On the way to the site we decided to check out the ship at the salt pier to see how low it was floating in the water after being filled to near full-capacity. As we looked down the coast we could see that it was already gone. We did notice another smaller ship appeared to be heading towards the salt pier.Ralph and I had hoped to install the remaining three large breaker panels in the power room, but we had to change plans because the construction crew was installing the door on that room. Instead we began installing the new 200 amp distribution panel in the new transmitter room to replace a much older small one.

This is where I saw Ralph’s electrical experience at its best! By attaching a 2X4 to the side of the old panel, he was able to rotate the whole panel 90 degrees to the wall. All this time, the old panel was still providing power. Next we were able to install the larger panel where the old one had been. Then began the process of one-by-one switching each circuit from the old to the new panel. Individually, each circuit was without power for a very short time.

On the way home for lunch and siesta, we noticed that the small ship we had seen this morning was now at the salt pier, but the conveyor was not yet in place for loading.

In the process of installing the 200 amp panel this morning and in the loft directly above the panel, we noticed a huge jumble of conduits and wire duct that was connected to it. It looked like something that had evolved over the last 50 years!! We decided to remove this mess as 80% of it was no longer being used. When the rest of our team comes next week, we plan to have them replace this original ‘jumble’ with one conduit and a 4X4 junction box. Additional circuits will need to be added where multiple outlets and lights are all being feed by one circuit.

Since the internet was working at the site, I took the last hour of the day to read and answer the emails that had accumulated for the last two days.

Upon leaving the site this evening, we noticed that conveyor at the salt pier was extended for loading the ship that arrived around noon.

No swim this evening–the VanderWerfs and we were invited to the Bernard Oosterhoff family for supper. Bernard and his family are from Holland and he is the station manager. They had prepared a traditional Dutch ‘comfort food’ called boerenkool stampot (mashed potatoes and kale) with sausage and gravy. In addition they prepared a vegetable lasangna for those who may not care for the Dutch food. That would not have been necessary, as everyone had a second helping of stampot. Ralph, who came to the U.S. from Holland as a 10-year-old child, had at least three helpings!

Just before leaving the house for supper, we noticed the internet connection was finally working. So this report should not be delayed like the previous two day’s.

Tomorrow (Saturday) no one will be at the site, so the plan is to do some relaxing before Ralph’s six grandsons arrive on the 6:15pm flight from Newark. They are all planning to spend tonight in the Newark airport! When they get here things will get much livelier for the next two weeks!!