CAMP CAN-AQUA

Yesterday we drove over to Camp Can-Aqua which is about 20 minutes from here. 

It's a summer camp for kids started back in the 60s but somewhere along the line they got into maple syrup production. 

Today they have over 30 km (18 miles) of tap lines running through the bush and tap over 3,000 trees.  They also sell maple syrup equipment and that was why were were there.

Unfortunately we couldn't find anyone around so will go back next week after we phone and make an appointment.

Five to six weeks from now the sap should be running and we should be boiling. I'll keep you posted as we get ourselves organized.

The picture in the top header ............. that's the way they go shopping in Cardiff. Snowmobiles are the way to get around up here this winter.

Thanks for stopping by and safe travels everyone.

BIRTHDAY MONTH

February is birthday month; Rob, Sherri, Casey and Mary have all celebrated birthdays so far this month along with friends and extended family.

Mary's birthday yesterday was low key. She was fighting her allergies and didn't feel much like celebrating. A quiet house, a good book and the couch bathed in sunlight were all she wanted. 

Rest, lots of fluids and vegetarian meals are her way of dealing with such nasty bouts.

Staying warm by the fire also helps.

Hope everyone reading this is healthy and if it's your birthday this month, Happy Birthday!

Safe travels and thanks for stopping by.

EAMES CHAIR REPAIR

Several years ago Sherri was able to get us two Eames chair which we love and use every day. Between moves and use, the bracket at the back became loose and didn't provide the support needed. Reluctant to pull the fabric off to gain access to the problem area we simply made do.

Today with another storm rolling through I thought it a good time to tackle the problem.

First we placed the chair at a comfortable work height.

Removed the seat cushion which was very simple and then had easy access to the bracket.

Mark the new location and drill the holes.

Use bolts rather than screws to give us a solid attachment. We will paint the bolts to help them blend into the back.

Now the chair is solid and good as new and the total cost came to $3.50 for two chairs. Not bad considering the times.

Thanks for stopping by.

SOLAR DEPOT

We have a problem................. No power.

Lots of sun on the solar panels but no power to our batteries. What could be the problem? I checked the monitor and it showed no power going in and 4.4 amps going out. This shouldn't be happening on a sunny day.

Fortunately our supplier Mike is close by and one phone call and he had the problem solved.

The inverter has two breaker switches on the side and for some unknown reason the breaker controlling the flow of power from the panels to the batteries had tripped. Once we turned it back on the energy flowed as expected and our batteries were back to being charged.

Great to have Mike so close and so helpful. If you are considering installing solar and you live in the Bancroft area give Mike at Solar Depot a call. He knows this stuff and is glad to answer your questions.

OUR ROAD

Ontario seems to be the target for snow this winter and we have been enjoying every storm that comes our way.

We cleared a lot of trees this weekend and now our garden will be getting so much more sunlight this summer. Yes summer will return.

Our panels stand alone against the sky no longer in danger of trees falling and striking them.

We live on a cottage road which means the municipality is not responsible to maintain it. In the winter we get it plowed when necessary and the logging firm that works behind us also makes sure it is passable for their trucks. So far we haven't been stuck or stranded as we thought we might living up north and back in the bush. Everyone keeps an eye on each other and makes sure neighbours are not forgotten. They don't intrude but when there's a need they are there to help.

Paul and Steve have been great looking after us when my bobcat is out of commission. 

Life in the north might be cold but it is so good.

Safe travels everyone and thanks for stopping by.

NO TROUBLE SLEEPING

After climbing up and down the hill through snow up to our knees I had no trouble sleeping last night. I didn't do 1/10 of the work the guys did and I was exhausted.

Nathan stepping back as another tree goes down.

Can you see the log being tossed? (click picture for a larger view)

The trees were bucked and then everything was stacked so we can haul it out in the spring.

 Gerry and the boys were able to remove the trees without damaging the solar panels. Now if we have a bad windstorm our panels should be safe from falling trees. It's difficult to see but the trees in this picture are well back from our panels.

Lots done yesterday and just the snow to clear from our driveway today. Otherwise it will be a day of rest.

Thanks guys for all your help.

THE SOUND OF CHAINSAWS

Can you hear them? We have the Libby crew here this morning cutting trees and moving brush.

With Matt, Nathan and Gerry working and everyone using a chainsaw it's noisy but productive. 

This will open up the garden area giving it more sunlight and giving us some excellent firewood for next year or the year after.

Thanks guys for an excellent Saturday.