Here we go... it's my 14th year on the mountain, and the inbetween season is upon us once again. Too much mud for the snow machine, and too much snow for the 4 wheeler. The difference this year, is that we have a whole lot of stuff to move up and down the hill. And it's not only feed going up, and milk going down... but there's the water issue to contend with. If I don't do wash, I still need almost 50 gallons a day. Yesterday I hauled 150 gallons before the ground thawed too much to navigate.
Our pump has kicked the bucket, and that means I can't pump water up even if the hose and pond are thawed. Something deep inside is leaking, so I now I have to go shopping to make life manageable for the short term. And methinks that longterm, we're going to have to drill a well. AND the 4 wheeler is kind of limping along, and we need to start looking for a replacement- so it can move on in life as a backup vehicle.
Ugh. Lots of things to figure out and lots of money that has to be spent even though we can't afford it right now. At least Ben picked up some last minute spring bear hunters, so that helps a little bit. He's been out flying the last few days, getting ready for these guys, hoping the snow on our airstrip lasts long enough for him to get out. It looks like it should, and that at least is good. Maybe next year we can get some hydraulic wheel skis.
Yep, spring is here. I've seen tiny green shoots of grass and yesterday I saw a robin. There was even a pair of swans down at 70 mile. The rhubarb should be up anytime! I've been mucking out barns and building compost piles. There's lots of fun to be had these days, and lots of work. Wanna come give a hand?