The Wall: Phase 1 Deliveries

Oh what fun the deliveries were!  Our driveway coming down from above is rather steep, which of course is one big reason for this new project.  The dump truck at least has eight rear wheels for traction.  So had little trouble backing down and driving up.

First load of sand (black sand) to be used as fill and concrete mix

The concrete block deliveries, and in fact all supply deliveries from this particular truck have been much more interesting.  There are photos I would have taken had it been possible....  The block (and metal, bags of cement) white truck from Ferriteria Garyba is rear wheel drive only.  And it works very well when loaded with block.  But UNLOADED the back in is so light it is hard to gain any traction. 

First load of Concrete Block

In the first delivery, he drove down with NO good ability to turn around.  With a lot of guideance, he managed to turn around - and then with men on back; and sometimes a couple bags of cement he was able to gain traction to go uphill.  The truck was brand new on this first delivery, the very first time out on the road.  By the time he was done that new front bumper was bent down as it made contact with the old retaining wall (now gone). 

First load of concrete block unloaded

There have been several deliveries now of concrete block, and cement, and rebar, and metal and each one requires the efforts of our crew to help the guy out.  

This last delivery (for this blog entry anyway) is of Gabian Rock.  These are large river rock, about 25 or more cm across which go into the bottom of the wall.  The reason for this is so we can create a nice, open drain area at the bottom.  In other posts you'll see the many weep holes at the bottom of the walls.  This gabian rock is part of the drain solution that will keep the walls from retaining WATER while they retain earth (and cars, etc).  

Load of Gabian Rock delivered