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.

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.