Monday, December 6, 2010

Container Repairs—Stage 2 Complete!

A handful of dedicated volunteers hauled their butts out of bed this past (chilly) Sunday morning, hauled gear and equipment (including a portable generator), hauled coffee and bagels, hauled sheet metal and extension cords, hauled oars and old equipment out and back into containers, and hauled tools and sacks of mystery gear around to fix parts and shoo away mice—all in the name of the last work day of the year. (The mice were my favorite part, as well as Martin’s break dancing and, of course, pop-riveting some ornery flaps of metal into place.)

Masochists? Well, sorta. But if you don't remember the sorry state of our containers, with their leaky and rusting roofs, check out this photo showing what they USED to look like.

Those holes were covered this summer; the leaks in the fence-side container, which caused the floor boards to rot, creating several gaping pits, were covered yesterday. They were an eyesore, yes, but also really bad for our equipment. We are extremely indebted to all our volunteers who have made our boat facilities safer (Jessie and Andrea, Terence and Shawn,
Katie and Jenny and Jeff included), but special kudos go to Martin S., the project manager and construction expert who not only planned the repairs, but carried them out with zest and good spirits despite the long hours and frigid wind. Everyone did an amazing job. Though the two hibernating mice weren't too happy about things, we couldn't be more pleased. Thanks!