Captains Blog - Labor Day Weekend 2015

So it was a camping weekend at Camp Woosah aboard Third Generation.  It had been a couple of seasons since we spent a night on the river, and I really wanted to scratch that off this seasons list of "would like to accomplish".  The plan was to start out early with Yasmin and Deb Saturday morning.  Later that day our son Rob was to meet us at the Nashua dock with more overnight supplies.  With gear loaded (at least as much I could on the first trip), we set out from Chelmsford MA since we needed to overnight park.  The ramp isn't as nice as the Rourke Bros. Ramp in Lowell, but there is no overnight parking there either.

So off we went at about 10:00.  We made a cruise up to Camp Woosah, and as we approached we could see a few things out if place.  As we got closer, we could see that a couple of teens had made it to our camp and decided that we needed a lesson in vandalism!  All of our supplies, and camp furniture had been spray painted and strewn across the entire beach and woods.  At first glance it looked devastating, but upon closer inspection the only real damage was paint and disarray.  I won't dignify the vandals with any pics, so you'll have to use your imagination.  On a positive note, they didn't break anything.  They certainly could have really done some damage.  Deb was initially very upset, and rightly so.  My perspective was no real damage, and maybe this was a little payback for being a (let's just say) high spirited teen myself.  It took an hour or so to clean up and straighten things out a bit.  In the end Deb did a great job of getting most of the spray paint cleaned up (even off the trees).  They even tried to cut a 7" oak down!  They got about half way through, so I had to take it down all the way.  I was more upset about that tree than the paint! 

Once we were setup it was time to relax, swim and start enjoying the camp and the rest of the weekend.  Shortly after we finished cleaning a fisherman (who we see almost every weekend with his wife), pulled up to camp solo.  He had caught a beautiful small mouth bass, and needed a picture to prove it wasn't just a fish tale.   A 3.8 pound Small Mouth Bass!   

The fisherman was kind enough to give Yasmin a hands on lesson in "catch and release".  

About 11:00 Rob gave us a ring to pick him up at the dock with most of the overnight supplies like tent, bedding, extra cooler with drinks, etc.  Thank you Rob!  We could not have pulled this weekend off without your help!

Yasmin and Rob enjoyed quality time together, and the sounds of laughter helped us forget about the rough start.

As the sun started to set, it was time to bring Rob to the dock.  It was getting pretty dark, so on came the blue LED deck lights.  I love these lights!  

We took our time, and although I didn't leave our little red beacon on at the camp, I found our way home.  

Only Deb, Yasmin, and myself were spending the first night on the beach.  It was Jazz's first overnight camping trip, so she was a little nervous. Earlier in the day Rob and I put together a little fire pit, so I was able to light a fire before we all turned in.  When it was time for Yasmin to go to sleep, she was out like a light in 5 minutes time.  A day of sun and swimming is the best medicine for a quick lights out.

The next morning we had planned to make french toast.  You know there is always something you forget when you go on trips.  We remembered the Cinnamon, the milk, the bread, oh yea EGGS!  The breakfast menu now offered: bacon, sausage, toast and peaches.  It was good just the same, and no-one seemed to mind a bit.

We also had our camp neighbor, Artie, who also lives around the corner from us at home) stopped in to day good morning.

At about 2:00 we pickup our daughter Alycia, and our two grandsons for the day.  It would be their first trip on the boat, and at Camp Woosah.  Rob also came out to spend Saturday night at camp.  The boys had a blast on the boat, as well as playing in the water, and exploring the beach.  I was glad to start their river experiences on Third Generation, and begin building many many good memories.

After a full day at Camp Woosah, Alycia had to get the boys back before it got too dark.  I am looking forward to having the boys out again as soon as schedules will allow.  By the time Rob and I headed back it was pretty dark again.  This time Deb stayed at camp and lit a fire.  That made it a bit easier to find our way back.

The next morning we had to pick Yasmin up at the dock at 8:00, so Alycia could go to work.  This morning we had our eggs, so French toast made it back on the menu.

Later about 11:00, my cousin Tracy, her husband Jim and their daughter Ella had planned to spend the day with us.  It was Jim's first time on the boat and at camp. It was nice to have them all spend the day with us.  The girls had a blast together, and it was really nice meeting Jim for the first time.

As all good things must come to an end, so it is on the River.  So with sad faces, we packed up and headed towards our car in Chelmsford.

With leaves falling, but temps still in the 90's,  there still looks like time to get out there.  So until next time, see you on the river.

Captains Blog - August 8th 2015

This weekend was a day to re-connect with family.  A cousin (Tracy) who I really never had the chance to know, and her daughter (Ella) joined us for a day on the Merrimack River at Camp Woosah.  Deb and I thought we would get to camp a little early, and set things up for our guests.  We were on the water by 9:00, and headed to camp.  When we pulled up close to shore, our hearts sank a little.  Apparently the heavy rains during the week, caused a small mud slide just behind the big oak tree where we store the bulk of our beach items.  There were rocks strewn across the beach, along with a ton of sand and dirt.  It had washed across the beach, down the bank, and created a beach where there once was none.  Luckily, nothing was lost or seriously damaged.

On a positive note, we now have a nice beach for the kids to play on!  Another thing worth mentioning, the stairs and railing survived the deluge.

Just about the time Deb and I raised the frame for the canopy, and put the top on, it was time to pickup our guests.  We had Jazzy travel with Tracy and Ella to the dock, so that Ella and Jazzy could meet, and so Deb and I could setup quickly.  I met them all at the rowing club dock in Nashua, and we headed over to Camp Woosah.  I have to give a shout out to the rowing club, and their dock.  It is so much safer, and convenient. 

 This was Ella's first boat ride, so you never really know how small ones react.  As soon as I pulled away from the dock I knew it was going to be a good day. The grin on Ella's face stretched from ear to ear.

The girls spent the morning swimming and building Fairy Houses, while the adults got to know each other.  After burgers and hot dogs, and assorted lunch items we decided to go for a boat ride.  Jump in, turn the key, and a terrible noise issued from under the engine cover.  Apparently we are having starter issues!  Not to worry, pull out the handy dandy emergency pull chord, and we were running.  Glad I have all the emergency gear one could think of.  If we weren't prepared, it would have been a very bad day.

We took a cruise down river, and stopped at another spot Jazzy likes to swim at. 

As you can see the girls had a blast swimming and burying themselves in the sand.  You may have noticed me attempting to take a snooze through all of that.  It seems the older I get the easier it is to sleep through the kids playing!  After a bit, we headed back towards camp.  I let the girls take turns piloting the boat, which they absolutely loved.

It was just a great day.  One for the books.  The pleasure I receive from hearing the sound of the girls laughing, and exploring, and just having fun being kids, is worth all of the work we put into Camp Woosah, and Third Generation.  My advise, come out with us for a trip.  You'll never want to go home.  So until then, "See You on the River".

Captain's Blog July 18, 25 & August 1&2 2015

I've been bad these past few trips about getting the Blog posts done right away (not to mention they get a bit repetitive as well!).  So I thought I would link a few trips together in one post (At least that's my story and I'm sticking to it!).

Starting with Saturday July 18th.  This particular weekend Jazzy spent with us on the boat.  Not a tremendous amount to write about.  Started the day about 11.00 out of Lowell.  It was sunny and hot.  As you can see Jazzy and I were perfecting our shoulder jump for the next summer Olympics.  I give her a 10!  Most of our day was spent swimming, relaxing, boating a bit, and then more swimming!  Below are just a few of pictures for the record.

The following weekend started out with just Deb and I.  The first thing we accomplished was helping another boater (or soon to be X boater).  He and his wife had launched their boat to take pictures to sell.  In the process, his brakes failed and were trying to figure out how to get the boat out, without launching his truck as well.  Luckily we had some 4"x 6" post  sections that I was going to use for our beach steps with us.  So Deb and I placed the blocks behind the truck to save it from making the plunge.  It took a few minutes, but in the end all was safe.  Good deed for the day done!

We spotted our bald eagle in Lowell again, but he was too quick for a picture.  We headed to the beach at about 10:00.  It was another warm day, but very nice.  We didn't accomplish much but enjoyed the quiet morning.

Later in the day our son Rob joined us.  Its always nice to have him spend time with us at the camp.  It's a great way for all of us to spend quality time.  One change I did incorporate onto the boat was the addition of an old brass ships bell.  Gifted to us by Deb's dad.  It polished up so nice and makes for a fun little add on.  What do you guys think?

The following weekend (August 1st) was Deb's birthday.  For this trip it was just Deb and I.  We haven't done breakfast on the beach in a while, so we decided to start the day early.  We were on the river before 8:30 am.  We took a nice slow put up river to our camp.  We had a few extra items on board with us to make life on the beach a bit more comfortable.  We had an old 10'x10' canopy that had seen better years.  So we decided to add it to out beach inventory.  Once we were set up we were trying to figure out how we made do without it.  It provides added protection against ticks, sun, bugs and rain.  What wasn't I thinking!  Now I sit inside and feels like I'm on my riverside porch.

Once were set, It was time to brew coffee and cook some breakfast.  What a pleasure, not a soul around.  It was as if we had our own private haven.

After breakfast I started to install the stairs going from the water up the bank.  It has always been a little tricky getting up and down (especially when wet), and especially unloading and loading.  I had already carved foot holds, so adding the stairs just made it better.  What do you think?

The latest addition

The view from the new canopy

The clouds did start to threaten about 3:00 or so, but we stuck it out, feeling more confident with out shelter.  It did shower on and off for an hour or so, but never felt a drop.  It was a great day and we even contemplated sleeping under the canopy, but I need my air mattress!  So we headed back about 7:30 pm or so.

Saturday was so great we made a plan to go out Sunday as well.  We made it an early start again and were on the water by 8:30 am.  We started brewing coffee right away, and about 9:30 or so Rob called us up and we met him at the Nashua rowing dock.  It was nice having Rob join us for breakfast.  Once our bellies were full Rob and set out to construct a railing for the stairs.  Deb went to work raking and clearing our camp area.  We even transplanted a few wild flowers to the area in front of the canopy.  After all the work was complete, it was time to kick back and enjoy the views.

You may have even noticed the two pylons for securing the boat to.  At the end of the day, we put all away and headed into Lowell.  Instead of getting off the water we headed into The Lowell Basin to watch the sun set, and eat a sandwich.  It was beautiful and none of us wanted to go.  But it was getting dark and we still had to get home.  When we got to the ramp there were more than 15 jet skiers buzzing around the ramp.  Everyone trying to get the machines onto trailers at the same time.  What a cluster &^%$(&^%(!  There is nothing more aggravating than people who don't care about courtesy or even common sense!  After a few choice words we finally were out of the water and heading home.  Hope you enjoyed the ride, so until next tome  . . . See you on the River!

Captains Blog - June 13th, 2015

This is the weekend that we took the boats 1st captain (my dad), on an inspection cruise.  Saturday was a very hot & sunny day.  We went to Parker's Maple Barn for breakfast instead.

Sunday was a much better day.  We ( Dad, Jazzy, Deb and myself) got on the water about 11:00 or so, and headed to the camp.

It was a nice cruise, but no eagle today.  We did see Police Water Patrol, and followed them as far as our camp.  Once we were setup, Jazzy immediately wanted to go fishing.  So worm on hook and she was away!  She caught the typical Sunny's and Pumpkin fish.  Then she got a bigger bite on the line.  Next thing I know she's pulling up a good size fish, I think it's a trout?  Go Jazzy!

Frankie seemed to be right at home on the boat & on the beach.  Took a little bit for him to get use to the sand, but eventually he laid right down.  Of coarse this was a really bad weekend with tick, and Frankie ended up with four on his body, and dad had two.  Got them in time, but what a surprise!

Later in the day, Rob called and I picked him up at the dock in Nashua.  It was great having all three generations on Third Generation.  

The three of us cruised up northward.  We made it all the way to Merrimack, just behind the Budweiser plant.  And no, there wasn't anybody at the river bank with free Buds damn it!

Rob also helped Jazzy with building her own bow and (blunt) arrows.  She loves her uncle, and he loves to take time out with her.

While we were cruising Deb and Jazzy built a Fairy House.  This is a cool project for any young child.  Jazzy built 5 houses so far.  This idea came from a book called: "Fairy Houses" by Tracy Kane.  This a great book, and a fun project for the kids.

It was a nice relaxing day, and we really enjoyed dad's company (you too Frankie).  Sadly it always comes to the point when it's time to go home. We all had a great time, and really enjoyed dad's company.  It was a very breezy ride back to Lowell, but we took our time, and arrived happy and tired.

Can't wait to do this again, so until then, see you on the river.

Captain's Blog - June 7, 2015

It was another good boating weekend.  Saturday was spent making repairs to the trailer lights on the van.  This past week Deb dropped Yasmin off at school, the next thing she knew, there was a crowd of people around the van pointing at the back.  When Deb got to the van, smoke was pouring out of the back.  Apparently, the module that relays the signal to the trailer, shorted and flamed out.  Luckily no damage was done to the van. It also doesn't hurt to have a mechanic in the family who specializes in electrical.

Once repairs were made, Deb and I were off to the ramp in Lowell.

We made it in the water by 10:00, and headed straight to our camp.  There was a cool breeze, so we took our time.  Glad we did, because we may have missed a bald eagle hunting.

 

What a spectacular sight first thing in the morning.  

We also caught up with our nieghbor, both at home, and on the river, Artie.  Hi, Artie!  After our good mornings, Deb and I headed to the camp.  It was a very nice day, just Deb and I.  It's not too often we get a day to ourselves on the boat, so it was really nice.  No work, just relaxing and enjoying the boat, and each other's company.

At around 6:00, Rob gave us a call to pick him up in Lowell for a night time cruise.  He hadn't been on the boat at night, and wanted to see the lights, and enjoy the evening.

It was a little breezy still, until the sun went down, and the winds died.  

We cruised along side the board walk, and received many thumbs up for the boat.  At around 9:00 we decided to head home.  It was another successful day on our little rowboat.  Looking forward to next weekend and my dad joining us on the river.  So until then, see you on the river.

Captains Blog - May 30, 2015

We'll it was a little exciting even before we hit the water.  Last Sunday when Rob and I went out to work on the beach, our entire electrical system cut out.  So Rob had to figure out what was happening before we left this morning.  I pulled the dash off and was cutting a plastic zip tie that held a group of wires together when it gave and the knife went right into my hand, filleting my left hand right open.  My biggest concern was not getting blood all over my nice new boat!  A few steri strips, a little tape and I was back in business.  No time for emergency visits when the water is calling.  In the end Rob found the electrical issue, (a loose wire to the ignition) and all is well again.  Yea Rob!

We intended on a later start anyway, hoping to stay out a little later.  We got to the river about 12:30.  It was still low, maybe a couple of inches higher than the previous weekend. The good thing was less debris than the last trip.

Yasmin had a great day of swimming, nature walks, fishing and playing with her Uncle RaRa.

Rob, setup a BB gun target area (for adults only!) which was a lot of fun.

It was a very blustery day, so Rob and I decided to put the new modifications to the test.  How would it handle rough seas and winds?  Would everything stay together?  With Rob at the helm, we brought the boat up to 15 miles an hour, and turned her into the wind.  The new floor was quieter in rough seas than the old one, with a lot less vibration.  The top flexed just as I hoped, and every weld held tight.  Of coarse the top created drag, but less than the old bimany top that would have shredded  under the same conditions.  The boat handeled very well.  Rob and I were very pleased and gave it our seal of approval.

I spent a lot of time relaxing for a change.  With the future captain (Rob) with us, I could just take it easy.

I can't explain how much I love our little piece of beach, we claim for our family.  

We have set things up for comfort and relaxation.  This is one aspect of living in New Hampshire that I could never leave.

When Deb and Yas can walk down the beach and collect nature items for her shelf at home, as well as catapillar specimens to take home and attemp to raise until butterflies.  What more could you want out of life.  Money would be nice, but this time with my family, priceless.  Looking forward to my dad coming up in a couple of weeks, to take a cruise and inspect the changes.  And to the rest of my family and freinds, an invitation is extended to anyone wishing to get a little taste of NH.  So until next time, see you on the river!

2015 Season Begins - Captains Blog May 24th 2015

So it has been a long winter season, and a lot was planned to be done to Third Generation.  Here is what we accomplished during the long, long, long winter.

We have been struggling to deal with our bimany top over the years.  The material gets old, the top itself isn't very strong, etc.  I have always thought about adding a hard top that would resolve all the issues.  Here is what I came up with. . .

Nice and clean on the inside, insulated, and with the center teak stripe carried across the top as well.  Made from very light but structural old sign materials, and trimmed in teak, it has little impact as far as weight goes, and really performs well in the water (even on a windy day, as this first launch was).  Item #1 complete.

Next major item was replacing the old second modification wood floor (which was very heavy at 90+ lbs.), with much lighter and weather proof materials.  Again old sign panels made of alumilite we're used, as well as foam insulation panels and aluminum angle for bracing.  In the end it has a weight just under 6 lbs.  amazingly very sturdy and very quiet.  We put new indoor/outdoor carpet down and  item #2 complete.

This last shot also shows the next major item (#3), splitting the center row boat bench seat into seperate captains chairs.  Again old sign aluminum was used to complete the task (A very big thank you to the owners of Classic Signs (Paul Tripp & George Gagnon) for giving me the space and the discarded materials to accomplish all of this).  This walk through was essential in the decision to add a hard top.  It had to be easy to walk-through under the top.

Next hurdle was the electrical (#4).  The fuse system utized the old glass type fuses.  The wiring and connections were getting a little tired after so many years.  So the decision was made to gut it all and modernize with new.  Thanks to my son Rob for his expertise, without which, none of the re-wiring would have been possible.

In addition the the wiring, LED light modules (#5) were incorporated into the trunk & bow cooler.  Also an on board sound system (#6) was added with the aid of some old speakers and a computer speaker circuit board to power them.  An additional detail of custom speaker covers topped it all off (#7).  How nice just plugging my i-phone in and having music.  A must for any musician.  

Next on the to do list was to make a new housing for the bilge pump (#8).  The original housing was just too wimpy, and broke the first season we used it.  I fabricated a new one with 3/16" acrylic and a lazer machine.  It certainly helps to have this type of equipment available.  Thanks again boss's. 

Next was re-building the top section of the console in teak (#9).  This was strictly an asthetic wish list item.  I had the wood (which was donated a couple of seasons ago).  I also modified how the windshield mounts as well.  

#10 was installing a new horn (on the right side if the console).  The button is mounted in the steering wheel.  Just for fun I marked the button as "Nitrous Oxide (NO2)".

#11 was make the stern seat a little wider.  I just couldn't get comfortable enough.  So 3" wider, new teak trim, and a brand new cushion.  I also strengthened the bow seat, and put new trim as we'll (#12).

#13 was recovering all the existing cushions.  I wanted leather, but had to settle for a canvas instead.  Maybe next season (hint, hint, Santa!).  I also had to repair one of the captains chair back & recover (#14).

Next was a custom flag pole out of teak (#15), "just because!".

A small item, but helpful (#16) we're two small storage boxes (discarded plastic hardware containers) under the rear seat.  This allowed me to move some emergency items & tools to a more convienient spot.

Repaint the white interior (#17) and re-sand and varnish all the teak (#18).  Oiling the teak each season became such a hassle. Sanding, oiling, sanding oiling, and so on.  It looked crappy after a few weeks, and at least the varnish will last at least the season, and look good to whole time.

There are a million little things, that would allow me to keep going and going, but the above list if top eighteen pretty much covers it for this season.  It was starting to get warm, and I was feeling the call of the water.  Not to mention we had all had enough snow and cold, it was time to begin my favorite time of the year, Boating Season!

As for the river, it's very low right now.  We could really use some rain.  Not too much debris, but some areas are messy. All if our beach items survived the snow, and we had camp setup in short order.  Looking to make some improvements to the beach this year, I'll keep you posted.

I hope you enjoyed hearing about 

someone else besides yourself, was busting their butt!  It was all worth it to me.  I hope my entire family enjoy the ride.  So until next time, here are a few more pics, and see you on the river!