Lessons in Wood

It's springtime, so that means it's time start putting up wood for next winter! Since I bought my cottage in November, I didn't have time to put up wood and had to piecemeal it throughout the winter. Not the best way let me tell you! But it's been a good adventure, I learned a lot! I'm excited to know that the work I'm doing now will pay off big time and allow me to relax and enjoy next winter! Come take a look at what I've learned :)

This is my wood for next winter! I struck a great deal with my wood guy, Steve. This year I used 12 cords from Dec 7 to present. Most of my heat was lost due to no insulation in my cottage. One of my summer projects is to insulate. As such, I'm calculating using 12 cords, but will have 15 cords in stock. 

A close up of this beautiful wood! Ah, beauty is not simply in the eye of the beholder because not all wood is created equal! More on that concept later.

My faithful 5'x8' trailer, makes wood hauling easy.

The trailer is essentially the same size as the bed of a full-sized pick-up truck. Fully loaded, it holds 1.5 cords of wood. Here is one cord.

A cord of wood stacked on my porch, out of the elements and readily available. Notice the "wood gauge" along the left....

....a closer look at the gauge.

After burning wood for about a month, I calculated how much I use in a day (give or take). I created this wood gauge to help me determine enough wood for an upcoming storm, etc. The gauge is conservative. So where it says 8 days, it's actually closer to 10 days.

As I mentioned earlier, not all wood is created equal. This is wood from my first wood guy (after various problems with 3 different loads of wood, I found a new wood guy).

As you can see from this photo, this wood is of unequal lengths (9-22"). Additionally, the wood was not seasoned properly so my stove was not able to burn efficiently. 

Non-efficient burns not only creates inconsistent heat, but more importantly non-efficient burning of poorly seasoned wood creates creosote build-up in the chimney. Creosote is created when wood smoke condenses and "congeals" into tar on the inside of a chimney. If creosote builds up too much, it can cause chimney fire. 

Part of my daily routine of the stove included "hot burning" the stove every time I stoked the stove. And nearly every day, I heard creosote "rain down" through the chimney giving me an audible "all clear" signal. Hearing the creosote rain is a little spooky the first couple times you hear it, but once you get the hang of it, it's like anything else you learn: get better with experience and practice.

Notice the difference in THIS wood!! Steve's wood is seasoned well with only about 15-20% moisture content. Steve's approach to wood cutting and splitting is like an artisan...and his attention to detail creates quality firewood AND quality heat!

Additionally, his wood is almost exactly 16" right on the mark. Having consistent length allows for tight stoking of stove and thereby provides, long, consistent and hotter "burns". Most importantly of well seasoned wood, it will create nearly zero smoke...nearly zero smoke, means nearly zero creosote!

My previous wood provided only about 6-8hrs per burn. With Steve's wood, I achieved 8-10hrs consistently AND achieved 12hr burns twice!! Quality wood brings peace of mind with safer, hotter and more consistent burns. 

Until I switched wood, I was not able to sleep more than 6 hours a night. Thanks to quality wood, I was able to sleep 8 hours!!! As I said: all wood is not created equal!

This weekend, I cleared out old decayed wood that the previous owner had stacked over the years on the left of the outhouse. Most of the wood was poplar, which isn't good wood to burn in stoves even when it's not decayed. But it is terrific wood for campfires! So I used my sled and dragged 3 cords of rotted wood to the campfire ring. What a chore to drag a loaded sled when there is no snow! 

Here's three of 15 racks I'm building to holding a cord of wood each. I will tarp to protect from rain and weather.

I wished I had taken a "before" picture because this area looks SO much cleaner!

A close-up of one of the cords. The racks are composed of 8' length of 2"x4" screwed into uprights of 4' length of 2"x3". Each rack has a pair of supports. Along the top is a length of fence wire nailed to the uprights. As the wood is stacked in the rack, the weight creates tension on the wire and pressure holds the rack tight. Genius design by Steve! And cheap :)

The start of my "Wood Bank Account": 3 cords tucked in safe and sound for the season!

More wood to put up later...more to share too. Here's to adventures, wherever they may lead!

Stepping Off the Reservation

"When you step off the reservation, you’re on your own. There’s no script to follow. Nobody to tell you where to go, what to do, or even what to strive for. All there is, is a vastness stretching out to the horizon. Somewhere out there, beyond the hazy horizon, your future awaits. It waits for no one, but you. You don’t know where it is, nor what’s there. But you approach it, one step at a time. One step. At a time." ~ Ryo Chijiiwa

Ryo is a fellow techno-geek off-gridder :) and this quote is from his blog Laptop and A Rifle.  His latest entry, "Home Again" describes his reaction to the re-entry into civilization. I can definitely identify with his reaction...

Yesterday and today, I helped a carpenter friend with a bathroom remodel project. While we were onsite, the home-owner was watching TV. Even though the volume was at a moderate level, it sounded SO loud! Although it's only been 4 months since I've watched TV, my body felt like it was being assaulted...like being inundated with something toxic or something. I can't quite put my finger on it, other than paralleling it to how a body feels after cleansing itself from junk food and once exposed to junk food again, goes into spasms. I'm amazed that it only took "a little TV exposure" and my body had such an adverse reaction!

The other noteworthy thing was how truly ridiculous the TV sounded! The actual "conversation" of the program sounded artificial, stilted, disconnected and devoid of emotion. It was a comedy show and there was laughter (a laugh track), but there was no emotion. It was quite chilling to listen. Like looking at the soul-less eyes of a stuffed animal trophy...

Although this was 2011, the commercials sounded as hokey as the commercials from the 50's and 60's. Do you remember seeing the ones? The ones where the actors over-dramatized the benefits of the product like it's a cure-all for everything. The over-the-top enthusiasm that if you buy their product, you'll be happy, successful, etc.

I had an inkling of the effects of TV and subsequent consumer-indoctrination on my psyche, but until I actually stepped away from "civilization" I had no idea of how significant and substantial the effects of TV. I'm reminded of a scene in the book "Fahrenheit 451" where Mildred is more emotionally invested to "the family" (her name for TV) than to her actual husband.

I enjoy "stepping off the reservation"...more than that, I enjoy defining and creating my life according to my own sense of adventure, writing my script based upon the leading of my soul...

I have more to share about the effects of and reactions to "civilization", but this is all for now...

Hand Water Pump Meditation

My only source of water is a 55' foot well which was drilled in June of 2000. The well head is connected to a Baker Hand Pump, model 11HD. If "Baker" isn't working properly, I don't receive water. So it goes without saying, that I pay very keen attention to Baker and don't take my water needs for granted!

For example, I've counted how many strokes it takes for water to rise and pour. It takes between 15-18 strokes depending upon how cold it is. On the first day I used the pump to draw water for my water test sample, I counted the strokes because:
#1 - I was curious
#2 - There really isn't anything else to do while your arms are pumping away!
#3 - I figured knowing such information would be useful in the future.

Ever since then, I've religiously counted EVERY time I use the pump. The stroke count gives me much needed information about the status and health of my water supply and reminds me daily not to take it for granted. My water pump stroke count meditation gets me into the "zone" while awaiting water's arrival...and then when I hear water percolating through the pipe, I feel like a giddy kid on Christmas morning!! It's here!!!

**
AN ASIDE: Okay, it may seem over the top, but I have this experience every time I receive water. Conversely, when I use "modern water", I feel disconnected with such impersonal and strange water coming out of the faucet...I don't know where it came from, I don't know who helped bring it to me. By the way, what is YOUR experience and relationship with water? Do you think about where your water comes from?
**

I use 2 different sized buckets for hauling water. One bucket is 1.5 gallons and takes 18 strokes to fill. The larger bucket is 2.5 gallons and takes 28 strokes to fill. Some family members and friends have laughed that I count and know the stroke numbers. But knowing my stroke counts has helped me TWICE so far! (In this current blog entry I'm only addressing pump strokes; next time, I will blog about water usage)

On January 29, I pumped water on a relatively mild 30° day. We had received about 6" of snow overnight, but otherwise mild day. As I started pumping and counting, I fell into my meditation. When I arrived at stroke 12, I realized something was definitely amiss. Instead of getting easier to pump (as the leather washer which provides the suction, swelled with water), it was getting harder!!! I mean REALLY hard, like I was trying to draw concrete!! Immediately, I stopped pumping and heard water escaping back down the pipe. This was a good sign and told me the pump itself was working. But for some reason water was not coming out of the spout.

My instinct told me that something was plugged. I grabbed a 9/16" wrench from my toolbox and removed the 2 bolts holding the spout to the base assembly. I figured I'd start at the most easy to remove piece of the puzzle. I held the heavy spout in my hands and created a tight seal with my face and blew into it like a small-mouthed trumpet player! I couldn't blow at all because quite obviously the spout was plugged shut! Since the most likely culprit was ice, I took the spout into the house and put a pan of water on the wood-stove to heat. About 10 minutes later, I had hot water and a cleared water spout!! I was thrilled to discover it was such a simple thing and made a mental note to myself. I was quite shocked that it had frozen on a such a mild day because temperatures reached -25° just a week prior and I happily pumped water without a problem. I shrugged it off to being a mysterious combination of moisture, humidity, temperature and moon phase! :)

This past Thursday, as I pumped water and counted bucket strokes, my large bucket stroke count reached 32 but the bucket was only 3/4 full! This reality snapped out of my meditation and I assessed the situation. Looking at the bigger picture, I discovered a small stream of water flowing past the top packing nut. It shouldn't be doing that, so I stopped pumping immediately! I didn't know why or how it was happening, but I knew it wasn't good!!

Again, I started with the easiest piece of the puzzle and using my trusty 9/16" wrench, removed the water spout. I then pumped up water and was relieved to see water pouring out of the base assembly but not leaking past the packing nut. This meant that something was amiss in the spout. This time, I took a much better look at the spout and discovered it was actually comprised of 2 pieces: The spout itself and a collar. I was able to screw off the collar by tapping it with a hammer. Just inside the collar, I discovered a large strainer, a fine screen and gasket. The screen was completely plugged with sand and mineral debris. THIS had to be the reason! I dissembled the entire spout and used an old toothbrush and CLR Calcium Lime Rust Remover to break up rust and mineral deposits in the screen until it was shiny new! I reassembled the spout and took the old gasket to the hardware store. The gasket was shot, so I knew this was a good time to replace it.

This morning, on a frigid 15° day, I reattached the water spout to Baker, along with the new gasket. I grabbed hold of the handle and breathed a sigh of thanksgiving for the Gift of Water. As my stroke count reached 15, water came rushing out of the spout with MUCH greater water pressure than I had ever seen in my three months using it!! I was ecstatic :)

As I reflect today:
(1)  When things go "wrong", there is always a reason.
(2)  When things do go "wrong", be sure to investigate fully in order to see the full picture. Had I spent a bit more time on the water spout on January 29, I probably wouldn't have had a problem on Thursday.
(3)  Usually the simplest solution is the best.
(3)  Even the smallest things add up to big things!
(4)  Knowing such "trivial" information is helpful.
(5)  Don't take anything for granted.

The Newest Member of the Family :)

The weekend was blustery, blizzardy, cozy and fun. I've kept up with the shoveling, but we've received SO much snow already I've reached what's called "bank limitations" where the snow is built so high it's hard to throw more up and over the bank. This effort is exhausting even with a couple inches of snow.

Yesterday after extrapolating how much snow we'll get (my guess is well over 200"), I succumbed to logic, efficiency and safety and bought a snow blower. It cuts through the snow like butter! I was able to snow blow 6" of snow from my 200' driveway in 15 minutes...a task which previously was taking me 2 hours!

Obviously the snow blower I had a couple years ago was no match for the Northern Michican snow, because I ended up selling it after one winter because I could shovel 8" of snow as quickly. THIS new snowblower (Craftsman Pro 357cc/13 HP, 30") is AWESOME!! It even has heated handles, which is a great feature in snowblowers so your hands don't get cold at all.

Another fabulous feature is "power steering", a welcomed option for this 245 pound titan. Power steering you may be asking...how does power steering work on a snow blower? I'm SO glad you asked :) each of the two drive wheels has a "brake" on it that can be controlled at the handles. If you want to turn right, apply the break to the right wheel and depending on how much you brake determines how quickly you can turn it. If you apply the brake hard and all the way, you can pivot back around 180 degrees into the opposite direction! How cool is that?

So far this snow blower is surpassing my expectations, from easy start (firing on the 2nd pull of the recoil), to 30" path which makes clearing the driveway a breeze! Now that I have more time, I can enjoy the snow :)

Black Beauty's First Fire!

Tonight I lit my wood stove for the first time! The chimney height seems to be good, creating a sufficient draft to keep the stove in the "burn zone" (300-600°)...toasty warm inside with 20° temps outside :)

A couple safety items for peace of mind:
1. Buy a wood stove thermometer. I bought a Rutland stove thermometer at Menard's for $7.50.
2. Install a carbon-monoxide detector. I bought a First Alert  Battery Powered Carbon Monoxide Alarm at Lowe's for $18.00

When a wood stove is first fired up, it will stink because of the stove and pipe paint. Fire it slowly and then build a fire and maintain as hot as you can in the "burn zone" to help expedite the paint burning/curing. Make sure that no pets or children are in the home. Be sure to leave a couple windows open to vent the noxious fumes. I went outside and busied myself with shoveling, which helped to pass the time :) I'll fire it a few more times before sleeping in the cottage, particularly with my cat, Kokatat.

Overall, I'm so very excited with this wood stove. I've nicknamed her "Black Beauty"...so hereafter, you'll know who I'm referring to :) Black Beauty is more than simply a stove; she's the heart of my cottage and her heat will keep me warm throughout many cold nights. It's amazing to me how heat transforms a house into a home...almost like transforming into a living being with personality and character. My cottage truly has a heart and soul!

A Wood Stove Is Like A Pet

Tonight I read an informative article at Mother Earth News, How To Use Wood Stoves (And Use Them Safe!) and gleaned this delightful quote:

"Keeping a fire in a wood stove is like having a pet in the house with you. A fire needs your attention at regular intervals, and is in danger of either dying or running amok if your judgment slips. You have to feed it the right things at the appropriate times, and you have to carry its waste products out of the house."  ~ ~Ole Wilk (Alaska Northwest Publishing Company), 1977

Ship Shaping the Cottage

What a fab evening! I’m toasty and happy!! Tonight I stayed at my cottage until 7:30…puttering around, ship-shaping the cottage, shoveling and installing oil lamps (4 downstairs / 2 in the loft). The oil lamps REALLY create a LOT of light…not enough to read by, but enough to tell the difference between green beans and asparagus ;) Overall, I’m very happy with the lamps. Eventually I want to buy a trawler light…a large and very bright oil lamp that is used on sailboats. The trawler lamp will throw enough light to read by. For now, these will work great.

Last week when my wood guy, Norm, delivered wood, he told me about this cool electricity-free wood stove fan. He uses one on his stove and he said it makes a HUGE difference than simply convection heat. I found the Caframo Ecofan found here at Amazon. Check out how awesome it is! The fan allows the stove to work more efficiently, thereby uses less wood…which means less money. I ordered the fan tonight. I’ll let you know how it works!

Before I left the cottage for the night, I built up a good bed of coals and then loaded with wood, closing off the air inlet. I’m heading out there in the early morning to see how the coals fared in the night. It will give me an idea of how it will burn. Even with tonight’s calm wind, the chimney draw was AWESOME! The chimney is 1’ over the peak, but Sean was a little concerned with the “Tower of Love” and the tree coverage that I may not have the best draw. So far seems to be great. I’ll keep testing it and if need be, I’ll add another section of chimney.

So far, my nightly exercise consists of shoveling the driveway and the roof. Some of my friends and family think I’m nuts to shovel 150-200’ (I’m eyeballing the distance until I measure it) of driveway, but honestly I like to shovel and it keeps my kayaking arms in shape! It only takes me an hour and I can manually move up to 8” of snow in the same time as I can with a snow blower. Sean said I made quite the impression with the neighbors by shoveling my drive way. He said it showed them that I’m self-reliant and not afraid to really work around my place…a good first impression to the ‘hood! I’m also shoveling to see how long it takes me so “in a pinch” if I have to dig myself out, I know what timeline I’m looking at. I’m sure by the end of the month, I’ll be hiring the neighbor to plow. Eventually I want to buy a snowblower. In the meantime, I’m having fun!!

The neighbor at the end of the road, Glenn and his wife Vera, have lived back here off the grid for 20 years. On Sunday while Sean and I were working, I saw someone outside my window. I jumped and pointed out the window to Sean, “Someone’s here!” Sean looked out and said, “Oh that’s Glenn from the end of the road”. Glenn is about 70 years I’d guess, with no teeth and a weathered leathery friendly smile and a shy quiet way about him. He checked out our work and offered some roof flashing if we needed it. We chatted briefly about the weather and wood and then Glen was gone as stealthily as he had arrived. After Glenn left, Sean said I must be special because it took Glenn about 5 years to show up at Sean’s place! I just grinned!!

Life off the grid is good!