Day 8 – The final rock is placed and the labyrinth is watered one final time.
A beautiful sight!
Desert broom is cleared between the labyrinth and the entry area under the large mesquite.
Posts Tagged ‘Labyrinth’
Building the Rancho Merlita Labyrinth – Days 6 – 7
April 13th, 2010 by pattiebell
Beginning at the center.
Day 6 – Stakes are set to locate the center and 16 radial points. String connects the center and a stake (used for scoring a line) at the radius for the center and the first path. Next, the radials are tied off to locate each change in direction.
Rock is collected from the site in various sizes with one dimension approximately 3 inches wide. The scored lines are deepened using each unique rock so that they set securely into the earth. Water compacts the soil at the end of the day.
More lines drawn, more rocks laid
After work is done for the day, water and compact.
Day 7 – Scoring, laying rock and watering continues.
Same process, another days work
Future home for a modern petroglyph
A pictograph on this rock will indicate the entrance to another alcove leading to the labyrinth. The landscape light will illuminate the sloped surface at night.
Building the Rancho Merlita Labyrinth – Days 1-5
April 8th, 2010 by pattiebell
Phew! That was a lot of work!
Designing maze puzzles for my sisters was a favorite childhood pastime. Now I have the chance to build a labyrinth and have chosen the respected Tohono O’odham Man in the Maze pattern.
The desert gardens south of the Ranch House are extensive. A fire pit, horseshoes, bocce ball, stargazing patio and a profusion of wildflowers are playfully encountered along the meandering paths. The desert landscape, like the Ranch House, seems to absorb activities without feeling crowded.
There is a very special place bordered by mesquites to the east and south, the path to the north, and creosote to the west. The area is a natural 32-foot arena. Two creosote, some weeds and a few wildflowers lived here. This area will be the future home of the El Rancho Merlita labyrinth.
Day 1 – My daughter, Valerie, and I dug up the creosote for transplanting. 2 hr.
Day 2 – My husband, John, and I dug up all the weeds. We staked the center and marked the circle with the radial points. 4 hr.
Day 3 & 4 – Decomposed granite was spread about 1” thick to create a clean smooth level surface and watered to begin compaction. 5 hr.
Day 5 – More watering.
**Next step: Lay out the path.