The View from Nesika

Sept 2009

100 degree days in Portland mean 80's at Nesika. Truly ideal weather. In August, we had some unexpected bridge and spring maintenance that took up most of the weekend. concrete block was laid for the propane shelter (thanks Randy and Mel) We were successful and all is well. September will bring nice weather and a resumption of work on the women's dorm.
Merrill Hugo will be leading the work as I will be out of town so contact him for details on what is needed. Merrill 503-293-5102 or mhugo@earthlink.net

Richard Gaunt

July 2009

Saturday at the July Nesika work trip was bathed in warm golden sunshine. Tiger lilys and fox gloves were in full bloom. Much progress was made on the women's dorm remodel. Windows were washed, floors cleaned and general sprucing up was the order of the day.

We could use some help clearing trails at the August work trip August 8-9 or enjoy an open lodge weekend August 22-23rd.

See you at Nesika!
Richard Gaunt

June 2009

The June work trip was very successful due to high volunteer turn out. Perhaps Nancy Overpeck's great meals or Merrill Hugo's 5 AM coffee was the draw? Several workers were new to the Nesika crew and we enjoyed their company very much.

The weather cooperated and a good start was made on the window replacement project of the women's dorm, filling pot holes on the road and cutting brush and fire wood. Great stories were exchanged while sitting on the front porch during the long evening twilight. Thank you all!

July promises warmer weather so I'm looking forward to seeing another awesome turn out with Walt Garvin doing the cooking. Sleep under the stars and join us if you can, July 11 – 12th.

Richard Gaunt

June 2009

The 3' – 4' snowdrifts on Palmer Mill road melted quickly in early May just in time for our Nesika work trip. The road is a little rough from the winter but nothing out of the ordinary except for a minor washout on one corner of our bridge over Multnomah Creek. Repairing this will be our first priority in May. Early salmon berry and current blossoms are appearing and the daffodils are in full bloom on the hillside below the lodge.

June should find us with great weather to tackle the third side of the women's dorm, replacing windows, adding wind proofing and plywood under the siding.

Our June cook is Nancy Overpeck. Come and join us for a little work and a lot of enjoyment at Nesika. The work trip dates are June 13 and 14.

Richard Gaunt

May 2009

The heavy snows of late December still linger on Palmer Mill Road. We had to cancel the April work trip because we couldn't drive in. Groups of TCO folks continue to hike to Nesika and report that all in all, things look pretty good. We'll be open in May for sure as the weather continues to warm. Our list of project hasn't gotten any smaller and we need all the help we can get. Please consider making a day trip or over night stay during one of the scheduled work parties. What could be more fun than driving a few nails or cutting a little brush? We promise good food from dedicated cooks and the camaraderie of fellow TCO folks.

Richard Gaunt

April 2009

Well it looks like the snow will be melted and our first work trip will commence the weekend of April 18th-19th. You are all invited. We'll assess and repair winter weather damage and begin a full schedule of maintenance and improvements. Regardless of your skill set, you can make a valuable contribution to the Trails Club and Nesika. Come for the day or for the weekend. A few of us may even go on Friday afternoon.

The main gate will be open Saturday from 9:00 to 9:30 AM or by special arrangement ( call me if you want to sponsor a later opening).

2009 Nesika Project list

• Clear road to Nesika of fallen trees and collect for fire wood
• Inspect and clear Nesika area trails of storm debris
• Repair floor of women's outhouse (rotten floor boards)
• Repair roof of men's outhouse (possible storm damage)
• Pressure wash and seal logs on cupola
• Clean both dorms
• Brush remaining area from lodge to tractor trail
• Install task lighting over wood stove and kitchen island work areas
• Rework east wall of women's dorm (Tyvek and new windows, paint, etc.)
• Paint areas left unpainted from previous women's dorm work
• Build propane shelter block wall
• Fill firewood shelters
• Investigate and remedy (if needed) spring water flow volume
• Water proof chimney
• Paint men's dorm

Walt Garvin has graciously volunteered to cook so let us know if you plan to come and what meals you will be present for. There's even a rumor that an espresso machine will be somewhere about the premises for times when the electricity is on.

I'm looking forward to seeing a great turnout this season.

Richard Gaunt rgaunt@comcast.net 971-404-1153