Winterizing the Beach: Stage I

Papa and I made a quick (albeit chilly) trip to the beach to start the winterizing process.

We left Saturday afternoon right after my trip to Molbak's with the intention of catching the 5:05 ferry. But someone (ahem, I won't mention names but let's just say it wasn't me) read the schedule wrong and there was no 5:05 ferry. So we sat on the dock and waited for the 6:40 ferry LoL! In fairness to the reader...each and every one of us have read the schedule wrong at one time or another. I'm just thrilled it wasn't me this time ;)

As we came down the road in the pitch black we tried to remember the last time one of us arrived at the cabin in the dark; we decided it had been too long ago to recall.  I did mention how nice it would be if the flood lights on the side of the little cabin would come on automatically when we arrived. But someone (I think this particular someone is me) thought the light sensor was unnecessary. Might have to re-think that when our electrician comes back for a few odd jobs in the spring.

It was about 37 degrees outside and 32 degrees inside. Seriously cold any way you look at it. We stoked up the fire and kept it roaring, left the sliding door between the bedroom and kitchen closed, covered the double door in a wool blanket and cooked a pizza in the oven (leaving the oven door open afterward) before the thermometer registered 50 degrees inside. After a couple more hours of a roaring fire and me getting my butt kicked at Rummicube and Phase Ten the thermometer registered a balmy 60 degrees. That meant it was time to open the sliding door and let some of the heat escape into the bedroom.

Yes, he is in shorts and sandals. No brains, no feeling. Or is it no feeling, no brains? Either way, he is a silly person.

The next day we raked and raked and raked and raked (and by we, I mean he) all of the leaves from the Gard's garage to the bottom of the stairs next to the big cabin. It was a huge job but now the road is passable (instead of slippery as snot - eeeeew, gross analogy but true!)

Along with raking the leaves, we weatherproofed the doors. All cracks are stuffed with plastic bags and there is a rolled up blanket (covered in plastic of course) at the bottom of each door. Heavy wool blankets are in place to stem the tide of cold air. So the next time someone goes out there for the night the inside of the house will hopefully be warmer than the outside air hahah!

James and Tess did a good job securing the dock. Even after a couple of high, high tides and storms, it is still securely in place. Speaking of storms....what the heck is the Caley boat still doing out?

The Caley boat looked like it was listing a wee bit.
Been there, done that. Hope they fare better!

We drained all the pipes and shut off the water for the winter. Grandpa and papa will head out there on the next dry day to wrap the pump and put anti-freeze in the toilets and perform any other winterizing task that needs doing.

If you look closely you can see the last of the water trickling out of the spigot next to the  porch.

The heron was most entertaining. He kept opening his wet wings wide to dry them in the light breeze. Every time I grabbed my camera to snap a photo he tucked his wings back down by his side and stood motionless. I did manage to snap a shot of him taking off...but that wasn't nearly as entertaining as his wing drying capers.

They're baaaaaaaaack!

The fall colors were still beautiful and G&G's pampas grass was absolutely stunning. We thoroughly enjoyed our gorgeous day in paradise. Wish you were all there with us!