California is warming up! The ice is gone from the deck of Glacier, the birds have returned dumping their guano in massive amounts to our crews great concern. Not only is our ship dirty and smelly once more, the guano presents a health risk. Pitifully, we can't power wash the waste away due to California's Environmental Concerns. What a confused state we are in! Birds can drop what ever they want where they want, but we can not wash it into the river where it would naturally have been were not for Glacier's lovely sheltered poop deck. The Bird's internet posting reads, "First class roosting and mating site rent free aboard Glacier, come drop all you want!"

I picked up a good book up in the airport on my last trip, Michael Creighton's STATE OF FEAR. Combine this reading with the crews' pleading for permission to wash down the ship's decks and you have a good counter point on today's environmental issues. Get this book, enjoy a great mystery story and expose your self to some interesting thinking.

The biggest single news item is: THE CAPTAINS GALLEY IS UP AND OPERATIONAL. WHEN THE SHIP LEAVES MARAD WE WILL BE COOKING A PANCAKE BREAKFAST FOR ALL VOLUNTEERS.

Here is our progress report for the past few months:

• In February we had two days aboard the Glacier. Jim Echoff, Butch Wallace, Bill Jones, Frank Wright, Werner Pels, Don Pomplun and John Ward, were aboard in February.

• The tedious task of cleaning up the motor rooms started. The cleanup is going slowly but well. The compartment is very tight and great care is being taken working around the main motors.

• As noted in earlier reports, most all the ventilation fans are up and running. Also this month, the lathes located in the machine shop were powered.

• The leaking along the port boat deck into spaces below continues to be a persistent problem, consuming many man-hours to locate and correct, with lots of dewatering necessary.

• In March we had two days aboard the Glacier. The volunteers included Jim Echoff, John Ward, Bill Jones, Bob Nordhausen and first timer Jack Giordano. (WELCOME JACK!!)

• Activation of the ships fresh water system is progressing, section-by-section.

• Most of the Captain's galley is up and running and scuttle butt has it that Ben will be preparing breakfast for the crew next time out!

• During the two days aboard in April, turnout was slim. Volunteers aboard included Jim Echoff, John Echoff and Bill Jones. Even though we were few, we got some things accomplished.

• Numerous ladder treads that were bent or broken were repaired. Now you can go up and down ladders without feeling as if you are going to slid down them. We also fixed and tightened a lot of chain handrails and fabricated stand offs for them. Using Jim's chop saw, we cut to size about 25 treads plates. There are 12 in reserve, of the right size and about 75 that need to be cut down.

• The water in the electric shop, amounted to about a quart, so it appears we have that one finished. In the chiefs quarter's, it appears that either the leak(s) were fixed, as what was pumped out today, could be residual water in the insulation. Or we could still have a leak, but it is really slowed down. We pumped out about 20 gallons, which is not very much, considering the heavy rains, since the last visit.

• Bill brought back a milled part we were missing on one of the drill press', so we now have that together. Also, he had a piece milled for the drill press that we should be able to replace.

• On the second day aboard in April, repairs were made on the broken water line, the broken deck cover (over de-com drain), the lathe and the drill press (found that a part needs to be re-manufactured). The usual two spots dewatered, seems we are gaining.

• More work was done on the rear sanitation pump room. It was checked out after steering, and seems to be doing OK. One small leak of oil was discovered and absorbent cloths were put down to soak up.

• We got rid of some nest around the ship. After we blew out a fuse in an electrical circuit, it was traced and replaced. There is still one light circuit out near machine shop. This will be dealt with during the next trip out.

• All in all we stayed busy with one thing or another.

The next work week is MAY 10 & 11 so sign up now!

Come join the party! IF YOU CAN NOT BE THERE IN PERSON, , PLEASE DONATE.

RESTORATION LOG #42 - 01 February 2005

January was a record turn out of volunteers numbering 30 in total for the week of January 10 to 14, proving once again that full work weeks enable volunteers from distant places to economically reach the ship. It also energizes the crew and spreads the volunteerism circle. We had many new faces aboard Glacier for the first time in January.

For those of you absent Friday see what you missed!

Routine work proceeded. Piping fixed, compartments cleaned, hydraulic oil in after steering and the oceanographic winch room addressed. Electrical circuits debugged. Hunting parties scrounged the fleet for parts. Ventilation fans turned on for the first time in 15 years sent dust flying…golly how many more are left? The crew lounged in the old Ward room with fresh hot coffee, the heat on! Can you believe there was ICE on the decks of the ships we crossed to reach Glacier!

The CO's cabin is almost a 4.0 for inspection. All brass polished, stainless in the head looks new, lighting with new bulbs, furniture polished and carpet cleaned, port holes lubricated and glass shined! The CO's Galley is Spick and Span. Only thing remaining is to trace 440 circuits to the main breaker. We lost it in a bundle amidships, we tagged it so John Ward can sort it out next visit, and we are ready to cook!

The Pilot House took another hit by the ladies division! See the Photo Brasso Ruled the Day!

The highlight of the week was the arrival of our old friend, Jim Delgado. He spearheaded the initiative to have Glacier recognized as a Historic Landmark and indeed it should be! But that request is languishing in Washington despite the support of California's State Preservation Department. Jim brought the noted Monte Markham and his film crew to shoot Jim and our volunteers at work for viewing on the History Channel World Wide Audience this coming June. Here is an action shot of the film crew at work.

List of volunteers last week: Dan Collins, Emilie Cowan, Marty DeGrand, Jim Delgado, Dave Draper, Jim Echoff, Jack Erhard, Betsy Erhard, Jim Foote, Donna Foote, Nicholas Fong, Bill Jones, Ben Koether, Christian Koether, Joan Koether, Klaire Markham, Monte Markham, Virginia Mitchell, Warner Pels, Don Pomplun, Toni Owen, Paul Stapleton-Smith, John Tisdale, Thelma Tisdale; John Ward, Gayle Williamson, Frank Wright.

On behalf of the crew, thanks to Bill Jones for his gift of the heaving line and the paper giving the history of the art of heaving and the Monkey Fist!

The next work week is FEB 8 & 9 so sign up now!

Come join the party! IF YOU CAN NOT BE THERE IN PERSON, , PLEASE DONATE.

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