The weather is chilly, alternating between sun and rain, sleet and wind. Although construction began only yesterday, we already sense an urgency at the challenge we face, as the daylight dwindles with each passing day. We can understand why Urquhart Castle's location was chosen, as it is probably the most inaccessible castle in all of Scotland. The location is dramatic, but the logistics a nightmare.

MONDAY: First thing, the army tents are erected to protect the tools from the elements. The oak for the trebuchets arrive by barge from Inverness to the base of the castle. As the barge could get no closer than about 20' from the shore, the heroic Donny and his 4-wheel drive forklift, with axles underwater, unload the 12,000 board feet of timber to the site. An even bigger challenge is getting the 49' long oak log (42" diameter at the butt end) ashore; weighing 11,000 pounds, the log is massive. and will serve as a throwing arm for one of the trebuchets.

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Key: (9) Tent City, army tents erected to shield the tools. (10) Donny, magician and master of the forklift, unloads the barge. (11) A rainbow appears over Muriel's bow. (12) The 11,000 pound oak log emerges from the water, guided by the forklift and Al Anderson, in waders all afternoon. (13) The future throwing arm, with cooper Jim Kricker's skill. (14) Why are these people smiling? Joel McCarty and Laura Brown with raindrops on the camera lens. (15) Mike Goldberg demonstrates the boring machine to Michail Schutte and Derwyn Hanney. (16, 17) Ruins of Urquhart Castle, as the sun sets on the first day of work.

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