Forty wooded acres and an old train car

First in an occasional series

On a primitive canyon parcel, a Space Age survey draws the lines.

Owning 40 forested acres means felling dead trees, splitting firewood and having a chance to relax in quiet solitude.

Once a humble rail car, then a grand cabin, a mountain retreat faces an uncertain future.

A new pump raises an instant thrill with a stream of cold, clear water from 80 feet down.

It will take some time before a tiny cabin on 40 wooded acres can become reality.

Building on their mountain property will be a challenge. Still, it’s a wonderful retreat.