Oregon Road Trip

 We took a much-needed vacation after the occupancy inspection, and explored a corner of Oregon unfamiliar to us. We explored just a little bit of the Elkhorn, Wallowa, and Blue mountain areas. 

Cows out in the middle of nowhere. I think they were social distancing. 

Sumpter, Oregon had some interesting history, including this gigantic dredge. 

It is as big as a hotel!

This thing was worked constantly around the clock. Can you imagine the noise echoing through the hills? It dug up more than $4 million dollars of gold. The dredge started in the Powder River, but machinery this big could dig its own river channel, so it was always making its own place to float in. It was helpful to see this first before going down river, because it explained the strange heaps of rock everywhere!

After so much construction experience, the inside of this monster was very interesting to look at. 

As if we were visiting a foreign country, we came across mysterious road signs. I still don't know what this means. 

Part of the Lostine River 

Wallowa Mountains. 

The Lostine River

Wallowa Lake

Such a beautiful part of Oregon! We wish we could have stayed much longer. 

On the way home we saw interesting geology near Monument.

It wasn't all bleak!

I often say that other places "look like Oregon" but at this point, Oregon was looking like Texas where temperatures were concerned. It wasn't long before a river was found, and then plunged into by the travelers!

Fireworks

The fixes were quickly done and the inspector called again. Approved!

Did we hug the inspector and all fall in the floor in tears of gratefulness? 

No. We just went about our normal day.

I went and made dinner in the new kitchen. We got on the phone and bought an insurance policy. Insurance went into effect at midnight, they said.

About suppertime a thunderstorm rolled in, lightning struck out back of us and smoke started to blow in the gusty wind. 

We packed backpacks just in case, as the wind was blowing it our way. Thankfully firefighters had the fire out by 10 PM.  It sure made a memorable day more memorable.

Cleaning up the site! 

And so what did we do after that? Did we go down the list and methodically finish the house in the next few weeks? Did we go buy furniture?

No. We did what every sensible person in our situation would do. We went on Vacation.

Fix it and Call Again.

Many a night I had lulled myself to sleep in the RV dreaming of that moment of the Occupancy Declaration from the county Building Inspector. We would cry, we would dance, we would clap, I would wring the Inspector's hand and tell him how much it meant to us. All the kids would hug each other. So I had a nervous but exciting flutter in my heart when we called for the "last" inspection. 

The minimums were done, and somewhat beyond, and the moment was here. 

The first floor, all inspection ready!

No need for backsplash, cupboard doors, extra trims, shelves or drawers for occupancy inspections. 

Baseboard not required. Stair backs not required. 

 

 Bay window seats/drawers, closet doors not needed. 

Everything structural, plumbing, and electric was finished. 

Well, not much we could do about this. We didn't build a garage. Renting a storage unit was out of the question for frugality's sake.  Just scoot boxes away from the walls so the Inspector can see the outlets. Upstairs? just stack the totes in the middle. Boy, the attic is going to be a bit difficult to navigate... 

And after going through all the house, what did the inspector say?

Something like: "You've got the wrong outlet here" and "Get that hydrant outta there." Fix it all and call again.

The Electrician/Tile Guy helps the Plumber/Carpenter Guy with the hydrant removal.

Changing the View

 It was time to wrap this project up! Here the Tile Guy is installing some lights, for he was also the Electrician at this point. This and that were "wrapped up" to get ready for another inspection.

 

This was one of the preparations! Railings on the porch are not in the blueprints, but it sure is CUTE! This project was another "temporary" install, in case Code called for it. Boy, was I glad about this one:) I prefer it with railings;)

 

 

It changed the view. It framed the view. I'm sure it is better looking from the street as well.
 

 

Taking a break to see the Sunset over the Ochocos