All Sorts of Progress

Our resident workaholic, John Griffin, has been tirelessly plugging away on the rocks in our way on the High Line. Affectionately called Gibraltar Numbers 1, 2 &3, John has been trying different methods on each to see which way is best, easiest and looks the most on what we are trying to achieve.
 First and foremost is aesthetics. We are trying very hard not to make our trek up the hill look like a Caltrans project, with a scar up the side of the mountain. We are only trying to move as little as we need to traverse the countryside. Second, we don't mind sweating a little to reach that goal. John likes to get out in the fresh air and has with very little micro management on my part done a prenominal job with what he has chosen to work with. His go at it alone and at his own speed method has shown great progress. Today I was sent many pictures of his latest achievement. Gibraltar number three has now a new name of Half Dome,

as the offending half is now being split up into moveable sizes. The other half, with no need to move will stay put. It's drill marks a lasting testament to only removing what need be.
  Gibraltar number One was taken care of by only removing what was in the way by slowly chiseling away at it till it was below grade or out past our parameters. Number two is still a test bed for a different way of  removing the offending granite. John has had good luck with what are called Wedges and Feathers. A series of holes are drilled in line and the feathers inserted with the wedges in the center of the hole. by hammering the wedges further and evenly the rock splits and becomes a more manageable size. Great work John, see you next weekend.