BaseCamp WNC

Restoring a Classic: The Journey of Reviving an Old Woods Backhoe Welcome to Base Camp WNC! Today, we're excited to delve into an incredible restoration journey. Not long ago, we stumbled upon an old gem: a Woods three-point hitch backhoe that had seen better days. This relic, previously owned by a friend's uncle, lay abandoned in a field for two long decades, waiting for a fresh lease on life. Though we hadn't initially planned to document this project, we've collected a series of photographs and a few videos to share our progress. Discovering the Backhoe When we first came across this backhoe, it was evident that time and neglect had taken their toll. The bucket and stick photos probably highlight its condition best. Though rusty and worn, we saw potential in this forgotten machine. The initial inspection showed missing hoses — we replaced a whopping 22 of them! And while the task was challenging, it was also deeply rewarding. As we stripped the backhoe d...

Solar Shack on a Shoestring: Innovations in Homestead Power While most people may see an old 275-gallon water tote and dismiss it as trash, for some, it represents an opportunity to innovate. At Carolina Homestead Planners , we recently embarked on an exciting venture to transform such a tote into the most cost-effective solar shack ever devised. The water tote in question was initially food-grade, but having been used for other purposes, it was unsuitable for storing water. Instead, the team decided to retrofit it with solar equipment, making it an efficient temporary power source. On the exterior, we installed an RV outlet, with plans to add a box for generator input once the client's generator is determined. Opening the tote reveals a tech haven: a magnum sine inverter accompanied by eight impressive 420 amp-hour 6-volt batteries. Four of these batteries are arranged in series, and the other four in parallel, culminating in a 24-volt, 4000-watt split phase 220 inverte...

Mastering the Art of DIY Spring Heads: The Tale of Mr. Robert's Spring in Pennsylvania Welcome to Base Camp WNC! If you're intrigued by owner-built spring heads, you're in the right place. Today, we're diving into a unique project headed by Mr. Robert from Pennsylvania. We aim to inspire budding DIY enthusiasts by showcasing a variety of approaches to these builds. Mr. Robert chanced upon a natural spring in his area and embarked on the journey to harness its potential. To capture the water flow efficiently, he initially attempted to channel it through a pipe. This would not only measure the water output but also prevent the area from becoming too soggy. A special shout-out goes to Lucas, his neighbor, who lent a hand (and a shovel) to dig a trench ensuring the water had a streamlined flow path. Employing some creative techniques, Mr. Robert repurposed a blue barrel. He converted it into a strip and drilled 1.25-inch holes using a hole saw. Through these, a w...

Revitalizing Spring Water: Innovations in North Carolina's Base Camp Nestled in the serene landscapes of western North Carolina lies an intriguing water project. At this base camp, our focus is on spring water, but with a twist that sets it apart from the norm. Upon arriving, you'd first encounter the water collection setup located up the slope. It uses a spring box where water flows seamlessly, and on certain days, you can observe the overflow when the flow is shut off. Underground is a fascinating element – a thousand-gallon tank. This tank is a response to the challenges of the region's low-producing well, which often struggles to meet household water demands during the summer months. Therefore, it is complemented by the spring water. However, this spring presents its unique challenges. The water carries with it a significant amount of suspended material, hinting that its source is more earth than rock. Over time, the accumulated debris and dirt mean that the ...

Installing a UV Water Purification Light: Step by Step Guide Welcome back to Base Camp WNC. Today, we embark on an informative journey on how to seamlessly install UV lights in your existing water systems. UV lights are essential for purifying water, ensuring that it is free from harmful microorganisms. Getting Started with the UV Light System The UV light system we're focusing on today is a 55-watt, 110-volt unit, designed specifically for the United States. It comes equipped with two holes at each end, accommodating water fittings. Versatility is key with this design; it can be mounted horizontally, vertically, or at any desired angle. The kit includes a slender glass tube, reminiscent of an elongated test tube. When assembling, slide this tube into the provided ring until it slightly protrudes from the other end. Ensure the ring's pyramid-shaped fixture is correctly aligned to secure the tube. This is a delicate procedure, and I have some tips to prevent the glass...

Revitalizing an Age-Old Spring: Exploring a Hidden Gem   Located in the idyllic northwestern corner of North Carolina, our base camp was recently abuzz with a captivating project that aimed to breathe new life into a long-forgotten spring. Amidst the serene surroundings, we embarked on a mission to uncover the hidden secrets of this natural wonder and transform it from a forgotten relic into a valuable water source. Join us as we take you on an enthralling journey from discovery to execution.   Unveiling the Enigmatic Spring As we delved deeper into the story of this remarkable spring, we stumbled upon an intriguing piece of history. In bygone eras, an old homestead benefitted from the nourishment provided by this very spring. Curiosity piqued, we inspected the site and discovered a peculiar sight – a brick wall, strategically constructed against a rugged backdrop, in an attempt to harness the water's flow. However, it became apparent that this barricade was no mat...

Tapping Into Spring Water in Western North Carolina Welcome back to Base Camp WNC! Today we're embarking on a mission in Western North Carolina aimed at locating and harnessing an abundant spring water source. As we hike up the hill, our hope is that we will find its origin point. The landowner has informed us that they have been able to collect around one gallon and three quarters of water per minute - which represents quite significant yields indeed! Let's get started... To tap into the spring we used a digging bar to create an opening that was deep enough for us insert plastic walls. This proved challenging due to our proximity near rocky terrain which required extra precautions such as reinforcing it with hydraulic cement and adding bentonite inside too! Finally after all these efforts were made we placed little bleaching pipes directly at its source allowing clear water flow from now onwards. We are taking the necessary steps to secure our spring head by placing...