Outdoor Resolutions for 2010

In no particular order:



1) Finish the treehouse



The kids have been incredibly patient with a project that should have been wrapped up by now, and time's a wastin'. The platform has been put up, the deck secured, and it's been weather/season tested with no apparent flaws or failures. The next step is to build sides and a roof structure, along with some sort of climbing pegs or steps. Two thoughts for the remaining construction: Lightweight but sturdy walls of plywood and 2x2 framing, and clear corrugated roof panels.

2) Trails, this side of the creek

Tools: Rake, axe, lopping shears. Ten feet at a time, or fifty, but progress is needed. The most challenging part is figuring out the best path to take around our pools and ravines that run parallel to the creek.

3) A temporary bridge

There's no way I'll have time, energy or money to make the dream bridge this year, but coming up with a sturdy and reliable way to get across the creek shouldn't be that far out of reach. Right now, crossing the creek means heading down and up the banks on either side, and there's really only one or two good places to do that. Some simple bridge options are here, here and here.

4) Camp overnight in the back woods.

It's good practice for "hike in" camping that will be coming with our transition to Boy Scouts. Getting a tent, groundcloth, sleeping bags and air mattresses up the hill in the back would be good experience, and clearing a site and fire circle would be a nice way to start making some progress at the flat ground at the back side of the woods.

(to be continued)