Sunday 21 February was cool and drizzly in Hobart, but it was a different story up at Mt Field. The carpark was full, the march flies and tourists were out in force, and it was a warm, sunny day – perfect for an STSA working bee.
Firstly a big shout out to the large group of volunteers from Wellington Ski and Outdoor Club who left their own club working bee to come up and move all the timber needed for the day’s snow fence construction up to the Uni Snow fence location. By the time the second wave of volunteers had arrived from Hobart at 10 am the Wellington crew had already moved all the timber to the site, as well as demolishing and removing most of the old damaged fence sections. Well done Wellington!
With a good turn out of enthusiastic volunteers, excellent progress was made throughout the day. Rod Stolorz, Michael Potter and their team continued the task of repairing and strengthening damaged snow fence panels the full length of the Uni Tow, while Craig Larsson, Peter and Karen Davis tackled the construction of three replacement panels in the mid-section of the Uni Tow. They were joined later in the day by Rudy Kloser, Tim Whelan and Michael Potter, with the last slats being nailed on just after 6 pm!
Uni Snow Fence in need of repair
Rod Stolorz, Michael Potter and Peter Davis getting ready to build
Rudy Kloser keeps an eye on proceedings
Slatting in full swing – Tim Whelan, Karen Davis and Michael Potter helping Craig Larsson
The finished product – Uni Snow Fence, Feb 21, 2021
While the snow fence construction was in full swing, another team of volunteers lead by Tim Metcalf made the trip out to Rodway Tow Hut to continue essential maintenance and clean up work. One end of the hut was sanded and painted, and further sections of the old fuel tank and redundant containers were removed. It is not an easy track to wheel a barrow along, but they persevered and made excellent progress.
Not the most comfortable back-pack! – Tim Whelan with a “44” removed from Rodway Tow Hut
Tim Whelan, Tim Metcalf, Ambrose Canning and Joe Kronawitter on the trek back from Rodway
Everyone was pretty tired at the end of the day, but the community spirit and positive attitude that keeps the Mt Mawson Ski Field operational was out in force. It was a great day’s achievement – a huge thank you to all the volunteers who assisted.
