LANDON ROCK PROJECT
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blog

guess what!?

10/21/2015

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We're still cracking on with our building!  Yes, the days are getting shorter and the nights are getting cooler (well freezing actually) but we are still motivated to get ahead on our roundhouse.  As you can see from the photo the roof has not yet been erected.  That's not because our incredible helpers did not work their super generous butts off on Thanksgiving weekend.  Turned out there were some other details to work out first before proceeding to the much anticipated reciprocal roof raising. 
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Energy was spent on digging a couple trenches by the front entrance to insert the cedar posts that will eventually retain the earth that will be buried behind them.  One team dug, another team collected the posts, and another team filled a few more sandbags.  While the logs for the roof were peeled and cleaned, tough, burly friends heaved, carefully set and secured the posts into place. 
It was work that came at us last minute as we realised this cedar retention wall would be great idea for the entrance and it logically made sense to put this up before proceeding with the roof.  It is certainly necessary to have a plan in place before engaging in such a project however I'm finding more and more that what you 'plan' may not exactly turn out to be what you actually do - or least what you plan to do will happen much (much) later then when you think you're gonna do it!
In fact, we had an unfortunate set-back as Andrés injured his back at work a few days before the weekend.  He was out of work for over week.  He was unable to move much and to prepare as much as he would've liked to previous to the build.  Luckily he is a lot better now but still has to be careful.  And obviously this isn't stopping him from plowing on with the build. 
Besides that Thanksgiving was a lovely success for us and as usual we are eternally grateful to the wonderful folks that came out again and for the first time.  Thanks Abby, Alice, Dan, JF, Julia, Martin, Megan, and Tim.  You guys rock!  And thanks to Patricia, our amazing neighbour who came around with fresh baked, still warm from the oven chocolate chip cookies at just the right time.
And in the spirit of Thanksgiving, which feels ages away already, Andrés and I have to say how incredibly happy and blessed we are, especially at this time in our lives.  It was exactly a year ago at this time that we announced to our close family and friends that I was pregnant with our first baby.  She arrived this May and has kept us very busy ever since but has also brought much joy to us.  In the midst of caring for our newborn and dealing with normal day to day stuff, somehow we felt we could build a home at the same time - off-grid with no running water nonetheless.  Sometimes I think we're a little coo-coo.  However, it is because we know and can feel there are wonderful souls wandering this beautiful planet that would somehow find their way to us and lend a hand when we really need it.  We believe in karmic connections, paying it forward, love and respect.  We need you like you need us, we all need each other.  Sometimes it is hard for us (me especially) to ask for help but I don't think it's a bad thing.  It seems people really do want to help others, the only problem normally is time.  Nevertheless, whether you are or have been with us physically or simply in spirit, we have benefited from your positivity and support, and for that we give thanks.   
Oh and I did manage to cook a turkey for the first time in my life, which turned out alright.  Made the cranberry sauce too for the first time - the easiest thing to make in the world, and why not avoid the canned stuff when all you need are cranberries (which are so plentiful and cheap at that time), some sugar (maple syrup would probably be better) and a bit of water.  I also roasted a squash that self-seeded from our compost pile this year.  No watering, fertilizing or even seed sowing required - talk about permaculture!  Along with Patricia's homegrown purple potatoes (not kidding, they're proper purple and super yummy), it was a super feast.  And for the finale a choice between three pies - apple, pumpkin and my naughty banoffee, nothing homegrown about that one but oh so irresistable! 
Well if you're up for an adventure like this, then come on over and join us.  With the nightly freezing temperatures we can recommend a couple cute BnBs in the area.  Just assume we're working every weekend, we can always use an extra hand and you'll always at least be served a meal in gratitude.
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more building this thanksgiving weekend

10/7/2015

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We weren't sure whether we were actually going to organize another group build this weekend but turns out we are!  Andrés and I made a quick decision the other day about tapping into a great network on www.meetup.com - the Ottawa Earthship group - to see if other Earthshippers wanted to join in our experience, even in the cool weather.  We got a couple of 'yeses' plus it seems some others might be returning yet again to help, so we may get another good long weekend turn out. 
Various tasks will be tackled during this weekend.  Mostly trying to get the roof up which means many hands to move, debark and lift logs.  There may be some framing to do, backfilling, maybe even some hugelkultur work (for permie enthusiasts).  We'll have to see how the weekend goes and what we can achieve.  Should be a fun one and I plan to cook up some kind of bird on Sunday.  We definitely have lots to be thankful for.
 
Here are the logistical details for the weekend:

TIME: Saturday Oct 10 - Sunday Oct 11  (These are the official building days but you are welcome to come set up camp earlier and/or stay later if you wish - enjoy the fall colours and the crisp weather)
WHERE: Bancroft, Ontario (Contact me for directions - we don't have an official numbered address yet)
FOOD: All meals will be provided and some snacks.  If you have dietary restrictions/preferences then please let me know in advance.
RSVP:  Let me know when and for how long you plan to come and how may people are coming with you - this is so I know how much food to prepare. 
ACCOMMODATION: All we can offer is camping here on-site.  We know it's getting quite cold already so you may prefer to stay at a local B&B or motel.  Contact me for suggestions. 
BRING:

- tent, sleeping bag, extra warm stuff if camping
- work clothing, shoes and jacket
- gloves for working if you have them

- bottle for drinking water
- flashlight
DAILY SCHEDULE 'PLAN':

8am - breakfast
9am - build
1pm - lunch
2pm - build
5pm - break
6pm - dinner, campfire, fun
EXTRA INFO:
• We are completely off-grid.  We have a small solar system and collect water from town.  There will be enough water here for drinking, cooking and washing up but no shower unfortunately.  There is the local campground which offers shower facilities for about $2.
• Depending on the size of group we get I will likely ask for a couple extra hands for meal prep and washing up (not exciting building stuff but part of the reality of communal living

My email is [email protected].  Thanks for having a look and hope to see you soon!
Oh and here's a photo of me shoving bales into place.  Finally got a break from baby-minding and got a chance to pitch in on the building today!
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