Birth of a Camp
Contributors to this thread:Wisconsin
From: Tweed
12-Oct-18
Mulligan stew for lunch and dinner....and lunch and dinner...ect
Mulligan stew for lunch and dinner....and lunch and dinner...ect
Living quarters for the week.
Living quarters for the week.
Well my family has had this land since the late 70s and through divorces and neglect it has come to me.
I've been rough camping here for years and years. After freezing my nuggets last year with an early November cold front I decided its time to erect something with a little more R value.
From: Tweed
12-Oct-18
Sill logs in place resting on cinder blocks.
Sill logs in place resting on cinder blocks.
Rain all but one day. Spent most of my time under tarp eating, drinking and reading.
Rain all but one day. Spent most of my time under tarp eating, drinking and reading.
From: Tweed
12-Oct-18
The only dry morning
The only dry morning
And this is as far as I got. After taking this photo I made the notches deeper for less of a gap.
And this is as far as I got. After taking this photo I made the notches deeper for less of a gap.
From: Tweed
12-Oct-18
I'm no Dick Proenecke and this isn't hollywood. I won't be finished with this till probably the summer of 2020. Chinking will be the last thing I do. Will definitely still going to be a "camp" and not a 2nd home but should be full of good stories and memories.
From: Oleduckhunter
12-Oct-18
Looks and sounds like a great adventure. Keep us posted and updated with pictures!
From: Pasquinell
12-Oct-18
Wow!!! That's what I'm talking about!!! You may not be him but you're making him proud!!! You making wooden door hinges too???
From: MF
12-Oct-18
Very cool... keep on sharing the progress
From: Tweed
12-Oct-18
Lol no wood hinges here. Dick was a craftsman, I'm a gorilla with a chainsaw.
From: Trapper
12-Oct-18
Cool stuff Tweed. What kind of trees are you using? Are you planning on peeling the bark on them.?
From: Tweed
12-Oct-18
They're mainly oak. I think I accidentally got a maple in there too.
Half of them are peeled from when I dropped them in the spring. I pinched my chain though and had to stop. When I went back up in July to drop some more I didn't even bother to attmept to peel them. At that time of year the bark is nearly glued on. I'm hoping by the summer of 2020 the back will be falling off.
There's another dozen or so trees staged, up off the ground, waiting for the spring.
From: Crusader dad
12-Oct-18
Can I suggest a spring turkey/work weekend?
From: Jeff in MN
12-Oct-18
Nice, good luck with the project. Just a suggestion, it looks to me like the cement block is just sitting on the ground. I think they will settle into the ground pretty fast. Might want to consider two solid 4x8x16 blocks under each cinder block, laid crossways to the cinder blocks. Maybe even use solid 4x8x16 supporting the building too. Then put some sort of rubber between the blocks and the first log to prevent seepage from the block into the logs.
From: Chief2
12-Oct-18
Your living the dream right there that is cool!
From: longspeak74
12-Oct-18
Nice work Tweed! You're a lucky man.
From: Dusktildawn
12-Oct-18
Awesome Project. It will be amazing when you get to fire up a your heat source and actually get to sit back and enjoy! Good Luck. Good advice from Jeff
From: Badger_16
12-Oct-18
Looks like you are living the dream congratulations! Some day I wish to own my own land and build a small cabin. No power just a bed and wood stove. I am only 30 so I have time still good willing.
From: LTL JimBow
12-Oct-18
That's cool Tweed . How long have you had the idea to do something like that ? If you need more inspiration or encouragement check out Shawn James " My Self Reliance" on you tube . He has documented his cabin build start to finish sort of like Dick Proenecke only its happing right now .
From: Grunter
12-Oct-18
Looking good! What a sense of accomplishment it will be to know you did that. What are you gonna do for the roof? Maybe kick out and extend a corner for a shitter?
From: Tweed
12-Oct-18
I've probably have had the idea since middle school when we watched Braving Alaska in science class. I'm only in my mid 30s now but realized I'm not getting any younger so I better give it a shot before the excuses pile up.
The east and south sides have the logs hanging out about 4 feet for a porch and work area.
For the roof I'm still debating on the route I'll take of either lumber or small diameter logs next to each other.
From: Tweed
12-Oct-18
Jeff - I'm thinking of using those concrete deck peirs in each corner. I'm curious to see what one frost cycle does on this sandy soil.
From: xtroutx
12-Oct-18
very cool, will be a great accomplishment when completed for enjoyment.
From: Jeff in MN
12-Oct-18
Deck piers might be fine for the top but you need a bigger footprint in the ground so that the weight gets spread out over more square footage of that sand. Sand is a plus as far as base support goes. There will be a lot of weight sitting on 4 corners. Not like a conventional house where that load is spread out across the whole perimeter of the building. Maybe some supports along the perimeter would help too.
Might also be good to get the footing down as deep as practical to minimize the amount the footing moves during freeze/thaw. Sure the logs will flex some but movement could be tough on the chinking. Then again, I have no real knowledge of what works or doesn't work regarding log hunting shacks.
From: Tweed
12-Oct-18
Not too terribly worried about frost heaving. Its only 12x16 like many peoples garden sheds.
In talking with guys on the AK and Canadian forums they mention that they only support the corners.
From: casekiska
12-Oct-18
Tweed - check you PMs,...lengthy note about the cabin I built. This info may help.
From: BCD
12-Oct-18
diamond piers will work perfectly. never move
From: northbound
12-Oct-18
Another vote for diamond piers! And the way the tubes get installed you could sneak them in there fairly easily yet
From: Jeff in MN
13-Oct-18
Watched a video on installing the diamond piers. They look awesome. I have seen the blocks but didn't realize that you drive pipes into the holes. I wish I could use them on a roof that I want to attach to the back end of a pole shed. Problem is that there is a high voltage line running diagonally underground where the posts will be. Driving those pipes in would be very dangerous and expensive if I hit one.
From: albino
13-Oct-18
Very cool Tweed. That will be a great feeling when you get it done & get to stay in it.
From: Oforalot
13-Oct-18
Man, that is awesome!!!
From: retro
13-Oct-18
Good luck getting the Diamond Piers installed if your dealing with rocks....
From: WausauDug
14-Oct-18
Mr. P was using some sort of Pine for his cabin not Oak - thats how he built it in four hours on PBS ;) You have your work cut out for you but will be all the more memorable. While your still a few rows high I would add mid span footers while its easy. Being in sandy soil they could just be sitting on sand and gravel and use shims to adjust through the years. Otherwise since you have a long term project the logs will sag and dry and as you get higher they will get more and more un level and make your openings tough. Mr. P. used all green logs and "over - cut" the openings which when put up together shrank all the same and become uniform. On larger cabins this is also critical to account for on king posts.
From: orionsbrother
14-Oct-18
Cool stuff Tweed. Please keep posting pics as it comes along.
From: BCD
14-Oct-18
retro, he said it was sandy.
From: South Farm
15-Oct-18
Better peel them logs or all your hard work will be for nothing.
From: Live2hunt
15-Oct-18
South Farm, good point on the bark.
From: RamMan
15-Oct-18
What do you put between the logs to close the gaps? Awesome project, love seeing the step by step progress. Way to go, keep us posted please.
From: backwoods54
15-Oct-18
Tweed, I built a log cabin and nearly done after twenty years, just some tips; Sell the Oaks and Maples, get a 10 cord load of Red Pine, much easier to work with; straight and fairly rot resistant. But you must peel and treat the logs with penetreat to keep out the bugs. Left non peeled and non treated that Maple log with rotten in a few years, The oak will last a very long time,. Enjoy your quest, I enjoyed mine.
From: Tweed
15-Oct-18
Most of the logs are peeled. The few I dropped in the summer still have bark. I'm hoping by next fall or summer after the bark will come off easy.
Ramman- I'll be chinking with metal lathe and cement or something similar.
From: Tweed
15-Oct-18
I talked to a neighbor that I plan on trading some work in the spring for him using his tractor to lift up the logs. Might have to drop of few more trees in the spring.
From: CaptMike
15-Oct-18
Wishing you best of luck with your project. You will be building a lot of memories, along with a hunting camp.
From: albino
16-Oct-18
Don't forget to run the Wi Fi first.
From: South Farm
16-Oct-18
And being in Wisconsin I'm sure you'll be meeting all the dwelling codes, occupancy rules, and have greased everybody's palm from the local inspector on up through the state housing authority, right?!? (Might be funny if it weren't true..)
Anyway, be sure to post a pic when you get it all done and I'm sure you'll really enjoy it! Always nice to build something and see a project through.
From: Tweed
16-Oct-18
^buzzkill
From: albino
16-Oct-18
Don't ask don't tell. What happens in Tweeds cabin stays in Tweeds cabin. lol
From: Tweed
16-Oct-18
Me and Pat setting logs.
Me and Pat setting logs.
Neighbor just sent me this. He was a huge help!
From: Tweed
16-Oct-18
Exactly Albino! And if anyone asks its a ground blind.
From: albino
16-Oct-18
I like it. No matter how good or how bad it turns out it will still be a great achievement. Plus it will be there for generations to come.
From: South Farm
17-Oct-18
I was just kidding, Tweed. The older I get the more I do like Albino and skip the middle man;) Life's too short.
From: Chief2
17-Oct-18
Tweed id like to come by and chop some logs with you next summer if your looking for any help, id like to see how your doing it the wife and I have been thinking about it for awhile
From: northbound
17-Oct-18
Besides is easier to ask (and gain) forgiveness than it is to ask (and gain) permission. Costs double(most towns double the permit fee if caught) but if you value your time it's well worth it
From: Tweed
17-Oct-18
Come by anytime Chief.
Northbound....its a groundblind..... no foundation, less than 200 sq . There's plenty of condo blinds and ice shanties that are higher class.
From: Tweed
13-May-19
Camping for the week. Same tarp as last year. Held up pretty good through the winter.
Camping for the week. Same tarp as last year. Held up pretty good through the winter.
Notching logs
Notching logs
Enjoying the view on a rainy day
Enjoying the view on a rainy day
Just got back from the cabin project. First time up this year.
From: Tweed
13-May-19
Mud....lots of mud...
Mud....lots of mud...
Doesn't look it but its about 6' tall.
Doesn't look it but its about 6' tall.
From: ground hunter
13-May-19
go on You Tube,,,, I watched a guy, leave the corporate world and build a cabin in the Canadian Wilderness, with all hand tools,,,, 2 years to complete,,,,, did a whole bunch of You Tube stuff,,,,, very cool, you can learn a lot watching him, set up the logs to chink correctly,,, pretty cool
From: ground hunter
13-May-19
go on You Tube,,,, I watched a guy, leave the corporate world and build a cabin in the Canadian Wilderness, with all hand tools,,,, 2 years to complete,,,,, did a whole bunch of You Tube stuff,,,,, very cool, you can learn a lot watching him, set up the logs to chink correctly,,, pretty cool
From: Tweed
13-May-19
Talking about My Self Reliance? I really enjoy his channel and his cabin is a work of art.
From: xtroutx
13-May-19
Looks like a good start. Keep us posted with the progress.
From: CraigL
13-May-19
The Cabin is looking good Tweed, that bow ain't bad either :)
From: ground hunter
13-May-19
Tweed I have told you before, you should buy my tent I do not use anymore,,, you and the wife and kids would live like kings, as you build your dream,,,, I would sell it to to you so cheap,,,, they are not made like this anymore, and the ones that are, cost a fortune
From: ground hunter
13-May-19
Tweed at one point in my life, I lived in this tent for over a year,,, when I met my wife,, she also lived in it for a few months,,,,, great memories
From: Crusader dad
14-May-19
Very cool Casey. Keep up the hard work. It’s exiting seeing some progress.
From: Crusader dad
14-May-19
“Exciting”
From: Live2hunt
14-May-19
Pretty cool tweed, what are you going to chink it with?
From: Tweed
15-May-19
Thanks guys.
Groundhunter - my wife wouldn't use the tent and I'm not up north enough to make it worth it but thanks for the offer.
Craig that is a great bow, very smooth shooter. Did a little stumping while I was up. Thanks again man!
L2H- I'll be filling in some of the larger gaps with broken brick, stones or saplings. Not sure what ill be chinking with yet. Some sort of mortar straw mix.
From: South Farm
15-May-19
Before you go any farther you might want to number your logs, disassemble them, PEEL THEM ALL, and reassemble. Your bottom ones are going to rot if you don't peel them and all your chinking will be a waste of time when that bark dries out and starts falling off. Not trying to be a dick, just trying to save you a major headache and lots of work for nothing.
From: Tweed
15-May-19
Thanks southfarm, the bark came off nicely last weekend. Even the ones on the bottom.
From: orionsbrother
15-May-19
I’m digging the progress Tweed!
From: ground hunter
16-May-19
Tweed,,,, when you see it set up this year at Horicon Trad Shoot, and the price, I think you may change your mind..... just for yourself, it would be true luxury, and would stay up without issues till next spring,,, yep its that tough and good
From: Chief2
12-Jun-19
Tweed any updates?
From: Tweed
05-Jul-19
Haven't been back up there really to work since May. I took the wife there for the first time last week as part of our anniversary (stayed at the Miscauno resort)
I'm going up next week with a buddy to drop a few trees but won't be any real progress till the autumn when its cool enough to work and not be eaten alive by bugs.
From: ground hunter
07-Jul-19
Tweed,,, I have told you this till I am blue in the face.,,,, buy my tent,,,, it will be on display at Horicon next Saturday, at the Trad shoot
From: Tweed
15-Jul-19
Log ramp
Log ramp
From: Tweed
15-Jul-19
Big lever
Big lever
From: Tweed
15-Jul-19
The crew
The crew
From: Tweed
15-Jul-19
Got up for a quick weekend. Arrived late Thursday with just enough to time to get a fire going and cook dinner.
Friday morning while looking for trees I pinched my bar on a disobedient tree that fell the wrong way. Ran into town for a new bar. As soon as we got back sheets of rain began to come down.
Saturday was the most productive day. Got the ramps and pulley system set up. Set 4 logs.
The ramps work great. The site is small and its a pain in the butt getting the logs to the ramps. This was a great learning weekend. Next time we're up we won't have as much figuring to do and things should go smoother.
From: Pete-pec
15-Jul-19
You watch this take place, and you realize the fortitude our settlers must have had, and how we have become sissified as a people. Well done Tweed. Most people would not take on a project like this, and likely would have quit. Are you chinking the logs with mortar, or using mud and moss when the cabin is complete?
From: Tweed
15-Jul-19
I'd love to use mud but we have sandy soil so I'll be using mortar backed with metal lathe. The larger gaps I'll tap in saplings.
We talked a lot about our forefathers this past weekend ....boy what we would give for a few horses or oxen.
From: ground hunter
15-Jul-19
this is a great thread,,,, nice pictures
From: Live2hunt
15-Jul-19
Pretty cool tweed, those will be some great memory's to have when your pulling in there years from now.
