Checking Out Some WWII Bunkers in Sitka

Rafe, the son of Kirsty's friend Fonda, took us out in his skiff to one of the islands that have machine gun and anti-aircraft bunkers on them (there are quite a few of them still around these islands). As it is Memorial Day weekend, it seemed appropriate!

First we had to climb out of the boat onto seaweed covered rocks, then up to these rocks to get onto the island (while Rafe stayed in the boat).

Machine Gun bunker.

We couldn't get inside this one without climbing up into this opening. The stairs to the top entrance had been removed.

 Inside a bunker that probably had an anti-aircraft gun on top (since removed).

View from the bunkers.

 Island life.

Japanese tsunami debris. More and more of the debris is coming ashore now.

Peace my friends!

Update On Wanda

Here are a few pictures showing Wanda's progress. The sun actually came out yesterday, so Wanda got a buffing as well. The old girl is starting to look like her former self. . .if you don't look too close.

before. . .

after

 Spiffy curtains that Kirsty made.

before. . .

after

old back panel

new back panel

Catching some rays. . .

Peace my friends!

Spiffing Up Wanda

Apparently buying an old van is like buying a boat: keep tossing money at it to keep it looking proper. So, absent the money part, we have been doing the deed ourselves. First the interior, then we will concentrate on the exterior and replacing the canvas top.

Wanda without her knickers on. We removed the panels and cleaned her up a bit.

The panels were in various stages of deterioration, some with holes in them. Three panels are being replaced, the rest stripped of this plastic covering covering and painted. Good thing I took a picture of this piece. I replaced the panel yesterday and was wondering what the extra holes were for (where this bracket is).

Scraping away on the bed support before Kirsty tried heat on a side panel and found that the laminate peeled right off. I knew that. I just wanted to gouge the crap out of it. Really. Luckily this side won't see the light of day.

This is the other side. Looks much nicer. The roller, however, has seen better days.

Taking out the rear seat.

According to John, you can't just buff this out!

So this is what we have been busy with the last few weeks. Easy taking it apart, not so easy putting it back together. Now where does this screw go?????

Peace my friends.