So today we were waiting for the “last pile” to be delivered and installed. It arrived this morning, but upon installation it became clear that they need another half pile to close the gap to the concrete. Still, we’re darn close to being finished. Watchers were on the bridge as usual. Skip was there. The Hess-ians all enjoyed the video and we saw a juvenile otter this morning.
So far, so good.
There were several developments today on beaver watch. First, a large beaver (probably a yearling) emerged twice during the work, downstream of the dam with a crabby tail slap when the pile driving resumed. Hopefully he went to sleep somewhere else.
Second, Skip Lisle is back through tomorrow, and was on site for the work. There are approximately three sheets remaining to install.
Third: tonight Jon met a very enthusiastic beaver supporter at the bridge who oohed and ahhed about the four kits. Why is this news you can use? She was Bradly Jackson’s wife. Worth A Dam has had consistently good contact with Jackson, and we support his replacement of Janet Kennedy on the council. Last night let’s just say we got the definite impression that things will be uncomfortable in the Jackson home if he doesn’t do right by the beavers.
Frogard Butler, the woman who is chronicling our beavers with painting, spent the day on the bridge sketching the old lodge site. We are happy for her support, and for the other faithfuls on the bridge who keep an eye out.
One of the nicer surprises of our watchdog endeavors has been the cordial interest and respect shown by the the Cooper Crane workers on site. While they are clearly befuddled by our presence (one asked if we were paid for by the city. Ha!) they are nevertheless interested in the famous furry residents and ask about them every day. From ditch digger to crane driver they have been cautious about causing harm and nice to the crazy beaver watchers. There has been a general greeting and information swapping between us, and it reminded me of the friendly Sam and Ralph sheepdog cartoon. Forgive the quality, as I needed to edit this on Kaltura to get it working. Still, as we wind down in the final days of pile driving, I thought a retrospective was in order.
Video documenting Mom’s injuries observed last week is available here. If you are able to see or photograph her this week it would be helpful.
Today the long awaited turn east was successfully added to the piling wall. Supporters watched anxiously as the line of sheet pile headed closer to the dam. Then after lunch a piece was placed perpendicular to the line and followed by a second. After all the hard work of digging out rocks they pierced the soil easily, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Things grew somber when one of our friendliest workers was injured today after he cut his finger on an old sharp fence post in the dug out area. He went to the hospital for treatment and hopefully will be getting the mother of all tetnus shots and not too many stitches. The rest of the day passed without incident, although rumor has it that the election building is rattling too hard to safely house our new expensive voter equipment, and there were several truck trips today to haul it away.
If the remaining sheets go in like the first one in this last section, they could be done driving on Monday or Tuesday. There are still miles of gravel and concrete to pour behind the area, but the most impactful work will be completed. The need to extend out from the wall resulted in a 15×15 box at the end of Bertola’s property. I wonder what that space will be used for? It’s hot tub shaped. Since the taxpayers bought it I’m thinkin’ maybe public bath?
Funnest news of the day. Guess what’s atop that old mangled lodge that they drove steel through and shoveled out? New mud. The beavers have started repairs already.
Tonight we were able to catch photos of mom beaver’s eye injury. Remember that Tuesday night her eye was puffy and swollen so that the eye itself was barely visible. Now she appears to have the furry equivalent of a black eye. We are encouraged that this has grown less swollen since tuesday, but still concerned. I have sent pictures to beaver experts and the Lindsay Museum for advice, and hopefully the healing will continue.
Todays news came in the form of a decision from Hess that they can’t turn at the edge of Bertola’s to follow the wall as planned. There is too much concrete and they are afraid if they remove it the existing wall will collapse. This would mean the wall will continue some distance out from the bank, into the creek and through the dam. When I heard this I contacted Igor Skaredoff who was concerned especially by the narrowing of the creek channel. He contacted Dave Scola who assured him that the wall will turn east soon, and the dam will not be harmed. The pile driver boss wasn’t so sure, as he still thinks there is too much concrete to penetrate, but we will see. In the meantime, come keep an eye on our beavers this weekend and see if mom’s eye improves.
