Phase One Complete

Phase one of the wall is complete.  Three rows of tires, stacked, and filled with a dry concrete mix and rebar.  Next up is a concrete slab on top on the tires...then another three rows of tires, another slab on top, and finally another three rows of tires.   

 

Backfill is Arriving

We now need to level out the area behind the tire wall.  Essentially what you see as the water line will be filled with this rather course material.  Once we get this pile of stone and dirt levelled out we will build a concrete slab on top of the tires - extending the slab into the property as a tieback and anchor so the wall will never 'tip' over.   Of course, we then need more tires, then another slab, then sandbags, and more concrete.    

Robert Frost comes to mind.....

"And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep." 

My New Friend 'Chompipe'

This beauty would not let me pass him by without putting on a full display.  ...maybe it was because we both had the same sort of colouring... ??   We spent a good 10 minutes together before I was allowed to move on.  Rather a strange encounter.

Harvesting the Sugar Cane

The first time I saw a night time fire I was very concerned and wondered if we should all run.  Now I love to stand by and watch - it is as beautiful as the setting of the sun.  

Before a harvest the workers burn the sugar cane field at night to flush out any animals and bugs and to burn off any leafy material. Then they harvest the remaining strong stock of the sugar cane.  These stocks gets transported to a processing facility and eventually makes it to our tables as sugar. 

 

The New Comfort Station

The new bathroom for the cuidador is underway.  A very simple construction starting with a concrete pad and building it out of concrete block.  Bathroom, shower, and sink.  Nelson and Lester are discussing the project. 

 

Retired Tires

 

Having a project is so much fun.  Seeing the progress is a thrill.  We have started our break wall that will act as a deterrent to the river from washing away more of our land.  I say deterrent because we really do not know what the future brings and if we will see more hurricanes and floods.  

We are using old truck tires for the price of a $1 each.  They act as the forms to fill with concrete and rebar and then the tires will remain in place.  The tires can withstand the solar exposure, the salt water, and the overall water fluctuations between the very dry summers and the wet winters.   

When the wall is high enough we will backfill with sand and soil. This will help support the house and avoid the rather dangerous 12' drop when you step out of the front door.  It is truly impressive to watch these people work.  They are often standing in knee deep water in their bare feet. 

Turtle Release

I love turtle release days.  It is a mini fiesta.  Many people turn out and everyone is excited to see all the wee babies scuttle their way to the ocean..and disapear!  

They are so vulnerable and independent and I wish for their future success.

  

 
In the video see if you can find the one hermit crab amongst the turtles

Rather Large Bird

Last night I was out gazing at the night sky, marvelling at its brightness and depth.  While this is the same sky, same atmosphere, and same stars (mostly) that  I can see in Canada, this is a sky that is in high definition stereo sound.  I was totally immersed and therefore unnerved when someone cackled at me.  A loud guttural heckle that suggested I was being watched.   I froze.  The sound came from the river.  I reasoned that no human would be out there, but I still ran into the house and locked the doors.

This morning I waded through the river and walked about on the island.  Check out what I found.   

Some pretty pictures

 

Draining el Rio Mira Flores

Well, nothing is ever easy.  The torrential rain washed the land away, the river is underneath the house, and we want to build a wall - where all the water is.   Normally, at this time of year, the river begins to block itself off from the free flow of water into the ocean, so the river is no longer draining.

Option #1 - Force the river to drain.

Normally this works quite well.

But because the water is not exceptionally high at this point we were met with little success. We could only get a trickle of water to escape before the tides reverse and all the hard work was washed away.

Option #2 - build a sandbag a wall around our work area.

and Construction Begins...otra vez

Once again we are in the construction phase.  "Does this ever end?" I ask? 

"I think not" comes the answer from nature.

Old tires....check... a full truckload

Bags of cement....check...a full truckload

Septic tank....check...brought by our admired Toyota 

(As I have yet to drive it, it lacks a proper name)

Concrete block...check... just enough to set the septic straight

the silver lining

ok.  the only way to view catastrophic events and the wave of nausea that comes with seeing it with your own eyes is to look for the silver lining.  We now have a fantastic view of the ocean! and we are the proud new owners of many small islands.

Feliz Año Nuevo - 2021

Here is to a new year, and to new beginnings.  Due to Covid restrictions, I boarded an Air Canada flight today bound for Costa Rica and NOT Nicaragua.  Needing a negative Covid test within 3 days of entering the Nicaraguan border proved to be difficult to secure in a timely fashion in Canada.  But all was possible in Costa Rica.   I made my way to a private hospital for a Covid test, and then had to wait for the results.  I spent it uneventfully in a hotel during the nights and this lovely park during the day. 

That was my green bench of choice while I studied and practised my spanish with the locals.  

YAY! I received my negative test result, found a taxi, and drove to the border.  I am always amazed at what differences there are in the world.  As part of the process I had to stop at this small house to buy my entrance fee and show my documentations. Then I was able to walk across. 

I was greeted on the 'other side' by this check point.  I was not sure I was even in Nicaragua yet as this was the fourth documentation stop I made along the road while pulling my luggage.  

It all became apparent when I viewed this white-washed building.  Upon entry I went through the normal routine of an eye scan, luggage scan, and more fees to entry the country. (apparently, the small house stop was simply the fee to walk the road)  

I MADE IT TO NICARAGUA!