Tag Archives: Tito Puente

Crossing that Bridge When We Get There

This week Britton put on the last few boards that connected one side of the bridge to the other.

Bridge and Palm tree
Little Britton, big bridge and huge Royal Palm tree

We have been enjoying going across it, walking on it like a catwalk, swinging our legs over the edge, laying down feet to feet or head to head looking up at the birds, bugs, and iguanas in the trees.

Full length bridge
Full length of the bridge

Bridge and stairs
On the catwalk, yah!

It’s not totally done, but it is useable/walkable now. We still need to add some other bolts to it, put on some handrails and about 10 more feet to make the transition onto the bridge feel seamless. Then we need to put in rebar and pour the concrete steps to make the full connection all the way to the cabin.

Looking down at the bridge
Britton had to re-do a few of the stair molds because they weren’t regular rise and run

Compared to going down into quebrada and climbing back up, crossing the bridge feels like floating.

House and Bridge
Bridge, curving steps and cabin

We love our little cabin hideaway in the woods and this bridge makes it even more fun. We have already started talking about what we can put below it. A tilapia pond? A small waterfall? Koi? Ducks? Tropical water lilies? Or all of the above. There is just so much potential with this property and this bridge is another step to helping us unlock even more.

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Bridge Rails and Planks

The next phase to the bridge was to put on the 2×8 rail boards. Once these boards were placed we were able to start finding 2x4s that would work for the planks. Most of this whole bridge was built using scrap lumber that we still have around from the old wooden house. We used up nearly all of the 2x6s on the deck and roofing for the house, but we still have LOTS of other sizes and types of wood. So it is nice to be able to clear out some more to use on this bridge.

Cassie Bridge
Looking down the line of the bridge -ready for the decking planks

 

Cabin and bridge
Cabin and bridge through the trees

Lately it has been raining pretty heavy so there has been a light stream flowing under the bridge. It has also made the slopes really slippery. A good reminder why we decided to build this bridge in the first place.

Bridge rails
Future 75 foot long foot bridge over an intermittent creek (the quebrada)

Bridge planks
Adding the planks

It’s really starting to look like a bridge now!

In other news, check out this gorgeous canna. These flowers are always in bloom and spread like crazy. One of my favorite tropical bulbs/flowers. Even their foliage is beautiful.

Canna
Canna Lily and Royal Palm

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Bridge Progress: Posts and Stairs

Slowly but surely the bridge is starting to take shape. It’s kind of cool to see it all come together. The posts are up and now they are working on the steps up to the platform.  Once it is all connected it will make going to the cabin so much easier.

Bridge progress
Tito Puente posts are set

Stairs and bridge
Making the forms for the steps up

Life is moving right along at a good clip, but we still try to stop and enjoy the sunsets too.

Sunset 2
A walk at sunset on Sandy Beach

 

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