Creating a Backyard Water-feature: Tutorial!

My husband is a visionary.

When he told people that we were planning to 

dig out and extend our pit so that it ran across the back yard,

they would give him "the look".

OK.

Whatever.

What?

What I am about to show you

is the result

of his planning and scheming.

All of you doubters, take note.

When my husband gets a good idea in his head,

it's only a matter of time.

I must confess here and now

that I was one of the doubters...

but once I saw the machines start rolling,

I knew there was no going back.

Might as well pull up a chair (or boat) and

watch the magic!

First, you get yourself some really big machinery

maybe even two big ones, and a dump truck is also helpful...

Freddie Van kept a steady stream of these dumptrucks coming

to haul off the muck.

Note: Several days of dirt moving have taken place prior to this day's events,

many, many tons of dirt were moved from the bottom of the pit

to build the dam at the far end.

At this point, the main event is the final dig..

taking the dirt out of the middle so that the water can flow from the existing pit

into our new little cove.

Many people have asked us

 how in the heck were we going to get the dirt out of the middle to

 join the two areas.

A lot of digging and dumping is required.

They could have just dumped it out onto the side bank,

but hubs chose to have it hauled off rather than try to level it himself.

So thankful he made that decision, because you know who 

would have been out there mucking clods next spring?

Dig and Dump,

Dig and Dump,

repeat...

Move over, 

Dig and Dump.

Dig and Dump.

Here's the dam,

all ready and waiting to hold water.

that hole -looking spot is a hole.

Somebody got stuck there the other day.

We're not anxious or anything...

Still more digging and dumping...

Working from the other side

more digging and dumping...

Finally,

the water breaks through!

We even had little rapids for a while,

as the water spilled into the new pit!

Machines kept right on digging 

and dumping

Boat ride anyone?

Digging Digging Digging!

Jim put some big cedars that had to be taken out

into the water near the dam

for fish shelter...

They are almost covered up now.

In a couple of days they will dig out the right side a little more...

Then you smooth out the sides with a box blade,

plant a little more grass seed,

and wait for the rains to come and finish the job.

Stay tuned for 

our grandaughter's maiden voyage on

Cedar Cove!