It would be easy to show a handful “before” and “after” pictures like they do on the home renovation shows…, but I think it makes it look like some magic happens and poof – the transformation is complete. Well, we now know that’s misleading at best. It takes work and lots of it from many helpers to complete such a project. So, with that in mind here are some “work” and “after” pictures as we readied our second West Glacier cabin for our future guests.
Our vision for the “big cabin” included opening up the yard, especially the front, so that the wood siding, logs and stonework could be appreciated from the road. This involved the removal of fencing, a greenhouse and many other personalized structures. After doing the demolition ourselves, we hired a crew of three with an 18-foot dump trailer to haul the debris. We did not have the energy to move it all a second time!
We also needed to prune the vast forest and gardens that were in the yards. 
This activity produced a mountain of branches that we convinced our tree guy to chip for us. He filled his 8-foot truck beds 9 feet high three times with the chips!
Speaking of trees, after much anguish we elected to remove an enormous birch tree that was overhanging the front of the house. It was beautiful, but not only did it hide the front of the house, it was threatening to crush it in a good wind storm. That involved a Genie lift and some serious chain sawing and roping skills that were beyond our ability. And, since we were removing that tree, it made sense to thin the cedar trees that were strangling another birch tree and blocking any chance of the sunshine getting to the cabin.
We also had to remove a half-dozen old cedar stumps and a couple of other trees that were rubbing the roof in back. Fortunately, the wood from the tree removals were easy to dispose of – a Craig’s list post and they were gone the next day!
So, where’s the “after” shot? Here’s a view of the cabin from the front road. Our combined efforts have revealed a beautiful West Glacier cabin that can now be admired and rejoin the community. You can follow this link to learn more about StepsAway 244. If you are interested, it will be available starting July 23!
Before signing off, we would like to thank our good friends Dave & Kristi, our family, and some very hardworking hired guns without any of which, this transformation would not have been possible. Thank you!!!
Yes!
Thank you to the Wilson’s, who were excited to help, even after they saw the all the work that was needed!
To our kids & grandchildren for their help & hard work.
To Nick at Heartland Tree Service, he worked long days and was amazing with a chainsaw high up in those trees.
Also to all the neighbors and people driving and walking by giving us a thumbs up and encouraging us with each layer we peeled away to show a beautiful house.
I don’t think we understood the amount of work we were getting into but it has been very rewarding to watch the transformation.
Loved helping – being with you both is one of our favorite things! Hard work and a job well done.