Friday, July 18th 2008: As we drove up (it was dark out) to camp out on my property, I sensed something was different and assumed it was due to the new pipeline that has disturbed a number of the properties around the area. We noticed a few downed trees near our camp and my friend asked how long ago this happened. I (again) assumed it was from a windy winter this last year. The next morning, I took a walk around the property and found at least 10 more large trees turned over. I then noticed that my neighbors to the west were rebuilding their home and the north neighbors lost their roof. This was no windy winter but the May 2008 Tornado. There used to be two large trees behind the rounded boulder on the summit of my property. These were both ripped out of the earth and were lying on their sides. HOLY TUMBLING COWS!!! The tornados were a fluke of nature, with a number mysteriously traveling gusts ranging from Windsor, CO to Laramie, WY. Who would have thought that a tornado would touch down at 8300’, let alone in the middle of a city?
I went over to meet and talk with the neighbors about the storm and their progress in rebuilding. G&D are very nice and gave me a number of contacts and resources to think about for my project. They even called the contractor that's helping them rebuild their home to discuss my contracting needs . I've been having a difficult time getting a contractor to bid out the project. They've shown interest in what I'm doing but haven't followed through with a quote. Since then, I've come to realize that they've been busy with building and rebuilding projects all around the area.
While I was up there, I dug up some soil to evaluate the composition and start to prepare for my supplemental soil needs in making a Rammed Earth home. The best rammed earth walls are composed of 70% sand/gravel, and 30% clay/silt/portland cement (~7% of portland cement).
During my stay, Wyoming revealed its mid-day torrential terror and drenched me before I could find shelter...... Luckily things dry out quickly... my soaked tent and fly dried within a half hour of the downpour!
I went over to meet and talk with the neighbors about the storm and their progress in rebuilding. G&D are very nice and gave me a number of contacts and resources to think about for my project. They even called the contractor that's helping them rebuild their home to discuss my contracting needs . I've been having a difficult time getting a contractor to bid out the project. They've shown interest in what I'm doing but haven't followed through with a quote. Since then, I've come to realize that they've been busy with building and rebuilding projects all around the area.
While I was up there, I dug up some soil to evaluate the composition and start to prepare for my supplemental soil needs in making a Rammed Earth home. The best rammed earth walls are composed of 70% sand/gravel, and 30% clay/silt/portland cement (~7% of portland cement).
During my stay, Wyoming revealed its mid-day torrential terror and drenched me before I could find shelter...... Luckily things dry out quickly... my soaked tent and fly dried within a half hour of the downpour!
