What people don't know about a seasonal operation is that each season there is an extensive ordeal when it comes to setting up and breaking down the lodge for the season. The breakdown is hands down the worst end of the deal. Just think about it, as a guide you have just spent 120-150 straight days on the water and now you literally have to break down the entire operation and winterize it. I always tried to sneak out of there early so I wouldn't have to do it, but one way or the other I would get sucked into completing all of the following tasks:
- Winterizing all of the motors: 2 30 hp jet units, 5 various speed propellor powered motors
- Hauling all the boats up and securing them down (There are a total of 7 boats of different shapes and sizes)
- Breaking down two canvas tents and storing all 4,000 lbs of shit that we have stored in them
- all welding torches, rubber boats, oars, good wood, styrofoam insulation, concrete, etc...
- Boarding up the windows
- Antifreezing the pipes
- Breakdown and storing the dock
- Loading and chain locking the 4 wheelers
I'm sure there are plenty of things I left out, but to be honest that's the worst of it. It may not seem like a lot right now, but the only thing on your mind at that time is getting home, beating the weather, having a nice cold cocktail on the plane ride home, and finally getting to sleep in your own bed again.
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