Off Season Musings

How Little Fish got her Name

It all began with the black and white film based on Rudyard Kipling's classic "Captains Courageous." We love this coming of age story, especially the scene where the young boy is pulled from the ocean by the rugged Portuguese fisherman Manuel who says, "What's this? Oh, I found a little fish . . ." Watch the trailer.

Pigeon Lake, Lake Michigan, and Pigeon Creek

Late Autumn Explorers and a Friendly Kayaker 

The second weekend in November was about 50 degrees, so we got Little Fish out one last time for the season. With an unusually early spring, Little Fish made her maiden voyage in March, so we've been able to get out on the water 9 months this year!

We launched just south of the Port Sheldon Power Plant. There was one other guy by the launch, he and his buddy were taking out their boat for the season at half-time of the U of M football game. 

We used our small electric motor to tour the the lake with its interesting variety of homes, natural areas, docks, and the power plant. 

 

There were autumn leaves floating along with the current which was pretty strong as we headed out the channel into Lake Michigan. The breeze was certainly cool but not frigid yet.

We rounded the north pier that provided relief from the waves and enjoyed playing with the seagulls that were resting on the beach.

We checked out the waterline from the power plant and tried to figure out if it was an intake or discharge pipe. 

As we were entering Pigeon Lake again, we met a new friend, Billy, with a very cool kayak. We spent quite a bit of time checking out each other's boats, sharing stories, and learning some of Billy's kayaking techniques.

Then it was under the bridge and into Pigeon Creek . . . 

There's a nice little launch site just south east of the bridge.

 Love how the colors and textures popped as the sun came out just before setting. 

There was a couple fishing just west of the bridge as we headed back to the dock. It was a very sweet sight.








Then it was time to quickly head back to the dock and load up before dark.

Until 2013, Little Fish . . .

Lake Macatawa, NW SIde

Rowing "African-Style" 

In early October our friend Matthew was in town from Uganda, Africa and was eager to try his hand at an adventure aboard Little Fish. Matthew grew up on an island in Lake Victoria, Uganda where his father was a fisherman. 

It was really cold and windy, but Matthew wasn't going to let that stop him. He and Ted launched the boat from the little park (which was closed for the season) across from the "Overflow" State Campground.

OK, so this WAS an adventure. Matthew soon switched to using one oar as he does when in Africa and turned to face the bow of the boat. He seemed much happier with this approach.

And for his most-challenging move . . . yes, he was standing and waving his arms!

Another successful adventure.

Boatwerks Restaurant, Lake Macatawa

A Wedding Gift Boat 

There was no water time for this adventure, although Little Fish was right alongside Lake Macatawa in Holland, MI. The mission for this hot July adventure was to look good (check), to arrive on time (Ted made this happen early Saturday morning), and to hold all of the wedding gifts for the bride and groom. As you can see, Little Fish was up to the challenge!

The little flags read, "Let's Set Sail."

Congratulations John and Kalee!

It was certainly a day to remember . . .

Windmill Island, Black River

An Electric motor, a Tour of the Island, and an Unexpected Wedding

We launched at Dunton Park again on the northeast side of Lake Macatawa, just across from Padnos scrap yard. Even though we headed out late in the day, it was a hot Saturday afternoon so there was a lot of activity at the launch site. We were the smallest boat by far to launch and probably also the easiest.

I chose to head east under the bridge. Yes, I got to choose since Ted rigged up an electric motor for us to try for this trip. No need to work up a sweat rowing on an already hot day. 

I love the electric motor. It is so quiet, doesn't require a nasty gas tank like an outboard motor and best of all you can just turn it on and don't have to pull a cord to start it. It is also really easy to adjust the depth of the propeller on the fly, which was especially handy as we headed into the marsh land on the way to Windmill Island.

We passed some friendly fishermen along the way to the bridge.

You've probably never wondered what the underside of a bridge looks like, but we thought it was cool how the water's reflection danced across the metal beams.

. 

It's like entering a different word once you come out on the other side of the bridge.
You'd think we were in the deep south.

That is until the windmill appeared as we rounded a bend.
These photos are all compliments of Ted. Enjoy!

This is the truly Dutch way to enjoy Windmill Island. You don't have to pay park entrance fees or mind the hours of operation. Of course you don't get to tour the windmill, but you do get a great view of it. This is also very fun to do in a kayak or canoe.

To our surprise we passed by a wedding service just as the couple
was pronounced husband and wife!

 and the cake . . .

On the way back Ted took over navigating and "discovered" a new way
to steer the boat.

And, as this adventure worked up quite an appetite, we headed to Boatwerks Restaurant on the south shore of Lake Macatawa, where we docked the boat and had dinner. To our surprise we met some friends inside who were also out for dinner.

We actually pulled up to the dock on the east side of the building (this is a photo of the west side) where there weren't any boats or onlookers to see us get out and then lift the boat onto the floating dock while we had dinner. Chalk it up to another successful adventure.