This is the result of about 100 bucket loads of rock and fill and dirt.  About another 15 to go.  Am using the rocky topsoil that I have screened for the topmost layer, and then will finish with some imported screened topsoil.  This will eventually give us a nice level area, likely a small lawn, that will morph into the natural topography.

This is the soil I am using.  It is on the far side of the shop and was mounded up when the site was prepped.  There is way more than you can see in this photo.  I plan, in the future, to use the excavated area for another garage or equipment shed.  But there is a lot of dirt and rock to move first.  We have more than we need or can use.  Better than the other way round.  Bobcat working well, but had two flats in the last few weeks.

This is the view from the lower side of the rock wall where I have just (almost) finished the stairs, the wall and backfilling the leveling the lower area.  It will make two nice areas and a much easier transition between the two levels, as well as a few raised flower beds so the deer don’t have to bend their necks too far down.

The stairs were fun to make – sort of a design-as-you-build project – but rather time consuming.  They are constructed of 4x4s with 3/8″ 6″ lags and are filled with rock, crushed rock, sand and pebbles.  The trick was to build up the lower large supporting rocks while at the same time building the stairs and the upper rock wall.  Some of the wood extends into the hill and has rock sitting on it.  Next step is to finish the final backfilling and top dressing of the upper and lower areas.

Finally got around to cutting down three small trees to open up a view from the driveway to a rock face.  Will likely have to trim a few bushes as well.  I am rather fond of rock (good thing).

This wood is from some fallen or dead trees, ready to be split by the mighty Mizuho and used next winter in the basement.

Finally found a use for some Japanese screens (shiorido I think) that we have had for 20 years. Mizuho put on some wood preservative and some stain. They were not as opaque as I had expected, but will do the job of screening the propane tanks.