Last summer, I harvested and peeled the logs from a stand of spruce. Stacked a log pile. After seasoning like so, they became a great deal lighter since then and can be handled easily enough.

I cleared the brush and all that gravel over here, some ways above the current stream bed and we're ready to dig the foundations of the cabin. Now, step one: we will prep some footings for the corner pilings. Simply make a deep hole and fill it half way with a fit of stone and gravel. It'll help stabilize the structure. I don't really need the help, but I do appreciate you offering.

The tall man hands you a mattock. He takes a digging pry bar himself - a long metal rod ending vertically with a chisel head - and hangs his black bear cloak on a branch, allowing his large bulk freer movement.

He outlines the foundation of the structure with some string and stakes and begins to break up the dirt under one of the corners.