Captain's Blog - July 14th 2013

We had received a call from Tim (Deb's dad).  It was Vicki's (Tim's wife) birthday, and Tim wanted to know if we would take them out for a cruise.  We had planned the trip for Saturday, but weather was a little sketchy, so we decided to wait until Sunday.  It ended up being the right move, because Sunday morning we had a perfect blue sky.  Deb and I loaded up and headed to our beach on the Merrimack River.

This weekend was a work on the beach site kind of weekend.  Two years ago our beach was wiped out by a massive flood.  We lost our furniture, our pylons, and our steps took a big hit as well.  Last year we were in no physical shape to go boating, so this year it was time to fix it all up again.  The repairs took a chunk of the morning, but it all was completed.  I even added a rope hand rail along the steps.  This would make it easier and safer for all.  Now, nothing else to do but relax and wait for Tim and Vicky to call for a pickup.

Tim gave us a call around 1:00 or so.  I shot up to the Nashua ramp and boarded my passengers.  Since it was Vicki's birthday, I decided to let her take the helm , and travel down river the our beach.  Vicky was a great pilot, and it gave me a chance to use Deb's seating area (which I never get to use!).   We arrived at the beach and just kicked back until lunch.  Grilled up some Terriaki Chicken & burgers.  Also had a nice garden salad and fruit.  A very nice lunch.

After a while we dicided to take a cruise into Lowell.  Tim and Vicky had never gone that far down river, so it would be a nice cruise.  I tried to get Tim to take the wheel for a while, but he and Vicky just wanted to kick back and enjoy the sites.  I know just how you feel Tim.  I almost never get to just be a passenger.  Maybe it's time to let my first mate (Deb) take the helm once in a while.  Although I think I may need some luck getting her to do that, she likes her seating area too much to give it up to even the captain!

It was a nice cruise into Lowell, and Tim and Vicky could see why we like the New Hampshire end of the river so much.  The Jet skiers were like hornets on water.  Buzzing this way and that way, creating excessive waves and noise.  Get me back to the peace and quiet of  New Hampshire!  The day had worn on by the time we did get back to our beach, and Tim and Vicky were ready to go home.  I dropped them off at the ramp and headed back to our beach to clean and pack up to head back home.

We also had a chance to catch up with our neighbor and fellow river rat, Artie.  Good to see you on the river!  Next time stop at the beach and have a beer!  So until the next time, "See you on the River!".

Captain's Blog: July 5th thru 7th 2013

So back to the Merrimack for the Fourth of July weekend.  We decided to start our weekend on Friday morning.  Once the boat was stocked with food and ice, we headed into Chelmsford and the ramp.  It was about 10:00 a.m. when we finally launched Third Generation, and we headed north to our favorite little beach in New Hampshire.  The water was running high once again, and very fast.  Needless to say there were numerous hazards, like floating trees lying just below the surface ( As seen in the background of the picture below with me and my new hammock! ). Thanks again to Tim and Vicki for the gift.  As you can see it fits me and my Guiness just right!

When we arrived at our beach, the water level was over the bank, which makes unloading the boat much easier.  Next, setup camp!  We starting with installing our new bathroom.  OK, so it's still a little primative.  I'm designing some removable walls, so keep lookingf for the new improved version.  No matter what, it's better than squatting over poison ivy ladies!   Next the kitchen and finally the bedroom (complete with full size mattress).  Once that was all done, then the real work begins, RELAXING!

We stayed on the beach most of the day, due to heat and just plain laziness.  When the sun started going down we went for a sunset cruise.  It was a beautiful night, and the river was very quiet.  I even got a chance to use my new Blue LED floor lights.  Although I couldn't get a great shot with my camera, I'll try again next time. Of coarse as soon as I thought I had the coolest boat on the river, that night we watched a pontoon boat go by with, yes you guessed it, BLUE LED Lights!

The next morning (Saturday) we found the river had dropped about a foot or so.  Still running fast but lower.  I was really glad I had anticipated that when I toed the boat for the night.  It could have been real interesting trying to get the boat back in the water!  We also made arrangements to have freah ice delivered in the morning.  Thanks April and Juan! So after I started coffee, I headed up to the Nashua ramp to meet April with fresh ice. When I got back to camp I cooked a nice breakfast. Bacon, Eggs, and Toast. Yes, I cheated with the diet, but it's camping on the river!

Another really realxing day on the beach.  We made a run into Lowell/Chelmsford to check on the car.  When we passed the Lowell ramp, we saw several emergency vehicles.  We weren't sure what happened, but later found out that a woman had fallen into the river and was swepted over the damn.  So a note to anyone who finds themselves near or on the river, BE SAFE! Listen to the warnings, it could save your life.  That night it was time for another sunset cruise.  This time conditions were perfect.  The below picture is my favorite of the night.

Sunday morning Deb's cold was kicking in so we decided to pack up and head back home.  This was a great weekend, and will deffinately be staying on the river again.  So until the next time, "See You on the River".