This was a milestone event for our family, because it was the first time we were able to stay at the new cottage all together. Although the cottage is still in a very rough construction state, having a working shower, toilet, 2 beds, and air conditioning, made it all possible.
Bonnie, Anna, Sophie and me headed up for the long weekend on Thursday early evening after work. (Neil II stayed home with Bob and Judy, big thanks.)
Me an my baby kickin' off the weekend at the Casino
This was the celebration of the tall ships with every Lake Erie island hosting at least one ship. Kelleys was the host port for both the Appledore IV and the Explorer.
Appledore IV - leaving Kelleys dock early Friday morning
Friday, the organized weekend festivities officially started. We found the best stuff at the 4-H Club where they had an inflatable bungee activity thing set-up, where you wear a harness attached to a bungee cord. The idea is to run as fast and hard as you can, marking your distance with a Velcro bean bag, before the bungee cord contracts and pulls you backwards.
Anna and Sophie gearing up for the bungee run
Anna and Sophie - live in action!
My mom, Uncle Al and Lori joined us early on Saturday for some quality family time. The 4-H Club had tethered hot air balloon rides. I was able to help out and volunteer as part of the ballon landing crew for over an hour before we got our chance to ride. This was a really cool experience for all.
Tethered hot-air ballon ride
Mom, Uncle Al, and Aunt Lori
Me, Bon, Anna and Sophie
Cannon crew firing a shot
Historical tidbit for you...
The Battle of Lake Erie, was fought on 10 September 1813, near Put-In-Bay. Oliver Hazard Perry of the U.S. Navy and his crew defeated the British Royal Navy and ensured American control of the lake for the rest of the war and ever since.
Monday, was the official re-enactment of the Battle of Lake Erie from the original location in the water 200 years ago. My Cousin John coordinated a boat ride for the whole family outing from Kelleys, past Put-In-Bay, to the battle site and back.
Sørlandet - Tall ship heading to the battle line
This was a serious under taking. I have never seen so many pleasure boaters on the lake at one time. I heard there were ~1000 or more. We spent most of the day out on the water and got as close as possible to the re-enactment where you could see and hear cannon fire from the ships.
Docked back at Kelley's...
Family photo from Cousin John's boat - White Caps
Cottage progress...
Bonnie forbid me from working on the cottage this weekend and it was killing me! Whenever, we would spend any idle time in the cottage, I could not help myself from staring at the mountain of unfinished work.
Thankfully, Big Tim was also on the island and he was able to knock-off some items on the "Tim List" Here is a photo of the main shower partially plumbed in, courtesy of Big Tim's handy work.
Main bath shower
Sadly enough, I will not be headed to the island next weekend. Planning to go the weekend of Sep 13th-15th to continue drywall mud and hopefully deliver the wood planking for the vaulted ceiling.
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