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 - 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!

Captin's Blog - August 3, 2014

So we finally made it out on the river alone, for the first time this season.  We had a lot that we wanted to get accomplished, so it was a work/rest day on the Merrimack.

The biggest project was getting our old patio table to the beach along with a cooking table that we could leave there.  We headed out of Lowell early on Sunday.  And headed straight to the camp.  Once we got the table setup we were so happy that we made the effort to get it there.

It feel so nice to sit at a table and eat.  You don't realize how much these comforts add to the experience until you have them.

The next project was to create a better situation for women on the beach.  According to Deb, it's just not comfortable squatting behind a tree with you but hanging out as boat go by.  women, GO FIGURE!  So we created a little bit better rest tree.

 

So it's not the Hilton, but we don't charge either!

 

So we've been wanting to add some video to the blog to show a little bit more of the experience.  This first video.  It is just a few short clips from this trip.

 

 

 

Hope you enjoyed the ride, so until next time .  .  .  See you on the River!

Captian's Blog: July 26 2014

This trip we decided to get out of the house early, and get to the beach for a full day.  We left out of Lowell again, and made it to the camp in 15 minutes.  Since we left most of our seasonal furniture on the beach, there wasn't much to take.  Convincing myself we had it all there, I did leave our cooking table behind.  I hate getting old and feeble!

 

Even so, we made out just fine.  Of coarse the first activity Yasmin wanted to get going, was fishing!  As usual she had a fish on the line every couple minutes or so.  Next is teaching her to bait and release her own hooks.  We did go for a nice ride into Lowell again, and stopped at our favorite swimming beach.  Got some great pics of Yasmin practicing for the Olympic dive team.

 

 

 

What do you say .  .  .  is this kid a 10+ or what!

 

So after a long hard day of playing and swimming, Yasmin settled into my hammock for a rest.  This proves my love for my granddaughter.  She is the only person I would give up my hammock for.

It was a great day all in all.  Can't wait for the next cruise, until then   .  .  .  See you on the River!

 

 

 

 



Captains' Blog: July 13, 2014

So we made it on the river for our second trip of the season.  We have been leaving out of Lowell and the Rourke Bros. Ramp.  The river is a bit lower than we would want to leave our of Nashua (the ramp is terrible).  The trip is a bit longer to get to our camp, but worth it.  The Rourke Bros. ramp is the best around.
We headed straight to camp, and got things setup.  Yasmin was on the boat with a rod in her hand faster than we could catch our breathe.  She caught 6 Pumpkin Fish and 1 Small Mouth Bass.

Once Yasmin was all set, it was time to relax!  This is our favorite part of the day.  We don't as much time as we use to, with a 6 year old, but she is worth the effort and time.

 

As per our usual, we setup the grill and had a nice lunch.

 

 

We did make a trip into Lowell, and made a stop or two for Yasmin to go swimming.  It was a great day, and looking forward to the next one.  Until then, 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.