Well begun is not only half done, but often fully cooked.
AUSTIN O’MALLEY, Keystones of Thought
The wind came out of the north/northeast this afternoon at about 10-15 mph and it reminded us just how crucial it is to screen the charcoal pit. Even the slightest breeze allowed access to the inner workings of the pit can wreak havoc with the woodpile’s dynamics. Think of a bellows blowing on a fire.
The pit's center pole, around which a stack will be placed tomorrow.
Originally, we planned to make our wood-stack today. But that frisky wind blew off the tarp covering the woodpile, and it was rained on overnight. Mark thought it reasonable to let the wood dry off for another day. We’ll make the pile tomorrow. Today was about setting up poles and rails to make a frame for a wind-screen.
Wattle is the answer to many questions.
Sheltering the pit involves pointing, weaving, and general stuffing. We excel in the last in particular.
Steve and Mark surveying the green.
We’ll continue to weave grass and hay through the leafy bower to fill in all the little openings after we build the stack tomorrow.
The wood-stack almost ready for its closeup.
Towards the end of our work day, we were visited by goodwives who brought us several pilgrim Scrooby snacks. Thank you goodwives!
Tomorrow: Building and covering the woodpile.
Tags: blacksmith, Plimoth Plantation
You guys started without me!? I hope you left me my share of the hard manual labor for tomorrow…