Keep Pounding!
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.
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.
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.
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.
It's coming along slowly but surely!
Back to the Index
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
Taos 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!
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
Taos 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!
