Cabin Life - You Call This Winter?

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

I understand completely about the physical requirements of winter snow removal. I finally broke down this week and obtained an electric snow blower for cleaning the snow off of roof and deck. Manual snow removal was just getting too physically demanding for my wife and I.

[@WestForkWoodsman]

Smart man, Lonnie. I've heard good things about the new rechargeable power tools. You will be living in luxury now! Fortunately, we still enjoy the exercise and our typical snow is powder. But there is always the future to consider! Happy New Year to you both!

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

@WestForkWoodsman Happy New Year to you and yours as well.

[@MicahHughes-y9t]

Glad you gave those Hens a reprieve, they sure are eatin’ good today! Take care my friend-Happy New Year

[@WestForkWoodsman]

Well, we got 1 egg today, so I guess they live to see another day. I'm hoping the eggs pick up as the days get longer. But I'm not holding my breath! Happy New Year to you as well, my friend. Thanks for checking in!

[@bucktalesoutdoors7566]

Winters sure ain’t what they used to be when I was a youngster. Karen and I went snowshoeing today with Bodh scoping out some potential shed hunting ground. It was a nice fluffy consistency but warm weather and rain are on the way so the snowshoeing will have to wait til we get more snow. Love the Swedish cope style of your logs on the Cabin. Ours are a milled tongue and groove style…. Nice and tight and it was an easy kit to put together but I like the look of yours a little better. Take care Kevin.

[@WestForkWoodsman]

Those Panabode homes are pretty cool, if that's the type you're talking about, Don. This cabin was built in the early 80's and is still holding up well. Home sweet home. I'm not sure what a perfect winter is. It's either too snowy, cold, wet, or dry. Oh well. We have our skis ready, and just waiting for the right conditions for some back country tours.

[@ronharrington228]

I had two by four horizontal rails on my deck and I never cared for them. I replaced the top rail with a treated 2x6 and pulled all the other rails off. I bought plastic covered steel cable from Lowe’s and used a long aluminum level to mark off five rows of holes. If you use one length of cable on each section of fence, you can tighten one level at a time until the whole thing is tight. I used a stainless steel screw to anchor each end and the finished product was pretty nice looking. I couldn’t believe how much better the view was when I didn’t have all those boards to look at. Lynette gave it a five star rating and it has been there for two years with no glitches. If you would like some close up shots of the details, just let me know.

[@WestForkWoodsman]

That sounds like a good treatment, Ron. I might take you up on some photos when the time comes. I sure appreciate your input, my friend. Happy New Year!

[@SanJuanMountainBob]

It’s been an odd year here too. Dry and warm…pretty much since early last summer we’ve been 10-15 degrees above normal. That snow looked heavy…lots of water in it. Well, the hens better get after it instead of relying on the government. Haha

[@WestForkWoodsman]

Howdy, Bob. Yup, that snow was plenty heavy. Not our usual December fluff! Happy New Year, my friend!

[@shanesworkshop922]

Hey Kevin. I was wondering if you could somehow have a section of railing that could swing open like a gate. I imagine your current railing would be too heavy for that but maybe you could have a section made out of aluminum that you could swing out to push snow through (or enjoy the view) and close and latch when you’re done. Be a cool little project for you too. Thanks for sharing my friend and have a great weekend!

[@WestForkWoodsman]

That's not a bad idea Shane. I'll keep that one in mind, for sure!

[@kirbycreekmo]

Them Turkeys look like want some of that chicken stew. We didn't get much snow last year. The year before that we were Deer belly deep. It's been a wet one on the west side.

[@WestForkWoodsman]

Howdy Mo! Those poor turkeys were on the hunt for food today. It's amazing how they survive out there. I remember that belly deep snow. That was rough for a while. I shouldn't complain, but we could use a good freeze about now! Happy New Year!

[@petegoodall2091]

Did I ever mention how much I hate snow?

[@WestForkWoodsman]

Pete, you can't make snow angels in the bare dirt. You're gonna want that snow sooner or later!

[@daveoverholt8540]

Good to see you are getting some moisture but that rain and slush can get messy for sure. We replaced our log deck rail with just 3 rows of steps all the way around the deck. That way you can shovel off anywhere and you have no obstruction to the views and can walk off the deck at any place vs. going to the stairs. It was a bit of a project but it opens up the deck and is easier to stain and maintain than the log railings in my opinion. I like the close up shot of those chickens eating the special recipe and hope you get some more snow!

[@WestForkWoodsman]

I've seen decks like that, and they are pretty practical, indeed. Log rails are a real bugger to stain and maintain, I can attest. I appreciate your advice, Dave. Having some good ideas is half the battle! Only 1 egg today, but no complaints about the menu from the hen house today!

[@daveoverholt8540]

@@WestForkWoodsman I also like your idea of using cables as well...decisions, decisions and I'm sure whatever you come up with will be great. Gotta love those fresh eggs and wishing everyone at West Fork a Happy New Year!!

[@WestForkWoodsman]

@daveoverholt8540 Happy New Year to you, my friend. Really looking forward to '25, as I begin a new primitive crafting project. Stay tuned!

[@PINEPUPPY]

Seems we never know what to expect from ol' Man Winter anymore. You may get bombed yet. Meanwhile, i get it about having to lift shovels of heavy wet snow over a deck rail...but that rail of yours is just way to nice to remove. I think your section openings are a fine plan. Meanwhile, enjoy those open woods...and dont eat any fly larvae omlets 🤢😄

[@WestForkWoodsman]

Just taking things a day at a time, Pine. We love the log deck railing for now. I never thought about omelettes. Yum! 😋