Hey there! It has been a while since I’ve written about this project. As usual, it’s been in a holding pattern over the winter. Spring has sprung, so things are moving again. Let’s jump right into it.

In November of last year, I got a quote for wiring up the cabin and scheduled the job for May of this year. The timing was perfect. I got in on Sunday and could mow the lawn and clear the road on Monday evening. I was able to meet the electricians at the top of the road on Tuesday and guide them down the treacherous road to the cabin.

The weather was cool and sunny, so the driveway was in good condition. Though it apparently took them a few tries to drive back out at the end of the day in their 2WD truck, which is why we have a gravel pile at the bottom of the driveway.

Day One / Outside

The two electricians spent two days wiring everything. The first day they wired the utility pole, adding a meter box and connecting that line to the breaker inside. They were up on a big ladder, tensioning the connection across the yard. They also coordinated an electrical inspection from the town.

The inspector called the utility company to give them the all clear to turn the power on. I’m in the job queue apparently, so it’s just a matter of time until I have a new electic bill to pay.

Day Two / Inside

The second day they spent adding wiring inside. There are 5 outlets along the east and south walls with rigid conduit and outlet boxes. The north wall has two regular outlets, one 220V outlet for an electric range and a dimmer switch for the lights. This wall has flexible conduit, since I’ll eventually add a wall and backsplash there. Under the loft, which will eventually be a kitchen area, there are six dimmable LED lights.

I love the look of this rigid conduit along the log walls

Circuit Breaker

With lights and power, we can actually be in the building after dark. Finally, I won’t have to run the generator to use chorded power tools. Everything inside runs to a new breaker box, which I can add to.

I’d like some power outside, both for tools and to power an electric pump on a well. As the kitchen gets built out, I’ll have counter-top outlets to add. I’ll also wire up the loft with outlets and switches. If you remember, the plan is something like this.

An Aside: Another Storm

While I was in New York, we got another heavy storm. It rolled in strong down the lake and washed out the gully at my parent’s place, once again. This is heavier rain we usually see but it seems to be becoming the norm. At least it was one day of rain, unlike the three in a row last year.

What’s next? - The Orchard 🍎

At this point, I’m still waiting to hear back from the utility company, who needs to add a meter and reconnect the utility pole to the main transformer on the road. That’s all that’s standing in the way of me flipping the lights on.

Next week I’ll tell you all about the progress on the orchard, so please subscribe if you haven’t already! As always, thanks for reading this far. Thanks for caring about this project. It means the world to me.

West Bluff Food Forest

⚡Let there be light!⚡