2009 Conservation Holiday

In 2009, the goal was to refurbish the old cabin lying 20 m south of Merv and Anne's car-port. The cabin, which Merv has suggested be called "Inspiration Inn", was sagging a little and twisted. We cleaned it out, removed the mossy shingles, un-twisted her with come-alongs and then jacked her up out of the dirt. In the coming weeks, more workers will power-wash the insides, re-install the windows and door, clad a roof and then think about interior walls and, eventually, a bed, study desk and chairs.

The dream is to have the cabin available for visitors coming to work with Merv, who are doing research at Wildwood, or who need a quiet place with a magnificent view to write or create art.

This year's workers: Michelle, Steven, Jeff, Stewart, Alex, and Charles

Leaders (the usual suspects): Roger, Jay and Nina

Congrats to the folk who biked to the holiday: Michelle, Steven, Alex and Charles

Congrats to Nina and Jay for procuring and growing a large portion of the food.

Here are some images (click on the slide shows to see a larger version):

Friday

Tools get assembled, people arrive and we all go for a swim at the end of Ladysmith harbour.

Saturday

Roger introduces us to the cabin project, Alex and Jeff get cleaning, Michelle and Steven remove shingles, Stewart does removal, Roger does his foreman role... ...later we jack 'er up, dip up the old footings, and then pour concrete to set the footings. Jeff stains the car-port. Dip in the Nanaimo River, some folks went to the Crow & Gate for a pint, amazing East Indian dinner by Nina and Jay (with Charles doing prep-work)! Dusk by the fire!

Sunday

Steven and Michelle brace the roof inside, Nina measures and Jay works his chainsaw magic to get the posts done, Stewart paints post ends, Alex cuts the 3rd beam. A few of the team have a long sit with Merve. A UVic group comes to visit. A big lunch of sanwiches, egg-salad and Indian food left-overs. The team begins to disperse - a job well done!