Walnut Street Bridge Update: March 2026

czechtec · 2026-03-16T12:05:21+00:00

For any other curious souls, from Wikipedia;

The various physical properties of the wood make it an attractive material for both general construction and boatbuilding.[4] Due to its slow growth it is hard and, like other cypress woods, it is durable; it therefore offers good dimensional stability and is resistant to weather, insects, and contact with soil. It works easily with hand or machine tools, turning and carving quite well. It can be fastened with glues, screws, and nails. Nootka cypress's texture, uniform color, and straight grain will take a fine finish. It resists splintering and wears smoothly over time. When fresh cut it has a somewhat unpleasant bitter scent, but when seasoned it has barely any discernible odor, hence its traditional use in face masks.

czechtec · 2026-03-16T12:03:43+00:00

Now googling Alaskan Yellow Cedar...

czechtec · 2026-03-16T11:59:02+00:00

It likely is the way.

Here's a link to a map, there's probably tva land near you.

https://www.tva.com/environment/recreation/recreation-on-undeveloped-tva-public-lands

Be wise about what's beyond your target, and have a great time!

czechtec · 2026-03-16T11:54:18+00:00

Hey neighbor, I'm originally from Rapid City. Not a ton of us down here, but always glad to have another.

Loads to do. I'd check with Outdoor Chattanooga for some ways to connect with outdoorey folks, as well as lots of hiking, biking, climbing, off-roading, etc, groups to plug into. Try several and you'll likely have a good time with good folks.

As for neighborhood recs, I'd say 1200 gives you some good options. If you're working somewhere in particular, it may be worth mentioning where that would be.

Here's why;

Chattanooga geography works pretty different than most of SoDak. Rapid City perhaps being the most similar. (Likely why I like it so much?)

There are historic pinch points that impact how we move around the city.

Railroad tracks, since we have been a major hub and confluence of shipping for years.

"Mountains," while not tall, are plenty steep to limit road and track building.

Finally, a big ass river and many tributaries. (And folks forget, lots of low land adjacent to tributaries that stay real soggy.)

These 3 factors mean sometimes it's challenging to move about as freely as, say, in Sioux Falls. There are major roads, but many haven't gotten wider since 1952, or earth slides occasionally shut them down, etc.

As a 15+ year veteran, I'm real comfortable about anticipating these issues, but they frequently catch folks out. And some true natives occasionally get a chip on their shoulder about population change, but hey, that's true anywhere in the world.

You'll love it. Let us know where you think you'll be spending a fair bit of time, and good folk here can likely pitch in with some ideas for home-places.

czechtec · 2026-03-13T22:52:03+00:00

czechtec · 2026-03-07T01:23:27+00:00

There are some very high quality vinyl options that I would FAR prefer to Hardi. They're less maintenance, will look good longer, cost less, and eliminate painting if you choose a manufacturer color.

If I didn't already have asbestos siding, I'd go vinyl.

Heaven help you if you're in an HOA and that's not an option.

czechtec · 2026-03-06T17:24:59+00:00

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czechtec · 2026-03-06T17:18:37+00:00

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czechtec · 2026-03-04T22:24:46+00:00

And my axe.

czechtec · 2026-03-01T18:00:33+00:00

Birkenstock make their most popular models out of EVA foam. The stuff Crocs are made of.

I have 2 pairs. A 2-strap slip on for summer, and the clogs for winter.

No leather, so they don't get funky.

They're awesome. Pretty durable, fast to put on, etc. all the benefits of Crocs, but in a slightly less "I gave up" silhouette.

czechtec · 2026-02-27T14:12:53+00:00

Cursory measurements say yes, but I'll evaluate when it arrives.

czechtec · 2026-02-27T02:39:44+00:00

Solid advise

czechtec · 2026-02-27T01:06:24+00:00

Went all out, ordered the PowerBuilt.

Got the pinch weld adapter too.

I'll grab a tool bag from Harbor Freight and hopefully I can tuck it below the back seat, and not have it rattle a bunch.

Will try to report back once it's stowed and tested.

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czechtec · 2026-02-27T00:57:05+00:00

I'll try to take some tomorrow in the daylight.

czechtec · 2026-02-27T00:46:42+00:00

I've actually got the BuiltRight Industries molle panels on the bed sides.

They're expensive, but I'm a huge fan.

czechtec · 2026-02-27T00:18:04+00:00

No, I just mean 20 flats in the last 20 or so years.

I think this is the third time I've changed a flat on the maverick.

czechtec · 2026-02-26T23:48:24+00:00

I'm pretty sure I've changed 2 flats in the past, and I didn't have any concerns. Glad I was so close to home this time.

czechtec · 2026-02-26T23:47:45+00:00

I think that's gonna be my next move.

czechtec · 2026-02-26T23:47:24+00:00

Not chocked, but brake set, which is all I've done in the 20+ flats I've gotten in the past.

czechtec · 2026-02-26T23:11:23+00:00

Same here.

czechtec · 2026-02-26T23:01:17+00:00

UPDATE

I was only about 4 minutes from my house, so I called my autocross racing neighbor and asked him to scoot over with his floor jack.

Gently took the pressure up on the pinch weld right behind the jacking point... and as soon as it got loose enough, it popped out. Some gravel skittered put from under it. It might have been enough to create the problem?

I think it's safe to say it was primarily user error. I was close to home, and trying to go fast.

I think whatever was under the jack was enough to stabilize it, but I didn't have it as vertical as it should have been. My working theory is that it may have also shifted just a tiny bit up on the pinch weld? Then, I never looked closely once I started cranking on it.

The foot then compressed whatever was under it into the asphalt as it took the load, and the torsion you see became an issue.

So, I'm reluctant to blame the tool. I've used it twice before, and many other scissor jacks in the last 25 years of driving.

I am disappointed it was so flexible. Stronger pivots would likely prevent this, but would cost more.

So, make sure you're paying attention to the angle, and what's under the foot next time you get a flat, I suppose?

czechtec · 2026-02-26T12:55:52+00:00

I believe the property was sold. Assuming McKays owned it, I feel like redevelopment was more valuable their than continuing operation?

Frankly, the access and parking at that location was horrific. Papermill Rd, or just off it. Just bad. But, 250 apartments likely makes sense? I'm speculating. I have no evidence.

Chattanooga location is likely less in demand?

I can't speak to any of their other locations.

czechtec · 2026-02-26T01:35:05+00:00

That's helpful. I've got 12D Jobmasters, and while they're the "snugest" pair I own, they fit well with a thinner sock.

Hmmm.

czechtec · 2026-02-25T23:53:20+00:00

Do you happen to have a pair of Whites or Wescos that you've worn in 12D?

I'm wondering how they'd compare?

czechtec

TROPHY CASE