As luck would have it, the annual heli lift scheduled for 24-27 September, had a consistent forecast for heavy rain, the first for many weeks if not months. But under the calm and organized eye of Keith Battersby, the plan just rolled along regardless. Stove pellets, propane tanks, construction materials, domestic supplies, outhouse barrels… were all collected, transported and organized at the trailhead on Thursday night.
Matt, Ray and Jim relaxing at the trail head after the prep work is done. The only thing not damp is their spirits.
On Friday morning, Gabriel, the heli pilot was happily able to bring the schedule forward in response to a clearing weather window. Then it was the usual scramble to load and unload the nets between heli loads to the hut and also to the outhouse at Cobalt Lake. After a few hours, everything was pretty much where it needed to be. Great work team!
Keith, Erich and John with a load ready to fly down
Next load arriving.
2 tonnes of pellets were flown up - this pile has to be moved one last time for storage.
Over the rest of the weekend the team turned their attention to maintenance, everyone was busy. On these weekends it’s more of a hive than a hut really.
Matt’s list of maintenance tasks accomplished: Hut outhouse cleaned, Wind turbines dismantled and brought down to hut, Pee closet leak fixed, Put up snow pole & removed fire sign, Loft window caulked, Kick on entry pony wall replaced, sealed, and upgraded, Front barn door sanded & primed, Loft bunk bed assembled, Stovetops and kitchen counter seam recaulked. Kitchen drawer fronts and cabinet doors deep cleaned, blue panels repainted, Awesome drawer sorted and re-awesomed.
Awesome indeed, thanks all for your time, energy and expertise. Hišimy̓awiƛ is in great shape, stocked and ready for winter!