April 15, 2008

Work continues at a constant rate, despite the heavy rains last week. On the inside of the building, the drywall on the third floor of the lodge is almost complete and once done, crews will move on to the second floor. With the walls up, I could really get a sense how the rooms, hallways and sitting areas will look. The views from the third floor are amazing. On the outside, near the gated entrance of the property, crews are preparing an area to organize materials and begin the paving work. Reminder - please don’t try to enter the site. The roads are muddy and there is constant traffic with heavy machinery moving in and around all parts of the construction area. Unauthorized vehicles and visitors can pose a safety hazard.

A tour of the golf course with our superintendent, Eric, showed some nice grass on the fairways and greens. The sprinkler system will be tested this week. The spectacular views and sight lines from the course were enhanced by flocks of white pelicans and the occasional soaring bald eagle.

The framing of the great room, topped with massive beams, is coming along. It will be a beautiful room, full of warmth and welcome and will serve as the heart of the lodge. The massive fireplace reaches to the ceiling and is bricked, except where the artist’s special insets will be placed. The insets will portray the plants and animals of the park in a decorative mosaic.

Crews were pouring and spreading cement in the waterpark area - the foundations for the pools. The snack bar area and the video game area is framed in, as well.