Duck House ~ "How To Tips, Part VI"

Contrary to popular beliefs and a previous comment made, I have been working! The weather was just to nice to pass up and it is so nice and quiet at the HITW. Well, except when I have to turn the generator on to power the air compressor which seems to have a problem with the length of the secondary extension power line. The normal power tools don't seem to mind but my antiquated air compressor begs for more power. Sure wish I had my other air compressor back, then I would have solitude.

Today, the rafters were put in and secured. I am happy to report that all of the little birdies kept their mouth shut and they fit snugly into place. Bird blocks are also installed and secured. In case I am to busy to blog tomorrow, I expect to install the nailers and finish the siding at the front and rear peaks. Cut out one of my form fitting rafters and frame in the sky light, install the soffits as well as the gable end at the rear of the building. Perhaps, if time permits start laying the plywood on the roof.

For some reason, I think the birds believe that I am building them a new home. After I finished the cofferdam on the pit, a Magpie stopped by to visit while I was sitting in a nearby chair. He walk all around the perimeter of the cofferdam, peering down into pit. Today, while sitting in the same chair and continuing my contemplation, a Canadian Jay stopped by and had to inspect the the ridge beam by strutting back and forth. The first sea gull visited the HITW by landing in the middle of the parking lot, but that is a different story which I will not go into. While on the subject of birds, although I have not actually witnessed their presence. They seem to like the color of the trim on the Wolf Den. The ridge beam that extends beyond the roof line must make a nice perch, the "Blueberry" color is now highlighted with patches of white. I assume, they could not wait for the "Duck House" to be completed. This morning each of the roof tops on the cabins were white with frost, would have been neat to see a little smoke curling up from a chimney, but I guess we had better install a stove first.

Duck House "How To Tips" ~ Part V

The rain is gone for a few days and we have been enjoying two days of fantastic fall weather. Frosty and even a little ice in the early morning hours, but shirt sleeve weather once the sun shines on the Hole In The Wall. I have finally got back to work and spent the past two days continuing on my current project, Duck Hose II. At the closure of the work day today, I am now prepared to go aloft and commence installing the ridge and rafters.

Finished up the siding today and installed the roof beams. The structure continues to remain true to square, well at least within a 1/4 inch tolerance. The main lesson I learned the last two days, "do not reflect on what you have done or currently doing but concentrate on the next step".

I got the two windows framed in, so we should have plenty of light. The larger window will be on the south side with a smaller window to the right of the door. In our "old" Duck House" it was always difficult to tell if the facility was in use, so I thought a front window would eliminate this problem.

Finished up the siding this morning and a very good lesson was learned in this process. When laying on siding, one should cut out the door opening prior to installing the last of sheet of siding. Although, I could have possibly found the door opening from the outside, however, I chose to insure that I did not cut the door where it should not have been cut. With the assistance of a ladder, I was able to access the top of the frame, raise the ladder and lower it into the inside of the building to access the floor. It was then simple to cut out the door and plate between the door frame.
I must admit, it did take a period of time and several practice cuts to determine the right angle for the roof support beams on the deck. Once again, I put my "palm nailer" to good use when "spiking" the timbers to the base and overhang. Although, most will laugh at my "crude skills" but when pricing lumber, I discover that 4" X 4" dimensional lumber is very expensive and perhaps over kill on a project this size. In place, I chose to use two 2" x 4"s and made a laminated beam. Using one quart of Gorilla Glue, I laminated the two beams and then insured the security by driving forty three nails on each side of the beam. They may fall down, they may break but they will never come apart. I love Gorilla Glue!

Side View Of The Duck House From Rear of Cook Tent

So far all things have went well, no bodily injuries but have been having equipment problems. Yesterday, I had to take time off to re-install the pull cord on the generator. Some how it fell off. Today, went to plug in the grinder to sand off a little excess Gorilla Glue that was seeping from the sides of the glue lam. Went to straighten one of the prongs on the plug to plug it in and it broke off. A quick trip to the hardware store for a new plug and 15 minutes to install. The biggest problem was that someone left the damm air hose to the nail gun laying in the same area that I was cutting framing materials, a rubber hose is no match for a circular saw, however, the excessive noise of rushing air will definitely get your attention. Now I know why contractors like to bid a job on "material and time". But, I am having fun!

Duck House ~ "How To Tips Part IV"

The first day of "fall", we had our first frost. The second day of "fall" we had our first freeze. This morning at 0900 when I went to work, the temperature was improving, but still a balmy 36 degrees. During the first couple of hours, the thermos of coffee was perfect but by noon, it was back to shirt sleeve weather.

Finished up the framing today, the four walls are now standing and squared. I can fully appreciate that it is much easier to place the siding on the walls and then stand them, however, working with a "short crew", it is really not an option especially when you have to build them "off site" and carry them to the construction site. Squaring things up required a little ingenuity, I know some prefer to use a "coffin jack", an option that I had available to me, however, I chose the "Old Navy" (1960'era) method of putting a strain on an object called a "Mexican Windless". All you need is one piece of line, doubled up and a object to twist it to the desired tension. In this situation, I used a nylon line and a stub end of a 2" x 4" as the windless (pictured across the front of the framing). It worked perfectly and the alders that I was using as an anchor remained rooted. If it is not raining come first light, the next step will be to side the frame and move on to the cutting and installing the rafters. If a certain person who was the Foreman on the the "Cabin II Project" is wondering, yes! I got the California corners installed on the right side and even remembered to nail them completely instead of free floating them. Having fun, putting a few "tricks of the trade" that I learned this summer to use and discovering others.

Duck House ~ "How To Tips, Part III

What a beautiful, pre-fall day to be outside and getting a little work done while Pump Station #1 was de-watering the area once again. Enlargement of the "settling pond" is slowly moving up on the "To Do Thing List". But first, had to make a quick trip to the lumber yard in Kenai and pick up the material that I needed for construction. Always such a joy to shop at Home Depot. Good thing I do not know anything about construction or their employees would be talking over my head. When shopping there, I always get the feeling that I am on equal level with their experts.

Didn't Need A Fork Lift To Unload This Shipment Of Material

(Notice The Refurbished "Work Truck" ~ Comes Equipped With

Air Compressor And Generator. Both Very Noisy, Whatever

Happened To The Nice Quiet Generator That Was Given To Me As a Gift?)

My Apprentice Is Not Much Help, But He Keeps An Eye On What Is Going On. The Hole In The Ground Arouses His Curiosity. Site Had It's Final Grading And The Foundation Laid. Perhaps, With Another Good Day Of Weather, The Decking Will Be Laid And Some Walls Standing.

To add to your "How To" notes, foundation is formed from green, treated all weather wood, 2"x 6" in dimension on 16" centers. Leveled and tied into the rim of the pit cofferdam. When building, insure you check on a regular basis to insure that the foundation remains square as well as level. It is fully appreciated that the "green wood" is laced with known contaminants, however, knowing that the water table is at least eight feet below the surface, a little leeching of arsenic should have no immediate harmful effects.

HITW "STRIKE"

The rain backed off long enough today to get a few chores accomplished at the Hole In the Wall. After three hours of pumping and some shovel work, the area is now de-watered. However, it started to rain again this evening at 1600 so it is safe to assume that the pump will be required come first light. Bear Creek did dry up overnight with John's Creek and Granny's Creek flowing water. Terry did take some time to trench John's Creek a little deeper to insure that it stays within the containment area and not behind the cabin site.

Brought the "Little Mole" in today to assist in the re-excavation of depository site. It was only after I lowered her into the hole and removed the ladder, that I realized that this was the second septic system that she has dug this season. She was a trooper, no breaks even when I called for one, the five minute breaks were reduced to two minutes. Due to the depth of the pit and her vertical handicap (5'1") the dirt had to be transferred out of the site by the use of two five gallon buckets and pulling lines. The first lesson learned, DO NOT FILL A FIVE GALLON BUCKET FULL OF SAND AND GRAVEL. The pulling engine did not have enough horsepower so the transfer was reduced to half buckets. The first hundred or so buckets were used to back fill the cofferdam with the remainder being leveled off surrounding the pit foundation. We exceeded the original depth, to an actual pit depth of 7 feet 10 inches. From original ground level, it is approximately nine feet deep. Although a few "unique" rocks were discovered showing some color, no gold in nugget form was discovered. However, we did go deep enough to STRIKE water. At this point, we called off further dredging to keep from entering the aqua firm, however, it may be something to keep in mind. The water level is likely to be in the nine to ten foot range in the area of the HITW. Useful information in the event a water system is considered in the future.

"My Mole"

Following the dredging, the site was leveled with a very good quality of sand and gravel from the dredging operation in preparation for laying the foundation of the building. Should provide some excellent drainage and excellent building platform. It is hope, that weather permitting the foundation and decking will be taken care of tomorrow. In the event of rain, perhaps a trip to the big lumber yard to pick up a supply a dimensional framing lumber and siding. I am here to tell you, all of you are missing out on a lot of fun!

Great Flood of "September 08"

"Bear Creek" Looking Downstream"Lake View From Deck of The Wolf Den"

"Bronco Drive Overflow"
Moose Park and Emergency Evacuation Boat
Granny's Gully Creek
John's Glacier Creek
"Ruger" Eyeballing Situation

and On Guard For Claim Jumpers

As I sit here, the weather is clearing to the south, the sun has even peeked out from the dense, rain laden clouds. It appears that the worst is behind us, although those living in the LA area can expect a few more hours of rain. If you received the same amount of rain that we did, then you will know what I am speaking of. It started raining last evening and since then we have had monsoon rain for the past twenty four hours. Needless to say, no work was done on the new project today. However, the good news is that the erosion cofferdam was successful. Due to saturation from the rain, that was some erosion but it was kept to to the confines of the cofferdam with no new deposits at the bottom of the pit. Eventually the cofferdam will be filled with erosion or back fill material and become stabilized.

The other news, we flooded out big time. Not as bad as the "spring run off" floods but it was the highest water level we have ever had during the summer rainy season, which has been quite long this year. As I speak, the pump has started and pumping at full velocity. The good news, each of the run off areas that we identified are clearly visable with the run off. "Bear Creek" is running a full head of water. John's Glacier Creek broke over the rim this evening and it is also running a full head of water. Granny's Gully is also running full volume.

The "rock and clay" breakwater built along Bear Creek is working exactly as planned and diverting all run off directly into the "collection reservoir". Since I have never had the opportunity to explore "Bear Creek" due to the snowfall, I took advantage of just the rain to contend with and explored it today. The creek bed is very rocky with a good number of small tumbling waterfalls. Atop the bluff it forks into three different tributaries and it does drain Moose Meadows as does Johns Glacier Creek and Granny's Gully. It is to bad that we cannot keep this little stream going throughout the summer.

Johns Glacier Creek followed the same exact path that was clearly marked this summer, until someone decided to clean up the area and removed all the survey tape. It is clearly marked by mother nature now so it should not be difficult for the excavator to find. Granny's Gulch is into the bare rocks and gravel, outside the Buffalo Wallow. I temporarily diverted it into Moose Park to keep it out of the parking area. Moose Park is draining well into the drainage canal.

Lesson's learned from this rain. With planned improvements and expansion of the drain system reservoir, our problem should be resolved. A reservoir will be required at the base of Granny's Gully, but it is also a natural place to use a manual drain system with a back up pump in case of an emergency. A soil containment barrier should be installed in the event of erosion at higher elevations of the gully. The cleared cabin areas, will need some top soil or tilled up, leveled and planted in grass to help absorb some of the run off. Each of these lessons can be corrected with a little work and a few dollars.

Sorry that the posting is so short, but I need to go check the pumping process.

Duck House "How To Tips, Part II"

Finally, between rain squalls I did get a decent days work done today on the "new" Duck House. Again, this is Part II in a series of How to Build A Outhouse". The engineering and design plans worked out according to plans for the "Erosion Embankment Cofferdam". Constructed 0f 5/8 inch treated plywood and treated 2"x 4"'s with California Corners and bracing. The concept was to build an inner wall that would curtail the erosion of top soil and overburden into the near prefect drainage pit. The inner wall is four inches from the foundation for the pit. The walls are four feet in depth which surpasses the overburden and protects about 30" inches of gravel and sand. The bottom of the Cofferdam is capped to prohibit the debris that is eroding into the pit area. The space between the "Cofferdam" and original dirt walls will be back filled with material dredge from the bottom of the pit.

Currently, we have had approximately three feet of overburden cave off into the neatly dug basin. Weather permitting, Lady Eagle and myself will remove that material tomorrow, now that we have a safe working area and no fear of a "cave in". The concept is to remove the excess material and use it as back fill around the base of the construction. Dependent, on energy level may well try to remove new material and go deeper than the original excavation. There is three reasons for this; (1) Deeper pit, longer life expectancy, (2) Just for my personal knowledge, would like to see the depth of that gravel and sand vein, (3) Explore for additional signs of "gold" to determine if this is Arnie's Vein.

If the excavating is accomplished in a timely fashion, perhaps Part III will commence, I know all of you are all looking forward to "how to build a building foundation", it should be an exciting chapter.

"Duck House" How To Tips Part 1

Knowing that all of you deeply regret that you cannot participate in this project, but I will endeavor to keep you informed so you too, will feel that you are a part of this important project. Also, in the event that you want to build the same type of facility in your backyard, this will also serve as a "How To" help topic so you do not fall into the same pit fall as I did. You can learn from my errors. As a matter of economics and conservation, you should seriously consider the development of such a project in your yards. This facility will save you from 200 to 300 gallons of water a day, money flushed down the drain each time you pull the handle on your new fangle "flush toilets" That is a savings of 2,400 to 3,600 gallons of water a year.

First thing you will want to do is select a site that not only is soothing to the soul in natural fauna and floral, but also has a good base for drainage. We were fortunate to select such a site. Early into the excavation, a very good quality of sand and gravel was struck enabling the excavation to go to a depth of seven feet and provide instant draining of liquids.

The first error occurred by not covering the site and allowing rain to saturate the area, eroding about three feet of top soil into the excavation site.
Today, construction began in earnest with the removal of the original foundation base and excavating around the perimeter of the excavation.
Referring back to my engineering notes as well as the building plans, the site was further excavated to including the entire perimeter of the building and deck structure, to insure the ground was level, well drained for building construction.
Although a lot of material had to be moved by hand in the excavation process, the site came out level and should drain well. Additional back filling around the pit entrance will take place at a later stage in the project. Water repellent material was then added to the substructure above and below ground level.
Additional fabric was placed on the substructure to insure that water was diverted from the site, allowing it to saturate into the sand, gravel, and not drain directly into the excavation creating a second erosion problem. Additional back fill will be placed around the substructure to bring the foundation of the building level with the top of the substructure.
It was a beautiful day to work at the HITW today, some sunshine and shirt sleeve weather. Weather permitting, tomorrow, the soil abatement cofferdams will be built for installation inside the substructure, the messican excavator will be on the job site to extricate the excess debris from the bottom of the depository. Although primitive, I believe that with one on the digger and the second on the five gallon bucket, it should be a simple task to take it back to the original depth or perhaps a little deeper. Once completed, the foundation for the building can be completed before another trip to the lumber yard is required. I did spend a little time in the bottom of the pit today, only to extricate my engineering calculator that had slipped out of my shirt pocket as well as the level that accidentally drop into the hole during the process of leveling.

In the event you are wondering, I am having fun! As a side note, now I do not want to start a major "rush" to stake claims, but perhaps I have discovered "Arnie's Vein". I excavated a rock today, about half the size of a football. I was totally amazed by the amount of "gold" that is showing in the rock, perhaps the most I have ever seen show in one rock. It is safely stowed away in my safe, however, next spring it will be on public display in the new "Duck House", under very tight security. Having plenty of time to think today while shoveling, you can look forward to some innovative improvements to Duck House II.

Rain and Dirt Problems

Awakening this morning, after a night of monsoon rains, I was not looking forward to taking a look at the Hole In the Wall. The Bear, then I, arrived to find the highest flood waters that we have seen this wet summer. Water had been directed to the right location, drain pit, but it was backed up to the gazebo. By chance, yesterday Lady Eagle retrieved a used fire hose from Val McLay. After making a quick trip to the hardware store and three trips to the Wolf Den Plumbing Shop, I was able to convert a portion of the hard water line to the new "soft" line system. The fifty foot span of hose is ideal to cover the area of the parking pad. At the same time, I converted the "hard" line to "screw" couplings which eliminates any accidental disconnects. Energizing the system, in short time the "fire hose" inflated to full size with a full head of water exiting the system. Then deflates flat when the pressure is reduced. It worked great and the time span of one hour and ten minutes, the area had been "de-watered". Now, my plea, if anyone is out and about and happen to cross paths with used "fire hose" (1.5 Inch), we could surely use three more hoses, if they come in 50 foot lengths. Threads on a fire hose nozzle are different, they are designed to couple together quickly so the hose we got yesterday had to be modified to work, but those hooked into a series would not have to be modified, except at the source. Set up time, five minutes to roll out and start pumping.

Sunday, again after a night of rain a quick survey of the new "depository" revealed a serious problem of erosion (note lower center of picture). A couple of wheelbarrow loads of material had already eroded into the pit.

On Monday, I enlarged the foot print of the depository foundation, in which the building foundation will sit by attaching 2"x8" planking around the perimeter and waterproofing. Covering the project for the night, I checked on it this morning to only discover a couple more wheelbarrow loads of material had eroded into the pit after the heavy rain. Tomorrow, I buy more lumber, I will not allow these little "set backs" keep me from succeeding. After giving it serious thought all day, the concept is now to make four pony walls that will be four foot high and suspend them from the foundation. The "pony walls" will not impede the drainage of the good aggregate that we have in the pit. The aggregate starts at about the 3.5 foot level. That 3.5 feet is comprised of top soil and clay, which is the material that is eroding under the water pressure. It if works, I will still have a lot of material to dredge out of the bottom of the pit. If the new concept does not work, then I will keep digging and extending the marine plywood walls until we hit water, then we will have our own well!

Final Test Completed

For the fourth and fifth time this year, I have had to activate the de-waterization project. Today's test was the final test to convince me that it is a flawless project and will benefit the HITW. Today, the maximum pumping time to de-water the small containment area was 23 minutes. The emergency set up of the pipeline system to activate the pumping took eight minutes from start to the first surge of water at the distribution point. Within the next week to ten days, the Bobcat will be moved in and two "catch basins" will be dredged and capped. These basins will be three times the size of the test basin and taken to an unknown depth at this time.

It is hoped that the same type of aggregate can be found in the catch basin that was found at the site of the depository. In the event, that this aggregate is found, they could possibly become self baling and the use of pumps will be required only in emergencies and during periods of high water levels. Although the test hole for the de-waterization project was overflowing, the same amount of rain had no affect on the depository due to the aggregate and ability to drain. This hole was dry. Within the next couple of weeks, this site will be covered with Duck House II.

Before the Duck House II Project can go forth from the drafting table, we must first complete a "endangered specie" impact report. The current inhabitants must be clearly identified as to whether they are on the endangered specie list. Although, a professional trapper transferred two inhabitants from the area, additional members of the specie have taken refuge in the area. It is possible that two different species are currently inhabiting the location, one specie appears to be much larger than the original specie spotted in the area.

Labor Day

The fall gathering of the Clans was great this past Labor Day weekend. Not only was there some great family time around the fire pit in the evening and late night but some great meals. I have never had two full dinners in one day, just two hours apart. As the name of the holiday implies there was also a lot of Labor accomplished by everyone.

All of the goals that I had hoped to see achieved was accomplished ahead of schedule and we are in great shape. Cabins are all dried in, windows, doors, and mostly painted except from trim work. First cabin is 90% completed and second cabin 80% completed. Possibly the best depository that I have ever seen dug was completed to a depth of 7 feet in a high quality of sand and small gravel. Two hundred feet of water line dug in and laid, could have running water in the time it takes to have it delivered to the tank. Both cabins on shore power and engineered for underground lines. Excess building material located to one spot and covered for winter, waiting for spring to be uncovered and start all over again on the 2nd phase.

Overall, it was a great weekend and from both of us, to all of you; Thank you for your efforts and the amount of time and labor you have contributed. We are now two steps closer to achieving the dream that was conceived several years ago. Job well done to all Clans, family and good friends.