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.
Looking down the line of the bridge -ready for the decking planks
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.
Future 75 foot long foot bridge over an intermittent creek (the quebrada)
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.
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.
Tito Puente posts are set
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.
The month of September was sort of a waiting month. In order to put on the siding (we found chanfles instead of T-111) we needed the windows. But the windows were supposed to take about 4 weeks to finish. So in the meantime, we had started on the footbridge. But our friend Walde could only work weekends. Basically we had a lot of mini-fires going just waiting to get bigger. We still always have plenty to do, however, and yard maintenance is pretty much front and center this time of year.
Britton and the turkeys under the large avocado tree in the “garden area”
But now the windows are here! It actually took a little less time than they estimated. Windows are a different sort of bird in Puerto Rico than in the states. In the states there are generally egress rules whereby you must be able to escape out of the windows in case of a fire or other emergency.
Here, that must not be the case, because it is very difficult to find any window that you could climb through. The vast majority of windows are Miami shutter style which works for ventilation, but they block out the view. Or you can get a picture window, but they can’t open. Well, we wanted good airflow as well as visibility, so we went with larger clear glass louvres. A good compromise I think given the options.
When the windows arrived we loaded them into the truck and then brought them to the cabin
The other difference with windows is that they are almost always custom made by an aluminum works type place. We learned that trick when we got our screen doors for the cabana. They are usually cheaper than what you can find in a big box store (like Home Depot) and they will fit perfectly! Plus it helps out local businesses.
Britton installing windows at the cabin
The bridge is the other big project that is moving right along. Since Britton only has Waldemar’s help one or two days a week, we made a big decision to get a cement mixer. To ligar cemento we would need to hire at least 2 other guys for at least 3-4 days to fill in the zapatones and the mini-columns, so we figured that even with this job it will pay off and then we can make cement stuff all over the property all by ourselves.
Britton and la máquina
We’ve decided to name this bridge Tito. You know, for Tito Puente! 🙂 Here’s one of our favorite songs of his (though most will know it as a Santana song).
We are becoming pretty good friends with these guys that have been helping us on various projects and planning lots of paseos with them. On Saturdays after the work is through, Papo comes over with a bunch of food and we set up a little mini-bar and tail-gate from it. We listen to bachata from his truck with the doors open, open up some coconuts and drink coconut water with whiskey and eat pollo, yuca, arroz con gandules and dance a little in the middle of the yard. Life is fun. We’re getting stuff done, but we’re enjoying it along the way.
We are in the early stages of bridge building. We had initially wanted to do a suspended wire bridge, but because we now are going to cross over at a lower point, we can build it in wood.
BK measuring to Waldemar on the other side of the currently invisible bridge
That makes it somewhat easier because it is just basically a long skinny deck and we already have about half of the materials. What makes it difficult are the holes for the poles, the distance (about 70 ft!) and the mixing of more concrete.
Footer holes are dug!
But we have done these things before and so we are at least familiar with the process. Our carpenter friend Waldy can only work on the weekends right now, so it may take a little extra time but we’re not in a hurry.
We are so looking forward to being able to access the cabin a little more easily. Plus it will be a kickass feature!
Oh, and as a little bonus, the other morning Britton noticed a huge hawk on the top of a Royal Palm spire. So I went out and took some photos. It was awesome! Nature’s regalia. We have come to an understanding with the hawks. As long as we keep the babies out of sight, they’ll leave the grown ups alone.
Hawk in the morning light on a tall palm tree spire
