Jun 17, 2013 - Not So Superman

Today was the first of our two days off. We took off around 11:00, did some errands, and then it started to rain (what's new?). Pat suggested we go to the movies, so we had a quick lunch while we waited for the 3PM show, and in we went to see Superman. It was awful. This movie looks and sounds like it was written and directed by two thirteen year old boys who spend all of their time playing video games. The 3D technology was impressive...but the story line is weak...the special effects are OK but they never end, the noise is deafening, the...

Jun 15, 2013 - Warmin' Up

Yesterday was warmer and SUNNY.....what? Yes, the sun was out all day. It was a little too windy to be really comfortable, but it was a great change from what we have been having. Weather today is supposed to be spectacular. Friday, the second day I put the same six guys out in three boats. Not so much the best boat operators you ever saw, but no real damage...to the boats, anyway. When they got back two of them had to CARRY a third guy off the dock. So badly sun burned and beer drenched he couldn't walk. Not so fond memories of his fishing...

Jun 14, 2013 - Big Weekend Comin' Up

Yesterday was a busy day, but this weekend is supposed to be wild. There is a fishing tournament being held in conjunction with Fathers Day. The fishing starts at midnight tonight (Friday), and continues until Noon on Monday. Lots of money, lots of prizes and our marina is one of the major weight stations/launching areas. So my plan yesterday was to get the place ready for the onslaught. All that I had to deal with was a three boat rental, then I could go about "neatening" up for the tournament. First the computer system failed...trouble...

Jun 13, 2013 - Back at work

Yesterday was "back to work" day. Cloudy and raining in the morning, cleared up in the afternoon, but NO BUSINESS! Spent the day pumping out boats, shoveling gravel and straightening up one of the work sheds. Pat worked on her computer. Today three boats are rented, and the weather is supposed to be OK until the afternoon. We'll see. I think I will have to let out chains again today....ugh! This weekend there is the biggest fishing tournament of the year, and we are one of the principal weigh stations. Everyone is saying this will be the...

Jun 11, 2013 - This is really getting awfull

In the last three weeks we can remember two nice weather days. One that I worked, and one that we spent with Lucky and Joe driving to Stowe. This rain is getting old. Sunday it tried to clear and I rented both pontoon boats and a small skiff. Two of the rentals were only half day, but one was a full eight hours. Also put out a row boat...but that went out to an ugly couple who only wanted it because it was free. Seems someone in corporate thought it would be a good idea to let anyone staying in the resort have a kayak, canoe or rowboat for...

Jun 11, 2013 - Making the best of it

Well of course it was raining cats and dogs when we woke up this morning. Action was required...a plan was needed. We (I) had seen an article in a magazine about a super cool store in Evansville, Vermont. It had been around forever, it had everything under the sun, it was gigantic....we (I) decided we had to go there. First, for strength, Pathfinder lit a burner on the stovetop, and while the rain raged outside of our door he scrambled two eggs like eggs have never been scrambled before...they were GREAT. And this was the first time the...

Jun 9, 2013 - Another bad weather day

Rain yesterday morning (after it rained all night) and into the early afternoon. Rented one boat, sold nothing else all day. Launched 4 or 5 boats. Mid day we had a pressure cleaner, an air compressor and a mig welder delivered. Oh yeah, more toys to play with. Got half of the gas tank pressure washed before I closed. I'll finish that today and rig up the compressor. Probably be next week before the fun starts with the welder. Last night we watched two hours of Lionel Richie singing with a bunch of country western stars. It was absolutely...

Jun 8, 2013 - The Rocket Scientists

When it's cold and wet and raining and blowing, you may not be the rocket scientist you think you are. Case in point......... Yesterday we got our fourth rental boat back from the shop. A week ago my boss trailered it down to the marina and asked me to tune it up (I posted a picture). So I changed the oil and filter in the motor, changed the oil in the lower unit, put in new plugs and put on a new prop. All ready to go....but it will only run for a few seconds before it quits. Then I find out that it hasn't been run in two years, and they...

Jun 7, 2013 - Wet

This rain is getting old. In the last couple of weeks we have had one or two REALLY nice days. The rest have been either raining, or cold with the threat of rain. The local folks seem to be mostly accepting of the weather, but the visitors are pretty disappointed. I can absolutely tell you the boat renters are unhappy. Our deal is if it's safe and you don't go out because it's raining you lose your deposit. The only time you get the deposit back is if we rule it would not be safe to go out.....so far I've only done that one day. So while I...

Jun 6, 2013 - OOOOOHHHHH NO!

The local TV station just reported that during the next seven days we will have six days of rain. This is really getting old. Anyway, yesterday our friend Nancy arrived, so after work we went over to her cottage. Nancy was making some magic potent that she and Pat were drinking. Last night went something like this: Pat: Oh, this is good...try some Pathfinder: No thanks, I'll just have some sparkling water (actually, beer) Pat: Oh, come on, it's really good! Pathfinder: No thanks, I like to keep my liver pure This morning is going something...

Jun 5, 2013 - Last Day Off

We skipped eating yesterday..almost. Pretty casual day for us yesterday. Lucky and Joe left early for their 9 hour drive home. We did some laundry, fussed around the coach, then late in the afternoon we did a little hardware shopping (got some solar lights for our "driveway"). Our final drive was to an area Pat had found a week or so ago. She wanted me to see it so off we went. You can see the pictures above. Today I get to meet with my boss. The first real chance we have had to talk since Pat and I got here. Our friend Nancy arrives...

Jun 4, 2013 - Day Two With Lucky and Joe

Another great day yesterday. We picked up Lucky and Joe at their place around 9:00, and took off for Smuggler's. First stop, a bakery we had heard about....TRAGEDY...closed on Monday. Undaunted, we drove on. Half an hour of scenic driving and we saw another possibility. Turned out to be a great spot. They grind their own coffee beans and had great goodies to go with the coffee. The owner had pictures of his daughter on the counter. She had just finished eight years as a Marine and done three deployments. Now she is at Penn State getting a...