by Skipper Mary
It's not an April Fool's joke. It's ice-out. Nestegg Marine even put the floating docks in yesterday, which is early as boats usually don't get dropped until May.
Boats on the hard, March 31
While on the coast to work on Revision, I learned that Marinette Marine will be extending the building you see downriver. When USS Freedom was being built its bow finally stuck out the bay doors. Maybe that's why they're extending the building. In any case, we're glad for the jobs and proud of the workers who build those amazing vessels from tugs to littoral combat ships. Being docked near a shipbuilder is cool and sometimes we see the welders' sparks fly in the slow process of a boat's design being made real.
Dock, March 31
Yesterday it was warm, around 70 degrees, and overcast. While not looking at the floating docks, fishermen (probably casting for walleye), ducks and seagulls, I worked. Don't have much to show for it but that's okay as spring boat chores is a ritual which, in the early stages, is more about just being there. It must be like what gardeners feel when putting their hands in the warming earth, and what fishermen feel when gazing into their tackle boxes. Anticipation, maybe, is the word and I think that's what those ducks and seagulls are feeling as well.
(l to r) Fishermen, ducks, seagulls, Menominee River, March 31
One of the best parts of the boaters' spring ritual is the mutual good cheer. A couple was in our barn polishing their lovely sloop and chatting with the Cap'n who was hanging around them for a few reasons: their boat is parked by the big open door which allowed her to keep an eye on the outside world, and; they are laid-back people, and; they had a cooler packed with lunch. The Cap'n was most appreciative of the potato chips tossed her way.
Cap'n Keksi snoozing, sails still in their bags, 2009
Last year Revision was dropped May 6th (another ritual) and the first night on the boat was cold. The Sleeping Dog photo was taken at 2:28 a.m. on May 19 and it was still cold. But I'm being wimpy because today I got an email from a friend who said the first sailboat of the year has been spotted on Lake Superior off Marquette. Now that's cold.
I wonder if they slept on it? 