Week Zero

We're in final preps for departure this week. Most of our stuff has been packed, donated, discarded, sold or shipped. There will be plenty to do in the next five days, but the big jobs on the to-do list are complete. There isn't much left to do except Suzy has one more trip to FL and I have 4 more work days to go. We've selected a route that avoids any travel on 526, 26, 95, New Jersey and the entire megalopolis between Richmond and NYC.

The movers arrive in four days, then we 'camp out' at the townhouse overnight on Thursday. The carpet cleaners arrive on Friday and all we have to do is tidy up after them, then we're go for departure. We should leave here at midday then begin our 20 hour drive to our new home at Woodman's Lee.

We've discussed our first week up there at length, to the point where Suzy has heard enough about the need for additional firewood. I guess I say that a lot! Anyway, our primary goal is to arrive safe and sound, and by driving two vehicles we double our risk of an accident enroute. The most hazardous part of our lives, by far, is driving. We can mitigate that risk by prudently taking rest breaks and limiting our driving to around eight hours.

Our next objective is to access the cabin and assess its condition. On every visit thus far, it's exactly as we left it, but we can't simply assume that'll be the case. On our last trip in November we were able to ascend the driveway on our first try but we can't assume that, either. We may have beaver dams obstructing the driveway, but if that's clear drifting snow or downed trees can block the driveway. We can park down the road and hike in but we do have a lot of stuff to carry in.

Once we open up and clean the place - my Chemistry of Nutrition class is turning me into a germophobe - we'll establish the usual water access and gather water. The Jøtul will be fired up to drive out the cold - it's currently 11F (above zero!) but Sunday, our arrival day, should be in the low 30's. With a chance of snow, by the way.

Then we'll continue with stowage and straightening out. I'll string up the clothesline, cook, clean up and get ready for Monday. That's the first day that the movers can arrive at our storage facility in Plattsburgh. We also have to go to the Upper Jay post office and activate our PO box. As soon as we get that we'll order our wringer from Lehmans. We may also shop for a mailbox and a post, but I think the ground is too frozen to dig a hole.

Suzy will begin planting the seeds into the starter boxes and we'll lay out the garden. Once our stuff is secured at the storage facility we'll begin constructing the raised beds. I also want to meet the neighbors and Suzy has to arrange for horse housing - and get some ideas for the barn.

I think routines are important so typically I'll get up early, shower (that takes a while, water has to be heated), eat breakfast (invariably steel cut oatmeal - but I may actually eat an egg if we can find a fresh, local and ethical source). The hills are good exercise so I'll take my morning walk. If it's a weekday then I'll get online and check the premarket - matching wits with investors around the world is the antithesis of simple living so there's my exception.

After the opening bell, around 10am, it's time to do the chores. One day will be cutting wood and maintaining trails. One day will be devoted to fixing up the cabin - windows, for instance. One day for driveway work. Maybe one day for building a structure, perhaps a garden shed. I haven't assigned other days.

I also want to engage the community. We've identified many fun things to do, lectures, a movie in town, plays and other performances. I hope to join the volunteer fire department and I've contacted the federal prison in Ray Brook (yup, the former olympic village) to inquire about volunteer tutoring opportunities.

That sounds ambitious but we'll have lots of free time. I won't get into the North Korean labor camp mode, whereby I labor every day under miserable conditions, I think I know how to pace myself.