This call for volunteers is for the 1st phase of much-needed maintenance efforts of our existing 4 Winter Shelters (Swampy, Nordeen, Swede, and AC/DC) our club maintains. Based on our 1st round on 10/9, folks found this job easier than expected, pretty enjoyable, and incredibly valuable. The weather on Friday should be pleasant and not too chilly.
The exterior cracks and “checks” in the bottom 3 logs that face upward get filled in with a time-tested and traditional product – Oakum. It is strands of Hemp fibers that are soaked in Pine Tar and then worked into the cracks to repeal water. It is a straight-forward task. In round 1 last Friday, we found ways to be more efficient, with the work is executed by a team, each with specific task steps assigned. With the use of the provided Nitrile gloves and task teams, we did not get our footwear, clothes, or skin that messy. I bring a good hand cleaner (for after we remove the gloves) and it is possible to clean our hands to eat lunch.
We will work to towards completing filling cracks with Oakum at AC/DC this autumn. Our 2nd team workday will be Friday 10/16. I anticipate that at least 2 more workdays to complete this work at AC/DC – this old shelter has serious cracks to fill. We discovered the date this shelter was built – 1990. So this old but sturdy shelter is already 36 years old.
Please note that Pine Tar is messy and has a strong odor. It is wise for each participant to test their tolerance of the Pine Tar odor and not participate if unacceptable to you. We will do this at the Carpool meeting site.
Also, the hike into AC/DC is about 1.25 miles each way and some of the paths are rough and require log step-overs. Hiking boots are strongly recommended. Personally, I use one hiking pole for additional balance – I suggest bringing one.
What to bring: please ensure you have the following required PPE:
- hard hat (let me know if you need one)
- Sturdy footwear – hiking boots are strongly recommended. Pine Tar may drip on your footwear, which will definitely leave a residue and odor.
- Hiking poles for balance
- Long sleeved shirt and long pants – it is possible that some Pine Tar/Linseed Oil mix may get on your clothing. I recommend old clothing that you don’t mind getting messy and smelly.
- Eye protection – will be provided if you don’t have it.
- a pack with pack lunch and plenty of water. We will bring in supplies in (2) 5-gal buckets. Two volunteers will need to carry a bucket each (with modest weight).
Provided personal equipment:
- Disposable Nitrile gloves
- Safety glasses
- Towels to clean gloves/tools/hands of Pine Tar/Linseed Oil mess and hand cleaner.
- Tools, Liquids, and messy towels/gloves will be carried out in the covered 5-gal buckets.
Carpooling: Meet at the Cascade Lakes Welcome Center at 9:00 to sort out carpooling. Contact me if you want to meet us at the Edison Sno-Park instead.
Contact person: Gary Elnan
