By Sarah Gould - Park Interp Staff
Due to large storms along our coast this past year two cross bars
on one of the Russian Orthodox crosses had blown off. How do you safely
repair a cross on top of a steep, slippery roofed cupola? Thanks to the help from the
local Fort Ross Cal Trans Maintenance Yard, and Fort Ross State Historic Park
staff members, we were able to safely replace the two cross bars. Maintenance Yard
Supervisor Joe Tomlin, and Cal Trans Tree Crew member John Burgess, a Cal Trans
Bucket Truck, and our own Ranger Walton, the cross was repaired on a gorgeous
morning December 26. The repair was completed in time for Epiphany
January 6 and the Russian Orthodox Christmas, celebrated on January 7 (on the
old calendar). Before attaching the new cross pieces Ranger Walton took
measurements for 2 completely new crosses to eventually be mounted on
the chapel. Joe Tomlin and John Burgess have graciously agreed to return with their
bucket truck when the park is ready to replace both crosses.
