Captain's Blog: October 9th 2011

Well it's been a while since we've been able to get back on the river.  Weather, other commitments, and a major flood have kept us away.  We tried to climb down to our little beach a week or so after the floods hit, but it was still too high and the bank too steep for me to get down all the way.  The big question was whether or not any of our furniture and my new pylons survived.  This past weekend, although the river was still high, I thought it safe enough to venture out to see what we could see.  Joining us for the voyage were our very good friends Gary and Linda.  Gary is a co-worker at my job, as well as a fellow band mate.  It must be said that Linda is not a swimmer, but trusts me enough to go on the boat.  I'm not sure if she is adventurous or trying to collect on insurance?  Anyway the weather was wonderful.  A little cooler in the morning hours, but a bright sunny calm day.

A Couple of Weeks Before the Floods

4 Weeks After the Floods

Once we got Third Generation launched we headed to our beach.  Upon arrival I was pleased to notice that the pylons I had set, actually survived.  Not so pleasing, was the fact that our furniture did not.  So we pulled up to the beach, Deb tied off the boat and proceeded to step on the beach.  Unfortunately I didn't have my camera, because it would have made a great YouTube video!  Deb's feet immediately starting slipping and sliding on the top layer.   It looked like a Buster Keaton move, but she was able to get herself steadied.  I decided to tie the boat up a feet up the beach where it would be easier to get out without landing on my butt.

Everyone Get a Chance at the Helm

We inspected the area to see if we could determine how much higher the river rose during the floods, from when we were there last.  We guessed it had risen approxamitley 4-5 feet.  And of coarse the dirt doesn't get enough sun on our side of the river to dry it out, so the top layer was a little slick the closer you got the the edge.  Needless to say it was fun watching who would get caught, and of coarse it was me, which wasn't nearly as funny as everyone else thought it was.

We did get out for a nice relaxing cruise.  We grilled up some lunch.  And eventually headed back to dryer land.  It was a great day all in all, and although we lost some free furniture, we didn't expect for it to have survived anyway.

We are still hoping we can get one more trip in before the really cool weather sets in.  So till next time,  "See you on the River".

Our Temporary Landing Spot

Linda and Gary

Captain's Blog: August 13th 2011

 Well this was a really good weekend.  My dad and son decided to come to New Hampshire for a visit.  Since my son goes to school in New Jersey, he caught a couple of trains to Queens and they both rode up together.

I was really glad my dad made it up for at least one more cruise before the end of the season.

OK Tim and Vicki, only a few more weeks left, better book passage soon!

Saturday looked like it was going to be a perfect day.  Slight breeze, a little overcast on the morning, plenty of sun later on.  So after an uneventful launch we were on our way.  My dad had never seen our beach area, and we were anxious for him to see our setup.  After all it's because of dad that we even have the boat, as well as an appreciation for what it can offer.  And after so many wonderful years in Cooperstown on the lake, we wanted to share our own little slice of heaven on the river.

We started out by heading downriver into Lowell.  We wanted to show him the most southern part of the river that we typically travel.  Luckily there were no university rowers to hinder the ride.  After that, we headed upriver to our camp site.  I was curious to see if my stick pylons had remained.  Just in case I came prepared with a couple of pretreated 2x4's to replace the sticks, and a heavy hammer (it works much better than the rock I used on the sticks).  Next is the lumber for the cabin (Just kidding Deb!).

Now that my work was done, it was time to relax, have a beer, and share some great company. So the three of us (I mean Myself, Dad & Frankie) headed upriver towards Nashua for a relaxing cruise.  If case you don't keep track of the details, I replaced the windshield on the console.  The old one broke (I won't tell you how), so I made a new one.  I was never really happy with the dark tint, so this time I made it clear.  I also made it a little shorter and etched "Third Generation" at the top.  I also etched into the side the year of the boat, the first modification by day and myself, and the second modification by Deb and myself.

 After a bit more relaxing at camp, it was time for an early dinner.  Some teriyaki chicken, and fried rice.  Of coarse Frankie got his usual fare (sorry Frankie).  Well it had been a great day, but it was time to head back.  I hope you enjoyed your trip dad.  Looking forward to the next one.  Don't make it too long.  There is still time for one more this season.  Until then "See You on the River!".

Captain's Blog - 29th July 2011

So after a great weekend camping trip with the kid's.  It was time for a little quiet time for Deb and I.  It was also the weekend before Deb's birthday on Monday, and everyone knows how much Deb loves the boat and being away from the house.  So we were off on another weekend trip to our camp.  Which reminds me we really need a name for it, any suggestions?
We arrived at camp about 10:00 am.  We unloaded and setup camp for the weekend.  I'm impressed with speed in which we can get it all setup: tent, air mattress (I'm a wimp!), chairs, latrine, cooking area, and so on.  We did it in a record 30 minutes!  Any challengers?

So it was a blustery day.  Not too often we see white caps on the river, but it was a beautiful sunny day just the same.  Now that camp's setup, I took up my position as lookout.  Someone has to keep an eye out for . . . , well, you know stuff!  It was a quiet day, I just have to say, we love being at our like hideaway.

Love this picture!

Later that evening around 6:30 pm, our next door neighbors and friends Juan and April, joined us for a late night cruise.  They have been hearing us talk about camp, but have never been there yet.  We relaxed on the beach, had a few beers, a few laughs then decided to take cruise down river.  No-one goes on the boat without an opportunity to pilot, if they want to give it a go.  They had a blast, and found out what it is we are so drawn to, but it was getting late.  And with that comes dark water.  There was no moon that night and so I high tailed it back to the ramp to drop our guests off, while Deb stayed back at camp to get a small fire going on the beach to help light my way.   I have to say that is was the first time on the river, on a moonless night.  The bugs were unbearable!  They were as thick as soup.   Not fun while your traveling on a boat!  The fire worked out great and I once again back at camp.  A few toasted marshmellows and it was time to call it a day.  The next morning I took a look in the boat and there we dead bugs everywhere!  So I spent a bit of time cleaning the stiff pest from the decks.

After that I took up another project.  Feeling the confidence from the water patrol, I decided to erect a few pylons to help secure the boat and keep it from rubbing against the shore.  Looking more and more like home!

 After a relaxing day again, with just a few projects.  It was time to get loaded up.  Once we were all broke down and secured we headed back to the ramp.  Just north of the Tyngsboro Bridge, we came across a boat attempting to retrieve a sneaker that a small child had thrown overboard.  As we watched, we couldn't help notice that they were having a very difficult time maneuvering to pick it out of the water.  After a couple of chuckles we decided to give them a hand.  What we discovered, was that the sneaker contained the cell phone and wallet, placed there for safe keeping.  They hadn't considered the 2 year old factor.  Foolish men!
That about does it.  A great weekend, happy birthday Deb!

Captain's Blog - July 9th 2011

So continuing with my late entries:
On July 9th our son Robert (home from school for a few weeks) along with his best friends Keri & Danny, came along for a weekend camping trip on the river.  It was Danny's first time camping, and they had a fantastic time.  Here are a few pics of the weekend . . .

Arriving at camp!

Having fun on the tube!

Going down river!

Girls have to stick together!

Taking in some swimming time!

Rob navigating his way.

A nice sunset cruise!

So how was your first night in a tent?

Tube turns into poker table.

Awwwww!





A few exciting things to report this time.  Sunday morning we finally had a Water Patrol Officer show up a camp.  He paid very close attention to our setup.  Asked allot of questions about how long we've been going to this site, and so on.  In the end he was very satisfied that we were experienced & responsible campers.  Didn't have any mess or destruction going on.  The only thing he wanted to know was, " could use our site from time to time?".  Chalk one up for the squatters!

That afternoon after the kids had been dropped off at shore to go home.  Deb and I were taking a nice slow cruise back to the ramp, when a speedboat went barreling past at what can only be described as a very unsafe speed for the river.  A few minuted later, another water patrol officer stopped us to ask if we had seen the boat.  Apparently he saw them speeding, but could not catch up.  I hope he gets them the next time!   So after 3 years on the river we finally got stopped at both the camp and the boat.  Good thing is "They liked us, they really liked us!".

Hope you enjoyed the pics.  We sure enjoyed the company.  See you next time, on the river.

Captain's Blog 2011 - "Better Late Than Never"

Well as you can see, I'm very late in getting this years Captain's Blog going.  I have no real excuse except to say it was a very slow to start season weather wise, life in general, and a new toy, my motorcycle.  So I apologize for the delay and promise to bring you up to speed as best my 50 my year old memory will allow.
As you can see from the pic at left it was a very cold first cruise up the Merrimack on the 14th of May.  We decided today was a good day to check on our beach,  clean things up and get ready for the season.

Now that the beach is ready to go, so were we.  A couple of weeks later we decided to do our first camp out of the season. The weather was beautiful and warm.  We set up camp and began our ritual of relaxation and more relaxation.  We even made a new friend.  An otter that decide it was a pretty good place to hang out as well.  Nothing real exciting to report.  Just a good weekend.  We did get a new tent for this season.  A little bigger (so I could fit my full size air mattress).  OK so I'm getting soft in my old age.  Cut a guy a break!  Anyway here are a few more pics from the trip.  We hope you enjoy them.