Well, the plan is to head up to the Beta Site tomorrow. Weather has been good all week, gamecam doesn’t show new snow, and if the weather tomorrow is decent…..it’s a go. Its entirely possible that things have melted enough that I can simply get in there with my truck, but I’ll start with the SxS this trip and if it looks good I’ll make subsequent trips in the truck.
Goals:
- Install new gamecams
- Drop off a cache of gear for future use
- Install and load game feeders
- Do a bit of walking around and exploring
- Take lotsa pics
Another goal is to not make the same mistakes as last time. Knowing me, I’ll simply create new mistakes.
Speaking of mistakes, I really need to work on the tunnel vision I have regarding the Beta Site. I am overlooking and ignoring various current events that, really, I should be on top of and wargaming against. I could intellectualize it and say that devoting my self to the Beta Site is getting ready against current events but thats terribly shortsighted. Its going to be at least a year or two befote the Beta Site is ready for anything close to ‘full time use’…so in the meantime I need to make the most of where Im at now and that means shifting focus a bit. One of the biggest things I need to do is get the small loan I have paid off so I can divert funds into replenishing my precious metals stash and getting financially ready for some big-ticket upgrades at the Beta Site.
ETA: And one of the guys from receiving just dropped this on my desk. So, electric chainsaw for the casual small stuff has been achieved. Gas saw next.
Cardinal Rule – NEVER MAKE PLANS. FRICKIN’ MURPHY REVIEWS AND SMIRKS WITH YOUR OPTIMISM. :^)
Maybe prioritize the top 4 issues wanted done, then underline the really important goals. When I make plans, I forget crucial elements that make completing a task almost impossible. Just how it happens when I go.
But the bright side – gives you extra time to look about and appreciate what you now have.
Enjoy the weekend !
Planning for things-really planning for them-involves the use of PACE. When your primary plan doesn’t work, switch to alternate. When that doesn’t work, go to contingency. And if that fails as well, you’ve finally got emergency.
Having these ideas in your head and wargamed out helps immensely in the moment. Instead of scrambling to come up with Plan B, you already know what it is and can switch (usually) seamlessly.
“I’ll simply create new mistakes” aka “progress”.
Commander, did your new saw have spare batteries?
I have a Mikata (sp) which takes 2 18V batteries, got two extra, chain oil spare chains and bar.
Honestly I’m amazed what this saw can do without the hassle of gas
DIdn’t come with batteries, but I have a mound of Milwaukee M18 batteries here all they way from 6.0 to 12.0 amp.
You’re going to love it. They’re legit awesome saws.
Stihl.
When you get the gas chainsaw. Stihl.
Get a pro model – the consumer grade Stihl isn’t what they used to be.
Or a Husqvarna. No other gas chainsaw is worth the effort
To each his own, but our sthil is strictly for cutting firewood. The 455 rancher Husqvarna is the work horse around here cutting cedars (stump flush with grade) or making points for wood posts.
And will say after 20 yrs she’s never let me down.
Oregon powercut bar is a must as accomodates chain stretch nicely when additional holes are drilled for adjustment. Else tossing chains which have plenty of life left.
Nice pickup on the E-saw. My Ryobi is far and away what I use now on my 80 acre woods and short of 15i inch and bigger diameter trees it’s all you need. So much quieter and nicer to use. No premix gas or priming or pulling a damn rope ! Just switch and go. Gas saws ( not allergic to them I have 3) are just so fricking loud also!
What are your short and long term plans for sanitation?
RedShirtGuy
At some point theres going to have to be a septic system installed.
With absolutely no irony, a CB properly designed and built septic system is an absolute thing of beauty.
A very valid argument could be made that plumbers (developing septic systems) have saved more lives than doctors.
Composting toilets are way better out there than installing septic.
Way better.
Unless you are living full that is…
While a gas chain saw can’t be beat for heavy duty continual work, I really like my 8″ electric chain saw and pole saw. They are surprisingly good, and really great for intermittent work. Perfect for hopping out of the truck or atv to cut an offending branch.
While a gas chain saw can’t be beat for heavy duty continual work, I really like my 8″ electric chain saw and pole saw. They are surprisingly good, and really great for intermittent work. Perfect for hopping out of the truck or atv to cut an offending branch.
Don’t be in a hurry to buy a gas chainsaw. I bought that same Milwaukee saw 7 years ago, and my gas saw has not been used since. Just isn’t necessary for most stuff.
Saw chaps. ESPECIALLY IF YOU’RE CUTTING BY YOURSELF!!! I hate wearing mine with a passion. But since I’m fond of my precious hide, I wear them. Seriously, they’ll save your life.
yep, and from my personal experience, safety glasses are cheaper than eye surgery.
Amen on that Brother…Safety gear for beginners is a must…
Good on ya with the electric. You’ll love it! Nice and quiet for sure and your arm and shoulder will thank you.
Long term you’ll want a good file/jig for sharpening…rocks will do a quick number on the chain..even when you think you know where they are. Make sure tooth length is same long chain else uneven (curved) cut.
We bit the bullet many a year ago and bought a chopsaw style chain sharpener. Saves time and chains and gets even tooth…but we also cut 1000+ large cedar every year to clear pasture else green glacier effects.
Be safe on the trip and watch your cuts and fall lines….you’ve got no one else to rely on if bad cut or tree twist. Think every cut through.
Following. It is good that you got in there and are getting that access off season learning curve figured out. In those terrains and hardiness zones it is way more than half a year of challenges by the weather and climate that flatlanders and lower latitude lads don’t have to contend with. The collapse and bug out go day will not happen on a fair weather summer day so plan for worst ingress scenarios. Yeah you have to balance your normal life in Towne requirements with your hermitage hide out alter ego self so you can maintain equilibrium and be effective in both. The work loads take time. Congrats on another blog anniversary, well done all around.