Back when we first started planning where everything would go on our small acreage I asked for a 'right of way' around the property edge. This path was to be nine feet wide. By the animal paddocks there is a double fence, one on the property line and another nine feet inside. The double fencing provides security and peace of mind should the horses or the goat somehow get through the first fence. The 'right of way' also serves another very important purpose of course. Our (my) plan was to build a train track (15" guage) around the property and run a 'grampa train' there someday. I've long believed every grampa should have an electric railroad to share with their grand children. Ours just happens to be a little larger scale.

I started work on the rail road about eight years ago. Progress has been slow, especially when I am super busy, as it is a hobby and so takes a back seat to many other priorities. But over the years I've managed to almost complete the engine and two cars. The track stretches about two hundred feet from the shop so far, waiting for the house to be completed before carrying on. The final track layout was to be determined by the size and placement of the house which is now in place at last.

One of the things Phoebe and I enjoy doing is cruising the right of way in our old golf cart or the little tractor. Along the way we pick leaves to feed the goat, or say hi to all the horses. I also use the time to survey the property, dreaming and planning where everything will eventually go.

Today, for the first time since the house was started, the path was open all the way around the property. We had a great time cruising around and around for the longest while. It was a LOT more fun than working! :)

-grampa dan