Usually stains are not a good thing, but this time it is. Staining the logs means coloring them and coating them with a protective layer against sun and rain.

It’s not hard, but takes a lot of time, especially when moving the ladder all the time. Today I’ve done the west side, and 1/3 rd of the north and east side.  I started out with just a brush, but that takes forever. Using a airless paint sprayer it’s faster, but back brushing is needed so it’s awkward having to hold a brush, a paint sprayer and hold on to the ladder.

Today had the first Visitors; Arnoud and Elyse came over from DC.  

 Really fun and we will do some sightseeing 

Today Five men from Battalion Roofing arrived to start the roofing job. Paulette was very helpful in finding this Afghanistan veteran run roofing Company. Although they are super busy after the downpoors of 18″ of rain in Houston,San Antonio and Austin, she persuaded him to come over and do a bid. Unlike Holland, where many houses have a 12/12 pitch (meaning they go up 12 inch every 10 length) or even higher, here pitches are usually lower or even flat. For obvious reasons; why build up if you can go sideways? For me that was simple; logs come in maximum lengths; 24 ft is about as large as Texas cedar gets. So building bigger can only be done by going up, and with a higher pitched roof, less log wall is needed.  Anyway, here’s the progress;

On the 8×2″ boards roofing plates will be mounted, with an aluminum foil to reflect heat. On top of that will be standing seam metal roofing;

As you can see this is not flat inbetween the seams but angled, to make it more durable and resistant to hail.

The color will indeed be grey, matching the chink lines inbetween the logs. This should make a nice mix between rustic and modern. The add on 2×6 boards are in place too;

Cash is still king and this is what a roof looks like in 100 dollar bills. Tomorrow this will magically be transformed into an actual roof, first “Decking” (covering the space inbetween rafters with wood and place felt on top to dry in). Then a standing seam metal roof, wich is long lasting and one of the best options out here for roofing. 

Although thunderstorms were forecasted for most of the day, it was dry from about 9:00 til 4:00pm, which allowed me to do some more gap filling on the west log wall. I even got brave enough to go all the way up to the top logs, which considering my vertigo is quite an achievement. 

As the cabin builder does not do what they call framing, I’m putting in some none load bearing walls myself, the old school way using hammer and nails

This is the back wall of the add on, there will be three like that I can do myself as they are small enough to lift by 1 person.

Today the back rafters were lifted into place with a big crane 

 It wasn’t easy, as the crane was too big to get around to the back. 

  
So I helped a bit as crane driver and Hippy Dave (Builder from California) could not see eachother; I extended their view and helped to get the rafters in place. 

Apart from the front gable, and 2 floor joists, the bearing construction is now finished and ready for roofing and framing. the latter I hope to do myself, up on the 2nd story I may not do it, unless with scaffolding in place. 

Meeting roofers tomorrow 
 

As of yesterday I’m at Ozuye, spent the first night in my truck because there was a weather alert; thunderstorm with hail. Not great when in a cheap tent.  

 
Days are 100% outdoor and been on a ladder from early dawn til dusk. Pretty sure I got some sun

Well, the icecream is anyway. Outdoor temperature at 9:30 in the evening still beat most summer day temperatures in Amstelveen 

Today found what will be my ride for the coming years in Texas.
It’s from 2001 and has a few miles on it, but still is in good shape, and seats up to six,
whilst still leaving plenty of space for stuff in the back.
Bob & Paulette were a great help finding the best car from a couple of dozens local car dealers.