Barn Raising: Part 1
In the Spring of 2019 we began the frame work of the first permanent structure on Kowalski Mountain. Barn raising part 1 takes the homestead to the next level.
Logs Cut and Peeled
We cut down a total of 11 trees and began the process of peeling them. They peel kind of like a banana… some of them, others required the use of a draw knife and a lot of elbow grease.
Setting the Poles: Barn is Going Up
Once the logs were prepared, the job of setting the poles was next. There are a total of 8 poles that support the barn.
As with all big tasks on the property, the bobcat is an instrumental piece of equipment that allows the two of us to accomplish as much as we do.
Biggest Challenge: Setting the Beams
The most challenging aspect of the barn was setting the two 40’ beams. The one in the back was lower, and went up more easily. It was easily in range to lift and support it with the bobcat.
The front beam ,however, was a real challenge. At one point we did loose the beam when our plan failed and it fell. Thankfully we were all in a safe place when it came down.
Plan B: Manually Placing the Beam
As usually, Philip, came up with a plan and as crazy as it sounded, it worked. Using the bobcat to set the beam on the support brackets on the center poles that we could reach. I used my assets, to pull down as hard as I could on my end of the beam, while Philip lifted his end of the beam onto the far support bracket.
It took all we had but between the two of us we got both beams secured and in place.
Barn Raising Part 1: Complete
Since Kowalski Mountain is built in workcations, this is as far as we could get this week. It wasn’t the only task we completed, just the biggest! Our next trip will take the barn to the next level. A permanent structure where we can keep equipment and supplies is a big step in the construction of the homestead.
Check out Part 2 of the Barn Raising
Click the link to jump to Barn Raising: Part 2 https://kowalskimountain.com/?p=996
About the Author: Barbra-Sue Kowalski grew up on a small hobby farm. She was always drawn to farm life, however, she was stuck in an urban life far from her roots. Barbra-Sue was a single mom for 13 years, raising her 3 children on her own. She met Philip in 2018 and they married in 2021. Between the two of them, they have 5 grown children and 5 grandchildren. These empty nesters are following their dreams! As they both turn 50, they are building their off-grid homestead to live the life that they dream about. Learn more about Philip and Barbra-Sue here. Contact them here. To leave a comment on this post, please scroll down.
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