The Struggles of Keeping the Dredge Running
As the mining season progresses, Tony Beets faces a challenge with his 350-ton dredge. With winter setting in and the trees beginning to turn, there’s still a hope that enough gold can be extracted before the season ends. However, the dredge—Tony’s primary tool for extracting gold—is proving to be more of a headache than expected.
Repairing the Dredge: A Rocky Start
Tony’s dredge, which has been running for years, faces a critical malfunction. After Tony’s crew tried to move the dredge closer to the pay zone on Indian River, it got stuck on raised bedrock, causing a leak in one of the pontoons. The leak led to one side of the dredge sinking into the water, which could result in serious damage if not fixed quickly.
Emergency Measures: Using Pumps to Save the Day
Greg Mason, a dredge master, works tirelessly to prevent further damage. The pontoons need to be pumped out to avoid more water flooding the dredge’s interior, risking the generator and other equipment. With no time to lose, they use large pumps to clear the water and save the dredge.
The Pontoon Crisis: Making the Tough Repairs
Once the water was drained, the team discovered that a rivet had been damaged during the dredge’s movement. The pontoons were leaking, and the team quickly realized that the repair was not as easy as hoped. However, they managed to get the dredge refloated and back in action, though it was clear the dredge was not in perfect condition.
Getting Back to Work: A Short-Lived Fix
After two days of lost production, Greg and his team were able to get the dredge back on track, though it was far from perfect. The repairs held for the remainder of the season, but the risk of further problems remained a concern.
Refloating the Dredge: A Hard-Won Victory
Despite the challenges, the team managed to get the dredge back into action, with some optimism for the remainder of the season. While the dredge wasn’t in perfect condition, it was functional enough to continue working, allowing Tony’s crew to get back on the gold.
