A Solid Foundation

So we decided to use tires for the shed foundation. It's a simple aluminum shed, but the tires will elevate the shed help with the overall drainage plan for the shed. The tires will also allow us to anchor the shed firmly to the ground.

We decided to use some of the larger tires we have inadvertantly collected (these will not be used in the Earthship construction). Laying tires also will give us some good practice packing and leveling tires.

We used the backhoe to clear out the area for the shed and the top few inches of dirt, down to the clay underneath. A relatively flat area but there is slight slope to the ground which we will level out as we lay the tires.

Halfway there, finally.

From our troubles, so far we have learned a few things:

1) Georgia clay is not Florida sand -- a pick axe is a necessary tool for even minimal amounts of digging.

2) When working during a heat wave -- it's hot, very hot. We will be saving the tire pounding on the house for the cooler fall and winter months.

3) When deciding should we hand dig this out or use the backhoe? Choose the backhoe.

4) It's cooler in the shade. I know this seems like common sense but there is an art to timing the work so that you stay in the shade most of the day. When it's 102 in the shade, you really don't want to work in the sun much at all.

So far each tire has been a learning experience and I have gotten better and faster with each one. But, I'll be glad when the last 21 tires are done.