Railing Pictures

Sheetrock Finishing Complete

Oh man, my first post in over two weeks. By far the longest I've gone since begining this blog. I'll get back to posting regularly now that the holidays are over.  Matt and I got to attend the Cotton Bowl with brother Scott and his son Cooper in Dallas, and we had a blast. I sure am ready to get busy though, everything is set up to get alot done. My project for today is a little diversion, we bought a hot tub and I need to build a very solid deck for it and I can't decide where to put it. I would like to be able to see the creek from the hot tub deck and be able to see most of the sky for stargazing too. Where ever it goes, it will be awesome hearing the water in the creek while soaking. The last two weeks have been spent completing the rail on the massive deck, 52' in one single run on the highest point off the ground. It is so good to be done with this, as I can now relax and not worry about some kid falling off the back deck. It also defines what an awesome space this deck is. During the New Year weekend we had some freinds come out and spend a couple days at the cabin and I got to give everyone the grand tour of the House in The Gorge. It makes me feel so good to hear their reactions to what we have created. The same is true of the last couple subs to come out, the sheetrock crew spent considerable time on the decks just looking out at the scenery, and the gutter guy could'nt stop talking about how special  this place is. These guys see all the special and cool places built up here around the river and all of them say there is none better. Speaking of the sheetrock crew, thanks guys, after the nightmare with the electrician you guys did an awesome job.  The inside of the house is defined now and I think the floorplan works great. I can see how close we are to finishing our dream and I will be working alot of nights now. I can also see that I have a ton of work to complete mostly by myself. The race is on and I am under pressure to geterdone. Well, I'm gonna get after it, I want to be soaking within this week. SYITHTS  The Hollohead

I hope everyone had a great holiday season, it was wonderful seeing all of our awesome family. It is amazing how many talented and smart people we have in our uniuqe group.                                  I have been working hard at the house on cleaning up after the sheetrock crew, and completing the rail on the massive deck. It's time to begin working on the inside finishes, but first I am taking time to build a deck for our new hot tub and complete the deck railings. It is really cool being able to stand at the edge of the deck and check out the Gorge. The next big project is the wood ceilings, my best estimate is it will take a month to complete and I'll need some help on the tall rooms.

Sheetrock Hangers Done

The sheetrock crew is done hanging the rock, and it's time to put the finishes on. This should take about a week. and then it's on to the wood ceilings. I was looking forward to showing off the house, but plans changed sometime and we are not having Christmas at the cabin. I'm ready to get some work done, and in spite of getting sick the past few days, ready to get after it. Heat will be on either today, or Monday, and that will help so much with working late. I need to get some enthusiasm going and just shake off this disapointment.  Well, everyone have a great Christmas, Matt is sure excited.

Roger's 1st Descent of Rapids Below House

Well, I could'nt stand it any more so I got my boat and gear and descended into the Gorge. There had been about 3/4" of rain during the night and the creek had risen to 6" on the gauge, it was time to test the bottom level of what could be run in the rapids below our house. First off, I really have to get a good trail down there. Secondly, about 3" more of water is needed for a low water run. But I ran about 600' of the creek and had a blast, there are 2 really good class III drops, and alot of II+ boogie water. It was awesome just to get my boat on the water and look up to see our house. A dream come true for me. But there was alot of effort involved and I can't wait to get my stairway and trail developed, and clear some spots by the creek for a true wild ozark stream park. I just have got to find a paddling buddy to go when the creek comes up, but the experiance showed me what is possible in my own backyard.

Sheetrock Blues

I'm just spending time waiting on the sheetrock to be finished and the heat to be hooked up, probably take another couple of weeks. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, I need some good weather to complete the deck railing and french drain on the front. I'm sure the holidays will slow things down some, so with some good days I could make some progress on the outside projects. I wish I had someone to paddle with becouse the river came up after last nights rains and is at a perfect level. In the future when this thing is done, I will always head to the river on days like this. For me, life is doing projects that take some very hard work and long time, and then enjoying the fruits of my labor for an equally long time. I have another few months to go before the fun begins, but I can see the light at the end of the house. Let's just hope it's not my electrician hooking it up, I wont be able to afford it. My daughter Whitney has been visiting for the past week, and she loves the new place. Her main comment after "WOW", is that pictures do not capture the scale of the place and it's site on top of the Gorge. This is so true and is the reason why everyone should come and visit if you are ever on the mountain.  I may just go screw off today, but don't tell anyone. SYOTMS  RJ