Mar 22 update: I moved at least two thirds of the clay to the new pit, yesterday. The weather is expected to be cold and rainy for another week or so, so that may be as far as I get, for a while.
Recently, I decided it was about time I put all that clay to good use, so I set about making a new pit for the clay that is more like the old mud pit; small and deep. As you can see in the photo, I lined the pit, to keep the clay from drying out, or leaching away. I’m kind of excited to find out what it’s like to sink deep into that thick, kaolin clay.
The new pit is about 4 ft deep and 7 ft across at the mouth. If my calculations are correct, I’ll be able to just about fill it with the clay I have. Moving the clay from the old pit to the new one is going to be one hell of a job, but I’m going to get it there, somehow.
Once the new pit is finished, you can bet I’ll be taking it for a test run, and I’ll be sure to share the video with you, here. Keep an eye out for updates. Speaking of video, I still have an unreleased video from last year. I was so busy over the winter, I had no desire to sit at the computer and edit video in my precious free time. Now that the weather is warming up, I’m watching the tide charts and trying to coordinate a trip into the swamp. Of course, this clay relocation project is going to keep me pretty busy for the better part of a week.
I’m looking forward to photos or videos of you in the new clay pit. Considering how thick the clay is, I suspect this is going to be a very sensuous, erotic adventure. I’ve been waiting for a couple good, strong storms to provide some very creamy but shallow mud pools down at the beach south of here. We are now about 8″ below our seasonal average at this time of the year. It has been a very dry rainy season…no good mud this year, I fear.
Look forward to more reports on the clay pit. Hope all has calmed down a bit for you. I’m still very busy and hope it will slack off at the end of April. I’m planning a trip to Hendersonville for mid-May to very early June.
Hello, Dolphin. I think the clay will be wonderful for deep sinking. It may be difficult to break free of it, given that it sticks like glue, but it promises to be a titillating struggle.
I hope you guys get some rain, out there.
Hello Doug…
I heard from friends in Hendersonville today that it was raining all day. Our weather remains sunny, high 60s and low 70s…quite pleasant. There is a prediction for some rain late in the week…actually might be a good frontal system this time. I’m not holding my breath, though, since almost every low pressure system this winter has died before reaching So. Cal.. I expect the same will happen this time.
Much intrigued by your current project. I remember how thick the clay was, so I’ll be most interested to see what happens to you as you sink up to your waist or deeper.
We’ve had a good deal of rain, here, this winter/spring. It is unseasonably cold and blustery, today. They say the influence of the arctic oscillation that is driving this cold air mass is going to wane around the first of April. The new clay pit is more or less ready to test drive, so I can’t wait for some warmer weather. Heck, if the sun comes out and it hits 65F, I’ll probably jump in.
Be sure to snap a few photos to keep us abreast of what is happening.
Hi Doug; Yup been a cool spring. I did get out in my mud sink hole up to my neck. Wasnt bad once I warmed the mud up a bit, but the showering off was a bit cool. Looks like we both have the long winter nontan. Wish I was a bit closer to help ya with your projects. Oh well just keep up the good work.