28 March 2025 - Evening

Alex Randall, Sam Hill, Mike Kushy

The South Pot winch hauling sled was fitted with new chain and shackle to connect to the winch cable, and the Echo Pot winch mounting bolt tightened fully. MK also using an abrasive wheel to remove surface rust from the South Pot ladder rails so the sled will slide up and down more smoothly. The winches are now fully operational, though it was noted at the end of the session that the shackles connecting the South Pot winch to the ladder have seen better days so will be replaced as the earliest opportunity, along with the removal of the old cable on the South Pot sled and excess chain.

To test the winches around half the bags (approx 50) from the bottom of Echo Pot have started the journey to the 166', along with the spoil from the previous diggers that had been left at the base of South Pot. The winches work fine, but are not rated for continuous use, so thermal cutout happens about every other cycle, forcing a few minute pause. Three people seems optimal for hauling from Echo to the 166'. SH had some very saucy listening material to keep him entertained throughout. 

At the end of the session SH and AR also loaded the surface winch skip with the North Pot teams' mud spoil, and hauled this to the waiting dumper. 

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