One small step for man

If you've ever visited the Lodge (and I think very many of you have), you'll remember that the stairs leading up from the dock are best described as "woopsy".

No doubt Dr. U had a hand in their construction, as they were a lashed-together hodgepodge of mostly rotting 2x4s. They were unstable and downright dangerous. A stair should never rock under your feet.

I say they "were" because this weekend Captain and Handy Dad ripped those suckers out and built new steps out of spanky-new pressure treated lumber.

Step 1 Rip out manky steps.

Step 2 Swear at Dr U for using 4" nails that protruded beyond the thickness of the wood, so he bashed the nail-ends down creating a 90° angle in the nails that rendered them nearly impossible to remove. *shakes a cosmic fist a Dr. U.*

Step 3 Continue removing steps. Rotten wood accelerates this process.

Step 4 Measure and cut new wood.

Step 5 Install new steps.

Step 6 Swear a lot at the bottom step which is tied into rotten wood at the sides. Spend considerable time fortifying this "support".

Step 6 Add a railing to the lower steps with some leftover bits of wood.

Step 7 Drink tall glass of iced tea delivered by your very grateful wife/daughter and admire your handiwork.

p.s. It's the Captain's birthday. Be sure to wish him a happy happy!