The LT... Thomas' Luxury Tent

[campmaster-k]

Yes Thomas I mean the work. I cant even keep my lawn mowed. Where Im from when people talk about acres the only tree you have are the ones you plant. Plant the trees, maintain the trees, keep the acres fire safe and mowed, water it, fertilize it, have a bunch of animals on it, ad nausium. Slavery in my book.

Now what you have described is a bit different. Looks like little up keep and lots of free time. Now were talkin. And squirrels to shot to boot.

[campmaster-k]

You know Thomas what I think would be cool is to have a huge lot with one big shop on it and a little living quarters in the corner. All shade. No plants. Just one big toyroom. Teardrop shop in this corner, VW shop in that corner. Hunting and Fishing setup in a corner. Maybe a big kitchen in the final corner.

[2bits]

Yes Kirk, you are alot like me, I never mow, I hate mowing, I kill grass haha... I want to plan Mimosa and cedar trees which cover the ground and tend to hinder under growth without having to mow.

I totally have thought about what you are saying and I have a few friends with the same idea, build a huge shop with an apartment in the corner.... Everyman's dream hehe

On a side note, I got the last of my $$$ today and going to make the offer this weekend

[Laredo]

Thomas,
if you want to be a friend to wildlife and keep your property looking good without having to manage lawn-type grass, once you've got the piece bought call your County Agent and ask what to plant -- they know which native grasses will withstand drought and don't need to be mowed. They know which ones are good for deer, etc. as well. You'll want less cedar than you think -- those are real water hogs and costly to keep in good shape in Texas, especially in dry years. Mimosas ought to be okay. If you're east / south of Dallas think about live oak and/or post oak, too. The shade will help control grass growth.

[2bits]

Thanks for the info!

There two were also for undisclosed sentimental reasons, I remember Mimosas from my childhood so I identify with them, and the same for the cedar since my grandmother lived in Cedar Hill, TX and there were a bunch of them and I noticed that i never needed to mow there. I love the smell too, so I really want them for the nostalgia, but you are right that placement near a good water source would be good for them then, my Granny's were near a drainage area, I could do the same.

I have no idea what a county agent is, but I just usually like getting to know the locals and see what works for them. I kind of tend to avoid any governmental involvement as it usually involves a hassle and bureaucracy.

I do appreciate the input which I will take to heart!

[Laredo]

County Agent will probably be in the courthouse (check your local phone book for the county in which you buy the land). These folks work for the Agricultural Extension service (I think Texas's is called AgrlLife, and is run out of A&M, but this is what they're good at and what they're there for). Failing that try the nearest Texas Parks & Wildlife office: they'll put you in touch with somebody (their specific program you want is the Land Stewards program).

[2bits]

I guess I need to figure out what is already out there too... I've never been much good with identifying regular tree looking trees. I'll have a friend come out who knows his stuff and see what I have already since it is thick woods right now

[Shadow Catcher]

My dad was an agriculture extension service agent in Napa Ca and would have been happy to help some one set up an ecosystem that was wildlife friendly. He would have lectured on a buffer zone/fire break as well. All the lovely trees and grass and... are great, until you have a fire. In your thinking you may also want to think about a pond for aqua culture and fire suppression.

[campmaster-k]

Yea Thomas you need a fire suppression pond. You better start digging now!

Better call fish and game for the permits on that pond.

I suggest Red Bull as a starting point.

[2bits]

You guys are out of control LOL

[Laredo]

A pond might not be a bad idea.
You may find people calling it a tank or earth tank if you're far enough East in Texas, though.
Are you having a well dug to furnish house water, or does the property come with?
I think a county extension agent or a TPWD Wildscape (tm) specialist would be an excellent resource.

[2bits]

I received an update on the LT''s progress with the new owner and it looks great! She has done a BUNCH to the galley!

Completed the AC vent to a part time storage
Converted the cooler cubby to drawers
installed hatch struts
installed a headliner on the hatch along with towel rack and lights
Closed in the passthrough and added a stereo and put real speakers in those speaker holes
Added a flip down cover for the galley storage
Added cool door knobs
Added a side pedestal table with a neat angle

[campmaster-k]

Go to know the LT lives on.

[Corwin C]

It's good to see that the LT lives on. It always has been one of my favorite builds. I really like the table, the angle is an idea that I may "borrow."

BTW ... Does the new owner know she's welcome here? It's always better to deal with an obsession when among friends. It looks like she has the "bug" as bad as any of us.

[2bits]

It's good to see that the LT lives on. It always has been one of my favorite builds. I really like the table, the angle is an idea that I may "borrow."

BTW ... Does the new owner know she's welcome here? It's always better to deal with an obsession when among friends. It looks like she has the "bug" as bad as any of us.

Yup! She is a member here and i sold it through this forum's For Sale section. She was upgrading her existing teardrop