Peter's Magnificent Creation
He's been working on it for some time, and it's finally done! There are a few minor 'kinks' to iron out, but it actually works amazingly well.
It's all-electric operation, designed for use into the 'feeble' years. The tracks extend out over the beach, then the leading edge descends to the beach. The boat is lowered slowly, riding on a little 'dolly' which is now equipped with large tires. When the boat has reached the beach, the dolly comes off the tracks, the boat is wheeled to the water's edge and can be launched without trouble. Surprisingly, the reverse operation is just as simple and effortless.
posted by Susan @ 8:02 PM
5 Comments:
Brilliant! Is this near to where you live Susan? It looks gorgeous.
Yes, the scenery is gorgeous. And the achievement.
IT reminds me of Malcolm's father, who was a fisherman. He built/had built his own boat for fishing shrimp in the Solway firth. He made the most beautiful model boats, especially after he retired. They were made right from scratch, often based on old plans of boats that had existed in the past. One of them was the original Silloth lifeboat, and the model is now in the lifeboat house there, it was made for their centenary. We have another of Bill's models in our house.
Of course, although these did sail and some of them have motors in them so you can radio-control them across the lake, they are not as large as Peter's so you can't sail in them yourself. But the shape of it is very familiar. Beautiful.
Yes, it's our place, Clare. I selected the scene somewhat carefully because Peter's a bit of an eccentric and chooses not to water lawns in the summer. He claims he's conserving water. I suspect he's actually conserving energy.
Our house is in the centre of the top picture. You can click on the picture for a larger view and you'll see the new boat launcher extending from the second terrace level down to the beach.
This is not 'posh' property although it has come into its own of late. We live on a lot which Peter's grandfather bought in 1918 for the giant sum of one thousand, five hundred dollars. I'm not sure about conversion to pounds, but that would be a fraction of fifteen hundred pounds.
The 'shack-y' little spot on the second terrace is the basement of the house (since demolished) that the family originally built on the lot. We use if for storage (and to grow mold) now.
wow! good for pete!
Just had a look - there's something about filling the screen with a picture like that which makes me catch my breath. It's as if I'm there. Wonderful, thanks, Susan.
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