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February, 2004
Back filling
the excavated area couldn't happen soon enough ! The dug out area was so large,
and had 5 foot high piles of dirt on the edge that it made it nearly impossible
to walk around area.
 During
the entire excavation, cement pouring, and drainage process we had to navigate
around the area. Just going to go empty our compost into the compost bin,
going to the garden, or anyplace in the back yard all became a mucky muddy rocky
hike through the construction zone.
  We couldn't wait to get the back fill done so we could once again simply walk
where we wanted to on the property. For
weeks on end, from Sept 03 to March 04 we trudged muddy paths around it all. Finally we came to a point were we could do the back fill. Zack came
over with his family; Alia, Brennan, and Juno the dog. They were heading
out on their first family vacation and stayed here a couple extra days to help.
Zack had Bobcat experience so we jumped on the opportunity to have him do the
backfill.
  It
drizzled and made the work a little mucky, but it could have rained and been
plain muddy, or been bone dry and been a dust bowl like the excavation was.
I sorta liked the drizzle, kept the dust down yet not muddy. We had huge
piles of dirt mixed with roots and branches.It was a real treat watching Zack
power the Bobcat around. I was extremely impressed with his ability to
maneuver quickly and efficiently with so many obstacles in Very Close proximity.
Trees, plants, pipes, lumber and other important things like the trailer, pets
and the new foundation walls were safe while Zack was at the Bobcat helm.
  Alia
and Dulane both thought it was scary just watching because Zack was so fast
turning, twisting, digging, and dumping. Indeed, he was very quick, but
you could tell he was also very deliberate and confident and was simply
executing good technique. I know the 360 degree turns, pivots with load,
and many maneuvers he was doing must have looked tricky, even dangerous to
someone not familiar with the process, but it was a good confident show of
skills, ability planning execution.
 The
Bobcat really jerks a driver around, shakes, shudders, and jolts the body, I'm
glad Zack was here to help. It would have taken me at least twice as long,
and I would have killed some of those things in close proximity - Zack did a
really Great job. Most of all, this project has given me the opportunity
to work with friends and relatives and appreciate their efforts, talents, and
helpful nature.
  Towards
the end Zack had Brennan giving him a hand at the Bobcat controls. Man,
did they have big fun. I think Brennan can show Builder Bob a thing or two
now. You could hear happy hollerin' from the far side of the property as
Zack and Brennan dig up big scoops, do a 360 twirl and power over the hills to
come dump a load. Smiles from ear to ear.
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