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Snow at the Cabin. Survival Water & Preparing for Spring.
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Snow at the Cabin. Survival Water & Preparing for Spring.



Snow at the Cabin. Survival Water & Preparing for Spring.

More winter at our mountain cabin this week, and It’s so beautiful outside. The chore load is light this time of year, but we are making a lot of plans for spring, and staying busy. Spring can’t be far off now.

In this episode, we take a hike up the mountain behind our homestead, just to enjoy the views. Make some progress on our garden plans. Flush out our test our homemade survival water pump, and see the big changes made to our chicken flock. It’s all good in the woods!

Here’s a video link showing the process of completing the EMAS survival water pump. I made some mods to this by buying and grinding fittings, and using a hardware store foot valve, but the basic design is the same. I used a brass pin to retain the marble in the piston valve, peening over the ends, so it would remain in place. This video is a great source for low-cost diy water pump solutions!

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15 Comments

  1. @bucktalesoutdoors7566

    Well you finally got a little snow that you’ve been hoping for. It sure is pretty but I am over it. Nice to have that creek running thru your property. Back in 2023 I went to Ohio to visit my buddy CJ on Memorial Day weekend and while I was gone we had a severe frost with temps in the low teens and it killed all the leaves on the Beech trees and the emerging buds on the Oaks.we didn’t have any acorns until this past fall (2025). Nice update on the homestead Kevin, always like seeing what’s happening on Westfork. ✌️ 🪕👍

  2. @ericd6099

    Glad you’re on the mend and getting the spring projects in order. Thanks for the update and the banjo.

  4. @SanJuanMountainBob

    Haha – didn't know you were a banjo strummer.
    I sure like your pump setup – that's cool.
    Your property sure is 'purdy'. You're blessed brother! Have a great weekend.

  5. @kirbycreekmo

    Great to see Tig enjoying the weather with a zoomy run. Winter has been pretty scarce this year. We haven't made it back to the cabin since October. Hopefully we can remedy that later this month or early next. I've not seen a pump like that before. Seems like it would work if your well's static level doesn't exceed your ability to lift the pump. There are good neighbors and then there are good neighbors with chickens (eggs for sale/trade). The quality over store bought, the manure, the food scrap disposal are high value benefits. Gardening prospects on this side of the hills are looking good. Garlic is looking real happy and I got a few onions out. Deb has the quite a few starts coming to life. Could get busy here before too long. Enjoyed the closing performance too. Be well and thanks for posting another great video.

  6. @charliewilliams5501

    Glad to hear you're feeling better and that you got that whack a snow you been hankerin' for. Sure does look nice..but I've seen all I wanna see this winter! Had a great thaw but it's back to snow again now. That's March for ya. That pump is cool and it's great to see and hear ya making music again. Thanks for sharing another visit to the Westfork Homestead! 🌲

  9. @GoFeesh67

    Man you’re getting all your snow late. Better late than never!!! It sure does liven up the scenery. Those new boots are getting a proper break in!!! Loving the banjo. I’ve played guitar for nearly fifty years now and it is a great way to relieve stress. God bless and take care.

  11. @theappalachiankitties

    Thank you for sharing your place; it’s beautiful! Sweet Tiggs gamboling in the snow like a puppy! The banjo show was a treat!! 🪕🪕🌺

  13. @daveoverholt8540

    Really enjoyed this one Kevin and great information about that hand pump. Where we someday hope to build, the grid is extremely fragile so other options beyond a generator is good to know. I had no idea you could blend/freeze eggs and that is great information as well. Great stuff at West Fork and Thank You for sharing and really enjoyed that banjo playing and singing.

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