Probably not the best of days to replace a gate . . . on a slope . . . underneath trees but Ken and Kasher decided to brave the forecast and just get on with the job. When the word "just" is used one always knows that there will be problems!
Here's the situation:
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| 2. Previous "gate": downhill view. |
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| 1. Previous "gate": uphill view. |
So, working on footpath Erringden 024 (Burnt Acre Lane), Ken and Kasher decided to"just" dig two holes then "just" embed two gate posts and finally "just" hang one of CROWS 'standard' gates (constructed in the depot by the skilled team of Ken and Frank H).
With good views down the valley (if you ignore the sewerage works at Eastwood) the day started in reasonable conditions but gradually become wetter and wetter at the same rate as we became muddier and muddier!
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| 3. Ken: before the rains arrived. |
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| 4. Ken: unearthing rock after rock.. |
Dismantling the previous "gate" and detaching the stock fence was relatively easy although we soon realised that the sheep netting contained more rust than wire! Fragile stuff!
Post hole number one was immediately above 'the largest rock in Eastwood' which resisted Ken's vigorous efforts with the crowbar. However, we persisted and ..... some time later, after significant effort, the rock was shifted but left behind an impressive crater rather than the neat hole we would have preferred! Subsequently much packing, infilling and ramming was needed to ensure that the gate post was firmly in place and vertical (see picture 5).
Post hole two was an easier proposition but getting posts one and two to be parallel, in the same plane, at the same height and the correct distance apart was almost a case of 'too many variables'. It tested our combined skills to the limit.
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| 6. The gate in position. |
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| 5. post hole one being refilled. |
Eventually, however, a well-made gate was hung between the two vertical and correctly positioned uprights (see picture 6). The remains of the sheep netting was re-fixed and the gate closure mechanism - a latch as well as a rope loop - was attached.
And here it is . . .
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| 7. The new gate in position. |
We would have loved to have cleaned up the gate but this task will have to wait until we get some drier conditions.
Today's work was funded by the kind donation from Todmorden Harriers' Flowerscar Fell Race. Many thanks.
