Yesterday was spent erecting the ShelterStation fake shed-come-tent in the back yard with the help of No 1 son and friend. The old volvo has now an accompaniment of a newer red version and needs protection from the elements. $50,000 would see a new garage in the backyard, but since we may be selling soon, its not viable and neither are the time frames. The Shelterstation is a semi-permanent solution. We'd built the frame a few weeks ago but needed to dig in and secure the 10 base plates to ensure the whole structure doesn't blow away in the next strong wind.
Digging for the footing plates was next and sledge hammers came into play staking the plates in, the next step was to start putting up the fabric on the framing. Frustration set in when I discovered I was about 30cm out and had to pull out stakes, re-dig and realign the entire framing. (Instructions for erection have been good but some extra guidance here would have been helpful).
With some extra bodies, we were able to then hang the end flaps and then drag the main fabric over the framing, tensioning and securing it. So this is an alternative to a permanent garage and overcomes some problems. Not the best of solutions, but its economical and doesn't require council approvals. Ice cold cokes and a warm shower after the day's effort. A little stiffness from swinging the sledgehammer and pulling the heavy fabric over the framing, but at least it was blister free.
Burn brightly, Pete
