Mike comes to Rendezvous

In May, Abby's big brother, Mike, came to the lodge to assist with some big projects that frankly were more than I could get done alone. It was so wonderful that he came, added his expertise, his still strong back, and a pair of willing hands. We achieved an amazing amount in just two short weeks.

I'm far behind in posting on on some of the things that have happened this year at the lodge, but the help Mike provided is at the forefront of my thoughts. Everyday we were up at the crack of dawn ... and often before, We had a crew staying at the lodge that needed to get to work over in Redonda Bay and they wanted to be gone before 5:30 am. So, since we were up anyway we were off to work on projects ourselves. During the time Mike was here, I'm afraid all we did was work. I sure hope he'll come back again, but this time for a bit of fishing and enjoyment!

Some of the projects we worked on involved concrete. I can't even recall all of the projects we mixed concrete in a wheel barrow for. We poured new post bases for some of the posts on the heli-pad, post bases for some stair posts, and on and on. This spring we mixed over 80 bags primarily to repair winter storm damage.

Having an electrical background from working with his electrical contractor father, Mike traced down several circuit problems and fixed them. In the process we found a propane leak and fixed that, too. I'm real glad we found that!

We tore out the front slab stairs that lead from the main deck to the first landing as well as the slab stairs that go to the basement. In the process of rebuilding them, we found a drain line for runoff that ran through the basement and under the stairs and to the ocean. Of course, it was plugged so we took it out and replaced it. That led to another project ... developing a "French Drain" for the lodge. First, we installed new drainage pipe under the lodge itself. Then we dug a trench about 8" deep to carry the perforated drain pipe as well as holes for two catch basins. We got the pipes and basins installed with everything prepared for the drainage rock. Fortunately, I found three 20 somethings who needed some day work to bring the rock up from the beach and install it.

The fun didn't stop there. Mike built a much needed deck in the basement to provide additional storage for "necessary" items. In order to complete that project we had to move 30 years worth of junk and clutter out of the basement on to the deck. (I should note that all of the stuff was left by prior owners) We sorted the stuff into piles of junk, retain, and donate ... and then dealt with it all. Looks great, eh!

Unbelievably, we even had time to rebuild a couple of homemade skylights so Abby would have clean skylights in the kitchen. She loves it.

I'm certain I've left out lots of other things we did ... like making dinner for the crew when our cook couldn't make it to the lodge. We did a great job, I think. At least the guys were happy they got dinner.

Thanks again Mike for all of your hard work. You are so much fun to be with and work with. I don't know what possessed you to come, but I'm sure glad you did.