BaseCamp WNC

Welcome back to Base Camp WNC, where we're excited to present our latest project: a state-of-the-art rainwater catchment system featuring a first flush system. Join us as we guide you through the intricacies of this innovative setup, designed to collect rainwater, discard the initial runoff, and channel crystal-clear water into your home. Picture this: a 1,550-gallon tank, standing tall at 7 feet 4 inches in diameter, nestled in the perfect spot near your building. We've meticulously prepared the site, laying down fine gravel and using a tamper to create a flawlessly level surface. It's the ideal foundation for our tank, which will soon be the heart of your rainwater collection system. Now, let's talk about gutters. We're thrilled to introduce a new product that outshines our usual stainless steel Gutter Helmets. Imagine long, flat pieces of rigid screen, seamlessly joined to create a smooth, continuous surface. The screen, cleverly tucked into the edges, ...

Progress Update on Our Tiny House Build Welcome back to Base Camp WNC! In our latest update on the tiny house project, we've made significant progress. Since our last update, the plumbing installation is nearly complete. The interior now boasts new paneling, and Carl has been hard at work crafting the cabinets right on site. A designated space for the refrigerator and the stove has been set up, and the sink installation area is ready. In the bathroom, we've installed the drywall and are preparing to mount the fixtures and the toilet. Outside, the electrical infrastructure is coming along, with trenches dug and power lines installed over the past two weeks, connecting us to the main poles. Although wiring isn't fully complete, power has been established at the main box. Our water supply line from the well is in place, and we're finishing the remaining connections. This includes the water and drain lines, which are essential for winterizing the home. The septic ...

Got a new post on the Carolinahomesteadplanner.com site called Tiny house build update . Read the full post by heading on over here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wmp9EuLzfk

Welcome back to base camp! Today, we're discussing whether it's more feasible to develop a sustainable homestead or to foster a sustainable community. Up here in the mountains where I reside, our local practices offer a glimpse into effective community-based agriculture. For instance, a neighbor, who raises cattle, has been busy processing last year's herd. This fresh, unvaccinated, and purely raised beef is sold directly from our mountain at just under six dollars a pound. Our small community is a vibrant example of agricultural diversity. Along with beef, we have locals who raise goats, sheep, and even rabbits. A recent addition is a neighbor who bought a trout farm, aiming to supply both wholesale and retail markets with trout fillets. Almost all our meat needs are met locally, except for chicken. However, plans are underway for a USDA certified processing facility which could soon include poultry. Through my consulting work with homesteads, I've realized t...

Welcome back to Base Camp WNC! Today, we're exploring a robust solar energy solution for an off-grid well pump system, featuring a 6000-watt inverter as its core. This system cleverly integrates various power sources to ensure seamless operation, even during power outages. The inverter, though lacking a built-in solar charger, is a pivotal component in a setup designed to disconnect a 220-volt well pump from the grid. The configuration includes separate main panels for the house and guest cottage, as well as essential power supplies for critical loads, such as kitchen lights and the furnace. During a power loss, a generator automatically kicks in, powering all essential systems. However, the goal here is to minimize generator use by integrating solar power. This is achieved by connecting the well pump to the inverter, which then utilizes either grid power, generator output, or solar energy, depending on availability and priority settings. The inverter itself offers a du...

Welcome back to Base Camp WNC, where we are excited to share our latest project in the beautiful state of Tennessee. We are currently developing a remarkable site featuring 16 cabins, all nourished by the natural purity of spring water. This endeavor involves constructing a dam, meticulously designed to harness this pristine resource effectively. The heart of our project is the innovative Spring Water Dam, complemented by a homemade sediment tank. This setup is not only efficient but also one of the most user-friendly systems I have worked with recently. The process includes using heavy machinery to transport stones, enhancing the structural integrity of the dam, and preventing erosion with additional rock layers. Moreover, the homeowner has ingeniously created a spring box, utilizing simple yet effective materials, like a five-gallon container, to filter the water. The system delivers about a gallon of water per minute, gradually improving as it filters through the rocks. We...

Welcome back to Base Camp WNC. It has been some time since I've checked in due to personal and family commitments. As you can see, we are currently at the farm. Despite it being nearly mid-April, we've endured a long, cool, wet winter. Currently, the team is busy setting out watermelon plants. Let's take a stroll up the row where the crew is in the midst of harvesting strawberries. All the customers are located on the opposite side of the farm, while the field over here remains open. As we continue up the aisle, the team plans to plant four different types of watermelon, dedicating four beds to each variety. This morning was spent planting various tomato breeds, totaling eight varieties for the farm. Elsewhere, all the squash has been set out. The irrigation has been running for about four to five days to thoroughly moisten the soil, adhering to the old saying: "Sow dry, set wet." This means planting seeds when it's dry and transplanting when it...