BaseCamp WNC

Got a new post on the Carolinahomesteadplanner.com site called First snow prepping for the cold weather . Read the full post by heading on over here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNCQj1F73Ws

Welcome to Base Camp WNC, where today we embark on an exciting restoration adventure! We're tackling a spring house that dates back over half a century, and as it stands now, it's seen better days. The structure suffers from a collapsed roof, missing screens, and weather-damaged cement blocks. Our restoration journey begins with dismantling the deteriorated parts. Interestingly, the original iron piping was replaced by PVC, which now serves as the primary water outlet. Our first goal is to clear away the surrounding rocks to uncover the true water source. We’ll construct a dam wall to regulate the flow of the spring. As we cleared the site, we unearthed multiple spring heads. To combat potential contamination from surface runoff and insects, we layered bentonite clay and soil to fortify the base. We’ve also introduced a protective layer of fabric for durability and a plastic cover for additional safeguarding against the elements. Depending on stability, we may add more...

Welcome back to Base Camp WNC! In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into common well water system issues, spotlighting how a seemingly minor oversight can disrupt your entire water supply. We’re on-site at a client’s property, where a recently installed well and brand-new bladder tank should have solved their water woes. Instead, we’ve uncovered that a critical, yet inexpensive component—the pressure switch—was overlooked. The backstory is crucial here: the property’s old well pump had been running faithfully for two decades. When it finally required replacement, the homeowners didn’t hesitate to invest a hefty sum—close to $5,000—into a new pump and tank. Yet, a simple $40 pressure switch, which had succumbed to wear and tear, was missed, leading to the current predicament. Today’s guide is not just about troubleshooting but also ensuring you have water during power outages. We’re setting up a generator-powered system, crucial for sustaining water supply for livestock and ...

Welcome back to Base Camp WNC! Join me on an unexpected adventure as we breathe new life into an old Woods three-point hitch backhoe. This piece of machinery, bought by a friend’s uncle, had been forgotten in a field for two decades. Initially, I hadn't planned on documenting this rebuild, but as the project unfolded, I captured the transformation mainly through photographs, with a few videos to share later. The Restoration Begins Here’s what we started with: a backhoe that clearly showed signs of neglect, sitting idle with all its hoses missing. In total, we replaced about 22 hoses, each meticulously chosen to fit and function better than before. The initial clean-up involved wire-brushing to remove years of grime, preparing it for the heavy lifting—literally and figuratively—involved in its rebuild. Detailed Breakdown: Disassembly and Diagnosis Our project required us to strip down the backhoe to its core components: the boom, the stick, and the outriggers were all r...

Welcome to Base Camp WNC, where DIY projects come to life with a sprinkle of history and heaps of practicality. In today’s tutorial, we'll walk you through creating a charming vintage wash stand, complete with wash tubs and a hand wringer—an essential for any home seeking that rustic touch or practical off-grid functionality.  If you are building a homesteading lifestyle , we offer some great tips and resources. Getting Started: The Materials Our project began with the purchase of wash tubs from Home Depot, easily found online for convenience. As for the hand wringer, it was sourced from Amazon. You’ll also need a set of tools, including a saw, drill, and a planer, and some hardware like screws and C clamps. The highlight of our materials list is the repurposed Redwood, salvaged from a deck built in the '60s, giving this project not only a sturdy base but also a story to tell. Step 1: Design and Prep Work Before cutting any wood, decide on the dimensions. Our stand ...

Welcome back to Base Camp WNC! It’s been a bit since our last update, as life’s responsibilities often grow with age. Today, we're revisiting a project from last summer when I tackled building a deck on this cabin. Despite the current chilly 19° weather, memories of that sweltering build still linger. It’s been a few months—two or three since my last post—but let’s dive back into the details of that project. For this build, we opted for hog panel railings to ensure an unobstructed view while seated. We're even considering adding Mountain Laurel accents to the steps for a natural touch. Today’s focus, however, is on replacing the homemade double barn doors with a standard 36-inch house entrance door to expand the kitchen area slightly and improve insulation against pests. I’ve already removed the barn doors and started framing the opening for the new door, which will feature glass panels and better align with the existing siding for a seamless appearance. Installation...

Welcome back to Base Camp WNC! Today, we're diving into the essentials of irrigation for properties designed for rotational grazing. We'll explore the specifics of using irrigation connections and demonstrate their operation. Situated at the pit's base, our setup includes a pivotal connection point for instant water access, allowing flexible movement of your water trough as needed. Join us as we walk you through the construction process and provide a detailed look at how compression fittings clamp onto a 1-inch heavy-duty water pipe. You’ll also get a tour of the pasture layout and learn why we prefer sturdy wire fencing over net fencing, despite its popularity and sponsorship endorsements. The property’s owner uses four-strand wire fencing, with plans to upgrade to five, reinforcing the principle that "Good fences make good neighbors." As we proceed with the build, I'll show you the workings of a gravity flow system fueled by a water tank positioned...