This week, we discuss breaking ground on our first structure: a dugout. Like pioneer families of old, we are digging into a hill to create an insulated space. But digging isn’t as easy as it sounds… we are laden with boulders. Rich with rocks. And we’re talking, like, 500-pound chunks of granite here.

We also get real about our mental health and how it’s affected our property journey. Spoiler alert: we’re screwed up, and probably so are you, but we muddled ahead with our dreams anyway. Excelsior!

This week, we discuss breaking ground on our first structure: a dugout. Like pioneer families of old, we are digging into a hill to create an insulated space. But digging isn’t as easy as it sounds… we are laden with boulders. Rich with rocks. And we’re talking, like, 500-pound chunks of granite here.

We also get real about our mental health and how it’s affected our property journey. Spoiler alert: we’re screwed up, and probably so are you, but we muddled ahead with our dreams anyway. Excelsior!

WHAT WE BUILT:

Well, a hole is sort of something you anti-build. But we have begun digging a very large hole for an eventual dugout dwelling.

WHAT WE LEARNED:

The time is never “just right” to embark on a huge project. Be kind to yourself and don’t rush things, but don’t be afraid to take a big leap.

I know we said this last week too, but always always think like water.

Use gravity and leverage to your advantage when moving large objects (like, say, huge rocks). And consider using ratchet straps!

As always, don’t forget to check out photos of our progress on Instagram!