May 2011 class in Vegas

[Scoutman]

Trying to find those going to this class. I paid for it today. BTW, how many are in a class?

[loghousenut]

Welcome aboard Scoutman...

Noticed you were lurking around and I'm glad to see your first post. I won't be much help to you. I went to class so long ago that the logs they used for demonstration purposes are now petrified wood. You'll get replies from your classmates.

Is there a Scoutwoman and is she going with you?

[Scoutman]

Thanks for the welcome! Yeah, been lurking for a little while. Trying to learn as much as I can. And I've learned an awful lot. As my Daddy used to say, "learn one new thing a day and you'll die a smart $OB". I'm sure you would be alot of help to all of us.

No Scoutwoman at the present time. Just a wannabe. ;)

[wacked]

I'll be going to the class in Vegas in May, just paid for it today and looking forward to it.

[mtnstorm]

I asked the same question. The answer was that the smallest class was 4 and the largest was 60 and that it's usually somewhere inbetween. Depends on the size of the room being used. Also, the number attending will not be revealed. Not sure why that is, but it adds to the mystique.

[Scoutman]

Hey wacked. Nice to meet you!

Dave

[Scoutman]

Gonna be there CLouise?

[wacked]

Nice to meet you, Dave! I'm Mark.

I've been lurking around the old forum for around a year and a half and have been dying to take this class. Today i finally did it.

[Scoutman]

Don't know that I could've waited a year and a half. I just found this site less than a month ago. Can't wait to start building.

[dazedandconfused]

I am in, Jason here from Pa, I will see you guys there. Has anyone booked their hotel, where are you guys staying and what costs are there, I was looking at staying close but I know nothing about this place so I was going to stay at Harrahs, but it might be cheaper elsewhere but I want walking distance so I don't have to drive anywhere.

[wacked]

Hi, Jason.
Nice to meet you.

I haven't booked a hotel and probably won't for a bit longer yet. I've never been to Las Vegas myself so I'm going to try to get something close also. I may also check into what the price of rooms are at Harrah's but I doubt they'll be within my budget. But it's worth a try.

[Steve]

I may also check into what the price of rooms are at Harrah's but I doubt they'll be within my budget.

The lowest price within a few blocks is likely to be at Imperial Palace, which is right next door to Harrah's.

There are also some super bargains on Fremont Street ("Old Vegas") but it's a bit farther away and you will need a car, bus, or taxi to get to Harrah's.

Remember: Buy your airfare and hotel together as a package for the best deal. You can browse the Travelocity Las Vegas weekend bundles here (www.kqzyfj.com/click-3693453-10504713).

[mtnstorm]

Gonna be there CLouise?

Thanks for asking. I'm going in February. Had the same questions as you do about hotels, etc. Finally stumbled across LHBA admin. advice to book through Travelocity. That makes it easy.

[Scoutman]

Hey Jason. Haven't made reservations yet but will probably stay at Harrahs.

[dazedandconfused]

I dont know what you guys were thinking but, I booked today a room at harrahs, I just walk downstairs and I am there, free 24 shuttle to airport, I would consider let someone stay in my room if money is tight, I also did not want to spend so much but convience at a place I dont know is good. Room to stay for peeling logs later :) anyone , anyone.

[Kalurah]

I went through Travelocity and paid $446 for air fare from boston plus room at Circus Circus for Thursday night , Friday and Saturday! Not too bad of a walk to Harrah's if you are not carrying anything. $5 for bus one time, there are 24 hr passes as well. Paid $17 for cab ride to airport Sunday night from Harrah's. There is a reasonable shuttle to and from airport and most of the hotels on the strip if you stay till Monday! Great buffet at Harrah's for $50 includes breakfast, lunch and dinner! Yeah a bit steep but it is very good!

[loghousenut]

Don't know that I could've waited a year and a half. I just found this site less than a month ago. Can't wait to start building.

It's normal to be all giddy and bouncing off the walls at this stage. Try to reign it in and enjoy the process. If it is right for you (I suspect it is) it'll get done. The goal is a handmade home that your kids will brag about with little or no mortgage. If you want to investigate the quicker alternatives, go check out the contractor erected kit houses with a mortgage. Your kids may not brag quite as much about the kit house when it's done but at least they'll get to help pay for it if you die on schedule.

There are two easy ways to waste money on your LHBA home:

1... Get in a hurry.

2... Marry someone who is in a hurry.

We spent an extra $20,000 or so on our excavation and foundation because I got in a hurry. We charged full steam ahead and got it all done in a couple of weeks with hired help and machinery. Had I purchased a $15,000 excavator and spent a lot more time on that stage of the project, I woulda dug down another foot or two to set the house where I really wanted it and still been at the same stage of the house build right now. The added benefit woulda been that my Son would have become fairly proficient running another piece of equipment and right now I would be argueing with the wife about "Come on Honey, can't I keep the big Orange Hoe?).

Keep reading and pile up all of the misinformation you can for now. You'll be amazed at the change in mindset that happens on the week of the class. Your preconceived notions will vanish like wisps of vapor above the morning cup of coffee.

PS... Those extra $ we wasted by getting caught up in the "We're finally building the HOUSE!!!) syndrome won't really matter in the long run. We knew better and we had the cash and it was kinda fun at the time. Our place is far form a money pit and it'll be worth much more than the final total we spend in dollars. Our already close family has gotten closer as we pulled together and made a few sacrifices for the long term common good. Our Son has become a fine specimen of a man during this project. Most of us in the Association build faster than the loghousenut family but I can't figure out why we would we want to hurry such a thing.

Photo below was taken in March of 2009. We drove 3 hours and hiked the last mile over the snow pulling a toboggan loaded with 2 saws, fuel, oil, bedding, food, etc. to spend the night so we could rise with the Sun and fall the 58 Ponderosa Pines to build our home. Most LHBA folks don't fall their own trees and you'll learn why not in class. In class you'll also learn why we did it when the snow was on the ground. What you won't learn in class is how I felt as I took the Photo minutes before we hiked back to the Suburban to get home long after dark. He learned a lot that day and so did I.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t55/loghousenut/Our%20Home/The%20logs/Logging/House3-23-09-3-26-09100.jpg

[Scoutman]

Figuratively can't wait to get started. And NO kit home!! I've learned enough already to turn down some nice land. A gently sloping hill about 10 acres in size with a nice 1/3 acre flat spot on top 100 ft above a river. It's covered in old growth white oak and hickory and a few very large pines. No road on the property but it's next to a county road. I don't want to clear that land for a cabin.

[edkemper]

Scoutman,

Read your last post after you finish the class. Let us know if you want to change anything. <smile>

[Scoutman]

About clearing the land?

[edkemper]

Wait until after the class. One hint? You might have a line of people willing to help. Especially saying they are "large logs." Large Logs are called Log Porn in this arena. You'll find that most of us build with smaller wall logs (12-18" tops). It's a whole 'nother story if you could get a whole stack of 24-48+ inch tops on logs for the build.

I am so excited for you. My wife and I remember well what it's like to register and wait. A couple days before the class, you've already lost all your fingernails. Have fun. See you on the other side.

[mikebarth1]

Hey Jason.

Pretty familiar with Vegas from business. I'll be there, and I am staying at Harrah's. This is actually my second class, as I am quite close to building now, and just wanted to see it again. Its a great experience, and I'm kinda a slow learner so I wanted one more experience before I get going. Totally personal - You'll get everything you need in one sitting.

But back to Vegas - They make the hotels look smaller to make them look closer - But each is quite a way off. A cab ride one or two hotels down will be $10 or more depending on traffic. If a few bucks either way isn't the end all, book at Harrah's and you'll have a much easier experience.

Good luck!

I'll be the short bald guy wagging his tail, looking like he's about ready to peel logs.

See you there!

Mike

[dazedandconfused]

Thanks Mike an honest sole goes a long way, I always seem to learn the most when I humbly accept that I don't know much, right on. See you there Mike and the rest of you newbees as well.

[loghousenut]

Thanks Mike an honest sole goes a long way,

I was gonna correct your grammer til I reread what was bein talked about. If you can keep that tongue firmly attached to your cheek I think you'll fit right in around here!

[tgb3]

Just paid for the class for me and my girlfriend. I have been looking around at all the pics and posts on her for over 2 years now but just now pulled the trigger. Im a Nurse in Nebraska and cant wait for this class. We will be staying at Harrahs and will drive the 16 hours from here.....fun fun.
Tom

[panderson03]

Welcome, Tom! good to have another nurse here.

[jrdavis]

WELCOME, Fellow Husker...

Now we can have our OWN Nebraska Chapter (Since LHN started one in Oregon, or should I say "The State of Jefferson"?)
I graduated from High School in Lincoln Northeast, Joined the Marine Corps moved BACK to Omaha.
We reside in Iowa, but I work in Bellevue when NOT deployed in Iraq as I currently am.

Lots to learn and know.... so read, read, read.
I am hoping to build starting this fall so I'll "let you peel" some logs when the time comes :)

James.

[panderson03]

gosh James, if you're in Council Bluffs IA that's only SIX HOURS away from our build!! if you're not gonna start building til FALL, we'd be DELIGHTED to give you lots of first hand experience ALL SUMMER LONG:)

[tgb3]

Panderson03, I would be willing to take said trip :). Being a fellow nurse working 12 hour shifts gives me 4 days a week off. I was looking at your area for a future move as a matter of fact.
James, I was born in Nebraska but have lived in several other states plus Germany while in the Army so I know the military life well.

A little more back ground on me. I am a single father of 3....yes its just me and them so any trips to help would have 3 kids in tow :)

[panderson03]

Sounds good tgb3. can't wait to catchup with you after you get done with class! will be happy to have you and your children over to our place and show you what we're doing (and take you fishing!)!
have fun reading all these forums. they sure taught us a lot! and ask questions:)

[tgb3]

Fishing in MN....that would be great!!!
Tom

[wacked]

I'm also a fellow Nebraskan (though born in Ohio) - but at the other end of the state from lincoln

[jrdavis]

Panderosn -- well I have a mother with stage 4 cancer (colon, liver and lungs) that I got to spend 2 weeks with in July 2010 and will need to spend some time with when I return in late april, plus my WIFE has a 2 week curise planned to "Take me away" to have me all to herself, a son graduating and a g-baby due in late may. and then I have life also, so we'll see about getting up there...
some hands on would be nice -- oh, and I'd like to take the class again with my wife. Possibly May???
I'll PM you after my return and I get settled in.
I love that upper states area -- but Nebraska/Iowa winters are bad enough... :), so "visits" are nicer.

JD

[jrdavis]

Wacked -- really? Great -- our Ranks are GROWING!!!!
I have been looking at some land in Chadron... but its SOOO FAR from the rest of the state :)
most of my relatives live north and west of Grand Island. (Ord, Burwell, Ainsworth, etc)
My son-in-law is a preacher and recently talked with a church in GI... so I thot that I might be able to get the wife to move to that part of the state, but it didn't work out...

Where are you?

JD

[tgb3]

Chadron and the pine ridge area is beautiful. I have spent time up that way in the state park cabins, used it as a home base for a Black Hills vacation for a week. My family is from the sandhills area (Anselmo).

[panderson03]

Panderosn -- well I have a mother with stage 4 cancer (colon, liver and lungs) that I got to spend 2 weeks with in July 2010 and will need to spend some time with when I return in late april, plus my WIFE has a 2 week curise planned to "Take me away" to have me all to herself, a son graduating and a g-baby due in late may. and then I have life also, so we'll see about getting up there...
some hands on would be nice -- oh, and I'd like to take the class again with my wife. Possibly May???
I'll PM you after my return and I get settled in.
I love that upper states area -- but Nebraska/Iowa winters are bad enough... :), so "visits" are nicer.

JD
WOW James, you have a very full life!!! yes please do PM me when/if you want to come spend some time with us.
your mom and your family will be in our prayers.

[wacked]

JD and Tom,

I'm about an hour south of Chadron. And I certainly agree - the pine ridge area is beautiful! Great place to look for property. I had thought about land in the Black Hills area, but wow it's gotten expensive in most places there anymore. That combined with the depth of the water table and new septic requirements make me think of other areas such as the pine ridge or possibly even other states. But where ever I end up I probably wouldn't be building for at least another 4 -6 years or so.

I've got to say, this forum is the best advertisement for this class and building style there is. The more I've been reading through the archives and looking at the pictures in the last year the more I want to take the class. It seems like a building style that was made for me - I'm quite handy with tools (I work on Locomotives) but have never really built anything of significance.. Though I am pretty proud of the dog house I made when I was 14 - and the dog liked it too. I've wanted to have a log home since I was a teenager. I'm now 43 and still determined to do it.

It's also quite a testament to this class that at least one person ( and soon another) has taken this class twice! That to me is proof it is well worth the money and time.

I'm sure looking forward to meeting you all in May!

Mark

[B52Bohmer]

Hello all,

I will be attending the May 2011 class as well and am excited to meet you all. Just thought I'd throw out the idea of splitting a room with someone? I checked out Imperial Palace and the rates are about half that of Harrah's. I will probably book a room over Friday, Saturday and Sunday night. Any ideas or interest in splitting the cost of a room?

[Scoutman]

B52, I'll split it with you. Used to live in Great Falls, 10 years, when I was in the AF. Hope to get back up there to build a cabin!!

[Scoutman]

B52, call me ASAP. I'll book the room. 478-251-3293

[wacked]

How far is the Imperial Palace from Harrah's? In a photo of it it looked almost next door to it but on google earth it looks a mile or so from it..

[Scoutman]

On this map it says .1 miles. http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl

[Cruiser]

We were just there a couple of weeks ago...it is basically right next door

[wacked]

Indeed it does look like they're right next door to each other..

[Scoutman]

Stay there wacked. Maybe the whole group.

[Scoutman]

213.61 for 3 nights.

[Scoutman]

maybe split the cost with someone that's dazedandconfused!

[wacked]

I definitely will book a room there.. I got a quote of 175.00 for 3 nights

[Scoutman]

WHAT??? Are you kidding?

[wacked]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v407/plainswolf/Screenshot-5.png

[wacked]

oops, I didn't see it only registered two nights..

[wacked]

235 for three nights, still not too bad

[Scoutman]

yeah, if you're only staying 2 nights

[dazedandconfused]

hey like I stated earlier I would be willing to let someone stay with me, I already booked for Harrahs, not sure total costs because it was lumped into my flight with travelocity however I am in for only two nights, Friday and Saturday, I have a 10:30pm flight out Sunday night, I know, I know it is rushing a little but if I leave the class by 9:30pm I will be fine no worries, I want to get home asap to see my family, I have a long flight, so boys let me know.

[GabrielSynthesis]

Hey everyone,

I just found this site a month or two back, and decided to jump in as soon as possible. I'm trying to stay at the Imperial Palace, I haven't booked anything yet, but probably will soon.

Can't wait to see everyone there!

[rnm678]

My wife and I are paid up for the May 2011 class in Vegas and are very eager for this class to get here. I have been viewing the LHBA website for a couple years and I'm ready to get started building a properly built full log butt-n-pass log home. We have already purchased land in the Ozark Mountains in northern Arkansas. My wife and I both love log homes and can't wait to get started building our own. We look forward to meeting the instructors and all of you who will be attending this class.

[Dewey]

Hello everyone!

I will be joining you from Alberta and can't wait to meet everyone and see what it's all about. Anyone still looking for a room mate at a hotel close by?

[Scoutman]

Hey Dewey. We'll see you there. What part of Alberta? Used to live in MT and b52bohmer is still there.

[Dewey]

I'm just outside of Edmonton... too bad I couldn't get a spot in the Feb class so I could warm up for a change!

[Scoutman]

LOL!! Yeah, a little cold there this time of year

[Scoutman]

So far there's me, wacked, dazedandconfused, tgb3 and gf, B52Bohmer, GabrielSynthesis, rnm678, and Dewey. Missing anyone

[loghousenut]

So far there's me, wacked, dazedandconfused, tgb3 and gf, B52Bohmer, GabrielSynthesis, rnm678, and Dewey. Missing anyone

Please don't be offended but it sounds like a comedy routine waiting to happen. Wish I could be there with ya. Kiss the bearded one for me.

[Scoutman]

lol! Come on down LHN! And bring some pics!

[loghousenut]

It'd work out just like grade school... Ronnie, would you please move your seat to the far corner of the room where you won't distract the rest of the students.

I think I'll stay home where it's safe. I know you all will enjoy every minute.

[Scoutman]

You could belly up to the bar with us and tell all the "war" stories of building.

[scanguskhan]

We are in. Coming from Ma. Can't wait to start the journey!!!! Haven't booked hotel yet...likely staying at Harrahs.

[dazedandconfused]

Great Scang cant wait to meet you there, fellow east coaster, I live in Pa.

[maybee]

I noticed your in Forsyth , GA . I am in Woodstock. I also am signed up for the May class held I believe at Planet Holliwood. Just now trying to see about reservations. Have you found any deals?

[Scoutman]

Hey maybee. The class is at Harrahs. I'm sharing a room with b52bohmer at the Imperial, very close to Harrahs. $214 for Fri thru checkout Sunday.

[Zetmandu]

Just thought I would let all of you out there know who will be going to class soon that you will not be disappointed. I just finished finished up my class in Vegas at Harrahs a few hours ago and so while Im still waiting on my go ahead to get to "the other side" I cant say enough good things about the class. We had a group of about 45 in our class and it was absolutely great not only to finally be able to take the class, but to have all the blanks filled in.

So will see you all on the other side where I'm sure the gracious members who have gone before me will help me remember what I forget by the time I get ready to build, so dont worry, your money is not wasted on this class

[huntingsaddles]

Hey all, I am sitting in my hotel room in Vegas. Yesterday evening was the conclusion of our class. It was a non stop fact filled wonderful journey that lasted for two days starting at 8:30 AM for registration and goes until around 8:00 PM. The snacks are top notch and the instruction is second to none. ALL questions answered with no bull here! They just tell you how to get the job done from start to finish. Sorry to ramble...
To answer your question from what I could estimate there was about 45 - 50 students. When you are done you will have all the information you will need to start your quest of log home building. The biggest thing is to keep it simple especially for your first one. That does not mean that you can't build a large home it just means they highly recommend that the home be square and not of a rectangle etc... You will be amazed!

[B52Bohmer]

Hello All,

Just bought air-fare to get to Vegas. Might want to check out Allegiant Air for those of you in the westernish states. Their hub is out of Las Vegas and their rates are really good and (in my case) it is a non-layover flight. They only fly out of certain air-ports on certain days so you'll have to luck out on those dates but definitely worth a look. www.allegiantair.com is the web-site.

[Anna320]

Hey all. We signed up on Feb 1. Really excited. but uh...just curious... are we supposed to get tickets or anything? Or... a conference room or suite number or something? I'm a little nervous! lol! Thanks guys!

[loghousenut]

As you drive in to Vegas from the east you'll notice a bunch of unused parking spaces in front of a big building that houses the fire truck museum. Park there and go have lunch and see the sights. They'll slip a ticket under your windshield wiper and it'll have more instructions printed on the back.


Well, I thought it was funny. When I went to class 20 years ago it was done differently so I suppose I'll let one of the more recent graduates fill you in. Welcome aboard.

[Zetmandu]

Anna,
I just completed the class in Feb. What they did with us was about a week before the class is set to begin, Steve emailed everyone attending the info on exactly which conference room the class was going to be located and what time to be there. So no tickets or anything like that. Good luck and Im sure you will be as pleased as the rest of us were who finally got to take the class

[Anna320]

Lol! Loghousenut! :)


Thanks Zetmandu, that helps, we'll look for the email. :)

[maybee]

me too, maybee

[Scoutman]

Where are you maybee?

[Dewey]

Man it's so expensive to fly to Vegas from Canada. INSANE. I guess I'll make a trip out of it and just drive down. I've only really been to Alaska so this should be a nice trip to see the lower 48. Also no need to go through those pesky scanners at the airport.

[Scoutman]

It is a nice trip Dewey. Stop at Yellowstone and Glacier enroute to Vegas or home.

[loghousenut]

Man it's so expensive to fly to Vegas from Canada. INSANE. I guess I'll make a trip out of it and just drive down. I've only really been to Alaska so this should be a nice trip to see the lower 48. Also no need to go through those pesky scanners at the airport.

Dewey,

It's a shame you can't wait for the next class in Gold Bar, Washington.

On second thought, if you can get 3 or 4 weeks off for Vegas, it'd be a driving trip through the prettiest slice of America south of the border.

[B52Bohmer]

Dewey, If you head south of Edmonton through Calgary onto Lethbridge and then cross at the Couttes/Sweetgrass border, Great Falls Montana is just over 100 miles from the border. Allegiant Air flies out from Great Falls International Airport to Las Vegas on Fridays and Mondays. I paid $300 for a round trip ticket. I'm not sure what the stipulations of crossing the border by land and then flying within the U.S. is but it might save you time and gas. Unless you want to take the scenic drive which is nice too. If time and money are the concern, I would definitely look into allegiant air. www.allegiantair.com I believe is the web site.

[Scoutman]

Is a visa/passport required to cross the US/Canada border now?

[pinewood]

For complete information about travel from the United States to the rest of the world go to www.travel.state.gov

~Dane~

[Zetmandu]

Scoutman,
yes I can confirm a passport is most definitely needed to cross the canadian border. My office is actually in Canada and I have to go there about once a year and its always needed for the trip

[Scoutman]

Thought so. Wasn't required pre-9/11 when I drove back to the lower 48 from Alaska. And had to ship my guns to Montana and pick them up when I got there. Should have stopped the journey in MT.

[Dewey]

I guess I waited too long before looking at airfares and hotels. But I have 12 days off and will make the most of the drive down.

[wacked]

Guys, I just got a nasty, nasty surprise on my taxes... looks like I'm going to have cancel out on the May 2011 class. I was not able to claim a dependent on my taxes that I was sure I could. NOT GOOD news. I was really looking forward to this class. But since I got the bad news from the Tax lady, I've redone the amount of exemptions I'm claiming throughout the year... I'm definitely going to sign up for class again it next spring..

Was really looking forward to meeting you guys there.

[Scoutman]

D@mn Mark, that sucks. Just don't give up.

[wacked]

Thanks Scoutman... I'm sure not giving up by any means at all. Not a chance. I just didn't need the bad news about the taxes. It's like having the rub yanked out from under me. But I'm certainly going to try next spring!

[Scoutman]

I certainly understand about the tax man and the rug. The Feds/State have been jerking me around for several years.

[chazers18]

My Wife and I are also in the May class too. We have not booked a room either.

Cant wait to start digging a hole, and stacking some wood.

[B52Bohmer]

Where you from chazers? We'll all have to get name tags with our screen names so we know who is who! maybe we'll meet there.

[lilbluehonda]

Years ago I use to work on B52 bohmers

[Scoutman]

Where were you stationed lilblue?

[dazedandconfused]

I too can not wait, I have been looking around at plans, I know I should wait, I want a 32X32 home 2 bed on first floor then half loft as open/ rec space, I can not seem to find this plan, somebody stated cant remember that they had or got software that allowed them to design their own plan was just wondering if anyone knew of anything like this to play with, hopefully for free, I know at class they will have many plans, does anyone know about how many? I know the square log plan is the best to start with so I hope there are many variations internally with these plans so I don't have to pay too much for the engineer to change much.

[StressMan79]

dazed,

you'll likely want autocad, as it is basically the industry standard package. You can get google sketchup for free, and this is really nice for doing things like passive solar, since you can define what day, and see how the shadows fall from overhangs, this is a 3d software.

32x32 is very doable, but the "stock" plans come in 30x30/35x35/40x40. when you are at the class, you can see the plans, they'll have them laying out, and generally, there is a sale open to new members. I bought the 30x30 plans, but decided to go with a smaller footprint for my off the grid retreat. This said, I don't regret buying the plans, as they are very well laid out and help you remember "how to do that" when it comes time.

Actually, the LHBA methods are so simple and sound that you can draw any floorplan you want, so long as you work around RPSLs and make sure the spans are acceptable (per provided span tables).

Glad to have a new crop of members. If you want to take a trip up to WA when you are all accredited, give me a holler. There are at least 6 members who have built or are now building within earshot of seattle, and I am in the process a bit further away.

-Peter

[chazers18]

Where you from chazers? We'll all have to get name tags with our screen names so we know who is who! maybe we'll meet there.

Central WI, with a woods full of hardwoods, and granite

[Zetmandu]

dazedandconfused,
On your question about a cheap or free program for testing out your floorplan ideas I found one that I really liked that isnt as complicated or near as expensive as autocad. if you know autocad then that is certainly the way to go but if you just want something that drag and drop and can learn in about 10 minutes and see how everything looks in 3d its wonderful for that. Just google Plan3d and it should get you to the website. It cost 30 bucks a year to use and is entirely online, even if you dont want to pay the $30, you can design your plan and play around with dimensions and such, you just cant save the plan and come back to it later. The 3D eye level view was great in letting me see how things looked at eye level and you can even click it to open cabinet doors or regular doors and see if they are in the way of anything else. its not perfect, but for $30 its hard to beat. I used it to change a few interior details of the stock 30x30 plan and then carried the stock plans to an engineer and he logged into it and saw my changes and made them in autocad for a stamped drawing, so for me it worked out great

[lilbluehonda]

Where were you stationed lilblue?

Beale AFB in Ca. at that time it was also the home of the baddest plane ever built the SR-71

[Scoutman]

Remember it quite well.

[edkemper]

SR-71? Wasn't that the one that you needed a raincoat to walk under when on the ground? Slow flying, low altitude, right? Mostly for Photo Ops? Smile.

[lilbluehonda]

The plane expanded so much from the heat it had sliding connections that didn't seal until it got warmed up on the ground they had drip pans under the planes,they could barley go Mach 3.5 and only 98 thousand feet. They'd over fly Russia just to mess with them because there was nothing that could catch them. Talking about low and slow when I was in Vietnam I worked on the slowest lowest planes C-7A Caribou with a strong head wind they could land in a few hundred feet,then I come back to the States (about 50miles north of Folsom) and work next to the the fastest and highest

[edkemper]

My first love was the X-15 as a kid. But my plane is/was the XB-70a. Dad help build it. Still have a couple of envelopes from the maiden flight and the first Mach 3 flight. Both signed by Al White and Jo Cotton. Got to be onsite on it's maiden flight in Palmdale. Was designed as a high altitude bomber. New radar prior to it's maiden flight made it obsolete. Some of what they learned from the B-70 went into the 71. Even have the official Rockwell Desk Models of both the XB-70a and the first version of the B1. Dad was a project manager on the B1 before he retired from Rockwell. The SR-71 was an amazing and beautiful black rocket. Nothing like it anymore.

[lilbluehonda]

Yeah when I was a kid the X-15 and the F-104 were the planes that fascinated me the most,thats why it was so cool when I first went on to the flight line at Beale and saw the SR's ,at that time the planes were top secrete and I'd never even heard about them it was like seeing the Starship enterprise,Now they just have the old U-2's at Beale,Folsom is on the flight path to Beale with Binoculars you might be able to see them on approach

[lilbluehonda]

The other very memorable thing I saw was a number of years ago the Concorde was on a promotional tour and was at Oakland ,one day I heard one of the loudest Jets flying over I went out just in time to see it in a banked turn right over me

[Blondie]

I saw the shuttle as it was flown between California and Florida. "Most impressive."


Blondie

[lilbluehonda]

I'd like to see that that must be very impressive to see it in person

[loghousenut]

Well my most impressive sighting of an aircraft happened 10 or 12 years ago when the BLM had hired out a little logging operation on the land adjacent to us. It was a simple thinning operation and turned out beautiful. They didn't have a road to haul out of so they took the logs out to a landing by helicopter.

We soon got used to seeing those choppers, from a local company, flying back and forth so close we coulda repainted them with a whisk broom... So comfortable that one morning as I was taking my shower (did I mention that we have always had an outdoor shower?) I looked out as I was rinsing the shampoo out of my hair to see a chopper hovering at the edge of our property, just across the creek from me. He was close enough for me to see that he had his head in the bubble so he could look down at the choker setter.... But he was looking straight at me. I was facing him in all my glory and eventually he realized that all that pink skin was a fat ole man taking a shower and he suddenly looked straight down at the choker setter. He wasn't close enough for me to see his St. Christopher medal, but he was close enough that I could see he had a silver chain around his neck.

The great part of the entire event is that I used to be the salesman who went to his company office once a year to renew their Costco membership. His company paid for a membership to each of their employees as a perk. Whenever I see one of their employees in the store I always ask if he is a helicopter pilot. I haven't had one blush yet but I'll catch him someday!

[Scoutman]

Almost here!! Who's going? I'm Dave from Forsyth, GA.

[dazedandconfused]

About a week to go I am in, can't wait.

[B52Bohmer]

These past two weeks have dragged on so much. Can't wait to get there. Neil Bohmer, Cut Bank, Montana.

[dazedandconfused]

I am Jason Weber from Sinking Spring, Pa, and still dazed and confused :)

[Scoutman]

Still waiting for that LHBA confirmation email!

[Admin]

Still waiting for that LHBA confirmation email!

Hi Scoutman,

According to our records, we sent you the official, final confirmation email on March 18. That email contains all the information you need to get to class. If you didn't receive it, or if you would like another copy forwarded to you, please send an email to info@loghomebuilders.org and we'll send you one.

[loghousenut]

Whatever happens, make sure Scoutman gets a seat in class! He's about to wet his pants in anticipation.

[Scoutman]

LOL @ LHN! Don't think I'm the only one!!

[panderson03]

welcome to the family, you guys. Have fun in class. it was way more than we hoped for!
see you on the member's side!

[tgb3]

Headed to Vegas in about 6 hours, driving there. The maps tell me its at least an 18 hour drive. See everyone there :)
Tom

[Cruiser]

Safe travels to everyone. Have fun and we'll see you on the other side.

[Scoutman]

B52Bohmer and I are here in Vegas and raring to go!! Where's everyone else? See y'all in the AM!

[JeffandSara]

B52Bohmer and I are here in Vegas and raring to go!! Where's everyone else? See y'all in the AM!

Congratulations, Scoutman! You're starting your journey! Neil told me you two were planning to tag-team on notes, etc. Have a GREAT weekend!
Sara : )

[loghousenut]

Yeah, they'll probably spend their lunch break walking the strip, measuring and marking palm trees and looking for ridgepoles.

[BoFuller]

We just finished the class a couple hours ago. I am ready to get started! Woo Hoo!!!

[Scoutman]

LHN, saw a really nice palm tree this afternoon. But we could easily reach around it so it wasn't worthy of being a ridgepole!!

[loghousenut]

Just keep walking east and hug every tree you come to. You'll find a useable ridgepole long before you get home.

Can't wait to hear what you two have to say about all the lies we've been telling you about class. Welcome home!

[chazers18]

Wow fast posters

Can't wait to leave this town to start in the woods


I am going to start my build thread soon

[slrrls]

Great class!

[tgb3]

Was a fun time in Vegas and a great class. The girlfriend and I just got back to our room from Fremont street and sent in the "members only" request. Headed back to Nebraska in the AM.
Tom

[Zetmandu]

Hello to all the new members.
Will see all of you in the members side soon Im sure.

[destructoxvi]

less than 96 hours until the class. Is TSA restricting chain saws on commercial air now? Just in case.

[harmtim]

Where in Nebraska? I'm from Omaha and wondering about obtaining logs... Have you any ideas?