Hull Island - A New Frontier

By Charles Hattemer I've never been very aware of the enjoyment and satisfaction of building physical structures beyond legos and pillow forts, u ntil two weeks ago, when I got super excited about a bunch of concrete footers at Hull Island.  Our mission: begin work on the first human structure--a small utility shed and cabin. After a two-hour boat ride from Port McNeill , BC, we arrived at the island, unloaded all the gear, and discovered a big pile of black bear shit.  Way to start things off strong...  After settling in and doing some exploration the first couple days, we begin work on nine foundational footers for the shed.  We dug nine holes deep enough to hit big rocks (or maybe the island itself) in the ground. These were the spots for each concrete footer.  Using a water level (thank you Archimedes), we lined everything up just right--measuring all lengths at least 3 or 4 times.  Jon carefully placed his handmade footer forms (with chamfers) in e...

By Liz Hattemer This year I was unable to go to Hull Island - I didn't think too much about how it would impact me - I had a busy summer and my fall was full of travel and work plans.  But all three sons Henry, Andy, and Charles were going with Jon for a full week of Hull Island pioneering.  They were going to pour the first footings of the very first structure. I was happy that brothers were joined together in this new step; basically, or metaphorically, Jon was finally putting his feet into the ground...and my sons were part of this huge adventure. What I didn't anticipate was the daily wonder, waking up and thinking, "what are they doing today?" how is the island today?"  Christopher was in the same mindset, I know. We were both tracking in our minds the experience that we were missing. He called me after he received the first random text - "how long to cook crabs..." We discussed at length the power of that text. How a simple message conveyed all ...

Camp Ogichi Daa Kwe - Minnesota, USA    May 11 - May 24 2017 For many years, my sister Liz has been deeply involved with  Camp Ogichi Daa Kwe , a girls wilderness camp in northern Minnesota.  Camp Ogichi is for girls ages 8 and older. Regular season is about 200 strong including counselors.  The camp emphasis is on canoe trips and backpacking.  Girls typically spend a week getting ready then head off into the wilderness with durations depending on their age and experience. All trips are guided by pros and have air support in case of emergency The following series of events led to Liz's profound idea:  Wouldn't I love to see where she's worked for years, check out the beautiful environment, and build a "practice" cabin with master builder  Bart Vollmer  and his main guy Richard Shuman? (Was Liz anxious about my building skills? Wanting me to learn more? Trying to get me ready for Hull Island build? Didn't really matter as, I loved the idea and...