While Toria was here, we took a tour out to see the pipeline project. Vernon, Brandon, and Megan had already been working half the day when we arrived, four kids in tow.
They had planted the “can” next to the creek, this is where the solar powered pump will boost the water WAY up the hill.
An intake pipe goes to the creek, another trench brings power from the solar array. You’d think this would be fairly simple, but it’s not, and rancher math comes into play. It doesn’t help that the intake is soon underwater and measuring something you can’t see adds another layer of difficulty. Then the valve must be upright, and as the pipe sets in the mud, it rolls. It made for some creative work.
Then comes fill work and Brandon cuts in a hole for the electrical wire…
There’s always discussions… if we do it this way, will it fit, will it line up right, is it better to do it this way or that. Everyone has a voice, talking it through often finds problems.
We all get a hand in the work as well… no one is too shy to take on a job.
Megan is grinding the sharp edges off the can. We enlisted the older boys for a bit, but soon released all the kids to go entertain themselves. Quinlan and Wyatt preferred throwing rocks in the water (away from us!) but Lorelei and Matthew were explorers, hiking up a huge hill twice! We left the main workers after a while… giving us a good start on a campfire meal of hotdogs and gypsy dinners.
There’s more work, but the end is in sight!
That’s some clever work going on there. Well done everyone.
What are Gypsy dinners? I assume something in a bundle that is put to cook in the fire, but what?
And I find the projects that you all take on nothing short of amazing.
Hamburger, potatoes, carrots, whatever else you want, seasoned and wrapped in foil.. Place in coals and cook 15-20 minutes.
This is some project! Multi-steps, multi-people, and a few unexpected
problems – you all are up to the task, and the end IS is sight.
What a job! lots of work. But looks like it was a beautiful day!