Day 6: The barn frame is ready to be lifted up and put together. After a weekend of adventure, visiting the snow in the mountains, rafting and swimming in the swollen Colorado river, it's time for the Barn Raising Party. Everyone came except the crane operator (and his crane) - they were on a driving tour of western Colorado. Castle Valley Utah, Newcastle Colorado, whatever. Hopefully we'll have a crane tomorrow.

Day 7: After an abbreviated driving tour of eastern Utah this morning, the crane arrives and we are ready to go - Finally! The bents go up quickly and the building begins to take shape. Things are looking good.

Next the 40 foot tie beams are set on top to hold the four bents together. It is a bit tricky to get everything to line up and go together. After a bit of trimming and adjusting, Sheldon applies "the persuader" and the beam settles nicely into place.

Next come the queen posts, which sit on top of the bents and hold up the rafters. These go in nicely without problem.

Finally for today the 40 foot purlin beams are set on top of the queen posts. We all are amazed that people used to put these buildings together without the help of a crane! Tomorrow the crew will adjust the frame and prepare for the crane to return and place the floor joists and rafters. Stay tuned!

Day 9: After a day of adjustments and cutting the floor joists to fit, the crane arrives (early, even!) to set the floor joists and rafters. All goes smoothly, and by the end of the day our barn frame is up and ready for action. Many thanks to Dale Lehmer of Antique Woods and his crew: Josiah, Sheldon, and Greg. Great Job!