I've never dealt with concrete before today, and as it has a high carbon footprint I haven't been rushing to use it. But until some alternatives become readily available, I think we can use a small amount in the process of improve the quality of our soil and plants.

I offered to take the lead on a project to get our drip irrigation system up and running.

On Sunday, we built the form work (frame) for a concrete base and today with intermittant drizzling rain, we successfully forged ahead with the concrete pour.

We had arranged to take the excess from any other jobs of the day, specifying that we needed about half a cubic metre. They offered it to us for $100 which was about 1/3 of the cost of a specific order. All we had to do was be ready when ever the load became available.

On Tuesday, we got the word that Thursday afternoon was highly likely anytime from 12-3pm. At 11:15am I got the call that the truck would arrive by 12 noon, but by 11:30am the truck had arrived. It was a bit chaotic for a while as there was just two of us (myself and John) on site at this time. We scrambled to get out the wheel barrows, shovels, hose, and trowels, while sending text messages to the group of volunteers I had previously compiled in my phone, and taking calls and messages from those on way.

Shortly after the truck arrived, Gavin turned up and I knew we would be cooking with gas. Then Ed and the girls arrived and it was under control. We ferried about 10 wheel barrow loads of concrete into the framework and spent half an hour working it in and leveling it out. Then let it sit for an hour before giving it a bit more smoothing off and rounding the edges with a special tool.

So from a week and a half ago, our group had just a dream, some will power and some planks of wood; our dream has come true without breaking the bank. We should be able to put our tank onto the slab within a few weeks and start assembling the drip feed and other components. What a great accomplishment for all the great volunteers involved. Thanks again for the twentith time.