2011 at the Hammond Barn

[RHClarke]

Not much going on at the barn this weekend. Bob and Joyce were away for a family visit near Hogtown. I expect Bob will have some photos of the trip home where he and Joyce were going to load up and drag home a CMP that Grant recently bought.

Grant had the run of the barn for most of Saturday. I dropped in for some CMP time later that afternoon after visiting our welder friend in Embrun. The welder fabbed up a roller ball and step rivet for one of my roller arms for the sliding hatch. Grant was working on a transfer case issue that kept him busy until quitting time. I started the HUP and let her run until she was nice and warm. After shutting her down I spent the remaining daylight attaching the floor plates. More than a few capture nut cages had been broken off in my zeal to tear the truck apart for restoration. Others needed replacement. Time goes fast when you are enjoying yourself.

Sunday was a very pleasant day; a good day for winter driving preparation. I dug out the winter tires for my van and car to clean them up before mounting them on the vehicles. All eight wheels had rust spots, but they disappeared after a good long session with the wire wheel on an air tool. After a good cleaning and phosphate treatment, the exposed metal was treated to some nice glossy black rust paint, which should hold them until next spring. After loading the tires I headed back to Ottawa.

I managed to get the winter tires on the van before it got dark. The car can wait as there is no snow in the immediate forecast. I usually put the winter tires on just after Remembrance Day. Speaking of which, I had a great time with the Swords and Ploughshares folk, who had a CCKW and a six pounder out for the ceremony in the small town of Manotick. Gunner's crew fired a blank round to begin and end the two minutes of silence. Two vintage aircraft thundered over the parade promptly at 11 AM. I had the honour of laying a wreath at the cenotaph on behalf of the museum - Gunner was busy hooking in the gun for the roll past. I was very proud to ride with Mike as we rolled past the dias, where a good friend and WWII veteran, Jack Kirkpatrick took the salute. The parade consisted of a march past of the Legion Flag Party, veterans, serving members, cadets and other services (fire/RCMP).

Many thanks to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 314, 2958 Manotick Army Cadet Corps (1st Anti-Tank Regiment, RCA), and the S&P Museum for their hospitality. It was good to be back "home" for the ceremony. Small town Remembrance Day Ceremonies have their charms. Next year, I hope to visit another small town for their ceremony.

Photos:

1 - Gunner's and company
2 - Salute Gun
3 - S&P CCKW
4 - Jack taking the salute
5 - Jack K cutting the Remembrance Day cake