Skiing at Deer Valley in Park City, UT was great, but while we were gone, the Sierras just 45 minutes from our home got 8 to 10 feet of fresh snow. We took advantage of it and did a little snowshoeing in nearby Bear Valley. Seldom do we see the trees so beautifully draped with fresh powder.
Unusually beautiful Winter weather in Nevada City, CA has allowed us to make fast progress on our new garage and shop. Siding, insulated doors, exterior paint and dry wall are finished. Interior paint and electrical will follow soon. Finishing this huge project will be critical to our departure on the Trans-Eurasian Odyssey and the Silk Road later this year.
Following the historical Hastings Cut-Off around Nevada’s Ruby Mountains led us on a beautiful two-track, part of the California Emigrant Trail while researching a story for Four Wheeler Magazine in September 2010.
Hastings Cut-Off Four Wheeler Magazine
Real progress. After years of planning and numerous problems with neighbors and the local Planning Commission to get the permits, our dream garage is taking shape. This is a necessary project leading to our departure for the Trans-Eurasian Odyssey and our adventure along the Silk Road. We will have safe storage for our worldly possessions for an expected three to five year journey.
A metal roof was the only way to go. Snow and pine needles will slide off like butter on a hot knife. High windows will let in light without being a security risk. 2X6 framing and super insulation will keep the temperature pretty constant year round.
A metal roof will allow snow and pine needles to slide off.
Winter is coming so we need to step up the construction. Real progress is being made with the arrival of the roof trusses. We hope our neighbors enjoy the new view.
Trusses. Now we are starting to see how big this shop and garage really are. Hope our neighbors like the view.
Most garages I have experienced didn’t have room to even fully open a car door inside. To see a dream shop and garage actually being created in our backyard could not help but bring smiles to our faces.
Permit's done. Walls up and roof soon to be built. Gary and our contractor are both full of smiles.
Having never built a house ourselves, designing and overseeing a 1,084 square foot garage and shop with a 14-foot ceiling to accommodate our expedition vehicles was a hands-on challenge. Both Monika and I worked closely with our contractor. It’s all about the details.
Having never built a house ourselves, our new garage is a hands-on project working closely with our contractor.
When we left for Siberia in 1996, we owned a house. Just a box. Easy to rent for a few years. Now, as we start final planning for the Trans-Eurasian Odyssey and the Silk Road, we have a “home”. Lots of stuff. Furniture. Treasures. We must have a secure place to story everything for at least three years. Framing is going well.
Walls are up. Starting to look like a real garage, big enough for real trucks and cars.
Planning ahead for a small fruit tree orchard, we had two trucks of topsoil brought in and dumped over the edge before framing started. Otherwise it would have been one wheel barrel at a time.
Planning ahead for a small fruit tree orchards behind the garage we had a couple of trucks of top soil brought in before framing started.
