Beams and joists

Friday
Bill and I spent the day "creating" main beams. We got there before the delivery truck, so had some time to kill. Since after next week, we'll be camping up there on weekends, we decided to start making our base camp. We hung a tarp between the trees for shade and protection against rain. This will be our kitchen and sitting area.

The truck arrived shortly after and with its built in crane lifted the wood and was able to place it very close to where we would be working.

At first glance the wood looked nice, but as we started working with it, we could see how badly many of them were warped. Many times, alot of planning and effort had to go into placing and turning the wood just so so that we could force the wood into as straight as a beam as possible. We figured that the sheer weight of them would eventually force them to settle into place.

The plans called for 3 2x10 s but Bill thought we should go to 4 2 x10 s for added strength. Knowing full well that there was no way we'd be able to move those puppies once they were done, we decided to build them right on the piers. It actually worked out quite well, though was heavy work and time consuming. By the end of the day we had our beams done and in place.

Saturday
It had rained overnight. We arrived to see that the second delivery of materials was there and waiting for us. We also noticed that the beams had indeed settled nicely and would need very little shimming to level everything out. We took our measurements and checked for level. Then on to the joists.

It was a sunny day. Bugs weren't too bad once you got to the construction area (though they were vicious in the wooded area near the shed and outhouse). There was a nice breeze which helped as well. The work was slow going. Squaring everything seemed to take forever. Then measuring and marking exactly where board placement was to be took up yet more time. Again some of the boards were bowed and warped. By the end of the day we only had 3 sets of joists in place and we were concerned that we might not get the joists ready for flooring (which was to be next weekends project). It was a long day. We worked until after 7. We were hot, tired, sweaty, stinky and hungry by the time we got home.

Sunday
Bill had arranged for Daniel to come up and help us. Yesterday Bill and I had set alot of the wood in place and at first glance thought we were over half done. We was a bit disappointed when he realized how much still had to be done.

It had been a cloudy day for the most part, but it was also humid and there wasn't much of a breeze. The dragon flies are everywhere but for the most part we like them since they are getting fat with mosquitos and keep the population down.

Bill and Daniel worked on the piers and I concentrated on puting the bracing in place. It worked out well that Daniel was able to come that day instead of Saturday. By 4:00 we had everything done.

Monday
Groan. We both woke up sore and still tired. Can't believe we have to go to work. We could certainly stand a day to rest.