Waterline
Correspondent Enjoys a Busy Summer
When they shipped me off in my box to Higgins Lake for the "One Lap" day trip on June 30th I thought," Big deal, inland lake, flat water,..." but, wow!, was I ever mistaken! More about that in a paragraph or two! We launched at the South HL State Park - good ramps, nice lagoon, no food for me yet. Single lost his fuel gauge (1950 yardstick), Mersman tried to find it, but finally I saw it floating at the ramp. Saved the day!
Fred and Barbara Stoy met us in "Schatzi" at the launch lagoon - Fred was a Charter Member of WWC! They wished us well for the trip.
So, out we went into the lake, and, WOW! Waves and chop four woodchucks high! (that' a foot - and - a- half). I was surprised to see this high a sea on an inland lake! They tied the bow mooring line around me, and set me behind the windshield. By a mile out, I was the only dry thing in the boat! Still no food, but a lot of water!
We cruised counterclockwise around the lake, past many summer homes, winter homes, North HL State Park, managed to avoid the Sunken Island, and (finally!) came about to tie up at the club dock of the Higgins Lake Boat Club, where I could smell the hot dogs and bratwursts a quarter mile out! This was the HLBC's " Members Open House'' party, and WWC was welcomed to join in the lunch - and - fly - swatting festivities! I loaded up on hot dogs, chips, salad, and lemonade; played on the dock for a while; and then they said it was time to go! So, off we went with our new friends at HLBC waving good - bye from the dock on our way around the last quarter of the lake.
I enjoyed the crystal - clear water of this spring fed lake, and also enjoyed pulling me and the boat out just before the first raindrops fell!
We timed that just fine. It was nice getting an early start, having lunch midway, and beating the rain!
See you next trip!
Long Lake Wooden Boat Parade & Picnic
Well, this was the annual Long Lake Wooden boat parade - Where "Water Wonderland" really began. We gathered at Crescent Shores, fewer in number than the old days, but just as enthusiastic about our wonderful wood boats! Neil and Jan Skiver, in Dawn - Ann, led the parade. We headed north along the shore with John, Joy, and Doug Tobin, and the temporarily boat - less Char and Lou Kunchner aboard the Ponder, followed by Chuck, Kristen, Terry, and Jennifer Denoyer in the L'Ele'phant Blanc (Chuck claims he has a white -sided 22- U but no one has seen it!) As we turned into the north basin of the lake and got the full benefit of the wind, those high - sided 22's were appreciated. Mike and Tim Jackson in the 1939 Barrellback Amazing Blue, three generations in Hal Muenchows Baby Grand, and Bill and Barb Woodrow in Class of 58 nosed through the waves, followed by two boats owned by the Fox family.
As we cruised along the north shore, it became apparent that even though it's been several years since there has been a July 4th wooden boat parade on Long Lake, there are still lots of people who remember and appreciate this "revived" tradition. All along the route, people gathered and waved from decks, docks, and beaches. As we began to head south along the east shore, we were greeted by young children running out on docks, some even waving American flags! On the south side of Long Lake Peninsula, we were "cheered'' by air horns to which several boaters responded in kind. By this time we were a ten boat parade, having picked up Mike Dow's Shard Craft and a beautiful outboard as we passed the peninsula.
We did not do the whole lakeshore because some of us were getting hungry. Some people did a little "family shuffle'' so we gained the presence of Joanie Jackson, lost the younger Denoyer, and traded Muenchow's Grand Craft for a car. (There were some comments about Hal's propensity for trading). Tobin's beach where we gathered after the parade gets the afternoon sun, and we needed it! Windy, Windy, Windy! (Although, frankly, the fresh air felt good to me - mean old Mary Tobin (John's other wife) kept me zipped up in a plastic bag the whole night before the parade - some story about her cat.
Throughout the afternoon, we ate, drank, and talked. (I posed for a few pictures because Bill Woodrow's discerning eye recognizes a photogenic wonder when he sees one!) One ritual I do not understand is the one where all the guys stand in shin deep water around one boat forever. At first, I thought they were all sent to a "time out'', but they didn't seem to be complaining or checking their watches. They don't seem to have assigned places, or even one specific boat, but I've noticed that it's the primary dry - land activity (other than eating)
Oh well, it was nice to be on Long Lake on the 4th, and, of course, the day ended too soon - especially for me - I got the plastic bag routine again that night. Whoever invited Mary anyway??
Lake Muskoka, Gravenhurst, Ontario, Canada
Monday,
July 9,2001My original planned destination was unknown to me, I figured "Oh great! I'm starting another trip in a bag, in a box." I was told by the Tobins that I was going to the Muskokas. What the heck is a Muskoka? After spending two days (its hard to tell time in the dark) on my way somewhere I was ready to get out! Hope this is going to be worth it all.
Wednesday July 11
I just spent 12 hours at the Canadian Customs Office at the border where I learned a valuable lesson. "Don't wise off to the customs folks on either side of the booth.'' When they asked me" Why ya wearing the life jacket, eh?" I snapped "If your arms were as short as mine you wouldn't be able to untie it either!" I knew I was in real trouble when I saw the rubber glove come out.... Later that afternoon me, my plastic bag and log book arrived at the Howard Johnson motel in Gravenhurst. After registering I waited around for my caretakers, the DeBoer's and Grulikowski's to arrive. I was happy to see some friendly WWC faces. Found out we were here for some serious boating and the Toronto Chapter's annual boat show. Completed the evening with snacks and cocktails (not too many) and settled in for the night.
Thursday July 12, 2001
After a donut and coffee run to Tim Hortons, we launched MONA and joined 9 other wood boats brought to Gravenhurst by the Michigan Chapter. We had about 30 people from the states in the flotilla.
Genny Pederson from the Toronto Chapter met us on the lake and guided us on a tour of Lake Muskoka and we were allowed access to 5 outstanding boathouses on the lake. I could not believe the beauty of the surrounding scenery. The lake was a bit rough, but the ride was worth it. All of the boathouses were filled with great boats and canoes. I could live here... Mr. Pederson and I got along very well, and he even let me sit in/on a few of his boats. I could get used this. We traveled at least 30-35 miles on this big lake. Mr. Pederson escorted our mini US flotilla back to Gravenhurst at days end.
Friday July 13, 2001
Road trip today. After another trip to Tim Horton's the DeBoers and Grulikowskis took me for a land tour of the area while the Michigan Chapter folks toured Lake Joseph. We went north to Parry Sound and stopped to shop and eat in Gordon Bay, Port Sandfield and Port Carling. We even worked in a tour of Butson Boat Works. Had a great lunch at Elaine's on Lake Joseph right at the locks. Back to Gravenhurst for cocktails, snacks and dinner.
Saturday July 14, 2001
Super conditions for the boat show. I've never seen so many Greavette Streamlines, long deck Launches and Canadian made boats in one place! Over 150 boats in the show. The Canadian red carpet was out and throughout the show they thanked us (the U.S. folks) for bringing our boats.
This life jacket is a real babe magnet! I had a really cute blonde invite me for a ride in her long deck launch and I had a blast!
After cocktails and dinner, the Toronto Chapter presented the awards. Much to our surprise and pleasure my boat (I mean the DeBoer's boat) MONA was awarded "Antique BOAT of THE YEAR." That's when I met a really cute gal by the name of HONEY BEAR. She hangs out with the Rahrig's, and I'm looking forward to seeing her again. A few hours later we were back at the motel getting ready for the next trip.
Sunday July 15, 2001
You guessed it! Back in the bag and in the box with my logbook. I don't know where I'll be next but believe me, if a customs agent asks me any questions, I'm giving new meaning to the word "polite."
We took a lot of pictures and will be sending them to the Waterline.
Lake DePue, De Pue, Illinois
Who said ACBS people are quiet, sedate, old people who never make much noise or a fuss? WRONG!!! Mr. Mersman gave me this assignment blind. I had no idea what was coming. He had sent me to the PRO National Championship Outboard Races, in a deep part of the swamp alongside the Illinois river. I think they race here cause they get better prop bite in the thick water. I learned that, for the most part, pro racers are only limited to engine size and boat type, runabout or hydro, and use alcohol as a fuel with speeds of 80 to 120 MPH. So where is the connection to the ACBS? Easy! Steve Bolhuis, son of member Tom Bolhuis, drives for an owner from Wisconsin in a class called “Antique C” further divided into racing and service motors. The racing motors are Johnson PR's built from 1929 to about 1933, and were specifically designed for racing. The service motors are Evinrude speedtwins, or fishing motors, that they stopped making in about 1953. I would think those are old enough! Most members boats aren't that old.
The guys were pretty busy Thursday. Steve was testing set-ups for four classes, race and service hydro along with race and service runabouts. Tom Bolhuis was a pit crew member for another driver and ACBS member, Bernie Van Osdale. Finally they finished and paid some attention to me. I got carried around stuffed into a grocery sack that smelled like Michigan returnables (stale beer).
Friday the racing started but only after total silence during the singing of the national anthem and a prayer by local clergy.
Once the racing started it was kind of a blur, some of the boats are really fast. Steve almost sank his Hydro when a hull repair came apart, he crossed the finish line then headed immediately for shore to save the boat. Friday he also drove in the runabout class. Saturday they switched boats and motors and raced again. Saturday night I went to the awards banquet. Steve managed to win prize money in three of the four classes had entered. I thought the best part of the banquet was when one of the lady racers gave me a big smooch at the podium.
Sunday was fun just watching the racing, except Ray the announcer tried to interview me. I was too frightened to speak into the microphone so all they did was take my picture. I learned that the smell of alcohol and castor oil exhaust is like perfume to a "Real Man'' and if you are close enough to a lot of it, it's a pretty good laxative too. One of the last races was 1100cc. two man runabout. Racers think this is fun and bring out 20 to 30 year old 6 cylinder Mercury's with open exhaust. The sound of these motors would rattle the teeth right out of your mouth! It's a scream that must be heard to be believed!
Maybe someday they will let me drive and not just check out motors and holes in boats, maybe then I could get more hugs and smooches.
Saturday, July 21, 2001
Event: Cadillac Festival of the Arts / Rendezvous
I was very pleased to be given the assignment of covering the Antique Boat Show / Rendezvous and the Cadillac Festival of the Arts. Not only did it sound like a rich cultural experience, but it would also be an opportunity to redeem myself and restore my credibility as a serious journalist. (People in Cadillac are still talking about my shameful behavior the last time I was in town.)
The day began with a torrential rainstorm. Fortunately, the gray clouds blew over, the sky cleared, and turned into a sunny, hot, steamy day. There were a total of eight wood boats on display at the Cadillac City dock, including: Doozy, Tamra, Wanda Lou, Nifty Fifty, In the Red, Chelsea, Mona, and the '58 Continental owned by the Woodrow's".
The show spectators seemed to appreciate seeing the boats from 11:00am until 2:00pm, and I enjoyed seeing the art show. I appreciated the opportunity to view the wide variety of art forms on display, and was especially intrigued by the use of wood as an artistic medium. I was impressed with the creativity and craftsmanship used in making the sturdy wooden toys, doll furniture, delicate wood jewelry, and imaginative folk-art wood furniture. I leisurely viewed each booth, and the artisans were flattered by the attention I gave them.
The boat owners and their passengers escorted me to the Chef's Deli, owned and operated by the charming Chef Hermann. We had a delicious lunch and enjoyed chatting about boats. As we were leaving the deli, Chef Hermann said something funny to the people I was with. It sounded like a joke about a woody. Everyone laughed but would not repeat what he said. Anyway, it was time to head back to the dock.
I spent the rest of the afternoon riding around in Russ Arrand's 17' Sportsman. He lead the way around Lake Cadillac, through the canal joining the lakes, and then into Lake Mitchell. Jim Kenyon, who is very knowledgeable of the shallow Lake Mitchell, guided the way in his '60 Century Resorter. At the far end of the lake, '57 Yellow-Jacket owner and club member, Pat Goggin, was treated to a boat parade past his lovely home.
After boating back through the canal into Lake Cadillac, we stopped at the Sand Bar for some liquid refreshment. (Did I mention it was a hot and steamy day?) We relaxed in the shade, enjoyed a beautiful view of the lake, and decided that Cadillac is a great place to visit.
Woody