Lake Hartwell - June 2016

Trey, Sara Jane, Mel, Packy and Macy at the ramp

We were supposed to take Big Duck to the lake and meet my daughter Sara Jane, son-in-law Trey, grand-kids Packy (6), Melanie (3) and their Pomeranian (Macy) at the ramp for 3 days/2 nights aboard.  My wife Suzy had cancelled the outing several days before we were supposed to leave because her MS had taken a huge toll on her memory and mobility. The cancellation was kind of a relief for me because getting the boat ready and pulling everything together just hadn't happened - I had been spending an unexpected amount of time tending to Suzy.

When Trey got wind of the cancellation he called me and let me know that the outing WOULD take place. They would all come to our house, get everything ready – including shopping for food, then we’d caravan to the ramp.

Things worked as planned. After the 70-mile tow, we splashed, then headed out from the Portman Marina ramp on Big Duck. We found a nice island beach after a leisurely cruise and snugged the bow deep into the sand. The weather was exceptional – the dogs and kids swam and played on the beach. Sara Jane kept an eye on the kids while Trey took care of everything else including cooking, dishes, filling the generator and generally keeping order above and below. After dinner the kids watched Netflix via a Firestick and Trey’s hotspot. We stayed beached overnight.

After a swim the next morning we headed down the lake. The kids and Merlin took turns looking out the open front door. The wind was making white caps, which resulted in hysteric laughter when the kids would get a snoot full of spray. After the ride, we anchored in a protected cove with our stern to the beach, then tied the stern to a tree. This allowed us to put the stern in shallow enough water that we could let the steps down and walk 10’ to shore in ankle deep water. We experienced a perfect night there, which included wine and star gazing.

Thanks to Sara Jane watching the kids and Trey providing the muscle, loading Big Duck on the trailer the next afternoon was routine, as was the trip back home.


So basically I was just a spectator for the whole outing, but I'll shut up now and let some pictures do the talking. 

Packy throws the ball for Merlin

Merlin beats Melanie to the ball

A meal aboard

It's too early to get up

Family bed with vertical dog Macy

Bacon, eggs, pancakes, donuts and maybe a Poptart?

The steps allowed everyone to get aboard with ease

Team effort - they each took an oar.

Ice cream from the freezer

Someone forgot their swimsuit?

Merlin, heading ashore to go potty

I'll be back when I'm finished.

So sad to think we're almost back to the ramp.