evan's ant village log

Day 178

Started burying the duck hollow. I probably should have built the retaining walls or wing walls or whatever you call them first, but they're coming along now too. I have some ideas for how to hide the plastic without puncturing it, and when it's all done it'll be the nicest-looking duck shelter around.

Paul rented a little 6-ton excavator down at basecamp for finishing the berm shed. And I started operating it, piling dirt up on the roof and helping to lift the last couple beams into place. Everything was going great and so smoothly and quickly, until I totally screwed up and backed into an overhanging log, breaking the window on the door. Ughh... there goes half my pay. No one was hurt, and we got the glass cleaned up, but I feel terrible about being such a careless screw-up.

Today's duck is Elrohir. He's the son of Elrond, and the twin brother of Eladan, valiant Elven warriors. Also he looks delicious.

Day 179

Another day of work down at basecamp. I was dropping bucketloads of dirt on the berm shed with the rented excavator. And Josh, Jesse, and Kai were spreading it out with shovels to where the excavator couldn't reach.

I moved a whole lot of dirt. A catastrophic amount of dirt, one might say.

The duck of the day is Eladan. He's the son of Elrond and the twin brother of Elrohir. Valiant Elven warriors. Also delicious-looking.

Day 180

More basecamp work. The excavator projects I'm working on, burying the berm shed and bringing the driveway berms up to 12-14 ft, are dependent on other folks finishing up various things. So while I was waiting to jump back on the ex, I wood-burned a sign for the voltswagon.

Fred and Chris were working hard moving dirt up from Arrakis, and after they moved a few dump trailer loads I went ahead and threw them on the berms. We'll need lots more dirt, but they're definitely getting taller. And I didn't break anything today! Yay!

The duck of the day is Mortimer. He's so dark, like darkwing duck, who was totally one of my favorite superheroes back in the day.

Hello! I'm the Sharla who has been anting with Evan for a bit now. Check out the sign I made today! And here's a couple pics from my trip up from Texas.

You should do all the signs Sharla

Day 181

Spent almost all day on the rental excavator down at basecamp, eating rocks and building a road up to the top of the volcano. I'm surprised none of the teeth have broken off yet, but I've sure been making lots of sparks.

The duck of the day is Glorfindel. Of this Elven lord, Tolkien wrote, "Glorfindel was tall and straight; his [feathers were] of shining gold, his face fair and young and fearless and full of joy; his eyes were bright and keen, and his voice like music; on his brow sat wisdom, and in his [bill] was strength."

that sign is awesome! Did you use a stencil for the word Arrakis?

You know what, Evan, you are developing a super cool skill as a permaculture excavator. You will be able to earn good money helping people with their earthworks for years to come.

Day 182

Excavating all day everyday. Volcano Road is coming along. Of the four legs, the first, the submarine leg, is done, and the second, the turkey leg, is almost done.

A non-vital part of the excavator broke off, a shield for one of the pistons. It was pretty beat up when it arrived and the tech that showed up to take a look absolved us of any blame for it's destruction.

I also managed to break a tooth off. It's about time, considering all the rocks I've been eating. Building a road through solid rock is bound to break some teeth, and Paul told me not to worry about it.

The duck of the day is Galadriel. She's one of three "golden 300" hens that I ordered, which are supposed to be maybe the best egg-laying breed available. Galadriel is clearly full of power and fertility.

I appreciate so much all of your writings and photos, although I am basically stalking this site because my son Kai moved there and he isn't much into the computer or phone stuff so I thank you all for letting me know he is well.. and please let me know what is needed that I can send your way.