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!

Captain's Blog: September 7th, 2013

This weekend we did something we haven't done in a while, Deb and I were out on the Merrimack alone, all day! We left out of the Nashua ramp about 12:00. A later start for us than normal, but we decided to make today an easy day. We packed light, and left our table and cooler behind. Whatever we needed for the day, we would just keep in the cooler built into the boat, and instead of cooking, we would have sandwiches.



Position of the day!



One of the few interuptions of the day.

We were thinking about it, and this season we have had more guests than any other season.  Although we love having guests on the boat with is, it was really nice being alone with Deb for the day.  We went to our beach and setup the hammock and a couple of chairs.  We weren't there long, when we decided to take a nice slow drift towards Lowell.  It was a very quiet day, not many boats out there (which made it even nicer).  In fact even when we went back tho the beach to hang out, but ended up lounging on the boat.  The fact is we have gotten so use to setting up, that we did it on instinct today, rather than need.  The fact is that we didn't need to set anything up.  We were perfectly content to stay on the boat.  In the future we need to think about doing this alot more.

 

Downtown Nashua to Hudson Bridge

So as the seaon winds down, we hope to get a few more trips in.  Until then when we "See you on the River!'.

Captain's Blog: August 24, 2013

This season has been packed with good days!  This past weekend was no exception,  but the best part of this past weekend wasn't the weather, it was our son Robert visiting from New Jersey.  Rob had requested a trip on the boat, and Saturday was the day.  So with our son Robert and our grandaughter Yasmin, we headed to the Merrimack River.  We got out on the water about 11: 00.  I had Rob take the helm immediately and head to our little beach.
Once we were setup, Yasmin was in the water!  Yasmin loves her Uncle Robert, and misses him something terrible, so it was so nice seeing them together.  It made her day, week and month!

Robert even bought her a new fishing pole (Yasmin said to make sure everyone knew it wasn't a kids pole, but a big people pole!).  She had a blast, and like her great grandpa, a natural.  On her first cast she sent her lure about 25 feet!  She also knocked them dead.  3 small mouth bass, 1 large mouth, a pickerel and several pumkin fish.  Nothing like being shown up by your 5 year old grandaughter.  She does lover fishing!

Sometime during the day, Rob and I headed for a cruise into Lowell.  Rob at the helm of coarse, we made a quick trip going down, but took a nice slow ride back to camp.  It was an absolute blast seeing Rob pilot the boat.  I know he had fun just by looking at the smile on his face.  Nothing like a little speed to make a young man smile!  We just made sandwiches for lunch, and Yasmin had to be coaxed out of the water to eat.

 So happy not to be working.

 Rob enjoying a little down time from the Jersey life!

Drawing a picture for her Uncle Robert.

Yasmin, determined to keep Rob close, decided to tie him up so he couldn't leave!

Future captain of Third Generation, of coarse it will have to be named 4th Generation on that day

So it was just a great day, building memories for Yasmin and Robert.  We loved having them together on our little beach on the Merrimack.  We can't wait to do it again soon.  Maybe an overnighter next time?  So until then, we'll "See You on the River!".

Jazzy, fishing with her uncle.

Yasmin pretending to be a butterfly in a cocoon.

Captain's Blog - August 17 & 18, 2013

Well it's another nice weekend.  On Saturday Deb and I decided to get out on the boat before the season starts to wind down.  It was a nice sunny day, and we haven't had allot of time on the boat alone this season, so it was especially nice.  The river was a bout a foot higher than last weened when my dad and Frankie joined us for the day.

   There were a couple of projects that I wanted to get done at camp like;  hanging a tire swing and cleaning the beach area of trash and branches.  Not much to report about on Saturday.  It was a very relaxing and enjoyable day with my beautiful wife.  It was so nice that we dicided to make another day of it on Sunday, and this time we would bring our grandaughter Yasmin.

 Sunday came and we were off again, and with grandaughter in tow!  We got out on the river early and cooked up some bacon, eggs, toast and of coarse COFFEE!  Yasmin decided to have a bowl of cereal and yes, BACON!  The girl loves bacon.  After breakfast there was no holding her back, she wanted to go in the water, and pretty much stayed there the day.  She loved the tire swing, but was a little nervous about being over the water.

   

We had a very full day.  We did a bit of fishing (but didn't catch anything).  Deb and Yasmin decided to swim out to our landmark "Y" tree branch.  This was the very first time anyone has gone out to the branch.  So congrats Deb and Jazzy for a camp first!  We had an extraordinary day, and were so happy to share this with Yasmin.  Jazzy's favorite part of the day, driving the boat!  Future captain of Third Generation?

We can't wait to have our other grandchildren experience Third Generation as well.  So until the next time when we "See You on the River"!

Captain's Blog - August 10, 2013

It was an incredible morning to go on the boat!   My dad (The previous captain of this vessel), was up from New York city for a visit and a cruise on the Merrimack.  We are always happy to see my dad, and even happier when we can take him out for the day on Third Generation.  We loaded the boat and hit the water around 11:00.  It was a bit breezy, but sunny and mild.  The river was very low, and in fact as we were getting ready to launch, another boater was just pulling out, saying that he had hit a rock and lost a prop.  So with that bit of information, we headed downstream cautiously.  There is an advantage to boating on this river for a few years, you know where most of the hazards are!  We made it to our beach without incodent.

After a quick setup, it was time to kick back, open a beer and enjoy the day.  My dad's dog and longtime companion "Frankie", seemed to really enjoy our little beach and liked exploring.  Maybe it brought back memories of our families time on Lake Otsego in Cooperstown, NY.

 

After a beer (or two)  we were in the mood for a cruise.  It was time for dad to take the helm, and for me to be a passenger.  I don't get to enjoy that role nearly enough.  We took a nice easy cruise down into Lowell.  Not allot of boat traffic. even in Lowell.  I really like the new stern bench seat.  It took me a while to get it all the way I wanted, but I think I'm finally there!

It was great seeing my dad pilot the boat.  I'm sure he misses it as much as I love having it!
After an long cruise of an hour or more, we dicided to head back to camp to cook some food on the grill, and enjoy a few more beers.  Since the water was so low, I decided to take a walk along the beach edge to see how far I could get.  Along the way, I spotted an old truck frame in the woods on the bank.  It looked to be an old model T that had been converted to run a machine of some type.  It had obviously broken down, because the side was riddled with bullet holes.  You just never know what your going to find!

It was a fantastic day, and we all enjoyed relaxing at camp, but the day was wearing on, and we were all getting ready to go back home.  We would love to have dad out for at least one more journey before the season ends.  So until the next time when we "See You on the River"!

Captain's Blog - August 3rd 2013

So after missing last weekend due to health issues, we are finally getting back on the Merrimack River. As you will see from the pictures below, I have made a few more improvements. The biggest change is to the stern seat. I was lucky enough to have another boat owner friend see me at the gas station a few weeks back, and offered up a bunch of teak boards that he no longer needed. Thank you Mike, for your very generous gift! I have been wanting to modify the stern seat backrest for quite some time (not being happy with my original design). Now that I had the teak to do it, take a look and let me know what you think!

The second change was adding two rails in the stern of the boat atop the gunnel. This adds a little bit of height to keep small children safe, gives the stern passengers an arm rest, and I think it just looks good!

So all in all this year has been a productive season. The complete list is as follows:

1- Replace stern seat backrest
2- Add gunnel rails in stern
3- Replace bimany top and seat cushion straps
4- Repaint interior hull
5- Skin bow deck in aluminum
6- Sand and refinish all teak
7- Add Blue LED Floor Lights
8- Re-wire console
9- Disassemble/Repair/Re-assemble passenger captain's seat

So with the boat all waxed and the teak all oiled, we were ready for a cruise!  Our neighbors April and Juan asked if they could join us for a cruise, and  help celebrate Deb's birthday.  We are always happy to share our river experience with friends, and gladly agreed. 
Deb and I got on the river about 10:00 and headed to the beach to set up for the day.  The river was on the low side, but still high enough to launch from Nashua.  We setup camp for the day.  This process is getting easier and faster each time.  We have a few things stored on the beach which makes the process that much more enjoyable.  We picked up Juan and April along with there youngest son Zion, about 12:30.

We lounged around on the beach, and Juan and Zion did some swimming.  Once everyone was hungry, I grilled up some burgers and had a nice salad as well.  Then we headed out for a nice long cruise into Lowell.  Juan did most of the piloting, and even Zion had a chance at the helm.  Not much interesting to report.  The river was relatively quiet.
When we returned to the beach, we did setup a rope swing at Zion's request.  Juan and Zion were the guinea pigs, and I'm  happy to say no one got hurt.  And they both seemed to really enjoy the swing.  All in all it was a great day celebrating Deb's birthday.  I just want to say Happy Birthday to the love of my life, and the second best first mate this boat has ever had (yes, I was the best!).

Our next criuse will hopefully be next weekend, when my dad (the original boat captain) comes to visit, and inspects the latest improvements on his boat.  So until the next time, when we "See you on the river!".

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!".