Taking a Break and Waves on the Wild Side

People enjoy Lake Erie for different reasons.  A lovely afternoon on the lake yesterday rejuvenated my soul, and reminded me how I came to be here.  We toured the sandbar party, also known as the barge party. Then, thanks to the only trustworthy boatman, other than Uncle Bill, good friend Scott took us on a fantastic tour. 

The luxury pontoon boat is to the left of the dock.

I’d never been on a pontoon boat, though I’d always wanted to.  I always thought they were charming and homey.  I liked them when they were big flat decks set upon floating, air filled runners.  (please excuse the lay terminology.)  They weren’t fast water vehicles, but they looked like they were comfortable places to set out lawn furniture and lounge around, or have barbeques.  My husband and I joined Scott and his wife Allison for an afternoon boating tour on a luxury pontoon boat.  It was sleek and fast, yet it had plenty of stability.  The huge motor was very quiet. 

Since Scott's boss was nice enough to take the pontoon for a tour,
I thought it would be nice to post his sign along with this pontoon boat   for sale

When idling, the motor was nearly impossible to hear. Though not as large as most of the pontoons I’d seen, it was luxuriously comfortable.

View from the front inside

The breeze was fantastic as we set out from Sandusky Bay on a dog day’s afternoon.  The Lake is unpredictable, and we didn’t know whether to expect oppressive heat or what.  A lovely breeze permeated all.  It was beautiful, peaceful and relaxing.

The tour began at Clemens marina.  We headed out of Sandusky Bay traveling through a channel that feeds into Lake Erie.  At the mouth of the channel, a misty profile of Cedar Point came into view.  No matter how many times I’ve seen this silhouette, I’m always awed.  Waves, one to three footers, swelled in a soft resonant breeze.

The roller coaster is made of wood - beautiful sculpture

The day was so humid, the mist obscures Cedar Point somewhat.  Tricky shot of Demon Drop and the World's Largest Roller Coaster.

 Scott navigated the pontoon which had such a quiet motor that sometimes made me wonder whether it was running.  Pretty amazing.  We stopped at the railway bridge, and called for the remote operator to lift it.  A train was coming so we waited in the nice afternoon breeze as the gentle waves rocked us into relaxation.

A horn blows indicating safe passage

 First, we headed to the sandbar party.  My husband and I had joined boater friends there before, but it was much different this time.  So many boats crowded around the simple sandbar, it was impossible to see it.  Hardly ever was there such a crowd.  Usually, families gathered there with kids and picnic baskets.  Boats anchored and played music, and the passengers gathered on the front end for sunshine and repose.  Now, it’s a little sexier.

 This area is patrolled, now.  The coastguard came to check out the sandbar party, weaving in and out of the partiers to as far of an extent that they could.

 We really felt safe as we saw the Ottawa County authorities come to protect us, too.. .

After we saw the regatta of local authorities, we decided to have our lunch.  Sandwiches, pretzels and refreshments were nice and cool packed in the cooler with lots of ice.   The gentle rocking of the waves made me sleepy so I drifted off for a while as the boat lulled me into sleep. 

This was the best place to take a nap.  Though the day was hot, the upholstery seemed to breath.

  

The sandbar is a very difficult place to anchor.  It always has been.  

We were impressed with how well the pontoon stayed anchored, because usually it's quite difficult due to all the sand that's there near the sandbar.  Other parts of the lake have rocks to grab the anchor.  Anyway, after an hour or two passed, the anchor came loose and we decided to resume our tour.  Because of the gentle breeze, the hot 99 degree sun was barely noticeable until a bit of sunburn started showing.  

Our captain and friend, Scott, boatsman extraordinaire

Index to more articles

The little campgrounds and the dog in the fog

The beginning introduction to life around Lake Erie started on the bay side.  Sandusky Bay is shallow, but lots of perch fishing goes on there especially near the coal docks.

Uncle Bill led the way.  He was a “seafaring” man – the best boater I’d ever seen.  Thanks to him, times of riding in other peoples boats never seemed quite good enough, or worse yet, I’d spend the entire ride shrieking in horror.  Some boating excursions were scarier than the world’s largest rollercoaster just across the bay.

The first campground we visited with Uncle Bill we stayed in his camper.  That place was unreal.  The owners were sociable folks who’d sponsor fish fries (backwhen perch were abundant) sometimes card tournaments, and Val the owner who called everyone “Dickhead.”

Needless to say, Uncle Bill didn’t take a hankering to the insulting implications of the Dickhead reference.  So he migrated down the road to a different campground where he knew the very nice owners.  That’s when my husband claimed a spot and bought a camper at Maplewood Cove.

We evolved from there, and my husband, Larry built a park model to specification of the building code which required a trailer frame to be considered a temporary dwelling.  This was all a surprise one day when he was supposed to be going to the bait store for our fishing trip planned for that morning.  I heard a clanking noise coming from the entryway, and there he was pulling that trailer frame but no minnows or night crawlers were to be found anywhere.  

Almost all the men folk around the campground chipped in for frame construction.  They were shirtless all crowded onto the flooring deck with carpenter’s aprons and Levi cutoffs.  Womenfolk prepared food.  The Amish had nothing on us.

We had a nice mild winter to work with for completing the work. I was glad to have a blow dryer to warm up my clothes in the morning, though.  The warmer January weather created a thick fog for me to go through and run errands as the “go fetch it” guy.  I didn’t mind the fog since no one else was camping in January, or so I thought.

As it turns out, the campers who were owners of a mean dog were there.  Their dog was crazy mean. Knarled teeth pressed against patio door windows as the dastardly dog flailed itself repeatedly against the glass.

Unaware of their presence I made the go-fetch-it rounds.  I carried a box of number five nails heading to the park model site when suddenly, fangs coming from nowhere leaped out in the fog. A horror movie scenario in real life, the canine fangs came so close that I could smell its breath. An invisible force at the end of a leash yanked the snarling canine back.  Uttering a few foul words, I stormed away barely catching sight of the human at the other end.

I was pale from the shocking incident, and angry as a volcano.  I returned to our already enclosed park model camper, and slammed the door.  Hissing and spatting like a cat, I issued an evil mantra:

  “I wish that dog would die.”  

We left later that day heading southward to our country home in Morrow County.

Upon returning a week later, one of the owners of the mean dog came walking by.  He had come to tell us that the dog died.  Ted said the vet was doing dental work on the dog and administered too much anesthesia.

“Don’t ever wish me dead, please,” said Larry to me afterward. So it was a thankful event, because I get a lot more respect than I ever did before that episode of wishing the dog dead.



Index to more Great Lakes and Surround Journal articles

Index with links for other Great Lakes articles

Dances with Coons: A Bird's Eye View of Habitat

Observing the Lake Erie Effect of the Real Estate Kind

Mysterious Creature Spotted in Lake Erie

There Goes the Neighborhood – Rumors of Celebrities Moving in Nearby

The Heavenly Surround and Our Moon

Eerie on Lake Erie this Year

Ohio Area Nice for Vacation

The Great Lakes Are Changing

Gayle Biedenbach's Wintry Day Photo Shoot

Uncle Bill Didn't Know What Caused the Decline in Fishing

Erie Ottawa Regional Airport Adds Museum and Restaurant

Funding from Multiple Sources bring Eco Friendly Improvements

Shocking Fire Lights up the Night Sky - Lakeside Pavilion 

Moon Sign Gardening Success Story

The Little Campgrounds and the Dog in the Fog

Bergman's Greenhouse and Vegetable Stand - Lakeside Danbury Heritage of Quaintness

Marblehead Bank Celebrates 107th Birthday

Taking a Break and Waves on the Wild Side

Storm Pelts Lake Erie from Michigan to Sandusky

President's Vist to Lake Erie More of a Drip than a Splash


Mid July weather 

Wild garlic and Meadow Mushrooms

Drought story 'Round Here


Undercurrents of Lake Erie Gossip

Ex Libris Bookstore adds charm to Marblehead Area

Dot Ruling: DIY Cigarettes Go up in Smoke

Intercepted EMail from the people who bought Mitt Romney's home in Utah

At the Pub - Scary Event

The Great Lakes is another phenomena that shows ho...

Vitamins and End of Summer Energy Drop Possibly ab...

The Rest of the Story 2012 Weather Disasters – Ne...

Tale of Hurricane Sandy Winds and the Nor'easter

She Follows the Moon - Lake Erie Backyard Evenings...

What Are Local Voters Saying?

From the People Who Bought Mitt Romney's Home in U...

Shocking Fire Lights the Nightscape - Lakeside Pavillion Saved

A quick security guard called for firefighters to catch the fire in its early stage.  Lakeside Pavilion has been part of the landscape of Lakeside Chataqua resort for at least a hundred years.  A large portion of this building is wood, so the quick response of EMS workers, and security guard, Ed Cochenour, saved the evening.  The damage is being called minimal.

As per local hardware store owner John Starcher's, comment on the fire article appearing in the Port Clinton News Herald:

"I went by there just now - the damage appears to be RELATIVELY small. I'm sure they will be able to restore the pavilion with no problems. "Could have been a whole lot worse" was the initial thought I had as I looked at it. A huge shout out to the security guard who caught it, to the Lakeside and Marblehead crews for their quick response and excellent knock-down of the flames, and to the members of CIVD for providing backup when called upon. You all deserve high praise!”

Lakeside Chataqua is such an integral part of this area, that, even though the fire was quickly doused, locals were apprehensive.  The fear of something happening to a beloved building which holds lots of memories is alarming.  The recently constructed viewing decks should be in relatively good shape.  A romantic view enclosed with a white spindle railing and gingerbread trim above is also a gathering place for get togethers.  Sitting areas and picnic tables offer gracious moments with family and friends, and a view of Lake Erie.

Speculation on the cause of the fire whispers a possible electrical problem, though no one has come up with concrete proof of the cause. Cochenour made the call that evening, and help arrived in ample time. The Catawba Township Firefighters, and the Lakeside Volunteer Fire Department worked together to get the flames under control

Tom Derby, chief financial officer of the Lakeside Organization made two comments according to the Port Clinton News.  First Tom said that it looks like the damage wasn't too bad.  When asked for a dollar figure to assess the cost of the repairs, Derby couldn't say.  He merely stated that it looks like the repair will cost a lot of money.  The insurance adjustments will be coming across his desk in due time.

The Pavilion, like so many other parts of Lakeside Chataqua, is part of a long heritage dating back to the 1800’s.  Originally it was a Methodist Retreat where campers constructed tents and camped out for meetings of Methodist Churches across the nation.  Now, Lakeside Chataqua functions as a major player in local employment, tourist accommodations, and cultural events for the Marblehead Peninsula and surrounding areas.  It’s a relief that the fire damage was minimal.

Funding from Multiple Sources bring Eco Friendly Improvements

East Harbor State Park gets a Face-lift

Sources at Port Clinton News Herald report that state funding in corroboration with Ducks Unlimited will provide a connection between East Harbor and Middle Harbor.  A total of $683,000 comes from multiple sources.  The Department of Natural Resources and Ducks Unlimited join with a plan for expanding a 400 acre pond into a water fowl area where the depth of the water can be controlled toward the end of attracting various species of waterfowl.

The history of this area speaks of a time that the waters around East and Middle Harbors were an open inlet to Lake Erie.  A dike constructed there separated the two harbors and created a more shallow water basin. 

The fowl friendly environment will be accomplished by removing an antiquated dike and establishing new controls for raising and lowering the water levels as needed.  No details are provided for this part of the project which is expected to be completed by spring.

More good news tells of the sorely needed renovation of the bath house on East Harbor.  Six hundred thousand dollars are allocated to the East Harbor Park improvements.  Established in 1947, the perimeter of the park is 1,500 feet of Lake Erie beach, a marina, campgrounds, and wetlands.

These improvements should give a leg up for local businesses that have recently suffered due to the poor economy. A marina with boat lifts and other accommodations for boats are tucked in with a nearby cluster of businesses.  Crabby Joe’s Restaurant is there offering a waterfront patio along with a bar and indoor dining.  Another, nearby restaurant lounge known as the Crow’s Nest is just around the corner.

The expansion of this formerly sleepy little fishing area has been remarkable.  As the baby boomers retire to this area, the cultural aspects of the community are also growing.  This includes events and celebrations of historical landmarks unique to the Marblehead Lakeside Peninsula


Index for more articles on Great Lakes and Surround Journal.

Ottawa County Airport Shortest Airline

Hopes for Expansion Sky High

Airport Gets a Lift Off with Expanded Facilities

Local

Erie Ottawa Regional Airport adds Museum and Restaurant  

Many of the locals of Marblehead Penninsula are quite familiar with the “Tin Goose.”  Though she’s a relic from a bygone day, fascination continues to turn eyes and faces skyward.  The airport is located in the quaint and tiny burg of Gypsum, which is in itself a historical area.  The inception of the dream to open a museum at this tiny airport  goes back to the pilot James Parker, whose love of aeronautics gave the dream its take-off in 1995.  Sadly, Parker died shortly after the EEA “Tin Goose” Chapter was established.

Recently, thanks to a donation from the George V. Woodling Foundation the south east corner of the airport is getting a facelift.  A brand new historical museum is under construction and is slated to open this summer.  Liberty Aviation Museum’s flying B-25 bomber from WWII receives a new home there.

In keeping with the historical theme, a fully restored 1950’s diner opens its doors to the public,   A restaurant inside will also be open to the public this summer.

Restaurant Facility  Front Burner Plan Status

Shuttle to Surrounding Islands Nickname

Uncle Bill Didn't Know Power Plants Caused the Decline in Fishing

Fishing trips could go all the way to the horizon.

Dearly departed, Uncle Bill was the best boatman I’ve ever known.  He could take the waves and motor across Lake Erie with such grace.  It was a sad day when he decided to hang up the old fishing cap, and retire the boat for good.  He’d seen the best of the fishing days, and knew Lake Erie from end to end.

He knew the shallow spots, and hidden obstacles beneath the surface.  More than that, he knew the islands’ best fishing spots.  An hour long boat ride may take the fishing excursion to the most northern points where 45 feet of water was as deep as a line could go. A double header cast down into the depths and reeled back almost always yielded two good sized perch. 

I’d bait my minnies, all the while feeling sorry for them, and never catch a thing.  In the meantime, the men folk filled up a twenty four by thirty six inch pallet of gleaming golden perch enough for a winter’s worth of good eating.

 Uncle Bill knew the best perch fishing spots, and when and where to caste.  In the fall we’d walleye fish.  That’s when I caught my one and only walleye.  It was with much pride that I got to brag about “skunking” the men folk.

It was a very sad day when returning to the campground and seeing the empty spot where his camper used to be.  After that, not much time went by and he passed on.

He never knew the reason for the decline in fishing successes.  He blamed the netters on the Canadian side of Lake Erie.  I wish I could tell him that it’s going to get better now. 

The coal fired power plants were responsible for the death of many perch and walleye.  It was a long debate on the part of First Energy.  Cleaning up the waterways meant job loss, but the exorbitant cost to improve the water intake systems made closing down a more viable alternative.

Our fishing tours always began on the bay side

In Uncle Bill’s day, Lake Erie boasted an estimated eight million fish.  More recently, that number dropped to around twenty million according to the Port Clinton Herald Newspaper.

If I could talk to Uncle Bill, I’d get to tell him how the water cooling systems at the various power plants killed bait fish, and sucked in walleye.  Now, eight of the plants will be shut down.  I could tell him how ecologists and charter captains are looking forward to an immediate difference.

We could look forward to being in walleye heaven, the kind of heaven that Uncle Bill would have liked best.