A metal roof was the only way to go. Snow and pine needles will slide off like butter on a hot knife. High windows will let in light without being a security risk. 2X6 framing and super insulation will keep the temperature pretty constant year round.

Winter is coming so we need to step up the construction. Real progress is being made with the arrival of the roof trusses. We hope our neighbors enjoy the new view.

Most garages I have experienced didn’t have room to even fully open a car door inside. To see a dream shop and garage actually being created in our backyard could not help but bring smiles to our faces.

Having never built a house ourselves, designing and overseeing a 1,084 square foot garage and shop with a 14-foot ceiling to accommodate our expedition vehicles was a hands-on challenge. Both Monika and I worked closely with our contractor. It’s all about the details.

When we left for Siberia in 1996, we owned a house. Just a box. Easy to rent for a few years. Now, as we start final planning for the Trans-Eurasian Odyssey and the Silk Road, we have a “home”. Lots of stuff. Furniture. Treasures. We must have a secure place to story everything for at […]

Planning ahead for a small fruit tree orchard, we had two trucks of topsoil brought in and dumped over the edge before framing started. Otherwise it would have been one wheel barrel at a time.

Taking advantage of a long Summer in Nevada City, (elevation 2,700 ft in the California Gold Country), power, water, phone, and sewer trenches have been excavated and utilities are in.

Phase One in our final preparation will be to complete a new garage/shop/storage area to store our household goods. The slab has been poured, and our path is set. Stay tuned to the Turtle Blogs for regular updates, both personal and technical.