The Luna snow dance

Last year we suffered a setback when Luna's cover collapsed during a snow storm. This year we beefed up the frame and purchased a custom reinforced canopy. So far so good!

Two days ago we all peered out the windows around the Chesapeake Bay and noticed a thick grey cloud bank forming, the temperature was dropping, and the air smelled of snow. Yesterday afternoon our snow plan went into effect as the white stuff started falling. Around six, the shipwright, Cory and I headed for the farm to see how things were holding. The headlights hit Luna's bow and Merry Christmas to us! There was our cover- slightly sagging under the wet snow, but standing it was.

First light, still standing!

Just over two inches of snow are down. Four to six more would fall by the end of the day The snow needed to come off before the frame collapsed or the cover ripped. What to do?
This is where you, our faithful followers, get to use your imagination as what can only be called the Luna Snow Dance follows........

• This is a group dance requiring at least two participants. 
• The first partner approaches the shelter and gently shakes the upright poles sending a shower of loose snow down from the arch. The second partner picks up a wide headed broom, climbs on board Luna, and gently pushes up from underneath the cover sending more snow down. Note- it is bad form for partner number two to dump snow on unsuspecting partner one while shaking the poles. 
• The first partner, or additional participants, picks up another broom and assists until as much snow as possible is shaken loose. 
• Both partners now take ahold of a line going over the top of the cover and coming down either side . The line is divided and in the middle is a collection of knotted line that acts as a sweep. Back and forth over the top it goes as we walk it down the length of the shelter. This breaks up the snow that we can't knock loose. 
• back under the cover we go to pick up the brooms and knock down the remaining snow. 
• Home we go to look at the sky again, well be back in four hours.........

Knocking off loose snow from below the cover.

Depending on road conditions, we hope to be back to work next week. If you are interested in joining us, please send a note to info@colonialseaport.org.

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