The photos I snapped today will have to be modified and tweaked substancially to get the results I desire on the CNC router but I got over four hundred great pictures to start with. Here's a small sampling of the bunch.

The resulting files will be used in our own work of course but also offered to others (for sale) as a new collection of Texture MAGIC bitmaps to use on their routing projects. Stay tuned to se the results...

-grampa dan

The very first year we were married I still worked full time for a grocery store, doing my art on the side, dreaming of the day I would create art for a living. Janis worked across the street in a bank. Beside the store I worked in was a bookstore. One day there was book in the window that caught my eye... a book about Disney animation. But the book was incredibly expensive, especially for two newlyweds just starting out. But I mentioned to Janis how I loved that book. Christmas was a few weeks distant and she snuck into the book store and purchased the book. She had them leave the big, expensive book in the window however until a day or two before Christmas. She wanted it to be a surprise for me and knew if the book vanished I would know exactly where it had gone.

From time to time in those weeks before Christmas I'm sure I mentioned my desire for that book but in my heart I knew it was far beyond our means. Janis didn't put the wrapped book beneath the tree either, for she knew too well that if I saw the present I would instantly guess it's contents. Just the same, Christmas morning when she handed it to me she saw my knowing smile. I had been hoping beyond hope since the day it had disappeared from the bookstore window that I had checked each day on the way into work.

That beloved book still is in my library in my studio, well worn and dogeared from many, many readings. It has been joined by hundreds and hundreds of other art books through the years. Janis understands my love of good reference books and has a special column called research to document their expense.

This week Janis and I snuck away from daily routine for a few days together. Our travels and stops included a bookstore or two where a few more art books were purchased to join all of the others in my library. Once again (as always) Janis didn't question the price but instead encouraged me to get them.

We are having a great time relaxing together too.

-grampa dan

While little Matt was busy welding the bridge big Matt was busy applying the galvanized mesh to the giant rock structure. This is a tough job that takes practice to get it right. Although still somewhat transparent the rockwork is starting to quickly take shape. On the right hand side you can see the mine doorway with the timbers surrounding it if you know what to look for.

The pressure is on to have these pieces ready for transport next week. Time will tell.

-grampa dan

Everyone was all smiles as I pulled in to the site. Jeff fired up the loader and after unstrapping the logs the placing of the features began once more. The smallest log feature was the first to be unloaded.

The big forked log was the next log to be lifted into place. It was placed on hole sixteen.

As soon as it was in place Jeff and Janice gave the whipsaw saw a try.

The last log to be unloaded went to hole number 13. This feature makes this a challenging hole... maybe you need a bit of luck to pull it off.

As we finished placing the log features WhistlePunk Hollow suddenly looked a whole lot like a very fun place to be. It looked like an adventure golf! Here's a shot of how it looked from the back side out by the road.

Here's another shot of the golf from near where the front gate will be towards the train trestle and pool. The telephone wire above the train will be removed very soon.

We still have a lot of work to do. In our shop we continue work on our largest feature - the massive rock/waterfall feature. We also are working on the hole markers, many signs, the front gates, three bridges and the lighting standards. Plenty to do in less than a month before the golf opens to it's first happy golfers. Stay tuned as things progress...

-grampa dan

Tomorrow as the boys fill in the missing pencil rod and then begin to tie on the expanded lath the shapes will become more evident. This piece is HUGE! Stay tuned for more progress.

-grampa dan

In the shop Peter and Matt were welding on the large rock/waterfall feature. I used the forlkift to lift the top framework into place. This piece that overshadows hole number 3 is going to be very high!

Tuesday, I'll hit the road for Squamish once more to deliver the last of the logs. Stay tuned...

-grampa dan

Before we left we tightened all of the tie downs on the trailer and checked everything twice. This was a heavy load after all. The load was perfectly balanced and everything looked great. Big Matt would ride shotgun this trip.

Because the load was heavy I kept speeds on the freeway under 90 KPH (55 MPH). Better safe than sorry. The weather was perfect, the sun shining bright. Traffic was light and the scenery spectacular.

We arrived safe and sound. The concrete crew were busy on the last of the pond and three remaining holes that were ready for concrete. The guys did a great job! It is looking very much like an adventure golf now!

While they finished their work I laid out the final lines for the walkways around the greens. In the next days Janice, Jeff and crew will do the final grading and start the forming for the stamped concrete walkways.

Once the cocrete trucks and pumper were finished it was time to unload and place the steam donkey. Big Matt and I hooked it up with Jeff at the controls of the giant excavator. This piece was heavier than the the steam engine and log car but it lifted cleanly.

Once the steam donkey was in place it was time to lift the cone and smokestack and set then into place.

The feature looked totally at home.

Now Jeff and Janice along with their hard working crew have their work cut out for them. I'll be back with another load of the tree and stump features early next week. Stay tuned...

-grampa dan

Once the paint was dry Matt welded the sign into it's final place.

This afternoon we are working on the last details for the structure of the ramp that golfers will play down. By quitting time today the piece will be ready for transport. Tomorrow is a HUGE day on site as the pool and many of the greens will be poured. I'll be there to consult and also drop off the steam donkey. Stay tuned for more...

-grampa dan

We could go into any classroom or playground in the world and ask any kid to imagine something and they would immediately set to work drawing it or fashioning it as a sculpture. With only a little encouragement the creations would be out there in an instant.

One of our assignments in our workshops is for each attendee to create a three dimensional bug on a leaf. Once we get them past the initial fear or apprehension everyone (without exception) does fabulous and in the process they create some pretty wild and creative things. It is a fun process that unlocks creative thinking.

Last week we recieved a special request. An eleven year old son of a friend of Becke's had a special assignment in school. Each student in the class was studying an art form. Oden picked sculpting. His mother typed 'sculpting - Chilliwack' into GOOGLE and our name came up. We were happy to help. We gave Oden the same assignment we give to each of our workshop guests. Oden jumped at the chance and his imagination had no trouble shifting into overdrive. I helped him a little with the wire armature (under his watchfull art direction) and then he took the sculpture from there. His piece was amazing from the get-go and Oden worked very, very fast. The sculpting was done in two short visits.

Today Oden was back for another visit. We were busy in the shop with noisy tasks so he got a set of ear muffs (which he enjoyed) for protection. He quickly started his work, knowing exactly what he wanted. It wasn't long until the bug was colorful. His mom came back before he was done but he'll be back next week for more.

Oden passed the imagination test with flying colors. I'm looking forward to the finished project.

We all need to unleash our creativity more often and without reservation. Kids have a lot to teach us.

-grampa dan

Once the concrete has begun to set we need to work quickly, starting to carve where we first applied the mud and then work at the same speed to carve in the details.

Another tree is ready to paint once it cures for the right amount of time. Stay tuned to see the finished project.

-grampa dan