Storm Cleanup Efforts Continue, and progress on the clubhouse
Another productive workday is in the books! On Saturday, July 11th, an outstanding crew consisting of John, Wes, Daryl, Grady, David E., and Robby continued the ongoing storm cleanup and railroad restoration efforts. Thanks to their hard work and dedication, the railroad is now approximately 90% operational.
The crew split the day between outdoor railroad repairs and indoor construction projects. The morning was spent outside tackling storm-related damage and focusing on track repairs throughout the property. We are excited to report that repairs to the Outer Loop in the woods have been completed, allowing trains to once again travel through this scenic section of the railroad. Additional work is still needed to rebuild one of the switches in the area, but tremendous progress has been made.
The Grandma Line remains closed and still requires approximately 40 feet of track reconstruction, along with repairs to four or five additional areas within the yard before the entire railroad can be fully returned to service.
After lunch, with the Georgia summer heat continuing to rise, John, Wes, David E., and Robby moved indoors to the comfort of the future clubhouse and workshop containers. The team continued making progress on Container Two, successfully installing another eight feet of ceiling, bringing us one step closer to completing this exciting project for the club.
The crew accomplished an incredible amount in just one day, once again demonstrating what can be achieved when we come together with a common goal. Every tie replaced, rail aligned, and board installed moves us closer to a full operation.
📅 Our next workday is scheduled for Saturday, July 25th beginning at 8:30 a.m. The morning efforts will focus on completing repairs to the Grandma Line, addressing the remaining yard repairs, and continuing the cleanup of storm debris throughout the property.
We also need additional help cleaning up leaves, sticks, and other debris in the yard. This cleanup effort is critical to ensuring we have a complete and accurate list of all remaining repair locations in the yard. As more debris is removed, additional areas requiring attention continue to be identified.
In the afternoon, volunteers will return to the clubhouse and workshop project to continue the ceiling installation in Container Two.
If you are available during the week and would like to help, please let us know! Coordinate with Wes, and he can provide guidance on cleanup efforts. We also need the grass cut again as the goats are remaining on a summer vacation.
There are also several additional projects we are working towards in the coming weeks and months. Plans include sealing Container Three to Container Two, followed by pressure washing the roof and applying a roof sealant. This work will not only help protect the containers but will also help keep them cooler during the Georgia summer heat.
All of these efforts are important steps as we prepare for the next major phase of the clubhouse and workshop project—the installation of the building structure around the containers. This phase will require a larger volunteer crew and, hopefully, some cooler weather. More details on this exciting project will be shared as plans continue to develop.
As always, there are plenty of opportunities for everyone to get involved, regardless of skill level. Whether you enjoy track work, cleanup projects, construction activities, or simply lending a helping hand, we can use your assistance.
Bring plenty of water, your favorite tools, lunch, and, of course, a great sense of humor!
A huge thank you goes out to everyone who has contributed their time, equipment, and effort during these recovery efforts. Your support continues to make a tremendous difference, and we couldn't do it without our amazing volunteers.
