The NEW Lodge at Black Rapids

Weekly School Update: Session #7

Session #7: August 4 – August 13

Born To Be Wild

Each week brings with it an interesting turn of events. We are fortunate to have the company of Ean (Washington), a young man just out of marine boat building school! Ian was touring Alaska and Canada via motorcycle, returning to Washington. Ian spotted the timbers lined up outside the shop and curiosity compelled him to stop. His fascination with timber framing got the best of him as he wants to build his own timber frame home someday. With the support of his new employers in Washington (to whom, our thanks!), he was able to extend his stay for another week to assist in bent assembly and the raising. He has added a welcome sense of humor as well as a craftsman’s way with wood.

Kelly (Fairbanks) and his son Kovick (who keeps Huck company) returned to help out for the second week in a row. Kelly is a can-do guy, and with his skills, humor and political satires, he is matched by none (except maybe our Joel). He is strong, willing, and competent at anything he seems to touch. We are most grateful for his help – and, of course, the fish he brings!

Vetek’s steady hand is guiding us more and more each day as we move toward the finish line. His spirits are keeping us upbeat! He balances us all well.

The Belvedere is cut and ready to go and we are awaiting 3 timbers to finish the Hexagon. We are now assembling the last four bents in preparation of the bent raisings next week!

A Family Focus team, Chris, Ricky, Tristan, and Theresa arrived to assist us on the days in between scheduled courses. They were instrumental in tending to closing up the roadhouse, cleaning bents, and storing logs – all those thankless jobs for which any assistance feels heaven-sent.

Autumn’s advance guard is already apparent. There are slight changes to the leaves traveling south and splashes of yellow mottle the birch trees. The rains are off and on, with a continued holding pattern of clear skies at the Black Rapids site.

The time is near and we invite any help this weekend! Teams of missile defense engineers are expected Saturday night, with the boys from Valdez! All are welcome for a shindig at 6 p.m. Saturday at the old lodge! Bring a dish and wish the “Beam Team” luck!

Photos from Session #7:

[Multiple Pictures]

Articles and Photos:

Introduction
Session #1: June 2 – June 8
Session #2: June 12 – June 18
Session #3: June 23 – June 29
Session #4: July 3 – July 9
Session #5: July 14 – July 20
Session #6: July 24 – July 30
Session #7: August 4 – August 10
Session #8: August 14 – August 20
Session #9: August 18 – August 24
The Final Push: Weeks 10 and 11

Letter to Prospective Students and a Letter from Jon Gantenbein, one of our Timber Framing Instructors.

Sponsored by the Black Rapids Trust, Inc. a newly formed non-profit.