The First Few Days in the Yurt

We are on day 3 of Yurt Living.  Pretty much we are still trying to get organized.  The yurt is small, so we need to really think about what we need to have in it and what can be in the shipping container (8' x 20') that we have on site.  Currently, that shipping container is also housing our solar panels and other solar equipment until it is installed, so it's a bit cramped in there. 

Trying to organize has been moving one pile to another spot, to organize here, then moving another pile over there and trying to do some more organizing.  Today, we are actually seeing a bit of a difference, so we must be making progress!

Our current situation is that we have no real sink, no running water and no heat.  We won't have running water, but that's fine.  We aren't sure if we'll install some kind of sink (with bucket to catch waste water) or continue with the two dish pans that I'm currently using.  I'm not thrilled with my washing system at this point, but we'll get it figured out.

As for heat, we have a wood stove and just need to either find the time to install it or find someone to do it for us.  We'd rather find some one, but aren't having much luck yet.  Our first two nights it got to 28* outside, but a "balmy" 41* inside.  Not to worry - we have lots of warm comforters and blankets and we were toasty warm.  Suki has a nice winter coat to wear over night and one bed sitting on top of another: her princess bed.  She has been very comfy.  It's the mornings and evenings that are chilly.  Like sitting here typing this wearing a hooded sweatshirt, wool sweater and fleece vest....

Suki in her coat on her Princess Bed.

Once we have things fairly organized, I will share pictures.  We are definitely making use of the vertical space, so it is good to be tall.  But, I do have a small, handy step stool to help reach some things.

Our lighting is coming from some LED strip/tape lights.  They are fantastic!  Very low power use, and they can be dimmed and even have colors that will flash in various patterns should we ever host a dance party. 

We continue to be amazed by the wildlife here.  Two days ago we were visited by two javelina.  They were not at all put off by us and our voices and kept approaching. We finally decided it best to spook them off.  Yesterday, we had about 15 deer pass by to the east of the yurt, munching along the way.  Yesterday, Brent was out working on something and the trees were loaded with chickadees, bushtits and bridled titmice.  Today, there were mountain bluebirds out by the vehicles.