Category: Uncategorized

FOR JEN J: Boatshed devotee

….who loved wood, water, rocks, and the wild creatures of land and sea.

 

GIFTS

unlooked for

her gifts
came at the quiet time
wrapped you could say
inside themselves

with certain hands
in mind
and a certain
heart

small gifts
of large worth
to those who favour
the uncarved block

deep gifts
and rare gifts
for those who cherish
simple things

gifts that last the distance
and outlast distance
and keep giving
wonderfully

from within

ALMOST THERE

As you can see, the native cypress weatherboard is finally in place on the western wall. A ribbon of ‘sisalation’, where the purlins lie, will be protected by an 8″x 1 1/2″ barge plank, which defines the edge of the roof.

Tomorrow should be fine, so I will give the weatherboard a coat of plant-based oil. The cypress will eventually turn a gentle grey colour; the oil is meant to provide nourishment – not delay the ‘greying’ process.

Next job: the southern wall frames

….

 

WINTER HAS ARRIVED

There has been some interesting weather these last few weeks: rain-squalls from the north-west, west, south-west and south. The southerly winds, in particular, were truly fearsome, and on one night (early morning) I felt just a little concerned – not so much for the boatshed, as the shack. But I need not have worried; our shack has weathered serious storms for sixty years. No doubt the boatshed will acquire a similar invincibility, if only by association.

Despite the bleak conditions, I managed to get something accomplished each day – slowly, like the tortoise.

Frames for the western wall, vertical end timbers, and inner window frames are all in place. Various uprights are faired and ship-shape, as Dad would say. The time has come to try my hand at installing the native cypress weather-board.

This cypress is such a beautiful wood. I could go on about it – but instead have asked Sam to take a few photos of one floorboard, in detail. There are many such boards.

You can see in the picture gallery that we have three western windows. The central one is actually a ventilation opening, controlled by wooden shutters. It should be especially useful during summer afternoons, when a gentle breeze, or zephyr, springs up in the west. At the southern end of the Wall is the main window, which provides a passing glimpse of the sea, for inspiration. Not too large – it isn’t a picture window: our chief focus will be on the boat in hand. To the north is a vertical window, framing the  olive branches and sturdy trunk of a sheoak.

So, everything is looking good to my eye, after weeks of finicky workmanship. Next posting will describe the weatherboard cladding.