Bridge Decking

Even with the horribly hot temps this weekend Alan was able to finish up the decking for the bridge.

The rise in elevation that the bridge makes isn't that clear in the above photo.

Alan was able to stay reasonably cool since the site is over the stream and in the shade. He also had a box fan keeping a steady breeze blowing.

There is still a bit of dirt fill needed on the house side of the bridge and I am still deciding if I want/need a railing.

Getting Ready to Build the Bridge

Taking down the old bridge was the first task. Alan has now finished building up a stone wall to hold back the soil he will add to replace that which was worn away from the bank.

We bought the pressure treated wood for the frame and somehow managed to get 16 foot boards in our E150 van.

Of course this weekend is supposed to be beastly hot again so we shall see how much work can get done on the bridge.

Demolishing the Old Bridge

This old bridge's time was up.

Not only were some of the boards missing, the end opposite the house had slid down the bank about two feet. It was impossible to take a wheel barrow across the bridge and stepping onto the bridge when it was wet and slippery was just plain dangerous.
After stripping off the planking the supports came up easily with a tug from the tractor.

The replacement bridge will be a simple flat structure spanning across the stream. The south side will be about two feet higher in elevation. We debated steps/no steps/arched etc. but I need to be able to take a hand cart across the bridge. So a simple structure it will be; which will also be simpler and easier for Alan to build. We'll have a hand rail on one side so I can pretty it up with some flower boxes.

The Finished Bridge

Alan was able to take a day off this past week and finish the carpentry on the bridge. Then we bought a gate and hung that, and found the old planter we had floating around. Today I planted petunias and alyssum in the planter and we can now call the bridge finished!

It's very sturdy and hopefully will outlast us. We even were able to coax the ram lambs across it this evening, with the help of a scoopful of feed. The bridge is actually a very pleasant place to listen to the birds and the stream in the shade.

Updates

Lots of little things going on here.
Alan has been working on the bridge. All that is left is the decking and a board along the top/railing.

The goats have been working on clearing brush.

They get quite acrobatic to get the tasty bits.

Mama Sadie is working on shedding, and looking quite shaggy.

The lilacs are working on perfuming the air with their amazing scent.

This long stand of lilacs is on the bank behind the house. With the patio doors open the smell of lilacs comes right into the house. It's heavenly.

And Stumpy is working on getting to used to her crate. She has been eating in it for a few days and has even gone all the way in. 

The hard part is figuring out the best time to catch her and her kittens. She moved them a few days ago and I know the general vicinity but I think I'll let her raise them up a little more. But we can't wait to see them!

A New Bridge!

Maddy and I went to the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival today and when we got home we found this nice surprise!

According to Alan, who designed the whole thing, it is a Howe Truss bridge, a design seen in covered bridges. Hopefully in another weekend the bridge will be complete. Do you think we can bribe the sheep to cross it? The rams will be spending the summer in the pasture on the other side of the stream so they had better be able to navigate this bridge.