Sights and Sounds at The Shack in January 2020

I hadn't gone camping at The Shack since NOVEMBER! That is far too long between visits. But this past weekend I was able to go up and enjoy my little bit of land on the ridge. Here are just a few of the sights and sounds from the trip.

It was extremely foggy when I arrived. I had to hang my head out the window in order to stay on the road. I began a few false turns before I was able to find the Santa sign in my yard literally a couple feet in front of me. The fog up there is thick, disorienting, and like something from a movie set. Mother Nature is amazing.

It was cold in the top half of The Shack. Only 40F degrees when I arrived Friday evening. But I am not going to complain. I believe the weather was more mild that what is usual for January.

I immediately lit a fire in the wood stove and settled in. I LOVE that old wood stove and the crackling fires.

I also lit the kerosene heater that my BFF left for me when he borrowed The Shack in December. Between the kerosene heater and the wood stove, I almost cooked myself out!  It was a nice 72F degrees in that drafty, uninsulated building!

It rained all evening. I couldn't watch the stars as I fell asleep, but that was okay. The rain beating on the tin roof (yes, rusted!) was a nice sound. Sorry, I didn't think to record that.

In the morning, I had an egg and sausage bagel - cooked on top of the wood stove. 

While my food cooked, I checked the game cam memory cards. The batteries had run out on both cameras but there were still plenty of photos. No bears this time. But plenty of deer, cats, and birds. The bird bath continues to be a popular spot to visit. It is clear that when the bird bath is dry, the wildlife still checks it out. Then when it rains, they gather for a drink. I look forward to being able to always keep it filled. In the meantime, I'm glad the animals at least get a drink when it rains. 

The remainder of the weekend was dry but very windy. Confirmation that in addition to my solar panels, a wind generator would probably be a productive piece of equipment on my land. 

And last but definitely not least, I've met someone who is beginning her West Virginia country living dream. Her name is Deb and if you would like an introduction to Deb and her land, you can read about it here. 

The view as I leave....           it's so hard to leave.

*This article may contain affiliate links. If you shop via one of the affiliate links, I may earn a small commission - at no additional cost to you. I am very appreciative of every reader who visits my articles. Thank you.

Introducing Deb - She's Making Her Dream Come True

I would like to introduce you to Deb. She and I are very similar in some ways. Deb has decided to make her own dream of living in the country true. She took the huge first step and has purchased her own piece of land.

The country road approaching her land

Congratulations Deb on taking that step! And congratulations on finding such a glorious piece of Almost Heaven, West Virginia!

This weekend I spent time at The Shack. On Saturday I went by Deb's land. I am thrilled for her. Absolutely thrilled. She and I "met" on social media. On Twitter. Someone had asked a question like "If money were no object...." and my answer was something like "Build The Shack and buy the adjacent lot". Deb commented to me that she's been looking at land in West Virginia, from east to west and some places further south. She definitely has actively house-hunted for longer than I had and in many more parts of the state. Coincidentally, she had looked in the same area that The Shack is located. Deb was serious about choosing the place of her dreams. For both of us, that dream includes being more rural than our current urban/suburban locations. For both of us, that includes a place that allows chickens and is large enough for a garden.

Anyway, as usual, I've rambled. 

Saturday I went to see her land. She gave me the tour and it was breath-taking. I'm so happy for her.  I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

The existing hint of a driveway.
Note: the photo does not adequately show the steep incline.

Up the steep "driveway" and down the hill is a hidden pond.
A wonderful, glorious pond!

I instantly fell in love with the pond.

Deb and her pond.

Neither of us know why this rock looks like this.
But it is interesting.

Back down the hill where holes are being dug for the gate.

Digging holes on ridges in WV feels (to me) like trying to widen
the grand canyon using a teaspoon. It's not easy. Fortunately, her cousin is
helping her get things started.

Deb's country road.

This piece of land is amazing. I look forward to watching her progress in turning this bare land into the home of her dreams.