Our “Mothers Day” working bee was held in perfect weather conditions with blue skies and light winds. The right combination to get the Craig Larsson “Akja hut” built and transported to the top of the mountain. Paul, Julian and Craig assembled the hut at the base of the Mawson Tow and then six of us transported the hut to the top of the tow. On route Craig tried it out for size during one of our many stops! The final hut was put in place ready to house an Akja over winter in case we have an injury on the mountain requiring it.
Julian, Paul and Craig assembling the Akja hut
Craig testing the hut for size as it makes its way up the Mawson Tow
Michael, Paul, Daniel, Julian and Paul with the hut at the top of Mawson Tow preparing to install the roofing iron top (Rudy and Craig out of picture)
Akja Hut installed at top of the Mawson Tow
Other tasks involved Rhonda and Grahame (re) painting numbers on poles so that it is easy to describe where ski patrol or tow difficulties are located. Daniel was busy on all tasks but notably installing a new ice cutter in the tow hut. Christina ran the Mawson motor after getting photos for a new manual and picking up tow rope fibres with Maureen. A new stop button was installed at pole 9 just before the cornice by Tim and Francis, that included an easy functional test system. This new stop button will help both in safety and as a new operating station to get the Mawson Tow running if conditions at or to the summit are unsuitable. Craig, Michael and Rudy installed a double pulley fabricated by Craig at pole 9 in preparation for commissioning pole 9A that we all hope will reduce the need for digging a trench!
Paul Vince amongst many other things ran a cable from the motor hut to the ticket office for a new stop button as added safety. It was a great day on the mountain with many tasks completed, getting us ready for hopefully a big winter season 😊
Michael, Christina, Rhonda, Paul, Daniel and Maureen enjoying a “Mothers Day” lunch in the mountain sun.
Maureen opened the gate at 10 am as a mother’s day treat, I can hardly wait for father’s day 😉
A terrific group to be with. Though our input was small, the whole event was a great achievement.