Limericks from the (Ephraim NAC) Limerick Party assisted by a four hour on water postponement for lack of wind. Submitted by Amy Miller, Kim Thinel, Len Gunther and Tom Lawton (it's a good thing I procrastinate, or we would have missed the late entries!) The things people will do to get on this Blog!
To get you into the flow we'll start with;
There once was a man from Nantucket
Wisconsin was not in the budget
He wishes he were here
For brats, corn and beer
On the boat, he would pee in a bucket
Honoring our Wisconsin Venue, NACs in general, and the locals;
We came to Wisconsin, you betcha'
To race we would all try to catch ya'
From cherries and cheese
To ice cream and breeze
Oh, Ephraim, we'll never forget cha'
Planned vacation to Ephraim, so glad
Oh, what a time we have had
From big gusts and waves
Our sails made the save
Don't just get even, Get Mad!
In Ephraim, we all are here
We'll have fun and drink lots of beer
We'll eat brats and cheese
Or drink scotch if you please
It's a week filled with joy and good cheer!
A week filled with fun and merriment
At this Flying Scot National Tournament
I'll give it my all
I will try not to fall
And I might see what Greg Fisher meant
I've done nothing, but think about jib trim
In preparation for our trip to Ephraim
On the boat, Skipper's boss
And if the words are cross
I'll just fill my scotch glass to the brim
We are staying at the Beatle and Poker
A pig will be cooked in a smoker
We'll eat fattening brats
And make fun of the snots
The weather'll be great says Al Roker
They love their rum and tonic
It's much better than a high colonic
Wisconsin's so cool
Beats the Fishing Bay pool
It all will make us go super sonic
On Thursday, there wasn't much breeze
The morning zephyr had just been a tease
Kids swimming and singing
The rigging was pinging
Just a little more wind, if you please
NACs are over, and they were a hoot
Time on the water, well worth the commute
July, known for it's toil
Our yield came in beer, greasy brats and fish boil
2010's our next shot at the (pickle dish) loot
To Ephraim we drove with our toys
For a few days' fun with girls and boys
Fair skies we were given
Eagle Harbor sailing –really livin'
Now it's back home to our toils
Honoring some of the competitors…
When my car quit I thought we were done
The schedule had us under the gun
With John Wake as crew
Not sailing wouldn't do
So he drove from Virgina to "Wisconsun"
There is a sailor named Hans
He's Holland's modern day Fonz
His crew's and English Dame
Who hollers, "Pull that main!"
So his medal will be better than bronze
There is a boat so green
It looks so sleek and so clean
The name is Wind Dancer
On the waves, she's a prancer
Barb and Len think she's nifty and keen
There's a van pulling sailboat, Pig Pen
It is sailed by the masters of Zen
If on board you find Missy
No one will throw a hissy
And they're sure to finish in the top ten
John Wake is a dude, so cool
On sailing, he'll take you to school
If he's near a mark
You may hear him bark
And with boat transport, he sure does rule
Monday, August 17, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
Day 20 The Wrap Up
You know you are back in FL when two trips from the Hotel room to the car at 8 am, equals sweating.
Today's travel was easy, we had to go from Tallahassee to home (Tampa Bay) the majority of which was traveled on US 19 through rural areas. There is a town on this route called Perry FL, it isn't much as towns go, as you will see from the pics.
The odd thing is there are signs where we live that reference this nothing of a place. We live in Pinellas County which has about 1 million population and road signs that show 3 miles to this, 6 miles to that, 10 miles to the other and 168 miles to Perry! As if anyone would ever care or much less go there. The only reason to go to Perry is to get to whatever is on the other side.
Around 12:30 we decide to pull of in Homasassa to get some lunch. The Homasassa river is really cool, very secluded and as much like old FL as you will find that still has some restaurants. No luck though since no dogs were allowed and it may have been too hot to enjoy anyway.
We arrive home a little after 2 pm, the trip home was about 27 hours and 1597 miles. In total we traveled about 4277 miles with Pig Pen in tow. We had no breakdowns on the road and got about 17 MPG, less than the last NAC trip when we got about 19 MPG.
To confirm the foolishness of this trip we received the award for traveling the furthest to the regatta!
We had an awesome trip and owe thanks to Harry and Karen Carpenter for putting us up in Deep Creek. Deep Creek is a great place to get away so if you ever get the chance go see it. Likewise thanks to Ryan Malmgren for sharing his cabin near Ephraim YC, it was great to get to know Ryan, Carrie, Frank and Maryann Gerry.
Back to reality;
The AC in the house cannot get the temperature below 83 f, called the AC repair guy.
The icemaker isn't working.
The washing machine washes but won't spin/drain whatever the heck, the appliance repair guy should be here tomorrow am.
The grass and bushes are huge, I guess it rained while we were gone.
It was also really nice to go 3 weeks w/o really seeing any news and politics.
Thanks to all of you who have been checking in with us and for the comments and emails. The End.
Today's travel was easy, we had to go from Tallahassee to home (Tampa Bay) the majority of which was traveled on US 19 through rural areas. There is a town on this route called Perry FL, it isn't much as towns go, as you will see from the pics.
The odd thing is there are signs where we live that reference this nothing of a place. We live in Pinellas County which has about 1 million population and road signs that show 3 miles to this, 6 miles to that, 10 miles to the other and 168 miles to Perry! As if anyone would ever care or much less go there. The only reason to go to Perry is to get to whatever is on the other side.
Around 12:30 we decide to pull of in Homasassa to get some lunch. The Homasassa river is really cool, very secluded and as much like old FL as you will find that still has some restaurants. No luck though since no dogs were allowed and it may have been too hot to enjoy anyway.
We arrive home a little after 2 pm, the trip home was about 27 hours and 1597 miles. In total we traveled about 4277 miles with Pig Pen in tow. We had no breakdowns on the road and got about 17 MPG, less than the last NAC trip when we got about 19 MPG.
To confirm the foolishness of this trip we received the award for traveling the furthest to the regatta!
We had an awesome trip and owe thanks to Harry and Karen Carpenter for putting us up in Deep Creek. Deep Creek is a great place to get away so if you ever get the chance go see it. Likewise thanks to Ryan Malmgren for sharing his cabin near Ephraim YC, it was great to get to know Ryan, Carrie, Frank and Maryann Gerry.
Back to reality;
The AC in the house cannot get the temperature below 83 f, called the AC repair guy.
The icemaker isn't working.
The washing machine washes but won't spin/drain whatever the heck, the appliance repair guy should be here tomorrow am.
The grass and bushes are huge, I guess it rained while we were gone.
It was also really nice to go 3 weeks w/o really seeing any news and politics.
Thanks to all of you who have been checking in with us and for the comments and emails. The End.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Day 19 and MORE DRIVING!
Unlike yesterday we got going a little earlier, something like 745 am. My (Dave) back could not stay in bed any longer so up and at em.
As we were pulling out of Effingham Illinois, I noted the name of the street; Avenue of Middle America. True enough but I'm glad I don't have that address to fill out all the time, it would never fit in the space provided.
Not a mile down I-57 we notice this huge cross at the side of the interstate.
Being Sunday morning and all I consider this a church service of sorts, something we have fallen behind with recently.
We did a little texting with Hans and Rikki who are in Ohio in route to VA. No Hans we still are not "there yet" !
The drive today was uneventful which is good and long which isn't. We passed close by Kentucky Lake and were tempted to make a side trip but thought better of it. The GPS discouraged us with its continous display of the miles remaining and time to Home. UGH! Some people pick cute names for their GPS units, not us, ours has been named "bitch". She was dead set on getting us to pass through Atlanta, we were dead set against it, we won that one.
We did pass through Nashville around 12:30 which had Kim reminiscing about her college days at Vanderbuilt. We briefly considered a stop for lunch at San Antonio Taco Co. but instead decide to press on. Bitch.
Around 4pm were are rolling through Alabama and thinking about how good that first Hotel beer is going to be, however our cooler is empty so we will need to restock. While gassing up in some crap place in Shelby County Kim is informed that there will be no beer sales on Sunday. This is serious. We had eyeballed a stop in a little town called Dotham AL which supposedly has some redeeming qualities but not the most important one; beer sales on Sunday. We bag that place in spite of a nice choice of newish looking hotels. We decide to press on to FL where we know beer sales are no problem, yeah right. Upon crossing the FL state line the road imediatly becomes a perfect smooth blanket of asphalt complete with the little reflecters marking the lines/lanes.
Here we enter FL following a rain shower and the steam of summer. Ahhhh!
AL roads are better than MI but not by much, the van has a shimmy at highwya speeds which it didnt have yesterday, I suspect a tire issue.
Super 8 Hotels are pet friendly so we decide to stop there just into FL. While trying to check in I am told of a $20 dog surcharge, no beer sales in this county, a dirtyish lobby and darkish parking lot. The hotel proprieter also got under my skin a little so back on the highway we went. I figured we would head for Tallahasee and the home of FL State U. Lots of dabauchery available there, so about 945 pm (losin an hour for the Eastern Time Zone)we are tucked into a LaQuinta in with ALL the necessities covered.
I think we did 800 some miles today and have another 250 or so tomorrow.
As we were pulling out of Effingham Illinois, I noted the name of the street; Avenue of Middle America. True enough but I'm glad I don't have that address to fill out all the time, it would never fit in the space provided.
Not a mile down I-57 we notice this huge cross at the side of the interstate.
Being Sunday morning and all I consider this a church service of sorts, something we have fallen behind with recently.We did a little texting with Hans and Rikki who are in Ohio in route to VA. No Hans we still are not "there yet" !
The drive today was uneventful which is good and long which isn't. We passed close by Kentucky Lake and were tempted to make a side trip but thought better of it. The GPS discouraged us with its continous display of the miles remaining and time to Home. UGH! Some people pick cute names for their GPS units, not us, ours has been named "bitch". She was dead set on getting us to pass through Atlanta, we were dead set against it, we won that one.
We did pass through Nashville around 12:30 which had Kim reminiscing about her college days at Vanderbuilt. We briefly considered a stop for lunch at San Antonio Taco Co. but instead decide to press on. Bitch.
Around 4pm were are rolling through Alabama and thinking about how good that first Hotel beer is going to be, however our cooler is empty so we will need to restock. While gassing up in some crap place in Shelby County Kim is informed that there will be no beer sales on Sunday. This is serious. We had eyeballed a stop in a little town called Dotham AL which supposedly has some redeeming qualities but not the most important one; beer sales on Sunday. We bag that place in spite of a nice choice of newish looking hotels. We decide to press on to FL where we know beer sales are no problem, yeah right. Upon crossing the FL state line the road imediatly becomes a perfect smooth blanket of asphalt complete with the little reflecters marking the lines/lanes.
Here we enter FL following a rain shower and the steam of summer. Ahhhh!
AL roads are better than MI but not by much, the van has a shimmy at highwya speeds which it didnt have yesterday, I suspect a tire issue.
Super 8 Hotels are pet friendly so we decide to stop there just into FL. While trying to check in I am told of a $20 dog surcharge, no beer sales in this county, a dirtyish lobby and darkish parking lot. The hotel proprieter also got under my skin a little so back on the highway we went. I figured we would head for Tallahasee and the home of FL State U. Lots of dabauchery available there, so about 945 pm (losin an hour for the Eastern Time Zone)we are tucked into a LaQuinta in with ALL the necessities covered.
I think we did 800 some miles today and have another 250 or so tomorrow.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Day 18 Starting the trip Home
Last night we attended a traditional Door County Fish Boil. Must-do when in the area. It never sounded very appetizing, (we're more familiar with the Southern-influenced Shrimp Boil) but there's safety in numbers, and about 25 of us listened to Earl the Boilmaster present the history and making of the boil. 
Interesting stuff and some jokes, too (ask us why a mermaid wears seashells!) and we were all pleasantly surprised. More Lake Michigan whitefish - yum!
Today is the day we have been trying not to think about too much; starting the drive home. Not being too anxiuos to get underway we hang around the cabin with Carrie and Ryan till about 11 am. Missy had vigorous playtime and a long walk with Alfie to prepare for the car ride. We have had a great week staying with them but there was always so much going on we did not get enough time to just hang out. Nice chatting over breakfast. We will have to get them to visit us in FL this winter.
We dropped by the club to grab the boat and finish some final tie downs and packing. By about 11:30 we were leaving the club in heavy overcast and fog but no rain. It was sad to leave Door County and we wished we had more time to sight-see and enjoy the area. Before leaving, however, we stopped at a local store to purchase a Cheese-head for Green Bay Packer fan neighbor whose dog ate his previous one. Mission accomplished and we're on the road, again.
Curiosity: As we leave Egg Harbor, we notice a sign for the Cape Cod Hotel.
To avoid Milwaukee, Chicago, Indaianapoilis and Atlanta we decide to swing a little more to the west to Madison then south from there. It is slightly longer but we were hoping it would be less congested and more pleasant.
At 2:00, we're a long way from Madison, but we're still in WI, this state must be as long as FL! At 3:50, we arrive to IL, poor roads, traffic (seriously?) AND a toll? Good Grief. $1.00 for car, and $2.85 for the Piggy trailer? That's just wrong plus the road really sucks and is nothing more than a giiant contruction zone. It should have been free.
Funny item: License plate: ODYSEA on a Toyota Van.
Unfortunate sighting: slow traffic outside of Rockford, IL. Cop at roadside, Bow of Laser and trailer in the trunk of a car on the side of the road. OOPS, not quick enough with the camera.
Fun fact: Arcola, IL - Largest Amish Settlement in IL. They have quite a bit of Amish commerce in the area.
There is an exit named Tonica
where Kim breaks into the lyrics of Adam Sandlers Hanukkah song "Happy Hanukkah....drink your Gin and Tonica".... Ok it is almost time to look for a Hotel.
Driving surprise: we passed a van towing a powerboat (there have been quite a few on the road, not unusual).
The vehicle passes us, and we notice Carrie Berger waving happily in the passenger seat!! Hi folks!! Wishing you safe return to Louisiana.
We did a little over 600 miles before stopping at another Super 8 Hotel (Missy the dog friendly!) in a little town called Effingham Illinois. Not much more than one of those littel towns that form at the junction of two interstates, I-57 and I-70. I think we have a little under 1100 miles left to go.
Interesting stuff and some jokes, too (ask us why a mermaid wears seashells!) and we were all pleasantly surprised. More Lake Michigan whitefish - yum!Today is the day we have been trying not to think about too much; starting the drive home. Not being too anxiuos to get underway we hang around the cabin with Carrie and Ryan till about 11 am. Missy had vigorous playtime and a long walk with Alfie to prepare for the car ride. We have had a great week staying with them but there was always so much going on we did not get enough time to just hang out. Nice chatting over breakfast. We will have to get them to visit us in FL this winter.
We dropped by the club to grab the boat and finish some final tie downs and packing. By about 11:30 we were leaving the club in heavy overcast and fog but no rain. It was sad to leave Door County and we wished we had more time to sight-see and enjoy the area. Before leaving, however, we stopped at a local store to purchase a Cheese-head for Green Bay Packer fan neighbor whose dog ate his previous one. Mission accomplished and we're on the road, again.
Curiosity: As we leave Egg Harbor, we notice a sign for the Cape Cod Hotel.
To avoid Milwaukee, Chicago, Indaianapoilis and Atlanta we decide to swing a little more to the west to Madison then south from there. It is slightly longer but we were hoping it would be less congested and more pleasant.
At 2:00, we're a long way from Madison, but we're still in WI, this state must be as long as FL! At 3:50, we arrive to IL, poor roads, traffic (seriously?) AND a toll? Good Grief. $1.00 for car, and $2.85 for the Piggy trailer? That's just wrong plus the road really sucks and is nothing more than a giiant contruction zone. It should have been free.
Funny item: License plate: ODYSEA on a Toyota Van.
Unfortunate sighting: slow traffic outside of Rockford, IL. Cop at roadside, Bow of Laser and trailer in the trunk of a car on the side of the road. OOPS, not quick enough with the camera.
Fun fact: Arcola, IL - Largest Amish Settlement in IL. They have quite a bit of Amish commerce in the area.
There is an exit named Tonica
where Kim breaks into the lyrics of Adam Sandlers Hanukkah song "Happy Hanukkah....drink your Gin and Tonica".... Ok it is almost time to look for a Hotel.
Driving surprise: we passed a van towing a powerboat (there have been quite a few on the road, not unusual).
The vehicle passes us, and we notice Carrie Berger waving happily in the passenger seat!! Hi folks!! Wishing you safe return to Louisiana.We did a little over 600 miles before stopping at another Super 8 Hotel (Missy the dog friendly!) in a little town called Effingham Illinois. Not much more than one of those littel towns that form at the junction of two interstates, I-57 and I-70. I think we have a little under 1100 miles left to go.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Day 17 August 7 NAC Final Day
Ouch!
Little tougher day for us today is certainly an understatement. Shifty offshore breeze that was a little overpowering along with some chop and bad decisions and that is all she wrote.
It was a little aggravating that the breeze picked up a little before the first race and lightened up on the sail back to the club after the second race but that’s sailing. It is unrealistic to expect to do well at these type of events if you can only go good in light air.
I could never get going in either race on port tack, and don't know why. I also chose the left side for flatter water and that’s where the puffs came but to no avail. The right side was lumpier and had more breeze but we were overpowered so we wanted know more breeze so to me the left was really the only option.
Our score in the second race was pretty surprising; I thought we would be mid pack. All in all finishing 11 was pretty good for us and matches our finish in the 2007 NAC in Fishing Bay. If someone had said we would finish 11 before we left FL I would say "I'll take it" but having the day we had is certainly disappointing considering our chances to do better were so good.
On the bright side we decided to stay another day before beginning the trip home. Tonite we are going to a "fish boil" which is a local thing. It sounds a little iffy to me but the locals say it is good, so we will give it a shot. After that we are heading to a little party at Mike and Amy Millers rented condo. The party has a limiric theme and Kim is loaded and ready to go what with all the free time we had drifting yesterday. She even made me another "Piggy To Do" list. I just finished the last one!
PS This was the best run and organized regatta I have ever attended and nothing else has come close!
Little tougher day for us today is certainly an understatement. Shifty offshore breeze that was a little overpowering along with some chop and bad decisions and that is all she wrote.
It was a little aggravating that the breeze picked up a little before the first race and lightened up on the sail back to the club after the second race but that’s sailing. It is unrealistic to expect to do well at these type of events if you can only go good in light air.
I could never get going in either race on port tack, and don't know why. I also chose the left side for flatter water and that’s where the puffs came but to no avail. The right side was lumpier and had more breeze but we were overpowered so we wanted know more breeze so to me the left was really the only option.
Our score in the second race was pretty surprising; I thought we would be mid pack. All in all finishing 11 was pretty good for us and matches our finish in the 2007 NAC in Fishing Bay. If someone had said we would finish 11 before we left FL I would say "I'll take it" but having the day we had is certainly disappointing considering our chances to do better were so good.
On the bright side we decided to stay another day before beginning the trip home. Tonite we are going to a "fish boil" which is a local thing. It sounds a little iffy to me but the locals say it is good, so we will give it a shot. After that we are heading to a little party at Mike and Amy Millers rented condo. The party has a limiric theme and Kim is loaded and ready to go what with all the free time we had drifting yesterday. She even made me another "Piggy To Do" list. I just finished the last one!
PS This was the best run and organized regatta I have ever attended and nothing else has come close!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Day 16, Thursday NAC cont.
Last evening, we were a little late to the Pig Pen, I mean Pig Roast at the Sauter's house. Dave was involved in a redress meeting, and we were a bit late, but right on time to see one of the most beautiful sunsets yet, from a beautiful venue. After the results of the hearing, we were in 4th place overall after scoring 6s in both races yesterday (consistency is good, we're told). Pretty exciting for the old Piggy. We seem to be the oldest boat, but not without scars, we noticed that there was water coming from the screws holding the rudder piece in place. The nuts were still on the bolts, and Dave screwed them on tighter, but today, a little more water came in. Looks like we need a bit of caulk.
Today, two races were scheduled and the race committee really tried to find enough steady wind, but alas, to no avail. We made productive use of our time, though, preparing for the limerick party, making to do lists, working on our tans…
After a valiant attempt to start a race, the RC made the right decision and abandoned for the day. NOt for lack of trying, the postponement signal went up at 11 am and we waited and waited anwaited, after abandoning we hit the dock at almost 4 pm.
Tonight is the Annual Meeting and dinner with everyone, some awards will be given out tonight, but the biggies will be awarded tomorrow after racing. We'll start an hour earlier in attempt to take advantage of the morning breeze. We need 3 races total to constitute a regatta, we'll keep our fingers crossed for good stuff tomorrow. Another night worrying and no sleep for us, probably.
A taste of things to come at the limerick party:
On Thursday, there wasn't much breeze,
The morning zephyr had been just a tease.
Kids swimming and singing,
Ping, ping went the rigging.
Just a little more wind, if you please.
Maybe we overdid the 5 gusting to 6 prayer a little we ended up with 2 gusting to 3. Oh well we back it off a little.
Today, two races were scheduled and the race committee really tried to find enough steady wind, but alas, to no avail. We made productive use of our time, though, preparing for the limerick party, making to do lists, working on our tans…
After a valiant attempt to start a race, the RC made the right decision and abandoned for the day. NOt for lack of trying, the postponement signal went up at 11 am and we waited and waited anwaited, after abandoning we hit the dock at almost 4 pm.
Tonight is the Annual Meeting and dinner with everyone, some awards will be given out tonight, but the biggies will be awarded tomorrow after racing. We'll start an hour earlier in attempt to take advantage of the morning breeze. We need 3 races total to constitute a regatta, we'll keep our fingers crossed for good stuff tomorrow. Another night worrying and no sleep for us, probably.
A taste of things to come at the limerick party:
On Thursday, there wasn't much breeze,
The morning zephyr had been just a tease.
Kids swimming and singing,
Ping, ping went the rigging.
Just a little more wind, if you please.
Maybe we overdid the 5 gusting to 6 prayer a little we ended up with 2 gusting to 3. Oh well we back it off a little.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Day 15 5 Gusting to 6
That's our prayer and we are sticking to it.
It seemed like a carbon copy of yesterday, woke up in the night and heard the crashing waves out side Ryan's cabin, Crap! Too dark to get a visual but it sounded bad.
Got to the Club and it wasn't bad at all so we had hope. Left the dock in about 10 from the NW and it faded a little from there but the chop held on.
The first race started on time in 5 to 8 knots so we were psyched. A good pin end start had us in the top ten up the first beat. We rounded in good shape but had a poor run to lose some ground but in the end we got some back for a fifth place finish. We were obviously thrilled to good off to a good start and we love 4 leg races rather than 5.
Our happiness was quickly replaced with dread since we started next to Al and Katie Terhune who won the race but got no horn, OCS. Crap!
Second race was testy due to a crap start which is well documented by a bunch of photos. Look for Bow 62 in the 200 th row! Found a decent port tack lane and made up some ground to get to the top mark around tenth (I think) and improve a little from there to get a sixth. Too cool! Nothing like a nice dig-out to lift your spirits.
There are some pending protest and redress for OCS scores so we will see what happens but as it is noe we are third and hoping for more 5 gusting to 6. See ya!
It seemed like a carbon copy of yesterday, woke up in the night and heard the crashing waves out side Ryan's cabin, Crap! Too dark to get a visual but it sounded bad.
Got to the Club and it wasn't bad at all so we had hope. Left the dock in about 10 from the NW and it faded a little from there but the chop held on.
The first race started on time in 5 to 8 knots so we were psyched. A good pin end start had us in the top ten up the first beat. We rounded in good shape but had a poor run to lose some ground but in the end we got some back for a fifth place finish. We were obviously thrilled to good off to a good start and we love 4 leg races rather than 5.
Our happiness was quickly replaced with dread since we started next to Al and Katie Terhune who won the race but got no horn, OCS. Crap!
Second race was testy due to a crap start which is well documented by a bunch of photos. Look for Bow 62 in the 200 th row! Found a decent port tack lane and made up some ground to get to the top mark around tenth (I think) and improve a little from there to get a sixth. Too cool! Nothing like a nice dig-out to lift your spirits.
There are some pending protest and redress for OCS scores so we will see what happens but as it is noe we are third and hoping for more 5 gusting to 6. See ya!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Day 14 Second Day of Qualifying
Has it really been 14 days since we started this?
Eprhraim is totally cool so are the adjacent villages of Fish Creek and Sister Bay.
Woke up during the night to breaking waves outside Ryan's cabin and rustling of the leaves. A sure sign of a northerly. Once the sun was up we had confirmation, NW wind mid teens and gusty with plenty of whitecaps. Easy call on sail selection, we were going with the rags. It was really nice to have a good day yesterday so we could totally coast today and not sweat having to get a good finish to qualify. Our housemates, Frank and Maryann Garry made a similar call. No sense in wasting our best sails when they are already too worn compared to many boats here.
WOOO HOOO the spnnnaker runs were way fun! Beats not so much. The swell was nice to catch and plane off for a while. There were three capsizes that we know about but no major bumper boats, so all is good. Only one race today, per the schedule, the rescue squad was a little busy with a couple of boats. Dave had to attend a meeting of the Bigwigs after the race. He came prepared with his laptop, movie, magazine, beer.
Haven't seen results yet, but we weren't steller but it was a blast. More later tonite.
Eprhraim is totally cool so are the adjacent villages of Fish Creek and Sister Bay.
Woke up during the night to breaking waves outside Ryan's cabin and rustling of the leaves. A sure sign of a northerly. Once the sun was up we had confirmation, NW wind mid teens and gusty with plenty of whitecaps. Easy call on sail selection, we were going with the rags. It was really nice to have a good day yesterday so we could totally coast today and not sweat having to get a good finish to qualify. Our housemates, Frank and Maryann Garry made a similar call. No sense in wasting our best sails when they are already too worn compared to many boats here.
WOOO HOOO the spnnnaker runs were way fun! Beats not so much. The swell was nice to catch and plane off for a while. There were three capsizes that we know about but no major bumper boats, so all is good. Only one race today, per the schedule, the rescue squad was a little busy with a couple of boats. Dave had to attend a meeting of the Bigwigs after the race. He came prepared with his laptop, movie, magazine, beer.
Haven't seen results yet, but we weren't steller but it was a blast. More later tonite.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Day 13 First Day of Qualifiers
Forecast is bleak 15 to 25 with storms set to arrive between 11:00am and noon. We go first in the round robin qualifier so hoping to sneak one in before big breeze. Currently a light westerly of 3 to 4 but the western horizon is darkening.
The Ephraim YC is supposed to be posting progress reports at the mark roundings via twitter, You don't need a twitter account to view it just go to http://www.eyc.org/fsnac/
I could not find the link but it should be added to that page as we get underway.
I have not heard an exact final boat tally but the rumor is high 70's.
My cell phone is unhappy to be in Ephraim, cannot access voice mail at all so if you left a message I don't have it. Phone calls are hit or miss and we lost Kim's charger so hers is dead
Our regatta goal at this point is simple; QUALIFY! Time to go set up the boat.
Monday night update: Obviously the weather report was way off, if you have seen the results. The first race was light and second was light to medium so we got what we needed for breeze. The link above has results. We had the boat in the water early, and the Competitor's Meeting (aka Jay's "Where not to park in Ephraim" powerpoint presentation)was finished in good time. Out to the race course we go! Clouds and light air met us, but we were anxious that the more time that passed before and between races, the more opportunity the wind would have to increase. The Race Committee had technical difficulties initially- Finish Boat overheated and the shiftiness created challenges in setting a square course and of course, there were the late arrivers. So ~noon we started the first race!! The race committee needed to alter and shorten course for the first race, then further change the course prior to the second race. The twittering (tweeting?) may not have been as effective since the boat that overheated was the one with the capacity to twitter (tweet?) Maybe tomorrow.
After cleanup and a dog run, it was off to Beer and Brats (officially, the Brat, Burger, and Corn Roast -my, what a spread!! really good!!)
Thank you to Bill and Rosie Klein for opening their home and fabulous set up!
Shout out to Davis Island - Keep up the good work, we read Andy's email and we agree- Go Fleet racing this weekend!!
The Ephraim YC is supposed to be posting progress reports at the mark roundings via twitter, You don't need a twitter account to view it just go to http://www.eyc.org/fsnac/
I could not find the link but it should be added to that page as we get underway.
I have not heard an exact final boat tally but the rumor is high 70's.
My cell phone is unhappy to be in Ephraim, cannot access voice mail at all so if you left a message I don't have it. Phone calls are hit or miss and we lost Kim's charger so hers is dead
Our regatta goal at this point is simple; QUALIFY! Time to go set up the boat.
Monday night update: Obviously the weather report was way off, if you have seen the results. The first race was light and second was light to medium so we got what we needed for breeze. The link above has results. We had the boat in the water early, and the Competitor's Meeting (aka Jay's "Where not to park in Ephraim" powerpoint presentation)was finished in good time. Out to the race course we go! Clouds and light air met us, but we were anxious that the more time that passed before and between races, the more opportunity the wind would have to increase. The Race Committee had technical difficulties initially- Finish Boat overheated and the shiftiness created challenges in setting a square course and of course, there were the late arrivers. So ~noon we started the first race!! The race committee needed to alter and shorten course for the first race, then further change the course prior to the second race. The twittering (tweeting?) may not have been as effective since the boat that overheated was the one with the capacity to twitter (tweet?) Maybe tomorrow.
After cleanup and a dog run, it was off to Beer and Brats (officially, the Brat, Burger, and Corn Roast -my, what a spread!! really good!!)
Thank you to Bill and Rosie Klein for opening their home and fabulous set up!
Shout out to Davis Island - Keep up the good work, we read Andy's email and we agree- Go Fleet racing this weekend!!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Day 12 More Ephraim Action - Juniors/Womens
Day 12 Sunday August 2
Woke up again to whitecaps and crashing waves at the cottage but bright blue sky and really sunny. It gets light FAR too early here, 6:15 AM and the sun is shining through the window. Missy doesn't mind.
The Women and Junior's Championships were today, and it was BLOWIN' in Sister Bay. It seemed a little less in Ephraim, the racing started at 1:00, and by 2-2:30 the wind lightened considerably (hope it stays that way for tomorrow, we have received conflicting weather reports).
We had a nice lunch, enjoying the outdoors with Al and Katie Terhune. The four of us have all the answers for everything Scot Class related! Lots of good socializing on the dock, another beautiful vacation day for us.
Ryan finished up his measurement duties today, Carrie was racing with Melanie Dunham and Carrie Berger, a reunion of an(in)famous team.
Several folks went out for a sail since it was such a nice day.
Greta Mittman, Heidi Gough and Natalie Mauney won the Women's National Championships and Stewart Draheim with crew, Bill won the Junior National Championships.
Fun Fact for the day: Harry Carpenter with Donna Scattergood won the challenger division in the North American Championships in 1978 in Riverside Yacht Club in Long Island, NY. They will be sailing together this year again and hope for some great results.
Also, in Dave and Kim's best and worst of the trip so far... Best Crew Award goes to John Wake of Deltaville, VA. He is crewing for Tom Lawton and when Tom's car broke down at the last minute in Ashville, NC, John drove from Deltaville 6 hours to pick up Tom and the boat and the two of them headed north to WI. (John forfeited a round trip plane ticket in the process). THAT'S dedication.
No pics yoday. Hoping for less wind tomorrow than they are discussing, 15 to 20 is not our thing.
Woke up again to whitecaps and crashing waves at the cottage but bright blue sky and really sunny. It gets light FAR too early here, 6:15 AM and the sun is shining through the window. Missy doesn't mind.
The Women and Junior's Championships were today, and it was BLOWIN' in Sister Bay. It seemed a little less in Ephraim, the racing started at 1:00, and by 2-2:30 the wind lightened considerably (hope it stays that way for tomorrow, we have received conflicting weather reports).
We had a nice lunch, enjoying the outdoors with Al and Katie Terhune. The four of us have all the answers for everything Scot Class related! Lots of good socializing on the dock, another beautiful vacation day for us.
Ryan finished up his measurement duties today, Carrie was racing with Melanie Dunham and Carrie Berger, a reunion of an(in)famous team.
Several folks went out for a sail since it was such a nice day.
Greta Mittman, Heidi Gough and Natalie Mauney won the Women's National Championships and Stewart Draheim with crew, Bill won the Junior National Championships.
Fun Fact for the day: Harry Carpenter with Donna Scattergood won the challenger division in the North American Championships in 1978 in Riverside Yacht Club in Long Island, NY. They will be sailing together this year again and hope for some great results.
Also, in Dave and Kim's best and worst of the trip so far... Best Crew Award goes to John Wake of Deltaville, VA. He is crewing for Tom Lawton and when Tom's car broke down at the last minute in Ashville, NC, John drove from Deltaville 6 hours to pick up Tom and the boat and the two of them headed north to WI. (John forfeited a round trip plane ticket in the process). THAT'S dedication.
No pics yoday. Hoping for less wind tomorrow than they are discussing, 15 to 20 is not our thing.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Day 11 Ephraim and Measuring in
Day 11, Saturday, August 1, 2009
Door County
Up early for a walk with Missy, good thing, since it started raining as soon as we returned home and the Lake is pretty solid whitecaps. Ryan and Carrie were also out walking Alfie! They needed to organize some equipment and ready the troops for measurement. We rested and hoped for the rain to stop. Registration started at 10:00 and we arrived at the school soon after that. It's now sunny and breezy!!
11:00 done measuring! How cool is that to be done in 1 hour. The volunteer crew is top notch and has everything running smoothly at this area and at the boat storing areas (Ephraim YC and the local boat ramp).
1:15 done setting up at the Club! (we think!) Per a lottery system, we procured prime real estate for the Pig at EYC. It was really great to catch up with folks we haven't seen in a while.
On a more serious note, we learned this morning from Linda Danilek that Jeff Penfield had an episode of decreased heart rate and is hospitalized at Dartmouth Hospital in VT. We spoke and he says he'll be "getting an updated electrical system" (aka, pacemaker)on Monday. Linda sent a care package and flowers and signed from us all at the NAC.
Our thoughts and prayers are with him, and the family. He said it was ok to let everyone know, as we're sure they appreciate everyone's support. He is feeling fine now, his heart rate is normal, and he's frustrated and a little bored with the thought of being in the hospital over the weekend. "At least it's a foggy day and I'm not missing too much!"
Registration and measurement continues to go smoothly and rumor has it we may hit the 80 boat limit.
The backyard of the cottage!
Door County
Up early for a walk with Missy, good thing, since it started raining as soon as we returned home and the Lake is pretty solid whitecaps. Ryan and Carrie were also out walking Alfie! They needed to organize some equipment and ready the troops for measurement. We rested and hoped for the rain to stop. Registration started at 10:00 and we arrived at the school soon after that. It's now sunny and breezy!!
11:00 done measuring! How cool is that to be done in 1 hour. The volunteer crew is top notch and has everything running smoothly at this area and at the boat storing areas (Ephraim YC and the local boat ramp).
1:15 done setting up at the Club! (we think!) Per a lottery system, we procured prime real estate for the Pig at EYC. It was really great to catch up with folks we haven't seen in a while.
On a more serious note, we learned this morning from Linda Danilek that Jeff Penfield had an episode of decreased heart rate and is hospitalized at Dartmouth Hospital in VT. We spoke and he says he'll be "getting an updated electrical system" (aka, pacemaker)on Monday. Linda sent a care package and flowers and signed from us all at the NAC.
Our thoughts and prayers are with him, and the family. He said it was ok to let everyone know, as we're sure they appreciate everyone's support. He is feeling fine now, his heart rate is normal, and he's frustrated and a little bored with the thought of being in the hospital over the weekend. "At least it's a foggy day and I'm not missing too much!"
Registration and measurement continues to go smoothly and rumor has it we may hit the 80 boat limit.
The backyard of the cottage!
Day 10 Mackinaw City to Ephraim WI, Finally!!
Omigosh! We have finally made it to Wisconsin. Sorry the blog has been more traveling than sailing but thats the way the schedule works out. We have said many times that sailing has taken us to many places we would never have been so that's a good thing.
We shove off at about 930 to cross the Mackinac Bridge and begin the last leg of our trip to NAC. The upper peninsula will be about 200 miles of 2 lane road and not much in the way of civilization. This is a mostly forgettable stretch, tons of For Sale signs, abandoned businesses and houses etc.
Typical roadside scenery...
Resort cottages from another era...
Scenic view of Lake Michigan...
From Escanaba west it is better, as it begins take on the shore cottage thing again.
Crossing into Marinette, WI, Joe's Cheese Shop welcomes us. Mileage: 83880 Who knew it would take 2200 mi to reach WI?
Fun note: beer is sold in 30 packs in many of the states we have bene in since FL, We feel that we should be able to get especially good prices on The Beast since it IS Milwaukee's Best and practically runs out of the faucet here, we're told (except in Ephraim, where it's a dry city).
2:20 crossing the Leo Frigo Memorial Bridge into Green Bay (Sopranos in WI?). Much of what we see can be described as industrial wilderness.
3:00 Sturgeon Bay--We're almost there!!
4:00 Oil change and gas up, then beering up at a microbrewery in Egg Harbor at The Shipwrecked Pub.
Hmmm we will be paying them another visit for sure.
5:20 Gibralter High School - where the measuring will occur in the am. Bye, for now, Piggy. Hang with folks arriving at EYC. Ephraim is one in a series of very cool little villages on the north side of Door County. It would not be too hard to spend the summer up here.
7:20 Errands with Ryan, in search of flatbed trailer for cradle used to examine boats and centerboards during measurement.
Final mileage: 84022
Dinner at JJ's, quite the Friday night hot spot. Later, we arrive at Ryan's cottage where we finally see Carrie and Alfie (Yorkshire Terrier pup. Carrie had to work late and was delayed by traffic on the way. Nice sleeping to the sound of waves hitting the rocks on the shore.
Sorry for no photos but I could not get the uploader to work.
We shove off at about 930 to cross the Mackinac Bridge and begin the last leg of our trip to NAC. The upper peninsula will be about 200 miles of 2 lane road and not much in the way of civilization. This is a mostly forgettable stretch, tons of For Sale signs, abandoned businesses and houses etc.
Typical roadside scenery...
Resort cottages from another era...
Scenic view of Lake Michigan...
From Escanaba west it is better, as it begins take on the shore cottage thing again.
Crossing into Marinette, WI, Joe's Cheese Shop welcomes us. Mileage: 83880 Who knew it would take 2200 mi to reach WI?
Fun note: beer is sold in 30 packs in many of the states we have bene in since FL, We feel that we should be able to get especially good prices on The Beast since it IS Milwaukee's Best and practically runs out of the faucet here, we're told (except in Ephraim, where it's a dry city).
2:20 crossing the Leo Frigo Memorial Bridge into Green Bay (Sopranos in WI?). Much of what we see can be described as industrial wilderness.
3:00 Sturgeon Bay--We're almost there!!
4:00 Oil change and gas up, then beering up at a microbrewery in Egg Harbor at The Shipwrecked Pub.
Hmmm we will be paying them another visit for sure.5:20 Gibralter High School - where the measuring will occur in the am. Bye, for now, Piggy. Hang with folks arriving at EYC. Ephraim is one in a series of very cool little villages on the north side of Door County. It would not be too hard to spend the summer up here.
7:20 Errands with Ryan, in search of flatbed trailer for cradle used to examine boats and centerboards during measurement.
Final mileage: 84022
Dinner at JJ's, quite the Friday night hot spot. Later, we arrive at Ryan's cottage where we finally see Carrie and Alfie (Yorkshire Terrier pup. Carrie had to work late and was delayed by traffic on the way. Nice sleeping to the sound of waves hitting the rocks on the shore.
Sorry for no photos but I could not get the uploader to work.
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