Canada Part V: Well oiled Canucks, eh?

Well, this trip to Fiart Island ended up being a work study program of sorts for this group.  We studied the walleye pretty hard each day, but it was the work and effort put in by this rag-tag team of honorary Canucks that was so impressive to me.  I mean really...look at us... it's not like the median age of this clan is 27, yet we worked like it. (we napped like seasoned wood).

From left to right...Carol and Bruce, Carole and Rodney,
Greg and Chuck (not a couple...as far as we know),
and Miki and Wallie

Twice before, I have had the privilege of joining Greg and his normal "work" crew in June (of which Chuck, Bruce, and Rodney have been a part) as we put our efforts into other maintenance projects, such as the metal roof installation and cleaning up the landscaping around the cabin.   But to me, neither were as comprehensive and time consuming as this trip.  Greg asked, "We're going up to close the cabin down, wanna go?"  He didn't mention we'd be appearing on a cross between HGTV's Renovation Nation and American's Funniest Home Videos.  I knew there were a few cabinets in the back of Bruce's truck to install, but you should have been there...one thing lead to another, like one domino falling and striking another and then another.  During or at the end of one project, someone would say..."I have an idea."  It was like throwing gasoline on a candle.  When it was all said and done, Greg's list of things to do had grown to two pages and the satisfaction of crossing them off was almost orga... (sorry this is G-rated) such a sense of accomplishment for being on a tiny island in the middle of nowhere.  As impressive as the original tasks of the cabinets and flooring were, what amazed me were the little things that spun off as people saw things that could be improved, changed, or adapted, like lights, switches, and hooks in new places.  Rod holders, shelves, and a hiding place for the Hooters cards.  Moving lights, adding hinges for ease of use, and adding color where there was once rust.  It almost got out of control, so we had to fish.


Here is a photo-highlight reel of a few items checked off Greg's List.  

Before:  You were lucky to get 6 around
the table.  The overflow table is the round one.

After:  Look ma, no hands...8 people around one table.

The new recycled game hutch behind Chuck and Greg.

Before:  You'd have to be there to appreciate the small
space for chefs and counter top work area...
accidents were not usually fatal.

After:  Both fridges facing same direction, new home for
the booze, easy cleanup metal backing (looks similar to
metal roofing material doesn't it?), metal cabinet doors
painted, and everything cleaner than new...
thanks to Carol and Carole.

Repurposed cabinet added needed square footage of
work space and storage.  The bar area was a spinoff that
brought a touch of class to a bunch of boozers.  A wine rack,
in this locale... a stroke of genius or W.T.H.?  I vote genius.

The cosmetic changes in the kitchen sink cabinet are
truly a work of art.  Unless you've been there, words
cannot describe...plus a new coat of paint.  I was there,
and I am still in awe as I look at this picture.

I challenge you to find another cabin on Donald Lake
that has a pot holder like this one!  Rustic, yet sophisticated.
Another piece of finely crafted metalwork.  Looks like it
could be repurposed to be a cute round table if it ever out
lives its purpose as a pot holder (that is what it once was).

To make room for some new flooring, some of the old
had to go.  Greg demonstrates the proper use of knee
pads and chiseling something other than his physique.

"Now where did I put that chisel?  It was
here a minute ago."  So not professional.

After gluing the new flooring down, it was to be rolled
every two hours.  This is our roller we got at The Fiart
Rental Store.  Yes, that is Greg.  Yes, he has a rolling pin
between his hands.  Yes, he is on his toes, rolling the rolling
pin over the floor.  And yes, there is space between the
floor and his body.  He was voted most likely to be able to
do this task as seen here and still fish the next day!

Each day there was a Board Meeting for careful
consideration given to the tasks to be accomplished
that day (usually after lunch).  Goals were set and
acceptable standards were discussed.  Here, at the height
of some discussion, I believe one of the board members
wet themselves after passing gas...take your pick.

Rodney and Bruce ponder taking advantage of a rare
window of opportunity...arr arr!
(the kitchen window looking onto the screened in porch)

Miki actually enjoyed organizing the "tool shed."
The amazing thing to me, was that she didn't know
what half the stuff was she was organizing.

She pulled every little organizer drawer and
sorted what was there.  Nuts, bolts, screws,
mouse feces, you name it...it is in it's place now!

I thought I heard Chuck ask Greg where he
dropped his keys, but they were actually working
on lowering one of the old "cribs" while the
water was low.

I hope this helps in understanding that this trip, like so many, was not just about the fish.  I mean come on, the fishing is great at it's worst up here, eh?  (Can I get an eh men?)  More importantly, I saw people who enjoyed what they were doing whether work or play.  I mean to tell you (I am sorry I did not get photos of Carol and Carole cleaning) when "C" squared got to cleaning, it didn't matter if it was the side of the stove, metal roofing, or a wall of logs... they were crazy on a mission.  They inspired me to watch them even harder.  

My Zen from the work:  We played hard, worked hard, and slept hard every night.  The working together towards a common goal was inspiring everyday.  When working with others, if you do what your skill set allows, there should be no worry that your task is not accomplished .  When talents are all served at the same table, a feast is about to be had.

(What did he say?  I may need to blog about this, just to explain W.T.H. I am talking about!)