ONE YEAR & ONE DAY LATER- THE BIG POUR

366 days ago the first shovelfuls of earth were moved on the Lovango lot.  Today, the final yard of concrete was poured for the cottage.  It's been a long and winding road that has nonetheless been productive and always forward moving.  As good as we could have hoped for given the challenges.

The logistics of this pour were staggering, beginning with the forms themselves and the enormous 12' back wall.  That it all came together as beautifully as it did is a real testament to Dan and his crew.  Exceptional work.

Things should be simpler (not easy) as we come out of the dirt.  In the next couple of weeks the forms will be stripped and earth will be back-filled and finish graded.  All the structural lumber has been ordered and should be shipping from Florida in the next few weeks and arriving to a site that will be ready to emerge from its new, solid foundation.

The morning dawned clear and calm, a perfect day for landing on Lovango.  The barge made two runs with 3 full trucks on each.  The pumper truck was delivered the day before and returned on the second run.

Filling the footers first.  Note stainless steel anchor bolts positioned pre-pour.

Waiting for the second barge run.  This is where things stood after the first three truckloads of concrete.

All poured, barge and trucks back in St. Thomas.  Beginning the spin cycle as evening arrived.

'nuf said.

BIG DAY TOMORROW

Dan has been working on his captain's license the last couple of weeks but has everything set up for the final pour tomorrow morning.  Should get the footers, floor, cistern cap, and 12' back wall in one felled swoop.  The pumper truck is on the beach and ready to go.  Dan is looking to pour 54 yds (6 truckloads) in two barge runs.  Last time he went with two trucks per run... this time three in hopes of speeding things up.  Big day tomorrow.  Fingers crossed.

Pumper truck delivered to the beach today all ready for pumping 54 yds of concrete up to the site.  

STILL STILL PREPPING FOR SLAB

... but getting really close!  Alot of work forming the 12' back wall and laying in both the reinforcing steel and plumbing that will run through floor and back wall.  And building the scaffolding that will facilitate the pour.

Pano shot from the cistern looking to the 12' back wall.  Mechanical room (batteries and pump) back left, laundry room center, and storage back right.  Lots of rebar!  The shed in the background is on Dan's property and the cottage to the right is Capt Phil's.

The back wall is being laid back 1.5" over the 12' height to try to balance pressures from the bank.

Looking down on the floor.  The dug out spot is a footing to support a carrying post.

Impressive array of scaffolding to provide access for folks to handle the concrete.

Shot from the top of the driveway.  St Thomas in the back ground.