Progress on Plum — island mettle

It is truly amazing what can be done in approximately a 10 day span and that includes weather and weekend interruptions.

As mentioned in the last post, two crews have come out to Plum Island to replace the roofs on the Keepers Quarters - the Cream City Brick building - and the Lifesaving Station - the building closer to the landing area and Boathouse.

US Fish & Wildlife vessel Phoebe has been helpful in getting the necessary people and supplies in the right place to move the jobs along.

Work can only go so far and then the structure must be checked to make sure the work is according to the approved plan submitted by Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands and that there are no surprises. That job is being handled by historic preservation architect, John Lauber.

It is gratifying to see Door County companies working on these projects. Both Chewy and Martin's crews are well known for their work in Door County.

This is John's second visit in as many weeks and the work is going well.

Some of the elements on the Keepers Quarters will wait until next year.

At this writing, work continues on the Lifesaving Station.

As this year's work on the Keeper's Quarters concluded on Tuesday October 10, the Ferry Robert Noble returned to remove a load of equipment.

I realize these crew members have experience but some of the logistics of the trips involving Plum Island seemed a bit challenging .....

..... a great opportunity, too.

Landing on a narrow strip of land, getting tricky shaped machinery on board, fitting in all of the (expensive) equipment to make one trip? Of course! Looks like there was room to spare.

I bet it was sort of fun, too.

Always good to have a unique experience.

What a crew! Realizing, the cost of the Keepers Quarters roof work is covered by Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands and US Fish & Wildlife is underwriting the cost of the Lifesaving Station, it would not be possible without the ability of all of these people - and many more - to work together.

Plum Island is lucky to have such a talented group making this project happen. What a team!

til next time .....

PS My thanks go out to Lew Clarke for his conscientious care and thoroughness in taking so many great photos to capture the backstory of these projects.