Can This Woman Operate Heavy Equipment?
We are a retired couple attempting to transform a forested island into a livable homestead. Sometimes so-doing involves the unconventional. So… do you think that a retired woman can or even should operate heavy equipment? Let’s see if she can – this isn’t exactly in her wheelhouse but she gives it a go… Check it out!
Table of Contents
- Saskatoons on Fresh Wilderness Pancakes
- Moving a Shed the Easy Way
- A Dead Tree is Taken Down
- Goodbye Island
- A Look at How We’ve Been Living
- Overcompensating a Little, Perhaps?
- A Change of Plans…
- Melodi the Heavy Equipment Operator!
Saskatoons on Fresh Wilderness Pancakes
We began our day picking Saskatoons to enjoy with pancakes for breakfast. It was a bittersweet moment, as it was our last day with family. These little berries are a delight, and we couldn’t wait to top our pancakes with them. Mornings like this are what we live for, and sharing them with loved ones makes it even more special.
Moving a Shed the Easy Way
Next up was moving a shed we had been working on. This wasn’t just any shed; it was designed for storage beside our tiny cabin. Watching Melodi take charge was impressive. She has an innate ability to see where help is needed, and her instincts shine through in tasks like these.
A Dead Tree is Taken Down
We also had to tackle the less glamorous side of wilderness living: taking down a dead tree. It’s essential to keep our living space safe, and Melodi stepped right up to the task. Even in moments where it feels like a the job might be too big or stressful, her commitment to our pioneer lifestyle is unwavering.
Goodbye Island
As our family prepared to depart from the island, we reflected on the incredible experiences we all shared together. Our time here has been filled with joy. It’s hard to say goodbye to our visiting family members. The memories we made are priceless, and we are grateful for every moment spent together in our remote off grid haven.
A Look at How We’ve Been Living
Living in our tiny home has its challenges. At present, we’re making use of a seven-by-seven shed as our washroom. Life may be small, but it’s cozy and fulfilling. We’re making the best of our situation, and every day brings new adventures.
Overcompensating a Little, Perhaps?
As we were discussing our cabin build, we realized that our original plans didn’t fully take advantage of the breathtaking view. So, we decided to swap out our original windows for larger ones. Um… so do you think these might be too big? Anyways, it’s all part of the process, and we can repurpose the smaller windows for future projects. We’ve learned to embrace the flexibility required in this lifestyle, and it’s exciting to see how our ideas come together.
A Change of Plans…
Our plans continued to evolve as we realized we needed to make some adjustments to our off grid cabin build.
Melodi the Heavy Equipment Operator!
Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for: Melodi stepping into the role of heavy equipment operator! Watching her operate the excavator was nothing short of inspiring. With determination and skill, she maneuvered through the tasks, proving that anyone can learn to handle heavy machinery. It’s a testament to her capability as a woman excavator operator.
A Capable Operator in No Time!
In no time at all, Melodi felt comfortable at the controls, and soon rigged up a strap so that she could relocate our wood chipper. Unreal…
As we continue to build our off grid homestead, we invite you to join us on this incredible adventure. Check out our Instagram for more updates and behind-the-scenes content. You can also see our favorite products on our Favorite Things page.