It’s a big step for a pigeon and so it would be for a mice too. This last step – pictured in the photo above – is bit higher and open for specific purpose. The idea is to create a distance, which can’t be crossed by all the hungry little critters. This in turn saves amazing amount of food stuffs stored.
Look at this structure, first layer is there to create a level base, on which it is easy to build further. It is clearly visible how the foundation level is much newer than actual log cabin over it. Also notice how the first layer of foundation is built over rocks and stones, so that those lowest lying logs won’t get wet and start to rot. Boy they knew what they were doing back in the day (or century for that matter).
Let’s to move our eyes bit higher. Stretching up from the first layer we have vertical posts and on top of them very broad logs. Think how hard it is to climb forward while back is pointing towards ground, so the purpose of this combination is to drop every single interested critter on their backs. Top of the post is the point of no-climbing-forward and food is saved.
Now we can observe the building’s shape in general. Foot of this log storage cabin is relatively small and walls extend outwards as we go upwards. This gives maximal cover for walls against rain and sunshine, extended overhangs seal the case with non-existence of windows. This is your everyday log cabin fortress. One thing that testifies for the fortress cabin is the date of erecting, which is estimated to be around 1850, later generations have made some small modifications on the structure, like more decorative architraves, but essentially it is like it was originally built.