Trip 3: New Roof, New Friends, and our first overnight stay.
Let's start at the top....literally. Replacing the roof started with restoring the beams. Supports were installed, the temporary roof was removed, and a metal plate with wood surroundings was installed.
Phase 2 involved cutting a channel good portion of the beam to fit the metal insert.
We are grateful for our builder and neighbors for the progress photos.
With the new support in place, the remainder of the infrastructure could be installed.
BEFORE AND AFTER!
The builder got our roof on, sourced a plumber to get our water on, and a "sparky" to get a service outlet on. With these elements in place Amy planned a trip for us to meet our vendors and try out our first stay in the chapel. We spent our first two nights at the lovely Shepard's Hut at Belan and Bluebell Woods.
Our First Stay in the Chapel!
Amy ordered two mattresses and a camping shower. We purchased a divider from the local decorator shop and created a bedroom in the kitchen/dining room area.
Removing dust from our sleeping area, clearing trash, and trimming the vines were first on our list. Amy helped where she could, but with a broken hand, she pitched in by planning some excellent adventures for us.
We met many of our neighbors this time, and several stopped by to say hello. Lynda and Ian, who we made friends with on our previous trip, took us out to a lovely dinner in town. Lesley and Ian had us over for tea, we had a great time meeting them and thier dog. Ben from down the street lent me a saw. Eleanor and Mike made friends with us as well. Mike even picked up a package at our local hardware store for us, see photo below.
First Excursion!
Excursion 2!
I removed the unusable insulation, broken lights, and other trash as we got packed up to head back to the States. Using the bathroom as our storage room has worked out great!
It is so hard to say goodbye to this chapel and the fantastic new friends we have made. Amy has been spot on with her strategy and financial planning to make all of this happen. I am truly grateful for this experience and would have never imagined it would be something we would do.
Amy planned one last surprise for me, a bonus trip to the Farmer's Dog Pub so that I could complete my Top Gear / Grand Tour pilgrimage.