Monday, July 30, 2012

F(ant)astic weekend!

Another VSOP* weekend with great help from Pere, Deedee, Sonia (not me, the other one!) Alpha, Brad and Nitin.

Major accomplisments include installation of door hardware on the second floor, our very first drywall, the moving of the plastic shed and the discovery and destruction of a nest of carpenter ants. Nature highlights included deer, vultures, snakes, mice and a disturbingly large spider. Entertainment featured more Boobytrap, swimming, lots of food,  lively discussions of new technology, trampolining and bocce ball.

Alpha and Sonia show off their handiwork on the door








*visible signs of progress

See the whole Summer 2012 photo album

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

The view so far


The siding is now done on the south and west wall of the main cabin!

Trampolining with deedee

Furniture!


We used some of the 80 bolts we acquired on cragislist as bed legs for the two beds in the power tower. Good sitting height and a tote even fits underneath!

Boobytrap!


time out from building for a very serious game of the tantalizing and terrific boobytrap

Monday, July 16, 2012

New downstairs neighbours


The new downstairs neighbours and their kids are quite noisy!

A weekend of weather extremes with sun and thundershowers as well as a brief and very rare glimpse of the northern lights, witnessed on the breezeway roof by Kevin. I missed it completely because I had to pee...  It's hard being a girl sometimes.

Kitty came with us this weekend to chip in on pest patrol and hopefully the mice have gotten the hint. The french doors to the deck got put in and more fiddly bits of siding were installed. You'll just have to take my word for it though because I completely forgot to take pictures!



Sunday, July 8, 2012

summertime, siding and silly games

Wow, what a VSOP* weekend we had this weekend!

We started with great weather and this:

and ended with 

In between was even more good weather, lots of good food, good conversation and a few games of the 'tantalizing and terrific' game Boobytrap!




enjoying the furniture...



even the ride home is entertaining!


*Visible Signs of Progress




Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Unsolicited testimonial!

the owner of the feet on the left sent us this email
Sonja and Kevin,

As a long standing member of the Halkett Bay Volunteer Labour Platinum Club (HBVLPC) allow me to offer this unsolicited testimonial.
Despite gnarly weather and some tough work, I can say to you straight that this past weekend was fabulous. The extensive re-modeling of the main living room has greatly enhanced the ambiance and this year's drinks selection is better than ever. Not only that, but new bedding has made the already five star accommodation even more enticing.
For those who remember the heady days when Mauri ribs were on the menu, I am pleased to report that this season's featured culinary specialty - butterfly chicken - matches the ribs for unparalleled succulent excellence.
From the scenic cruise to the island, through to the vintage red wine, the entertaining neighbors, the magnificent vistas, the up close wildlife encounters, and the witty literary conversation - this is an island experience like no other.


Anonymous

Siding the west side

Canada Day weekend at Gambier Island

Hi,

Do you ever dream of spending Canada Day at a gorgeous island retreat?
Imagine drinking a cold beverage and watching the summer light fade on
the snow-peaked mountains as you review the days activities with
friends. Or waking to hot coffee watching the eagles drift lazily by.*

This could be you this weekend at Kevin and Sonja's Halkett Bay cabin.
Contact Kevin or Sonja to reserve your spot today.

*Some conditions apply.

a blog about 1 cabin and 7 ideas

local / logical / lots of uses / long lasting / low impact / low cost /loveable

Big thanks to everyone!

Help Gambier Island

Gambier Island is facing numerous environmental threats at the moment when we are seeing a rebirth of wildlife. Wolves, whales, owls and more, all around us we see evidence of an eco-system on the rebound. But that resurgence is threatened by plans to allow clear-cutting, develop LNG plants, sink warships.