Because we decided that we won’t do any big projects during Michael’s last visit, there was no need to book Tim with his tractor and digger, as that usually indicates a project involving multiple days of work. We always like to plan and book him well in advance, so we were quite relieved when he agreed to come out to help with some emergency bridge repairs on short notice.
When Michael ordered some touvenant – a damp mixture of gravel and sand – to fix some washed out bits of the road, the truck delivering it, caused enough damage to the bridge crossing the seasonal stream on our access road, to make us worry about. We had two choices: fix it ourselves, or report it to the junta, and wait until they decide to do so. With the winter rains coming, we decided to do it ourselves, which in all likelihood ended up being a better job, which will last much longer than if we reported it. Especially if the way they graded the gravel road passing by the quinta is any indication of the quality of work at the moment.
So, with no time to waste on the last Monday morning Michael was here, they had a quick cup of tea while discussing the job, before heading off to the big pile of rocks, where we are storing all the rocks we find on the land, to find the appropriate sized rocks needed for the job.
When they opened up the hole, it turned out that the horizontal rock didn’t break as we initially thought, but slipped off the vertical rocks on which it rested, an indication that it was perhaps a bit too short from the beginning.
And with that, the long process of moving and placing various stones, not just to fix the bridge, but also to reinfore it, started.
Once that was done, and they were happy with the placement, smaller rocks and soil were used to fill in the gaps.
The next stage involved using the touvenant, which could be argued caused the problem in the first place, to cover the rocks and build up the road. To help ensure longevity, they also made use of geotextile during the process.
Once they were happy with the result, Tim dug a drainage trench to help guide rainwater into the stream before it reaches the bridge. This was then filled with gravel, and a layer of geotextile, before it was covered up.
Once the touvenant was compacted the road crossing the stream looked better than it ever did, since we bought the land four years ago, which means that this winter, unlike the last one, I will be driving across it with much more confidence.
Portuguese Words:
ponte – bridge
chuva – rain
inverno – winter
Written by: Jolandi
Wow, what a production. Lucky it could be fixed at short notice.
Thank goodness for that, Peggy. Especially as it seems the rains are on their way. – Jolandi
Just a little bridge repair right before Michael leaves – no big deal! 🙂 Having a non-handy husband myself, I continue to be amazed and impressed with how Michael (and you) both roll with the punches AND actually get things done on the quinta.
😂 Yip, just a quick little job. I’m starting to think of anything less than a day to do as a small job these days.
I love my handy husband, Lex, and am forever grateful for his skills and ‘can do’ approach to life. Definitely an attitude to have when living on a quinta. – Jolandi
“Little” projects often turn into big ones! Glad you were able to fix the bridge. May it serve you for many years to come.
That is so true, Tanja. I think we are starting to consider anything that can be done in a day as a ‘little’ project these days. 😂 – Jolandi
The video was such a fascinating watch! I love watching skilled digger-drivers at work; they make these tasks look so easy. Between them, Michael and Tim did such a neat job of repairing the bridge and making it safe for years to come.
I’m with you on watching skilled diggers at work, Clare. Tim is really, really good, and I love watching him move these big rocks as if they are dainty sugar cubes. I’m really glad we found him, especially as him and Michael really work well together. – Jolandi
Wow! This goes beyond being “handy”. You guys are so incredibly skilled and have such a can-do attitude. I’m actually a little envious. Even small home projects (easy stuff) are challenging for Mike and me (or end up causing disharmony).
I honestly think that unless one has a ‘can-do attitude’, one shouldn’t live on a quinta, Caroline. About 50% of the tasks involve that kind of attitude. Michael was lucky that his dad taught him practical skills and the joys of working with one’s hands, and as both of us spent part of our formative years on farms, we understand that this is the only way to survive. So in a way we have an advantage to someone who grew up in a town or city. Something we are really grateful for. – Jolandi
Well done, boys! What satisfying work, glad it all worked out and totally agree with doing it yourselves with winter on the way. xo
Hear, hear!! And a bonus for Michael was that he got to drive both the tractor and the digger, Lani. He had such fun. – Jolandi
This kind of can-do attitude was something my father taught me because in Indonesia many things don’t work as they should, so we should know how to fix things ourselves instead of relying on anyone else (especially the government). This story of yours is definitely worth sharing, Jolandi. I might actually show this to my housemate from Hong Kong who grew up in an exactly opposite situation. Things happen like clockwork so much so he can’t recall if there has ever been a power outage in the city.
I cannot imagine a place without ever having a power outage, Bama. I guess Michael and I will feel right at home in Indonesia too. A can-do attitude is in many ways a blessing, as, like you say, so often one can only really rely on oneself. I always marvel at how many touching points there are between our lives, Bama, and hope that one day you can visit us here in Portugal. – Jolandi
Oooh, the video was a treat! What a big job. Rearranging rocks simply seems overwhelming. One of those projects where I wouldn’t know where to begin. Tim sure is handy with the excavator, turning the rocks just so, and moving dirt around. The bridge certainly looks sturdy now. What a relief.
Like you, I love watching someone who makes picking up huge rocks look easy, Crystal. – Jolandi
I admire this “can do” attitude and the real “hands on” skills that both of you possess. Michael and Tim seem like the perfect team, and am so glad you were able to repair the bridge in time for winter!
They do make an excellent team. It really is a joy for both Michael and I to work with someone like Tim. – Jolandi