Did a test run of our BOL on a really cold night. Epic fail. I think I mentioned that it is a Harbor Freight portable garage right now. They have a flap all the way around the bottom. Well, up one the mountain, at midnight the wind picks up really strong and blows that flap open, and sucks all the heat out. Our propane heater just can't keep up. So, next trip out, I'm going to put grommets along the bottom and put in heavy duty tent stakes to keep that from hapening again. I am already working on installing reflectix insulation inside. Until the wind picked up, that was working just fine where I already had it up. More will be up as I can afford it.
Did I mention Hubby found a Suburban in good condition that he bought to be the official BOV? He decided that the Jeep was too small and is better suited to be his off-roading rig. He already started purchasing new parts and accessories to make it a better overlander. As sloppy as the mountain road was this weekend from all the rain and seeps, that truck made it up just fine. Plus, we took a load of supplies to be ready in our little trailer, and on the way back, we picked up some big, flat rocks to add to the driveway, which also kept the trailer from bouncing around.
The mattresses I made worked out very well. It added insulation and comfort to sleeping. Was definitely worth the effort. They and the pillows are stored in a big Husky rolling tool chest to stay out there so we don't have to drag them back and forth.
I am happy to report that my little pibble got along with the little GSD out there. As long as we were not right up around the livestock, everything was fine. However, Pepper has a bit of a prey drive from being a stray. That may never go away, but as her training progresses, she may learn to control it.
I think that is it. I'll post again as more is accomplished. It really helps me stay on track to post this. I feel like I am actually still on track.