Our annual pilgrimage to the French River was a month later this year, the weekend of June 5-7 to be exact. The bugs weren’t as bad as anticipated (it having snowed only the weekend before) and the weather was glorious. An earlier than usual departure got us on the river in the early afternoon and we were all soon relaxing in the early summer sun.
Things quickly got down to business on Saturday as we outlined this year’s challenge. Though perhaps a little less intimidating than crossing the icy waters in a raft held together by only twine (two years ago), or building a shelter and fire in the pouring rain (last year), this year’s challenge was no less technically challenging…Each team of four (and one of three) was given four hours to build a self supporting stone arch. No tools, no grout, just sweat, perseverance and team work. The winner would be the largest arch, determined by adding the width at the base to the height.
Of the four teams, three successfully completed the task (my team being the one laggard), with the clear victor being the team of Warren, Amanda, Dan and Patrick. The combined dimensions of just over 70” put them ahead of Noel, Vic, Scott and Tarek by over 12”. The aesthetic winner? Please comment and we will tally the votes…
I like the top portion of the team 2′s stone arch, but you can’t see the one for team 3, so the jury is still deliberating
Team 1 for the win!!
#2′s my fave – love the keystone!
Well #1 seems to be a true free standing arch and they had time to pose for a picture. Great job team !
If the “the winner would be the largest arch, determined by adding the width at the base to the height.”. Than #1 is clearly the winner. You must also give recognition to team #2 since the design at the top of arch is a nice touch.
Number 1 deserved the win for following the rules, but judging strictly for aesthetics, number 2 is the winner.
Well, Team one is very nicely done, nice and wide and one row of rocks. Very impressed. Team two looks cool for the design in the middle. Nice thinking. BUT in the end team one is clearly the winner. AND I have to say, LOVE this idea you people are doing! What a fantastic team you people are!! HATS OFF TO ALL OF YOU PEOPLE!