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Socratic Moron
Oct 12, 2003
*sigh*

Oh god, what have I done? I'm either 98% excited and 2% overwhelmed or 2% excited and 98% overwhelmed. I recently purchased 100 acres of incredibly dense rainforest on the big island of Hawaii. My intent is to build a home and retreat center over the coming years with a focus on permaculture, regeneration, and building all kinds of badass stuff. I want to get to a point where the land is almost completely sustainable in the way of food via raised fish, chickens, fruit trees, gardens, etc.

The first year will mostly be exploration of the land by cutting trails, getting to know the land by observing and measuring its nuances in detail, self education, and planning. I may put up some temporary structures such as a yurt during this time. Year two should see the first permanent structures such as a home, solar power, maybe micro hydro power, ponds, yoga studio, etc begin construction.

Hawaii has seen a significant amount of highly invasive species take over. My desire is to return the land to as much of a natural habitat as possible. If I can do everything I want without cutting down a single native tree, that would be badass. I have a LOT to learn about everything from native plants to permaculture to construction and god knows what else and am going to need a LOT of help.

Let's get to know the land, shall we?

The acreage is on the east side of the big island about 25 minutes south of Hilo and about 30 minutes from the nearest beach. If there wasn't big rear end trees in the way, I could sit and watch the world's most active volcano spew forth. The elevation is around 2,000 feet and we receive over 200 inches of rain a year!


The above image is the google satellite view of my land. On the north side is a very rough county road that is not maintained. That squiggly line running through the land? I have no idea what that is. I've only seen about 1/2 acre of the land because it is so exhausting cutting through the dense rainforest. It may be a creek or it may be a puka (sp?) (collapsed lava tube), I have no idea. That line on the left side that looks like a road? It WAS a road about two years ago when the previous owners cut it, but what does it look like to stand on it now?


I poo poo you not. That vegetation comes up to my shoulders and I'm over 6 feet tall.

The land slopes from west to east with a drop of about 100 feet. With that much load and over 200 feet of rain per year, I'm thinking I MAY be able to do something with micro hydro for electricity generation. A view of the slope of the land as seen from the road on the north side:



Below are additional images I've taken while hacking through the western overgrown road and venturing maybe 100 feet into the actual jungle. I'm familiar with the hapu'u ferns, ohia trees, and strawberry guava, but if any of you know the names of any of the other vegetation in the pictures, I'd love to know it. Note that these pics were taken during the day, it's just that shrouded from light as you get into the jungle.















I'm heading back to the land tomorrow (and most days from here out) to explore and begin cutting trails. I'd love to hear any ideas, thoughts, suggestions, etc from you guys as I go along.

Edit #1

We've named the land, Samadhi Village

Edit #2

It turns out that many of you would love to come out and volunteer your time on the land. Wow, that's so cool and quite mind boggling. Hawaii + Goons = pure awesomeness. This is an edit and we now have two volunteers out here and are expecting two more within a week. Four is our maximum right now but new spots will be opening all the time so if you're really interested, do the following:

1. Read this entire thread to get a feel for things.

2. Read this and this and this.

3. Submit this application to me. We're being selective about who we accept for various reasons. If we deny you, please take ZERO offense whatsoever. It doesn't mean you're not an amazing person we're simply choosing those who we think would be the best fit.

Socratic Moron fucked around with this message at Jul 1, 2009 around 06:40

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ASSTASTIC
Apr 26, 2003

Hey Gusy!

I would love to give you constructive ideas on how to cut paths in that dense freaking forest, but I have none other than machete up and go at it.

Love the pictures and I would love to see you post your progress. Good luck goon!

Elendil004
Mar 22, 2003

The important thing in aeroplanes is that they shall be speedy.

Try to start by finding any animal trails and widening them, animal paths are usually pretty well laid out if they're used enough and there for a reason.

Do you think chartering a helicopter for some low level aerial surveliance would help you determine what the gently caress you just bought?

I'm excited for the potential here, and I think once you get a solid start you'll be better off.

Do you plan on building a permanant residence here?

fake edit: bio dome!

whaam
Mar 18, 2008


I don't have anything helpful to add other than that place looks incredible and I'm looking forward to following your progress.

AnomalousBoners
Dec 22, 2007

by Ozma


How many homeless did you get to do SEO and clear trails for $1.50/hr?

Sylink
Apr 17, 2004


If you can get me there I will hack through the invasive jungle for you.

Other than that, get some sort of Audubon guide or nature book on Hawaiian species and start identifying? I bet Hawaii has some sort of environmental service that could help you too since you want to be all green and poo poo.

cranberry juice
Feb 15, 2008


The owner of Hawaii Forest and Trail, Rob Pacheco, is a wealth of information on native and non-native plants, animals, and insects. He is on the west side, but you could try shooting him an email. Since you are so close to the Volcano National Park, I bet some rangers could also give you some good info. I'm super excited to follow your progress!

(Just a not that I was following in the other thread. I was born and raised in Kona, and my parents have lived there for over 30 years. I'm in the midwest now, though)

DriveMeCrazy
Dec 7, 2004

by Fistgrrl


I've always been terrible at hectares/acres etc... I'm trying to picture how big 100 acres is. Is it a patch about 450m x 450m? Obviously it equates into metres square etc but I'm trying to picture it for scale.

Edit: Er, 4.5km x 4.5km... hell, I don't know. It's 1.30am, I'm tired, and I still can't wrap my head around 1 square metre = 0.00001 square kilometer. 100x100 and oh jeez I need to sleep

DriveMeCrazy fucked around with this message at Apr 23, 2009 around 15:32

kid sinister
Nov 16, 2002

ahhhhhhhhhhh!

Uhh, you're living on a volcano, i.e. magma's heat isn't very far from the surface... wouldn't geothermal power be more feasible than solar?

Oneday for Life
Feb 2, 2004
Shoe. Explode?!

If you fed and housed me, I would come and work for you for 6 months. I love what you're doing and my mind is already blazing with ideas. Solar heaters, jellyfish windmills, irrigation projects, integrating the housing structures with trees, etc. I can't wait to see what you will do with this man, and also, I am extremely jealous that you have the opportunity to build this stuff.

Subliminal
Jun 24, 2005

butter me up

If you would propagate me some plants I'd pay shipping. I'm serious, and your time maybe some Koa or whatever.

Subliminal fucked around with this message at Apr 23, 2009 around 16:06

Slung Blade
Jul 10, 2002

You are so bewitched by its beauty, you are not sure if you can wield it.


If you offer free camping and maybe some rent some port-o-lets or something I'm sure you'll have all the free labour you can handle from vacationing goons.


I'd come for a couple of weeks if I could stay on the land and work with you.

Choppin down trees, erecting structures, haulin logs out of the bush. gently caress yeah, that would be awesome.

Prince Reggie K
Feb 12, 2007

I've been denied all the best Ultra-Sex.

Chiming in with I'd do cheap labor for food money and place to live/camp and possibly party with goons on my off time.

kid sinister
Nov 16, 2002

ahhhhhhhhhhh!

Prince Reggie K posted:

Chiming in with I'd do cheap labor for food money and place to live/camp and possibly party with goons on my off time.

Socratic Moron, I hope you're noticing a pattern here. If you got mod approval to post a thread in GBS, you could probably get all of the free manual labor you'd ever need. "Revenge of the Goons II: Goons in Paradise"

Fire Storm
Aug 8, 2004

what's the point of life
if there are no sexborgs?


Well, goons do have a hard on for buying an island and forming their own country and I think this is about as close as we'd ever get.

Socratic Moron
Oct 12, 2003
*sigh*

Thanks for sharing your excitement guys! If you're excited, it's easier for ME to be excited instead of sitting down and crying because my brain is overwhelmed.

My first question out of the thousands to come:

I want to mark the trail that I build as I've already cut through areas, turned around, and thought to myself, "Oh gently caress, where did I come from?" I'm thinking of buying some bright ribbon or rope to tie around trees. I thought of spraypaint but that's ghetto. Does anyone have any better ideas?

Elendil004 posted:

Try to start by finding any animal trails and widening them, animal paths are usually pretty well laid out if they're used enough and there for a reason.
There are a LOT of wild pigs on the big island. Strangely enough, I have yet to see any paths that I thought, "Oh, that's a pig path". I'm definitely keeping a look out though.

Elendil004 posted:

Do you think chartering a helicopter for some low level aerial surveliance would help you determine what the gently caress you just bought?
I did ponder that. But it would be like $400.00. I'm just not sure that I would get all that much out of it. Of course, it may be invaluable, so I'm torn. I've never ridden in a helicopter though, so I'd at least get a cool chopper ride, huh?

Elendil004 posted:

Do you plan on building a permanent residence here?
Yep!

Sylink posted:

Other than that, get some sort of Audubon guide or nature book on Hawaiian species and start identifying? I bet Hawaii has some sort of environmental service that could help you too since you want to be all green and poo poo.
Good ideas, thank you

cranberry juice posted:

The owner of Hawaii Forest and Trail, Rob Pacheco, is a wealth of information on native and non-native plants, animals, and insects. He is on the west side, but you could try shooting him an email. Since you are so close to the Volcano National Park, I bet some rangers could also give you some good info. I'm super excited to follow your progress!

(Just a not that I was following in the other thread. I was born and raised in Kona, and my parents have lived there for over 30 years. I'm in the midwest now, though)
I just googled for that. Is hawaii-forest.com the guy?

Excellent idea with the rangers! And why did you move away from Hawaii

kid sinister posted:

Uhh, you're living on a volcano, i.e. magma's heat isn't very far from the surface... wouldn't geothermal power be more feasible than solar?
That's a good question, one I don't have an answer to. Some people have steam vents on their property, I'm praying for something like that.

Subliminal posted:

If you would propagate me some plants I'd pay shipping. I'm serious, and your time maybe some Koa or whatever.
The USDA is militant about not letting any plants off island. At the airport, you have to go through the normal metal detectors then the USDA, "Make sure you aren't taking any pineapple" detectors. Research the laws and find how I get an exclusion, and I'd be open to it.

With that said, I've been amazed how many of you guys are into Koa and what a badass tree it is. I plan to plant TONS of them. I rented a home near my land yesterday and the lady is selling all her furniture. Outside she had the most amazing table I ever saw and it was made of Koa! I bought it on the spot. The picture does it no justice:



You can't really tell from the pic, but it is HUGE. It can easily seat 10 people. The Koa it came from must have been enormous. And based upon the prices I'm seeing for Koa, I estimate its worth to be about 43 million dollars.

I also purchased this badass teak "King Chair" from her:



So awesome

Socratic Moron
Oct 12, 2003
*sigh*

Peantoo posted:

If you fed and housed me, I would come and work for you for 6 months. I love what you're doing and my mind is already blazing with ideas. Solar heaters, jellyfish windmills, irrigation projects, integrating the housing structures with trees, etc. I can't wait to see what you will do with this man, and also, I am extremely jealous that you have the opportunity to build this stuff.

kid sinister posted:

Socratic Moron, I hope you're noticing a pattern here. If you got mod approval to post a thread in GBS, you could probably get all of the free manual labor you'd ever need. "Revenge of the Goons II: Goons in Paradise"
The funny thing is, I offered to fly a homeless goon out, house him, provide food, teach him how to make money on the internet, and even pay him a few dollars a day just so he could have saved money up for when he went back home, and people tore me apart (as you can see from one post above).

Anyway, I would absolutely provide food and housing for anyone interested in coming to work the land, hangout, and have an awesome time. Keep in mind that working in this jungle is HARD work, but I'm loving every minute of it. I want to be more established before I post in GBS as I'd hate to have to turn people away because I'm not prepared. So for now, I'll just extend the invitation to you guys. Airfare to Hawaii is super cheap right now

Slung Blade
Jul 10, 2002

You are so bewitched by its beauty, you are not sure if you can wield it.


Can you get logging gear for a small operation in Hawaii?
Things like what you see here: http://www.traditionalwoodworker.co...lt.php/cPath/36

We're going to need skidding tongs, lifting tongs, axes, saws, hatchets, machetes, and various other tools. Chains, nylon straps, hooks etc. Plus a tractor or a stout 4x4 truck or 2.

I can make some of the tools here I suppose. Plus some spear tips for boar hunting. That's definitely something I want to do while I'm out there if that's ok with you (and legal and everything).


When are you hoping to have people out?

Socratic Moron
Oct 12, 2003
*sigh*

Slung Blade posted:

Can you get logging gear for a small operation in Hawaii?
Things like what you see here: http://www.traditionalwoodworker.co...lt.php/cPath/36

We're going to need skidding tongs, lifting tongs, axes, saws, hatchets, machetes, and various other tools. Chains, nylon straps, hooks etc. Plus a tractor or a stout 4x4 truck or 2.

I can make some of the tools here I suppose. Plus some spear tips for boar hunting. That's definitely something I want to do while I'm out there if that's ok with you (and legal and everything).
1. I will buy any tools and supplies we deem necessary. I have a machete and brush cutter here with me now (I'll take pics of them today) and other tools from a chainsaw to axes are coming with my shipping container that arrives May 6th.

2. I purchased a 4x4 truck that arrives the 6th as well. However, if at all possible, I'd like to keep heavy machinery/vehicles off the land as Ohia trees have very shallow root systems and it would kill other natural flora as well.

3. You're welcome to hunt boar as long as:
A. You get the necessary permit if one is required
B. We eat and use as much of the animal as possible out of respect for it. My mom claims she has a great boar sausage recipe

There is an additional 130 acres of land connected to my land that nobody lives on. So you'd have 230 acres of hunting ground Keep in mind that the boar here aren't little piggies. These fuckers have BIG tusks and an attitude to go with it. I've seen the damage they do to the hunting dogs and it isn't pretty. Spears mean you're going to potentially get hurt. I'm not going to say no, I just want you to know what you're getting into beforehand.

Slung Blade posted:

When are you hoping to have people out?
People are welcome anytime as far as I'm concerned.

Socratic Moron fucked around with this message at Apr 23, 2009 around 18:35

AFewBricksShy
Jun 19, 2003

of a full load.

Socratic Moron posted:

I want to mark the trail that I build as I've already cut through areas, turned around, and thought to myself, "Oh gently caress, where did I come from?" I'm thinking of buying some bright ribbon or rope to tie around trees. I thought of spraypaint but that's ghetto. Does anyone have any better ideas?


If you want something that could mark your way just for that day, maybe a paintball gun would be good? The paint would wash off so you wouldn't have to worry about anything permanent.

Socratic Moron
Oct 12, 2003
*sigh*

AFewBricksShy posted:

If you want something that could mark your way just for that day, maybe a paintball gun would be good? The paint would wash off so you wouldn't have to worry about anything permanent.
I appreciate the idea but I want it to last for a few months to a year if possible as I want to reuse these trails day after day.

cranberry juice
Feb 15, 2008


Socratic Moron posted:


My first question out of the thousands to come:

I want to mark the trail that I build as I've already cut through areas, turned around, and thought to myself, "Oh gently caress, where did I come from?" I'm thinking of buying some bright ribbon or rope to tie around trees. I thought of spraypaint but that's ghetto. Does anyone have any better ideas?

There are a LOT of wild pigs on the big island. Strangely enough, I have yet to see any paths that I thought, "Oh, that's a pig path". I'm definitely keeping a look out though.

I just googled for that. Is hawaii-forest.com the guy?

Excellent idea with the rangers! And why did you move away from Hawaii

Yes, he is the guy at that web address! Those trips are really cool, too, if you ever want to take one or send some friends/family on one. Even as a local, I went to places that I never knew about. He was the leader of my high school hiking club, so we did some neat hikes.


I've wacked through a small trail through a forest before, and we did use some bright plastic ribbon to mark our way, so your intuition is correct. We also had a very privative GPS device to help (this was back around 2001 I think, so I'm sure you can get some GPS thing that could help keep track of the trail).

Pigs are a HUGE problem on the island! We had a friend come and hunt them by my house all of the time, but they still managed to hurt my dog pretty badly once

In regards to the thermal power, a big percentage of the Big Island's power is already from the volcano, interestingly enough. I am thinking you are actually on Mauna Loa, which may be classified as active, but no where near the level of Kiluea, the one that has lava flowing into the sea. I've never heard of people making their own electricity that way though- sounds awesome. Depending on how much sun you get, solar water heaters will do the trick and are very common if you can make the initial investment.

In regards to my leaving- It's a small island that I grew up on, so I left for reasons most people have when they move away from home. Hawaii is great, but I went away to get a better education, primarily. I miss the weather, the food, and the ocean.

Sorry for writing so much, I just love talking about Hawaii, especially to people who have a vested interest in it.

madlilnerd
Jan 4, 2009

a bush with baggage

Socratic Moron posted:

Anyway, I would absolutely provide food and housing for anyone interested in coming to work the land, hangout, and have an awesome time. Keep in mind that working in this jungle is HARD work, but I'm loving every minute of it. I want to be more established before I post in GBS as I'd hate to have to turn people away because I'm not prepared. So for now, I'll just extend the invitation to you guys. Airfare to Hawaii is super cheap right now.

People are welcome anytime as far as I'm concerned.

Are you serious about that? Because a gap year clearing rainforest in Hawaii sounds like a dream and I'm going to be on that side of the world in June (I'm from the UK). I'm in good health (could be fitter) and don't have any allergies or dietary requirements and as far as I know don't have anything planned for the rest of my life and would be very very happy to just live off the land in Hawaii. I have no idea how to get a visa though, or even what kind I would need.
I'm sorry, I couldn't help myself. The excitment in your OP was incredibly infectious.

Also I love your king chair.

The structures you plan to build later on- are you designing them from scratch all by yourself? Have you got any experience with anything remotely like this before? What made you decide to do this? Are you a millionaire?

Socratic Moron
Oct 12, 2003
*sigh*

madlilnerd posted:

Are you serious about that? Because a gap year clearing rainforest in Hawaii sounds like a dream and I'm going to be on that side of the world in June (I'm from the UK).
I'm absolutely 100% completely and totally serious. I'm a very community oriented person and know that I'm going to need help. I just want people to keep in mind that while I am a very chill person and don't believe in working hard, this will be hard work (if that makes any sense). I don't believe in giving 100%, maybe more like 65-80% but even that for 6 hours a day, 5 days a week would be, well, hard. People get very romantic ideas about Hawaii and while some of that is true, the tons of rain, unforgiving rainforest, and hard work will be too much for some. I'm not trying to turn anyone off, I just believe in being as honest as possible. I think people will either absolutely love it or absolutely hate it without much in between.

madlilnerd posted:

I'm in good health (could be fitter)
The island will fit you up. And if it doesn't, I am a yoga teacher

madlilnerd posted:

The structures you plan to build later on- are you designing them from scratch all by yourself? Have you got any experience with anything remotely like this before? What made you decide to do this? Are you a millionaire?
I want to utilize a variety of structures such as pole houses, yurts, cabins, rammed earth dwellings, and whatever sounds cool and fun I want to get super creative when it comes to sustainable, green housing and structures and would love ideas. Some of it I'll design, some of it others will design, most of it I'll build myself and I'll bring in experts and consultants when necessary.

Check with the local US embassy about visas. I doubt you could stay for a year but I'm pretty sure 6 months is doable if memory serves me.

My experience is fixing up old houses. Point being, not much experience but I've never let that stop me before. What made me decide to do it? Since I was about 20 (I'm 31 now) I've been incredibly interested in homesteading. The universe simply decided that I was going to do it on a bit grander scale

I'm off to try out my brush cutter on the land. I'll report back later!

Socratic Moron fucked around with this message at Apr 23, 2009 around 20:02

Slung Blade
Jul 10, 2002

You are so bewitched by its beauty, you are not sure if you can wield it.


Socratic Moron posted:

1. I will buy any tools and supplies we deem necessary. I have a machete and brush cutter here with me now (I'll take pics of them today) and other tools from a chainsaw to axes are coming with my shipping container that arrives May 6th.

2. I purchased a 4x4 truck that arrives the 6th as well. However, if at all possible, I'd like to keep heavy machinery/vehicles off the land as Ohia trees have very shallow root systems and it would kill other natural flora as well.

3. You're welcome to hunt boar as long as:
A. You get the necessary permit if one is required
B. We eat and use as much of the animal as possible out of respect for it. My mom claims she has a great boar sausage recipe

There is an additional 130 acres of land connected to my land that nobody lives on. So you'd have 230 acres of hunting ground Keep in mind that the boar here aren't little piggies. These fuckers have BIG tusks and an attitude to go with it. I've seen the damage they do to the hunting dogs and it isn't pretty. Spears mean you're going to potentially get hurt. I'm not going to say no, I just want you to know what you're getting into beforehand.

People are welcome anytime as far as I'm concerned.


1. Sounds great.
2. Absolutely, the less machinery, the more fun it is. (harder work, but who cares, it's better, more human.)
3. Awesome.
A. Of course, I don't want to suggest any kind of illegal activity, nor would I participate if it were.
B. You bet, and that's the whole point. If we can kill some forest pork, it will greatly enhance our meals in the bush.

Never underestimate 3-6 humans with pointy sticks. (Though I hope there's at least someone out there who's done this before)

Can we use wood from the forest as cooking fuel or are you against that?

I think I'll have time around november or so to come out. I'll start saving for the trip.

rotor
Jun 11, 2001

Official Carrier
of the Neil Bush Torch

 
 
 
 
teh butts


I hope this isn't out of line - and please ignore the question if it is - but can I ask for a ballpark figure on what 100 acres of hawaiian jungle cost you?

edit: o i c, you answered this in the other thread, nevermind!

rotor fucked around with this message at Apr 23, 2009 around 23:18

Fire Storm
Aug 8, 2004

what's the point of life
if there are no sexborgs?


Slung Blade posted:

Never underestimate 3-6 humans with pointy sticks. (Though I hope there's at least someone out there who's done this before)
Yes, and it was an interesting thread, and I wish I could find it.

node7
Jun 23, 2006
I had to borrow money from aki to afford this account...

rotor posted:

I hope this isn't out of line - and please ignore the question if it is - but can I ask for a ballpark figure on what 100 acres of hawaiian jungle cost you?

edit: o i c, you answered this in the other thread, nevermind!

I hope you don't mind me posting this Socratic Moron...
According to his thread here (http://forums.somethingawful.com/sh...=#post358898551) it goes for "Less than a million dollars"

Socratic Moron, I'll shoot a PM your way tomorrow as I am REALLY interested in this "project" for a number of reasons.

node7 fucked around with this message at Apr 23, 2009 around 23:33

Slung Blade
Jul 10, 2002

You are so bewitched by its beauty, you are not sure if you can wield it.


Fire Storm posted:

Yes, and it was an interesting thread, and I wish I could find it.

That Bushman thread? Yeah, that was a great read. To bad it went all GBS and started clamoring for his head because he had the audacity to exterminate a bunch of vermin.

I was talking more specifically about there being someone who has hunted boar with spears when I'm out there trying it. I'm sure I can figure it out, "stick-spear-in-pig, don't get gored" but it would be nice to have some experienced people to help.

e: Found it:

http://forums.somethingawful.com/sh...hreadid=2911606

grover
Jan 23, 2002

PEW PEW PEW







DriveMeCrazy posted:

I've always been terrible at hectares/acres etc... I'm trying to picture how big 100 acres is. Is it a patch about 450m x 450m? Obviously it equates into metres square etc but I'm trying to picture it for scale.

Edit: Er, 4.5km x 4.5km... hell, I don't know. It's 1.30am, I'm tired, and I still can't wrap my head around 1 square metre = 0.00001 square kilometer. 100x100 and oh jeez I need to sleep
1 acre is 43560 square feet or about 4000 square meters. So, 100 acres is essentially a square 2000ft (632m) per side.

fizban7
Aug 25, 2006


Your wrong about the Pienapple exporting though. I'm From Kona, and I was in volcano National Park not more and a month ago, actually...

My dad brings me pine apples all the time, but you cant bring, oranges, avacados, etc. Pineapples for some reason are cool.

heres a list:
http://www.bestplaceshawaii.com/tip...inspection.html


But I really envy you, I would do this in a heartbeat, if I i wasn't a poor student.

fizban7 fucked around with this message at Apr 24, 2009 around 03:02

MidasAg
Oct 28, 2007
The Man of Silver

This is really awesome. I wish you much luck, and any and all goons that go out to help you.

Also, I love your king chair. Is it a native type of design, or ? I want one so bad for my place.

Socratic Moron
Oct 12, 2003
*sigh*

Day two is now under my belt.

Before I start, I just want to say that I definitely plan to build one of these on the land at some point:



If you've never taken a warm shower in a misting jungle, you've missed out. It's something everyone should experience.

Anyway, I decided to walk east (islanders say makai which means towards the ocean versus mauka which means towards the mountain or inland) along the main road to see if I could find the northeast boundary stake of the land. The view walking east on that road:



Just over the hill I came to my first abandoned vehicle. There's a LOT of vehicles like this all over the jungles of Hawaii. Maybe one of you can sleep in it when you come to visit?



Remember the creek (squiggly line) in the satellite view in my first post? I *think* I found it. While the pic below sucks, what you're looking at is a decline that I'm not sure I could see the bottom of. It must have been a solid 30+ feet down. I'm still not sure if it's a wet weather creek or collapsed lava tube:



Oh hey, more junk I get to clean up at some point. I have no idea what this is:



Someone above mentioned animal trails. Here's evidence of boars. The thing is, as soon as the trail hits the jungle, the jungle is so dense that it's of no benefit to me. I guess the boars are short enough that they don't clear much of the forest as they go through it.



As I continued along the road, I came upon more junk and heard buzzing. What is that...



A closer look...



bbb...bbb...BEES! I guess bees think that mattresses make dandy hive locations. The first job of whoever comes to help first will be to lift that mattress while I stand behind you with napalm. I'm kidding of course, I'm actually pleased to have the bees on my land, though I wish they would have chosen a little nicer place. I want to raise bees though (the thread here inspired me), so maybe I can coax them into a hive box?

Yay for more junk:



Below is a cleared area off the south side of the road that has some rather attractive vegetation growing on it. I have no idea what it is. HOWEVER, I did talk to a friend who is hooking me up with someone who used to work at the national park and knows all the native plants! Thanks for suggesting I do that



More abandoned vehicles. There's even more, but I won't waste space posting them.



I was able to find the northeast boundary pretty easily. Here's a picture looking back towards the west from the stake:



Below is a picture taken from the stake looking back from where I'd come. The arrow I drew in is actually my car which sits at the northwest boundary. Quite a ways and quite an elevation change, huh?



On the walk back I noticed this plant. It reminded me a lot of citrus like lemon and oranges. Anyone know what is might be?



I decided it was then time to start blazing trails through the forest with my machete. I walked a little along the overgrown road to the west (i'd say about 200 feet in) of my land then turned in to the jungle. On the edge was this little guy. It stood about 3 feet tall and looked like it would eat me if it could. It is one of the cooler yet peculiar plants I've ever seen:



That's all it was. A tall, skinny, purplish stalk with that at the top. I was scared that there was a land version of the angler fish hiding under the ground about to eat me.

I went to Wal Mart (yes, they have one here) looking for some bright rope or ribbon when I came across some bright pink duct tape. I purchased that as a means to mark the trails I blaze. I have no idea if it's going to hold up in the wetness. My guess is no as it didn't feel very sticky as I was applying it. We'll see:



I realized quite quickly that there's no way for me to cut through this forest without cutting some Hapu'u ferns which sucks because they're a native species and awesome. A machete goes through them like butter. Below is a before picture of what I had to go through:



And after about 2 minutes of machete work:



I'm slowly getting the hang of the machete but still suck. The tip someone gave (I think in the other thread) of flicking your wrist at the last second makes a HUGE difference. Thanks to whoever that was.

Before too long, I got stuck in my first torrential downpour. Unfortunately, the picture below doesn't catch the rain, because it was POURING. My mind said, "Holy poo poo you're in the middle of the jungle and it's pouring, FREAK OUT!" Luckily I didn't listen to it, relaxed, and allowed myself to enjoy the experience. I thought the rain would dissipate after a few minutes, but it kept pouring. I'd say a couple inches were dumped on me within about 30 minutes.



A picture looking back on the trail I'd blazed and my markers (see the 3rd one in the distance?):



I only used the machete today as the brush cutter needs assembling and I didn't feel like doing so. Tomorrow I'll use the brush cutter (which is basically a weed whacker on roids) to go along the western overgrown road to see if I can find the southwest boundary stake.



What I learned today:

1. I am not properly equipped for the rain. I need rubber boots (my tennis shoes are now shot) and a large brim hat so the rain doesn't get in my eyes. In addition, the machete flew out of my hand once because it was so slippery. I need some gloves or something so that doesn't happen again.

2. The sharper the machete, the better. I need to sharpen it every day before I start. I could tell where there are dull points on the blade.

3. Lopers are going to come in extremely handy. A lot of the growth would be best served being cut by them.

4. The ground of the trails is going to need significant improvements in order to be walkable by people once the trails are blazed. As of right now, the ground is uneven, muddy, water pools in a few places, and there are lots of fallen trees that will need to be removed. I'm thinking some sort of covered walkway in places might be a good idea. I'll have to ponder the positives and negatives of that.

5. My cell phone gets EVDO reception on the land

6. I need some sort of tool belt. I'm carrying a backpack with first aid supplies and such, but a tool belt would come in VERY handy.

I'm looking forward to breaking out the brush cutter tomorrow

Oneday for Life
Feb 2, 2004
Shoe. Explode?!

Socratic Moron posted:

The funny thing is, I offered to fly a homeless goon out, house him, provide food, teach him how to make money on the internet, and even pay him a few dollars a day just so he could have saved money up for when he went back home, and people tore me apart (as you can see from one post above).

Anyway, I would absolutely provide food and housing for anyone interested in coming to work the land, hangout, and have an awesome time. Keep in mind that working in this jungle is HARD work, but I'm loving every minute of it. I want to be more established before I post in GBS as I'd hate to have to turn people away because I'm not prepared. So for now, I'll just extend the invitation to you guys. Airfare to Hawaii is super cheap right now

There is only one thing keeping me from literally coming out there right now, and that's my car payment. If there was a way I could make a little more than $300 a month working out there, I'd buy a ticket right now.

Socratic Moron
Oct 12, 2003
*sigh*

Peantoo posted:

There is only one thing keeping me from literally coming out there right now, and that's my car payment. If there was a way I could make a little more than $300 a month working out there, I'd buy a ticket right now.
Let me ask this: do you have any experience or special skills such as carpentry, electrician, farmer, etc etc?

Slung Blade
Jul 10, 2002

You are so bewitched by its beauty, you are not sure if you can wield it.


Keep all those cars, we can recycle the metal. I might be able to make some decent tools with the steel you can find in them, using charcoal from the forest and the engine blocks as a makeshift anvil


I can't fuckin wait for November.

Socratic Moron
Oct 12, 2003
*sigh*

Slung Blade posted:

Never underestimate 3-6 humans with pointy sticks. (Though I hope there's at least someone out there who's done this before)
As I was working the land today, I was thinking, "There's no way 3-6 guys with pointy sticks would get a pig in this stuff". There's just so many directions a pig could go that humans couldn't follow. Maybe I'm wrong, but I just don't see it happening. You use your pointy sticks to flush him out, I'll use my 30-06 to get us dinner

Slung Blade posted:

Can we use wood from the forest as cooking fuel or are you against that?
There is a TON of strawberry guava that I'll be chopping down since it's an invasive species. If it makes good cooking fuel, you'll be in serious business. We're going to have to devise some clever way to dry the wood though. Maybe some large solar drying system (I've seen one pictured in Barefoot Architect). That reminds me, I need to start buying up glass on Craigslist

Slung Blade posted:

I think I'll have time around november or so to come out. I'll start saving for the trip.
Awesome

fizban7 posted:

Your wrong about the Pienapple exporting though. I'm From Kona, and I was in volcano National Park not more and a month ago, actually...

My dad brings me pine apples all the time, but you cant bring, oranges, avacados, etc. Pineapples for some reason are cool.

heres a list:
http://www.bestplaceshawaii.com/tip...inspection.html
Thank you for correcting me and providing that list

Flyboy925 posted:

Also, I love your king chair. Is it a native type of design, or ? I want one so bad for my place.
I'm not really sure. The woman I purchased it from is Hawaiian but the chair is made from the root of a Teak tree which I don't think grows in Hawaii. I think she also said her daughter had them made in Bali where she owned a furniture factory. If anyone has any insight, I'd love to know more about it. All I know is it's badass and will fit in beautifully with what I am trying to create.

Slung Blade posted:

Keep all those cars, we can recycle the metal. I might be able to make some decent tools with the steel you can find in them, using charcoal from the forest and the engine blocks as a makeshift anvil
That's BRILLIANT. Yes! I love you

Elendil004
Mar 22, 2003

The important thing in aeroplanes is that they shall be speedy.

For serious trails you might want to bring in some gravel or find something on site. I have no idea if there would be any gravel in that sort of landscape, i imagine not, but you might want say 1 or 2 main graveled paths that drain well then offshots which are just sloped and filled with dirt so they drain ok.

Argila
Oct 22, 2008


you should try and build a house or hall in this style
http://www.simondale.net/house/index.html

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Slung Blade
Jul 10, 2002

You are so bewitched by its beauty, you are not sure if you can wield it.


We can feed wood into a chipper to make mulch for paths or something. Low impact, natural, and comfortable to walk on.

Sure, the mulch will decompose eventually, but you have basically an infinite supply of it and by the time it becomes soil, you'll want to change where the path was anyway.

I'm assuming, anyway.


How cold and windy does it get to be in Hawaii? I'd be fine with a nice open air canvas shelter under a big tree.

Unless the bugs are bad, I guess.

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