Conference vicki::boats

A "Coming Out" party sounds like a great idea to me!  I'll be taking
delivery of my new Sunbird on Friday April 14, possibly earlier if
the IRS processes my tax return quickly (ya right).  It should be all
registered before we pick it up, so I'm sure I'll be itchin' to head
out the next day, on Saturday the 15th.

Let's see who the real hardcore boaters are early in the season!

Rick W. (NOT one of the Memorial-Day-to-Labor-Day crowd)

                            SKI SCHOOL
                            
    
    	I was just wondering where your friends are skiing.  If anyone
    knows the names of any waterskiing schools, I am looking to gets
    some names of ski schools.  I would like to head down to Florida
    sometime in the near future.  Any info would be helpful.
    
    Thanks,
    
    JG

    RE: .2
    
    Well JG, just send me your mailstop and I'll send you a copy of the
    latest AWSA Ski School catalog.  We just returned from Barefoot
    International, a school run by Mike Seipel, two-time world barefoot
    champion.  We did manage to "stick ski" a little but these guys are
    mostly "feet skiers" and gave us some friendly lip service about skiing
    on skis.  See one of the more recent replies to note 9 for details.
    
    					...Roger...

    
    	Are Rick W. and I going to be the only ones with our boats
    in the water in April? (Even if he has to convince his new bride
    that it's OK to wear a winter coat on the boat!)
    
    	What's up guys? Is Webster too far south? Are the boats put
    away until June? I promise I won't make you get into the water!
    
    	How 'bout you diehards? How 'bout all the boatnoters who have
    managed to survive a winter of withdrawals?
    
    	Rick - What is that itch I feel??
    
    BTW: I saw a boat on the Merrimack Saturday!!!!!! And you guys call
    me crazy......

re   < Note 281.4 by ARCHER::SUTER "I see a little open water!!!!" >
>                          -< Men or Mice? Squeak Up! >-

    
>    	Are Rick W. and I going to be the only ones with our boats
>    in the water in April? (Even if he has to convince his new bride
>    that it's OK to wear a winter coat on the boat!)


	Yeah, well, err, ummm,  Fort Meadow is mostly open water, I've 
been watching it for a while, but its low and the gate is still 
locked.  The Merrimack river in Lowell and up through Nashua ....I 
don't remember it freezing, though I'd bet its low and I KNOW about 
the prop eating monster behind MP & M.  Quinsiggy is largely open, but 
some of it is so deep it will take a while to warm up.  I assume the 
ice houses are still out on my favorite Vermont lake ??

	R

    
       I'm no meice, mouse, mice...Rick!  I'm squeakin' up....if I can
    get a dry-suit by then, I'd love to join the party.....Lets do it!
    
                   ....Jeanne
    

    
    	I understand there is some fishing activity scheduled
    for Webster lake the weekend of the April 15th. How about
    Mattawanakee in Littleton/Westford? Or maybe Monomanac?
    
    	Does anyone in the file know about Monomanac launches
    and/or restrictions? I know it's in both Mass and NH.
    
    Rick

    
    
    
    
    I'd be up for either Mattawanakee or Monomonac.  The launch on
    Monomonac is at a Marina on the border of Rindge NH, and
    Mass, I forget the name of the place.  The launch is concrete,
    and they only charge $3 to launch. They've also got a marine
    supply store and convenience store there, with a gas dock.
    It's a nice lake for cruising and skiing, and you can use either
    a Mass or NH registration there, so it may be a good compromise
    location.
                                            
    Rick W.

   Valley Marine is on Rt202 in Rindge N.H. (about 100 yds North of the
border).  The ramp is adequate, but parking is a problem.  The marina
is located in a shallow cove at the extreme west end of the lake.  On
your way out to the main lake, I'd stay in the channel (I didn't and I wound
up with major dings in my skeg and prop).

   Before I skied there, I'd be sure to check out some of the hazards.
There are 2 sunken islands that I'm aware of, one is right in the middle of
the big part of the lake, and the other is closer to the place where the
cottage that looks like a luxury liner is located (this house will scare the
sh__ out of you as it looms up out of the morning fog).  The first one is
5 ft or so below the surface at its peak, the other is shallower.  I don't
remember them being marked...

   Both Mass and NH fish and game departments have contour maps of the lake
that are pretty accurate.

FYI  last year there was a seaplane moored there...

Al

I figure it's about time I responded to this note...
    
    Yeh, I'LL BE THERE!  Just say where and when...
    
    Doug

RE: .9

>> Valley Marine is on Rt202 in Rindge N.H. 

  Thanks Al, I knew someone would remember the name of the marina on
  Monomonac.  I've been there a few times for each of the last 2 years,
  but couldn't remember the name for the life of me.


>> The ramp is adequate, but parking is a problem.

  I agree, it's not the best I've ever seen, but since its paved and away
  from the road it beats the hell out of the one at Mattawanakee.  There are
  only a few parking spots on the marina's property.  When that fills up there's
  a small lot about 100 yards down the road.  And when that one fills up, you
  guessed it, you park on the side of the road.  I've had to park on the
  road once, but if we go in April as planned parking should not be a problem.


>> The marina is located in a shallow cove at the extreme west end
>> of the lake.  On your way out to the main lake, I'd stay in the channel
>> (I didn't and I wound up with major dings in my skeg and prop).

  I've never seen a map of the lake, but the channel leaving the marina is
  clearly marked with wooden posts.  I've never ventured outside those
  markers, and haven't had a problem.


>> There are 2 sunken islands that I'm aware of, one is right in the
>> middle of the big part of the lake, and the other is closer to the place
>> where the cottage that looks like a luxury liner is located (this house
>> will scare the sh__ out of you as it looms up out of the morning fog).
>> The first one is 5 ft or so below the surface at its peak, the other is
>> shallower.  I don't remember them being marked...

  I'm not sure where the one is that's 5' below the surface, but with the
  amount of water our boats draw it shouldn't be a problem.  8^)
  I know exactly where the other one is that you're talking about.  For 
  those who've never been there, the main part of the lake is shaped almost
  like a "figure 8" (one half of the "8" is larger than the other).  The
  rocks are almost right smack in the middle of the "8", and if I remember
  right were not marked early in the season last year.  Later in the season
  they were marked with a white post.  In either case, they are visible above
  the water, and there is probably a couple hundred yards to pass on either
  side, so there is little danger as long as you know they're there.

  The "luxury liner" home Al referred to is pretty amazing.  It's a large
  concrete home that juts out into the lake, and looks exactly like the bow
  of a cruise ship, complete with port holes. One other feature of the lake
  is an uninhabited pine tree covered island you can pull up to.  It's
  probably privately owned, but is not posted and we don't do anything
  destructive so have never been hassled.
    
  Rick

    
    	By the sound of it Monomonac sounds like a winner!
    
    	It's got my vote.
    
    	Rick

   My concern about the shallow island was not so much the boats
as it was the prospect of digging gravel out of your teeth in the event that
was where you chose to do a face plant..



Al

    
    re .4
    
    April 15!  Webster lake is ready now!  I flew over it yesterday
    on the way back from the Bahamas, and only one small bay has any
    ice left. 
    
    I want to water ski in New England before my last snow ski.
    
    How bout pulling in the schedule if we have some 50 degree wx?
    
    Don                                                           

    
    re: Don,
    
>    I want to water ski in New England before my last snow ski.
    
    	Now, where have I heard that before??? I might not be able
    to make it much earlier, I'm not sure if I can even get the boat
    the weekend of the 1st,  might have to wait til the 8th.
    
    	As it stands now, Monomonac has the most votes.
    
    Rick

    
    How about the lake in Littleton, I think I know were I can
    find a boat that is ready to go...
    
    Some nice _sunny_ 50+ degree afternoon?  Come on, the water can't
    be any colder than it was on December 7th.
    
    Don
       

    
    	I'm always game, he says as it's snowing outside!
    Plus I get to try out my new full wetsuit, o more zipper problems.
    
    	Rick

    Back from the Irish lands, I'll respond...when do we go?  I was
    cruising past Ft. Meadow this morning (on the north end by the beach)
    and didn't see any ice.  I didn't notice Quinsiggy yet (asleep at the
    wheel on the way to work this morning) but will check it out today.  I
    think the time is soon!  Booties, gloves, wetsuits (notice that
    "wetsuits" is plural) etc. are ready to go.  It just may be a little
    tough to ski on this cold water after looking at the Florida pictures
    last night.  We gotta wait another 3 months for temps and water like
    that!  Oh well, where's the rope handle?  Hit it!
    
    					...Roger...

    Gawd I almost forgot...I'll be in California from Apr. 15-23.  How
    about we pull in the date one week to Apr. 8th?  Else, you'll have to
    do it without me. :-(  Come on, the lakes are waiting for us NOW (and
    so are the fishermen on Webster, Rick).  :-)
    
    					...Roger...

    I will pull the boat our of the backyard this weekend in anticipation
    of an nice 50 or 60 degree day.  At least this time we should not have
    to dodge the ice.  After skiing and footin' in Florida and snorkeling
    in the Bahamas it is going to be tough putting that full wet suit back
    on. 
    
    Dropped the 17" prop off today to get it unbent.  Will have to live
    with the 19" for a month or so.
       
    Anybody up for April fools day?  After all that is what the onlookers
    will think.
    
    Don

    
    If you guys are thinking about Fort Meadow, be careful.  There
    is no ice to speak of in fact it has been gone for the most part
    for a couple weeks now,  the problem is that the water level is
    still 2 to 3 feet below normal, (ie: the rocks are 2'-3' closer)
    You would want to be careful,  at least you wouldn't have to be
    avoiding other boats.
    
    Personally,  I think you guys are nuts,  but I guess that is why
    I enjoy it when I get a chance to ski with you.   I have played
    some golf and am getting out the softball equip.  but I really
    can't think about getting into the water yet,  still  have the
    snow skis out and ready.
    
    Good Luck,  a few more nice days and I may change my mind.
    Mike
    
                         

    Mike,
      I don't plan on getting "into the water".  We're talking beach
    starts and beach stops. (and the use of non-frayed ropes.)
    Doug.
    (Yeh, we're crazy, and Damn Proud of it!  ;^]
    

    RE: .22
        
    The few, the proud, the crazy?     8^)

    
    Did an aerial survey Saturday - Forge Pond is ready!  (Where we
    skied last fall til it froze.)
    
    Who is up for an April fool ski sesion if it is a sunny day?
    
    Also checked on Corbetts. (sp)  Either they left the ski course
    in all winter, or they got it in real early, but it is ready.
    Looks like a couple of the pipes are bent with buoys out of position.
                                                                
    Don

    
    	I'm game to be an April Fool! This is dependant upon
    somewhat warm weather and NOT being able to pick up my
    boat this weekend. (Still don't know)
    
    Rick

    April Fool's day sounds great!  I vote for getting out by mid-morning
    because I have to be in R.I. by mid-afternoon.  Actually, with a day
    like today, I was hoping to get in a March ski, but it looks like I'll
    have to settle for April.  Name the time.
    
    					...Roger...

    My vote would be for early afternoon as I have a morning committment
    on saturday. (Weather permitting of course  :^)
    Doug.

    
    Ok, it is 12:00 at the ramp at Forge pond, and shortly thereafter
    at the beach.
    
    I will bring my little outboard, as ther real ski boats don't seem to
    be ready.  Is that right Doug, Roger and Rick???
    
    Also have a non Decie that might show up.  Also owns a Lake amphib.
    He is prepared with a SCUBA suit as he owns the video production
    company that does most of the NOVA underwater work.  
    
    Perhaps we can get Mike Seiple and Nick Young footin' in formation
    behind the planes in June.
    
    Mail me your home phones, so we can coordinate or cancel if necessary.  
                                                            
    Don

    O.K.; April Fools Day it is! (no joke) This will be at Lake
    Mattawanakee (sp?) aka Forge Pond in Littleton right?
    Dir: Rt 495 to Rt 119 W to Beaver Brook Rd to the ramp.
      To the beach, continue on Beaver Brook and bear left to the
    center of (whatever) town. The entrance to the beach is across from
    the paper/publishing company. (narrow paved road parallel to RR
    tracks)     I Reckon this is the place, I Reckon??
    (I can't leave home 'til noon, so I'll be at the beach at 12:30(ish)
     Weather is predicted to be 52 degrees and SUNNY!
    Doug
    

    
    	I'll be there unless I'm picking up the Nautique although
    right now it doesn't look that way....
    
    Rick

    Looks like the 52 degrees and sunny is being pushed out to Sunday.
    Any interest in a Day-After-April-Fools-Day ski, rather than on
    saturday (40s and rain)?
    Doug.

    Probably have to count me out for Sunday...already committed to
    helping out my sister.  I guess you guys will have to have the first
    ski of '89 without me (although us Florida bums already skied in
    '89...na na na na na na!)  :-)  Carry on, you crazy folks!
    
    					...Roger...

    
    	Either day is ok for me.... 
    
    		No Nautique = Skiing
    
    	Rick

    Looks like Saturday wx will not cooperate.  So unless a miracle
    occurs Saturday skiing is canceled
    
    Planning to ski on frozen water at Sugarloaf on Sunday.  If the
    forecast rain washes it out, will be up for unfrozen water skiing.
    
    Mail me your phone numbers so we can discuss it Sat.
    
    Don

    
    	Looks like this weekend will be a washout(snowout) also.
    If the weather doesn't cooperate a little, I won't even have
    a chance to recommision the Nautique. 
    
    Rick

    
    Well so much for Saturday's nor'easter and Sunday's rain and
    snow.  As usual the weatherman blew it.  Did you recomission
    the Nautique this weekend Rick?  Anybody else?
    
    Rick W. 
         (Only 4 days 'til we pick up the new Sunbird! I can't wait!)

    
    Re: Rick
    
    	I sure did get the Nautique recomisssioned! Even got in
    a ski run on Sunday.....
    
    

    RE: .37
    
    		(-:  Scum!  :-)
    
    					...Roger...

    Rick,
     You CREEP! :^)
    Doug.  (Propless 'til the end of the week)
    

    
    
    Scum and Creep! Boys, boys, boys!!!!!
    
    What's the head count for Saturday at Monomonac?
    
    Rick

    
    RE: Monomonac on Saturday
    
    What time you plan to be there Rick?  I'd like to go, but
    will have to make it early in the day.  I have to be in
    Barrington NH by 4:00 pm.
    
    Rick W.   (We're down to countin' hours 'til delivery. 77
               and counting!)

    
    Re: Monomonac on Saturday......
    
    	I'll plan on arriving at the ramp on Route 202 about 10:30.
    I'll shoot for 10:00 but towing the boat that translates to 10:30.
    
    	For anyone coming from Mass... it's route 2 to route 140 North
    to 202 towards Rindge NH.....
    
    	Who's going and who's bringing their toy? Right now it
    looks like....
    
    		Rick S.III & IV & "Corrective Action"
    		Rick W. & "The new Sunbird"
    		Doug without_a_prop
    		Jeanne Did_you_buy_a_drysuit_or_are_you_going_wo_one?
                Don??
    		Mikey??                                                    
                
    HIT IT!!!!!!
    
    Rick
    
    Rog... we'll be thinking about you......

    May the goddess of fine weather smile on your outing on Saturday!
    
    About the time the Nautique hits the water I'll be about 40,000 feet
    over Missouri/Arkansas heading for sunny (and *HOT* as of late) L.A.
    for vacation.  But I will definitely seek out a place to grab a ski
    ride if possible.  I'll be thinking of all of you while I bask in the
    90+ degrees of southern California!  :-)
    
    Oh yeah, somebody bring a camera on Saturday...I want to see the
    grimaces of all the folks as they touch their toes into the deep
    freeze!  Then you can flash them in my face at the gathering on the
    26th.
    
    					...Roger...

    I hope you guy's have a great time. But as in Rogers case, I'll also be
    at high altitude - not in a plane, but on skis at either Aspen or Vail
    Saturday. I'm leaving Friday afternoon and should be back in time to
    go right back down to Manhatten (1 week) for DEC, then come back to put my 
    boat in Lake Sunapee the 2nd week in May...
    
    I guess pulling Rick around this past weekend with the Nautique will
    have to do, for awhile. Rick looked like a real pro in his new Ski Warm
    cutting across those wakes - while all those cold fishermen looked on.
    
    								-mike-

    
    Seems like a long way to go for cold water....
    
    If it is sunny I can probably get away from the household "honey doos".
    
    Hard thinking about cold water after the Florida trip.  Ice isn't
    even out at the camp in Maine.
    
    Don