One half of the Crest is cleared.

November 2015.  Cleared half of the field at the crest of the land.  More than 50 stumps and as many big rocks.  Using a tractor with logs tied behind to level the field.  Too late to plant any grass, will do that in the Spring.   I have views in 3 directions, just have to choose what to clear and what to keep.  Also have a lot of Maple trees that I want to keep. 

Here is the tractor with two logs behind it to level the field. 

This is one of the stump piles. Its hard to see the scale, but the pile is bout 10 feet tall. 

Some Guiding Principles of OwlCrest

OwlCrest will be off the grid.  No internet connections, no electric wires, no televisions.  It is a place to be unencumbered by the complexities and interruptions of technology.   Whatever exists on OwlCrest will be used to create the transient fixtures of OwlCrest.   

"from the land unto the land" 

I want it to be a sustainable ecosystem.   Managed logging, managed resources and zero impact. Every time a resource is taken from the land, I want some thoughtful reflection on the consequences. Is it sustainable and how will it impact the future generations?  I want it to be available as it is for all future generations to come.   

There is no real beginning or end to OwlCrest.  The land was created billions of years ago and there is no predicting what it will become.   In my remaining time I am just going to work on the next project without any real plan.   My hope is someday there will be a workshops for woodworking, blacksmithing, pottery, cooking, sugaring, distilling, and any art that can be pursued from the land.   I hope to have a general lodge, and a few small cabins for artisans to retire to and an outdoor kitchen.  

I hope future custodians of the land will live by zero impact and sustainable practices.   This should be spirit that guides the land. 

OwlCrest - A Place To Be

OwlCrest is 40 acres of granite laden beautiful woods atop a mountain in Brattelboro, Vermont.  I purchased the land with the intent of making it a retreat where my children and their families could re-connect with the most primitive elements of life.   OwlCrest is a place to discover our hidden talents and pursue dreams without complexity or judgement. OwlCrest is a place just to be..... 

I had a heart attack when I was 53 years young and managed to survive simply because I was within 10 minutes of a hospital.  OwlCrest has given me tranquility and the hope to live what is remaining of my life in a state of just being.  No rushing for the next train, the next movie, a good seat at a restaurant, the next customer, or the next job.   I am sorry it took a heart attack to teach me to live in the moment.   My hope is that OwlCrest will be a place for generations that my family can live in the moment without the catalyst of a major life event.