Keep Pounding!

On January 22 we had our first "work party."  We invited all of our friends and family out to get their hands dirty.  We got a lot done, and some of us even had some fun! Everyone seemed to say the same thing, "There has to be an easier way to do this." In response, some people use a pneumatic tamper, or "pogo stick".  In my experience, it isn't too much faster, is just as hard on your body and is loud.  If there were thousands of Earthships going up in every city an efficient automated tire packer would quickly be invented.  Not yet though.

We're on our seventh course now. Where the dirt is placed is now very important. To get the dirt to the upper layers, we use 5 gallon buckets, or roll the wheelbarrow (carefully) across the tops of the tires.  The fastest way to move dirt, however, is to get a bobcat to lift the dirt to the higher courses and then shovel it in.  We'll do that for our next party.  This time we filled the bed of the truck up, and backed it into the room.  This way we had lots of dirt and didn't have to lift as far.

We also attended our first home owners association meeting.  We thought for sure that some people would be upset by the big pile of tires, especially after receiving the anonymous threatening note.  As it turns out, everything was very positive.  One gentleman stood up to say that he had just visited Toas and that these houses were amazing.  Afterward, several people came to us and asked some questions.  It was very nice. Some folks have even stopped in as they drive by (although some are just looking to get rid of their old tires!)  So far everyone has been very positive and nice about our tire pile!

You need Java to see this applet.

It's coming along slowly but surely!

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