Robbins Reef Trip Report
Thursday, October 20, 2022
Crew: Andrew Quisling, Ken Johnson, Carmen Campo, Griselda Healy, Erin Urban
Weather: A sparkling windy day, mid-50s, ocean a shiny shade of viridian
Access: Left Miller’s Launch at 2:15 PM and returned at 5:15 PM on the Nicholas Miller captained by Abdel Rahmanelmasry.

Purpose of the trip: The purpose of the trip was to work on the Watch Gallery door and to check on the lighthouse.

Tasks accomplished: We hauled out the new redwood door that Andrew made along with supplies, including a 3 gallon pail of thinner for the floors that Lou from Armorica gave us, filters for the fan, a pump sprayer for rinsing the outside before painting from Tony, and some tools.

The lighthouse is in excellent condition—light, tight, and bright after a thorough cleaning by the Crew. What a pleasure. We installed a new filter in the fan; we did not realize that has to be done every month and will stock up on them. Griselda and Erin swept the guano-ridden promenade, hoping for rain; thank heaven the Watch Gallery deck was clean. We also cut in on the stairwell walls, and Griselda touched up the center pole in the equipment room and sitting room.

Andrew and Carmen removed the excess jambs on the Watch Gallery doorway which had been added over the years, and replaced them with wood we had in the cellar. Andrew removed the two thresholds that had been added when new doors were put in, and came to the one he believes is the original.

Left: Andrew and Carmen at work on the old jambs. PHOTO by Erin Urban
Above: Carmen and Andrew cutting the door to size. PHOTO by Erin Urban

They set up the redwood door on the fourth floor. The sides of the door are slightly curved and Andrew expertly cut them down to size, with Carmen repeatedly checking the measurements up at the doorway and returning to help. Then they brought the door up and positioned it in place, leaving 1/8” on the sides and top.  The original exterior hinges are iron and will work well. Then they reattached the fixtures on the old door, hung it back up, and stored the new door.

Next steps:  Andrew will get an iron or brass latch for securing the inside of the door. He’ll also get a hook for roping it open in the wind.

We have, as you see, everything we need—from paint from Armorica Sales that has to be used—to transport from Miller’s—to equipment like grinders and a generator—and we can get the outside painted. We have built the platforms and rigged them. We are set to get the job done.

Gus Scott, who is running the exterior painting job, can go out on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons from one until five. He needs someone to spot him. You have to text him; his cell # is 347 920-6864. He will get back to you with regard to weather and tides.  If you cannot reach him, please let Erin know by calling her at 718 273 6440. She will get back to you.