The site preparation

One downside of the block was the amount of logging the previous owner had done just before the sale to us.  Obviously a money making exercise to the seller, but a big disappointment to us as buyers.  Logging is one thing, but collateral damage by the dozers and falling trees to the surrounding vegetation is quite another. 

However as it happens, part of the area logged and cleared by the dozers has ended up being the best spot for the house site.  We also know the damaged trees and vegetation will recover relatively fast as the Australian bush invariably does.

In cleaning up the planned house site,  the first thing we did was to get to work with our new Stihl chainsaw.  (One can not be involved in the bush without the mandatory chainsaw.)  The sloping site had to be cleared of small trees and logging remnants. Many people gave us a hand in cutting down of the small trees, carrying or dragging everything over to piles, then carting it all away in the trailer to be dispersed in the bush.

To build a house part-time out in the sticks, we needed to provide a home base and convenient accommodation for the "construction workers".  In reality, the only economical solution was to buy a second hand caravan and park it on-site, then resell it when the house is finished.  Hopefully for the same money.  After driving all over Brisbane and looking at used vans, many of which should have been condemned, we found one in very good condition and well priced, which we snapped up. 

The best location to set the van up (and the planned shed) was the flat area above the house site, which had been used by the loggers as a holding bay.  To finish off the van site, the old platform decking from the old demolished van was positioned  under the annex awning as a verandah.  This made a world of difference to living outdoors, high and out of the dirt.

 

The number one bushman's tool is the chainsaw.  Quite a noisy little device, very handy, does the job quickly, but watch your toes....

Utilising trees for shade and wind breaks has worked out OK. The only problems have been falling branches and eucalypt oil stains on the van.

 

A site selected for the caravan was the holding bay used by the loggers.  Nice and flat.  But man, so much bark to pick up and cart away....