Third Generation Captain's Blog: September 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.