July 27th Update - remake of "The Wall"

While focusing on our casita construction, it is important that we have some other infrastructure elements we've concerns for. Along our driveway on property that is common to Callie/John and us was a raw dirt wall from when the tractor cut in our driveways. We know this poses a landslide risk, and want the mountain above our property to be stable. So we've been concerned all season to get started on this wall. During the past couple of weeks, that project has started.

In this first photo, on the left is Callie/John driveway. We're looking downhill to where we wound up placing our casita. That power pole is approximately the lot line running at an upper-ish left to lower-ish right direction across the driveway. I think I mentioned before that when we were all buying these lots, we were at the mercy of the actual mountain terrain to guide us in the exact placement of the roadway....

Anyway, work was started by Macho; a fellow our community has hired before to do roadways, and walls. He does good work and is reasonably priced. So it makes sense for us to have him work on this wall, which will integrate into the wall started by Mario and Gerardo's crew early in May. We're also moving the driveway one block LEFT; and adding a concrete gutter so that running water won't wash out the earth below. One of the wonderful things about Macho's work is the nice concrete footing he lays in before building the wall.

This section shows how he is starting the wall from a low point, and keeping the block level as he moves uphill. He'll reinforce with rebar and fill in the block hollows along the way to add strength. While it appears he 'might' integrate the power pole into the wall, in reality what he'll need to do is build behind it so the the pole is fully exposed to ICE for any repairs they might need to make. Then it will continue downhill, integrating into the existing wall structure...

Rob and Kent again head back to the states this coming Friday so there will be a gap in photos after this week. I'll try to spread out the story though in my postings to allow for more even blogs, even while they're gone.

Rob and Jim need to discuss exactly what to have Gerardo work on while he and Kent are traveling. Hopefully we'll work out that detail within the next few days. Jim is of a mind to get the bodega structure finished since that will take some days to construct a two level floor, the entry, and stairs to that entry. Will also provide a location to put the Miller Generator as it's need for welding comes to an end. Plus, that structure will be required for our Labor Day week trip this year...

Thanks for reading so far. We enjoy comments, so please don't hesitate to post them.

Ricardo y Jeeeem

ps - Jim set up a NEW BLOG which will set about to give the history BEHIND this construction project. Several parts have been posted, others to follow as this blog evolves... Link is: http://jimdicktdacasainthebeginning.blogspot.com/