Ground Preparation
I extended the trail along the ridge for an additional 400 m. It was hard work, especially in March when there was still a couple of inches of snow.
For the past few years I've been hunting for the perfect spot to build a cabin - something quiet, surrounded by trees, and far from the hustle of town. After several visits, I finally pinned down the exact dimensions and could start visualising the finished structure.
1. Finding the Site
I scouted the area until I found a small clearing that would comfortably fit the cabin's footprint. I measured the lot, drew the layout on paper, and marked the future entrance and door placement.
2. Clearing a Path
The only way in was a thick stand of forest. In March, when a thin layer of snow still clung to the ground, I set out to clear a path.
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Saw-mill and Trail
I passed the old sawmill at the edge of the woods and followed the old trail, which led me up the ridge. -
Brush-saw
Using a brush-saw, I cut through the underbrush and low branches, clearing about 400 m of trail. The work was exhausting, but the fresh scent of pine and the crunch of snow underfoot made it worthwhile.
To create space for the cabin, I had to remove about six green trees that were standing directly in the spot.
The ground was not exactly level. I did some digging to make it pretty flat. While leveling, I separated branches, moss, dirt, gravel, and large stones.
The entire process took me about two days.