Pond dreaming is over

[irwin]

Here is a rock that I dug out of the drive.

The Massey had to drag the rock it was too heavy to lift.

This rock will be added to the ponds edge in the spring.

Hey Phil I just noticed. check out the difference between our TW 766's boom's..etc. looks like completely different hoes..
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[Tororider]

If you sloped the sides more with your hoe, could you eliminate any areas for the heron to stand and feed? I have no idea about the decoy. Sorry to hear about the fish, that is a true bummer.

Is your waterway through the forest going to come back into the pond, or just a one way thing where you will have to back the paddleboat back into the pond?

Have you had any loss of trees with all the dirt work back there? That was my first thought when I say you moved the dirt back there. Hoping not, but just wondering.

 

[philbuilt]

Hey Tim,
Hope all has been well. That stump looks like a nice project. Your right about the Hoe's. I like how your hoses are within the confines of the arms. Are those rubber swing stops? I will say that I haven't had any issues with the way mine are though. I did buy mine new but it was a left over from a package deal the place had received 2 years prior.

Tororider, The water way will connect at the opposite end creating a larger island. I have been steepening the edges as you stated. I think another co tributing factor is I was digging and lowering the water level. I'm hoping the next Labor Day weekend to rent more equipment. I plan to rent a D5 Cat dozer and the JD hoe again. Perhaps we could have a Northeast TBN meet and all play (work) on doubling the pond.

Phil

 

[irwin]

Hi Phil;
Yes on the rubber stops, the T/W hoe has been a for real back saver for this middleaged desk jockey.. Yours looks fine, I just thought it odd they are so different. Here's a couple of later time-line stump pics. Had to use my cordless sawzall with 12" pruning blades to cut all the big roots. Then off to the growing stump pile for a big burn someday.(That's as high as I could get that stump)



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[Tororider]

I look forward to seeing the pictures of the whole paddle boat trail/larger island.

I would love to come over and have a big party and work with large machinery. Unfortunately I think you are a bit far for me and my vacation plans won't work, but I really would love to.

Hope all is well

 

[Aquaman]

Just wanted to tell what a cool project your pond is! I hope to do the same behind my house one of these days.....
Also, for the blue heron, have you tried using a scarecrow? They don't seem to like human company.

 

[scgargoyle]

Just finished reading the thread- great project! When you get ready to build bridges, check out pacifi.ca. Very graceful and strong bridges. I built one in our (tiny) back yard just....because. Pay attention to their warning about accurate lumber sizes, though. The PT we used was about 1/8" oversized, and it threw everything off. I finally just laid it all out and drilled the holes in place. We have a tiny 15' pond under it.

 

[philbuilt]

Tororider,
I have been trying to upload a small video to my photo bucket that I made and sent to my son in Japan (US air force). I think its just bad timing on my part and will try in the am. I shows the the recent improvement.

Aquaman,
Thank you
I have not tried that yet but I had the same thought. I was thinking a blue heroin scarecrow. That would be more fitting with the pond.

Scgargoyle,
That is a beautiful bridge. I do like the design but my longer bridge will have a fabricated aluminum frame with wood decking and dressing. My smaller bridge will be fabricated using concrete. I want the smaller bridge to be able to hold the weight of my MF1260. The look will be similar to a keystone rock bridge.
Thanks
Phil

 

[3RRL]

Phil,
Just finished catching up on your thread. What an amazing story you tell. I will be tuning in weekly to get updates.I loved seeing the Seasons and how your pond survived each one. Thanks for sharing all those delightful pictures and narration.

 

[philbuilt]

3RRL, Thank you! I find that I lack a lot of pictures due to the fact that one project leads to the next without notice. Example plowing the driveway then finding myself at the pond making a path to snow blow it off.

Merry Christmas All!!!

Here is the story
Our town has had a Santa visit various homes for over 40 years on Christmas eve. Well yesterday I received a call that the Santa had to cancel due to an illness in the family. Yes, I accepted the call to duty. It was a great time But tiring. Over 29 stops and all children seen from the sleigh when we drove by.