BajaNomad - Recyling Shells--Inexpensive Dust Killer

Recyling Shells--Inexpensive Dust Killer

DianaT - 7-15-2010 at 08:35 PM

It is illegal to collect large amounts of shells on the preserve, like from that fantastic shell beach by San Rafeal. But it is legal to collect and use the ones with the holes sort of like using industrial waste.

Moreno and Rudy had the truck so full the back end was almost dragging on the ground---for what we negotiated, we did not expect so many. Removing the tailgate was fun!

Quite a job unloading

Rudy and his great smile after I suggested that they might not want to use that spare tire for any long distance travel. That tire gave new meaning to no tread.

The major pile of shells

The next day John and I spread the shells around and were surprised that the one load covered the backyard. Well, my back told me we must have covered 10 backyards.

Later that day we had a leaking outside faucet and realized we had covered over the main water shut off with shells. :fire:

We now have one stepping stone with an arrow painted on it ---points to where the shut off is. :yes

The shells are a little strange for walking until you get used to them. They are an inexpensive way to cut down on the dust and give the dogs fewer places to roll in the dirt after their daily swim.

[Edited on 7-16-2010 by DianaT]

Iflyfish - 7-15-2010 at 08:44 PM

It looks like holes are punched or drilled out of those shells. Is that so?

Iflyfish

DianaT - 7-15-2010 at 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Iflyfish
It looks like holes are punched or drilled out of those shells. Is that so?

Iflyfish

In years past, Jose Luis Ogawa who now owns the Internet Cafe had a factory in Punta Prieta that punched the holes in the shells, and sent the round buttons to Japan for the game Go. But that factory is no longer in operation. He had quite a large operation, large for the area.

Among the pile of shells there were some of the tools used to punch the holes---was interesting. That is why using the shells in this fashion is legal---they are no longer totally natural.

From an earlier post that Shari made, it sounds like there is still a similar factory going---don't know anything about it.

[Edited on 7-16-2010 by DianaT]

shari - 7-16-2010 at 06:58 AM

Jose Luis's brother runs the operation in Asuncion that was still in operation last year periodically but word on the calle is that the Japanese company found a cheaper source so things came to a halt but all the punching machines etc. are still there ready to spring into action if an order comes through.
That shell beach area by san Rafael supported a family and a few other folks who collect the shells are called concheros. Once in awhile an order comes in for certain shells and the unemployed can be seen out in the shell dumps filling gunnysacks.

Iflyfish - 7-16-2010 at 07:05 AM

Love Go, which used to be used as the first Civil Service test in China. How well you did determined your job and GSR. It is a fun game and I have had my burro kicked pretty good by a Zen master of the game in my impetuous youth.

Very interesting that such an obscure game, in such a far away place, would generate employment in Asuncion!? Who'd have guessed it.

Always something to learn on Nomads.

Iflyfishinwonderofmankindsingenuity

elgatoloco - 7-16-2010 at 07:09 AM

The bad thing about shells is you can't sneak back into the house late at night after partying with the locals without waking somebody up.

elgatoloco - 7-16-2010 at 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Iflyfish
Love Go, which used to be used as the first Civil Service test in China. How well you did determined your job and GSR. It is a fun game and I have had my burro kicked pretty good by a Zen master of the game in my impetuous youth.

Very interesting that such an obscure game, in such a far away place, would generate employment in Asuncion!? Who'd have guessed it.

Always something to learn on Nomads.

Iflyfishinwonderofmankindsingenuity

Speaking of far away and obscure facts. I was once told by a local the story of how the water that is used as ballast for the ships hauling salt back to Japan out of GN is freshwater runoff from Mt. Fuji and is used on Cedros by the inhabitants. I dont care if it's true or not it makes for a nice story.

It's a small world after all.

DianaT - 7-16-2010 at 07:42 AM

Quote:

Well, not really too surprising. Jose Luis Ogawa is Mexican, but his father was Japanese/Mexican. And Jose Luis has spent some time in Japan and while his first language is Spanish, he also speaks Japanese and English. He did say the cheaper source is what shut down his business.

But he is a creative business man---thus he has the internet cafe in Bahia Asuncion where he also sells fishing gear, he repairs computers, and he has the entire town of Punta Prieta set up to use his wireless --- and a few other ventures.

Also, if you happen to visit the really nice village of Punta Prieta, you can't help but notice the lack of trash and the very tidy yards. Even left over junk is so neatly piled in yards ---it really is VERY noticeable. Jose Luis told us that his wife started the clean up movement in Punta Prieta and it took.

[Edited on 7-16-2010 by DianaT]

shari - 7-16-2010 at 07:59 AM

Hi Jack!!! that is a true story and the ships that bring the salt to Vancouver to spread on the icy canuck highways, are filled with the lovely fresh runoff water from Toba Inlet...also used by Cedros residents for drinking water and to wash the salt.

BajaGringo - 7-16-2010 at 08:06 AM

What some folks do here is mix the shells with small beach rocks/pebbles or volcanic gravel. Walking on it breaks down the shells and leaves a nice look as well IMHO...

DianaT - 7-16-2010 at 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGringo
What some folks do here is mix the shells with small beach rocks/pebbles or volcanic gravel. Walking on it breaks down the shells and leaves a nice look as well IMHO...

That is an interesting idea. These shells are very thick, do you think it would work with them?

Russ - 7-16-2010 at 08:53 AM

We have a beach, San Marcos Tierra, that is about 6' deep with these shell pieces. I think the guy that started selling them by the 1/2 truck load was chased off the beach and now there are signs up forbidding the taking of shell. Also fences to block access.

conchitas.jpg - 47kB

DianaT - 7-16-2010 at 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Russ
We have a beach, San Marcos Tierra, that is about 6' deep with these shell pieces. I think the guy that started selling them by the 1/2 truck load was chased off the beach and now there are signs up forbidding the taking of shell. Also fences to block access.

To try and avoid that is the reason they allow the collecting of the shells with the holes. Actually, they sort of turn their backs on the taking of a few of the others just for home use, but the commercial taking of them is something different. But things will change as that area draws more people.

At my sister's north of San Quintin, some have concessions for collecting certain beach rocks that end up in the US. And we have a place just north of Catavina we like to stop at for the dogs. There is road that leads out to the beach and there is now a sign on that road that states that one company has the concession for all of the beach rocks.

So, we are happy to have the big old ones with holes in them---but that gravel idea is interesting. I would like to have them break down.

BajaGringo - 7-16-2010 at 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DianaT

Quote:

That is an interesting idea. These shells are very thick, do you think it would work with them?

Even though the shells are thick, they are basically brittle and in time they will break down. If you have them mixed with rock they will develop soft, rounded edges a lot faster too...

DianaT - 7-16-2010 at 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGringo

Quote:

Originally posted by DianaT

Quote:

That is an interesting idea. These shells are very thick, do you think it would work with them?

Even though the shells are thick, they are basically brittle and in time they will break down. If you have them mixed with rock they will develop soft, rounded edges a lot faster too...

Anxious to try that--thanks.

Russ - 7-16-2010 at 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DianaT
To try and avoid that is the reason they allow the collecting of the shells with the holes. Actually, they sort of turn their backs on the taking of a few of the others just for home use, but the commercial taking of them is something different. But things will change as that area draws more people.

Oh, there are plenty of people here now. And my guess is that 30% or more have these shells. I have about 20 loads and my area isn't that large. Originally $15/load, 100 sq. ft. per. Now $30 so there are more trying to sell loads. Not many takers though.

mtgoat666 - 7-16-2010 at 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DianaT
The next day John and I spread the shells around and were surprised that the one load covered the backyard. Well, my back told me we must have covered 10 backyards.

ya, but is it still comfy to walk around in bare feet?

DianaT - 7-16-2010 at 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

Originally posted by DianaT
The next day John and I spread the shells around and were surprised that the one load covered the backyard. Well, my back told me we must have covered 10 backyards.

ya, but is it still comfy to walk around in bare feet?

Actually, not too bad--but would like them to break down a little.

And, I tend to walk barefoot in the back more than in the front unless we are on the beach. There are too many critters that sting in those dunes out front. :biggrin:

woody with a view - 7-16-2010 at 04:27 PM

love it!

Bia and i will relish the day we can gather a truck load ourselves and make a nice garden path along our little stretch 'o heaven.....

elgatoloco - 7-16-2010 at 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
Hi Jack!!! that is a true story and the ships that bring the salt to Vancouver to spread on the icy canuck highways, are filled with the lovely fresh runoff water from Toba Inlet...also used by Cedros residents for drinking water and to wash the salt.

Cool!

rts551 - 7-17-2010 at 10:25 AM

One down side. Weeding is more difficult with the shells.

BajaBlanca - 7-17-2010 at 09:54 PM

we have shells all around our house and it has so cut down on dust in the house

we use it for security - you can hear someone walking or driving on it right away

shari - 7-18-2010 at 08:09 AM

another down side to consider before getting shells...
we were sooooo happy with our shells on our patio for the first few months...but after awhile, they got REALLY grundgy looking as they got ground into the sand, animal hair, bits of garbage gathered in them etc...plus scorpions and bugs LOVE living under them. We finally had to dig em all up to get them out of there and we put laja rock down which is far nicer and cleaner. they look awesome in the beginning though but i wouldnt use them again.

DianaT - 7-18-2010 at 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
..but after awhile, they got REALLY grundgy looking as they got ground into the sand, animal hair, bits of garbage gathered in them etc...plus scorpions and bugs LOVE living under them.

From the shells we had there before, we have already figured out how to maintain them and avoid those problems.

Bajaboy - 7-18-2010 at 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DianaT

Quote:

From the shells we had there before, we have already figured out how to maintain them and avoid those problems.

Please don't hold out on us...we're all waiting to hear how smart you are. I hate stepping on those prickly little things.

Bob and Susan - 7-18-2010 at 09:55 AM

wear shoes :lol:

we don't get garbage in our shells
if something blows in we pick it up

if they get dirty... just water them off

scorpions dissappear if you get rig of their food source
here it's the crickets

no crickets = no scorpions

norte - 7-18-2010 at 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajaboy

Quote:

Originally posted by DianaT

Quote:

From the shells we had there before, we have already figured out how to maintain them and avoid those problems.

Please don't hold out on us...we're all waiting to hear how smart you are. I hate stepping on those prickly little things.

Wow. living in Ascuncion must be tough. or is it just this board

BajaGringo - 7-18-2010 at 11:36 AM

We put down a granular insecticide every three months all around the house and it goes a long way to keep out scorpions, spiders, ants, fleas and all other kinds of crawling bugs we would prefer not to find in our bed...

DianaT - 7-18-2010 at 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGringo
We put down a granular insecticide every three months all around the house and it goes a long way to keep out scorpions, spiders, ants, fleas and all other kinds of crawling bugs we would prefer not to find in our bed...

We always use bug bombs when we leave for a while, and use other sprays as needed that I HATE, but I am wondering what type of granular insecticide you use----the dogs are always a consideration as I am sure they are for you. :yes:

[Edited on 7-18-2010 by DianaT]

BajaGringo - 7-18-2010 at 01:43 PM

We us a good, broad spectrum insecticide by Ortho that we bring down with us.

The nice thing about this kind of ground cover is that the small granules quickly settle down into the crevices between the rock/shell mixture. Below the pads of the dogs feet but right where the bugs love to hide...

DianaT - 7-18-2010 at 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGringo
We us a good, broad spectrum insecticide by Ortho that we bring down with us.

The nice thing about this kind of ground cover is that the small granules quickly settle down into the crevices between the rock/shell mixture. Below the pads of the dogs feet but right where the bugs love to hide...

Thanks----still thinking about adding those rocks to the mix.

[Edited on 7-18-2010 by DianaT]