Haul Out for the winter
I’m sitting here thinking, DAMN! 6 months till SPLASH
The boaters from a neighbouring marina have a rendezvous in Middleport every year and we joined in. It was great fun but as most of you know we are the ones who are the first to turn in for the night and the first ones up in the morning. A little rain didn’t damper the spirits of this last hurrah as we huddled under a tent until we were soaked. Didn’t matter……………it was all good fall fun!
We decided to head to Albion for our destination for Thanksgiving. Taking my mom on the journey proved to be a good time. Aiden and Mom played spoons while Scott drove. There were a lot of giggles going on. While in Albion Aiden got out his truck and drove till the batteries were worn out, then a recharge and back at it. Some ramps were built to make the truck even more exciting.
We stopped in Medina for one night of the trip. Cute little town but not much open. Met a fellow who had a “barge” to live in during the summer months on the canal. He was heading back to Florida for the winter and had another boat that he lives on down there. We had to stop and think about that idea!
Our favourite little spot. Loe Beaver Island State Park located on Grand Island, NY. Always a bit breezy but with the seclusion at the end of the day with only marina folk, the ability to make campfires, and therefore eat way to many s’mores, and the dog able to run at will after the park closes it is truly a fav.
We always end up with Curtis, Connie and Alexis, Matt and Patti and their girls and whoever else happens to be there partying till the fire ends. This week was no different. We also did the bike trails more than once and found a little place on the Niagara River that has frozen bananas for a quick stopover. Newton is also able to swim in the lagoon and fetch sticks till he’s worn out which we do every day while here.
Scott decided to bike ride to the other end of Grand Island on his own while Aiden, Alexis and I made it to Timmies for a bevy about a 10 km ride. Next year I think Aiden and I will have to do that trek as well. The island has bike trails along the shoreline that rarely mixes with traffic.
So after the several days in Port Colborne we decided to head over to Buffalo Harbour. Bet you didn’t know Buffalo had a harbour. It’s the Military and Naval Park that has a decommissioned destroyer and sub waiting for you visitors and visit. Tons of things are going on in the harbour daily. They are putting a lot of effort into regenerating a historical area of Buffalo and it shows. Bike paths, walking paths, dog friendly areas, nature paths all along the waterfront. This area is being so well done that it is a recommended stop Thor boaters as well as land lovers. Hydro and water for five boats with over 10 spots with no services. a beautiful park to roam around in and several entertainment venues. While we were there The Tragically Hip was playing at a nearby court door concert arena along the water’s edge.
The Cotter made a sunset appearance. She is the oldest still commissioned fire fighting vessel in the world. With her sprinklers going she is quite the sight to see even though she is over one hundred years old.
We headed off to Woodlawn Beach before we started to head back down the Niagara River towards home. A beach near the big windmills collecting wind power for the City of Buffalo along the east side of Lake Erie. I don’t see what the big deal in having these and wonder why people are so against them. Not only are they picturesque, they are quiet, really quiet. One of the marvels of sustainable power and engineering.
The beach is a great beach too. The dog was able to swim and run the one side area with no problem. We wore him out and he still swam back to the boat. A warm calm day is needed for this beach as no shelter from the winds of Lake Erie is available.
After a great day on the beach we Re headed off to Beaver Island State Park. We haven’t been there since Father’s Day In June. Looking forward to the beach, bike riding and nature that awaits us there
We stayed on the wall in Tonawanda Gateway Park this week. Super easy for Scott to get to work and good friends made in the other boaters. Met some families from Greater Niagara Boat Club, our home club and some friends from a Grand Island club, Red Oaks Club. Came home for a couple days to catch up on work stuff, had some work friends out on the boat for a cruise around Grand Island and then decided to head on out to Canal Days in Port Colborne stopping at a few new spots along the way.