A neighbor with a mini-excavator was hired to dig the canal and the larger pond. 
We did NOT care to dig all of that by hand.
But there signs at the far end of the layout that completion may actually exist. The small pond is starting to fill in.
The inner loop of track is usable and the village of Fowlerville has been established.
We are using a higher grade of birdhouses for the outdoor layout than what we have for our shows, they seem well made and may actually hold up outdoors.
Oh…and another ton of rocks. Rip rap this time.
Dismal Creek Railroad 