Why we Built a Shelter in the Woods
Follow along as we build a shelter in the woods. We chose a shelter kit for our homestead that should be perfect for protecting our gear and creating outdoor storage space. It can even serve as a temporary shelter for Pepper, our Kubota track loader. Do you think was a wise investment? Read on…
Table of Contents
- Batteries and Solar Panels!
- If a tree falls in the forest…
- Why we need a temporary shelter
- All geared up!
- Some of the things we will store inside
- Pepper fits inside!
Batteries and Solar Panels!
We started by offloading the batteries for the solar panels. These batteries, rated at 100 amp hours at 51.2 volts, provide a robust energy storage solution. With 12 batteries, we have 60 kilowatts of storage, which is sufficient for our current needs. This setup gives us peace of mind, ensuring that we have backup power even in case of an extended solar eclipse!
If a tree falls in the forest…
While preparing the site, we encountered a fallen tree that posed a potential risk to our cabin. Fortunately, it fell away from the structure. However, we know that removing one tree often leads to more falling, so we need to be cautious and attentive to the surrounding area.
Why we need a temporary shelter in the woods
We have a lot of unprotected items that need shelter from the rain. To keep our gear safe, we decided to erect a temporary shelter i the woods. This shelter will also protect our skids, which are currently exposed to the elements. We found a suitable temporary shelter kit that was on sale, making it a practical investment for our needs.
All geared up!
The smoke didn’t seem to bother the mosquitos, but BOTH the smoke and mosquitso bothered Melodi! As we put together the inner frame of this shelter in the woods, we felt excited about the project. The assembly was straightforward, reminiscent of a Meccano set with various bolts and parts. Despite the challenges of discerning which parts to use, we were eager to see the finished product.
Some of the things we will store inside our Shelter
Once the shelter was up, we discussed what items we could store inside. It was spacious enough to keep essential tools and equipment out of the rain. This temporary shelter is not only a storage solution but also a versatile space that could eventually be transformed into something more permanent. Question: Do you think this shelter is robust enough to handle a winter in Northern Canada? Fast forward a year to see what happens after a winter takes it toll on this shelter.
Pepper fits inside!
Finally, we tested whether our Kubota, affectionately named Pepper, could fit inside this new shelter in the woods. It was a tight squeeze, but it worked! We were thrilled that Pepper could stay protected from the elements, which would help prolong its lifespan as we continue our off-grid adventures.
By all accounts, this project has been a success. We offloaded our materials safely, cleaned up our camp, and built a shelter in the woods that will serve us well until we can construct a more permanent structure. We are excited about the progress we’ve made and the many adventures that lie ahead in our off-grid lifestyle. As you will see if you follow us, there will be many learning opportunities to be had going forward, and we welcome each opportunity to do so.
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