Bald Eagle Spotting

We spotted a Bald Eagle in a tree above the creek. About 100 feet south of the cabin.

Building the Cabin: The beginnings of the Cabin

cabin_1-4
Originally uploaded by benchristen.

The process of building the cabin was started in the winter of 1996-1997. This was before we had a digital camera, thankfully several pictures of the process have all been scanned in and are ready for posting. The cabin is about 10 feet by 10 feet. You can see in this picture the first sets of logs laid into place. We'll be posting more pics of "Building the Cabin" in the weeks to come. Stay tuned . . .

Building the Cabin: Index | Next

cottonwood trees at the 80

cottonwood trees at the 80
Originally uploaded by benchristen.

This is what the cabin started as -- cottonwood trees! The cottonwood trees we used to build the cabin were cut from this grove. The grove is right next to the cabin. The trees were cut down in the middle of winter since their sap is at the lowest point and they're already nearly dried out and ready for cutting. This picture was taken a few years ago (after the cabin had already been completed). More on the early stages of the cabin later . . . stay tuned!

beaver dam on the 80

beaver dam at the 80
Originally uploaded by benchristen.

This is one of the beaver dams on the creek running through the 80. We have encouraged the beavers' return to the 80 (by not discouraging it) and with great results! The water level is much higher and the entire creek area is more full of life (bullfrogs have returned, among other animals (coyotes!)). It's amazing to see the beavers' work. They build the damn up and down to constantly maintain their preferred water levels.

Coyote Spotting

When the dog is barking it can be a number of things, usually a squirrel up a tree. But this last Friday, it was a coyote! We're thinking a coyote has taken to stopping by the 80 for a drink from the creek (and perhaps also for a bite of delicious squirrel).

The cabin at the 80

the cabin
Originally uploaded by benchristen.

This is the cabin! Built by hand! (well, a chainsaw and tractor were involved at various points). This photo was taken on December 26, 2002. We'll be posting much, much more about the cabin. (the process of building the cabin, uses of the cabin, learnings from the cabin, etc.)

The creek at the 80

80 creek
Originally uploaded by benchristen.

One of the great natural features at the 80 is the creek running through it. Beavers have damned up the creek. This picture shows a nice view of the creek a few weeks ago, somewhat iced over.

Welcome to the 80

The "80" stands for 80 acres. It's a plot of land we have where we've built a log cabin! and done other cool things. This blog will be used to record the process of building the log cabin for all to see, and also as a blog for updates and any thoughts we have about the cabin and the 80.