April 2000

Our high priority project was to plant the christmas tree. Since we have no water, yet, I rigged up a 55 gallon drum with a battery operated timer/valve and a small hose.

	Deb wanted cabinets in the bedroom.
I wanted to build another counter to put the big, orange water jug on. I made a lower shelf for the jug and put a towel rack on the side.

We noticed new tracks going to the top of the knoll. While we don't want to hog the view from the knoll, we also don't want people tearing up the place with their vehicles. We built a small parking area by the road and planted a "No Vehicles" sign, hoping people will get the hint.

We met our neighbors, Troy and Gina Hines. They own A to Z Tanks. Turns out they're from Black Canyon City and they know the Gouldings. After checking them out with Sherri, we hired them to set up our water tank and pump house.

The ranchers occasionally would burn and chain the trees to make room for the grasses that feed the cattle. This is why the land looks barren right now. Give it a few years and we'll have a forest! We bought a chain saw to cut the dead wood laying everywhere. It took us about an hour to cut and gather this pile of wood.

On our way out, we noticed a new sign. What's interesting is that the mileage to Dragon's Nest is a little over 7 miles. Perhaps we'll meet these neighbors next time!

The Pump House