The work here is in response to the localized heavy rains that been moving the lane surface down the hill. Ditches are needed to keep the runoff away from the driveway. Ed's tools of choice have always been a shovel, pry-bar and stone fork. The wheel barrow has been replaced by the John Deere and wagon. This in response to changes in age and health. A checkbook and backhoe would finish the job quickly. The manual labor has measurable health benefits. It can also be pleasant.
The stones in the picture were found here. They have been judged suitable for wall building. The last task each day is to move this treasure to the current wall site.
An unrealized fear is finding a stone that is too big to move. This monster could cause injury. It has been raised to the surface using only the pry-bar. Splitting the stone resulted in pieces that were safely moved. In the recent past a wheelbarrow would have been placed on its side next to the stone. The stone would have been rolled into the wheelbarrow. Pulling on the high side of the tray would right the wheelbarrow and the stone would have been walked away. Now the stone is rolled into the dump cart and John Deere hauls the stone away.
3 comments:
Hi Becky;
You are right about the "checkbook and backhoe". I got as far as a tractor last year w/mower and rototiller but when it came to the backhoe, I ran out of money.
Ed's stone work is wonderful. I appreciate the time and planning it takes. A great book by a Vermont dry wall stacker is titled In The Company of Stone by Dan Snow. He does great work and always says to only move a stone once.
George Africa
The Vermont Gardener
http://thevermontgardener.blogspot.com
Vermont Gardens
http://vermontgardens.blogspot.com
Vermont Flower Farm
http://vermontflowerfarm.com
A much simpler method. Easier on the back too:)
Impressive!
--Kate
Post a Comment