2012 at the Hammond Barn

[RHClarke]

The drive to the Hammond barn took extra time this morning due to a very thick ground fog. It kind of reminded me of the daily drive I used to take from Chezzetcook to Halifax back in the day. You could count on a thick fog on most mornings.

The fog was due to a heat spell we are "suffering" through. Today's high was 24 oC - perhaps a new record. I ain't complaining! The meter of snow and ice on my front (north facing) lawn has gone. We can see grass. At the barn, you could see mud everywhere.

When I eventually got to the barn, I found that the boys had Lucifer going yesterday. The old folks must be suffering from the rheumatism... After making sure that the flames were out, I shut off the circulation fan and went to inspect the shelters. The 45 HUP shelter was dry, but the heat had put a good sweat on the HUP.

While awaiting the arrival of Grant and Bob, got busy with the welder trying to patch up some soda cracker rust damage on the divider wall kick plate. I was so into the welding task, I didn't notice Bob sneaking up on me. His surprising "hello" startled me and I burned a larger hole in the kick plate. It was time to change task anyway. Grant towed my HUP out into the sunshine and in a few minutes the condensation on the truck was gone.

Bob and Grant decided to change the oil on Bob's Ford, so out came the custom made ramp set. Bob's design seemed to work OK, but he soon realized that there could be an improvement on the design - he can fill us in on that. The boys spent the morning together snuggled up under the truck changing the truck's oil and filters.

After a quick tea in Rockland, we headed back to the barn for more fun. Guy arrived just after we returned and made a dramatic entrance with his Argo. He also showed off the railway lamp he converted to modern standards. Unfortunately, I had to get back home at 2 PM to finish up some business work. Hopefully, the boys will chime in with their goings on.

Photos

1 - Ramped up - good ground clearance!
2 - The utility of Bob's design - note that the incline on the right side of the pic has been moved
3 - I think they were having breakfast...
4 - The Argo arrives!