Digging that hole....

Boy am I glad that is over with. I thought this was a straightforward project. Dig a new hole, move an outhouse over the hole, fill old hole with dirt.

Not so fast. This is not a topic one can google and find much discourse on. I had to debate about cribbing (supporting) the walls, having a company pump the thing, or taking my chances and digging another hole in five years. Halfway into the digging process I said 'screw it I am paying to have this thing pumped.'

In the research I did with friends around town I discovered some varied ideas on how to approach the problem. First – how much poo does one produce in a year? Can a 55 gallon drum cover the load? Second, who takes on the task of pumping that crap out and why? and third what the heck am I doing even thinking about any of this in the year 2008? One friend has back door access to their outhouse in which they can change out garbage cans and move them to the curb when ready to be pumped – (gross!), others throw a barrel down and pump yearly. I eventually looked at the cost and determined I was willing to take my chances with the hole I dug and left it as is. This was after acquiring a 55 gallon drum, sawing off the top and seeing how tiny it looked in that beautiful hole that I dug. And so days of thought went for naught as I simply moved the outhouse over the hole took one look down the empty shaft and felt saddened that it would soon never look the same down there.

In the end however, it was a satisfying moment. Digging the hole gave me some time to bond with my property and reflect on what I love about Fairbanks. Like, the fact one has to deal with outhouse holes so close to town or the cheap price one has to pay for a phenomenol view of Ester dome. And so I was glad I dug that hole and suspect in a few years I will be out there contemplating another fine dig….and so it goes (if you ever wondered). Party on!

Subaru Nation

Well we have had a week to hang out in Fairbanks and try on the clothes of a new town for a little while. It has been mostly good. When crossing in to Alaska one is aware that a lot has changed and very little has changed. Roads are in constant construction and upheaval, cost of food is still high as is gas. The local public radio station has mostly the same announcers as when we left 4 years ago and Fairbanks summers still rock. Of course rainy Augusts and the standard fair fare goes on as usual...

Things that have changed include a new country station broadcasting from Ester - a mix of old school and new school country that while sometimes a little much on the patriotic/right wing bent manages to be a decent station most of the time. UAF has upgraded its roads and made getting around campus a little easier. The Korean restaurant brightened its space and still produces quality Korean food. A new Thai rest. has opened up on the corner of ester dome rd. strange location but apparently quality food.

Selling the car proved to be easier than expected - hence the title of this blog. Post a decent subaru for sale and get ready for the phone and email to take off. Today a mechanic inspected and someone has agreed to buy for a little below our asking price. That would not have happened in Seattle so we are glad we waited. Demand was high so we could get what we wanted. Glad the process is almost over.

As for our property nothing has changed. The same tenants are there and hope to be there another year. My job this week is to dig a new hole for the outhouse - Shapoopy! - I can't wait! The house is holding up well and we are on the search for someone willing to do odd jobs on the house.

So for now we take small hikes on the nice days and visit friends in the evenings. The mosquito bites on Joon's face are finally disappearing and he seems happy in the same but different fairbanks. Until next entry - Party on!

On the road...and off again!

Hey! We have arrived safely in Fairbanks after a long 6 days on the road. We started in Seattle and took the scenic route north. We travelled through Banff and Jasper and then made our way
Northwest up to Fairbanks. Along the way we saw lots of wildlife including sheep, goats, elk, black bears, and even a grizzly. Joon had quite the adventure. It was a lot of time to spend in a car but he did great. He even enjoyed his first experience with camping. He loved to wander around the campground and slept great in the tiny tent we shared.
Since arriving in Fairbanks we have spent our first weekend catching up with friends and recovering from being in the car for so long. It has been raining for weeks here and nothing changed since we arrived. of course it feels like Seattle so no major adjustment there. We are housesitting for our friends who are in England. They have two children so the house is set for Joon with lots of toys!
Our next step is to deal with our house and continue to go through what is left of our belongings until we have a small amount to take with us to Korea. Until we post again here is a picture to enjoy!