Outstation Report
It seems hard to believe but summer has come and gone! I seem to remember a warm spell now and then. Oh well, that's why it's so green in the N.W.!
The ogre (not the dentist I work for - he's great - the other guy) let me take a month off this summer, and we went to the west coast of Vancouver Island. We had a wonderful time fishing, reading, and just relaxing in Clayoquot Sound, and I did think about the Outstation once in a while. But the Outstation was left in good hands, as many members were happy to keep things watered, mowed and spiffed up. Jeff Purvis mowed the lawn just before we returned, and MaryLouise Alving even spent a good part of one day tackling the garden and some of the large weeds that had grown while we were gone. Thank you to all. Maybe the ogre will let me take more time off next summer.
We came back from our trip to a real surprise - there was an airplane in our parking lot! The story we were told is that a vintage float plane blew an engine at the entrance of Eagle Harbor. The Fire Department towed it to our docks, as there was space where the Police boat is normally kept. With the help of some of our members, it was then towed to the launch ramp where it could be placed on a flatbed truck. The wings had been removed but they still needed to secure it for road travel. Our club offered the gravel area of our parking lot to finish securing the craft, and we got back just in time to see it parked up there. This has to be a first for the club. As members we are supposed to come to the aid of our fellow boaters - now we can add planes to that oath!
A week before Labor Day weekend we had another fire on a member's boat. Again, it was caught in time and the damage consisted of smoke and wiring damage. This is second fire here this summer and in both cases a smoke detector was not installed. Per the suggestion of the Asst. Fire Chief, fire detectors should be part of the equipment we have on our boats. If either of these fires had occurred during the wee hours of the morning, the results could have been much different.
We were out cruising as the Labor Day weekend went into full swing. We knew this event would be a success as the chairpersons of the event, Steve and Karen Coughlin, started e-mailing us early in the season to begin planning for the weekend. The food was plenty and we understand a Jess Hill-inspired drink was prepared and well-enjoyed. Very much enjoyed. Very, very much enjoyed.
Just a reminder to those that have forgotten and for the new members that might plan a visit to the Outstation, winter moorage begins September 15th, which means that the dock space on the inside of the "U" is reserved for winter moorage boats. When you come over, please tie up on the outside of the docks.
We are looking forward to the cruise planned at the Outstation for Halloween weekend. Eric was really excited when he learned there will be a "macaroni and cheese" casserole cook-off - he's already starting to search for the perfect recipe. We hope to see you out here!
Late-breaking news: The Fishing Derby was hosted by Jim Damery, and the place was packed. The Biggest Loser (oops, I meant Winner) was J'Anna Post, who along with Larry will now get to put on next year's Derby.
Barb Wood
