The site is pretty much level now. I haven’t broken down yet and bought a used level, so I’ve been working with an 8″ level duct taped to a straight board. The pile of clay excavated from the leveling is bigger than I imagined, but even after digging the rubble trench it probably won’t be enough clay for the house. We’ve been digging test holes at some potential pond sites, to determine if the subsoil at those sites would be suitable for cob. Stevie gathered up some jars and set up a bunch of shake tests:
There’s about half a foot of snow covering the site at the moment, but once it melts away the next step will be marking the exact location for the rubble trench, and then digging the entire trench by hand.
earthen acres 