The original 1 room log cabin was, in its distilled form, a place to sleep and to keep from freezing. Over the last 100 years it, like most homes, has transformed into something else altogether. With that, I wanted to reach back into time and resurrect an original; something representative of our western roots. Now with a career, family and distance, this is a challenge that’s required a few steps and some good help:
- Begin with sunken logs, a rotted out wood floor and collapsed sod roof
- Pull bldg. up in air with chains and backhoe
- Dig out old base logs and install recycled railroad tie base
- Add new floor joists and subfloor
- Cut, shape and install new log roof purlins
- Install new roof deck, roofing felt and metal roof
- Build custom sized entry door from recycled redwood decking
- Reframe openings and install new windows
- Install rough sawn wood flooring and tile around new fireplace
- Clean out between logs and install new wool backer rod/insulation and flexible chinking
- Install new entry patio
- Install wood stove and furnish
- Build new deck
- Re-grade site and build “driveway”
- Install fire pit using recycled steam-powered tractor wheel
- Install pavers and covered veranda
- Trim out around windows, door and flooring
- Maybe add electricity and insulate roof
- Enjoy/maintain for another 50 years
- Begin with sunken logs, a rotted out wood floor and collapsed sod roof
Today we’re very close to the original cabin. When you stay here it smells of animals, you’re limited in activities by the weather and the amount of daylight. It’s never truly warm, but you don’t freeze, mundane tasks such as cooking, cleaning and sleeping all bring unique challenges. But, in the end, there is something satisfying about building with friends and using your hands. It is quiet and peaceful. It reminds me how far we’ve come and what it was really like 100 years ago when these logs were first cut.
