New ladder and landing platform
After weeks of work to stabilize her hull, installing the bands is almost finished, and the 6×6 fir posts that will hold the bands tight against the hull are piled next to the ship and ready to go.
The Documentation department has been rechecking the ceiling in the stem and stern. Once the ceiling planking is removed, the Shipwrights will have more insight into the original construction techniques. The ceiling planks that have been removed can be seen on the floor in the north end of the red pole barn.
A new ladder and landing platform have been built for better access to the lower hold. It will not be open for most visitors, but may be used for escorted tours to get a closer look at the work in progress. It will also be better for the crew that is making the climb up and down to that area throughout the day. There are two gates from the blubber room to the new ladder that will remain closed most of the time.
Fresh water misting fans have been set up in the lower hold, 1 aft and 1 amidships on timers to run from 4 to 8 p.m… Their effectiveness will be monitored to determine whether a third will need to be installed in the stem.