Phalynx's attempt and a small underground shelter.

phalynx · May 22, 2009, 11:02:52 AM

Yea, I stood there the other day and just stared at it. It made me laugh how deep it was. I will be filling it in to about 4-5' down and mounding the sand over the top of the structure. I think that would be better.

glenn kangiser · May 22, 2009, 11:45:14 PM

That is what I pictured you doing in the first place, but it was interesting.

May 24, 2009, 11:50:24 PM

I was thinking about this today, Phalynx. Even the extra digging was useful. Look at the skill you gained in learning to use your tractor more efficiently.

phalynx · May 25, 2009, 12:01:00 AM

Oh yea, it was fun too. I felt like a guy starting a fire for the first time. "I HAVE DUG A HOLE!"

phalynx · May 25, 2009, 12:14:20 AM

May 25, 2009, 12:28:10 AM

Beauty hole, dude. That is impressive.

That stuff looks like it's sitting pretty good - maybe you don't want to fill it in as much - maybe 8 feet is good.

I think it will pack well with just a good soaking with water and driving on it in the bottom.

phalynx · May 25, 2009, 12:58:37 AM

I need to go snap a new pic. This was a picture after 2.5" of rain. The one side caved a little so I tapered the sides a little more and dug it out a little flatter and as such, a little deeper. It is holding it's shape well now. I think it is 12-13' now. I'll snap one tomorrow.

glenn kangiser · May 25, 2009, 01:22:16 AM

One of the tapered sides could be used for the uphill patio and to let in light on that side as well as an an alternate escape route via steps. Dug out more later as needed after backfill or even as part of the backfill.

Note - do not use the tractor to compact the backfill around the cabin walls* .... don't ask me how I know.

phalynx · May 25, 2009, 01:31:17 AM

Hey I saw a picture of your "driving skills" around a simple rock and a track-loader.

I shall respect the wishes of the "experienced master"

May 26, 2009, 12:39:20 AM

The worst thing is that the tractor will crush the walls in. Landing in the bottom of the cabin could be an e-ticket ride.

phalynx · May 26, 2009, 12:45:00 AM

I thought about 50 different ways of rounding it and they all end the same way you mentioned. I will actually have to bring all the sand back and then I can fill in the rest.

Bishopknight · May 26, 2009, 09:34:10 AM

I'm jealous that you have so much sand

Must be fun to play in

phalynx · May 26, 2009, 09:39:48 AM

This is MY sandbox!!!! Go get your own...

glenn kangiser · May 27, 2009, 12:13:02 AM

Got cats? ...

May 27, 2009, 12:26:28 AM

3..... Since the entire property is sand, it's a lot like the game we played when I worked at a pizza place, "hide the anchovy".

glenn kangiser · May 28, 2009, 01:16:29 AM

I have dogs that can miraculously walk over sandy ground....

sniff a couple times....

scratch a couple times and...

unearth a nice tasty snack and swallow it before you can bat an eye....

phalynx · May 28, 2009, 12:48:19 PM

Rule #1 at Glenn's house. Don't let the dog kiss you....

Sassy · May 28, 2009, 12:56:01 PM

you've got that right!

Alasdair · May 28, 2009, 12:59:15 PM

yick $:-\$

phalynx · May 28, 2009, 01:05:08 PM

McDonald's new creation.... Kitty McNuggets... Ewwwwww.

May 28, 2009, 01:16:01 PM

Would there be any benefit to mixing/dusting a little dry cement into the sand to "stiffen" it a bit before backfilling? Wouldn't it help holding it all together when compacting?

phalynx · May 28, 2009, 01:20:07 PM

I would need gravel too wouldn't I? I don't believe sand and cement make a stiffening substance. Glenn may be able to answer this. Glenn? oh, Glenn, no I can't drop in a couple of Viagra tablets in the soil either...

Alasdair · May 28, 2009, 01:23:50 PM

Mortar is just sand and portland cement - I'm not suggesting you turn your sand into concrete - just wondered if a little would stiffen it enough to make it more workable, prevent cave ins, kitty nugget treats etc...

phalynx · May 28, 2009, 10:02:54 PM

You know it is odd but this is the second conversation, in 1 month, of kitty nuggets. Is this a new trend that I need to invent something for? Nuggetizer....

waggin · May 28, 2009, 10:33:25 PM

Quote from: glenn kangiser on May 28, 2009, 01:16:29 AM
I have dogs that can miraculously walk over sandy ground....

sniff a couple times....

scratch a couple times and...

unearth a nice tasty snack and swallow it before you can bat an eye....

Gotta watch those UGO's! (Unidentified Ground Objects)

Ah yes, it was a beautiful Sunday at Whidbey Island on the beach. That sweet little thing pictured in the upper left decided a little rigor mortis sushi was in order. At least she didn't roll in it like she seems to enjoy doing in the cat poop.