The gully to pond project

[beppington]

Since I'm close to the crusher, my cost is $320 a load.

OK, now I don't feel as bad about the $430 I paid for a 21.25 ton load of "scrap rock" last June. Scrap rock is a mix of the leftover remains of all the various materials the distributor sells. It makes a very impressive road IMO.

Kinda shocked me at the time. Especially how far it went, or rather how not far it went.

 

[Western]

Looking great Jim!! what grass are you going to put on it when your done?, Bermuda? Mixing the soil should do wonders for it. (grass)

 

[20 20]

Jinman; Your clay seems to be the same as mine except color. It was real fun when it came to cleaning time, especially on the tracked machines, a gas high pressure water gun wouldn't even move it. I would have to dig everything out with a shovel and hoe then use the pressure washer. Funny how the pressure washer I was using could cut a wooden board but couldn't hardly move that clay . Any place that stuff can stick it will.

Thanks for sharing the pictures looks good.

 

[jinman]

Here's a photo of my 4 loads of 4"-6" rip-rap. The hauler couldn't get 8"-12" today. He could get 18"-24", but I have plenty of big rocks and just don't need that size. Because I got so many loads, he gave me a discount down to $305 a load. WOOHOO! . . . DOH! I still spent $1220. Sheesh!

 

[beppington]

Here's a photo of my 4 loads of 4"-6" rip-rap. The hauler couldn't get 8"-12" today. He could get 18"-24", but I have plenty of big rocks and just don't need that size. Because I got so many loads, he gave me a discount down to $305 a load. WOOHOO! . . . DOH! I still spent $1220. Sheesh!

:laughing: so you're saying ponds ain't cheap??

 

[Mudfarmer]

Uh, this may be dumb, but where's the water coming from? In our neck of the woods, we have the water first and the pond second.
Mf

 

[Gale Hawkins]

Uh, this may be dumb, but where's the water coming from? In our neck of the woods, we have the water first and the pond second.
Mf

If one has a gully he has a water source. :thumbsup:

Clay based soil ponds really hold water very well so it does not require a lot of run off after they get filled to maintain a good water level.

 

[Grandad4]

Jim, just wanted to say how much I've enjoyed this thread. The discussions you've had with everyone have been informative and a kick to read. I'm probably not the only one who has developed a touch of envy for all the obvious enjoyment you've had doing this, and all for a worthwhile project. Take care and keep us up to date on your progress!

 

[jinman]

:laughing: so you're saying ponds ain't cheap??

No, but rock is not much when you consider the cost of equipment and fuel to dig the hole.

. . . where's the water coming from? In our neck of the woods, we have the water first and the pond second.

It's no more odd than your user name. Who wants to farm in the mud? Actually, your question is well-taken. There are ponds that have natural springs in them and others that catch runoff. Most of our ponds (stock tanks) here in Texas are the runoff type. In the dryer areas, you have to catch water for cattle because native grasslands have long periods of dry weather. If you don't have water, you can't graze cattle. About two weeks before I got my dam built, we had a 3" rain that I just watched run off and didn't get to save a drop. Now, with terracing, I'll be catching runoff from about 4 acres. From what I've seen with 1" rains, every inch of rain should raise the ponds' levels by a foot or more.

Grandad4: Thanks for the nice compliment. I am loving being retired and able to do things like this. At times it is a daunting task because I'm no expert, but I always know I can come here to TBN and get some of the best advice available for free. Free is good!:thumbsup:

 

[EddieWalker]

Thanks for the pics Jim, they really put it into perspective!!!

You're workmanship and skills on the tractor are also very impressive.

Eddie