This post is part of our ongoing cabin journey — you can start from the beginning in Finding Our Off-Grid Cabin: The Beginning of Our Cabin Project.
This past summer was a challenge. With forest fires in the area and road closures limiting access, we weren’t able to get up to the cabin as much as we had hoped. Work slowed, plans were delayed, and for a while, progress had to wait.
Once conditions improved, we took every opportunity we could to get back up between then and now and keep the project moving.
Winter Access and Continued Work
Winter arrived, but thankfully it wasn’t too bad. We were able to drive to the end of the 2-kilometre road and take the snow machines the rest of the way in. With access restored, the project continued, and we were finally able to finish removing the rest of the poorly built addition that had been causing so many issues.
Taking Down the Trees
Two large trees also needed to come down.
One was located at the corner of the garden. During the summer months, it shaded a large portion of the growing area, and its roots had begun creeping into the garden beds. Removing it will improve sunlight and prevent further root intrusion.
The second tree was close to the house, in the area where we plan to put an herb garden and, one day, a bath house and sauna.
Here are a few photos of one of the trees coming down.
Now the fun part comes…time to take the branches off and clean up the yard.
Cleanup and Making Use of the Wood
Once the trees were down, the real work began — removing branches and cleaning up the yard. These trees were massive, with some branches nearly the size of full tree trunks.
We’ll use as much of the wood as possible for firewood, and whatever can’t be used will be burned. The main trunks were bucked into shorter lengths so they’d be easier to handle, then debarked and set out to dry. Eventually, these pieces will be cut down and used for lumber.
After some cleanup, this is what remained to be picked up.
After some cleanup here is what is left to pick up.
Winter Takes Over
Unfortunately, over the last few days we’ve received more than two feet of snow, so the rest of the cleanup will have to wait until spring.
Back at home, winter chores continue. I’ve been busy digging out, and the snow around the chicken coop gives a pretty good idea of just how much we’ve had.
So that’s today’s job — shoveling, planning ahead, and waiting for spring to finish what winter put on hold.
At home here I am busy digging out…..here is a picture of the snow around my chicken coop
So this is my job today.
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Updated Feb 2026
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