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Solar panel center top of stump  

 

My three, 15 watt each, solar panels are on top of this tree stump. This is plenty of power for now and might add more later. The good Deka battery and other equipment is in a box behind the stump. This was a large beautiful pine tree but it was killed by mountain pine beetles as have about all my pine trees have been killed over the past three years. Also millions of dead pine trees all over the national forest. I still have many many spruce and fir trees and many smaill pine trees. Also the hole shown here is the beginning of a cabin I must build soon. It will be at least 12 x 10 feet maybe larger. This cabin will be mostly underground - like a walk-in basement. The front will have two windows and a large window on the right side looking to the beautiful Snowy Range mountains across the valley. This is the best place for a cabin for a view and for privacy. Have to climb up fifty feet from where my parking area is which is 200 feet downhill thru trees and across two springs. My underground cabin-bunker is about fifty feet to the left - not seen in this photo. I would Like to connect this cabin to the bunker but that is another story and much more work. This is all the space I am allowed on this photo album unless I buy more space. I hate buying anything with computers etc. Especially I am only on a computer about half the year since I am on my mountain place from June to November then in Greeley, Colorado in the winter and spring to make money.... No tv, computers etc. on my remote mtn place - although Maybe someday I will even have more electrical things. I do not need too much electricity for I only use a couple radios some lights. I have about 300 candles and thirty gallons of kerosene also for lighting.... All for now and on this site. People can leave comments in this album or even comment or Ask me anything through email at my address - mtnmanmm@yahoo.com

Comments (13) | Add a Comment

Mike,
I very much enjoyed seeing the progress you have made over the years with your retreat. I am sure one day you will be able to sit back and enjoy life on top of your mountain.
Good Luck,
Sherrie
Sherrie | rickandsherrie@windstream.net | February 20, 2009

Greetings Mountainman Mike,
I enjoyed the tour of your mountain retreat. Just this afternoon I commented to a friend that I may like to start digging in my back yard to make a cave. Your place gives me a little more inspiration to get started.
Shine Brightly,
CounTess
Tess | CounTessOfNorthStar@gmail.com | March 24, 2009

i love the pictures of your place,i just wish we could find land like that,even if it were 1 acre it would do for us.keep up the good work,and fight the good fight hun,thanks for letting us see your progress,it brings insperation for those of us who are trying.
ms,hillbilly
ms,hillbilly | kathyleann1966@hotmail.com | April 05, 2009

Not to worry. Fire and beetles are a natural way to thin out the pine forest then allow new growth. Make sure you scatter plenty of pine cones in the area and allow them to get plenty of sun. You will begin to see new pines grow. Beautiful country by the way.
ActionJackson | actionjacksonone@yahoo.com | April 13, 2009

Really awesome to see all that you've done. I know that you'll get good use out of it in the future.
Terry | phoenixx100@hotmail.com | September 11, 2009

This is really wonderful to behold, Mike. You're actually doing what I've wanted to for so many long years, although I confess that I do want a more conventional (yet still hidden away) setup. I really admire you for doing this completely on your own. It's fantastic.
Terry | phoenixx100@hotmail.com | September 15, 2009

Thanks so much for sharing...I am truly envious!
grandma | November 14, 2009

Mike I thank you for sharing with me. You have acomplish a retreat that i always dream of bluiding. Maybe someday. You put in alot of work you deserve a gold star!!!Hip!Hip! Hurray
Keep up the good work
Be safe, Be carefull
Pepper
Pepper | pepper4358@gmail.com | August 14, 2010

You've really put a lot of work into your projects! How is your cabin coming along ....
Jim | vja4him@vjandrews.com | November 22, 2010

wonderful photos, thanks for sharing. You have a wonderful place !

Countrygirl39759 | countrygirl39759@gmail.com | February 15, 2011

Very smart idea. I believe everyone should have something like this. Nice job too. Thanks for sharing. :]

P.S. I saw you in Colorado a couple months ago at Grandma's funeral.
Cassia Schmeeckle | schmeec7726@evangel.edu | March 29, 2011

Beautiful area, Lot of nature to deal with. Looks like you got a handle on it. Looks like if the mind is willing the body can work like 10.
Jim | April 12, 2011

Finally had some quiet time to look into your website and pictures. Thanks for sharing. Looks like a good place to get away from the hectic lifestyle we all seem to get sucked into. I'm going to make a point to get up to your place sometime this summer. My free time on Kaua'i reminds me of what you probably experience daily on your land.

Brent
Brent | kauaiguy@netzero.com | April 24, 2011