurt/media/Table%20and%20kitchen_zps0eh2xqgj.jpg.html)
Now, its finishing those things, build and anker 5 to six shelves, build maybe also a wall-mounted toolbox, fill in minor cracks, cement-wash the walls, then paint to finish up. And once everything is done, its back to where it all started, on the outside.
Staying overnight is no problem, I'm certainly not going to starve. :) :)
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb340/kainzerkurt/ppIMG_20170108_162947_zpsewh0rjas.jpg) (http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/kainzerkurt/media/ppIMG_20170108_162947_zpsewh0rjas.jpg.html)
Thus far I'm under budget: 15$ in sand, 30$ in cement, table comes in at a total of less than 30$ in 2 8foot 2x2's, 2 taken apart pallets and reused, and metal-parts. 50$ in tools, 20$ in tiles, and big tickets 80$ metal-sheet for shutters and two shelves, and 35$ for primer and Tourquoise metal/wood-paint. So all in all, just 260$. If my calculations are right, I will need 20-30$ more in Cement, another 15$ of sand, and biggest ticket a good 100$ in paint, and will still have 300$+ for other things that might come along.
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Good to see you are busy Kurt, it's got to be doing you good.
Your stone skills are multi faceted! :icon_salut:
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Thanks for the update, Kurt! It's looking good. There must be a great deal of satisfaction for you watching it all come together. :occasion14:
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Not much has happened really, was able to put all fixed windows into place
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb340/kainzerkurt/ppWindow%20trio_zps5hn7kkvb.jpg) (http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/kainzerkurt/media/ppWindow%20trio_zps5hn7kkvb.jpg.html)
But,..... then it was a race to get the cabin ready for Easter BBQ
Storage/second bed filled up quickly with bedding, tents and mats.
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb340/kainzerkurt/pIMG_20170409_084148_zpsl8uc6ubh.jpg) (http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/kainzerkurt/media/pIMG_20170409_084148_zpsl8uc6ubh.jpg.html)
Wifey, came up for the first time, for a test-nap.... :) :)
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb340/kainzerkurt/ppIMG_20170404_140236_zpstcpe99p2.jpg) (http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/kainzerkurt/media/ppIMG_20170404_140236_zpstcpe99p2.jpg.html)
Weather is quite unpredictable. Its spring after all. Often its nice at sea-level, but up here we are in the clouds.
Its hard now to get sunrise pictures, that thing rises now a full hour earlier from just over a month ago.
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb340/kainzerkurt/ppmorni%20g_zpsf5f1e5ze.jpg) (http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/kainzerkurt/media/ppmorni%20g_zpsf5f1e5ze.jpg.html)
Last minute preparation was to get the BBQ ready. Luckily it worked very well.
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb340/kainzerkurt/ppprimitive%20cover%20added_zpslxgwxtg2.jpg) (http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/kainzerkurt/media/ppprimitive%20cover%20added_zpslxgwxtg2.jpg.html)
Absolute last minute preparation was getting a temporary toilet into a designated area going. So with the others underway coming up, I screwed a box together, and put it in a somewhat hidden place. Then had my daughter test-sit for stability and size. :) :) :)
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb340/kainzerkurt/ppTest%20sitt%20in%20on%20throne_zps34nastzh.jpg) (http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/kainzerkurt/media/ppTest%20sitt%20in%20on%20throne_zps34nastzh.jpg.html)
A throne with a view, and remarkably good WiFi reception. :) :) :)
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb340/kainzerkurt/ppview%20from%20the%20throne_zpswrrdxznq.jpg) (http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/kainzerkurt/media/ppview%20from%20the%20throne_zpswrrdxznq.jpg.html)
What housewarming would be complete with a few personal finishing touches, My childhood blanket is already here since Christmas, now add a calendar showing the mountain-ranges from home, and a cross given to us from my brothers daughter in law.
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb340/kainzerkurt/ppA%20piece%20of%20croatia%20to%20make%20it%20a%20home%20away%20from%20home_zpseh6lzg8a.jpg) (http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/kainzerkurt/media/ppA%20piece%20of%20croatia%20to%20make%20it%20a%20home%20away%20from%20home_zpseh6lzg8a.jpg.html)
Then it was finally time to receive visitors and do the things that this whole project is all about; relax, eat, drink, have fun,.....
That table never emptied in a good 24 hours. In the end we still needed to bring food back into the valley after giving doggie-bags to all comers to ensue they did not have to cook dinner upon returning home ( we where 12 people, but I prepared for up to twenty, just in case
of unexpected last minute comers).
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb340/kainzerkurt/ppIMG_20170416_160625_zps4ynr76rg.jpg) (http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/kainzerkurt/media/ppIMG_20170416_160625_zps4ynr76rg.jpg.html)
One of the reasons why I wanted this to happen last weekend is my son. After trying for nearly 8 years, he got accepted at Cathay Pazific Airlines, and is going the day after tomorrow to Adelaide to cadet-school for 13 months on his way to become a pilot. So that was the last chance for a gathering of all family members for a long while.
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb340/kainzerkurt/ppIMG_20170417_085805_zpstszxs6vq.jpg) (http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/kainzerkurt/media/ppIMG_20170417_085805_zpstszxs6vq.jpg.html)
Weather was fabolous. Morning fog,....
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb340/kainzerkurt/ppIMG_20170417_083543_zpso3r4evry.jpg) (http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/kainzerkurt/media/ppIMG_20170417_083543_zpso3r4evry.jpg.html)
That quickly turned....
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb340/kainzerkurt/ppKrista_zpsc2dkmnsj.jpg) (http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/kainzerkurt/media/ppKrista_zpsc2dkmnsj.jpg.html)
And roasted all of us. So many re-purposed the bed for cooler air and getting out of the sun.......
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb340/kainzerkurt/ppconnections_zpsceegdyid.jpg) (http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/kainzerkurt/media/ppconnections_zpsceegdyid.jpg.html)
And a wonderful temperate evening, with everyone using their tents
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb340/kainzerkurt/ppIMG_20170416_184018_zpss1owwii3.jpg) (http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/kainzerkurt/media/ppIMG_20170416_184018_zpss1owwii3.jpg.html)
From here on out, still lots of work to be done: Window-partitions that can be opened and Inner door are next to seal the building. And then turning outwards to start repairs there........
But all that can take time. Now its about working some, and enjoying the rest as much as one can. That said, this weekend I noticed a lot of flowers that I would have not seen in my hectic just a few weeks ago.
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb340/kainzerkurt/ppSmall%20hidden%20marvels_zpsfqnuycgq.jpg) (http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/kainzerkurt/media/ppSmall%20hidden%20marvels_zpsfqnuycgq.jpg.html)
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb340/kainzerkurt/ppplant%201_zpsrltork6d.jpg) (http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/kainzerkurt/media/ppplant%201_zpsrltork6d.jpg.html)
And this plant. After looking at it close up, I realize that quite a few plants up here use the same feature to extract moisture from the air in order to cover their needs for water.
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb340/kainzerkurt/ppUntitled%20-%201_zpsdmaah0hu.jpg) (http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/kainzerkurt/media/ppUntitled%20-%201_zpsdmaah0hu.jpg.html)
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I have so thoroughly enjoyed following along with this project! Looks like you had a great Easter gathering and I'm happy you were able to share it with friends. Its amazing what you have done with the place since this all began. Congrats!
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The beauty, the simplicity, the self-reliance and the locale make this activity a wonderful one for all who get to visit your hideaway, and are an inspiration for those of us who get to share it vicariously through your narration. Congratulations. I can feel the dampness and the cool, and the tranquility from here.
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Thank you. Its nice seeing it slowly come together.
Would not have dared a few months ago to claim to attempt making windows from the scratch.
Yet now, I'm looking forward to create the inner door too.
Live and learn. A huge puzzle that keeps adding pieces to be resolved.
My kinda fun, with the added bonus of seeing others to enjoy the results too (especially wifey ........) :) :) :)
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Congratulations on making your dream come true, Kurt! It's lovely! :occasion14:
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That is so awesome Kurt! So glad to see all your months of labor pay off! :icon_sunny:
Now time to sit down and enjoy a few :DRUNKS:.
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This makes me feel at home on the other side of the Pacific Ocean. Many thanks, classy job.
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Kurt, wow, so kool, what beautiful views and even incredible plants. And the most important thing, is all the love it holds.
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Went up to the cabin on Sunday morning. A dreadful day, raining most of the day.
But saw some weird and fascinating blooms on the way. There seems to be always something new to dicover.
Trees that are in full bloom (no idea as to name)
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb340/kainzerkurt/ppspring_zps8eugofcl.jpg) (http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/kainzerkurt/media/ppspring_zps8eugofcl.jpg.html)
Some iris, I presume
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb340/kainzerkurt/ppiris_zpsi3ywlqz3.jpg) (http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/kainzerkurt/media/ppiris_zpsi3ywlqz3.jpg.html)
After finding out the name. "Dancing Crane Cobra Lily", I had to get a picture explaining the dancing crane in that.
Single stem, branching out to form the leaves, giving the appearance of wings.....
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb340/kainzerkurt/ppdancing%20crane_zpswmlqa4wy.jpg) (http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/kainzerkurt/media/ppdancing%20crane_zpswmlqa4wy.jpg.html)
Found this cheater. :) very small, creeping along the floor. Needs to stand out, so produces between one to three white leaves to increase chances of detection.
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb340/kainzerkurt/pptricks_zpsqn1dvisf.jpg) (http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/kainzerkurt/media/pptricks_zpsqn1dvisf.jpg.html)
But the prize for weirdness, must go to this fella (no idea about name)
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb340/kainzerkurt/ppWaterfall_zpslfp1mhco.jpg) (http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/kainzerkurt/media/ppWaterfall_zpslfp1mhco.jpg.html)
Nothing special as such? OK, lets have a closer look
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb340/kainzerkurt/ppwatching_zpsnhpsvked.jpg) (http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/kainzerkurt/media/ppwatching_zpsnhpsvked.jpg.html)
No wonder, that one feels watched at any and all times. Even plants are watching you...... :) :) :)
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Thanks for the pictures, Kurt! I love seeing the flowers you find in the wild on the other side of the world. The Dancing Crane Cobra Lily is especially beautiful and that last little white guy is so cute! :icon_sunny: