2/20-23/24 I went up to Camp Serendipity for four days: Tuesday through Friday.
I had an early Doctor's appointment, so I got a late start. Traffic was light but it rained most of the way over the pass. Fortunately, the rain stopped when I arrived at 1:00.
The snow was unchanged except that it had shrunk back considerably. I brought my gear up in two easy trips and hoisted the flag on the way down for the second trip, as I usually do.
Next, I had my lunch, unpacked my gear, and then had a nap. It seemed a little chilly in the cabin, so when I got up from my nap, I built a small fire in the stove. Then I practiced the piano and took a shower.
On Wednesday morning the temperature outside was 28 degrees. I practiced the piano and then listened to the radio for a while. Then I went down to the crawlspace and worked on my mortar stand.
I had decided on a strategy after watching a few YouTube videos. I decided to cut my 3/4" metal electrical conduit into four 5-foot lengths. Then I planned to bend a 90-degree stub on each end of each pipe in the same plane forming back-to-back 90s. Two of those would be joined stub to stub to form a rectangle, and two rectangles will be joined to pivot at the centers of the long sides. Finally, opened to form an "X", the top, short, sides will be bound in the open position by a rope or strap and then a piece of plywood would be placed on top as the mortarboard. It will look like a TV dinner stand.
After lunch and a nap, I walked to the grave in a light rain. When I got back, I practiced the piano.
On Thursday morning, I practiced the piano and then walked to the grave again. Then I listened to the radio until lunch time. After lunch and a nap, I worked some more on my mortar stand, working up the nerve to bend the first pipe.
On Friday morning, after practicing the piano, I attempted bending the first stub. I was surprised at how hard it was. The pipe was stiffer than I had expected. I was wearing moccasin slippers and I immediately realized I should be wearing stiff-soled work boots. Instead of taking the time to change shoes, I tried muscling though the bend with slippers on and ended up kinking what should have been a smooth arc.
I needed to think about what to do next. I needed to learn some things, like whether I could/should use the kinked part or junk it. I needed to learn how to avoid kinking future bends, etc.
I set the pipes aside, had some lunch, packed up, and left for home at 1:00. I was happy to have made some progress on my mortar stand, but I was surprised that I was having the difficulty I was having. The challenge adds to the fun so it's all good.
©2024 Paul R. Martin, All rights reserved.
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