We have arrived

A long 8 hour flight to Amsterdam, in which we also lost 6 hours to time change and got very little sleep, we arrived to catch a 2 hour flight to Tallinn. The flight on Estonia Air was a small jet with several of the guys ducking in order to fit down the aisle. A 2 1/2 hour bus ride and we arrive in Tartu. We are graciously meet by a couple of guys from the church who helped us get settled in our rooms at the Salem church. A group dinner out that evening reminded us not to expect USA speeds of service. It took about 1:15 for one table to receive their food. We are enjoying the culture and our team.  A scouting trip to Risttee has us prepared to tackle the numerous projects that we hope to accomplish. Good times with more to come!

More photos & info about the ice arbor

 And the answer to the question that everyone seems to ask; "How do you keep it from melting?" You don't! It lasted 1/2 a day. It was finished construction at 11am and the center section collapsed between 5:30-6:30pm. Georgia sunshine in June just does not favor an ice sculpture lasting very long outdoors. This was constructed with clear ice (ice that was made with curculating water so it freezes clear) and is susceptible to sun rot (where the ice breaks down throughout the block of ice because of the sun penetrating through the clear ice. The main (lower) blocks of ice are around 350lbs each. The long thin ones on the top were around 75lbs each. The size was approximately 14'wide X 12' high. The "Globalx Estonia" was carved into the ice with a CNC machine and filled with snow (shavings of ice from the cnc process that looks like, well... SNOW!) This traps air in the logo that gives it the white look. Good old H2o is the glue that holds this impressive thousand pound ice sculpture together.

And lastly, a HUGE thanks to our teammate and world class ice carver, Jim Duggan. You can see more of Jim's professional work at IceSculptureInc.com or see his competition carvings at IceAaska.com.

Applying the glue.

Cap'n Jim at work.

 Neil can't wait to carve something with the chainsaw.

Steve carving some of the details.

Paul brings the finishing piece while chanting Latin.

Even some of the family came to see the sculpture.

 And why wouldn't you come to see this!

The Coolest Team Builder Exercise Ever!

Last week we did a team builder exercise. One of our team members is a world class ice carver (he took 2nd place at the World Ice Carving Competition this year) and offered to lead us in constructing an 12' tall ice arbor! The actual construction was by the team with Jim Duggan doing an incredible job guiding us.

Estonia Team: (top left) David Hulsey, Kevin McDonald, Steve Barnes, Neil Tisdale, Paul Palmer, Jim Duggan (bottom left) Kathy Robinson, Lloyd Robbinson, Chris Windham, Bob Sowers

A quick prayer.

All hands on ice.

Bob roughs up the ice a bit.

 

Haulin' ice.