RGrew176
08-11-2005, 05:25 PM
My 2005 shutdown vacation plan was somewhat altered by the higher
gasoline prices this season.I spent more time as a dockominium than I
did cruising. With a North Channel cruise planned for next season it
was the right thing to do.
Saturday, July 2nd. I had the marina place my boat into the water. I
was headed for Swan Boat Club for their regatta and the 2nd stop of 6
of the 2005 Poker Run season. Unlike the go fast boats who will do a
poker run with 5 stops all in one day we in the go slows spread our
runs out over the season stopping at 5 or 6 clubs during their regattas
picking up a card and holding them until the last poker run of the
season.
Swan Boat Club is located off Lake Erie on Swan Creek. From Bolles
Harbor where my boat is kept it is a short run of about 15 miles to
Swan. My son who rode his PWC followed me to Swan. We arrived about 2
PM. I managed to arrive in time to attend the Commodores Reception.
Changing into my whites a great time was had by all at the reception.
Back to the boat to change into something more comfortable, it was time
to party. And along with several hundred others we partied will into the
night.
Sunday, July 3rd. Sunday morning it was time to depart. Along with
another of my Club members we headed out into the lake and anchored in
about 4' of water just off Estral Beach. We spend the rest of the
afternoon swimming and continuing the party. My son finally got me to
take his jetski for a ride. It was just a little choppy so I could only
manage to get up to 53 MPH. I can see why these things are so much fun.
Heading back to Bolles Harbor to meet up with the rest of the family we
once again headed out into the lake with our destination being a place
called the “hot hole”. The “hot hole” is the warm water discharge basin
of the Monroe, Michigan Detroit Edison generating plant. The summertime
water temperature is around 84 degrees F. It is a nice place to go
swimming and quite a difference from the Lake temperature which is
currently around 72 degrees F. We stayed there until 9:30 PM and then
we headed to Sterling State Park for the fireworks. The lake was
somewhat rough, 4 footers or so, and my wife who gets seasick rather
easily made the decision to head back to Bolles Harbor. Thus ended the
weekend.
Monday, July 4th. The weather in our area was not so good. On and off
thunderstorms scattered about the area so I thought it best to stay at
the dock. I decided today to spend the entire 2 weeks on the boat. I
was hoping to head down to Toledo, Ohio and see their 4th of July
fireworks but the weather dictated otherwise.
Tuesday, July 5th. Hot, hot, hot. Another day with scattered
thunderstorms about so I decided to stay at the dock. My son and I went
to the movies and saw “Land of the Dead”. Not a bad movie overall and
the ending left open the idea that there could be another sequel. Time
will determine that but it is a good series of movies IMO. Went to my
grandsons baseball game. They pulled the game out in their last at bat
after 2 outs. It was a great game. They have only won a few games all
season.
Wednesday, July 6th. A very nice day. Headed out once again with our
destination being the hot hole. I was not quite as hot as it was on
Sunday so it was much more enjoyable. We, my son, daughter and grandson
spent the whole afternoon there swimming and having a good time. On the
trip back to Bolles Harbor we stopped for some more swimming in the
Lake. We were drifting and swimming in the much cooler water of the
Lake. We arrived back at the dock around 8:30 PM after a great day on
the water.
Thursday, July 7th. Just another day at the dock. I did go down to
Swanton, Ohio with my son so he could close the deal on the home he
purchased. I went to see another of my grandsons baseball games, this
time they lost 2 - 0 but it was a good game. They had their chances but
could not capitalize on them.
Friday, July 8th. Headed out around noon to the Ottawa River Yacht Club
for their regatta and poker run. This was another day of scattered
thunderstorms. I departed Bolles Harbor and managed to arrive and get
tied up at Ottawa River before any storms hit. We did get a 40 minute
storm with quite a bit of rain but after that we did not have any more
rain. The party was a great one with a great band in the pavillion and
a DJ in the Club house so there was plenty of entertainment.
Saturday, July 9th. Back to Bolles Harbor. Then it was in the car for
the drive up to Grosse Ile for our Clubs Membership Appreciation party
at waters edge marina. This event the Club purchases the main food and
beverages with each member bringing a dish to pass. It was well
attended and needless to say a good time was had by all. Back into the
car and a drive down to Toledo to spend another evening at the ORYC
regatta. I stayed until 1:00 AM before heading back to the dock.
Sunday, July 10th. Another hot one. Thank God for air conditioning. The
unit on my boat is getting quite the workout over the past few days.
Basicly another day at the dock. I did go and see another movie, War of
The Worlds. If you are into Science Fiction then I recommend you go see
this movie. I enjoyed it. Just a lazy day for me although the boat got
a good cleaning.
Monday, July 11th. Another lazy, crazy, hazy day of summer. To hot to
do much so I again went to the movies. This time I watched the remake
of The Longest Yard. Pretty much true to the original with a few minor
plot twists and changes. It was an exclusive showing as I was the only
patron in the theater, where have all the movie goers gone. Perhaps
movie prices are getting to high and patrons are staying away. I really
don’t know. Then it was back to the boat and spending time with my
fellow marina dwellers.
Tuesday, July 12th. Another day just lazing around the docks. Boat got
cleaned again.
Wednesday, July 13th. Same as above except for the boat cleaning.
Thursday, July 14th. Left Bolles Harbor headed for Gibraltar, Michigan
and Humbug Marina for the weekend. Had to get up and go somewhere.
Again there were scattered thunderstorms about and I managed to avoid
them. Lake Erie was calm and the running conditions were fantastic. I
arrived at Humbug and tied up at the dock among several members of my
Club who keep their boats there. I inflated my dinghy and installed the
outboard and along with another Club member we headed out into the
Detroit River for a run. We headed over to Calf Island, a place I had
not personally been to since July 5th, 1967. It is now so overgrown it
is hard even to find a place to make landfall but we did manage to set
foot there and do some exploring. From there we decided to head
downriver to Celeron Island. Looking back over my shoulder and checking
the weather radar on my cell phone we decided to head back to our boats.
Fortunately the bad weather just skirted our area and an hour later the
sun was shining once again. We again took to the dinghys and we went to
visit other members boats at the marina before taking a ride through the
canals of Gibraltar. Dinner was ordered once we arrived back on our
boats and the evening was spent enjoying each others company.
Friday, July 15th. Awoke to somewhat cooler temperatures under cloudy
skies. About 1:00 PM a thunderstorm finally hit our area. It rained for
about an hour and a half. We really need some rain in this area but it
has been spotty at best the last few weeks. My son and grandson arrived
about 2:00 PM and we headed out in the dinghy. First we went to Celeron
Island which is located where the Detroit River empties into Lake Erie.
We beached on the west side of the island and swam and after we headed
inland to explore. It is so overgrown now and the house and yard are
gone. Not at all like I remember it as a teen when I first went there.
When I first began boating and the water levels were much lower than
they are now Celeron Island was one island. When the water levels
raised it split the island into 3 pieces. I decided to motor through
the center which we did complete. If you are a fisherman I would think
that the cut between the two islands would be a great pelace to fish,
lots of weeds and floating plants. We then cut across the river headed
to Sturgeon Island. On the way there we noticed someone standing on a
PWC waving so we headed over towards the person waving. His jetski had
over heated and was broken down. We towed him back to the Lake Erie
Metro Park launch ramps.
That task completed we headed over to the “back creeks” area and I
showed my two passengers where I used to do a lot of my boating as a
kid when I bought my first boat. Next it was back up the canals to the
marina and back to the boat. Dinner followed and I spent some time
visiting with other members of the Club who keep there boats at the
marina. Tomorrow, weather cooperating, we have planned a dinghy outing
and if all goes well we will end up at Elba-Mar Boat Club.
--
RGrew176
gasoline prices this season.I spent more time as a dockominium than I
did cruising. With a North Channel cruise planned for next season it
was the right thing to do.
Saturday, July 2nd. I had the marina place my boat into the water. I
was headed for Swan Boat Club for their regatta and the 2nd stop of 6
of the 2005 Poker Run season. Unlike the go fast boats who will do a
poker run with 5 stops all in one day we in the go slows spread our
runs out over the season stopping at 5 or 6 clubs during their regattas
picking up a card and holding them until the last poker run of the
season.
Swan Boat Club is located off Lake Erie on Swan Creek. From Bolles
Harbor where my boat is kept it is a short run of about 15 miles to
Swan. My son who rode his PWC followed me to Swan. We arrived about 2
PM. I managed to arrive in time to attend the Commodores Reception.
Changing into my whites a great time was had by all at the reception.
Back to the boat to change into something more comfortable, it was time
to party. And along with several hundred others we partied will into the
night.
Sunday, July 3rd. Sunday morning it was time to depart. Along with
another of my Club members we headed out into the lake and anchored in
about 4' of water just off Estral Beach. We spend the rest of the
afternoon swimming and continuing the party. My son finally got me to
take his jetski for a ride. It was just a little choppy so I could only
manage to get up to 53 MPH. I can see why these things are so much fun.
Heading back to Bolles Harbor to meet up with the rest of the family we
once again headed out into the lake with our destination being a place
called the “hot hole”. The “hot hole” is the warm water discharge basin
of the Monroe, Michigan Detroit Edison generating plant. The summertime
water temperature is around 84 degrees F. It is a nice place to go
swimming and quite a difference from the Lake temperature which is
currently around 72 degrees F. We stayed there until 9:30 PM and then
we headed to Sterling State Park for the fireworks. The lake was
somewhat rough, 4 footers or so, and my wife who gets seasick rather
easily made the decision to head back to Bolles Harbor. Thus ended the
weekend.
Monday, July 4th. The weather in our area was not so good. On and off
thunderstorms scattered about the area so I thought it best to stay at
the dock. I decided today to spend the entire 2 weeks on the boat. I
was hoping to head down to Toledo, Ohio and see their 4th of July
fireworks but the weather dictated otherwise.
Tuesday, July 5th. Hot, hot, hot. Another day with scattered
thunderstorms about so I decided to stay at the dock. My son and I went
to the movies and saw “Land of the Dead”. Not a bad movie overall and
the ending left open the idea that there could be another sequel. Time
will determine that but it is a good series of movies IMO. Went to my
grandsons baseball game. They pulled the game out in their last at bat
after 2 outs. It was a great game. They have only won a few games all
season.
Wednesday, July 6th. A very nice day. Headed out once again with our
destination being the hot hole. I was not quite as hot as it was on
Sunday so it was much more enjoyable. We, my son, daughter and grandson
spent the whole afternoon there swimming and having a good time. On the
trip back to Bolles Harbor we stopped for some more swimming in the
Lake. We were drifting and swimming in the much cooler water of the
Lake. We arrived back at the dock around 8:30 PM after a great day on
the water.
Thursday, July 7th. Just another day at the dock. I did go down to
Swanton, Ohio with my son so he could close the deal on the home he
purchased. I went to see another of my grandsons baseball games, this
time they lost 2 - 0 but it was a good game. They had their chances but
could not capitalize on them.
Friday, July 8th. Headed out around noon to the Ottawa River Yacht Club
for their regatta and poker run. This was another day of scattered
thunderstorms. I departed Bolles Harbor and managed to arrive and get
tied up at Ottawa River before any storms hit. We did get a 40 minute
storm with quite a bit of rain but after that we did not have any more
rain. The party was a great one with a great band in the pavillion and
a DJ in the Club house so there was plenty of entertainment.
Saturday, July 9th. Back to Bolles Harbor. Then it was in the car for
the drive up to Grosse Ile for our Clubs Membership Appreciation party
at waters edge marina. This event the Club purchases the main food and
beverages with each member bringing a dish to pass. It was well
attended and needless to say a good time was had by all. Back into the
car and a drive down to Toledo to spend another evening at the ORYC
regatta. I stayed until 1:00 AM before heading back to the dock.
Sunday, July 10th. Another hot one. Thank God for air conditioning. The
unit on my boat is getting quite the workout over the past few days.
Basicly another day at the dock. I did go and see another movie, War of
The Worlds. If you are into Science Fiction then I recommend you go see
this movie. I enjoyed it. Just a lazy day for me although the boat got
a good cleaning.
Monday, July 11th. Another lazy, crazy, hazy day of summer. To hot to
do much so I again went to the movies. This time I watched the remake
of The Longest Yard. Pretty much true to the original with a few minor
plot twists and changes. It was an exclusive showing as I was the only
patron in the theater, where have all the movie goers gone. Perhaps
movie prices are getting to high and patrons are staying away. I really
don’t know. Then it was back to the boat and spending time with my
fellow marina dwellers.
Tuesday, July 12th. Another day just lazing around the docks. Boat got
cleaned again.
Wednesday, July 13th. Same as above except for the boat cleaning.
Thursday, July 14th. Left Bolles Harbor headed for Gibraltar, Michigan
and Humbug Marina for the weekend. Had to get up and go somewhere.
Again there were scattered thunderstorms about and I managed to avoid
them. Lake Erie was calm and the running conditions were fantastic. I
arrived at Humbug and tied up at the dock among several members of my
Club who keep their boats there. I inflated my dinghy and installed the
outboard and along with another Club member we headed out into the
Detroit River for a run. We headed over to Calf Island, a place I had
not personally been to since July 5th, 1967. It is now so overgrown it
is hard even to find a place to make landfall but we did manage to set
foot there and do some exploring. From there we decided to head
downriver to Celeron Island. Looking back over my shoulder and checking
the weather radar on my cell phone we decided to head back to our boats.
Fortunately the bad weather just skirted our area and an hour later the
sun was shining once again. We again took to the dinghys and we went to
visit other members boats at the marina before taking a ride through the
canals of Gibraltar. Dinner was ordered once we arrived back on our
boats and the evening was spent enjoying each others company.
Friday, July 15th. Awoke to somewhat cooler temperatures under cloudy
skies. About 1:00 PM a thunderstorm finally hit our area. It rained for
about an hour and a half. We really need some rain in this area but it
has been spotty at best the last few weeks. My son and grandson arrived
about 2:00 PM and we headed out in the dinghy. First we went to Celeron
Island which is located where the Detroit River empties into Lake Erie.
We beached on the west side of the island and swam and after we headed
inland to explore. It is so overgrown now and the house and yard are
gone. Not at all like I remember it as a teen when I first went there.
When I first began boating and the water levels were much lower than
they are now Celeron Island was one island. When the water levels
raised it split the island into 3 pieces. I decided to motor through
the center which we did complete. If you are a fisherman I would think
that the cut between the two islands would be a great pelace to fish,
lots of weeds and floating plants. We then cut across the river headed
to Sturgeon Island. On the way there we noticed someone standing on a
PWC waving so we headed over towards the person waving. His jetski had
over heated and was broken down. We towed him back to the Lake Erie
Metro Park launch ramps.
That task completed we headed over to the “back creeks” area and I
showed my two passengers where I used to do a lot of my boating as a
kid when I bought my first boat. Next it was back up the canals to the
marina and back to the boat. Dinner followed and I spent some time
visiting with other members of the Club who keep there boats at the
marina. Tomorrow, weather cooperating, we have planned a dinghy outing
and if all goes well we will end up at Elba-Mar Boat Club.
--
RGrew176