Marsh Creek

This valley is a beautiful compromise between having a mountain view and NOT having a steep, winding road to navigate during the snowy season. Yes, we own all the way down to the creek and it is fenced because there are horses an either side of us. Don't feel the need to have any myself, but it is fun to look at other people's critters. The valley is about five miles wide at our location and it opens up wider as it runs to the south. There is no real elevation change as you drive from the house into Pocatello on the interstate so Karren will have a minimal hassle with driving during the snow season - at least that's the plan!

Stay tuned for more pictorial updates from the land of the potato and beef cattle. And by the way, the steaks out here are AWESOME!!! Haven't found a single jazz group yet, though there is hope springing eternal...

New Era for Astronomy!

Yes, I have been chomping at the bit to get out and do some astronomy. The fires and smoke have begun to abate so it is gong to happen in the next few days. Here is a shot of my view facing south - stunningly open and no light domes! This spot seems like a good place to start the astronomy  trailer off. I'll probably drag it all over the place until I find the right spot for an observatory. I do know now that it will be a dome. Wind here is obviously a real problem so a roll-off roof will not be as effective at shielding equipment from wind as a dome. Local astro dudes have confirmed this as well. Look for some additions to my astro blog in a couple of weeks after this full moon is past.

Barn Boy Tim

I have always wanted an old barn to call my own. Now that I have one I'm kind of scared to go in the darn thing. It needs a good mucking out but the timbers and rafters are all solid. It is beginning to lose shingles so we will probably bite the bullet and have a metal roof done on it as well. Lots of storage in this thing and if we ever decide to sell it will make a big difference to horsey type people. Love the lean-to on the downhill side of it. Lots of old barn type crap left over too (not such a good thing), but nothing that a couple of hours with a backhoe won't cure. In the pic is the rear of the garage as well. It came with a cat and it has eaten one bowl of food so far. Haven't got a good look at it yet, just the ears. Good mouse protection.

The Man Cave!

The garage is fairly new and needs no attention other than some additional electrical updates for large stationary power tools. I'll probably update to a separate service for this building and the barn/well. One door has an opener and the middle bay is tall enough for the F350 truck. It will be nice to have all our vehicles under cover during the snow season. There is enough room in this garage for one bay to be a nice sized workshop, especially if the big tools are wheeled. Got to get some of the trees cut back though. They are in need of judicious pruning.

Refugee House

The house looks like refugees live in it because the paint is in such bad shape and the roof is furry. The siding and trim are okay but the junipers in the front have rubbed much of the paint away. We have removed them from the right side but the left side is still overgrown. That will change later this week. The roof is old cedar shakes and has needed to be replaced for the last five years at least. This roof could have been in good shape if it had been maintained. I'd still want to replace it though to get better fire resistance. I'm planning to go with metal roofing if the price is right. Shingles are not as cost effective and will not give the fire rating of metal.

Note the large fir trees on the other end of the house. They are right up on it and several are going to come down immediately so I can gain good painting and roofing access, not to mention they are a fire hazard. Hate to lose the wind/snow break but they must go. Timmmberrrrr!

We like the automatic garage door on the house and it will become the girl's garage as soon as the debris stops accumulating in there. This will be a nice feature for Karren in the cold of winter when she climbs into a warm car to go to work.

Next time you see this house it will have a dark green paint job and a light brown roof. A bright red door will be Karren's mandate I'm sure!

Some Pics from the Homestead

Our first pics from here in the land of the eternal smoke. It finally cleared enough today to warrant an attempt to photograph the house and environs.

The first is Karren and I standing in the top of the pasture with Haystack Mt. behind us. Haystack tops out at 9033 ft. and we are at 4600 ft., so there is a good bit of difference! We live in Marsh Valley which has a small creek that runs through it. It has flowing water so there is no stagnant smell or bugs. This is a very popular area for livestock, horses and abundant wildlife. Sandhill cranes call it home for the summer - their sound is unique and bizarre. Our house faces Haystack on the rear and Old Tom Mt. is directly in front of the house. Old Tom is 8700 ft. and does not translate into a good photo because it is so close.

What a difference a few days make!

We have been in camp now for a few days and it feels like a month! Trying to get all the kinks out of the house's systems has been a chore but we are making progress. I installed a new kitchen sink, a light over it, and put in a new fridge and dryer. We have a long way to go to get this place worthy of company but I feel we are up to the task. I promise some pics in the next day or two - finally got my email problem sorted out and got the internet installed here at the house.

Keep checking back!