2nd December 2009

Now the railings are removed Dave Wagstaff and I dismantle the river facing edge of the veranda, this is made from an oak joist about 7x2, some spacers then a 7x2 joist that's looking a bit soft then a 6x3 softwood backing plate about 10 feet long. The three are held together by a variety of threaded rod and nuts, stainless bolts, bracket etc etc, quite difficult to find clear places to saw through.

As we crowbar off the oak the joist behind which doesn't look too rotten, just crushes and release a lot of water......its just like a sponge really. All the debate yesterday as to whether we should replace it is resolved instantly. We make a temporary support for the mast as we've decided to get rid of all the old timber and replace with new.

At the end of the day the veranda is about a foot narrower and there's quite a big heap of extra timber near the bonfire site.