Last night I picked up Spencer at the Edmonds Amtrak station and we hopped over to the ferry and arrived in PT about 11:30pm. It was nice to sleep in a real bed (with a memory foam mattress topper!) after being at church camp all week!
Today we took the bike path to town, went out for coffee (where when you get drip coffee to stay, they heat up your mug with hot water... dang that's service!). Then we went to the park which was beautiful, hung out on a big rock on the beach for a bit, played on the swings, rode to uptown and had a snack. Ben came and met us in the park with a frisbee so we hung out there for a bit, then got some pizza at Waterfront Pizza which was super tasty and came back to have dinner with Spencer's parents. We also gathered some berries; we were hoping for blackberries but found loaded bushes of evergreen huckleberries! Now we're just chilling doing computer-y things. A very nice relaxed day. Tomorrow I think we might get started on Spencer's cabin's kitchen. All these other plans for hikes and parties and jaunts to the coast are coming up so I don't know how much work we'll actually be able to get done... and there will be huckleberry tarts! I'm thinking I'll do it the homemade poptart way cause those are tasty! I'm also looking forward to getting a fire going so I can roast giant marshmallows again :)
I will be here in Port Townsend until next Friday when I'll head up to Vancouver BC to hang out more with the people I was just hanging out with at church camp!
Showing posts with label route. Show all posts
Showing posts with label route. Show all posts
Monday, August 15, 2011
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Been busy the past few days!
Sorry my postings have been sporadic and somewhat out of order! I'll post a root cellar summary when the project is done so you can see the whole process in one place :)
This is the bond beam before we filled it in with concrete on Sunday:
On Tuesday we placed the drain perforated tile/pipe, filled the floor with soil, attached the top plates and countersunk them to receive the bolts and washers and we installed the 2 side end plates that sit vertically and the east and west joists.
Wednesday we installed the rest of the joists, it went very smoothly and we were done by lunch!
Dan checking out the joists from inside the root cellar before we close up the roof
then we sheathed it in 3/4" foundation grade plywood (like double pressure treated... it won't be rotting any time soon)
A lovely sheathed cap, awaiting dry weather and membrane, insulation and soil
We also got a delivery of the materials for building the shelves, as well as a door that had been taken off of a project that I got for only $25! So I need to build out a rough opening for that then hang the door and install the door knob. It's an aluminum insulated door.
After we finished up yesterday I went to Runnings Fleet Farm store in Hutchinson, MN to get new boots. My steel toe boots died on Tuesday with a split across the sole of the right shoe- the left one has been leaky since January when I'd walk the 2 blocks to the job site and my left foot would be drenched before I even started work. It was time... and here they are! New leather Carharts! I also bought a new flannel shirt I'm very excited about, one is just not enough :)
New boots, I love constructiony things!
It was dangerous walking down the tool aisles :P
This is the bond beam before we filled it in with concrete on Sunday:
The bond beam ties the whole structure together.
Vertical rebar comes through the walls into the final course which is turned into a bond beam by cutting half way down the web of each block, knocking the cuts out with a hammer, then laying the block and placing rebar. The chunks of block that were knocked out are then set inside the block wall to keep the concrete fill (preferably corefill) from filling all the other cores. Making a wet concrete mixture and using buckets, we filled all the vertical cores, slid in long rebar then filled the bond beam and inserted anchor bolts and smoothed the top with a trowel. Easy concept, lots of labor. A wheelbarrow full of concrete is not an easy thing to maneuver, especially up a hill!
Monday we took a day off, we were both exhausted working long hot, hard days... those concrete blocks aren't light, that's for sure! I'm now feeling nice and strong... and looking nice and tan.
Monday we took a day off, we were both exhausted working long hot, hard days... those concrete blocks aren't light, that's for sure! I'm now feeling nice and strong... and looking nice and tan.
On Tuesday we placed the drain perforated tile/pipe, filled the floor with soil, attached the top plates and countersunk them to receive the bolts and washers and we installed the 2 side end plates that sit vertically and the east and west joists.
Wednesday we installed the rest of the joists, it went very smoothly and we were done by lunch!
Dan checking out the joists from inside the root cellar before we close up the roof
then we sheathed it in 3/4" foundation grade plywood (like double pressure treated... it won't be rotting any time soon)
A lovely sheathed cap, awaiting dry weather and membrane, insulation and soil
We also got a delivery of the materials for building the shelves, as well as a door that had been taken off of a project that I got for only $25! So I need to build out a rough opening for that then hang the door and install the door knob. It's an aluminum insulated door.
After we finished up yesterday I went to Runnings Fleet Farm store in Hutchinson, MN to get new boots. My steel toe boots died on Tuesday with a split across the sole of the right shoe- the left one has been leaky since January when I'd walk the 2 blocks to the job site and my left foot would be drenched before I even started work. It was time... and here they are! New leather Carharts! I also bought a new flannel shirt I'm very excited about, one is just not enough :)
New boots, I love constructiony things!
It was dangerous walking down the tool aisles :P
Today it's rainy and I'm hoping to get a chance to play some boardgames and drink mojitos as the original plan for that on Tuesday evening was cancelled due to heath issues... so hopefully this afternoon, games will be played and mojitos made and consumed!
Oh and I downloaded an app for my phone that lets me use my own pictures as icons so that's what I've been doing this morning :P For starters I just made a little polaroid sketch and I'm using that for everything... it's fun, so much time-suck potential!
Polaroids!
I also have an update on my travel plans. I got a call from a college friend who started a company in the Colorado Rockies and she's looking for help. So we're talking about me joining her for a trial period and seeing how that works out, so it looks like I might be moving to Colorado for an indefinite period at the end of September!
I will still be spending August in Washington state and hitting up my high school reunion in Portland, OR in the beginning of September. My plans for the fashion classes in Portland is going to go on hold though if I can actually do something in the field of architecture... if things don't work out in CO I can always take those classes at the beginning of next year and if things do work out in CO then I'll be busy there, snowboarding :) I'm just going with the flow. I was thinking though that it's kind of funny... I'd been feeling the call of Colorado so I planned to go through and check it out and then I actually got a call, asking me to come to Colorado with a purpose! Kismet? :)
Oh and I downloaded an app for my phone that lets me use my own pictures as icons so that's what I've been doing this morning :P For starters I just made a little polaroid sketch and I'm using that for everything... it's fun, so much time-suck potential!
Polaroids!
I also have an update on my travel plans. I got a call from a college friend who started a company in the Colorado Rockies and she's looking for help. So we're talking about me joining her for a trial period and seeing how that works out, so it looks like I might be moving to Colorado for an indefinite period at the end of September!
I will still be spending August in Washington state and hitting up my high school reunion in Portland, OR in the beginning of September. My plans for the fashion classes in Portland is going to go on hold though if I can actually do something in the field of architecture... if things don't work out in CO I can always take those classes at the beginning of next year and if things do work out in CO then I'll be busy there, snowboarding :) I'm just going with the flow. I was thinking though that it's kind of funny... I'd been feeling the call of Colorado so I planned to go through and check it out and then I actually got a call, asking me to come to Colorado with a purpose! Kismet? :)
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Leaving Canada
Quick post before we head out! We have been staying in the 1000 Islands area in Ontario (birth place of 1000 Island dressing!). This morning, after a stop at Tim Hortons, we'll be heading to Niagara Falls. We are going to check out the Canadian side and then plan to camp on the US side. We don't have a camp site reservation but because it's a Sunday night we aren't too worried about finding a place to rest our weary heads. It's actualyl been pretty chilly here at night and Ashley doesn't have any camping gear so she's been sleeping in the car - good thing I left space for a bed! My tent has been just as cozy as it was when I spent the summer sleeping in it 2 years ago up in Vermont. (Sigh, Vermont!).
I have the intel on a place in Chicago I can look for a used bike now my concern is that if I get there and they don't have a good bike for me I'm bikeless! I do own another road bike that is currently hangingi n my mom's garage... I'm wondering if it's worth it to ask her to ship it to me in Chicago or if I should just cross my fingers and hope to find a decent used bike in Chicago... Any thoughts or advice? I should be arriving in Chicago in a week. After Niagara we're going to slowly make our way on the highway next to Lake Erie and check out the little towns and camp until we arrive in Cleveland on Wednesday. In Cleveland I'm going to be helping a friend who builds playgrounds all over the country! I get to put my construction hat on again... I love that hat! After that I'm on to Chicago!
Catch ya on the other side!
I have the intel on a place in Chicago I can look for a used bike now my concern is that if I get there and they don't have a good bike for me I'm bikeless! I do own another road bike that is currently hangingi n my mom's garage... I'm wondering if it's worth it to ask her to ship it to me in Chicago or if I should just cross my fingers and hope to find a decent used bike in Chicago... Any thoughts or advice? I should be arriving in Chicago in a week. After Niagara we're going to slowly make our way on the highway next to Lake Erie and check out the little towns and camp until we arrive in Cleveland on Wednesday. In Cleveland I'm going to be helping a friend who builds playgrounds all over the country! I get to put my construction hat on again... I love that hat! After that I'm on to Chicago!
Catch ya on the other side!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Searching for places to visit
I love food! I'm trying to eat Vegan these days which probably means I will have to go a bit more out of my way to get good food on the road... Just came across this article via Slashfood for 9 great small towns for good food
1. Ashville, NC (Someone already suggested I go here cause it's cool)
2. Danville, CA
3. Ithaca, NY
1. Ashville, NC (Someone already suggested I go here cause it's cool)
2. Danville, CA
3. Ithaca, NY
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Updated Travel Route
So I've been doing some planning and whatnot... The beginning of my trip is pretty well planned out. Once I get to Oregon though, no plans, other than to meander back East. Here's a map of my travel plans, updated! As always, I'm open to suggestions for place to visit!
View Larger Map
View Larger Map
Saturday, March 5, 2011
My Great American Road Trip: Planning stages
Hi! Welcome to my blog for my road trip! I'm leaving Brooklyn in May and planning to return in November... or maybe December :)
I have just drawn up a general plan for the big loop. I have some projects I'll be working on along the way and some events to attend (10 year high school reunion, say what?!) and friends to visit scattered about this great BIG country.
View Larger Map
Why you say?
Seaford, DE - This is the starting point where my mom is (and so is my car!), I might even have some work to do on my mom's house
Chicago, IL - I was in Chicago for like a day last summer and loved it, time to go back with a little more time to look around (and hang out with my cousin!)
Howard Lake, MN - building a root cellar with my uncle, a project we've been talking about for a while now and due to my stated of employed-ness I finally have time for! This will probably be my longest stay anywhere, (a month or more) actually I will be more focused on getting to MN at the beginning because of the big project and wanting to make sure I can get to my next destination in reasonable luxurious time.
Port Townsend, WA -approx. Aug 1 - 20 - helping a friend work on his cabin, doing some design and some interior finish work; might even pop down to Seabeck to go to church camp
Portland, OR - 10 Year High School Reunion! Crazy, right... dang, I've lived in Brooklyn for a long time :P
Springfield, OR - I can't be out West and not visit my little brother and his awesome wife!
Sea Ranch, CA - Architecture nerd :)
Pahrump, NV - My friend, Bridgette, who I haven't seen in like 4 years (and hadn't seen for like 5 years when I met up with her in London) recently had a baby and I want to meet him and see her!
Arches National Park, UT - I have always wanted to go here!
Boulder, CO - I have considered moving to CO but have never been... so I'm going to take a look around
Austin, TX - I have a couple friends here I met on my trip to Brazil... and it's supposed to be pretty cool!
New Orleans, LA - I've never been. That's a good enough reason right?! It's New Orleans!
Birmingham, AL - Auburn University has a 1 year long Masters of Design/Build that I've been thinking about applying to. I thought I'd visit and learn more about the program and the 2 tracks (design and construction) to see if it makes sense for me and my "career path"
There will be more stops of course, but these are some of the major (and minor) ones.
Approximately 9,000 miles... Ride shares, maybe some WWOOFing, scavengeing, definitely some couch surfing and camping :) If you can't do a huge long road trip when you're single, don't have kids and don't have a full time salaried job... when can you?! Retirement? Yeah, I don't want to wait that long...
If there are any awesome places that I just have to see in my travels please let me know! I've never done this before and don't know what all is out there... inform me! Please :)
Next step, car insurance and AAA membership (roadside assistance? yes please!) and finding a subletter!
I have just drawn up a general plan for the big loop. I have some projects I'll be working on along the way and some events to attend (10 year high school reunion, say what?!) and friends to visit scattered about this great BIG country.
View Larger Map
Why you say?
Seaford, DE - This is the starting point where my mom is (and so is my car!), I might even have some work to do on my mom's house
Chicago, IL - I was in Chicago for like a day last summer and loved it, time to go back with a little more time to look around (and hang out with my cousin!)
Howard Lake, MN - building a root cellar with my uncle, a project we've been talking about for a while now and due to my stated of employed-ness I finally have time for! This will probably be my longest stay anywhere, (a month or more) actually I will be more focused on getting to MN at the beginning because of the big project and wanting to make sure I can get to my next destination in reasonable luxurious time.
Port Townsend, WA -approx. Aug 1 - 20 - helping a friend work on his cabin, doing some design and some interior finish work; might even pop down to Seabeck to go to church camp
Portland, OR - 10 Year High School Reunion! Crazy, right... dang, I've lived in Brooklyn for a long time :P
Springfield, OR - I can't be out West and not visit my little brother and his awesome wife!
Sea Ranch, CA - Architecture nerd :)
Pahrump, NV - My friend, Bridgette, who I haven't seen in like 4 years (and hadn't seen for like 5 years when I met up with her in London) recently had a baby and I want to meet him and see her!
Arches National Park, UT - I have always wanted to go here!
Boulder, CO - I have considered moving to CO but have never been... so I'm going to take a look around
Austin, TX - I have a couple friends here I met on my trip to Brazil... and it's supposed to be pretty cool!
New Orleans, LA - I've never been. That's a good enough reason right?! It's New Orleans!
Birmingham, AL - Auburn University has a 1 year long Masters of Design/Build that I've been thinking about applying to. I thought I'd visit and learn more about the program and the 2 tracks (design and construction) to see if it makes sense for me and my "career path"
There will be more stops of course, but these are some of the major (and minor) ones.
Approximately 9,000 miles... Ride shares, maybe some WWOOFing, scavengeing, definitely some couch surfing and camping :) If you can't do a huge long road trip when you're single, don't have kids and don't have a full time salaried job... when can you?! Retirement? Yeah, I don't want to wait that long...
If there are any awesome places that I just have to see in my travels please let me know! I've never done this before and don't know what all is out there... inform me! Please :)
Next step, car insurance and AAA membership (roadside assistance? yes please!) and finding a subletter!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)