Would you believe that since the freak wind storm of December of last year that knocked over the old outhouse and damaged the porch under construction, we have completed all the major reconstruction and repairs? Look what $18,000 got us: a completely rebuilt porch deck including guard rail, pilings and an extension around the living room wall towards the outdoor grill; all rotten sills replaced and new siding stained to match the old siding; a new outhouse set on a platform over the new excavation, so that the house can be winched over to a second excavation and a new step to the porch that even the most geriatric knees can manage. In the middle of the construction, we heard from the town of Jackson that the Cabin had to pass the fire inspection which could have raised costs still further, but we passed the inspection after agreeing to take out some of the second floor bunks and provide a deck area under the exit window that would allow a safe landing area if necessary.

Thanks go to the management and work of Mike Waddell and wife Kristen to contain costs and see the project through to completion. Also, the volunteer OH helpers who pitched in along the course of the project to help keep costs in line.

But the treasury has taken a big hit when you consider our main revenues are derived from $15 dues and Cabin fees. Luckily, we were able to keep the Cabin open for most of the construction and some OH have sent extra contributions with their dues payments. Donations were eight times more than a normal year and, if we hadn’t received them, we’d be in desparate financial condition (rather than guarded financial condition).