Hey guys, Pedernales Electric Coop (PEC) installed the 25kVA transformer pole and the meter pole with meter base/loop today. We have electricity folks…and the lights come on without the hum of the 5,000 watt Honda generator running in the background.
The guys from TexasData – wireless internet for the Texas Hill Country – also stopped by today to evaluate whether my current configuration can benefit from their services. Unfortunately, the “fixed wireless” network (Canopy microwave platform developed by Motorola) they use operates at a frequency that requires a direct line of sight to their towers. The problem is my live oak trees are too tall to accommodate this requirement.
To my surprise, I came up with the idea of using the recycled electricity poles PEC released into my custody to mount the radio dish. The special thing about this idea is that I expanded upon it and have landed on the idea of putting up three (3) poles in a triangle pattern spaced approx. 10′ apart. My plan is to build a deck at about 20′ above ground level that will serve as an observation deck to take in the hill country sunset, play cards with my buddies up in the air, serve as my bow stand/tower, and lastly as a launching deck for a planned zip line that will span approx. 400′ to the southeast corner of my property. This solves the problem with the internet, allows me to use the recycled electricity poles I have sitting on the ground, capitalizes on the topography of the property, and provides additional recreation/utility.
If you have ever witnessed the process of running an electricity line extension, you would understand that my idea of building a zip line is essentially the same as running new electric lines. Now I just need to see if PEC or another utility group that has the truck/equipment that drills, lifts/places the pole(s), and runs the line(s) can help me out for a fair price. Pretty exciting idea, huh? Things just all came together in my head as both the electric company and the internet guys were on the property at the same time.
The last thing I will mention in this post is the idea of adding humming bird, butterfly, and bird houses/sanctuary environments on the property. I am placing a great deal of emphasis on the xeriscaping, which will include plant/flowering species that attract all of these beautiful creatures. As an added benefit, I am fairly certain there are property tax benefits for creating the environment I am speaking about in my area.
Hope you enjoyed today’s update. Thanks for reading and supporting our passion.