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| FOUNDATION AND FLOOR |
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| We broke ground on May 9th. 18 holes were dug out of the hard and rocky ground, each a meter deep. The digging was accomplished with a 20 lb tamping rod and a 25 lb posthole digger. The posts are sections of old power line poles. |
| After a visit to Switzerland in June and July, we returned to our first summer of oppressive heat and humidity in the Ozarks. Risers were added to the posts to bring the floor up to level. Between the posts and risers, we added aluminum flashing as a barrier to insects, snakes and rodents. Floor beams were then lifted and spiked into place. The structure was treated with a mixture of used motor oil, creosote and gasoline as a thinner. |
| After the beams were levelled, milled 2x6 floor joists were toenailed into notches. The heat and humidity together with the oil and sawdust turned the project into a daily "tar and feather" routine. |
| Early September - The completed framework for the floor of the cabin. |