Backfill of West Wall

Preparation for cobbing continues. By backfilling the west wall, accessibility is now improved.

Due to high clay content of my soil, I've found it practical to lay-down about an 1-inch thick layer of gravel to not only keep erosion from rain water in check and make walking and hauling materials easier around the structure. Also, the gravel helps but keep mud off shoes after rains.

The gravel was shoveled and hauled by pickup from a nearby dry-wash. It's hard to tell from the photo, but the 'pitch' of the backfill is such to move water away from the buildings toward the mesquite trees just to the south.