A Muddy Afternoon in Ochomogo

[catahoula fan]

Well, Roger wouldn't let me take a picture of him as he walked in the door yesterday, covered from head to toe in gumbo mud, but here's what BigRed looked like. Looks like they had some fun mud bogging, huh?
http://www.therealnicaragua.com/phpbb2/userpix/45_BigRed_june_gumbo_mudWEB_1.jpg

Roger's plan had been to leave the finca to head to Nandaime for payroll change, but Mother Nature had other ideas. The rice tractors that travel our road this time of year simply chew it to bits and BigRed succumbed to the 2 foot deep gashes in no time.

Yet Roger's ever ready to tackle new obstacles, and he quickly grabbed the come along and long rope and began the exhaustive process of getting BigRed free. Since he had left all the workers back on the finca, Roger was on his own. Three hours later, Big Red was free and donning a new coat of Ochomogo mud. Roger, too.

At this point in the day it was late and Roger was sorely needing that cold, Friday cerveza. He hauled the workers and the builder with him to Nandaime for payday change. Beer was next, just one for the road, while he took everyone back to Ochomogo. Then it was time to head home to regale me with stories while imbibing much more cerveza. Thank goodness it's the weekend!

[cmoore56]

Hey, Melissa! Plant a big, fat "mwahh" on Roger's cheek for me, will ya? Hugs to you, girlfriend!!

[tresfrijoles]

Did he happen to take a look at how much water was collected in the Water tank? or is that done yet?

[catahoula fan]

gutters aren't up yet. Ochomogo actually hasn't had much rain yet this season. A few inches I think. Not sure how much water that converts to with the size roof we have either. (Roger, the man with all the answers, is out right now. :D ) I'la sk him when he gets back.

[Dr. Demento]

i thought it was on it's last legs? i remember it was stuck on a bridge?

[catahoula fan]

shocked at BigRed's quick recovery, too. Roger worked some of his magic (a little Oklahoma engineering 101), and took her to work bright and early the next day.

Everyone thought she was dead and the gringo had been stopped for rainy season. Nasty neighbor put another fence across the road (which Roger promptly cut into little pieces and threw aside), even the building supply store in Nandaime was surprised to see him. The owner came out and asked Roger how he got the truck fixed so quick. Neighbors were pointing, staring, all pretty funny stuff.

Jim, she is on her last legs, you should hear how she sounds!

Josh, Roger says our roof will collect 600 gallons from 1 inch of rain, so the 4 inches that Ochomogo has had would've put 2400 gallons (approximately) in our pila, which is done by the way. Just gotta get those gutters up! :cry:

[tresfrijoles]

thats a lot of water!

Have you looked into filtering the water for consumption?

Grey water systems for recycling Shower and sink water, for toilet and garden use?

[catahoula fan]

those things and more are in the plans. It's a big part (besides the crazy crap with disgruntled neighbors) of why things have taken so long. There was much prep work to be done before the buildings could go up. Should be awesome once we get it all together.

[Dr. Demento]

truck! is it worth it to replace the engine or transmission?

[catahoula fan]

a damn good truck! And has been to hell and back with us (yes, we have as many scrapes and scars as she does :wink: !). We should be buying another vehicle in 4 more weeks, then Big Red will stay in Jinotepe and get a complete overhaul.

I joke with my friend Kit that BigRed will be retired and I'll put her in the front yard and make a cool flower planter outa her, but in all seriousness, she's the best vehicle we've ever owned, and has quite a few more years left in her. I love the Toyota diesel!

[tresfrijoles]

ypu can always salvage the bed of the truck and the wheels and make a Toyota Horse Cart.

[Dr. Demento]

http://www.therealnicaragua.com/phpbb2/userpix/25_crrow1_1.jpg

do like this!

[catahoula fan]

Well, Roger's not quite that hard on vehicles. Here's a little trip down memory lane...

When Roger brought her home (she's a 98 )8)
http://www.therealnicaragua.com/phpbb2/userpix/45_bigred_98WEB_1.jpg

4wheeling on Nicaragua's isthmus
http://www.therealnicaragua.com/phpbb2/userpix/45_BigRed_4_wheelingWEB_1.jpg


fixin' to take a swim
http://www.therealnicaragua.com/phpbb2/userpix/45_DONEEscalante_river_crossingWEB_1.jpg

The Accident
http://www.therealnicaragua.com/phpbb2/userpix/45_DONEaccidentBigRed2WEB_1.jpg
(now y'all know why I hate buses so much)

and one from her topless days
http://www.therealnicaragua.com/phpbb2/userpix/45_finca_BigRed_no_hoodWEB_1.jpg
(she was a little wilder back then :wink: )

Hopefully our next vehicle will get us through half the adventures BigRed did!