Reeds Lake, East Grand Rapids, MI

First Day on the Water

After hundreds of hours in The Shop, being shaped and detailed, Little Fish emerged  on March 2012, in time to enjoy unseasonably warm weather. Ted, the boat builder, took her for a float test in the afternoon at Green Lake, near Moline, MI, not far from The Shop.


Later that evening, we met at the East Grand Rapids Library, Ted's favorite spot to study, which also happens to be on the shore of Reed's Lake and has a very nice kayak/canoe launch and floating dock. We simply unhitched the boat trailer from the car and walked it down to the dock, where the two of us easily picked Little Fish up off the trailer, placed her in the water and climbed in. What refreshing delight to be afloat in our little boat.

Some fun memories from this voyage:

• The man who offered to buy Little Fish before we even put her in the water; he actually waited until we came back from our row so that he could see her once more.
• The 70+ degree evening and the gentle breeze across the water.

• Learning the I actually enjoy rowing. I wasn't so sure this was going to be my thing, but I love it! I actually rowed both of us for awhile before Ted insisted that I try it on my own.

• Seeing Ted's dream to build his own boat come true . . . Priceless.