After yesterday, today was a gift from God. Literally. Based on yesterday's high temperature and humidity, we were all braced for the most difficult day yet on our hitch. The forecast for today was hotter than yesterday, with higher humidity, and a higher heat index (110 degrees). We had two tanks on the agenda, which set the potential for a long, hot, grueling day.
Then we arrived at the tower, where we discovered that both tanks were right next to each other. To futher help us, both tanks were inspect-only jobs, so we didn't have to break out all of the cleaning equipment.
Once I reached the top of the tower, I discovered that the catwalk and top of the tank both had useful railings for hoisting gear and tying off. Most towers have railings, but many are not helpful to the process. My setup work on the catwalk was all in the shade, which might be the first time I've been able to work mostly in the shade during the hot spell of this hitch. A light wind picked up and kept the temperature down while I was working on top of the tank.
Everything about today's jobs went right. We completed the inspection on the tower quickly (by 10:00) and set up the below grade tank. The below grade tank took about 30 minutes to inspect, and while the diver and dive controller were finishing the paperwork, I was able to load up the inspection gear.
We were done with both inspections and on the road at noon.
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| The below grade tank (left) and tower were right next to each other. |
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| Looking from the top of the tower down to the below grade tank. |
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| This tower had safety railings in all the right places. The safety railings and cages on many towers have a habit of hindering progress more than they help. |
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| View from the tower. |
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| The picture I sent my wife from the top of the tower. |
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| Leaning over the top of the tower and shooting down to the below grade tank. |
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| The inspection gear staged at the below grade tank. |
