HITW News

After three days of rain stopping construction, the last three days of sunshine has been great at the HITWRA. Finally got the sub roof on and finished papering it today so now I am ready to start laying the lap (not lop) sided roofing material. Going to be a time consuming project since each end piece has to be angled cut, but "I will git'er done". Although, probably not as time consuming as it was to lay the sub roof since things do not seem to be quite square! Did I tell you that already - four sided structure and not one wall is the same! But, I will prevail - might not be pretty but it is going to be hell for strong.

As I was laying roofing yesterday and talking to my son-in laws under my breath, the hostess got out the big weed eater and started cutting grass. Looking pretty good. The flowering bushes are alive, but do not seem to be producing well, the Wolf's Den flowering bush still has one one pink flower. The Moose Wallow bush has one yellow flower. The Bear Den and the Buffalo Wallow, their bushes have almost leafed out.

Finally got the best of "Butch" and "Sundance", I made sure the lid on the cookie jar was sealed down tight and left it on the counter just to tease them. The next morning a hole the size of my fist was gnawed in the lid and every cookie was gone. They must have used a ladder, there is no way they could have got out of that jar but they did escape. We are getting much friendlier and it won't be long before they will be taking food from my fingers. There name is appropriate, if you have ever seen the movie, they are two country bumpkins! The first time I gave them un-shelled peanuts, the next morning every peanut was still in the feeder but they had been chewed on but not opened. I shelled three of them to show them that their food was inside, since then, it has been a peanut battle between the two of them. Yesterday, Butch was in the feeder and Sundance was on the ground. Every once in awhile, Butch would pick up a peanut and drop it over the side to Sundance. Ruger still watches them, but he has learned that they are not for chasing.

On myfourrrth glass of Wine-A-Rita, going to try to get up and do a little Silver prospecting in the morning, the tides are right. Last year, on August 1st, Brother Bill and I limited out and released a bunch of fish on an evening tide - just perhaps it will occur once again.

May I suggest this improvement to the mess tent.

Appropriately Named

Having been rained out of the HITW for the past 72 hours, I was able to once again return this afternoon to the project. I did manage to get one more section of the sub roof in before the dew drops once again cancelled work. However, I was there long enough to justify to myself that the Little Poopah and myself appropriately named "Sundance Kid" and "Butch Cassidy", they are very intelligent little outlaws.

When vacating their site, the Wolf Clan left behind a gallon jar of animal crackers that was about three quarters full. Through the humid summer, they have become stale, consequently I have been using them to get friendly with our little residents. The evening prior to the monsoon, the jar of cookies which was about half full was sitting on the counter. I remember distinctly checking the lid on the jar and making sure it was secure. Knowing that there was no way that they could get into the jar, I left it on the counter. Seventy two hours elapsed and on my return, I immediately went to get some snacks for our little furry friends since they had been ignored for three days. Much to my surprise, the lid is laying on the counter and the jar is nearly empty. I do not know how many of their friends joined in the party, but no way could the two of them eat that many crackers. Examining the lid, there are tiny tooth marks around the lid, somehow they manage to unscrew that cap - perhaps I should install an alarm system or at least a video surveillance camera. You think "Chip" and "Dale" were smart - they do not hold a candle to the infamous Sundance and Butch.

Darn this family is BIG!

Well I for one am going to start planning ahead...okay maybe not ahead...but...sister...could you find a way to put a calendar on this site...one we can put dates into...like fishing derbies...plans for trips south...BIRTHDAYS.....so heads up
July closing off with Riley....August...Warren....Heather is around here somewhere...see I cant make it past my crew (notice I did not put a date for R hehe)....help I am getting to old for Birthday's!!!!!!!

New Residents

Since spending some wonderful hours in the peace and tranquility of the HITWRA, I have discovered that we have several new residents that seem real comfortable in the surroundings and the benefits of being in a hide-out. Although, I suspect as many as four, but for sure we have two resident squirrels (not counting the one that drowned) that have become brave enough to come out of their home in the alders to see what all the noise is.

Watching them for a few days as they tried to sneak into the cook tent to steal a tidbit of food, I decided it was time that they be welcomed as the Squirrel Clan. The first step was to establish boundaries, so the bird feeder in the Birch Tree was activated. They must have been watching, it took them about ten minutes to discover the buffet of bread crumbs. Since then, I have put them on a diet of animal crackers (Thanks to the Wolf Clan) and peanuts. We are now up to five feedings per day. They seem to be quite content sharing their feeder with the two Camp Robbers that just happened to fly in one day and take up residency. After two days of feeding, this evening I got up to within 18 inches to get this photographs before Ruger showed up. By fall, they will be sitting around he fire pit with us. If you are wondering if they have been named, they have. As of today, my apprentice and I decided since they were such little robbers and they live in the Hole In the Wall, the only names they could have is "Sundance Kid" and "Butch Cassidy". In time, we may be able to tell which one is which. Your next visit to the HITW, make sure you bring un-shelled peanuts. We are trying to maintain a healthy diet for them so please do not bring salted or barbecued flavor peanuts, as it gives them gas.

"'SUNDANCE"

"BUTCH"

NEW CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

IN POSTING BELOW!!!!!

Construction Updated

First Story Rafters Are Finally In Place

And Ready For The Sub-Roof

Aerial View Taken While Making A Quick

Entry Into the HITW Via Zip Line

It is now time for the quiz that I promised following Day 3 construction. Part of the materials for this project included forty (40) pounds of nails, to build the the Gazebo as well as re-stock my supply bins. How many nails were utilized in the construction phase to date?

Construction Update

First Day

Second Day

Third Day

The roof support framing completed today and the commencement of the rafter placement. Progress is slow, but little interruptions like a squirrel in the empty garbage can be a distracting, plus just a lot of thinking time over a cup of coffee, enjoying the sun. You should carefully watch the construction phase pictures as there will be a guessing game upon completion, the person with the correct guess will be awarded a prize.

Like most construction jobs, we endeavor to train those interested in the carpentry industry and learn the trades so we do offer an "Apprenticeship Program" to those who qualify. All safety requirements are strictly adhered to while working on a job site with overhead construction.

Great Fish(erman)

One more look of that 15.5 Pound Silver Salmon that won the 2006 Vern Harrington Memorial Silver Salmon Derby sponsored by the Hole In the Wall Recreational Area Recreational Committee

HITW Update, Again

Had a small set back in the construction phase of the HITW Gazebo, I have lost the construction trailer that I was going to utilize to haul and store my tools, someone came along and decided they needed it worst than I did. The bad thing about it is that Ranger Bill also lost his travel trailer.

Day 1: However, I was able to put Plan "B" in affect. Spent a couple of hours sorting through sticks and parts at Home Depot on Friday. According to my plans I have enough to complete the job - but knowing my carpentry skills several more trips to SBS, Home Depot, and Anchor Point Hardware will more than likely be required.

Day 2: Little Bull Moose and I got an early start, I have to give the boy credit, he is a great helper in between play periods, but he was always there to help out when I called him in from play. Quite a feat to get 2" x 6" x 12' headers up in the air 9'3" by yourself. Considering filing a claim against the crew that installed the foundation and I never want to hear a word about "slapping a 90". North side of foundation 12' 2.5"; South side of foundation 12' 1"; West side of foundation 11' 9"; East side of foundation 11' 10.5". Now I do not care how you figure it, you cannot covert that into a square. The blueprints had to be modified slightly, (1st Change Order) to accommodate the new un-square foundation. However, no adjustments had to be made to the height, the sonar tubes were perfectly level, if I remember right, someone showed up with a laser level and sighted those in. The framing was accomplished today and all the headers installed. Tomorrows project will include the interior framing of the interior support in preparation for the rafters and roof. Pictures to follow, if I remember the camera.

To insure that it meets code for an interior fireplace, the computation indicates that no fire should exceed six (6) feet in height from ground level with five (5) feet being the safety maximum. Weather was ideal for construction, short sleeve shirt, dry and hot. Weather outlook for Day 3 is similar. It is great to work on a site that has a stove and coffee pot. A great place to work.

visions

I, too, have had a vision.


The earth stood still and all was at rest.
An old eagle stood by to prattle his best.
The bird spoke a silver streak of derbies he'd won,
lightning screaming in the sky, and salmon - 1 by 1.
Sitting on his mighty perch, we've no doubt in his power.
In fact, a wolf learned something within this very hour.

talk is cheap, heroes don't sleep, clans are being punked.
whose words do make the largest heap could very well get skunked.

(providing all the clans can have a member present, or, have AT LEAST a proxy fisherman to enter the fat hen in my dreams .... some of us have to work or the earth quits turning)

Vern Harrington Silver Salmon Derby

This is an official announcement that the 3rd Annual Vern Harrington Silver Salmon Derby will be held on August 11th and 12th this year. As you all know, in the past dad and I would catch a limit of Silver Salmon on his birthday, pose for a picture and in time it became known as the "Birthday Catch". The birthday catch on the left was caught in 1962, just prior to starting my Senior Year in High School. Dad was 49, just thirteen years younger than I am now. Where did the years go?

The first derby was won by the Bear Clan with a Silver that tipped the scales at six pounds. Last year's winner was humbly accepted by the Eagle Clan for his Silver that tipped the scale at 15.5 pounds. I have had a vision, silver streaks across the northern skis representing Silver Salmon running with my line.

To commemorate this vision, I have arranged a special, educational treat to entertain all. "The annual Perseid meteor shower is expected to put on a great show this year." "The Moon will be out of the way, leaving dark skis for good viewing as Earth plunges through an ancient stream of comet debris". The folks at NASA Meteoroid Office at Marshall Space Center says it is "going to be a great show".

To see the show, one need only to find a comfortable spot, away from city lights and a clear view of the northeastern skis. A dark rural location is best according to the space center and those on the western seaboard will have the best observation opportunity. These little rascals are going to be traveling at the rate of 133,200 mph as they slam into our atmosphere. Again, according to the folks from NASA, the best observation time will be the late night of August 12th through the dawn of August 13th.

Is that or is that not a great vision? I know all of you have felt that I have lost my power, but good vision's are hard to come up with, they develop through time. As a side line to this vision, I had a short second vision of me once again holding this giant Silver Salmon as little stars twinkled around me, it was a good vision.

Geeze Gazebo

Geeze, it is time to start working on the Gazebo. The mood to break out the power tools is finally starting to keep me awake at nights. The plans are laid, the "hoss trailer" will be my mobile construction tool shop(if the Belguim mare does not fit), the crews have been trained on the proper way to hammer and even use a saw. I am sure that the contractor, "Eagle and Calves Construction" will do a good job. Tomorrow, the agenda may include making a trip north to pick up a load of sticks, with a six foot bed, I am sure that a six foot overhang is not illegal as long as it is flagged. I did have an architect do a floor plan and artistic impression of the finished product for your information and approval, not that it really matters! After further review of the HITW long range plan and the construction of an addition on my shop to serve as a "fishing tackle room", the next major step is to build a staircase from the Eagle Nest into the HITW with several "resting landings" to break up the number of steps, it may be a project that is put off until spring and less foliage to contend with. The Gazebo is first and within the next week to ten days, we should be sitting around a cozy fire and listening to the raindrops beat upon the roof - hope it doesn't leak! But, that is why "Blue Duck" invented the tarp. Other news in the HITW, the beach flowers at the Wolf Den have gone crazy with erotic flowers sprouting up all over the place - my weed whacker may have to be put to use. The flowering bushes that was placed into the landscaping scheme this spring have all survived and some of them even have leaves on them already. The resident squirrel had a very serious accident, he jumped into the garbage can to get something to chew on and found it to contain only several inches of rain water. Not wearing a PFD (personal flotation device) nor a good swimmer, he succumbed to drowning, only to be discovered by Golden Grannie a few days later. I did skin him out and have his hide stretched on the side of the Wolf Den for drying. I figured if we ever had a "Squirrel Clan" it would come in handy as a loin cloth. The"Duck House" is empty, those little germs that the Plumma gave me devoured everything. I would guess that in a matter of a couple of weeks, we will see a little more activity at the HITW with the Bear Clan visiting on a regular basis to do a little Silver Salmon fishing. Did I tell you that I am now enjoying my first batch of "fresh smoked Silver Salmon" or the fact that I now have twenty (20) cartons of fresh salmon eggs prepped and ready for Silver Salmon season. I did fail to mention in my last posting pertaining to the erection of our sign, while landscaping around the area, I discovered what a lot of people were looking for when the HITW was first developed. One scoop of dirt, and there it was, don't know how long or deep the vein is, but it looks really good. Currently waiting for an assay report.

This is for JD Plumma. Couldn't post it for ya in comments so here are those pillows I told ya about. Flotation for your cardboard boat. They make it in vinyl also. These are plastic / paper. Make your boat resemble a big blue peep(the Blue Duck)

I found one of these up here in Washington, can I keep him, can I, can I?

To All Clansmen,

I will indulge in the habit of drinking more brew if only we could have our own "beer lady" at the HITW. Please insure all members get the opportunity to view the attached video.
Poopah


(children and people at work SHUT you eyes)

Welcome to the Hole In The Wall

Been wanting to complete this "little" project since early spring, after several days of sanding fifteen years of wear and tear from the cedar and re-applying several coats of oil, I finally got it into the ground today with the help of the Little Clan Poopah and his lovely Moose sister. The bull legged wood piece weighs about a hundred pounds so it took a little creative rigging to get it into place and secured to the beam, but with them lifting and me pulling, we put it in place. If you do not recognize the sign post, it was the sign we used when we had the charter boat, the Plumma painted the original sign. Nick Dudiak used it later for a sign for his charter office which is now my tool shed. Since he quit chartering, it has been laying behind the warehouse waiting for a practical use. The big fish on top is the fish that was displayed over the Anchor Angler sign for many years. I am hoping that someone with some artistic talent will take it home with them this winter and repaint it. Three cans of silver, black, and white spray paint does not do it justice. The smaller fish is a half mount that we used in an outside fish identification display on the lawn area at the Anchor Angler. Cost of construction, four eye bolts, two shackles and three cans of spray paint.

This is the exiting look of the backside of the sign, I am sure in time we will discover something to remind everyone not to drink and drive and buckle up for safety. Please notice the big spruce tree, I did not transplant that tree but never noticed it either until I was taking a break from digging holes in the ground. It is almost a perfect spruce tree, but it was encompassed with alders. With the assistance from the chainsaw, weed whacker, and three hours later, we had it all cleaned out and the branches carried off for the drying process and future campfire wood. After it was all cleaned up, it left a great area to landscape into a flowered area. With some much needed sunlight and less competition, it should grow fast and perhaps provide a swing branch for my great, great grandchildren. Until then, we can just set and admire it! So much fun, so sorry that all of you missed out.