Lake Macatawa

A Fine Day, Five Miles, and a Few New Accessories

There's no better time for a row on Lake Macatawa than first thing in the morning. Ted put in at Dunton Park on the north shore, where he said there was a very nice launch and plenty of parking. I met him at a private dock here on the north shore of Pine Creek Bay. He stopped briefly to say 'good morning' and was eager to get off for his second row of the day.

My nephew, John took his inaugural row and said he thought Little Fish "rows like a kayak only faster because you get to use two oars!" If you know John, you know 'fast' is very important.

Before Ted could head out for his third row of the day, we needed to make a trip to Lowe's to pick up some 'rowing gloves' since he was getting some blisters after putting on a few hours of rowing in choppier water than we've been out in before. We found them in the seasonal (gardening) department. Ted is sure they were a better deal than he could have found at West Marine.

Ted took me for a last afternoon row up Pine Creek Bay. We sail this lake often, but avoid this far end since the water is quite shallow in parts. Isn't it lovely?

We also tried out the rudder for the first time. The idea is that I can steer the boat while Ted rows. Nice idea, since the one rowing is facing backwards. We discovered that it should be a bit longer to be really effective, so it's back in the shop for some refinements. It is cute though . . .

I couldn't resist this idyllic image; it makes me think of summer time.