Fences

We shift into a mode of making a new fence, starting with groundwork including tree and stump clearing. Then on to moving any other obstacles, like gargantuan boulders. The tractor easily flattens out the grade once the obstacles are clear. This grade work was done by hand using shovels, rakes, and wheelbarrows prior to buying our brother and sister’s tractor. Whew! Those were not the good ole days.

Last week we completed the rock retaining wall located along with the asparagus patch. This wall holds an entry corridor open on the lower level for secondary tractor access. About 4 feet of the bank is there between the upper and lower portion of the garden.

Slowly But Surely

Yesterday, we completed the west side (5 fenceposts) located on the south side of the garage.

Today we started on the longest straight fence line which is the south side of the garden. You can see the first group of posts in the ground starting at the lowest elevation down by the garage. This length of fence is approximately 150 feet with a walk-in gate in the center and a duplex equipment gate up at the top for equipment.

You may be able to notice the two tree stumps laying on the right side of the picture. These are from two dead trees that used to stand right where the new fence is going in.

We were picking up one pole at a time and taking them to the appropriate post hole to install. Lining up the tractor and dropping the post into the hole. Adjusting to make sure it is straight, followed up with upside-down-shovel tamping. Then on to the next posthole using the post hole digger on the back of the tractor. Once the hole is ready we drive back over to the fencepost pile for a post, chain it up and come back to put the next posthole in.