DIY Transport Challenge – Moving Our Barge Across Canada
We plan on living off grid on a remote island, which will require a unique blend of creativity, resilience, and teamwork. It will also require a barge! In this blog post, we will explore the various aspects of extracting a heavy barge from a lake, placing it onto a trailer, and then preparing it for us to tow it ourselves across Canada. This endeavor not only challenged us physically but also tested our planning and problem-solving skills.
Table of Contents
- Centering the Barge on the Trailer
- Wrestling with the Ramps
- The Pullout
- Getting a HUGE Help From a BIG Piece of Equipment
- Removing the Spuds
- Removing the Ramps
- Final Prep for the Road
We arrived at Foote Bay in Ontario, excited yet apprehensive about picking up the barge that would be crucial for our off-grid endeavors. The task ahead loomed large: how to safely lift this heavy craft out of the water and onto our trailer? Even though we had never done this before, it seemed pretty straightforward to us.
Centering the Barge on the Trailer
As we began to center the barge on the trailer, it became clear that this was not going to be a straightforward task. We had to communicate clearly and coordinate our movements meticulously to ensure the barge was securely positioned. Jeff, the marina owner and a local expert, provided invaluable assistance during this process.
Wrestling with the Ramps
The ramps we needed to maneuver were heavy and cumbersome, adding another layer of complexity to the task. We had to carefully strategize how to lift and position them without causing injury or damaging the equipment. It was a true test of our physical strength and problem-solving skills.
The Pullout
With teamwork and careful adjustments, we managed to get the barge onto the trailer. Finally, the moment arrived to pull the barge out of the water. We held our breath, hoping everything would go smoothly. This was no small feat after all, and we were glad this part was behind us.
Getting a HUGE Help From a BIG Piece of Equipment
Just when we thought we had it all under control, we realized we needed additional equipment to assist us further. The ramps had to come off and be strapped to the deck. Jeff stepped in again and provided a heavy duty forklift to help with the ramps, and more importantly, move the barge so that it was centered on the trailer. This would have been impossible without his help.
Removing the Spuds
Next on our list was to remove the spuds, which are used to stabilize the barge during dredging operations. This task required careful handling, as we had to ensure they were detached without incident or accident. After some head-scratching, we came up with a plan, giving everyone a role to play, and we executed the task flawlessly.
Removing the Ramps
With the spuds removed, we turned our attention to the ramps. The process was tedious but necessary to ensure that our load was secure for the journey ahead. We took our time with this step, understanding the importance of safety and precision while making this happen.
Final Prep for the Road
After hours of hard work, we finally prepared the barge for the road. We affixed our oversized load banners, ensuring that other drivers would understand the size of our cargo. With everything in place, we felt a mix of excitement and nervousness as we set off on our journey across Canada, ready to take on whatever lay ahead.
Our experiences so far have taught us the value of resourcefulness and community support. Each task, whether big or small, is an important cog in the wheel of the machine that is our new life.
If you’re interested in learning more about our journey, check out our Season 1 Playlist for more insights into our life on the island.
Finally, remember to always plan ahead and work together. Whether you’re moving a barge or building your off-grid life, teamwork makes all the difference!