tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61222232024-03-06T01:41:05.596-03:30Pete's Place of Projects & PonderingsRandom Ramblings on Scattered Subjects at Irregular Intervals.J P Haliburtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02757069923272989305noreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122223.post-28750857945500621092020-06-07T18:20:00.007-02:302023-08-20T09:41:58.764-02:30My History of Paddling<div>As far as I can remember, my introduction to paddling was some canoeing at a summer camp as a kid in the 1970s at Mint Brook. I don't have strong memories of it, only that we were out at least once. After
that it was just a couple of short paddles with friends aboard their canoes as a teenager in the late 1970s and early 1980s.</div><div><br /></div><div>My family had power boats and a summer cottage on <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploits,_Newfoundland_and_Labrador" target="_blank">Exploits Islands</a>, so that is what I was most familiar with growing up. There was a rowboat out there, however, that I could use to make my way around the harbour, and I really enjoyed spending my summer days doing that.</div>
<br />
Jumping ahead about 20 years to 2003 is when I bought a sea kayak. The Raid Avalon adventure races started that year, and kayaking was one of the disciplines, so I hunted around for one. What I ended up with was a yellow Wilderness Systems <a href="https://www.wildernesssystems.com/us/kayaks/tempest-170" target="_blank">Tempest 170</a>. This was a very nice touring kayak with a skeg, rather than a rudder.<br /><div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaz9LbXNYWIIEzW395_AVwdQPfTDlV5y8njpYAUwZGLQN-5MiW6ho7d2gYLlyeYr9vtoCvLHLKmVZ8aySPAIHhX54JeZFe63h1A14LYZAERbofPiYfYV2JLk0LGPT3iJeu78vl/w400-h240/norris_arm+%25282019_10_26+11_21_36+UTC%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tempest 170 at Norris Arm North</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
While I really liked the Tempest, finances were tight, so I traded it to Mike for his yellow Wilderness Systems <a href="https://paddling.com/gear/wilderness-systems-cape-horn-150-kayak/" target="_blank">Cape Horn 15</a> plus some cash. Mike had been on my "Last Minute Misfits" team for the first Raid Avalon. The money went toward my first set of cross-country skis for use in the winter edition of the race, which I did as a solo competitor.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJN25ua-pnBNfDd6SqUkE6z204DKGo88rnd9O14kfVlr8vis53DutI6a-mCUS-8oT9zfTonte-OYT72fh6sXSgJFVXw9zj8-s97X0-6HZp6GkxR5unOTSUsjqqoNg2XhIpD8n/s1600/mike-kayaks+%25282019_10_26+11_21_36+UTC%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="300" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJN25ua-pnBNfDd6SqUkE6z204DKGo88rnd9O14kfVlr8vis53DutI6a-mCUS-8oT9zfTonte-OYT72fh6sXSgJFVXw9zj8-s97X0-6HZp6GkxR5unOTSUsjqqoNg2XhIpD8n/w400-h256/mike-kayaks+%25282019_10_26+11_21_36+UTC%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I traded the Tempest 170 to Mike (above) for his Cape Horn 15.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div><div><br /></div><div>The Cape Horn 15 is very capable for its size, and I did a lot of paddling with it. I removed the rudder in favour of having more secure foot pegs, and it tracked well enough without it. The boat has been down the Exploits River, spent a weekend touring Badger Bay, been paddled all over the Bay of Exploits, including a weekend at Exploits Islands, as well as a couple of trips at Fogo Island.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>From 1998 to now, my main form of water-based recreation has been sailing. Initially, I did a lot of sailing with other people, but by 2006 I was ready to buy my own, so I sold our 19' speedboat and the Cape Horn to help fund the purchase of a 22.6' 1977 AMF Paceship PY23. That boat we kept until the winter of 2020. It has its own blog at <a href="http://py23serenity.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://py23serenity.blogspot.com/</a>.<br /></div><div><br />
Not being able to spend a lot of time out sailing for various reasons, we purchased a travel trailer to do some camping. To go along with that, in 2008 I bought my first canoe. It was a secondhand 14.5' Mad River St. Croix (now called the <a href="https://www.madrivercanoe.com/eu/en/canoes/explorer-14-tt" target="_blank">Explorer 14 TT</a>). My sea kayaking training had been to Paddle Canada Intermediate and Flatwater Instructor (these designations have since changed) standards, and many of those skills translated over to canoeing. With a few YouTube videos to help fill in some gaps, I was well underway.</div><div> </div><div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYH4W6jtBmvNBpI2OwCOda0H7EwQnvfmwjznp18GvOjWTD82zjl2K3fF6SGQa4Eq4EvN3dOTbDdkH_NdXbskMv2DI73NPCD9de3R6-BzQlPmBR5b8rjrfrNOAbaiQmZlfT_-y-Mgtp_Xj99RoEm1APVsInqtDS8UKWpY-iaYZlByGxQtlibdTa/s1664/100_1733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1248" data-original-width="1664" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYH4W6jtBmvNBpI2OwCOda0H7EwQnvfmwjznp18GvOjWTD82zjl2K3fF6SGQa4Eq4EvN3dOTbDdkH_NdXbskMv2DI73NPCD9de3R6-BzQlPmBR5b8rjrfrNOAbaiQmZlfT_-y-Mgtp_Xj99RoEm1APVsInqtDS8UKWpY-iaYZlByGxQtlibdTa/w400-h300/100_1733.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div></div><div>I feel more comfortable in a canoe than a sea kayak. It allows me to
move around and paddle from different positions. I'm on warmer water, so
just a few weeks into the season, I no longer require thermal
protection. To paddle safely on the bays and ocean surrounding Newfoundland, a good dry suit is required all year, but it can be used there too. A canoe has room for the dogs to come with me, as well as friends and grand kids. It is very versatile.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcu3EmKynK9ryXFMBfe272qQ9lrj2fmqXO6wgHvA5oQSblfWQX89JYVFJucKowYmbjl3NjJ4J3Bve0gGLI1zSV-9qJXcfvprat6Y3luQSh_rl9G4TK8k22nTmoLiEx4X_Y8jHBMO83nSldoMMpXO5CTYWaDGB5iJPDj9yNaLlfZXsGJqHeumPT/s3264/2013-06-20%2021.01.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcu3EmKynK9ryXFMBfe272qQ9lrj2fmqXO6wgHvA5oQSblfWQX89JYVFJucKowYmbjl3NjJ4J3Bve0gGLI1zSV-9qJXcfvprat6Y3luQSh_rl9G4TK8k22nTmoLiEx4X_Y8jHBMO83nSldoMMpXO5CTYWaDGB5iJPDj9yNaLlfZXsGJqHeumPT/w400-h300/2013-06-20%2021.01.26.jpg" title="Paddling with Lucy on Woolfrey's Pond" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paddling with Lucy on Woolfrey's Pond a few minutes from my house.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
This summer my plan is to take the canoe exploring the inland waters of north central Newfoundland. I want to find routes between the many ponds and lakes, similar to what is available in Ontario. They have established portages and remote campsites, that are well known and mapped. We need to get more people out in our wilderness, without the use of ATVs.<br />
<span id="goog_1044021629"></span><span id="goog_1044021630"></span><br />
<br />
<hr /><b>
</b></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><b>Wilderness Systems Tempest 170</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Manufacturer's Description: </div><div>Intentionally designed for paddlers of all sizes to take their sea kayaking prowess to the next level, the award-winning Tempest series delivers a signature performance like no other. The industry-leading comfort of the Phase 3® AirPro seating system combined with an unmatched capacity enables you to travel farther and achieve more, while the TruTrak adjustable skeg system allows you to seamlessly transfer from straight-tracking to supreme maneuverability. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Specifications: </div><div>Length: 17' / 518 cm</div><div>Width: 22" / 56 cm<br />Boat Weight: 57 lbs. / 26 kg</div><div>Deck Height: 13.5" / 34 cm<br />Cockpit Length: 34" / 86 cm</div><div>Cockpit Width: 18" / 46 cm<br />Max Capacity: 325 lbs. / 147 kg <br /></div><div><a href="https://www.wildernesssystems.com/us/kayaks/tempest-170" target="_blank"><b><br /></b></a></div><div><b><a href="https://www.wildernesssystems.com/us/kayaks/tempest-170" target="_blank">https://www.wildernesssystems.com/us/kayaks/tempest-170</a><br /></b></div><div><b></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><br /><b><b>Wilderness Systems Cape Horn 15</b></b></div><div><b></b></div><div><br />Specifications: <br />
Length: 15' 5"<br />
Width: 24"<br />
Centre Depth: 13"<br />
Weight: 62 lb.<br />
Capacity: 250 lb.<br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><a href="https://paddling.com/gear/wilderness-systems-cape-horn-150-kayak/" target="_blank">https://paddling.com/gear/wilderness-systems-cape-horn-150-kayak/</a><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>2000 Mad River St. Croix</b><br />
<br />HIN: WKY139Z8F000<br /><br />
Manufacturer's Description: <br />
Our most affordable recreation canoe, and one of our most capable. Featuring the classic Mad River Shallow V-Hull, the St. Croix makes a nice solo boat that can also carry the family. Although TripleTough™ construction means it`s slightly heavier than a Royalex® boat, it`s even more affordable, delivering true canoe performance in a versatile and seaworthy boat that`s easy to handle all the way around. Available with vinyl gunwales and web seats.<br />
<br />
<br />
Specifications: <br />
Length: 14' 6"<br />
Width: 36"<br />
Centre Depth: 14"<br />
Weight: 69 lb. (rotomoulded)<br />
Capacity: 850 lb. (6" freeboard)<br />
Price: $599 US (vinyl trim)<br /><br />
(Source: <a href="https://www.myccr.com/gear/mad-river-st-croix">https://www.myccr.com/gear/mad-river-st-croix</a>)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-IxFpQGd6_CtL8xb3PeYQzRwfNl5dgjcq5jyuOJ74zJbJRgaJvW8vJ6l8VbACp2X_AoQpTxdQOu_OTvkMC_1g4zIlugjSFV6xAkj3hJcSk_gLeciPe0czpbJTyr-DzSLa9Um/s2048/2021-07-03+10.27.15.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-IxFpQGd6_CtL8xb3PeYQzRwfNl5dgjcq5jyuOJ74zJbJRgaJvW8vJ6l8VbACp2X_AoQpTxdQOu_OTvkMC_1g4zIlugjSFV6xAkj3hJcSk_gLeciPe0czpbJTyr-DzSLa9Um/w400-h225/2021-07-03+10.27.15.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Put-in on Eel Brook heading to Big Eel Lake, 2021.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br /></div>J P Haliburtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02757069923272989305noreply@blogger.com0Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada53.1355091 -57.660436424.825275263821155 -92.816686400000009 81.445742936178846 -22.504186400000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122223.post-83562556391785471742020-04-23T11:04:00.001-02:302020-04-30T11:00:18.129-02:30Backpacking/Paddling Stoves<div class="" dir="auto">
<div class="ecm0bbzt hv4rvrfc ihqw7lf3 dati1w0a" data-ad-comet-preview="message" data-ad-preview="message" id="jsc_c_h">
<div class="j83agx80 cbu4d94t ew0dbk1b irj2b8pg">
<div class="qzhwtbm6 knvmm38d">
<span class="oi732d6d ik7dh3pa d2edcug0 qv66sw1b c1et5uql a8c37x1j muag1w35 ew0dbk1b jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id hzawbc8m" dir="auto"></span><br />
<div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q">
<div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">
<span class="oi732d6d ik7dh3pa d2edcug0 qv66sw1b c1et5uql a8c37x1j muag1w35 ew0dbk1b jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id hzawbc8m" dir="auto">This week a package arrived from <a href="https://kihdproducts.com/en/home/" target="_blank">KIHD Products</a>. It contained one of their Basic Plus stoves, a toaster for the stove, and a couple other products they sell. I've been wanting a stick stove for a couple years, and when this Canadian made model went on sale, I grabbed it up and added it to my collection of single burner backpackable stoves.</span></div>
<div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">
</div>
<div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvkgm8LY4400fxBnitGt_4fXixICX39eLT9lwZs6k9fn1QUssZshT6s3-v4I2JnYrXLazAefUjP-nwxAjA8q4SUan8KWNl1AHZpueyLm8dKOoas99P2dzbiy1qnGkg4ZIYhMo/s1600/2020-04-22+16.56.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvkgm8LY4400fxBnitGt_4fXixICX39eLT9lwZs6k9fn1QUssZshT6s3-v4I2JnYrXLazAefUjP-nwxAjA8q4SUan8KWNl1AHZpueyLm8dKOoas99P2dzbiy1qnGkg4ZIYhMo/s320/2020-04-22+16.56.35.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My stoves laid out: Tomshoo, WhisperLite, KIHD</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">
</div>
<div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">
<span class="oi732d6d ik7dh3pa d2edcug0 qv66sw1b c1et5uql a8c37x1j muag1w35 ew0dbk1b jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id hzawbc8m" dir="auto"> In the middle is the MSR WhisperLite that I have had for at least 15 years. It has been on a number of sea kayaking and camping trips. The fuel is white gas, and bottles are refillable.</span></div>
<div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAMX6kGt3FJ26p4qIPN6i0_jFP0b5P-6kQtuflF_5iRvM44An6OnQiYv0s9xUQYaumEmMIKpIRombSmqZHoZL_IRCL7jIhcbTGCxVe4QlL9TxFlgadupemggLtMr0j73-vD2I/s1600/PHTO0057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAMX6kGt3FJ26p4qIPN6i0_jFP0b5P-6kQtuflF_5iRvM44An6OnQiYv0s9xUQYaumEmMIKpIRombSmqZHoZL_IRCL7jIhcbTGCxVe4QlL9TxFlgadupemggLtMr0j73-vD2I/s320/PHTO0057.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preheating the WhisperLite during a sea kayaking weekend in 2005.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">
</div>
<div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">
<span class="oi732d6d ik7dh3pa d2edcug0 qv66sw1b c1et5uql a8c37x1j muag1w35 ew0dbk1b jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id hzawbc8m" dir="auto"> On the left is a Tomshoo isobutane stove that I got for Christmas. It came with some pots that all pack up pretty small. Fuel canisters are available at Canadian Tire, etc., but have to be packed out and disposed of. It has been tested, but not used for cooking yet.</span></div>
<div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQe7pl7af17MLPOBQNQyNSHhNUH5krZ3m_FgOWdk5kK-QeRi9kGAvvuh-tZ5be4IsqZ3DQeQ2WU30eaoDGEhshDttPGLtGGtRu-Ui9YbCz4Cz23BVrrGZ-qAkfHulbnyK5oKY/s1600/42695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQe7pl7af17MLPOBQNQyNSHhNUH5krZ3m_FgOWdk5kK-QeRi9kGAvvuh-tZ5be4IsqZ3DQeQ2WU30eaoDGEhshDttPGLtGGtRu-Ui9YbCz4Cz23BVrrGZ-qAkfHulbnyK5oKY/s320/42695.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tomshoo camping kit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">
</div>
<div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">
<span class="oi732d6d ik7dh3pa d2edcug0 qv66sw1b c1et5uql a8c37x1j muag1w35 ew0dbk1b jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id hzawbc8m" dir="auto"> On the right is my new KIHD stick stove. It will burn twigs and small pieces of wood that you can find around the campsite. Nothing else to bring in or pack out. It will also use a Trangia, charcoal, fuel tablets, etc., so it is very versatile. (See this review: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rwtmq7LEwk">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rwtmq7LEwk</a>)</span></div>
<div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTl4SXJ35nQ_SKkPBwiQ2Yvsye9kbXdjqDd8Wn36q70EUne3FouTF6jD8DCp_nAD8RVFdwMHoVBeeIY2j8tpC3YIkRJPn90HN3G6AEMFvKi2cOQqutC0cBcf2p4ZSgho4wVn-O/s1600/2020-04-22+11.06.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTl4SXJ35nQ_SKkPBwiQ2Yvsye9kbXdjqDd8Wn36q70EUne3FouTF6jD8DCp_nAD8RVFdwMHoVBeeIY2j8tpC3YIkRJPn90HN3G6AEMFvKi2cOQqutC0cBcf2p4ZSgho4wVn-O/s320/2020-04-22+11.06.52.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KIHD stove with toaster.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">
</div>
<div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">
<span class="oi732d6d ik7dh3pa d2edcug0 qv66sw1b c1et5uql a8c37x1j muag1w35 ew0dbk1b jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id hzawbc8m" dir="auto">For speed of doing things like boiling water, they are in order from left to right (Tomshoo, WhisperLite, KIHD stove), so there are advantages and disadvantages to each system.</span></div>
<div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">
</div>
<div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">
<span class="oi732d6d ik7dh3pa d2edcug0 qv66sw1b c1et5uql a8c37x1j muag1w35 ew0dbk1b jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id hzawbc8m" dir="auto">Do you have experience with either of these? What is your favourite camping stove?</span></div>
<div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">
</div>
</div>
<span class="oi732d6d ik7dh3pa d2edcug0 qv66sw1b c1et5uql a8c37x1j muag1w35 ew0dbk1b jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id hzawbc8m" dir="auto">
</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
J P Haliburtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02757069923272989305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122223.post-26030851426463810492018-06-03T22:43:00.001-02:302020-04-30T11:11:12.008-02:30Mini Recording Studio<br />
<h3>
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer</span></i></h3>
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">I want to preface this post by saying that I don't claim to be a very good musician or singer. These are just things that I enjoy doing. The songs I play are usually simplified versions, and often my interpretation to bring them down to my level of skill. Do not expect professional quality in any of the samples provided. Also, all songs are copyright of their respective owners, as notated as best I could determine.</span></i><br />
<br />
<h3>
Background</h3>
My first instrument was the piano/organ back in the early 1970s. We had a split keyboard organ, and I took piano lessons for maybe a year. After that I mostly taught myself to play guitar. Over the years I added bass, and dabbled with harmonica and penny whistle. I also have my father's childhood violin, but not making much progress with it.<br />
<br />
Playing in a number of bands during my late teens and early 20s, I picked up a few instruments. At one point I owned a Gibson RD Artist and a Marshall head, but these were not suitable once off the road and the babies started arriving, so they were sold in favour of a Kramer KFT-2 that I have owned for over 20 years. In one band I played bass, but that gear was sold and never replaced. A Yamaha SK-10 keyboard was purchased from a former bandmate, and spent more than a decade in storage before being dug out recently. My most expensive instrument is a M&M Tofino purchased a couple years ago. The newest is a Bb penny whistle.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0Jlev_xgUH89yYQd6nnGJcGs1H4gIBVWamGw5oUg8V2PbULPWMIdIf2jINXmffxSCgA7hq-uoAHJ88aaugeXNDKOYNaO1PiwpnuX_9qP3I9vkfPCSgjcTbMSzhn4qbH1-pkH/s1600/Feedback.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="960" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0Jlev_xgUH89yYQd6nnGJcGs1H4gIBVWamGw5oUg8V2PbULPWMIdIf2jINXmffxSCgA7hq-uoAHJ88aaugeXNDKOYNaO1PiwpnuX_9qP3I9vkfPCSgjcTbMSzhn4qbH1-pkH/s320/Feedback.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first band, Feedback c.1979-1981: Lorne (keyboard), Derwin (rhythm), Bruce (bass), Darren (drums), me (lead).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsygRH00HnCa-kV-AZHy58VmyGoCpHJHVAV6GK8oxZRF0AAjj8iAC2nJJj_Cpr05DUcoCZmi1mU-qDHBFk9C_NEcRLgDkcy6lrHboyVfZcyYpcGV7aVp1evxVNtAL4VXxW4PCR/s1600/Feedback+Live.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="604" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsygRH00HnCa-kV-AZHy58VmyGoCpHJHVAV6GK8oxZRF0AAjj8iAC2nJJj_Cpr05DUcoCZmi1mU-qDHBFk9C_NEcRLgDkcy6lrHboyVfZcyYpcGV7aVp1evxVNtAL4VXxW4PCR/s320/Feedback+Live.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feedback live at Lewisporte High in 1981. me, Darren, Bruce, Derwin.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This is a recording from a school assembly in 1981: <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=145_ekTaXOy2PKRf0dbSwMvrm8P6fDhVk" target="_blank">Feedback - I Saw You On The Telephone</a> (originally performed by <a href="http://citizenfreak.com/titles/318014-12-gauge-i-saw-you-on-the-telephone" target="_blank">12 Gauge</a> c.1980)<br />
<br />
Around 1982 I joined my first bar band. We played night clubs, school dances, wedding, etc. I was brought in to replace the bass player who had moved away, and I bought his Gibson Lab Series L4 amp. Not sure about the bass used then, but it may have been borrowed from one of the other members. Bruce eventually bought that amp from me. It was during this era that I wrote my greatest hit, <i>Call on me Again</i>. This is a version of it as recorded around 1986 by cousins Dave and Wayne Leyden.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1iK359vmDL6at8Nm0fWDtoB6Gbv5akSzQ" target="_blank">Call On Me Again, written by J. Peter Haliburton c.1984</a> (recorded by Wayne and Dave Leyden)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1E4PoJBr-NmlikKTvG2Pcwk8siON98xGhbB73Wwu6K0R0inhQFh53Q1Og1GLFLJCCPNOZKZtcLNGNmgLvlFa8xfXU95rIuyGPWcLII-fdMUUryzmsOivnz6AohT_35wAFaGAo/s1600/Street+Legal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="604" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1E4PoJBr-NmlikKTvG2Pcwk8siON98xGhbB73Wwu6K0R0inhQFh53Q1Og1GLFLJCCPNOZKZtcLNGNmgLvlFa8xfXU95rIuyGPWcLII-fdMUUryzmsOivnz6AohT_35wAFaGAo/s320/Street+Legal.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Street Legal at the first Lewisporte Mussel Bed Soiree (Fred, Curt, Dave, me) in 1986. I'm using the RD Artist, Marshall head and SK-10 keyboard.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6daP-CF8zvjBCfbBH0fCY-VixVV1n97apXiaVautP6G2gaCUHNQtnkW-H97eSfrMVKZMiMzh4yzOiscIfaaRFQ8aIRdNjJV7D7tp8pV5TLq2mnpio5mQst6Q_8VvexCK7nGn7/s1600/RD-Artist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6daP-CF8zvjBCfbBH0fCY-VixVV1n97apXiaVautP6G2gaCUHNQtnkW-H97eSfrMVKZMiMzh4yzOiscIfaaRFQ8aIRdNjJV7D7tp8pV5TLq2mnpio5mQst6Q_8VvexCK7nGn7/s320/RD-Artist.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Gibson RD Artist c.1988.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I've always found a way to record the music I play. Back in the old days it would be a tape recorder capturing me messing about with the electric guitar. Eventually, I added a cheap Realistic 4 channel mixer. That allowed playing back 2 channels while adding 2 more. This didn't result in a very good recording, but it was fun to play with.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBtuNJ1bwj97cP_Yf2UcbNoelwgYDF5ZvBv4CQwmJST6uhjYfphCu078CFi5Ji6V__su2-5koouGzVnTGqYVCwe019nNlZFulpf9N683DqxXDjFM3cXF3jY6U7xO7YG40OMNRp/s1600/Bruce+and+I.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="960" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBtuNJ1bwj97cP_Yf2UcbNoelwgYDF5ZvBv4CQwmJST6uhjYfphCu078CFi5Ji6V__su2-5koouGzVnTGqYVCwe019nNlZFulpf9N683DqxXDjFM3cXF3jY6U7xO7YG40OMNRp/s320/Bruce+and+I.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bruce and I c.1988. We sometimes got together to jam and record some stuff.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
The Mini Studio</h3>
I had picked up a Blue Yeti microphone in 2011 for the occasional <a href="https://archive.org/details/RTD001WhyWeRun/" target="_blank">podcasts</a> I did, and that is a good all around unit. The Sennheiser MD431 was still kicking around from the old Street Legal days, plus my father had a couple of Realistic mics that I inherited. With the addition of a computer, I had a good start on a digital recording studio. When the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ was released, I thought it would make a nice little portable unit to base the studio around.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNnseBGsbPD9Evtrfjw5SGjSNYZRGj-fU6FqxamzoIw5lm2TyxWcxGnJK8rjcY-a_E0MnrrV3fjmKcE13KdCa8553ykSRbfBo7x4xzJfJoAd3L2cWk-X2Sepd2ppfPNfybFr4Q/s1600/20180507_171554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNnseBGsbPD9Evtrfjw5SGjSNYZRGj-fU6FqxamzoIw5lm2TyxWcxGnJK8rjcY-a_E0MnrrV3fjmKcE13KdCa8553ykSRbfBo7x4xzJfJoAd3L2cWk-X2Sepd2ppfPNfybFr4Q/s320/20180507_171554.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raspberry Pi kit, HDMI to VGA adapter, and isolation mount for the Yeti.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pP7R-TZq5ENT_GR6O2oJ8RIIO4kJWCIMzu8f80A6pykT-lw3Szo9rlZB2jcOgtQwbwcPxj_sLKzdXUp0YmsHYQSrbiTSyhLkA-LqMpO0ukarMIuSYHOOCfSQpSeT0oC6EEJj/s1600/20180507_171742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pP7R-TZq5ENT_GR6O2oJ8RIIO4kJWCIMzu8f80A6pykT-lw3Szo9rlZB2jcOgtQwbwcPxj_sLKzdXUp0YmsHYQSrbiTSyhLkA-LqMpO0ukarMIuSYHOOCfSQpSeT0oC6EEJj/s320/20180507_171742.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unboxing the Pi.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
To free up a couple of USB ports on the Pi, I opted for a bluetooth keyboard/touchpad. So far, I have been pleased with this unit. There is a temporary speaker attached for playback, but this will need to be upgrade at some point. I still have the 4-channel mixer, but added a 3-channel USB mixer which plugs directly into the Pi. This will give me the ability to attach most of the gear at the same time.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWmXwNaHCML22CxHA2BfVNfvvdhhKvxMQIcjQMRDsB2B9Nxp_dkIKYysd9bVcHMW-98bI16Xj5xluxE93UBTSN6t0DLLw5ZVq54cAy3bKSNWytz6uHW24wQRDszFoS4l9pfnI/s1600/20180526_112823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWmXwNaHCML22CxHA2BfVNfvvdhhKvxMQIcjQMRDsB2B9Nxp_dkIKYysd9bVcHMW-98bI16Xj5xluxE93UBTSN6t0DLLw5ZVq54cAy3bKSNWytz6uHW24wQRDszFoS4l9pfnI/s320/20180526_112823.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hooking up the gear for the first time, May 2018.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The first full test recording using the Pi Studio was on May 30, 2018 featuring <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1yViE-G9UY6bWModUSw-FXYFCuwnmVOM7" target="_blank">J.P. Haliburton - Wicked Game</a> (written by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wicked_Game" target="_blank">Chris Isaak</a>, 1988). Started learning this song over the winter, so it was fairly fresh in my head and not complicated to play. There is some crackling from somewhere, but generally the audio is okay. It was done using just the Yeti microphone for both my voice and the Kramer guitar. It was recorded in one take with no effects or audio manipulation.<br />
<br />
I still need to track down the source of the noise, setup a proper location for everything, and get some soundproofing before doing any serious recording. That process will be covered in a future post.<br />
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Parts and Gear List</h3>
<h3>
Computer System</h3>
<a href="https://www.canakit.com/raspberry-pi-3-model-b-plus-starter-kit.html" target="_blank">Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+</a><br />
32GB Micro SD card<br />
<a href="https://www.raspbian.org/" target="_blank">Raspbian</a> Linux OS<br />
<a href="http://www.riitek.com/product/k12.html" target="_blank">Rii K12BT</a> Bluetooth keyboard/touchpad<br />
<div>
<a href="https://www.victsing.com/products/hdmi-to-vga-adapter-video-converter" target="_blank">VicTsing HDMI to VGA adapter</a></div>
<div>
Samsung 941BW 19" monitor</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
Recording Software</h3>
</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.audacityteam.org/" target="_blank">Audacity</a> audio software</div>
<div>
<a href="https://ardour.org/" target="_blank">Ardour</a> digital audio workstation</div>
<a href="http://hydrogen-music.org/" target="_blank">Hydrogen</a> drum machine<br />
<div>
<br />
<h3>
Recording Equipment</h3>
<a href="https://www.canakit.com/raspberry-pi-3-model-b-plus-starter-kit.html" target="_blank">Blue Yeti</a> USB microphone<br />
Realistic 32-1105 4-Channel Stereo Microphone Mixer<br />
<div>
Realistic Highball dual impedance microphones<br />
Sennheiser MD431 ProfiPower microphone<br />
<a href="http://artproaudio.com/mixers/product/usb_mix-ps/" target="_blank">USB Mix</a> - ART Pro Audio Mini USB Recording Mixer<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>Instruments</b></h3>
Guitars<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://jph4.blogspot.com/2015/01/My-Kramer-Ferrington-KFT.html" target="_blank">Kramer KFT-2</a> acoustic/electric</li>
<li>MacKenzie and Marr 5th Anniversary <a href="https://www.macmarr.com/store/tofino" target="_blank">Tofino</a> acoustic/electric</li>
<li>ESP LTD B-55 bass (bought from son)</li>
</ul>
<div>
Ukulele<br />
<ul>
<li>Kala MK-CE concert</li>
</ul>
<br />
Amplifiers</div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Crate BT15 bass amp (bought from son)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
Penny Whistles<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://clarketinwhistle.com/shop/original-tinwhistle/" target="_blank">Clarke D</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.feadog.ie/whistles/generation-whistles/generation-b-flat-nickel-whistle-feadog-dublin#.WxNUGEgvyUk" target="_blank">Generation Bb</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.waltonsirishmusic.com/tin-whistles/waltons-whistle-brass-c.html" target="_blank">Waltons C</a></li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Qs1WYD-RSpQFXDD_EUiktm_rjWNaHpY4OW7FcK5eJ70YEaNVyRE472oI4fRegSfVKTKxVM9a-qsmNIx94YfyWk2xC4y01SRrJChmLIE5Vwc5blj6-EhSfGME5eYBax4rR1rL/s1600/20180217_203123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Qs1WYD-RSpQFXDD_EUiktm_rjWNaHpY4OW7FcK5eJ70YEaNVyRE472oI4fRegSfVKTKxVM9a-qsmNIx94YfyWk2xC4y01SRrJChmLIE5Vwc5blj6-EhSfGME5eYBax4rR1rL/s320/20180217_203123.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My tin (penny) whistles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Keyboards<br />
<ul>
<li>Casio CTK-530 (borrowed from daughter)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.vintagesynth.com/yamaha/sk20.php" target="_blank">Yamaha SK-10</a> Symphonic Ensemble</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
Miscellaneous<br />
<ul>
<li>Capos</li>
<li>Guitar stands</li>
<li>Harmonica</li>
<li>Headphones</li>
<li>Music Stands</li>
<li>Pop filters</li>
<li>Spoons</li>
</ul>
<br /></div>
</div>
J P Haliburtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02757069923272989305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122223.post-62486746477060137542016-07-18T22:30:00.000-02:302016-09-27T22:14:11.930-02:30The New Shed - Phase 10Following the relatively snowless winter of 2015/2016, we had a normal wet and cool spring. Newfoundland weather is generally poor, with a scattering of really nice days that make you forget that fact for a few hours. This makes anything done outside a challenge.<br />
<br />
For most of the year a section of my backyard is what one would call soggy. It never used to be, since as a kid we used to grow vegetables there, but lately boots are recommended to walk around that area. I have to keep a ditch open so melt and rain water can at least partially flow away.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AaoQ-sCQtnc/V-jwDPsnV-I/AAAAAAAA87o/Jh8420VctnAKumG_X3hgi3x1ZEm26B4QgCPcB/s1600/20160408_121009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AaoQ-sCQtnc/V-jwDPsnV-I/AAAAAAAA87o/Jh8420VctnAKumG_X3hgi3x1ZEm26B4QgCPcB/s400/20160408_121009.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">April 8 and the last of the snow is melting.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The location of the new shed/garage/workshop was partially chosen because it tends to be a little dryer, and the ground firmer. This is another reason the concrete was put above ground with a single pour, and not dug down for footings, etc. While waiting for the far back conditions to improve, I was instructed to build a fence in the near back to keep the dogs in. We had recently acquired a 14 yo Shih Tzu mix from family who could no longer have a dog, to go along with our 6 yo American Eskimo Dog mix, and the two leashes setup wasn't working.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--6i7ONaOyJ0/V-m5qauT9MI/AAAAAAAA88k/8FbDprOluyoHz6Xa3zGh2k4XiZ4elwX9gCPcB/s1600/20160709_191216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--6i7ONaOyJ0/V-m5qauT9MI/AAAAAAAA88k/8FbDprOluyoHz6Xa3zGh2k4XiZ4elwX9gCPcB/s400/20160709_191216.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lucy and Katie happy to be free of their leashes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After about 3 weeks, with the new fence completed, and the dogs able to run freely around, efforts went back on the shed. Supplies were delivered, and work began on building the walls. A pneumatic framing nailer helped speed that along, but it is still slow going working by yourself most of the time.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f_egmt_F5kE/V-jwDImnYgI/AAAAAAAA87o/kOXrgZDBLvobVb34Z1pQU89FBzLz48UyQCPcB/s1600/20160608_191040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f_egmt_F5kE/V-jwDImnYgI/AAAAAAAA87o/kOXrgZDBLvobVb34Z1pQU89FBzLz48UyQCPcB/s400/20160608_191040.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">June 8: 2"x4"x8' and 4'x8' sheets of aspenite (OSB)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
First the back wall was assembled, since that was the simplest, and then the front wall with the two doors, a 9' wide garage door, and a 3' wide steel entrance. Some friends popped by to help with the lifts.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bInlvFHSJbY/V-jwDNnMx2I/AAAAAAAA87o/bEW99x6wIhg0YaFW8U16rmL-Alfk3jpLQCPcB/s1600/20160716_160802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bInlvFHSJbY/V-jwDNnMx2I/AAAAAAAA87o/bEW99x6wIhg0YaFW8U16rmL-Alfk3jpLQCPcB/s400/20160716_160802.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 walls up and two just about ready to be lifted.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B8cLaG3qHhM/V-jwDJPXs8I/AAAAAAAA87o/LW9kwvs8wOQQvlNnQ7-DJ7fkfEnA62n0QCPcB/s1600/20160717_201028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B8cLaG3qHhM/V-jwDJPXs8I/AAAAAAAA87o/LW9kwvs8wOQQvlNnQ7-DJ7fkfEnA62n0QCPcB/s400/20160717_201028.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">July 17: All 4 walls up.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With the walls in place, some opening were needed, so the doors were cut out. It was finally starting to look like a garage/shed/workshop.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pd5GB8NP_u8/V-jwDH3RrNI/AAAAAAAA87o/Dr_f1if_0b03Tr3pCSSW2TGREftjkyJIACPcB/s1600/20160718_205027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pd5GB8NP_u8/V-jwDH3RrNI/AAAAAAAA87o/Dr_f1if_0b03Tr3pCSSW2TGREftjkyJIACPcB/s400/20160718_205027.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The opening cut for the doors</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It was now after the middle of July, and there was still a lot of work to be done. Next on the list is the trusses.<br />
<br />
<hr />
<br />
<b>The Entire Story To Date:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2014/08/the-new-shed-phase-9.html">The New Shed - Phase 9</a><br />
<a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2015/10/the-new-shed-phase-8.html">The New Shed - Phase 8</a><br />
<a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2015/09/the-new-shed-phase-7.html">The New Shed - Phase 7</a><br />
<a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2015/08/the-new-shed-phase-6.html">The New Shed - Phase 6</a><br />
<a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2014/10/the-new-shed-phase-5.html">The New Shed - Phase 5</a><br />
<a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2014/09/the-new-shed-phase-4.html">The New Shed - Phase 4</a><br />
<a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2014/08/the-new-shed-phase-3.html">The New Shed - Phase 3</a><br />
<a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2014/08/the-new-shed-phase-2.html">The New Shed - Phase 2</a><br />
<a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2014/08/the-new-shed-phase-1.html">The New Shed - Phase 1</a><br />
<br />J P Haliburtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02757069923272989305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122223.post-35255254023604231192015-11-01T22:00:00.000-03:302015-11-10T17:09:15.731-03:30The New Shed - Phase 9When I started working on the new shed/garage/workshop/storage building in 2014, I thought that I would have the entire thing done before the snow came. Now, here we are in November of 2015, and there are still no walls. At least there is a solid foundation to build on.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAsfMqQvu3z_k3skN4jZTnhNxPLFWZNGB8AJNFFhnpckWULOJnMtL4kHWxu33li1ELNGPaKRiVFP67-50Oa6MQlglpVzmJh_tI8b6kyf9xf_smhdh9CC791LESEVhZWaRm2d5/s1600/20151022_092906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAsfMqQvu3z_k3skN4jZTnhNxPLFWZNGB8AJNFFhnpckWULOJnMtL4kHWxu33li1ELNGPaKRiVFP67-50Oa6MQlglpVzmJh_tI8b6kyf9xf_smhdh9CC791LESEVhZWaRm2d5/s400/20151022_092906.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">October 22</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNgMUhkeFOVfrDnjjkr8IgnETuBgo-TdpG12pv3VL73iAL77b3Ijo7JDl6bIZ3GAsQPcdkwBDk7wuKB_luoddVRtECr8lm4cgmCMnH5AGxHfVadj8lMzMLzC8colL0fWgOcee3/s1600/20151022_094145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNgMUhkeFOVfrDnjjkr8IgnETuBgo-TdpG12pv3VL73iAL77b3Ijo7JDl6bIZ3GAsQPcdkwBDk7wuKB_luoddVRtECr8lm4cgmCMnH5AGxHfVadj8lMzMLzC8colL0fWgOcee3/s400/20151022_094145.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">October 22</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggVHLe6I4GJcm84GMCzqhqfJpV-D0379gk4TErhbtBp2Z5qs7WMTxl232W322K2bX4ZglqT6u2_BObuM8jpBc2pwge5eUgZ7_mnHCvw0R4lMExLMNb8RDAmYGBYhgq_F-BQwbw/s1600/20151022_102415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggVHLe6I4GJcm84GMCzqhqfJpV-D0379gk4TErhbtBp2Z5qs7WMTxl232W322K2bX4ZglqT6u2_BObuM8jpBc2pwge5eUgZ7_mnHCvw0R4lMExLMNb8RDAmYGBYhgq_F-BQwbw/s400/20151022_102415.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">October 22</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Jim came back to help with the concrete pour, and I also hired a guy with more experience, Barry, for a couple of hours. It looked pretty good after it was floated. Once it had setup a couple of hours, I was able to push in the wall anchor L-bolts.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaf-X_HnICpDlmxDqOCDGNCShl5RKRGi33-yTJHa3vOxKUM4C254huoeiwJn2bVGIZ-yfqIIIOrjspMDJfumg8KmJE3DGwUW7xjTo4tIOTjIwB7NxOkxC17DhfR1dwcECUtbjx/s1600/20151022_122055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaf-X_HnICpDlmxDqOCDGNCShl5RKRGi33-yTJHa3vOxKUM4C254huoeiwJn2bVGIZ-yfqIIIOrjspMDJfumg8KmJE3DGwUW7xjTo4tIOTjIwB7NxOkxC17DhfR1dwcECUtbjx/s400/20151022_122055.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">October 22</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
To give the floor a nice finish, I rented a power trowel. This machine also goes by "whirlybird", "helicopter" and so on, due to its blades.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6f/Machine_copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6f/Machine_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sample Power Trowel/Float</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After the concrete had been setting up for about 6 hours, I gave it a try, but it was still too soft, and I just made a mess. Every hour or so after that I tested it, but it wasn't until about 8PM, about 10 hours after the pour, that the front was firm enough. The rear, however, still wasn't that great at 11pm. It was too late in the night to be running the motor, and I had had enough, so we just covered it with a tarp to protect the concrete from the rain expected in the middle of the night, and went to bed.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghITkiPTkWkERGbBN6qval66BjuyWD1In1oFjs9KdiP1TV1NoQ2Q-8_RnSIMlaLOr40oo7L_XntjlRAb4XXnV5Y_4WCibYnSx044zplhxDmcQ9k2aQtFRQ0-mryZeZQoHUS91G/s1600/20151022_170951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghITkiPTkWkERGbBN6qval66BjuyWD1In1oFjs9KdiP1TV1NoQ2Q-8_RnSIMlaLOr40oo7L_XntjlRAb4XXnV5Y_4WCibYnSx044zplhxDmcQ9k2aQtFRQ0-mryZeZQoHUS91G/s400/20151022_170951.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">October 22</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztGF22PkD7wuvqhPsG1-eTGBQ_CYjOkGNxEWrgw3rFhs9ZeQYnOco8AmUnC316Ubov-Z4c9MzlLHLqtWrEEP4m9OwNgRhZCzvfHnkvXeKk2xPtpievrw09OXtgTOwatkjdTRV/s1600/20151023_131104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztGF22PkD7wuvqhPsG1-eTGBQ_CYjOkGNxEWrgw3rFhs9ZeQYnOco8AmUnC316Ubov-Z4c9MzlLHLqtWrEEP4m9OwNgRhZCzvfHnkvXeKk2xPtpievrw09OXtgTOwatkjdTRV/s400/20151023_131104.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">October 23</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After the concrete had be sitting inside the form for a couple of days, I took it apart. Weeks of construction, and attention to detail were only for a temporary structure. I had seen the results of forms that had failed, either partially or fully, and I made mine strong. It had done well, but was no longer needed. Hopefully, I'll be able to reuse the plywood and 2x4s later in the project.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBkIoHsi3lEfrX4dbvpLuqyd9bvQiyXFMfAG1J2lxbankC7e4RLhGhi7-DzzqNViLFpck5s2QtsV8AzWJyzN0LIZ6cPBLRYN_8ygDXRwOz_quVZxIpAyshdTcCRvy2YIZX2N9/s1600/20151024_142414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBkIoHsi3lEfrX4dbvpLuqyd9bvQiyXFMfAG1J2lxbankC7e4RLhGhi7-DzzqNViLFpck5s2QtsV8AzWJyzN0LIZ6cPBLRYN_8ygDXRwOz_quVZxIpAyshdTcCRvy2YIZX2N9/s400/20151024_142414.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">October 24</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Now exposed to air, the concrete can fully cure. In another few days it will be ready to support walls and a roof.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8A_qfIYnydN9MSi3dr90EbB4VZZ3bb4mf4UID5aX7Sv0QCmJSM3InJWKb87fWT3IIYSSpv7V60HUsHG8XUtuQjdTofjcmGyuy40VDZFEa_f-UUA5IcfjI3Qfm-KhyphenhyphenKoCreHbh/s1600/20151031_112128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8A_qfIYnydN9MSi3dr90EbB4VZZ3bb4mf4UID5aX7Sv0QCmJSM3InJWKb87fWT3IIYSSpv7V60HUsHG8XUtuQjdTofjcmGyuy40VDZFEa_f-UUA5IcfjI3Qfm-KhyphenhyphenKoCreHbh/s400/20151031_112128.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">October 31</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The days, however, are getting colder, with fewer daylight hours. It is just about dark by the time I get home from work, and the weather is usually poor on the weekends. Looks like the framing and final construction will be delayed until the spring. What's another year?<br />
<br />
<br />
<hr />
<br />
<b>The Entire Story To Date:</b><br />
<br /><a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2015/10/the-new-shed-phase-8.html">The New Shed - Phase 8</a> <br />
<a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2015/09/the-new-shed-phase-7.html">The New Shed - Phase 7</a><br />
<a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2015/08/the-new-shed-phase-6.html">The New Shed - Phase 6</a><br />
<a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2014/10/the-new-shed-phase-5.html">The New Shed - Phase 5</a><br />
<a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2014/09/the-new-shed-phase-4.html">The New Shed - Phase 4</a><br />
<a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2014/08/the-new-shed-phase-3.html">The New Shed - Phase 3</a><br />
<a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2014/08/the-new-shed-phase-2.html">The New Shed - Phase 2</a><br />
<a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2014/08/the-new-shed-phase-1.html">The New Shed - Phase 1</a>J P Haliburtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02757069923272989305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122223.post-77077075798041237992015-10-22T22:00:00.000-02:302015-11-10T11:37:08.460-03:30The New Shed - Phase 8This phase of the project deals with the final preparations before concrete could be poured. The top rails of the form were level and square to make sure that the finished concrete is level and square. The lower ones were just there to hold the lower part of the plywood in place. Some had been installed last year, but with the grade being raised so much, they were now too low, and had to be adjusted. I decided not to put them in until after the styrofoam.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyPJBigQwnD1_-eRxbgsCVx_6hG4-TUU7Q7Q61Z1mDEd_CFNU2mX0grjWqM_JnR_nu9mEftyE6VAg11YpfAcHDAQBsvD83Rs1J6zKNmbgixOzpy7M4aAf0pz7qUdOCnbzqfRf3/s1600/20151012_182108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyPJBigQwnD1_-eRxbgsCVx_6hG4-TUU7Q7Q61Z1mDEd_CFNU2mX0grjWqM_JnR_nu9mEftyE6VAg11YpfAcHDAQBsvD83Rs1J6zKNmbgixOzpy7M4aAf0pz7qUdOCnbzqfRf3/s400/20151012_182108.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">October 12</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The styrofoam I wanted to use was not in stock, so I had to wait for a few days to have it delivered. Along with it came the wire mesh, rebar and plastic.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZIlLfewBpWP9anBBCZEQz4nnBvc9Hquws9d3XpdsT5VmQ0mrxR3N9PupWwc_yCVcT0NB1UHrObDgpeXN2VOrY5FsudXQR5qsdlLbY4QkbEkK87X2pqyVQ-8cl0xpDic-VhKh/s1600/20151017_115623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZIlLfewBpWP9anBBCZEQz4nnBvc9Hquws9d3XpdsT5VmQ0mrxR3N9PupWwc_yCVcT0NB1UHrObDgpeXN2VOrY5FsudXQR5qsdlLbY4QkbEkK87X2pqyVQ-8cl0xpDic-VhKh/s400/20151017_115623.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">October 17</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7F4QkHNqmF5g7WXq4pXaYrCsC7sGWV9lFjJ6FufsXcCWdJG3hVrChBn6MLzUd6_poic4bK7MSi96faYlEtcmigk0H-KB_yYqrdVrTQv0XppcaMler0Jgby6MHEPdn6O2RAClo/s1600/20151017_115652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7F4QkHNqmF5g7WXq4pXaYrCsC7sGWV9lFjJ6FufsXcCWdJG3hVrChBn6MLzUd6_poic4bK7MSi96faYlEtcmigk0H-KB_yYqrdVrTQv0XppcaMler0Jgby6MHEPdn6O2RAClo/s400/20151017_115652.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">October 17</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The first item to go down was the 6 mil vapour barrier. I considered skipping this step since the shed was going to be so much above grade, but it was not a big expense, so I went ahead with it. It will help keep any ground moisture from getting up into the concrete, and damaging it from below.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAgXSw99Rwv3CqDxPtRKCN4cUP8dO1mlm5nLx_s_9tWmOUwo53Lo2ZmVzdFuvdU4w-G5TaGrKpxGsvorW45xiNHY567S0gybKh9_KMn9QduXuh6NfAs4TesKbN8X4fT5jK4fZF/s1600/20151017_151515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAgXSw99Rwv3CqDxPtRKCN4cUP8dO1mlm5nLx_s_9tWmOUwo53Lo2ZmVzdFuvdU4w-G5TaGrKpxGsvorW45xiNHY567S0gybKh9_KMn9QduXuh6NfAs4TesKbN8X4fT5jK4fZF/s400/20151017_151515.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">October 17</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The insulating layer is Foundation Plus. It is the beaded type of foam, rather than the more solid type, and is supposed to both breathe and allow water to pass down through. It is rated for below concrete slabs, and the idea is to help keep frost out, while also providing support. The R value is a modest 7.5, so I am not expecting a lot of cold protection.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguI0rJpm9U2eLTPOwMkal2UA-RyGG9EPPHTCBC74pQeJE0oFpWChibnKu7U7jikH6UoO1zue_bIRQk0NXu_ICAfZuUDojP2OySXw1MMtl6NHnh8uVd0pKjop_JYGzt0xKRz0-M/s1600/20151017_183416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguI0rJpm9U2eLTPOwMkal2UA-RyGG9EPPHTCBC74pQeJE0oFpWChibnKu7U7jikH6UoO1zue_bIRQk0NXu_ICAfZuUDojP2OySXw1MMtl6NHnh8uVd0pKjop_JYGzt0xKRz0-M/s400/20151017_183416.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">October 17</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkujVYM2JnNEKuFfTpzpO4onD5q6NOIi-otzONIA7hN0_lFesiF3vD5iECTCvthZW_KYPLasPkxroVB_CziqM15OmSR2cgjudfbvXh6-U0PX-CEo_Pyle1AqnhN-v_rPqJQoQm/s1600/20151019_184453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkujVYM2JnNEKuFfTpzpO4onD5q6NOIi-otzONIA7hN0_lFesiF3vD5iECTCvthZW_KYPLasPkxroVB_CziqM15OmSR2cgjudfbvXh6-U0PX-CEo_Pyle1AqnhN-v_rPqJQoQm/s400/20151019_184453.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">October 19</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
With slopes and odd angles, it took a while to get all the styrofoam in place. There was a small weather window of warmish weather coming up, so we worked some late evenings to get things done. Fortunately, I have a recently retired friend, Jim, who was willing to give me a hand.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLYVdriaXuvwyvJtJD-qpJ_MU7xA8le0UhMWTXXdtjSuBDonq8XcG3N0TC7AnjFJBXyPmSOSvD-3x3Xyxd5HQtL2DIGpiZisjlqNCK1kFwFi7nYOOIJZbH0XZFLaharpFoAufK/s1600/20151020_163521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLYVdriaXuvwyvJtJD-qpJ_MU7xA8le0UhMWTXXdtjSuBDonq8XcG3N0TC7AnjFJBXyPmSOSvD-3x3Xyxd5HQtL2DIGpiZisjlqNCK1kFwFi7nYOOIJZbH0XZFLaharpFoAufK/s400/20151020_163521.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">October 20</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Getting the plywood to fit was more of a challenge than the styrofoam. There were slopes and a little bit of unevenness to deal with. Each piece required multiple cuts. After that process, it was just a matter of laying out the mesh, and putting in the rebar.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZHVy0mj1y4SRSuW46lrifp3Gxs-LcgL81ppUFcUdAxmBA-0yNoU4gecNcBCudqaM3-Ls6ihhxjfJjs9aw74lYXZbc5NdrBwv3WPKxhkxH9qr0AS9eEThv4V5LxpPcpoijgg44/s1600/20151021_075758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZHVy0mj1y4SRSuW46lrifp3Gxs-LcgL81ppUFcUdAxmBA-0yNoU4gecNcBCudqaM3-Ls6ihhxjfJjs9aw74lYXZbc5NdrBwv3WPKxhkxH9qr0AS9eEThv4V5LxpPcpoijgg44/s400/20151021_075758.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">October 21</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
To do the rebar, I supported the horizontal sections on 4x4s, and 2x4s on edge, to get them roughly 3.5" up into the concrete footing around the perimeter. Then, in the corners and as required to provide support, verticals of various lengths were hammered into the ground, staying under the top of the concrete by about 1". All the connections were wired together. This process went on right up to just minutes before the ready-mix truck arrived, at 8:55, Thursday, October 22, 2015.<br />
<br />
<br />
<hr />
<br />
<b>The Entire Story To Date:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2015/09/the-new-shed-phase-7.html">The New Shed - Phase 7</a><br />
<a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2015/08/the-new-shed-phase-6.html">The New Shed - Phase 6</a><br />
<a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2014/10/the-new-shed-phase-5.html">The New Shed - Phase 5</a><br />
<a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2014/09/the-new-shed-phase-4.html">The New Shed - Phase 4</a><br />
<a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2014/08/the-new-shed-phase-3.html">The New Shed - Phase 3</a><br />
<a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2014/08/the-new-shed-phase-2.html">The New Shed - Phase 2</a><br />
<a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2014/08/the-new-shed-phase-1.html">The New Shed - Phase 1</a>J P Haliburtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02757069923272989305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122223.post-46691467042512471672015-09-30T22:00:00.000-02:302015-11-10T08:45:08.196-03:30The New Shed - Phase 7Before the load of crushed stone could be spread, the gravel had to be compacted. All the rain and walking over it has helped a lot, but it needed to be packed down as evenly as possible. Enter the "tapper"! An 8" x 8" metal weight attached to a stick, that is also a great workout for the arms.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/rg8dLyITCGvRoxhUUevgsrhmxiazXHUiAaiRtY0zoW3_FGapw1ilKbOPChYy0KzNN6c7zqEVYOGw00q6V8joZAiuY36ZjJxIWRqJGgYDoz2d5VrrnkZVHJsHwztnFkVLLQ1bXXEBgiQTdG95vF54T1WTw-EWyDVbmvCOe6wQdgNrf5J-mv8CjNP_5PKq42q0X7-cARu5-gX8iV1uEYX63UaVlBa2dkR-Tl-bkAse-H7XujYCpgqiqJe1tnBQ9av6cQDavWC4rcEjfd04GKpHXdIYUlcR1nqIW-O-OSNBpdm_ziGcNo1B9hwnw193_8dqW6_ATQYhZTcLWjTCej97ZaBkkuFUmbfenHHhdE5j5HjWISclJRdYu2Heg9mvkDqMbfQqH1Y5gwMXLZdGNGGgJsq48PgtOoPNvWntz--58YckUq8K5o78hJa_ohyeg-UK6d1nZCFlhxSe_p_DSb20n4-FTPtvwC4SUL9NeVat95eOqiFKp3xMp1wAktRN1PKP7lXJk_Hzfgxw68jRdEFXobbG=w1125-h633-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/rg8dLyITCGvRoxhUUevgsrhmxiazXHUiAaiRtY0zoW3_FGapw1ilKbOPChYy0KzNN6c7zqEVYOGw00q6V8joZAiuY36ZjJxIWRqJGgYDoz2d5VrrnkZVHJsHwztnFkVLLQ1bXXEBgiQTdG95vF54T1WTw-EWyDVbmvCOe6wQdgNrf5J-mv8CjNP_5PKq42q0X7-cARu5-gX8iV1uEYX63UaVlBa2dkR-Tl-bkAse-H7XujYCpgqiqJe1tnBQ9av6cQDavWC4rcEjfd04GKpHXdIYUlcR1nqIW-O-OSNBpdm_ziGcNo1B9hwnw193_8dqW6_ATQYhZTcLWjTCej97ZaBkkuFUmbfenHHhdE5j5HjWISclJRdYu2Heg9mvkDqMbfQqH1Y5gwMXLZdGNGGgJsq48PgtOoPNvWntz--58YckUq8K5o78hJa_ohyeg-UK6d1nZCFlhxSe_p_DSb20n4-FTPtvwC4SUL9NeVat95eOqiFKp3xMp1wAktRN1PKP7lXJk_Hzfgxw68jRdEFXobbG=w1125-h633-no" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">September 5</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
While moving the pile of crushed stone, another expense came up. The handle of the wheelbarrow, which I had repaired last year, started to give way. The wood just could not stand up to the many heavy loads. The new wheelbarrow has metal handles, and came in a pretty yellow colour.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/O9_2j3PLtWknxVO6b9h2MBoNkQeEKUIdiQyFQQ4Ng53mYJNOt7yMY63m36eL3PmsXB-DWbIPa9RloKOhZ5aFxMvGvzBV5Xbl3hPZ-RjlEhEdllDVLqguMpOMN7HZ5v8sFCB_Ab9hCSIiK3dJV9lQZqoqgl111tNyLYQDJCoWOteKaL0aQdyvRcwtKwdTiyEZX3Msm_H2Q3rkCeTQwBJAJuFTprPqytJlToXY2wDBHdPdIRRnrlyCT2RGJYpwA4HxgbxpzzZEQ7H3LORJoiJQl-m4WSyJfSQ5J5s5X9i_jWWUhhYhkWnaGlOQ5Yql9YnwK604MEvmCzvKyRtZchMuFJY9Cd9OH61_Lz_0Dy61JAZPEky-RCuMk758ri6SbZWqZsZLPJ7Duri_TyDU4wmysTKfVFLIBbFfF5QnVUfFzaMS8JJXR1-VWhktmPnH3IdSdNUySq-5-fdTmFXmnOU9crFadBbr54NVfAYcg8qRuMmfBNTBJOql1z-4EqywXcsDyJLpJKLUkwzqIXhX1AgZF_k5=w1485-h836-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/O9_2j3PLtWknxVO6b9h2MBoNkQeEKUIdiQyFQQ4Ng53mYJNOt7yMY63m36eL3PmsXB-DWbIPa9RloKOhZ5aFxMvGvzBV5Xbl3hPZ-RjlEhEdllDVLqguMpOMN7HZ5v8sFCB_Ab9hCSIiK3dJV9lQZqoqgl111tNyLYQDJCoWOteKaL0aQdyvRcwtKwdTiyEZX3Msm_H2Q3rkCeTQwBJAJuFTprPqytJlToXY2wDBHdPdIRRnrlyCT2RGJYpwA4HxgbxpzzZEQ7H3LORJoiJQl-m4WSyJfSQ5J5s5X9i_jWWUhhYhkWnaGlOQ5Yql9YnwK604MEvmCzvKyRtZchMuFJY9Cd9OH61_Lz_0Dy61JAZPEky-RCuMk758ri6SbZWqZsZLPJ7Duri_TyDU4wmysTKfVFLIBbFfF5QnVUfFzaMS8JJXR1-VWhktmPnH3IdSdNUySq-5-fdTmFXmnOU9crFadBbr54NVfAYcg8qRuMmfBNTBJOql1z-4EqywXcsDyJLpJKLUkwzqIXhX1AgZF_k5=w1485-h836-no" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">September 5</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The stone had to be distributed more evenly and level than the gravel, since this was the last layer before the styrofoam. This was to ensure that the final thickness of concrete was correct at a minimum of 4".<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigeVztV7mLbvW7xHy6T9ayAwakN65oJfEw2hUqkqU-uTbvIozqNirxOsLMGRtU-cF3MmKTbXKhU-JN_mmKWFGkFefGvEP2OM1XmxDXxkD3Omqf3f_qWLwp1TDHq8ce3jkyEs-E/s1600/20150912_143017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigeVztV7mLbvW7xHy6T9ayAwakN65oJfEw2hUqkqU-uTbvIozqNirxOsLMGRtU-cF3MmKTbXKhU-JN_mmKWFGkFefGvEP2OM1XmxDXxkD3Omqf3f_qWLwp1TDHq8ce3jkyEs-E/s400/20150912_143017.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">September 12</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ6BHkvxhCeIO48Ore8G3SmarCIGGR3sSMGLBl8ChnJzkROKVcuwT_BVan4Ed5_LwQnH4JpLUu06rddNZC8Gv9DWIvMQjJjUKos4qYxwqX-RSQTvziPlMfTyr8yav3m6mTOe_f/s1600/20150912_153018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ6BHkvxhCeIO48Ore8G3SmarCIGGR3sSMGLBl8ChnJzkROKVcuwT_BVan4Ed5_LwQnH4JpLUu06rddNZC8Gv9DWIvMQjJjUKos4qYxwqX-RSQTvziPlMfTyr8yav3m6mTOe_f/s400/20150912_153018.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">September 12</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The form was rechecked and the string tied across again to measure down from. It advanced as the stone was spread. The depth of the stone was also checked at regular intervals to make sure it was around 3".<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbIe6IMwyUvzPi35WHicXGaGKMT3rN3pVOWjYsC_f28V7VP1y1Fin4migMu6zJPvRZIt0PXDlJJ-YM5CHL0E8MKe4CBbjZfYm31T4MnHJRpAHbUGTg_J56Jed1AIZ5KPDl2aNq/s1600/20150919_115229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbIe6IMwyUvzPi35WHicXGaGKMT3rN3pVOWjYsC_f28V7VP1y1Fin4migMu6zJPvRZIt0PXDlJJ-YM5CHL0E8MKe4CBbjZfYm31T4MnHJRpAHbUGTg_J56Jed1AIZ5KPDl2aNq/s400/20150919_115229.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">September 19</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It takes many trips with a wheelbarrow to move a big pile of rock, and since it could only be done on evenings and weekends when the weather cooperated, it seemed to take forever. Occasionally, however, I did have a helper to speed things up.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKELbS6ndI6RwBSl53AItkzEfC5mlR4hwbOZr1RjIod65diy2BU457qEfUHmJxzuPKPcY0OAJ-0hHFVMNpQVpN1ym6Jeyh5rGpV9D7_KwCuhIRAMzQxxnl0dS2DkSPpNI-hC3w/s1600/20150919_115320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKELbS6ndI6RwBSl53AItkzEfC5mlR4hwbOZr1RjIod65diy2BU457qEfUHmJxzuPKPcY0OAJ-0hHFVMNpQVpN1ym6Jeyh5rGpV9D7_KwCuhIRAMzQxxnl0dS2DkSPpNI-hC3w/s400/20150919_115320.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">September 19</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Keeping at something, eventually it will get done. Preparing for concrete was the most time consuming part of the entire shed project, and took over a year to get to this point.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0HcfoJ5vvkrkpho54Ggz0Ehx4jkBM7kOO3INra9STttPU4VcpefemXF4g7RjA3WPrzqcyyGbfNAK8BjSwQ3t8AYn0wi7EWkdiEsDanhoS4noih_clUkT96YUraOndxukbuLHP/s1600/20150928_151524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0HcfoJ5vvkrkpho54Ggz0Ehx4jkBM7kOO3INra9STttPU4VcpefemXF4g7RjA3WPrzqcyyGbfNAK8BjSwQ3t8AYn0wi7EWkdiEsDanhoS4noih_clUkT96YUraOndxukbuLHP/s400/20150928_151524.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">September 28</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Another session of tapping the top, followed sloping and tapping the footing area, meant that this job was finally done. But, before I could completely move on from the gravel and rock work, I had to make sure that the cement mixer could get back to the form. That meant another day of moving class A to a new location, and spreading out the stone at the back of the driveway.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOL3041Gr_j15KIheYe2whXS126YWHRJeraQ4e8gOMiFlXLtJ3I9hxbpu39vV0qGY_3UyHmW4tCmvmbLX-RHdoDFxGHei065_bBuHkz6p1qKfE0u5yKWNPCAgQ64jyEd-dcaoT/s1600/20150930_134116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOL3041Gr_j15KIheYe2whXS126YWHRJeraQ4e8gOMiFlXLtJ3I9hxbpu39vV0qGY_3UyHmW4tCmvmbLX-RHdoDFxGHei065_bBuHkz6p1qKfE0u5yKWNPCAgQ64jyEd-dcaoT/s400/20150930_134116.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">September 30</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ybuoVRyCKeuDIp3n41GBZlz8t-ksuwksVegioRNocsc-eYrfSQeOsFZngKk-XuVEHeIyJCIf82vgnti20b6frg7G247K3Tksg4_nEJ4fk676gl9g1w36pFH0OQ7lalEdD4wu/s1600/20150930_134308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ybuoVRyCKeuDIp3n41GBZlz8t-ksuwksVegioRNocsc-eYrfSQeOsFZngKk-XuVEHeIyJCIf82vgnti20b6frg7G247K3Tksg4_nEJ4fk676gl9g1w36pFH0OQ7lalEdD4wu/s400/20150930_134308.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">September 30</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
With no more wheelbarrow loads required, the form can now be completed. It is quite a relief finally getting to this point.<br />
<br />
<hr />
<br />
<b>The Entire Story To Date:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2015/08/the-new-shed-phase-6.html">The New Shed - Phase 6</a><br />
<a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2014/10/the-new-shed-phase-5.html">The New Shed - Phase 5</a><br />
<a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2014/09/the-new-shed-phase-4.html">The New Shed - Phase 4</a><br />
<a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2014/08/the-new-shed-phase-3.html">The New Shed - Phase 3</a><br />
<a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2014/08/the-new-shed-phase-2.html">The New Shed - Phase 2</a><br />
<a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2014/08/the-new-shed-phase-1.html">The New Shed - Phase 1</a><br />
<br />J P Haliburtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02757069923272989305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122223.post-75943406679347978732015-08-31T22:35:00.000-02:302015-11-10T08:51:45.228-03:30The New Shed - Phase 6<div dir="ltr">
So, here we are at the end of August, more than a year after starting work on the new shed/garage/workshop, and there is not much to show for it. <a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2014/10/the-new-shed-phase-5.html" target="_blank">Last summer</a> we stripped the sod, started framing the form, and spread a truck load of gravel. This year, what we have done is level the form again, and spread another load of gravel.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/8MR6_fxHFRPH8ZN5utXCRMJP2T8ZGjv98EBMfN9F6BLV=w1169-h658-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/8MR6_fxHFRPH8ZN5utXCRMJP2T8ZGjv98EBMfN9F6BLV=w1169-h658-no" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">April 28</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/vFVF6JK3dK9OvTrn4uRFLMApmO1aGqVA_-9FI6CLMZP_=w1169-h658-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/vFVF6JK3dK9OvTrn4uRFLMApmO1aGqVA_-9FI6CLMZP_=w1169-h658-no" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">July 18</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Not to make excuses, but this year time and weather have been against us. Work had to completed on the sailboat so that it could be moved out of the way. A lack of local supplies delayed that a few weeks pushing us into July. Before that, the ground was too wet and soft from the winter snow melt and spring rains. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/NhLx8PmZ86yPzqScctboWSP5uiv8ycNh5iaB_9Avh4xl=w1169-h658-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/NhLx8PmZ86yPzqScctboWSP5uiv8ycNh5iaB_9Avh4xl=w1169-h658-no" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">July 25</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
The month of July itself was the worst in about 20 years. It was cold and wet, with bitter winds out of the north most days. On the good days my job took priority, as we struggled to keep up with the workload caused by the weather delays.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/U2tw249ZudsccK7UyXomPp1fu6ZTyk7Lqbuouwr7mv7S=w1169-h658-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/U2tw249ZudsccK7UyXomPp1fu6ZTyk7Lqbuouwr7mv7S=w1169-h658-no" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">August 29</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Now that the second load of gravel has been spread and levelled, the crushed stone can be delivered. Once that is distributed, the form can be completed, foam laid, and concrete poured.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
I'm still hopeful of getting the shed closed in this year. The foundation is the most difficult and time consuming part. There is a team of friends and family ready to help with the framing, and we can probably work until the end of November on the exterior. Inside work can take place all winter.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br />
<hr />
<br />
<b>The Entire Story To Date:</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2014/10/the-new-shed-phase-5.html">The New Shed - Phase 5</a><br />
<a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2014/09/the-new-shed-phase-4.html">The New Shed - Phase 4</a><br />
<a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2014/08/the-new-shed-phase-3.html">The New Shed - Phase 3</a><br />
<a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2014/08/the-new-shed-phase-2.html">The New Shed - Phase 2</a><br />
<a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2014/08/the-new-shed-phase-1.html">The New Shed - Phase 1</a><br />
<br /></div>
J P Haliburtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02757069923272989305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122223.post-79249057704722902982015-05-29T23:57:00.000-02:302015-05-30T09:55:39.696-02:30The Petrel Project - Update 1In my <a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2015/05/the-petrel-project.html" target="_blank">previous post</a>, I talked about how water was entering the cockpit while sailing. The cockpit drain plugs have been disassembled, gone through a rust removal process (brushed, sanded, WD40), and reassembled. After a recent bit of rain, however, it appears that they were not the source of the leak. Even with the inside of the boat dry, water is dripping from the bottom of the boat around the area of the centerboard trunk.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JeR5A2EwFgQ/VVjiH4OKwMI/AAAAAAAA1rg/V1erLfBfyyU/w1207-h679-no/20150517_161329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JeR5A2EwFgQ/VVjiH4OKwMI/AAAAAAAA1rg/V1erLfBfyyU/w1207-h679-no/20150517_161329.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
A closer inspection showed that a section of the floor is pushed up. When you push down on it, water exits from one of the seams. So, the flotation foam is saturated, and water is able to flow both in and out of the boat via this route. Since the boat did not leak last year, winter ice must have done the damage.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/ZJcrF3NVpxyhgPtsbG7wsKn5XZTDd0l5J5FiIbPCfooq=w1529-h861-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/ZJcrF3NVpxyhgPtsbG7wsKn5XZTDd0l5J5FiIbPCfooq=w1529-h861-no" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water leaking out. It looks like the hull was patched before.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This could be a scary repair, requiring drilling out rivets and partially dismantling the boat to get at the problem. That is not something I want to tackle this summer, so my next challenge will be to find the source of the leak, and just patch it for this summer.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/yXFuLnLQnsUnXcKL01_0u_3ZRdbQz4kK9RxFHxecgQcH=w1529-h861-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/yXFuLnLQnsUnXcKL01_0u_3ZRdbQz4kK9RxFHxecgQcH=w1529-h861-no" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water is entering along this seam.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In the meantime, the Petrel will have to stay parked until I get time to work on it later in the summer.<br />
<br />J P Haliburtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02757069923272989305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122223.post-54366515556600898572015-05-17T23:00:00.000-02:302015-05-18T09:13:18.162-02:30The Petrel ProjectIf you have not already read <a href="http://py23serenity.blogspot.ca/2014/11/serenitys-little-sister.html" target="_blank">Serenity's Little Sister</a>, <a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2014/11/petrel-mine.html" target="_blank">Petrel Mine</a> or <a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2014/04/alcan-petrel-12-sailing-dinghy.html" target="_blank">Alcan Petrel 951 Sailing Dinghy</a>, here is the short version... In the autumn of 2014 I bought a 12' aluminum Petrel dinghy. It was late in the season, and so it was just put away for the winter.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tdYYlmRKy8s/VGUW1ESg9fI/AAAAAAAAvUw/z9EpHLv8n-M/w1228-h691-no/Atrix-20141113155320596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tdYYlmRKy8s/VGUW1ESg9fI/AAAAAAAAvUw/z9EpHLv8n-M/w1228-h691-no/Atrix-20141113155320596.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
For the spring of 2015, it received a new trailer. The dinghy came on a sledge which could be hauled around a marine yard, but I needed the boat capable of travelling on the highway. After looking at available options, I decided to wait for the <a href="http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/stirling-galvanized-boat-trailer-0408059p.html" target="_blank">Stirling at Canadian Tire</a> to go on sale. It turned out to be a reasonable fit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6jgnZJt_iRc/VUf_mOgWWaI/AAAAAAAA1io/48TPt9mFryg/w1207-h679-no/20150504_205203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6jgnZJt_iRc/VUf_mOgWWaI/AAAAAAAA1io/48TPt9mFryg/w1207-h679-no/20150504_205203.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
With a 20' mast, a method of carrying something that long was required. On May 17 the trailer got a prototype mast stand which allows it to extend up over the pan of the truck. For a different vehicle this might not work, but the solution is easily modified.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tGwHdpbE2eA/VVjiPTs4X9I/AAAAAAAA1rs/_u5a8aEpqoE/w480-h853-no/20150517_161346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tGwHdpbE2eA/VVjiPTs4X9I/AAAAAAAA1rs/_u5a8aEpqoE/w480-h853-no/20150517_161346.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
With the boat now mobile, it was time for a test sail. Fortunately, there is a small pond at the end of my street.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VGOLMSYA3J8/VVlFY1ELblI/AAAAAAAA1sM/10NbZBE2MA8/w800-h853-no/Petrel_DL_2015-05-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VGOLMSYA3J8/VVlFY1ELblI/AAAAAAAA1sM/10NbZBE2MA8/w800-h853-no/Petrel_DL_2015-05-17.jpg" width="375" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Woolfrey's Pond, May 17 - photo by Dave Leyden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The wind was gusty, ranging from barely enough to keep moving, to a few seconds of zipping along nicely. The jib had been rigged, but the boat was taking on water, and I didn't want the extra distraction when I had to be bailing every few minutes. The leak was probably from the cockpit drain plugs. Inspecting them is now on the list of tasks. At least the boat is semi-functional.<br />
<br />J P Haliburtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02757069923272989305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122223.post-23259633765849107802015-02-05T11:54:00.001-03:302015-02-05T11:54:59.282-03:30My Fitness GadgetsIt doesn't take very much equipment to start running. You don't even need shoes, if the surfaces are not too harsh. You just have to do it. People, however, like to know things like their pace and distance to determine if they are improving. They also like to know their heart rate and other factors to know when they are pushing hard enough, or too hard. This is where the gadgets come in.<br />
<br />
When I started running somewhat seriously back around 2006, all I had was an old Timex Ironman watch to use as a stopwatch. To figure out the distance of a route I ran, I used a website called <a href="http://gmap-pedometer.com/" target="_blank">G-Map Pedometer</a>. With that info I could calculate average speed and pace with reasonable enough accuracy, but it took extra time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sG9Ev5s-Sos/VNN66nqIlvI/AAAAAAAAwq0/iPyPNvyZCAQ/w1541-h867-no/20150205_104355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sG9Ev5s-Sos/VNN66nqIlvI/AAAAAAAAwq0/iPyPNvyZCAQ/w1541-h867-no/20150205_104355.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Sometimes I would take my Garmin Legend GPSr with me, but that was awkward to use and carry. At the time there were wrist worn devices which used GPS signals to do all the tracking for you, but they were expensive. After deciding on the one I wanted, I watched the price drops and sales until it hit the point where I could afford one. What I got in August 2009 was the <a href="https://buy.garmin.com/en-CA/CA/into-sports/discontinued/forerunner-305/prod349.html" target="_blank">Garmin Forerunner 305</a> with a heart rate monitor. When I run, my heart can beat much faster than I like, so a constant reminder to slow down is important.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cardiofitness.de/images/garmin_forerunner_305_2_2009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.cardiofitness.de/images/garmin_forerunner_305_2_2009.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The 305 is bulkier than a watch, but easy to use. It tracks your route, speed, pace, elevation changes, and heart rate. It will let you know when you have hit certain milestones, and you can use it to setup things like Tempo training. Once back home, the data can be dumped to a program on your computer, or uploaded to the <a href="http://connect.garmin.com/" target="_blank">Garmin Connect</a> site. There you will always have a record of your activities and progress.<br />
<br />
I also used a website called <a href="http://www.dailymile.com/" target="_blank">dailymile</a>. It is a place where you can share your workouts with friends and encourage each other, as well as track your activities. There are others like it, such as <a href="http://buckeyeoutdoors.com/" target="_blank">Buckeye Outdoors</a>. They allow you to either sync your GPS device or enter the data manually. They are basically the same as Garmin Connect, plus a social aspect. Look for "PeterInMotion" to find me on those.<br />
<br />
Then came the era of smart phones. During the autumn of 2011, I put aside my old Motorola Razr in favour of a Motorola Atrix. They may be called smart phones, but they really are fairly powerful little computers which just happen to have the ability to make phone calls and send texts. From the app store you can find a myriad of fitness programs. Many have free versions, with more features available for a fee.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xjRrE1utcJ0/VNN-ylz9tWI/AAAAAAAAwrE/qzXhcBHJuzc/w488-h867-no/20150205_110049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xjRrE1utcJ0/VNN-ylz9tWI/AAAAAAAAwrE/qzXhcBHJuzc/w488-h867-no/20150205_110049.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
I tried out several, and they were all pretty much the same. What I ended up using was <a href="https://www.endomondo.com/" target="_blank">Endomondo</a>, just because Google had a sale on the Pro version at that time. With this installed on my Atrix, I only needed the 305 as as heart rate monitor, so I usually carried both. This came in handy when one or the other failed, and as a check. The days of the 305 were numbered, however. It was so much easier to just grab the phone, rather than strap on the big watch and wait several minutes for it to lock on to the satellites.<br />
<br />
Since upgrading to a Samsung Galaxy S5 this autumn, I don't even need the 305 to monitor heart rate. The Garmin strap, being Ant+, syncs up with Endomondo on the S5. Now I have everything in the one device. The syncing with the website is automatic, so all I have to worry about is just getting out and doing something - and hitting the start button.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yir4Nud0YNE/VNOIXMkKnVI/AAAAAAAAwrY/b093GDgNObU/w1541-h867-no/2015-02-05_11-36-42_395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yir4Nud0YNE/VNOIXMkKnVI/AAAAAAAAwrY/b093GDgNObU/w1541-h867-no/2015-02-05_11-36-42_395.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The Garmin Legend is now mounted to my bicycle for longer trips. It is tough and weatherproof enough to handle the job of displaying my speed, etc at a glance, so my phone can be tucked safely away for emergencies. The Garmin 305 still gets put to use once in a while too, when it is inconvenient to carry or access a big phone.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNDEH4T3u_hPOTvP56llvjdUnBMg_UODFVsX1RPDt1vDsenV_jYaJmFda6-pRxNDFj5KG2fWuc8Ss_f_ALxH6eBLPiohdJgKJUCMo54wsqjTDkhA5DZBxH9CTI9DdsdOjkk_AW/w488-h867-no/2014-08-04+14.13.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNDEH4T3u_hPOTvP56llvjdUnBMg_UODFVsX1RPDt1vDsenV_jYaJmFda6-pRxNDFj5KG2fWuc8Ss_f_ALxH6eBLPiohdJgKJUCMo54wsqjTDkhA5DZBxH9CTI9DdsdOjkk_AW/w488-h867-no/2014-08-04+14.13.18.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
Fitness gadgets come and go, get re-purposed, and passed along to other people. Some lay in drawers or boxes gathering dust. Some are worn all day long, and some only as required. The important thing is that you stay active. If having something to play music and track your speed keeps you motivated, then great. Don't get a device, however, thinking that it will be the motivator. It is just a tool to help with your goals. You still need the drive within yourself to actually get out there and do it.<br />
<br />J P Haliburtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02757069923272989305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122223.post-81977516150844801332015-01-27T12:13:00.003-03:302015-01-27T12:13:59.922-03:30Fit 15The beginning of a new year is when many people make resolutions to improve their life in one way or another. Mostly commonly, this has to do with their health and fitness, also very commonly, it is the same resolutions they made last year, and the year before, and so on. While it is a good exercise to set exercise goals, the important thing is to follow through, and actually put a plan in place.<br />
<br />
For me too, 2015 is yet another year in which I plan to improve my health and fitness. It is an ongoing battle. Despite having a job that can be physically demanding, exercising regularly, and being somewhat careful over what I put in my body, I am, according to a BMI of 31, obese. Even my current goal weight of ~175 pounds (79.4 kg) is considered overweight at 27 for my height of 5' 7" (170.2 cm).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/nutrition/weights-poids/guide-ld-adult/images/bmi_javachart-eng.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/nutrition/weights-poids/guide-ld-adult/images/bmi_javachart-eng.gif" height="391" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm not sure how much I trust the index, since it would have me at a very skinny 140 pounds. My build is fairly husky, and I am pretty strong for my size. My calf muscles are bigger than some men's thighs. I'm more pack mule than jackrabbit. The BMI may not apply directly, but at least it is some sort of reference, and I am much too fat.<br />
<br />
Starting this year, I am somehow back up to the heaviest I have ever been. It is shocking to step on the scale and see the huge numbers. There were hints in that my belt had to be set at a hole further out, but I still felt good, and not slowed down too much. Apparently, I had become somewhat less active this autumn, while taking in a few too many calories. It is important now that I reverse both of those.<br />
<br />
So, what is the plan? Right now I don't really have one. This is winter, with cold and slippery conditions, plus it gets dark early. Then we get into cold and wet for the spring. There are usually a couple of nice weeks in July to bike and run before getting back into precipitation again. You really can't count on being able to do anything outside on any sort of a schedule.<br />
<br />
What I have done is setup some general goals on my new Samsung Galaxy S5. Key among them is to do at least 30 minutes of an activity everyday. The pedometer is set for 6000 steps. The common goal is to do 10,000 steps, but I don't have the phone on me most of the day. Even then, it takes an hour long walk to hit that mark.<br />
<br />
Winter means snow, and snow is great for getting exercise. First, there can be lots of shovelling to do at times. I often spend more than 2 hours cleaning up after a storm with scoop and shovel. That is a lot of walking, weight lifting, and various other strength exercises. There is no getting around it, or putting it off either.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ht-Urw-Cu0k/U8EcKDGrcmI/AAAAAAAAo60/0oIr_NkDFJ4/w1061-h849-no/SUNP0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ht-Urw-Cu0k/U8EcKDGrcmI/AAAAAAAAo60/0oIr_NkDFJ4/w1061-h849-no/SUNP0005.JPG" height="320" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Once we get enough snow built up on the ground, then other activities can be introduced. I really like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing up in the woods. We have a community ski trail, but that is a never-changing loop with other people on it. Heading off on one of the many forest trails means maybe an hour without seeing anyone, or hearing a sound of any kind. Just me and nature. I explore and go wherever I feel like. Of course, I have a map and compass, and probably a GPSr, along with the navigation capabilities of my newer phones. I've been making my own map of the winter trails.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFsiqiYMAcoiqGhzn37THSYY_mgQq8VudCXPYiuKbmvUtsVkFuaOtoIHrFMLt2s7eLpcNOnYMF0pSjZ2W1yOAguMhAfh1G8IylS2TmT_GOfMBgsgPu9zUEyt1RWWmSXPhCar4g/s1600/SkiTrails2005.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFsiqiYMAcoiqGhzn37THSYY_mgQq8VudCXPYiuKbmvUtsVkFuaOtoIHrFMLt2s7eLpcNOnYMF0pSjZ2W1yOAguMhAfh1G8IylS2TmT_GOfMBgsgPu9zUEyt1RWWmSXPhCar4g/s1600/SkiTrails2005.png" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map made using a GlobalNav 12 and GPS Trackmaker in 2005.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A trail I can enjoy all year is the former railway bed. Since we no longer have a train in the province, the rails have been removed leaving a multi-use trail for walking, running, cycling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and so on. The only problem is that you have to share it with the snowmobiles, dirt bikes and ATVs. Fortunately, if you avoid the few busy times, you can pretty much have it to yourself.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9MI7lXvCuK4/U9-5F8eKVbI/AAAAAAAAuKg/hTTgEiwMW1U/w1208-h680-no/2014-08-04%2B12.25.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9MI7lXvCuK4/U9-5F8eKVbI/AAAAAAAAuKg/hTTgEiwMW1U/w1208-h680-no/2014-08-04%2B12.25.05.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
Being a little bit more active, and a little bit more careful with food, I am down a couple of pounds already. At this rate it will take about a year to reach my weight goal, but as long as it is going down and not up, I am winning.<br />
<br /></div>
J P Haliburtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02757069923272989305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122223.post-88996469278133380462015-01-09T16:09:00.000-03:302018-06-03T22:03:56.982-02:30My Kramer Ferrington KFTSomewhere around 1990 I bought a Korean version Kramer Ferrington KFT-2 #FB 5995. Being married with a family, my days of being in a band and needing a Marshall amp for a Gibson RD Artist were over. Something to play occasionally with friends, and maybe do some personal recording, was all I needed.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iZd5de_n0xA/VVKm041AaxI/AAAAAAAA1n8/eFDZzBLuelA/w604-h403-no/Street_Legal_1984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iZd5de_n0xA/VVKm041AaxI/AAAAAAAA1n8/eFDZzBLuelA/w604-h403-no/Street_Legal_1984.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fred, Curt, Dave and me playing at the Mussel Bed Soiree in 1986.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uqhLygCnGkk/U8BCtAwtWYI/AAAAAAAArak/zEsSLppYXJk/w1024-h768-no/RD-Artist.jpg" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Gibson RD Artist circa 1998, not too long before I sold it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Kramer must have been a few years old at the time, since the company logo on it is from 1985-1986. I remember seeing the guitar hanging up at the Radio Shack in Lewisporte and being instantly drawn to it. Wade gave me a package deal with the guitar, case, strap and picks for what I recall as being either $400 or $600 inclusive.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iI98fUJwozU/VJJAQkWg1AI/AAAAAAAAwIU/Hg-J-wmNjpM/w1541-h867-no/20141217_231658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iI98fUJwozU/VJJAQkWg1AI/AAAAAAAAwIU/Hg-J-wmNjpM/w1541-h867-no/20141217_231658.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It is an acoustic/electric which tries to service both worlds by putting a mic in the body powered by a 9v battery. That feature didn't get much use, however, since the battery would be dead whenever I wanted to plug it in, and you had to really relax the strings to get at it. I found it easier to just mic the guitar when I wanted to record it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k3KI_-ZPtAM/U8Emm0xfL4I/AAAAAAAAq6A/lP5qn5Y2a2E/w640-h480-no/Music.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k3KI_-ZPtAM/U8Emm0xfL4I/AAAAAAAAq6A/lP5qn5Y2a2E/w640-h480-no/Music.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">U. Max, me, and Rod playing at a family reunion in 2000.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Playing this guitar was always a challenge, because either in the design or during the manufacturing process, the gap between the strings and fretboard was set way too high. It could be played, but only with a lot of pressure, and thus a loss of speed. There wasn't much bend left either, for doing any lead bits.<br />
<br />
Since I rarely played anymore, this was not a big deal. Strumming a few chords at a campfire, or kitchen party was not too bad an ordeal. I got used to it. That was until 2014 when I started jamming occasionally with Mike. He has a collection of very expensive guitars, and the difference between his and mine was substantial. Going back to the Kramer was painful.<br />
<br />
After owning this guitar for more than 2 decades, I decided to finally do something about the extremely high string action, and brought it to the local music store to see if they could do anything with it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92jjhr7mpG8vIYdmf0EcAq6opQuAALDaCvpuvhPn4pQnHqxXAnWXSUElKVmeqDATWt0MroMmJep1yMRGMhdJSVmrPGu-Y1kKqJ_4FDsBvbm7R8R8P9qJ4up9WblxTSW__bb6u/w650-h867-no/IMG_20150109_114509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92jjhr7mpG8vIYdmf0EcAq6opQuAALDaCvpuvhPn4pQnHqxXAnWXSUElKVmeqDATWt0MroMmJep1yMRGMhdJSVmrPGu-Y1kKqJ_4FDsBvbm7R8R8P9qJ4up9WblxTSW__bb6u/w650-h867-no/IMG_20150109_114509.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back from repairs in 2015.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
They took the guitar apart and fine tuned it until the strings were at a reasonable height. They also cleaned up the electrics and put in a new battery. Along with a new set of strings, it is a totally different guitar. I should have had this work done years ago. Playing guitar is once again something I can look forward to, and not an extreme workout for the fingers on my left hand.<br />
<br />
<br />
Kramer Links<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kramer_Guitars">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kramer_Guitars</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.vintagekramer.com/company44.htm" target="_blank">http://www.vintagekramer.com/company44.htm</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.edroman.com/guitars/kramer/info.htm" target="_blank">http://www.edroman.com/guitars/kramer/info.htm</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://elderly.com/vintage/items/20U-10624.htm" target="_blank">http://elderly.com/vintage/items/20U-10624.htm</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.myrareguitars.com/vintage-1968-kramer-ferrington-kft1-acoustic-electric-guitar" target="_blank">http://www.myrareguitars.com/vintage-1968-kramer-ferrington-kft1-acoustic-electric-guitar</a></span></li>
</ul>
<br />J P Haliburtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02757069923272989305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122223.post-6151400761202466482014-11-13T22:00:00.000-03:302015-01-15T23:11:19.536-03:30Petrel MineI am still thinking about selling the PY23, but not giving up
sailing. When a deal fell into my lap for an old, but very usable 12
foot dinghy, I grabbed it. The boat in question is a Petrel, made of
aluminum as commissioned by Alcan in the late 1960s. This particular one
was probably made in the mid 1970s.<br />
<br />
The boat blelonged
to the Lewisporte Yacht Club, but had been neglected for years until I
got it back into working order in 2013. You can read more about that at <a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2014/04/alcan-petrel-12-sailing-dinghy.html" target="_blank">http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2014/04/alcan-petrel-12-sailing-dinghy.html</a>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmA8pG3Z2jhfvNkjilr8r78TRa4T7YwA0WrlurYceLnGH4t6vv7oVB8y6KmJO6h4V3apYX2D4PwNEk__mxHg6VfnDCBxHkY20A_4X0J746fh6I1QGLpN_aDldzN20TD0NR1PffVg/w1133-h850-no/156_1216.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmA8pG3Z2jhfvNkjilr8r78TRa4T7YwA0WrlurYceLnGH4t6vv7oVB8y6KmJO6h4V3apYX2D4PwNEk__mxHg6VfnDCBxHkY20A_4X0J746fh6I1QGLpN_aDldzN20TD0NR1PffVg/w1133-h850-no/156_1216.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first sail aboard the Petrel in 2013. Note Serenity with the blue tarp up.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Petrel will probably get a proper
trailer, and mostly be used on fresh water from now on. My dinghy
experience is very limited, so I'd rather spend some time on warmer
waters until I'm more comfortable in one.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QmuAVYN6fLU/VGUW1Ik_tNI/AAAAAAAAvVY/YwG3KstGEmY/w1228-h691-no/CameraZOOM-20140628162755939.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QmuAVYN6fLU/VGUW1Ik_tNI/AAAAAAAAvVY/YwG3KstGEmY/w1228-h691-no/CameraZOOM-20140628162755939.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lloyd sailing the Petrel in 2014.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The boat was used only a couple of times
in 2014, even though it spent the summer in the water at the marina.
Mostly I just bailed it out many, many times. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0wDfhg6blLg/VGUW1CEOANI/AAAAAAAAvU0/T0x4K4Blx2c/w1228-h691-no/Atrix-20141109154315941.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0wDfhg6blLg/VGUW1CEOANI/AAAAAAAAvU0/T0x4K4Blx2c/w1228-h691-no/Atrix-20141109154315941.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bringing the Petrel home on 2014-11-09.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Even if Serenity finds a new owner, I'll
have no trouble finding boats to crew aboard, and with the Petrel, I can
still go sailing whenever I want. It is a whole lot cheaper to operate
and maintain too.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tdYYlmRKy8s/VGUW1ESg9fI/AAAAAAAAvUw/z9EpHLv8n-M/w1228-h691-no/Atrix-20141113155320596.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tdYYlmRKy8s/VGUW1ESg9fI/AAAAAAAAvUw/z9EpHLv8n-M/w1228-h691-no/Atrix-20141113155320596.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Petrel put away for the winter on 2014-11-13.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I'm looking forward to the spring already!<br />
<br />J P Haliburtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02757069923272989305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122223.post-31948296045980148542014-10-12T22:00:00.000-02:302015-11-10T08:52:08.195-03:30The New Shed - Phase 5<div dir="ltr">
With the ground prepared, and the removed sod in a big pile to maybe use later, it was time to start working on the form for the concrete. This is where positioning became much more important. The town wanted 3 feet of clearance on the side and 5 feet on the back.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wQF5MfyS42w/VK2X1LgZ_AI/AAAAAAAAwHY/HINy3qbcBUE/w1541-h867-no/Atrix-20140915103604171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wQF5MfyS42w/VK2X1LgZ_AI/AAAAAAAAwHY/HINy3qbcBUE/w1541-h867-no/Atrix-20140915103604171.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
From the CAD drawing of the property survey I was able to take measurements from various corners of existing buildings, like the house. Getting the intersections should be accurate within a couple inches. The often repaired fence around the property is not quite on the boundary line, so it was not something I could measure from.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/lTW0By9OpZjMXjvSqs9-5PHNNY65TXEJhQgQKxkLAhgG=w622-h751-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/lTW0By9OpZjMXjvSqs9-5PHNNY65TXEJhQgQKxkLAhgG=w622-h751-no" height="400" width="331" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Starting with the south end of the form frame, and allowing for thickness of materials, stakes were driven level into the ground. To them, was attached levelled 2x4 rails.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4sJAR-fOIvA/VK2X1OfDq3I/AAAAAAAAwHY/z7e2rGk7cfQ/w1541-h867-no/2014-09-24%2B12.11.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4sJAR-fOIvA/VK2X1OfDq3I/AAAAAAAAwHY/z7e2rGk7cfQ/w1541-h867-no/2014-09-24%2B12.11.14.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
The next line of stakes went up along the eastern boundary, and thus allowed side clearance checks. The old 3-4-5 rule (and multiples thereof) came in handy with squaring things up.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yoNl1N0A8ak/VK2X1EJuNvI/AAAAAAAAwHY/Is4Fu2G14jw/w1541-h867-no/Atrix-20140924173756687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yoNl1N0A8ak/VK2X1EJuNvI/AAAAAAAAwHY/Is4Fu2G14jw/w1541-h867-no/Atrix-20140924173756687.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Then came the western side. Along the way I had to buy a larger sledge hammer, and even then, each stake and support took about an hour to do. With the form coming together, the difference in grade between the SW corner and the NE corner became more obvious. It is around 18 inches, so I may have to do some digging in the back to help compensate, or a long ramp will be required until the driveway can be raised.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nebmRHBF-7g/VK2X1LBZO6I/AAAAAAAAwHY/lpGZ9pyrIV4/w1541-h867-no/Atrix-20141007123825119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nebmRHBF-7g/VK2X1LBZO6I/AAAAAAAAwHY/lpGZ9pyrIV4/w1541-h867-no/Atrix-20141007123825119.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
The front of the form (north side) was last, and not finished. While the levelness carried around, I wasn't quite sure about the square. Also, I wanted to leave a gap to get the stone and other materials in. The lower rails were attached, however, that was as much time as could be put into the project this year. It was time to start preparing for winter. (This is one of the projects that had to get done: <a href="http://py23serenity.blogspot.ca/2014/11/tongue-extension.html">http://py23serenity.blogspot.ca/2014/11/tongue-extension.html</a>)</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bwfCtc-pBew/VK2X1BqiRkI/AAAAAAAAwHY/26EbuZIKOOg/w1541-h867-no/Atrix-20141007175042930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bwfCtc-pBew/VK2X1BqiRkI/AAAAAAAAwHY/26EbuZIKOOg/w1541-h867-no/Atrix-20141007175042930.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
A lot of work has been done, so as soon as the snow is gone and the frost is out of the ground, the form can be finished, concrete poured, and the structure started. Watch for more phases in 2015.<br />
<br />
<hr />
<br />
<b>The Entire Story To Date:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2014/09/the-new-shed-phase-4.html">The New Shed - Phase 4</a><br />
<a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2014/08/the-new-shed-phase-3.html">The New Shed - Phase 3</a><br />
<a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2014/08/the-new-shed-phase-2.html">The New Shed - Phase 2</a><br />
<a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2014/08/the-new-shed-phase-1.html">The New Shed - Phase 1</a><br />
<br />
</div>
J P Haliburtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02757069923272989305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122223.post-31575848630135574212014-09-15T22:00:00.000-02:302015-11-10T08:52:40.951-03:30The New Shed - Phase 4Clearing away all the sod by hand took much longer than I expected. It was into September before that phase was completed. Around the sides it was a couple feet larger than the shed's footprint, but on the front I had to go all the way to the end of the asphalt driveway.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-og2L7hK4yfk/VBdYgxOD-2I/AAAAAAAAuiQ/c3614boWRZA/w1156-h867-no/2014-09-06%2B15.18.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-og2L7hK4yfk/VBdYgxOD-2I/AAAAAAAAuiQ/c3614boWRZA/w1156-h867-no/2014-09-06%2B15.18.13.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Then there was a stump and roots to deal with.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A5UfIzgY3DM/VAy6BT3FslI/AAAAAAAAubk/_PtKEh26P2M/w1541-h867-no/Atrix-20140907172007305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A5UfIzgY3DM/VAy6BT3FslI/AAAAAAAAubk/_PtKEh26P2M/w1541-h867-no/Atrix-20140907172007305.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
After digging away as much as I could, I blasted it with the garden hose to expose as much of the roots as possible. A chainsaw was used to cut away all the roots which could be accessed. A come-along was attached to the hitch of my truck, and cranked on to lift the stump so it could be cut at until it finally let go.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6OVbfWev1kM/VBdYsZgp7RI/AAAAAAAAuis/qfxpt_CPQeU/w1541-h867-no/2014-09-15%2B10.34.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6OVbfWev1kM/VBdYsZgp7RI/AAAAAAAAuis/qfxpt_CPQeU/w1541-h867-no/2014-09-15%2B10.34.27.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The ground was raked and cleared of any remaining organic material. Rocks and pebbles which surfaced were brought to the driveway side to be used as fill and drainage.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/0UATZwEWTiNXXb2wzSqkM8NEWQfJGiMBQS5SBSI5cFBY=w1541-h867-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/0UATZwEWTiNXXb2wzSqkM8NEWQfJGiMBQS5SBSI5cFBY=w1541-h867-no" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
A check of where I needed the top of the shed/garage/workshop's floor to be showed that rather than digging down for my footing, it had to come up. Upon speaking with a supplier of stone, it was determined that it would take about one dump truck load of class A to provide the volume I needed under the concrete.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pYbPVTHPMlM/VK2X1NMO6-I/AAAAAAAAwHY/KLoP7FgD9Bs/w1541-h867-no/2014-09-17%2B11.20.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pYbPVTHPMlM/VK2X1NMO6-I/AAAAAAAAwHY/KLoP7FgD9Bs/w1541-h867-no/2014-09-17%2B11.20.20.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Spreading out the crushed stone took a while, even with some help from Jim and the purchase of a new rake and shovel.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WQIvSbqJ9pk/VK2X1OpvJkI/AAAAAAAAwHY/DDCESD4weQg/w1541-h867-no/Atrix-20140917173226168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WQIvSbqJ9pk/VK2X1OpvJkI/AAAAAAAAwHY/DDCESD4weQg/w1541-h867-no/Atrix-20140917173226168.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The final levelling has to wait until after the form is built since the top of the class A has to be 9" below the top of the floor to allow for 4" of concrete, 2" of foam insulation, and 3" of stone.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sTrtx930M_8/VK2e-B--dhI/AAAAAAAAwHg/sJBJR-LXHxs/w639-h77-no/SlabFoundation.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sTrtx930M_8/VK2e-B--dhI/AAAAAAAAwHg/sJBJR-LXHxs/w639-h77-no/SlabFoundation.png" height="47" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm not an engineer, architect, or even a contractor, but I can do research, and I can make some pretty nice CAD drawings and do most of my own work. According to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ThriC26fNE" target="_blank">David Hewlett</a>, that might make <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTBe6IRsYVY&t=14m00s" target="_blank">me a reno nerd</a>.<br />
<br />
<hr />
<br />
<b>The Entire Story To Date:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2014/08/the-new-shed-phase-3.html">The New Shed - Phase 3</a><br />
<a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2014/08/the-new-shed-phase-2.html">The New Shed - Phase 2</a><br />
<a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2014/08/the-new-shed-phase-1.html">The New Shed - Phase 1</a><br />
<br />J P Haliburtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02757069923272989305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122223.post-50162122042392436122014-09-11T13:16:00.002-02:302014-09-15T00:06:31.163-02:30Fuel for the FireThere was a sale on recently at an marine store I order from online. My wishlist there is several pages long, and whenever they have specials, I go through it to see what I need now that I can save a few dollars on. Among the essential items this time was a <a href="http://ca.binnacle.com/product_info.php?products_id=7503" target="_blank">Contoure Heatmate 5200</a> stove/heater.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ca.binnacle.com/images/productimages/24663-MED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ca.binnacle.com/images/productimages/24663-MED.jpg" height="400" width="340" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I already have a single burner butane stove, and a propane barbecue on the boat, so I was more interested in the cabin warming abilities of this unit than its ability to boil water. We are into the cooler days for boating now, and any time on a mooring would be much more comfortable with some economical, safe and portable source of heat.<br />
<br />
Another reason for buying a unit like this now, is for home. It is not unusual to lose the electricity during winter storms for hours, or even days. A little heater would be quite appreciated at such a time. It would keep us warm, and cook food.<br />
<br />
The issue, I have discovered, is what to use as fuel for the thing. It runs on non-pressurized<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denatured_alcohol" target="_blank"> denatured alcohol</a>, but try finding something labelled as "denatured alcohol" in a marine or hardware store in a small town in Newfoundland. Doing a search on the internet turns up results that show even people in larger centres are having trouble buying the proper fuel. See also <a href="http://blog.bigsnit.com/2010/05/01/finding-denatured-alcohol-in-canada/">http://blog.bigsnit.com/2010/05/01/finding-denatured-alcohol-in-canada/</a>.<br />
<br />
So, I researched exactly what <a href="http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pub/em/edm5-1-1/edm5-1-1-e.html" target="_blank">denatured alcohol</a> is, and it turns out that you actually have a couple of choices for fuel in a device like this, ethanol with additives to make it undrinkable (aka methylated spirits), or <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methanol" target="_blank">methyl hydrate</a> (methanol). The former pumps out more heat per volume, but the latter is much less expensive, however, it is more toxic. You can find methyl hydrate with the paint thinners and brake cleaners.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://canadiantire.scene7.com/is/image/CanadianTire/0497127_1?wid=211&hei=265" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canadiantire.scene7.com/is/image/CanadianTire/0497127_1?wid=211&hei=265" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
For food safe, you'd probably think that you can't do any better than called Fondue Fuel. A closer look at the description reveals that it "is a highly refined Methyl Hydrate that provides excellent, odour free fuel for fondue heaters and chafing dishes." Ok, so maybe it isn't as bad as I thought, in this more refined state. You can pick it up at places like Rona, Walmart and <a href="http://www.homehardware.ca/en/rec/index.htm/Indoor-Living/Housewares/Tbltop-Food-Prep-Ser/Burners-Fuel-Acc/Burners-Fuel-Acc/500mL-Blue-Fondue-Fuel/_/N-ntkqd/R-I4038053" target="_blank">Home Hardware</a> for about $2.50/500ml or $20 for 4L. Do not buy the gel versions for wick cylinder burners!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.rona.ca/images/0263010a_L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.rona.ca/images/0263010a_L.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
For a source of ethanol (ethyl alcohol), the choices are not as many, and the price jumps up a bit. The most commonly available product appears to be BioFlame Fireplace fuel. It is about $25 and comes in 3.78L jugs at both <a href="http://www.homehardware.ca/en/rec/index.htm/Indoor-Living/Housewares/Giftware/Decorator-Lighting/Repl-Parts-Fuel/3-78L-Ambiance-Ethanol-Fuel/_/N-2pqfZ67l/Ne-67n/Ntk-All_EN/R-I4360520" target="_blank">Home Hardware</a> and <a href="http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/bioflame-ethanol-3-78l-0643537p.html" target="_blank">Canadian Tire</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.homehardware.ca/products/300/43605201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.homehardware.ca/products/300/43605201.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
At marine stores you may find denatured alcohol products, like <a href="http://www.thechandleryonline.com/product_info.php?cPath=218&products_id=1211" target="_blank">Captan Phab</a> Marine Alcohol for a little over $20. <a href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/06b8e2a8#/06b8e2a8/374" target="_blank">Stright-MacKay</a> has a 4L jug of fuel for $35.25, if you are willing to spend the extra coin.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.thechandleryonline.com/images/productimages/thumbs/006_mcp306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.thechandleryonline.com/images/productimages/thumbs/006_mcp306.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Your choices and experiences will probably be different than mine, so I'd be interested in hearing what you use in your non-pressurized, wick fuel canister heater/stove.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.a2zoutdoors.com/Contoure_C1000_35542_2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.a2zoutdoors.com/Contoure_C1000_35542_2.gif" /> </a></div>
<br />
Here is a review of the 5200 by Practical Sailor: <a href="http://www.practical-sailor.com/issues/36_3/chandlery/Alcohol-Heater-Stove_5894-1.html" target="_blank">HeatMate Takes the Chill Off</a> - Alcohol heater-stove is a simple onboard heating solution. And a YouTube rundown on operation.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/bzE9ZBEnUuU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />J P Haliburtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02757069923272989305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122223.post-60376266680120710202014-08-29T14:40:00.003-02:302015-11-10T08:53:01.732-03:30The New Shed - Phase 3This part was what I expected to be the quickest and easiest, but it has turned out to be the longest and most difficult job so far - removing the grass. My plan was to rent a mini excavator for a day, scrape the organics away, and make the ground ready for the foundation.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7a3-UMsFGps/U-qqwft-4cI/AAAAAAAAuPM/rml4JezK9w4/w1241-h698-no/2014-08-12%2B20.07.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7a3-UMsFGps/U-qqwft-4cI/AAAAAAAAuPM/rml4JezK9w4/w1241-h698-no/2014-08-12%2B20.07.39.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">August 12 - String run for a guide</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
So, I contacted the guy to get the machine, and he said that he might be able to do the job cheaper, since they are used to this type of work, and operating the machinery. He came by and looked it over, we discussed what he would do, and scheduled a day. A couple hours later I realized that I didn't get a price quote. The figure he gave me was double what I had budgeted, so it was back on me.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1o4Vmv2J6qo/U-qqzRzDWZI/AAAAAAAAuPY/ZxAn-uhWioM/w1241-h698-no/2014-08-12%2B20.06.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1o4Vmv2J6qo/U-qqzRzDWZI/AAAAAAAAuPY/ZxAn-uhWioM/w1241-h698-no/2014-08-12%2B20.06.40.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">August 12 - Sods rolled and stored for future compost</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Since the day off work I was going to use for this machine operation was now pretty much over, I was forced to manually strip the sods whenever I could find a few minutes to spare, when the weather was cooperating. Where July had been one of the hottest months on record, August was one of the wettest. We also had to be out of town a couple of times during the month.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gn6JbEilR3A/U--MqK4SG5I/AAAAAAAAuQs/PIg3olfnm0Y/w1241-h698-no/Atrix-20140816140916292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gn6JbEilR3A/U--MqK4SG5I/AAAAAAAAuQs/PIg3olfnm0Y/w1241-h698-no/Atrix-20140816140916292.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">August 16 - Weapons of grass destruction</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
After using some string to outline an area 2 feet larger than the footprint of the foundation, an edger was used to cut the grass into strips of about 1 foot wide. At first I rolled them up, but this was too dirty and strenuous a job, especially when the grass was damp, so I began cutting them into squares and carrying them to the pile.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqkOgq3wZ4tF6_Mc_q7F-zBeVYrI1ub3-aUx1l3x5cV0hqygeC1KNFD208jx_QwQSd8R8Zhdtg2eAhLk69GibhJn43jcAqabLeEXPM8MQJEYDtEiXddCdUnVyNl2XrtYmPs22o/w1241-h698-no/Atrix-20140816140946570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqkOgq3wZ4tF6_Mc_q7F-zBeVYrI1ub3-aUx1l3x5cV0hqygeC1KNFD208jx_QwQSd8R8Zhdtg2eAhLk69GibhJn43jcAqabLeEXPM8MQJEYDtEiXddCdUnVyNl2XrtYmPs22o/w1241-h698-no/Atrix-20140816140946570.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">August 16 - Making progress</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
My wife took over most of the cutting duties, but I still have to pry the sods up, relocate them, and rake the ground. My right hip started to give out on me, so I'm now working with my left side. Many times I've wished that I'd come up with the money to have a machine do all this, but the end is near.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheA4xoZVGplguVdN3kTOKX9CI4UGwjQ9UJdrKK9bSy6SL1X0NmqA5_Z16yUcqBxiN_9ZmXo5XAwBpxEY2Sxs_sLJUhjiwgSqqDXkbS8Yg0N54BUg1tOQ0VJkLSoy63NKlewHti/w1241-h698-no/Atrix-20140816141023021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheA4xoZVGplguVdN3kTOKX9CI4UGwjQ9UJdrKK9bSy6SL1X0NmqA5_Z16yUcqBxiN_9ZmXo5XAwBpxEY2Sxs_sLJUhjiwgSqqDXkbS8Yg0N54BUg1tOQ0VJkLSoy63NKlewHti/w1241-h698-no/Atrix-20140816141023021.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">August 16 - Only a few more feet to go.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Next up I have to do some level work to determine my top of grade, and then dig out for the footing. After that it is crushed stone, insulation, etc and the form. That is, if this old body holds together long enough.<br />
<br />
<hr />
<br />
<b>The Entire Story To Date:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2014/08/the-new-shed-phase-2.html">The New Shed - Phase 2</a><br />
<a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2014/08/the-new-shed-phase-1.html">The New Shed - Phase 1</a><br />
<br />J P Haliburtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02757069923272989305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122223.post-54419967807886739822014-08-26T17:07:00.001-02:302014-08-26T17:07:10.499-02:30Game Over IngressIngress is an augmented realty game which uses a smart phone's GPSr to turn certain locations into things called "Portals ". A person has to physically go to a portal to participate. Once there, you can hack, capture, attack or link, depending on your intentions and which faction controls the portal.<br />
<br />
While it was still in beta, back in 2012, I requested an invite, and received one that December. I downloaded the app, and completed training, but there were no portals around here to interact with, so I would have to submit some.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/HgvHV155gvo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
Being winter, I decided to wait until the weather warmed up and the snow melted before taking the required photos of potential portal locations. After waiting a couple more months, one was activated, and I was able to capture it for the Enlightened faction, and do some hacking for inventory items.<br />
<br />
After a while the second one was available, but it wasn't much fun playing alone, so I didn't do much with the game. Then, about a year later, I got notice that someone from the Resistance had taken over my poorly defended portals. This got me back playing more regularly, but there wasn't much I could do against them at my low level.<br />
<br />
One day this summer I heard that a much higher level player from my team would be in town, and planned on retaking one of the portals. We met at the location, and I had my first encounter with others who were playing the game too. I got more involved with the community, and started introducing family and friends to it. The game was beginning to get fun and interesting.<br />
<br />
Then, a couple days ago, I got an email from the people who operate the game, accusing me of cheating. They would not say what I had done wrong, and provided no means of defending myself, just an order to stop whatever it was I was doing, or have my account disabled.<br />
<br />
So, here I am at Level 3 of 16, having played the game for about 20 months, when other people can get beyond Level 5 in a week, and I'm accused of cheating and generally being a despicable person who is taking all the fun out of the game for others. If I was cheating, then I was doing a very poor job of it, considering how slowly I have been advancing.<br />
<br />
Since I know that I am not running any helper apps, or anything out of the ordinary, there is nothing I can stop doing. My conclusion was, that to keep from being kicked out of the game, I had to stop playing the game. With that decision made, I deleted the app from my phone, and severed all connections to the community. <br />
<br />
It is only a game. I will not put up with being accused of wrongdoing and having my character attacked for a mere casual pastime. It is especially unacceptable since there is no crime specified, and there is no means of proving your innocence. I was assumed guilty and sternly warned.<br />
<br />
Ingress, as far as I am concerned, it is game over.<br />
<br />J P Haliburtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02757069923272989305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122223.post-5409866555824561912014-08-07T17:41:00.004-02:302015-11-10T08:53:23.970-03:30The New Shed - Phase 2<br />
Spring in Newfoundland can be rather cool and wet. First
the ground was soggy from all the melting snow, and then all the rain.
By the end of June 2014, however, the weather changed, and we entered an
unusually long stretch of hot, dry weather. This allowed the back lawn
to dry out, and firm up enough to try moving the metal shed.<br />
<br />
<br />
The
first job was to move the fabric shed. It had to be shifted closer to
the house to make some space. After that, I gathered up 8 junks of wood of approximately the same diameter to use as rollers, some blocks for a
fulcrum, and a 2"x6"x4' board for a lever.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5LDIkwsA8lBVxcFCnlDOkhY73-SrL8caJhi9-sd_ks4tpE1Zvsakhl9E2czpBOnU9Nj6mYObnHl6yMhZpNDUB_9mnVb1z_g0Yfl9HiES84G1glC2cgFN72F2kM1JOVKjYPJI5/w1228-h691-no/2014-07-12+17.40.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5LDIkwsA8lBVxcFCnlDOkhY73-SrL8caJhi9-sd_ks4tpE1Zvsakhl9E2czpBOnU9Nj6mYObnHl6yMhZpNDUB_9mnVb1z_g0Yfl9HiES84G1glC2cgFN72F2kM1JOVKjYPJI5/w1228-h691-no/2014-07-12+17.40.19.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The shed up on rollers and rotated. July 12, 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Using the lever I was able to lift the now empty shed up off the corner blocks, and place the rollers under it on two sides. Then, using the lever, I rotated the shed 90 degrees, and pushed it. The effort required was easier than I expected as we moved it from the back corner of the lawn to the back of the driveway next to the other shed. The corner blocks were put back under, and the shed reloaded.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jgq1IIuxlNI/U8Gu4-gIxlI/AAAAAAAArZc/crzYtHclY5w/w1228-h691-no/2014-07-12+19.22.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jgq1IIuxlNI/U8Gu4-gIxlI/AAAAAAAArZc/crzYtHclY5w/w1228-h691-no/2014-07-12+19.22.20.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lever and I put that shed in its place.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Then my sister and niece came to visit for a couple of weeks, and no more work was done. After they returned home to Ontario, I worked out what the GPS coordinates for the new shed corners were, and invited my boss to give me a hand staking them out. They checked within tolerance for size and square. I was ready for the town inspection.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HUIi1Gv8HWc/U-PQsu-bMqI/AAAAAAAAuMs/vWrfI0HJBIo/w1228-h691-no/2014-08-07+16.43.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HUIi1Gv8HWc/U-PQsu-bMqI/AAAAAAAAuMs/vWrfI0HJBIo/w1228-h691-no/2014-08-07+16.43.20.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The corner stakes as of August 7.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
My wife called down, and discovered that not all my documents were on file, and that the preliminary building permit had expired after a year. We had to redo everything and pretty much start from scratch with the town.<br />
<br />
When the inspector dropped by, and looked things over. He said that the floor area was acceptable, but that new regulations stated that the height could not be over 4m (13') now. That would flatten my roof, and make the upstairs storage area pretty much impossible.<br />
<br />
After chatting some more, and looking around, he noted that there were no houses back there, only a couple neighbour sheds which were barn style, and quite a bit larger than the one I had planned. It might be possible to get around the height restriction in this case. He would get back to me.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GsxHJaJ3wvg/U-Pc3DJ1fYI/AAAAAAAAuNI/0wW3mZvlkpQ/w1228-h691-no/2014-08-07+17.06.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GsxHJaJ3wvg/U-Pc3DJ1fYI/AAAAAAAAuNI/0wW3mZvlkpQ/w1228-h691-no/2014-08-07+17.06.21.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 neighbours barn-style sheds, and my 3 old ones.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A couple days later we got the call to come get the building permit. The height as submitted would be allowed, on stipulation that the shed was shifted half a meter toward the street. I didn't have a problem with that, and immediately went down and paid my $25. Now the real work can begin.<br />
<br />
<hr />
<br />
<b>The Entire Story To Date:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://jph4.blogspot.ca/2014/08/the-new-shed-phase-1.html">The New Shed - Phase 1</a><br />
<br />J P Haliburtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02757069923272989305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122223.post-66111974913671725212014-08-07T10:52:00.002-02:302014-08-07T10:52:47.490-02:30The New Shed - Phase 1There are three small sheds in my backyard. The 8' x 16' wooden one I helped build with my father in my teens, about 35 years ago. This shed has a workbench, and most of my tools. It is my workshop, and a storage place for good bits of wood and parts.<br />
<br />
A change in the environment has seen a good part of the backyard become very soggy for much of the summer, and so the floor of this shed has rotted out. It has been repaired, but the rot has spread to the point where I don't expect the structure to last much longer. I can't even use it during the winter, because freezing and thawing of snow causes the door to be iced shut until spring.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zX2_27XbCZM/Uw-GC66_8tI/AAAAAAAAP8M/m1alWyHVJb4/w1228-h691-no/CameraZOOM-20140227150531653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zX2_27XbCZM/Uw-GC66_8tI/AAAAAAAAP8M/m1alWyHVJb4/w1228-h691-no/CameraZOOM-20140227150531653.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The old shed in February 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The second shed is an 10' x 8' metal one, that we put up about 20 years ago to supplement the wooden one. It held things like bicycles, lawnmower, kid's outdoor toys, and so on. It was assembled on a wooden base that has started to succumb to the same rot issues, and the metal is breaking and bending. Another winter with lots of snow, or a few more storms with the wind stressing it, and it is going to disintegrate.<br />
<br />
The third shed is one of those 8' x 10' yellow fabric on metal poles things from Canadian Tire. It was bought as a place to put my motorcycle out of the weather, when I got into that about 4 years ago. These things are not made to last, especially in the conditions we experience. I have to tie it to concrete blocks, and the truck, when the winds really pick up. They are known to turn into stringless kites. Remember the melt water? My motorcycle was also locked into place until spring.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mw4_D5lSqnE/U1KB0OfY0xI/AAAAAAAAQl0/fo6qc6Gx-9Q/w471-h837-no/CameraZOOM-20140404152526727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mw4_D5lSqnE/U1KB0OfY0xI/AAAAAAAAQl0/fo6qc6Gx-9Q/w471-h837-no/CameraZOOM-20140404152526727.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Motorcycle slowly being released from the ice in April 2014.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So, here I am with 3 sheds that are on the verge of falling apart at
about the same time, and they need to be replaced ASAP. The idea of
building a large shed/garage/workshop has been tossing around in my head
for about 10 years, but it is a scary, and expensive undertaking. I
started taking talking to people about their sheds, and the common theme
was, "you can't build a shed too big". Everyone wished they had gone
larger.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bHYTgmYKItI/Uw-GK4tx5nI/AAAAAAAAP8Y/dSpOoFPcpT4/w1228-h691-no/CameraZOOM-20140227150610042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bHYTgmYKItI/Uw-GK4tx5nI/AAAAAAAAP8Y/dSpOoFPcpT4/w1228-h691-no/CameraZOOM-20140227150610042.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">February 2014 snow around the 2 small sheds.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
In the spring of 2013 I got a copy of the town's regulations for accessory buildings, and did the calculations to determine that I would be able to construct a building of a maximum size of 20' x 28, by 17' high. It would have a concrete foundation to avoid future problems with rotten wood, and a narrow attic space for storage. In the main area there would be a small room I could heat to store all my computer gear and have a place to work all year.<br />
<br />
My job is in land surveying, so I'm familiar with CAD programs in general, but not designing buildings specifically. Looking around the internet, I found a free 2D CAD program called <a href="http://librecad.org/cms/home.html" target="_blank">LibreCAD</a> that I could use to get the ideas from my head to paper. With my background, it wasn't too difficult to figure out, and I eventually had something I could print out. Then I made up a plot plan to show the town where the new building would be located.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N-DqBdCNlQA/Uyhda5rWL2I/AAAAAAAAQEM/yJ0ZRgsjxMk/w800-h618-no/Shed_Plans_20x28_B.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N-DqBdCNlQA/Uyhda5rWL2I/AAAAAAAAQEM/yJ0ZRgsjxMk/w800-h618-no/Shed_Plans_20x28_B.png" height="308" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My plans for the new shed/garage/workshop.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Contacting the town again with my plans, I was informed that I needed to stake out the area where the new shed would be located, and someone would come by to look it over. Well, the metal shed was occupying one corner of that space, and I would need it to continue holding stuff until the new one was finished. It had to be relocated before staking.<br />
<br />
By now, being busy at work and life in general, it was getting late in the year, and thoughts of construction were postponed until 2014. At least the ball was rolling.<br />
<br />J P Haliburtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02757069923272989305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122223.post-19504789852097176412014-05-24T10:55:00.000-02:302014-05-25T10:43:01.264-02:30Bye-Bye B4000Before getting to work on my sailboat, <a href="http://py23serenity.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Serenity</a>, this spring, I had several other projects to complete. Yesterday I got one out of the way, literally. My dead and decaying 1997 Mazda B4000 got hauled off to the scrap yard.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BMvhDUfy3t4/U39UaEw0pgI/AAAAAAAAQ2Y/tCGPRcf617s/w1255-h706-no/CameraZOOM-20140523105031939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BMvhDUfy3t4/U39UaEw0pgI/AAAAAAAAQ2Y/tCGPRcf617s/w1255-h706-no/CameraZOOM-20140523105031939.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Before owning a truck, I had a 1995 Elantra station wagon which I treated like a truck. The back seat was folded down and covered with a tarp, so that I could toss parts, machinery, building materials, dog, camping gear, or whatever back there. It had a hitch, which was called in to do some towing quite often, and a rack on the roof for my sea kayak. Then we got the sailboat and I had to borrow a truck to haul that around. Once we bought a travel trailer, a truck of our own was a necessity. The Elantra was given to my daughter, who used it for a couple of years while in school.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LviSQ7dGRbw/U4COrIVAnMI/AAAAAAAAQ3c/JfDQ-u5cOkQ/w1099-h824-no/100_0626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LviSQ7dGRbw/U4COrIVAnMI/AAAAAAAAQ3c/JfDQ-u5cOkQ/w1099-h824-no/100_0626.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I saw the B4000 on a dealer's lot and it was just what I needed. It was getting on in years, but it was what I could afford, and the with 4L V6, it could handle the towing requirements. It hauled my sailboat to and from the marina, and pulled the travel trailer between campgrounds for holidays. With a cap on the pan, it kept things there clean and dry, and the rack on top was great for the canoe.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0qVq18mz5XE/U4CUg3tdYSI/AAAAAAAAQ34/nDDhiZSV80s/w1099-h824-no/100_2188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0qVq18mz5XE/U4CUg3tdYSI/AAAAAAAAQ34/nDDhiZSV80s/w1099-h824-no/100_2188.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Then, a few years ago my wife came home from work with the truck running rough, and white smoke billowing from the exhaust pipe. The diagnosis was a blown cylinder head gasket. Estimate to repair it was $1500, about the value of the truck. If I had a garage to put it in, I would have attempted the rebuild myself, but it was not a job to do in the driveway. The truck sat parked for months while we tried to figure out what to do with it.<br />
<br />
Then an opportunity came to purchase a 2000 Toyota 4Runner in early 2012, so I put the B4000 up for sale. It had lots of new parts, but offers did not cover what I could get for the cap, or new tires alone, and I still thought I might get a chance to fix it myself, so it sat a bit longer.<br />
<br />
Things did not go well with the 4Runner. We only had it for a couple of months before it was written off in an accident. I was back to borrowing a truck for launching the sailboat, and the travel trailer was put up for sale.<br />
<br />
Then in the spring of 2013, on the same dealer's lot, there sat a 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 Z71. After some negotiation, I bought it at a very good price. So, as I got time over the next year, I took parts off the B4000 to sell. This spring there was nothing of value left but the tires, so the new truck brought the old truck to the local scrap yard, where I was allows to remove the wheels, and they gave me what I had been offered years earlier for the full truck, $100.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MJj6qKtbs8U/U39UogXDZ0I/AAAAAAAAQ2w/AcNMB4V8214/w1255-h706-no/CameraZOOM-20140523105221705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MJj6qKtbs8U/U39UogXDZ0I/AAAAAAAAQ2w/AcNMB4V8214/w1255-h706-no/CameraZOOM-20140523105221705.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It was a sad day. Someone with time and interest could have rebuilt the little Mazda and gotten a few more years out of it. Unfortunately, it was not me. At least I have a big part of my driveway back, and one less project on the to-do list.<br />
<br />J P Haliburtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02757069923272989305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122223.post-19908064108143841112014-04-19T15:14:00.001-02:302014-04-19T15:14:42.811-02:30Get Your Motor Runnin'In 2012 I was able to go for my first motorcycle ride of the year on April 10. For 2013 it happened on March 14. On March 8, 2014, however, the motorcycle was locked in snow and ice inside the bike shed. The waters from a January thaw had accumulated inside the structure, and a couple inches of ice formed when the temperatures dropped again. I wasn't going to break any early season riding records this year.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FNV4hdudRFE/U1KB0KSI_UI/AAAAAAAAQl0/juld9x1JESE/w1244-h700-no/CameraZOOM-20140308140339000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FNV4hdudRFE/U1KB0KSI_UI/AAAAAAAAQl0/juld9x1JESE/w1244-h700-no/CameraZOOM-20140308140339000.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">March 8, 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
By April 4 the temperatures were improving, and there were signs of melting some days inside the bike shed. There was still a lot of ice in there, and a lot of snow packed around the building, so I started clearing that away. My bicycle was able to be pulled free.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mw4_D5lSqnE/U1KB0OfY0xI/AAAAAAAAQl0/fo6qc6Gx-9Q/w464-h824-no/CameraZOOM-20140404152526727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mw4_D5lSqnE/U1KB0OfY0xI/AAAAAAAAQl0/fo6qc6Gx-9Q/w464-h824-no/CameraZOOM-20140404152526727.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">April 4, 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
On April 16 enough of the ice had melted to pull the cover away from the motorcycle, and roll it outside. It needed the seats reattached, tire pressures checked, and the oil changed before and serious riding could be done, but it was now mobile.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pLOFYzYHKmQ/U1KBWzqse9I/AAAAAAAAQlo/c8fZrph9umI/w1098-h824-no/CameraZOOM-20140416150605515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pLOFYzYHKmQ/U1KBWzqse9I/AAAAAAAAQlo/c8fZrph9umI/w1098-h824-no/CameraZOOM-20140416150605515.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">April 16, 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There were also many things still encased in ice inside the shed, so there was work to do in there. The best I could do was give the bike a quick wash, before putting it away again.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnhPnyRXznpOmCOSpP9tv2HUfAyCs16rCtRf76_X7fdi6Nizo2iwi9op9FsK5vCc0NzNkKNiU9EMRKBl7LOUjQeBHdItARfsZ6aXdCSadVNz3Zeaic0htTUgWRcY2AU4-09cRv/w1098-h824-no/CameraZOOM-20140416155227892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnhPnyRXznpOmCOSpP9tv2HUfAyCs16rCtRf76_X7fdi6Nizo2iwi9op9FsK5vCc0NzNkKNiU9EMRKBl7LOUjQeBHdItARfsZ6aXdCSadVNz3Zeaic0htTUgWRcY2AU4-09cRv/w1098-h824-no/CameraZOOM-20140416155227892.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">April 16, 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Good Friday, April 18, was not the warmest of days, at less than 10ºC, but pleasant enough for working outside. I decided it was a good time to change the oil. The bike was moved outside to a location mostly out of the breeze, and in the sun. Going through my inventory in the shed, I found the 4L of motorcycle oil and the filter. These items were purchased while on sale last summer and set aside until they are needed.<br />
<br />
The filter box was damp, but so was most everything else stored there. Upon removing it, however, I discovered that it must have been under water at some point, as there was definitely a sloshing liquid sound coming from inside it. I decided that it was not a good idea to use it, so the oil change would have to wait until I could pick up another one.<br />
<br />
The tires still needed air. I could have gotten out a pump or compressor and done that at home, but it was too nice a day. A gasbar just up the road was where I often went to top up tires, and it was an excuse for a ride.<br />
<br />
The first time driving the bike after a few months away from it, I like to do on the streets close to home. This is a safe way to practice changing gears, signalling, braking counter-steering, and so on. I also wanted to go by my buddy Peter's house to see if his bike was in the driveway, it wasn't.<br />
<br />
Arriving back home, I made sure I had a tire gauge, before venturing off on Main Street. The gasbar was on my left, so I went up as far as the mall at the south end of town to turn around. After topping up the tires, I turned right, and made my way to the marina to see how the expansion was coming along. The lot was rough and muddy, so I didn't explore very much. Turning right again I toured some streets on the north end of town.<br />
<br />
Back on Main Street again, I stopped for a few minutes to visit my friend Byron. He doesn't have his motorcycle on the road yet, but is getting anxious to be riding again too. From there I went along a few more side streets and eventually back home again. Getting that air took over an hour, and I didn't see any other motorcycles on the road. Practising "the wave" will have to be done another time.<br />
<br />
I should have taken a picture to commerate the first ride of the year, but since I didn't, you'll have to settle for this blog post about it, and remember that it took place on April 18, 2014.<br />
<br />J P Haliburtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02757069923272989305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122223.post-91966470948819929712014-04-16T12:43:00.000-02:302016-04-10T11:15:28.409-02:30Alcan Petrel 951 Sailing DinghyThe <a href="http://www.lewisporteyachtclub.com/" target="_blank">Lewisporte Yacht Club</a> is in possession of 3 boats from the now defunct <a href="http://www.lportepilot.ca/Sports/2007-08-01/article-1422700/JUNIOR-SAILING/1" target="_blank">junior sailing program</a>. These boats have been in storage for a few years, and in 2013 it was decided by the club's executive to make them ready to sail again. As a member of the LYC executive, this became primarily my job.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34PCp3GRJPKLIF1NEoUNAXkSbBPXH7hswWnmylFCLyNtYflxwZrgQdI6Z9X7DcA7MH_bwkSzPw9q-sN8e5kuJM0WP84pD_fwSoAjFNEtLfS8-oyk5QaQV6pKiIdu7_kJo0PKT/s1600/223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34PCp3GRJPKLIF1NEoUNAXkSbBPXH7hswWnmylFCLyNtYflxwZrgQdI6Z9X7DcA7MH_bwkSzPw9q-sN8e5kuJM0WP84pD_fwSoAjFNEtLfS8-oyk5QaQV6pKiIdu7_kJo0PKT/s1600/223.jpg" width="186" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brochure Photo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
One of the boats is an inflatable dinghy which was used by the instructor to follow the kids, and tow the sailboats in and out of the marina. That one I did not have time to look at. The smallest training boat is an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optimist_(dinghy)" target="_blank">Optimist</a>. They are very common and popular for introducing young children to sailing. Being too small for me, this one also did not receive much attention. The third boat, and the one that took up most of my time, was so unique, that I had to do some research on it. Information was scarce, so that is one of the reasons for this blog post.<br />
<br />
It is a metal sailboat designed for The Aluminum Company of Canada, also known as Alcan, in 1966. Apparently, they commissioned a lot of boats in the 1960s and 1970s, and this model is called Petrel, of which over 1400 (2000?) were built. In the U.S., they can be found under the name AeroCraft, a company in Michigan. The club has boat #951.<br />
<br />
Designed by<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_Rhodes" target="_blank"> Phillip Rhodes</a> (#794), it is roughly 12' long and 5' wide, with a 20' mast and 100 square feet of sail. The sails measured as follows - Jib: Luff 138", Leech 145.5", Foot 85" - Main: Luff 185", Leech 202", Foot 85".<br />
<br />
The planing hull, mast, boom, rudder and centerboard are made of aluminum. Cavities are foam filled, so the boat is unsinkable, and will not turn turtle if capsized. Weight is about 225 lbs.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/dR7T8w7iq1MJ2nkjLR6AnzqX2oP2bUal4WSFmOPElHsbeSmH9_GKRnV5QC7M-mB_LywkVy0vk2bUv6fZLs1mqbMSHPi0pDwx5YrWNBE941tRLyliWrSl9mej7aBrSCiO" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/dR7T8w7iq1MJ2nkjLR6AnzqX2oP2bUal4WSFmOPElHsbeSmH9_GKRnV5QC7M-mB_LywkVy0vk2bUv6fZLs1mqbMSHPi0pDwx5YrWNBE941tRLyliWrSl9mej7aBrSCiO" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0rad); border: none;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Petrel on its sledge.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This particular boat had been modified at some point. The main sheet attached to an eye on the centerboard trunk instead of a stern traveller, and the jib sheet cleats were turned around so that they would not hold the line. This made sailing solo difficult, so I put them back the way they should be.<br />
<br />
The forestay was attached with an old piece of string, so I replaced that with a small turnbuckle. The jib tack was also attached with string, and that was replaced with a shackle. The halyards were in reasonable shape, but I replaced the one for the main sail anyway, and used that as a spring line when docked.<br />
<br />
A set of oars were donated to row the boat when winds were not favourable, but I didn't have time to come up with a reasonable way to mount the horns. I'm now thinking that perhaps they would be better used for sculling the two dinghies.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9xyefhuc1Is/VF-B9BkIDII/AAAAAAAAvL0/So6yZWP5p4A/w217-h300-no/9317c0h_19.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9xyefhuc1Is/VF-B9BkIDII/AAAAAAAAvL0/So6yZWP5p4A/w217-h300-no/9317c0h_19.jpeg" height="400" width="288" /></a></div>
Not being all that experienced with dinghies, I only took it out on days with light winds of under 10 knots. Once I had the jib cleats corrected, I could use both sails, and the dinghy moved along quite nicely. Getting in and out of the marina was always a challenge, however, and I learned not to try that with both sails up.<br />
<br />
The Petrel is in pretty good shape now, and can be used with very little more work from now on. It could use a cockpit cover of some sort. A lot of time was spent bailing it out after each and every rainfall. Eventually, I'll have to take it to a pond or lake for capsize practice. Too much chance of hypothermia doing that in the harbour.<br />
<div>
<br />
<b>Additional resources:</b><br />
<a href="http://astro.temple.edu/~bstavis/pr/petrel.htm">http://astro.temple.edu/~bstavis/pr/petrel.htm</a><br />
<a href="http://www.a-rain-of-frogs.com/608/petrel">http://www.a-rain-of-frogs.com/608/petrel</a><br />
<a href="http://www.aerocraft-boats.org/boats/0111/" target="_blank">http://www.aerocraft-boats.org/boats/0111/</a><br />
<a href="http://sailboatdata.com/viewrecord.asp?CLASS_ID=5691" target="_blank">http://sailboatdata.com/viewrecord.asp?CLASS_ID=5691</a> (Mixed data with a different Petrel)<br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/7OHsFU8nt7s">http://youtu.be/7OHsFU8nt7s</a><br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/6Bsu0MHU45o">http://youtu.be/6Bsu0MHU45o</a><br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/_5XwgkI6jCs">http://youtu.be/_5XwgkI6jCs</a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="CameraZOOM-20130710164437139.jpg" height="360" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-BPK3swrGZg5IRoEaD19GqBeEEqNNBBv3-NZ_UXjL2v_VCcAEDDt3ArM_HEDEDRKMaWd1TfmbTHb6lWaOjslUKpwhmF-93qzageaxxJIY_BiRli1o7XbhoR_JINFP3daOw" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0rad); border: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A look at the sails after launching.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-77392777-6aa0-343b-e718-24d027e33f08"></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="2013-08-05_TackingOut.jpg" height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/NCQQUhMjw_KHtllaf7we9axvNHwFqB1K-2OSFpYpkaGTIF-WLDpH-cBfIFW_qUVyDetoMFHiHW0UWUZNN5Jbtig467_w_7xFu14tQxoEoJETT3rerHCXSPjB5VHE-6OkUA" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0rad); border: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="532" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tacking out of the marina on August 5, 2013 for a test sail.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span id="docs-internal-guid-77392777-6aea-7f9d-92c0-94bff27e4995"></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><b style="background-color: #ffe599;"> Petrel photos gathered off the internet. </b></span></div>
<br />
<a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/+JPeterHaliburton/albums/6079467305169450577" target="_blank">Petrel Photo Album</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pc8yh1n6IPM/VF6bTgbSChI/AAAAAAAAvFU/q3yOQNuiQPw/w604-h600-no/%24(KGrHqFHJEwFFyUfy5QmBRiueJm2jw~~48_20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pc8yh1n6IPM/VF6bTgbSChI/AAAAAAAAvFU/q3yOQNuiQPw/w604-h600-no/%24(KGrHqFHJEwFFyUfy5QmBRiueJm2jw~~48_20.JPG" height="396" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9DytCNMqwvU/VF6bly-FoMI/AAAAAAAAvG4/gLFP1JWhXN8/w600-h450-no/Aluminum-Sailboat_Rudder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9DytCNMqwvU/VF6bly-FoMI/AAAAAAAAvG4/gLFP1JWhXN8/w600-h450-no/Aluminum-Sailboat_Rudder.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XurIpT5BkQg/VF6bln9XaOI/AAAAAAAAvHI/Qfx113mMlT8/w600-h450-no/Aluminum-Sailboat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XurIpT5BkQg/VF6bln9XaOI/AAAAAAAAvHI/Qfx113mMlT8/w600-h450-no/Aluminum-Sailboat.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2NaK62fH95M/VF-CCeiARgI/AAAAAAAAvLY/lllCn3D2-Bs/w504-h209-no/petrel1.jpg~original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2NaK62fH95M/VF-CCeiARgI/AAAAAAAAvLY/lllCn3D2-Bs/w504-h209-no/petrel1.jpg~original.jpeg" height="165" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yfxUlsC_mI0/VF-CA_6w7WI/AAAAAAAAvK4/_6J3o0iOYWg/w432-h364-no/Petrel2-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yfxUlsC_mI0/VF-CA_6w7WI/AAAAAAAAvK4/_6J3o0iOYWg/w432-h364-no/Petrel2-1.jpg" height="336" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jEj82jsgAR0/VF-CAzHLMmI/AAAAAAAAvKs/kYYrZYyhk8Y/w600-h450-no/Sailboat-Petrel-Class.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jEj82jsgAR0/VF-CAzHLMmI/AAAAAAAAvKs/kYYrZYyhk8Y/w600-h450-no/Sailboat-Petrel-Class.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DPTHoIM8gEU/VF6bTpzo4zI/AAAAAAAAvFY/sx2oIpeteZM/w598-h600-no/%24T2eC16FHJGQFFh1eSC6yBRiudBF5fw~~48_20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DPTHoIM8gEU/VF6bTpzo4zI/AAAAAAAAvFY/sx2oIpeteZM/w598-h600-no/%24T2eC16FHJGQFFh1eSC6yBRiudBF5fw~~48_20.JPG" height="400" width="397" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tmfNFfjkH64/VF-B_J7wG3I/AAAAAAAAvKA/EuZgMMs6hEI/w658-h877-no/At%2BHingham%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tmfNFfjkH64/VF-B_J7wG3I/AAAAAAAAvKA/EuZgMMs6hEI/w658-h877-no/At%2BHingham%2B1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4_1FRASKJIc/VF-B_7__eII/AAAAAAAAvKQ/b-SFV02eHog/w800-h600-no/P1010002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4_1FRASKJIc/VF-B_7__eII/AAAAAAAAvKQ/b-SFV02eHog/w800-h600-no/P1010002.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yyyF2SolRZM/VF-B_0NFNvI/AAAAAAAAvKY/iHDaF9S4lZg/w800-h600-no/P1010003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yyyF2SolRZM/VF-B_0NFNvI/AAAAAAAAvKY/iHDaF9S4lZg/w800-h600-no/P1010003.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRedJIu4Z4LrAscXu05jWQyOujgtz_lt4Wk22sD0FZ-KlfJwgL5l5lFyn_tEYiiKlOkUe3EUiiYOr8hoiDqj1nvmmZwbuDzrqHyM7Mz86GL4WIGKdlTINnYTwdfSFMvuywfdNV/w1169-h877-no/P1010010-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRedJIu4Z4LrAscXu05jWQyOujgtz_lt4Wk22sD0FZ-KlfJwgL5l5lFyn_tEYiiKlOkUe3EUiiYOr8hoiDqj1nvmmZwbuDzrqHyM7Mz86GL4WIGKdlTINnYTwdfSFMvuywfdNV/w1169-h877-no/P1010010-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp1afYVlhRkagbk0XULQ8RA0WW1mMFyjCm3kZmThfAdirJCwcs2T1Apzog97l2nC-gSP1IcL6IkzmFfgCVaaKRbUUmBjIq9u5vkbb1sLXSGvrQum-Kpu7lpc_xpMI2OkZ5mbVp/s1600/45224061_934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp1afYVlhRkagbk0XULQ8RA0WW1mMFyjCm3kZmThfAdirJCwcs2T1Apzog97l2nC-gSP1IcL6IkzmFfgCVaaKRbUUmBjIq9u5vkbb1sLXSGvrQum-Kpu7lpc_xpMI2OkZ5mbVp/s400/45224061_934.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDM7OnRnWxnBie3FMc-gNc1sXLZDUYh6HDGDS-HuZh2VkCbx996feTp-J13QZsJauKy1rUctHaY-MCiZu-htUe-9fLUWvuhzevxHlo753JI_YgM0o3pNoc3v6U9jyFMs3jGxdC/s1600/45224076_934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDM7OnRnWxnBie3FMc-gNc1sXLZDUYh6HDGDS-HuZh2VkCbx996feTp-J13QZsJauKy1rUctHaY-MCiZu-htUe-9fLUWvuhzevxHlo753JI_YgM0o3pNoc3v6U9jyFMs3jGxdC/s400/45224076_934.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tShQcocRgrwfDopk4Y0A9M5cfyPiiJ0ZpO16nuPZaORZjyMvuD9cQE0wy1l0JMOIcxVtvhvYFAYoTjhBvrp9x40f0tvjGRYhTOfYZpgh-IFXGoTIZuRF4J4P6-i-INmzdXfG/s1600/p12-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tShQcocRgrwfDopk4Y0A9M5cfyPiiJ0ZpO16nuPZaORZjyMvuD9cQE0wy1l0JMOIcxVtvhvYFAYoTjhBvrp9x40f0tvjGRYhTOfYZpgh-IFXGoTIZuRF4J4P6-i-INmzdXfG/s400/p12-02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
J P Haliburtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02757069923272989305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122223.post-29085893028340548592014-03-25T20:23:00.001-02:302014-03-25T20:23:53.110-02:30Coder in Training<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/59/TRS-80_MC-10_Microcomputer.jpg/800px-TRS-80_MC-10_Microcomputer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/59/TRS-80_MC-10_Microcomputer.jpg/800px-TRS-80_MC-10_Microcomputer.jpg" width="200" /></a>I got my first computer back in the early 1980s. It was a (Tandy Radio Shack) TRS-80 MC-10. It was about the size of a modern netbook folded up, and was basically just a keyboard on a box. You used a television as your monitor, and a cassette tape player for data storage. If you wanted it to do something, you had to type in the BASIC program manually every time, or save it to the tape. You didn't want a very long tape, since every program would be like a song. and you would have to let it play until it found what you were looking for.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The MC-10 came with 4 KB of RAM, upgradable to 20 KB by means of a 16 KB module. To give you some perspective, my current computer has 6 GB of RAM. That means that I now have about 300,000 times more memory than back then. Surprisingly, however, 20 KB was plenty to hold and execute any programs I used at the time, and this little computer forced you to at least type in computer code, even if you did not understand it all at the time. You were exposed to it, and could figure out how it worked, if you wanted to.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9e/CoCo3system.jpg/800px-CoCo3system.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9e/CoCo3system.jpg/800px-CoCo3system.jpg" width="200" /></a>My next computer was a (TRS-80 Color Computer) CoCo II with 64 KB of RAM, followed up soon after by a CoCo III with 128 KB of RAM that I upgraded to 512. That was a huge amount, and it could run graphical games, and the Microware's Unix-like OS-9 operating system. That made for a powerful multi-tasking computer, that you could really do a lot with. With a 5.25" floppy drive, and cartridge slots, you didn't have to get your hands dirty with coding, unless you really had the interest.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Even with these computers, I didn't spend a lot of time programming, so I was very basic in BASIC. When I was in university I did one computer course which included an introduction to Fortran, but I don't know what use that is these days. Being down in the underbelly of a language was being replaced by (forth generation programming languages) 4GLs.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have an uncle who wrote programs in Progress for some large companies, and he wanted me to give him a hand, so I started learning that. My situation changed around 1994, however, and I ended up moving away before making much progress with Progress.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After moving, there came an opportunity to learn another 4GL, Clarion. I liked this one. It was easy to make a polished looking final product for the client, without knowing too much about what was happening in the guts of the language. Again, however, things changed, and Clarion fell by the wayside.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d5/Lynx-wikipedia.png/800px-Lynx-wikipedia.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d5/Lynx-wikipedia.png/800px-Lynx-wikipedia.png" width="200" /></a>While all this was going on, something called the World Wide Web (WWW or just Web) was taking off on the Internet. I'd been using the net since the early 1990s via dial-up using modems. Things were mostly text-based back then with Pine for email, and services like Gopher and Archie. Even on the early Web, the Lynx browser was text only. You had to download an image to view it. Once Netscape Navigator came along, and things got a lot more colourful, putting my own website online became of interest.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There were many free services popping up for people to establish their own presence on the Web. All you had to do was learn a simple scripting language call (hyper-text markup language) HTML. It let you embed images, and make words linkable to other places with a simple click of the mouse. So, by the end of 1994, I had put together a page using Notepad, and hosted it on Geocities, where is lived for many years.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Everyone wanted a website, so I was able to make a little money now and then by writing some simple HTML pages for clients. Eventually, I needed to add more features, so I started using (PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor) PHP as well. I wasn't exceptional at either, but back then it was enough to keep people happy. Eventually, websites got fancier and more complex, and I got left behind.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Jumping back to around 1992 or 1993, I started hearing about this thing called Linux. It was a free, open-source operating system. A couple years later I got my hands on a copy of Debian on a bunch of 3.5`floppy discs, but couldn't get it to work on my hardware, so it was put aside for a while. Somewhere I got a copy of Linspire, which I was able to get that running, and thus began my life as a GNU/Linux user.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The reason for talking about GNU/Linux, is because it is free, and most of the software for it is free. That is in both contexts of price, and your ability to modify it. After using things that people give you, eventually you think that perhaps you should give something back. And to do that, I need to get into programming more seriously. These days that means learning something like Python, C++, or Java.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After doing a little research, I decided to go with Python. A couple of us were going to build a bot for a Linux IRC channel we were on. The project went nowhere, and neither did my learning Python. Sometimes there is a lot more chat in a group than there is action.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Moving up to 2013, there are a bunch of formulas for evaluating different aspects of sailboats. I actually had a really nice PHP page made up for doing all the calculations. After I took my personal web server down, I transferred them all to a nifty LibreOffice spreadsheet. That was fine for me, but I wanted my friends to have access again like they did on the website. Another project for Python.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This time around I discovered that there are (Integrated Development Environments) IDEs. For Python you can use the likes of <a href="http://www.eclipse.org/" target="_blank">Eclipse</a>, IDLE, and <a href="http://eric-ide.python-projects.org/" target="_blank">Eric</a>. And wanting a graphical program that ran in windows, I found out about <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tkinter" target="_blank">tkinter</a>. I had the first formula, Speed=1.34x√LWL, working in the console, but broke it in the GUI. Trying to figure out what went wrong hurt my head, and I was halted again..</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z3-mvd58zT0/UrO32rr6UeI/AAAAAAAAPGI/YeltGWZQGBE/w619-h241-no/MyFirstPythonGUIapp.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z3-mvd58zT0/UrO32rr6UeI/AAAAAAAAPGI/YeltGWZQGBE/w619-h241-no/MyFirstPythonGUIapp.png" height="155" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Then along came <a href="http://twit.tv/code" target="_blank">Coding 101</a> on the <a href="http://twit.tv/" target="_blank">TWiT</a> network. Their unconventional training method was to get people introduced to writing programs, and methodologies, not a complete A to Z lesson to show everything about a language. The problem was that they were starting with C# using the Visual Studio Express for Desktop. So, I was going to be starting with yet another language.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As an additional C# resource, I started watching the more complete, step-by-step instruction videos from Channel 9, and their <a href="http://channel9.msdn.com/Series/C-Sharp-Fundamentals-Development-for-Absolute-Beginners" target="_blank">C# Fundamentals: Development for Absolute Beginners</a> series. This one really got me programming. Here is my first C# program code to do the same thing I was working on in Python.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
using System;<br />using System.Collections.Generic;<br />using System.Linq;<br />using System.Text;<br />using System.Threading.Tasks;<br /><br />namespace HullSpeedConsole<br />{<br /> class Program<br /> {<br /> static void Main(string[] args)<br /> {<br /> // Call to console for the waterline length of the boat in feet from the user.<br /> Console.WriteLine("What is the waterline length of your vessel in decimal feet (eg. 27.36)?");<br /> // Assign Length WaterLine Input (lwlIn) to String for input from console.<br /> string lwlIn;<br /> // Assign length waterline (lwl) and calculated maximum speed in knots to Double<br /> double lwl, speed;<br /> // Obtain the value submitted by the user from the console.<br /> lwlIn = Console.ReadLine();<br /> // Test that a usable number was provided and<br /> // Convert the waterline length string to a double for use in the sqrt function.<br /> bool testIn = double.TryParse(lwlIn, out lwl);<br /> if (testIn == false)<br /> {<br /> // Add a blank line.<br /> Console.WriteLine();<br /> // Print a warning to console.<br /> Console.WriteLine("That was not a valid number. Hit [Enter] to close window.");<br /> // Keep window open until [Enter] is hit.<br /> Console.ReadLine();<br /> }<br /> else<br /> {<br /> // Calculate the maximum speed of the boat rounded to 2 decimal places.<br /> speed = Math.Round(1.34 * Math.Sqrt(lwl), 2);<br /> // Add a blank line.<br /> Console.WriteLine();<br /> // Display the output from the formula to the user in console.<br /> Console.WriteLine("Your boat has a calculated maximum speed of " + speed + " knots.");<br /> // Add a blank line.<br /> Console.WriteLine();<br /> // Write instructions to console.<br /> Console.WriteLine("Hit [Enter] to close window.");<br /> // Keep window open until [Enter] is hit.<br /> Console.ReadLine();<br /> }<br /> }<br /> }<br />}</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And that brings us up to today. Maybe I will make more progress this time around. It has only been 30 odd years.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
J P Haliburtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02757069923272989305noreply@blogger.com0