Getting High at Work

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By John Wiley

Power was out all day Thursday on the western edge of Santa Barbara, and this is the reason. These guys worked at the top of a very tall high voltage line and barely finished by a little after five. With no electricity and time off from some chores, I managed to get some occasional zoom pix from a rooftop.

Apparently the crew had already prepared in detail, doing all possible before the shutoff.  Then they beheaded an old pole, leaving what looked like the telephone and maybe cable TV lines. It was impressive how careful they could be, while still getting so much done in a short time. After putting up a new pole they added two large transformers, followed by a lot of work connecting up all the wires.

If you’ve ever had the chance (and enforced spare time) to watch an operation like this, feel free to add details on the complex and dangerous procedure. I enjoyed watching from a safe distance, appreciated their excellent work, and unlike them had plenty of time to enjoy their perspective among the treetops.