The last two months have gone by fast. George has been in Alberta since the beginning of February. He did come home for 5 days with Christine during her spring break and also at the beginning of March for a couple of days to put the small dock to shore and ramp back up.
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| The barge and small dock after it took off |
On March 12, we had the Storm of the Year with 50+ knots and water spouts in the bay. Because the wind was more east than southeast, the barge took the brunt of the wind. Consequently, with such high gusting winds, the barge pulled the bull rails off the small dock to shore. Only three lines were holding the barge, one to the main dock, one to shore and one to the old junk barge in front. The line to shore pulled the pin out of the rock and when it broke lose, the weight of the barge pulled the small dock away from the pile and away from the main dock. Everything was floating. What a scary thing to see. The ramp was still attached at the top but the end was in the water. That afternoon when the wind died down, Doug came over and helped me tie one end of the barge to a pile to keep it from swinging. I did not sleep well that night that is for sure.
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| After it was secured the next day |
The next day, Doug and Bob secured the barge lengthwise along the main dock and it is still there now.
When George came home, we were able to get the ramp up, using the high tide and ropes as pulleys. When the tide went down, we were able to secure the small dock under it and fasten it around the pile and to the main dock. The old junk barge is now on the beach and will be emptied and dismantled.
George should be home in the next week or so. We can get ready for the summer. Lots to work to do and the weather has finally turned around.
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| After George and I secured everything. |
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| Nice and straight now and clean! |
April 1 I saw our first hummingbird and am glad I put the feeder out early. Robins have been digging for worms and the juncos like the bird feeder. The falcon is back and the warblers. Tulips and daffodils are ready to bloom and the trees have a green tinge. Signs of spring for sure. Winter was harsh with nasty winds and lots and lots of rain.
Have to get busy now and clean the store, plant flowers and mow the grass (yes, it did grow oodles). Can't get to the Pub yet and there is no water or power on the dock, but will be as soon as George gets back. George put the small generator on the barge so I can pump the bilge. 