Deer me

The Boys are Back in Town
Photo taken by our neighbor - Doni

The neighborhood reports are the Fishing is Great! The Critters are abundant and the weather has been awesome. I've tied some more flies and readied my gear. Can't wait to get back!

Rustic Cabinets

We've been deciding... OK, SHE'S been deciding what cabinets to put into the mini-cabin for some time. After numerous prototypes, some campaigning and the availability of local stock we have a winner.

Wall Cabinet

We wanted rustic and somewhat unique. I found some quarter-sawn Douglas Fir milled locally that has proven both visually interesting and easy to work with.

Jeff turns logs into dimensional stock with his Timber King. The quality is excellent and the price is right.


Gluing up the stock for the Cabinet Sides


Solid wood Cabinet Side

The doors are also solid stock. The styling was inspired by my Great Grandfather's desk - solid wood and simple. Rather than cut out the imperfections - Bark Beetle Pitch Pockets, wind checks, staining and knots - I did my best to incorporate them to add to the rustic look.

Slatted solid wood Doors

Simple Joinery

It takes a little work but it is enjoyable to create something out of the local trees.

Kirby and other Yonderosa treasures.

Kirby Cooling off in the Creek

Going up to the lake!

Taking a well deserved nap.

On sunny mornings the sun would paint shadow murals.

I'm not sure but I think this is a female Audabon's Warbler. She was not happy about my proximity to the nest she was building but was good enough to pose for a picture.

The valley below is aglow with patches of yellow. The balsamroot is spectacular this time of year.

This Just In!

Just got back from six incredible days at the Yonderosa, way too much to tell so I'll try to save some words by using some pictures.

The primary reason for our trip was to make progress on our little building. We managed to get some siding on and took Happy Days' (thanks Deb) advice and tried earth tones. Yonderosa Green and Greener



The Soffit on the Eves and Gable Ends turned out great, still have the Porch Soffit to do.



Two more Windows! Besides a great view we watched Deer feeding in the meadow, a Coyote hunting down by the Kirby Creek and enjoyed a Sky full of Stars though them. Sitting behind them enjoying a wonderful meal and a glass of wine is more proof, Life IS Good.



There were distractions... While the Turkeys were not in the mood to play the Trout were eager to maul my flies. You should have seen the one that got away...



The trailer worked great. Over 600 miles of shuttling tools and materials - zero problems.




Weather - Always adding spice to experience. We had Sun, Rain, Snow, Wind and Frost, sometimes in the same day. It was nice to have a cozy place to retreat to and actually enjoy the variety.

Ready, Get Set, GO!

My truck is excellent for shuttling materials and supplies to the Yonderosa but is less comfortable for our two puppers on our long drive there and back - they much prefer the Subaru. To make life better for the "kids" we decided to invest in a trailer. The trailer will allow us to bring the items that can't be stowed inside a vehicle, like bulk propane, generator, etc. It will also allow us to haul our cabinets, appliances and even a Quad (not all at once) without having to use the truck.


The main reason for us choosing this trailer is that it folds up making storage very easy.

It just arrived but my initial impression is very favorable. The quality is among the best of the trailers we looked at. Folding and unfolding the trailer is easy. It has more than enough usable space for a majority of our needs.

The one downside, in my book anyway, is that it is made in China... The guy at Costco said it was made in Utah but the packaging made it very clear that it was in fact made overseas.

We will be using it on our next visit. I will report how it goes.

In an unrelated matter my wife and I have been debating the colors we will use on the Cabin. After a number of experiments we think we have come to an agreement. We will further test on our next visit. I am optimistic.

A few more photos from the last trip

On the way up to Washington Pass, North Cascades Highway

Spring morning view



Ranunculus glaberrimus - Sagebrush Buttercup
Among the first flowers of Spring at the Yonderosa



Looking forward to getting back!

Signs of Spring

Three weeks ago there was still 10" of snow on the ground. Now that it has melted I was able to haul some more materials in and do a little work.

I picked up three of the windows I had ordered in a nearby town. I only had time to install the loft window. The next trip I'll get the big XOX window installed, the kitchen window, the soffits (T&G pine) and hopefully at least a good start on the siding. The siding will be 1x8 Spruce bevel on up to the soffit and Cedar Shingles on the gable ends.

The rail was installed for the inspection to meet safety code (railings required for decks 30" or higher). My plan it is to wrap the posts and re-install the rail as well as add the railing to the other side. The main entry will be centered from the front with a small landing and stairs. Plenty left to do but it felt good to make a small dent in the to-do list.

The abundant beauty and wildlife frequently distracted me. My point and shoot camera failed to capture many of the subjects of my curiosity and awe but there were a few interesting shots.

Moose Track - size 10 boot for scale.

One of two little Whitetail Bucks that frequented the Yonderosa Meadow.

April Visit Update

A quick update. I managed to get over to the Yonderosa for six wonderful days! Even though I went solo I enjoyed my visit and accomplished a number of tasks including getting (and passing) the framing inspection, I managed to get the materials for the siding and soffit, installed one of the windows, chased some turkeys, saw lots of deer, a number of cool birds - Mountain Chickadee, Clark's Nutcracker, Goshawk, Yellow Bellied Sapsuckers (many), Ruffed Grouse (drumming)...., The lake was still frozen but 99.9999% of the snow was gone from the Yonderosa. The sound of the Kirby Creek was a pleasent backdrop to the chorus of bird songs. BIG Moose! WIDE variety of weather 80*F+ down into the teens, even had some snow fall... Discovered a Sub-Alpine Fir -Abies lasiocarpa - on the property... More later.