DANNY PASSES, ERIKA LOOMS

Danny passed with little wind but some welcome rain.  It barely cleared the Virgin Islands before tropical storm Erika formed and started gaining steam.  Erika dumped 8" of rain in Dominica in just 5 hours (per text from Dan)... a deluge that would put exceptional strain on the excavating that we've done and drainage around the foundation.  Sadly, the roof and gutters won't arrive for 2 weeks so any hope of filling the cistern with Erika's bounty is fruitless.  The rain will still be a blessing for everyone and everything else in the drought-stricken area, however.  May green return to Lovango.

Tracking these storms is like watching a horse race.  No control from the grandstand and bet already made. Addictive.

ROOF COMING... ALONG WITH HURRICANE DANNY

Dan returns to Lovango this weekend from 4 weeks away, just ahead of hurricane Danny.  There was good progress on the roof in his absence.  Forecast is for Danny to arrive Monday evening with winds around to 50-60 mph.  Conventional wisdom holds that open buildings (like ours is now) are less prone to damage, particularly from lift which can be catastrophic.  Standing by and hoping Danny at least brings some much needed rain.

Current predictions of hurricane Danny show a likely direct hit of a weakening storm.

Detail of rafter tails.  And, in the background, a good look at how dry things are.  Not much foliage.

Detail of interior of roof.  The first layer of the roof is pressure treated 1 x 6 v groove which leaves a nice look on the inside.    3/4" pt plywood is laid over that, followed by a waterproof membrane and then aluminum roofing (musket slate color to try to blend in with surroundings).  Note also the hurricane ties and straps.  Virtually every connection point is reinforced.

The upstairs roof is almost complete.  Still open on ridge-line while we await special brackets to tie in the hip rafters.  The blue material is a waterproof membrane.  The aluminum roofing has been ordered from FL and will be applied over this.