I have been waiting to post because I wanted to have something substantial to say.  This winter has been mild and warmer than usual.  There also has not been too much snowfall.  This concerns me because we are dependent on a decent snowpack and rainfall to insure the aquifers are charged to provide well water.  I am sure the orchardists in the area are also concerned about irrigation water.  It may mean that we will be able to start construction early, but that is a consolation.  Despite this year's low snowfall, we intend to purchase season passes at Mission Ridge Ski area for next year to take advantage of the low early purchase price, to support a local business, and be optimistic that next year's snowfall will be better for some great skiing.  In the late fall I installed some drainage bars across the upper trail to slow erosion.  This trail is mostly used by the local elk herd.

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untitled shoot-1542Frost on the gate down by the road.

It was still cold enough this winter to put frost on the gate near the road and make the unplowed driveway a challenge. untitled shoot-1899

Today we met with our builder, Matt Dolan, owner of Ridgeline Custom Builders and Ben Taylor, his designer.  We have spent the last three months working on an efficient floor plan that will serve our needs, desires and keep the footprint of the house as small as possible while still allowing for two guest rooms. We envision our children and their future families and friends visiting us one day.  This is not a "tiny house" by any means, but we are making a substantial downsize (1000 square feet) from our current home.  Matt and Ben have been very receptive to our goals, maintaining a balance of creating a house for comfort and disturbing the land as little as possible.  For example, Matt designed a septic drain field that is efficient enough to serve four bed rooms, but requires substantially less excavation (100 linear feet fewer) by using a product called EZ-Flow that is more efficient and manufactured from recycled material.  

We met Matt and Ben at the property and were able to see how the plans from paper would be laid out, how the house would be situated, and how far down from the crest of the hill we would place the house.  The goal is to take advantage of the view and beauty of the area without creating a structure that will be obtrusive and stick out on the skyline.  

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This is the view of the Wenatchee Valley from the the future upper deck.

Careful placement is necessary to achieve the balance of all these goals.

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Staking Out The House-1925

This will be the view from the future front door of the house.

Before you tree huggers (trees are a wonderful, renewable resource) get too bent about the impending excavation and building on this natural land, I will assure you that native plants, grasses and trees will be re-established anywhere the ground has been disturbed and we will diligently work at removing a current infestation of non native noxious weeds along the road leading to home site. The rest of this property (98%) will be maintained as designated forest land, and not be subjected to future development as long as it is our responsibility.  

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Please stay tuned for updates on the process.  I will post when there is something meaningful and interesting to write about.  There will be a lot to write about in the coming weeks.