More and more fencing......and more and more posts. Yup. We've been digging holes for what seems like days now, prepping for fencing. Thank goodness we have a post hole digger on the back of Joel's tractor or this job would
never get done.
So far we've installed over 70 six foot 4x4 posts and we're almost done. First we run string line to establish a straight line, then we dig holes for the posts about every 48 feet. In between the sturdy posts we bang in the metal T posts and then the wire 2x4 fencing gets attached to the wooden posts and the metal T posts. Wash. Rinse. Repeat. Bah-ha-ha-ha!
When we get to an area that needs a gate, a whole lot more goes into the process. First, at least 2 posts need to be installed to help support the weight of the gate. The posts need to be cross braced with a 4x4 in between them, helping to offset any sagging in the future from the gate. That's a lot of holes, posts and bracing. Here, my guys are putting in 2 10' gates which will allow Joel access to the chickens with his Polaris while still keeping the alpacas in their pasture.
Ta-da! A couple of hours later it's done! In this configuration, the pasture for the male alpacas is open to their side of the barn by walking thru this corridor we created. But when Joel needs to drive the Polaris to the far side of the farm, the gates can be swung in an opposing direction. Like this.....
And this.....
Resulting in this.......
Pretty slick, eh? Figuring out how we wanted to do these gates was the hardest part of all the fencing so far. But we're really pleased with how it turned out. Joel is especially happy about it since he is the one who will be using this the most.
And now we have 17 more days until the alpaca arrive. We have tons more to do so I need to sign off for now as we are heading out to put up more fencing. At least now we feel like we are on the down hill side of all this work. Now it's just a matter of going out there every day and doing as much as we can to get all the fencing installed. Are you sure you don't want to come visit us right now???? Aw, come on, you know you wanna help with the fence.....
Heading out,
Debbie
