Click photo to enlarge

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Fun with our new trail camera

The camera's motion detector clicks the shutter when something comes within view.
At night the infra red sensor gets photos too.
This hen turkey and 4 chicks were hunting for bugs in our meadow.
More chicks. We've counted as many as 12 adults and babies at one time.

Nice looking hen at the edge of the woods.



Some ventured into the back yard beside the barn.


The crow in the front was looking over the newcomers.




View of the backyard.
We positioned the trail cam behind the barn to catch any animals coming out of the woods.


Next we might try the camera here in the east lot along the creek where we bulldozed out stumps, graded and planted grass this spring.


This Eastern Fox squirrel is a giant 2 feet tall. He was looking for acorns in the backyard.


Another regular visitor is this red fox.









Thursday, May 21, 2009

Baby Bluebirds about ready to fly off

Looks like a beautiful day in sunny FL

But where's my breakfast?

Thanks, Mom. Good bugs.


Don't block the door, Dad. I'm ready to solo.




Sunday, March 29, 2009

Bluebirds shopping the RE market in Monticello, FL

Mr. Bluebird says I found a good one.

Mrs. Bluebird says I like it too.

Looks good inside.


Just fits.

We'll take it.




Turkeys in the backyard

Feb. 17 Here they come


Big, but not very pretty.


They come often for the corn.


Thursday, December 25, 2008

Christmas 2008

The weather is beautiful, 72 degrees, so we're taking our traditional Christmas walk in the woods around our house.


Gretchen likes to explore outdoors too.


Saturday, May 31, 2008

Both Antennas Are Ready To Go (double click any photo to enlarge)

N0TW towers and beams

4el SteppIR at 120 feet


Tower jockey coming down

SteppIR going up the tram wire

W4USA (Dave) ground support crew


Saturday, February 9, 2008

Feb. 9, 2008 The First Antenna Is Up

40 Meter Beam part of the way up the tram wire


Antenna is pulled up using gin pole at top of the tower - rope passes thru the gin pole pulley, down the tower to another pulley, over to a third pulley anchored to hitch on back of my truck, and finally connected to the tractor. All the lifting is done by the tractor

Cushcraft beam in place on top of 110 ft Rohn 25 tower


View of the new beam from Fulford Road in front of our house




Saturday, January 12, 2008

Two fox come to visit

Terry spotted 2 fox playing in our back meadow.

The weather is beautiful, most of the work is done,
and we're enjoying hiking and birdwatching in our woods.

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

November 20, 2007 From the Top

Monticello, FL is 7 miles to the south
just at the horizon. Tower is 50 ft above
the surrounding trees.
DOUBLE CLICK ANY PHOTO FOR ENLARGEMENT
Looking "down" on the 110 ft tower

The Elevated Guy Post (that has been shown in an earlier post)
is at the bottom of these guy wires!



Monday, November 19, 2007

November 19, 2007 Tower Day has Arrived

Crane set to lift 110 ft tower
at the 75 ft point

110 ft Rohn 25 - Going UP!


Got it Vertical - Now Swing Into Position



Upper Upper Guys Attached - Remove the Lifting Slings


120 ft Rohn 45 Tower is Vertical


View of 110 ft Tower from 75 ft elevation on 120 ft Tower







Sunday, November 18, 2007

November 18, 2007 Tower Prep

120 ft Rohn 45 and 110 ft Rohn 25
ON THE GROUND



Hole for Rohn 45 Tower

Dead Man Anchor Hole



Deadman Anchor Rod
Photo taken before adding concrete
2 ft x 2 ft x 6 ft long (about 2 tons of concrete!) - buried 2 ft underground


12 ft long 6" diameter Elevated Guy Anchor Post
That's tar on the bottom to protect from rusting.



Elevated Post at Rear of Hamshack
Two sets of guywires from the two towers attach to this post



30" diameter x 5 ft deep hole for Elevated Anchor
(dug by hand!)