Country Living – Rough Canyon Ranch

Panic working and Panic buying

The fire put me in a panic. Upon returning home, I knew we weren’t out of danger. The alert was still on. I was on a mission to reduce the fire risk. We had brush fuel everywhere and my water canons were not set up. The first thing on my mind was to clear theContinue reading “Panic working and Panic buying”

Hoary Alyssum

Hoary Alyssum has been the bane of Alli’s existence as it is an invasion, prolific plant that is poisonous to horses. We had imagined a large property where we can freely, and inexpensively graze our horses. This was not the case. The poison weeds kept the horses in their paddock and left us hand weedingContinue reading “Hoary Alyssum”

Another Birthday

Right after Father’s Day was my birthday; those years are passing quickly. As time ticks by it feels I should hurry up and work and get it done before there is no time left. This has been good year for rain. It has been wet and despite sowing seeds late, many of them are thriving.Continue reading “Another Birthday”

Father’s Day

The day was fast approaching and I knew the girls wanted to celebrate me, to have me relax. But there is still so much on the to do list. The way I was raised, being a good father was to work, work and work; to make sure all the bills are paid, food is onContinue reading “Father’s Day”

Coldwater Endurance Ride

Here is another crazy weekend where anxiety sets along with other mixed emotions set in. The girls have scheduled an endurance ride in Coldwater near Merritt. How did another trip pop up before I had any chance of catching up on my work. I did not do any renovation work since the last trip andContinue reading “Coldwater Endurance Ride”

Permaculture Credits

After 5 months of lectures on zoom and countless hours of analysis and pondering, Verge Permaculture Design Course has helped me develop a vision for our ranch. The last four years have been like jumping off a cornice on a ski hill into heavily treed terrain on steep grade. The only direction I knew IContinue reading “Permaculture Credits”

Gas or Electric

With visitors expected to arrive today, it is important to regain our access. The rain has descended sufficiently to thaw the ice on our driveway enough for me to scrap away the bulk of it. There are still patches I hope vehicles can overcome with sufficient momentum. The big challenge of the day is toContinue reading “Gas or Electric”

Ice Storm

Fires, floods, avalanches, landslides and now ice storms. There seems to be no end to the weather conditions we need to prepare for. I had expected the warmer weather and rain so I tried my best to clear the snow as soon as the last fall had stopped. I was primarily concern about the messContinue reading “Ice Storm”

Lighting a wood stove.

Heating your home with wood is no simple task. It is best to prepare a couple years ahead and be vigilant several times a day to maintain comfortable temperatures. With storage recommendations for the primary wood stock to be away from the the house, wood need to be brought to the house every several days.Continue reading “Lighting a wood stove.”

Snow Clearing

For the past three weeks I feel I have spent most my days splitting wood, running water to the animals or clearing snow; mostly clearing snow. On a heavy snow fall day, 12 inches or more, I can easily spend 5-6 hours clearing snow. We are just off the highway so there is no needContinue reading “Snow Clearing”