We have had a bit of trouble since the last post. We will start with a finish to the 2016 year as we worked at Acadian Baptist Center in Louisiana.
During the month of November Rick and Melissa Young worked with us and during the month of December we were joined by Don and Mary Lou Musser. Here are some of the things we accomplished during that time.
ABC has a shallow lake on the campus which has am island in it. The above bridge was built years ago to allow access to the prayer garden on the island. Sadly the bridge was beginning to deteriorate and needed to be replaced.
I (Bob) was asked to design a new bridge and gazebo in 2015 but because of other pressing work at the camp didn't have time to start construction. The new bridge was to occupy the area to the right of the end of the existing bridge---
---and to the left in this view.
Unfortunately there were cypress knees and lots of vegetation which needed to be removed---
---and the old bridge had electricity and water routed beneath it which had to be removed and rerouted.
When we pulled the old gazebo down we realized that there were only 1 1/2 of the main posts which supported it which were not rusted through and is 4 or 5 kids had leaned against one side it may have fallen into the pond.
We measured and dug holes, then poured footings for the new bridge---
We removed one railing of the old bridge and with the help of the tractor to lift the bridge and a 4 wheeler which had gone across to the island side, we dragged the bridge across---
---then start the job of planking the bridge.
We had installed 2x4's to the sides to the steel rails to fasten the planks to and after installing the 4x4 down the center, the job of planking be started.
Boy were there a lot of screws to put in!!
With most of the plank structure in place we pulled the 4,000 pound gazebo onto the bridge with a come-along and got it positioned in the center.
Finally we completed the wiring and plumbing---
---and took a victory photo from the gazebo.
Everything was now in place---
---and with the addition of some gravel and final cleanup---
We have a new path to the prayer garden!
All of this was to preserve the peaceful tranquility of the pond---
---and it's inhabitants.
Of course, the ladies were busy taking care of the Lodge rooms---
---and fold the mountains of laundry.
One other little project which we were able to finish was to build a small room in the lodge which would provide space for another washer and dryer---
---since the existing laundry space was maxed out when the camp was full.
During the month of November Rick and Melissa Young worked with us and during the month of December we were joined by Don and Mary Lou Musser. Here are some of the things we accomplished during that time.
ABC has a shallow lake on the campus which has am island in it. The above bridge was built years ago to allow access to the prayer garden on the island. Sadly the bridge was beginning to deteriorate and needed to be replaced.
I (Bob) was asked to design a new bridge and gazebo in 2015 but because of other pressing work at the camp didn't have time to start construction. The new bridge was to occupy the area to the right of the end of the existing bridge---
---and to the left in this view.
Unfortunately there were cypress knees and lots of vegetation which needed to be removed---
---and the old bridge had electricity and water routed beneath it which had to be removed and rerouted.
When we pulled the old gazebo down we realized that there were only 1 1/2 of the main posts which supported it which were not rusted through and is 4 or 5 kids had leaned against one side it may have fallen into the pond.
We measured and dug holes, then poured footings for the new bridge---
---and started on construction of the bridge. It was to be a 40 foot span and have a 10 foot diameter gazebo in the middle of it.
We carefully cut and laid out the bridge frame---
---and started the process of welding it together.
A friend of mine, who also volunteers to work at ABC, asked if he could help welding it together---
---then began the process of removing rust and preparing it for a coat of paint.
Meanwhile, several of the Campers on Mission who were there took the responsibility to bake my design plans and build the gazebo.
It only took them a week---
---to complete the gazebo and fit it with a gold topper. It really did look great.
The cleaning and painting of the bridge continued---
---and it was completed shortly after the gazebo. The next trick was to get the 1,000 pound bridge across the pond.
---and set it in place on the footings.
Then came the process of rerunning the electric line and water line under the new bridge---
---then start the job of planking the bridge.
We had installed 2x4's to the sides to the steel rails to fasten the planks to and after installing the 4x4 down the center, the job of planking be started.
Boy were there a lot of screws to put in!!
With most of the plank structure in place we pulled the 4,000 pound gazebo onto the bridge with a come-along and got it positioned in the center.
Finally we completed the wiring and plumbing---
---and took a victory photo from the gazebo.
Everything was now in place---
---and with the addition of some gravel and final cleanup---
We have a new path to the prayer garden!
All of this was to preserve the peaceful tranquility of the pond---
---and it's inhabitants.
Of course, the ladies were busy taking care of the Lodge rooms---
---and fold the mountains of laundry.
In December the camp provides a Christmas banquet for staff and supporters of ABC. A couple of the staff are preparing the cafeteria for the banquet.
Another great project which we are able to take part in is the Shoe Box program for children in under developed countries. I don't know how many shoe boxes we filled but it took up a big corner of the North Eunice Baptist Church. On December 16, 2016 we left ABC headed to T or C New Mexico but never made it that far. (To be continued)
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