Boule', you're sweet and I appreciate it.  Inspiration is always nice.  I'll look up the books you mentioned.  I keep seeing log furniture and think "I can make that", so I have more projects than I can handle.  Our yard at home has suffered a bit because we have been spending so much time away.  Not to even mention riding time!  At least I can ride to and from work, so that has saved alot of my sanity!  And sharing this here has helped me too.    

Latest news... meeting with the electric company again today.  Last October when we first met with them, they basically denied us service (without us paying a fortune up front) because this place is a few hunderd feet downhill away from the main power line run and they will have to set new poles and a new transformer.  For a "non-permanent" residence (monthly bill will be minimal) they say its not worth it.  But we cut a new driveway through some trees and should be a more straight shot back to the last transformer, so fingers are crossed that they will be more lenient.  I'm hoping the engineer sees the progress we've made and feels sorry for us.  Plus, where I work, we do a ton of work for the power company and I know they had spending freezes in place last year that have been lifted and they are spending like crazy, so I'm hoping it transfers over to new service for us!  All prayers are welcome...    

bill67 wrote on 08/18/11 at 08:38:23:


There was some talk about underground, but I can't remember the details.  Might be a thought...  sounds expensive though.

How far is it to that transformer?

You guys can cut a ditch with that dozer, Direct Bury wire is out there,
Put up a Meter pole or mount it to the house?

Their policy - gotta dig a 3-foot deep trench, lay conduit, then they come and inspect.. pay them $419, then they provide the wire from the pole to the house and pull it through the conduit.  They also have to replace one pole higher up the hill because it isn't tall enough (gotta get the proper angle, I suppose), and set one new pole with the transformer where we will tap in (I think that's right).  Looks like we'll be doing some digging this weekend... if he can find something to use.  He does great with the dozer but it won't dig a 3 foot deep trench, I don't think.  Oh, its about 120 yards to where they will set the transformer.  Lovely!

Would be lovely to have power by hunting season...   

3 feet DEEP?? How cold does it get up there? Owell,, if its 3 feet, its 3 feet,, better add up the cost of the project with the trench & w/o it,, The difference in $$$ may be easier to absorb than the pain of such a trench, 360 feet of 4 inch wide trench 3 feet deep,, 1 foot is a cubic foot, 27 feet is a yard, Gonna excavate over 13 yards of dirt, making that 3 foot deep cut. Thats more than a dumptruck load.. I wouldnt do it w/o some equipment,, & equipment costs,, A couple of poles & youre in business,,
Maybe thats why we see so many poles?

We do occasionally get sub-zero temps, normal winter lows I'd guess average mid-teens to 20's.  We've always used 30-36" as frost level, for water lines and such.  Oh, I was wrong about the distance too.  Its only about 175 feet, so that's a little better.  Working on some equipment to borrow or rent.  Dollar signs are making me nauseous...      

Piglet, take it from someone that has been there
and done that. Or at least gave it a good shot..
Rent some equipment. It shouldn't take long to
dig the trench and you and hubby's backs will
thank you for that.
Good luck and keep us posted..
O btw, I love your lil tree house.. kim