Throughout my life I have only hoped to have a cabin on or near some primo fishing and hunting. Over the course of the last few years, my dad purchased two lots of land, equaling nearly ten acres, along the Conejos River with hopes of constructing a hunting/fishing headquarters for the family. Last spring we had the well drilled, road constructed and archway built while toying with the idea of cabins, meanwhile I did not think it would be a reality for some time.
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| Drill rig after installing the well - December 2010 |
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| End of the road at the end of the property... Future site of the cabin |
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| Wapeti Archway courtesy of Jimmy Duran |
Right after I got back to Eagle from PA this past spring, my dad calls and informs me he set up a meeting with an Amish cabin builder named Ivan Miller. I was shocked that my dad was going forward with it so quickly, but was very excited none the less. In a little over a couple weeks, we had a contract signed and blueprints drawn.
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| Finding the right logs |
Construction began at Ivan's home by constructing the first floor of the cabin, Lincoln Log style. While this was taking place, my dad and some close friends in Mogote chose the location for the cabin on one of the lots. Once the foundation was set and the pieces of the first floor were labeled, they were packed up and moved to the property in late July.
As my season continued to keep me wrapped up in Eagle, my pops took care of overseeing the construction. Since the cabin and property are in my sister's and my name, I had to make sure to stay up to date with deadlines for permits and contractors for all aspects of the final product. By the end of September, I was the point person for the electrician, plumber, stone worker and cabin builder. I was excited to get down to the property in early October to be there and help out first hand as the "final touches" were being made.
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| Dad and Gabe checking out the progress |
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| Before there were walls |
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| Looking out to the river!!! |
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| In one bedroom, looking to the other room, bathroom and loft |
This is when all of the chaos with my dad's health took place, so I found myself trying to stay informed with the construction while I was with family down in Santa Fe and Albuquerque. During my dad's last couple of weeks, he stressed how important this project was to him and insisted that I take the reigns to ensure all of the work completed exceeded all expectations.
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| Spray-Foam insulation - Going to stay ROASTY in the winter! |
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| La Estufita de la Casa - Source of the heat |
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| Seeing the tongue-n-groove come together |
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| Some of the first snow, cabin is nearly fully sealed up! |
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| Beginnings of the kitchen counter |
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| View of upstairs from loft |
Soon after my dad's passing, I found that I would be the busiest I had been yet, making sure all of the t's were crossed and i's dotted with the final touches. The biggest pain has been dealing with Xcel Energy who dragged their feet with setting up power on the property. Basically a month and a half behind, we should have power on the property by this weekend.
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| Floors are in! Progress early December |
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| Kass and I moved some furniture in. One step closer to it being completed! |
With a couple more weeks before we plan to head up for the first official fiesta, I hope everything goes smoothly and all inspections are passed.
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| Loft view from bedroom |
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| Finished product for stairway |
I am excited to see the finished product very soon. I look forward to having this amazing cabin to use as a home base for many more hunting and fishing adventures. Thank you dad, for making your dream come true and in turn, helping your family share the love you had with the great outdoors.
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