I woke at exactly 6am – just as I had planned. I was eager to get on with my last-minute vacation day. I was still a little tired but not as tired as I was Monday morning. Like usual, I whipped out my exercises and walked Ykraps before pouring my first cup of coffee. By chance, I took my camera along for the morning walk and I’m glad that I did. Not only was the sky very picturesque, but I also happened upon a lazing snapping turtle resting in my neighbors yard (see pic).
My goal this morning was to have my run completed by 7:30am, which would allow enough time for a shower while still being at Dad’s by 8:00am. I had arranged the evening before to pick him up for breakfast before going boating for the day. The weather forecast happily called for more of the same early summer weather we’ve had all weekend (90 and sunny).
I was just a smidgeon behind, leaving the house at 8:03am in route to Dad's. The slight delay was in most part caused by the extra time it took to grab everything for my maiden boating adventure, such things as life vests, rope, cooler, a towel, camera, boat keys, water, etc. Having everything one needs, especially the first time out is always a crap shoot.
I made it to Dad’s by 8:08am – his house is essentially right around the corner, or about 1.5 miles from my door to his. He was ready to go as soon as I pulled up. For breakfast, we headed to First Watch in Mill Run. They’re known for some of the best breakfast food in town. I had eggs and dad had oatmeal. It was good. We were out of there by 9:00am and on our way to get the boat which was just a couple of miles down the road at boat storage facility.
Picking up the boat went without any trouble due in part to just putting back it back in the storage facility last night. It’s fair to say that I already have the in & out routine down pat. Because I needed gas in both the Trooper and the boat, we headed back towards Mill Run to gas up. But again, it’s only two miles away and realistically right around the corner from the river docks. Everything was close!
We arrived at the river at 10:00am on the button. There wasn’t anyone at the docks and only a few other trailers parked in the lot – most of those were bass boat trailers. We took our time getting everything together, and even took the time to check the oil in the lower unit.
I was cautiously optimistic that everything would go flawlessly putting in and getting underway. Aside from having all the necessary gear, two important pre-launch tasks which are often overlooked are placing the plug in the boat and taking the trailer straps off the back of the boat and trailer. Trust me!! Everything appeared to be a go. We put the boat in the water without any trouble. After parking the Trooper and trailer, we were ready to give her a rub and a whirl. I lowered the engine, secured all the onboard gear, turned the key, and VRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOM! So far so good!
Our first pass was down towards the dam just to insure everything was operating as expected – it was. Northward! Aside from a few fishing boats along the waters edge, we had the entire river to ourselves. The water was high and there were quite a few large branches drifting ever so slowly towards the dam & their eventual demise. We avoided all of them. We headed up river about as far as my boat comfortably goes. We stopped only a couple of times along the way to take some photos of the beautiful wildlife that inhabits these parts.
As we approached our favorite anchoring spot, it dawned on me that I had forgotten my anchors. So, if we were to enjoy the area as originally planned, we’d have to tie off to a tree or large rock along the bank. But if my dad’s taught me anything in life it’s to be resourceful. We tied off to a fallen tree pretty much where we would’ve anchored anyhow. The sun was very warm and the sky clear on what was simply a lovely boating day.
As mentioned earlier, the water was a bit high so what I was used to seeing above water was under. The area was teaming with natural wildlife – turtles, cranes, ducks, snakes, bass, and other indigenous species of birds. We were secured directly across from the spot we used to dock and cookout as youngsters – by the two big rocks. I remembered the spot well but can't recall much about the terrain beyond the rocks themselves. After sitting in the sun for about two hours, we decided to mosey across the river and pull up to our old spot where a private dock now resides. Dad seemed a little reluctant at first, but I convinced him that if the homeowner came out that we would simply share with him the history of the spot and the sentimental value it held for the both of us. After all, we weren’t harming the property.
As he often does, dad shared several memories he has of this spot. Some I remembered – many I didn’t. We hiked back along the trail where a beautiful European styled home is built on the edge of a cliff overlooking a pond that spills into the river - very quaint. We didn't stay too awful long but long enough to get some cool pics and take in the memories. Back in the boat we sat and talked all while under the canopy of the private covered dock. We had already had several hours of unadulterated sunshine. Come about 2:30pm we headed back to the dock and called it a day. We had been out there for 4.5 hours. As we docked we noticed another boat just pulling out after it looked like they were just putting in. We later learned that this gentleman did what I did last year. He put his boat in without the plug and damn near sunk it. When water came up and over the carpeted floor they got suspicious. He quickly pulled back to the dock, got his truck and pulled it out. He was draining it when I pulled out.
One tell tale sign of a day in the river is the residual scum it leaves on the boat. It doesn't readily wipe off either. Because if this, we stopped back at dad's where I washed it down quickly before taking it back to storage. On our way back to Dad's we stopped at the five acre lot that's for sale just down the road. I became curious after running by a week or two ago. I hadn't noticed it before then. We walked though a lot of low brush and what appeared to be poison ivy. Great! Just what I need - more poison ivy. We toured a small rock and mortar building that's since been abandoned that is the only structure on the property. Further back is a winding creek and thicker woods. After about 15 minutes we headed back out to my car, and then onto Dad's. Before leaving Dad, I asked for some rubbing alcohol to wipe any potential poison ivy oil from my bare legs. Dad did the same. Both of us get ivy pretty bad when in it.
I was home by 4:30pm when I called Mindy and made arrangements to join her and the kids for dinner. We would be having chicken wings. I wrapped up some chores, showered and watered flowers before heading out around 6:00pm. When I arrived the kids were waiting my arrival on the front porch. It's nice to be wanted! We sat for dinner almost immediately. Everything was yummy.After eating Jacob and I went outside for a little ball, but Jacob tired of it quickly and instead wanted to swing. Suddenly overcome by sleepiness, I went in and found my way to Mindy's sofa where I snuck in a short nap. Mindy and the kids watered the flowers. Jacob was testing Mindy's patience while watering flowers and did enough to earn being sent to his room. He locked her out of the house too. When Mindy came in Jacob got the dreaded spoon!
After a quick bath and jammies, I read each of the kids a story of their choosing. I ended up reading When You Give a Moose A Muffin twice - once for Jacob and another for Bella. After the children were asleep, Mindy and I escaped to the front porch where we enjoyed the warm summer like evening, watching the neighbors toil, and the landscape. I left for home around 9:30pm anxious to get a good night's sleep before heading back to work after 4 lovely days off. After some reading I was asleep at home in bed by 10:30pm. Good night moon!
I woke at exactly 6am – just as I had planned. I was eager to get on with my last-minute vacation day. I was still a little tired but not as tired as I was Monday morning. Like usual, I whipped out my exercises and walked Ykraps before pouring my first cup of coffee. By chance, I took my camera along for the morning walk and I’m glad that I did. Not only was the sky very picturesque, but I also happened upon a lazing snapping turtle resting in my neighbors yard (see pic).
My goal this morning was to have my run completed by 7:30am, which would allow enough time for a shower while still being at Dad’s by 8:00am. I had arranged the evening before to pick him up for breakfast before going boating for the day. The weather forecast happily called for more of the same early summer weather we’ve had all weekend (90 and sunny).
I was just a smidgeon behind, leaving the house at 8:03am in route to Dad's. The slight delay was in most part caused by the extra time it took to grab everything for my maiden boating adventure, such things as life vests, rope, cooler, a towel, camera, boat keys, water, etc. Having everything one needs, especially the first time out is always a crap shoot.
I made it to Dad’s by 8:08am – his house is essentially right around the corner, or about 1.5 miles from my door to his. He was ready to go as soon as I pulled up. For breakfast, we headed to First Watch in Mill Run. They’re known for some of the best breakfast food in town. I had eggs and dad had oatmeal. It was good. We were out of there by 9:00am and on our way to get the boat which was just a couple of miles down the road at boat storage facility.
Picking up the boat went without any trouble due in part to just putting back it back in the storage facility last night. It’s fair to say that I already have the in & out routine down pat. Because I needed gas in both the Trooper and the boat, we headed back towards Mill Run to gas up. But again, it’s only two miles away and realistically right around the corner from the river docks. Everything was close!
We arrived at the river at 10:00am on the button. There wasn’t anyone at the docks and only a few other trailers parked in the lot – most of those were bass boat trailers. We took our time getting everything together, and even took the time to check the oil in the lower unit.
I was cautiously optimistic that everything would go flawlessly putting in and getting underway. Aside from having all the necessary gear, two important pre-launch tasks which are often overlooked are placing the plug in the boat and taking the trailer straps off the back of the boat and trailer. Trust me!! Everything appeared to be a go. We put the boat in the water without any trouble. After parking the Trooper and trailer, we were ready to give her a rub and a whirl. I lowered the engine, secured all the onboard gear, turned the key, and VRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOM! So far so good!
Our first pass was down towards the dam just to insure everything was operating as expected – it was. Northward! Aside from a few fishing boats along the waters edge, we had the entire river to ourselves. The water was high and there were quite a few large branches drifting ever so slowly towards the dam & their eventual demise. We avoided all of them. We headed up river about as far as my boat comfortably goes. We stopped only a couple of times along the way to take some photos of the beautiful wildlife that inhabits these parts.
As we approached our favorite anchoring spot, it dawned on me that I had forgotten my anchors. So, if we were to enjoy the area as originally planned, we’d have to tie off to a tree or large rock along the bank. But if my dad’s taught me anything in life it’s to be resourceful. We tied off to a fallen tree pretty much where we would’ve anchored anyhow. The sun was very warm and the sky clear on what was simply a lovely boating day.
As mentioned earlier, the water was a bit high so what I was used to seeing above water was under. The area was teaming with natural wildlife – turtles, cranes, ducks, snakes, bass, and other indigenous species of birds. We were secured directly across from the spot we used to dock and cookout as youngsters – by the two big rocks. I remembered the spot well but can't recall much about the terrain beyond the rocks themselves. After sitting in the sun for about two hours, we decided to mosey across the river and pull up to our old spot where a private dock now resides. Dad seemed a little reluctant at first, but I convinced him that if the homeowner came out that we would simply share with him the history of the spot and the sentimental value it held for the both of us. After all, we weren’t harming the property.
As he often does, dad shared several memories he has of this spot. Some I remembered – many I didn’t. We hiked back along the trail where a beautiful European styled home is built on the edge of a cliff overlooking a pond that spills into the river - very quaint. We didn't stay too awful long but long enough to get some cool pics and take in the memories. Back in the boat we sat and talked all while under the canopy of the private covered dock. We had already had several hours of unadulterated sunshine. Come about 2:30pm we headed back to the dock and called it a day. We had been out there for 4.5 hours. As we docked we noticed another boat just pulling out after it looked like they were just putting in. We later learned that this gentleman did what I did last year. He put his boat in without the plug and damn near sunk it. When water came up and over the carpeted floor they got suspicious. He quickly pulled back to the dock, got his truck and pulled it out. He was draining it when I pulled out.
One tell tale sign of a day in the river is the residual scum it leaves on the boat. It doesn't readily wipe off either. Because if this, we stopped back at dad's where I washed it down quickly before taking it back to storage. On our way back to Dad's we stopped at the five acre lot that's for sale just down the road. I became curious after running by a week or two ago. I hadn't noticed it before then. We walked though a lot of low brush and what appeared to be poison ivy. Great! Just what I need - more poison ivy. We toured a small rock and mortar building that's since been abandoned that is the only structure on the property. Further back is a winding creek and thicker woods. After about 15 minutes we headed back out to my car, and then onto Dad's. Before leaving Dad, I asked for some rubbing alcohol to wipe any potential poison ivy oil from my bare legs. Dad did the same. Both of us get ivy pretty bad when in it.
I was home by 4:30pm when I called Mindy and made arrangements to join her and the kids for dinner. We would be having chicken wings. I wrapped up some chores, showered and watered flowers before heading out around 6:00pm. When I arrived the kids were waiting my arrival on the front porch. It's nice to be wanted! We sat for dinner almost immediately. Everything was yummy.After eating Jacob and I went outside for a little ball, but Jacob tired of it quickly and instead wanted to swing. Suddenly overcome by sleepiness, I went in and found my way to Mindy's sofa where I snuck in a short nap. Mindy and the kids watered the flowers. Jacob was testing Mindy's patience while watering flowers and did enough to earn being sent to his room. He locked her out of the house too. When Mindy came in Jacob got the dreaded spoon!
After a quick bath and jammies, I read each of the kids a story of their choosing. I ended up reading When You Give a Moose A Muffin twice - once for Jacob and another for Bella. After the children were asleep, Mindy and I escaped to the front porch where we enjoyed the warm summer like evening, watching the neighbors toil, and the landscape. I left for home around 9:30pm anxious to get a good night's sleep before heading back to work after 4 lovely days off. After some reading I was asleep at home in bed by 10:30pm. Good night moon!
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