First Family Outing Part B

I had very serious concerns about how well I'd manage with another couple, a baby and two dogs aboard...even if they were family, but Big Duck graciously swallowed the assemblage and associated necessities.

We steered from inside, all closed up, to keep things cool and calm until we were settled and all systems were deemed satisfactory. It was late afternoon; we headed for the anchorage so we could get the dogs ashore and take a swim before it got too dark. I have a favorite beach. It's made up of large roundish pebbles. You can go ashore and not bring any sand back to the boat... The place was packed so we couldn't anchor close enough to walk to shore, but I knew those other boats would be leaving before too long, so we dropped the hook in about 12 feet of water.

Trey decided the first order of business was to get the dogs ashore. This was to be via the dinghy and it was a relatively painless operation, especially since I was a spectator.

Then Trey, SJ and "P" swam ashore.

The other boats eventually did leave and we were able to get close enough to drop the hook and tie the stern to a tree, facilitating only a wade to the beach. The enclosed aft patio, now known as the playpen, allowed Patrick and the dogs their freedom and a good place for us to set up lawn chairs to watch the sunset.

We had a delightful night on the hook...thanks to the air conditioning.

The next morning, the dogs were again on the agenda - this time Trey carried them ashore one at a time. When Merlin was through with his business, he swam back to the boat and scrambled up the boarding steps on his own. We put him on the flybridge to dry out.

Do you know what the fish said when he banged his head against a concrete wall?  Dam! And after breakfast that's where we cruised...down the middle of the lake to the dam. This time we took in the sights from the flybridge.

Patrick really enjoyed the fresh air and view but was eventually soothed into napping. Looks like his dad took the hint too?

We'd been cruising under 2,000 rpm at a little over 7 mph but things were going so well we decided to try putting the hammer down (well in the case of the boat throttle control it's hammer 'up') We could wind her up to about 4,100 rpm but she refused to come up on step, making only a little over 14 mph. I'm thinking that by dropping the prop a couple inches in pitch we'll be in the 4,400 to 4,600 range that she's rated for and she'll have enough grunt to get on plane.

We took in quite a few bays on our way back to the same anchorage for an afternoon swim. This time Patrick was much more comfortable in the water.

We then upped anchor and headed toward the ramp to find a comfy cove for dinner, and what a dinner it was. Then again, I guess everything tastes better when you're enjoying life.

The original plan was for us to drop off Trey, SJ & P, then for Suzy and I to go back out and spend another night on the lake. But by now I was wilting from the 100+° all day and decided I didn't want to have to load Big Duck back on the trailer by myself. I know Suzy was disappointed, but with Trey's help I could end this marvelous cruise on a high note and look forward to another outing, so that's what we did.

Stay tuned for observations and discoveries.

First Family Outing - Observations and Discoveries