It was an exciting day today back at the shop as it was the first sculpting day on the 150 feet of ‘wooden’ fence. This project on our own property is a wonderful training opportunity for the crew. Each day, they do a section, trowelling on our special concrete mix and then sculpting in the detailed woodgrains, every board unique from the rest. Matt is our woodgrain master. Jay is rapidly building his skills with each project. Today, eight-year-old Henry worked alongside Jay, just starting to learn this difficult skill. He was a very eager student, and his proud dad, Peter, sent me a picture of Henry’s first woodgrain this evening. Henry is determined to do a board all by himself tomorrow. The force is strong in this one. Stay tuned…
Infrastructure day
It was infrastructure day at the all-new Shipwreck Cove at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch. When I arrived on site at 7:00 am, the concrete crew were already pouring the three large concrete pads, which will be the landing points for the three largest features. The concrete truck was done within half an hour. While that crew made the concrete smooth and flat, we had a meeting with the various trade bosses to determine the day’s plan of attack. I then measured out the golfing holes and light posts and drove in colour-coded pegs to show where things went. The electrician tested to ensure we wouldn’t discover hidden wires or pipes underground before the post hole auger and trencher were set in motion, making sure everything was going to work as planned. The light posts were then set into the augered holes before quitting time. Tomorrow is going to be every bit as busy as we use a giant crane to place the larger features. Then we’ll meticulously shape the ground to prep it for the concrete putting green surfaces, which Vala’s concrete contractor will pour over the next two weeks. By the end of tomorrow’s work day, the formerly empty field will look a whole lot more like a mini golf course. Stay tuned…
Day 1 at Vala's Pumpkin Patch
My first day at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch is always a busy one, and this year was doubly so. The JD Transport truck was on site first thing with the load in perfect shape. The Vala’s eager crew were at the ready with the zoom boom and all of the necessary lifting straps, hardware and tools. They guided the truck and trailer into the center of the farm, which is a tricky task with the narrow, winding paths lined with overhanging trees. While they worked their way onto the site, I met with key members of Vala’s crew and the contractors who would be digging holes, grading the new miniature golf site, pouring the concrete and doing the landscaping. I did some initial measuring and marking to get everyone on the same page and in motion, and then hurried back to the truck freight area to start getting our giant pieces off the trailer and staged on the construction sites in various areas of the farm where we will install them over the next few weeks. We spent the balance of the day placing the recent truckload of features, plus a second equal-sized shipment we had delivered last fall. I was provided with a Gator (fancy off-road golf cart) to get around the large farm, which was greatly appreciated because it was 31°C - 88°F and humid. The contractors dug large holes, built forms and installed rebar in preparation for concrete work tomorrow. The progress was amazing! Stay tuned for much more…
