2017 Winter Patio

This winter we finally got the rains needed to ease the last 5 years of drought. Actually, the storms were sometimes intense with high winds and rain totals over twice as much as in a "normal" year. The county is now trying to raise 70 million dollars needed for road repairs. Still it's better have too much rain than too little in my book, especially since we escaped any major damage. Too bad it the storms didn't spread themselves out more over the drought years.

A Cooper's Hawk waits for an unwary humming bird

One of the rare days we saw a sunset at the beach

Finally after more years than we care to mention, we launch into installing the patio that Sally Stoik helped design for us. A break in the storms allows Adam Bentley and his crew to finally begin work.

A small bobcat helps to prepare the surface

Mary snoozes as work proceeds outside

Winter's not done with us and another set of storms put the patio on pause.

Winter squalls over Monterey Bay

The next break in the weather gives the crew time to start the first concrete pour.

Crowded parking lot

Finishing touches on wind wall

The wall is unveiled!

Adam's crew then concentrates on forming up and pouring the firepit.

Another set of storms blow through leaving us with a sunburst

The most complicated part of the job is the stairs and the biggest part is the main patio floor. 

Peter and Neil run electrical lines for stair lighting

Final touches

Almost ready for the next series of concrete pours

With the stairs finished the crew then concentrates on pouring the main floor

Concrete truck and pumper ready

and we're off

Juan smooths the surface

Floor is smoothed off around the fire pit

Looks fantastic!

Expansion lines added

Adam finishes the compass rose on top stair

while the crew stamp the surface

Now I see why the crew refer to concrete as "mud"

After Nulfo finishes hooking up the gas lines for the fire pit, we are ready to enjoy it with our friends Cork and Cathy as they stop on their way from Redding down to Baja.

Some storms do leave us with wonderful sunsets

Update - Peter installs the fountain much to the delight of the local bird population.

Completed (almost) patio