January 5th

I had a problem in the night opening the wood stove door to add more fuel. In the morning the fire was completely out and the place was little different from the outside temperature. A hammer tapped to the stove helped to free the door and a fire got started right away.

The weather was changing...getting warmer. Now I was really worried about the accumulated snow on the roof. I ran around with a rake and hoe to snag slabs of snow and drag them off the roof. The other project was to repair the dead bolt at the back door. For some reason the drilled area wasn't quite big enough and the thing wouldn't work. Fortunately this got fixed quickly and cabin could be properly locked when I left.

Cathie came to pick me up and I was at the dock early so while I waited the dock got shoveled off. Everything was very slippery.

I was glad to be at the cabin during this time but when the days are longer and it is warmer there are more things to do.

January 4th

It was a little bit warmer -1C instead of -2 but the snow was everywhere and it wasn't going away. At the back of the cabin where the secondary roof covers the back deck the snow was bunching up from 2 directions and so as much as possible had to be cleared away. I shoveled snow off the deck too as it was slumping off the roof making a mini mountain to climb over to get to the door. The snow was so deep that it made it possible to reach the roof in places without using a ladder.

Winter arrived

January 3rd it snowed all day. Lots more snow was on the ground and all the bare spots were gone. I made a path from the cabin to the wood shed and back. Gathering water became a major activity because the usual sources were all frozen. From one of the down spouts there was a long icicle and a small trickle of water. I put the kettle under this and after some time it was full. It was nice and warm inside and the dogs needed to curl up by the fire after each of their play times outside. They loved the snow.

2009 begins

I think that I have already started the pledge to spend more time at the cabin by getting there for a few days in January. With all the snow I was worried about the forecast of rain and how that would make for roof collapse potential. January 2nd I met Cathie B in West Vancouver. There was lots of snow and the car was briefly stuck in the driveway of the place she was staying. We proceeded to pick up Robbie so he could have use of my car for the days I was away. We drove down the hill into Sunset Marina and the road was slick. Walking from the car to the boat was tricky as that area was a lumpy skating rink. Dogs and gear on board "Woody Two" and we were off. Thank goodness it was clear (a bit of weak sunlight too) and calm.

Around 3 I was dropped off at my dock and waided my way through the snow to the cabin. It took two trips. It was all very pretty with snow --in some places the ground was visible. I took pictures and got the cabin warm.

Farewell to 2008

Today is the last day of 2008. For me the year was good, especially in the summer. Although I spent a lot of time by myself at the cabin, it was a chance to discover that being there independently is just fine. I love that everything works and that there is never a dull moment.
In the fall the foundations passed inspection (after some additional work). I also realized that the idea of having a place on Sidney Island is slightly unattainable and who needs it when a place that is perfect already exists! The lot on Sidney Island is up for sale but in the current economic market it will probably not sell. It will be fine to be in a holding position until the real estate market picks up.
The winter snow and winds have created some damage at Gambier. The dock needs some attention and at the cabin one section of gutter got broken off by the snow.
Being at the cabin more in 2009 is one of my main goals. I want to plant a better garden and have more vegetables there. In future postings I'll make a list of things that could be done at the cabin.

Look at this great December sunset that Cathie Bayes took recently. As the shortest day arrives the sun will move further to the left. I love the way the clouds and water look in this picture, what a beautiful day it must have been.

It has been 3 long years but my dream home has taken form. It is now a functional dwelling and a fun place to be. It was always fun but now even if the weather is lousy one can be warm and dry.