False Spring on the Mountain

It’s been a week since I saw another person. Curt went to the coast to see his family, leaving me to my own devices. I enjoy the time to myself and taking care of daily tasks on my own, but I’ve fallen a bit behind in my writing. I usually hold myself to a Saturday posting schedule, but this week, it’s Sunday, sorry!

For a moment, the world was vibrant and warm, giving me a preview of what’s to come. I knew to resist false spring, but my spirit soared, and summer-time scheming began. My excitement was short-lived, of course. I am now in a dark, grey, cold land again - but not for long.

These are some of the hardest days mentally here on the mountain. The snow isn’t fun anymore, it’s too early to start seeds, the ground is too frozen to make garden beds, and tinkering with my old Toyotas is unpleasant in wet, sub-zero temperatures. The flippy-floppy weather makes it impossible to scratch the productivity itch. It’s too frozen to build, too early to plant, and too cold to enjoy fixing machines.
Still feeling the excitement of false spring, it’s a good time to plan.

When everything melts, a spring above the house begins to flow. It’s not the cleanest water, but it works to water the animals and the plants. As soon as it’s thawed enough, it will be the first thing on the agenda, as by the end of May, it will likely be dried up. So it is an interim water source. We’ve created a small spring box to direct it into a hose and then downhill into a water tote. With the minimal snowpack this year, I hope it still flows.
With water figured out for spring, the next big system to get ready is transportation.

For moving water, we have a specific Tacoma, simply named ‘the Water Truck’ (a Tacoma with a beefed-up suspension). It’s in need of some maintenance. The main thing it needs replaced is a bearing that holds up the driveshaft, as well as dealing with some rust. It could also use a good wash, but to wash it, it’ll need to haul water first.

Since this year was so snowless, I have high hopes that the pendulum will swing and next year will bring tons of snow and winter fun. Though the snowmobiles are already parked, they’re in need of serious maintenance to prepare for it. Similar to the water truck, my snowmobile needs a jackshaft bearing.
Once getting around is sorted out, food is the next big focus for the season.

With a big goal for next winter, it’s time to get serious about the garden. What to plant, where to plant it and how much to plant in order to have enough food stored through winter. We had success with a handful of garden veggies last season, but we’ll need a lot more this year. The greenhouse will be filled with tomatoes, and garden beds built downhill from the bunnies will be (hopefully) stuffed to the brim.

I have the frame of a car tent, which I plan to use to make a low-budget greenhouse. In it, I’m going to grow potatoes and things which are fairly cold-hardy but not great with frost. It’ll look funny, I’m sure - but I think it’ll work.

I’d call myself an ‘opportunistic forager’, meaning that I collect things as I find them. When it comes to wild edibles, especially when it comes to mushrooms, that’s the best way to avoid expectation and disappointment. That in mind, I know I’ll be collecting Nettles, Lambsquarters, and Fireweed. There will be lots of other foraging as plants arise, but the next question becomes how to store them.

I like to can some food, but I don’t love having a ton of salt and sugar in my diet. Instead, I like to dehydrate and freeze things. Since my Solar Dehydrator is looking worse for wear, I think it’s time for an update. I should be able to use the same piece of glass, but I’ll build a new frame and make some modifications to the original design.

To help up my game this year, I’m going to build a hunting blind. I haven’t mentioned this before, and it might sound crazy, but - I’m afraid of the dark. I can muscle through it if I have to, but the less I have to be out in the woods at night, the better. I’ve found a place that’s frequently visited by deer, so the plan is to build a blind there that’s big enough to sleep in. That way, I’ll be there during twilight when deer are most active.

The rabbits will start breeding soon. I have 4 does and 1 buck, which will provide lots of healthy meat. I’m aiming to breed each doe only twice this year, maybe three times if they’re doing well. If they had their way, it would be almost monthly (which is crazy). Between hunting and farming rabbits, that should be plenty of meat.

Last night, a strong wind battered my mountain for a few hours; at one point, it even caused my wood stove to ‘blow back’, meaning the wind pushed the rising smoke back down the chimney into my house. That was unpleasant to say the least. I was reminded last night of another project on the list - experimenting with wind power.

Until now, we’ve hesitated to try it because of the moving parts and how chaotic the wind here can be. However, now that we have a better understanding of solar and independent power systems, it’s time to give it a try.

Curt should be back in a few days. Until then, it’s just me up here on the mountain. The snow falling outside the window feels like a good excuse to slow down for a little while. Just me, the animals, my own messes to clean up before his return, and a bit of justified laziness before the busy season begins.

Splitting firewood, filtering drinking water, and making breakfast on the wood stove. I’m enjoying the quiet while it lasts, because I know things will change when he gets back, and I’m looking forward to it.