BaseCamp WNC

Well, welcome back to Base Camp WNC. It's been a while. I've got hours of footage on my phone that I need to download while I'm supposed to be resting. So, over the next week or so, I'll be trying to get a bunch of videos out to give the gang something to look at and comment on, and give the haters something to pick apart. We’re working on a project where we’re pumping spring water up a hill with quite a bit of flow. This guy's setting up an Airbnb and a bunch of glamping campsites.  I do homestead consulting , so this project was right up my alley. In this piece of pipe is a three-horsepower pump doing about 38 gallons a minute, and he's got some hills to pump it up. I’m going to take you along for the build. We’re starting with the pump, and I’m going to show you everything: the pump itself, all the check valves, and the fittings. The purpose of installing this pump is to draw water through one end, cool the motor as it passes, and then go into the in...

Got a new post on the Carolinahomesteadplanner.com site called Assembling a pressure tank for a deep well pump in a spring water system . Read the full post by heading on over here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8EuuixaqGw

Got a new post on the Carolinahomesteadplanner.com site called Mounting a deep well pump in a spring water storage tank . Read the full post by heading on over here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3HlTBkI-1w

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...