Slow Progress
We have been continuing to clear brush,
scrub, and vines in an attempt to open up the areas that we think we want our
cabin, house, septic system, and garden area. At first our clearing was not
very purposeful but after realizing that we needed a better plan, we walked the
property yet again and decided on some rough locations for structures. Our walk
through the tall brush and thorns only yielded a couple of Chigger bites
(thanks to copious amounts of Deet) and we came away with a much better plan of
attack.
In the mean time, we have been
researching many different things. One of the biggest is the process required
to attain an approved septic location. At this point, the approximate cost for
the engineering work (not including the permits) should be about $500-$600.
Once we have an approved location for the septic, we will be able to lay out an
exact location for both the cabin, house, and driveway.
The driveway it’s self is a bit of a challenge.
We need a permit from the Virginia Department of Transportation to adjoin a
driveway to the roadway. The permit is only $100 but requires $500 in surety,
which is not refundable until the project is complete and inspected. This is
money spent before any work can be started on the driveway entrance. There will
be the cost of a culvert for under the driveway as well as the excavation work
and gravel that will need to be trucked in. It sure doesn’t take long for the
dollar bills to add up.
We are so excited to be out working on the land
and at times it begins to seem overwhelming. I’ve heard it said that the only
way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time. This is the approach that we have
adopted for the farm……..one bite at a time, and eventually it will be done.
~Terry
