TCC for 2/3/09
Unfortunately the Caretaker is currently having some trouble uploading photos, not that he took any today, and there really isn't much to report, so, instead the Caretaker has decided to dig out his journal from when he first started working again at the Island. His first stint was during the mid-nineties, then he returned for the Summer of 2003, the text that follows has been edited only for spelling, it is basically a verbatim transcription from his journal (thus unedited except for coherency), this second entry is from his second day back at the Island. It is as follows:
May 26th, 2003, Monday
Today was pretty good, I didn’t do any work for the Island—more of the same from yesterday. Worked more on getting myself situated here. If all goes well I will be able to move into the Ghetto tomorrow, I had to fumigate the place. While in town shopping for supplies at the hardware store R’s son-in-law, G, told me that the lake ice pile up on to the North East corner of the island to over forty feet high. I hope to meet someone with pictures of it.
The ice took out the power line to the island this Winter. There is currently no power and won’t be expecting any for at least another two weeks. The lack of power is not proving to make things too difficult. Gas lantern and gas stove are working nicely. Tomorrow I will try baking corn bread in my camp stove oven. I hope it will work. The lack of refrigeration is not really a problem, it is still rather cool here at this time of year, but if the power is not returned in the next few weeks I am going to have make some changes in my diet. Knowing that there is no power here I purchased a sun shower, it works quite nicely, filling it with water is not exactly convenient, but I’m sure I’ll figure out a way soon.
I went canoeing to Huddle Bay. I first went around the South end of Clay Island, then followed the shore line of the mainland between Hiawatha island down to the Southernmost end of Huddle Bay. Saw various birds, for example those Black birds with the orange feathers near where their wings meet their body. I also caught a glimpse of a muskrat twice. Both glimpses were very brief, maybe it was some other type of swimming varmint. I also lucked out on seeing a rather large snapping turtle. As I was paddling in rather shallow water I turned to my left and there was its shell sticking partially out of the water. From snout to tale it was about 3 feet long. I was able to look at it for a few minutes before it finally got tired of my staring. I was quite impressed with its size. It looked as though if it was given the chance it would be able to bite my hand off at the wrist having no problem fitting my wrist in its mouth. So as can be imagined I was a little cautious with it. I’m sure it’s not likely that it would have tried to come into the canoe, but I certainly didn’t want to provoke it. Given its size I’m sure it could have done quite the damage to my paddle if I tried poking it.
For my return I went around the North side of Hiawatha and Clay islands then returned to the Island.
Tomorrow I shall finish up getting situated here and begin working on the Island.
End journal entry for 5/26/2003
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
TCC for 2/2/09
Unfortunately the Caretaker is currently having some trouble uploading photos, not that he took any today, and there really isn't much to report, so, instead the Caretaker has decided to dig out his journal from when he first started working again at the Island. His first stint was during the mid-nineties, then he returned for the Summer of 2003, the text that follows has been edited only for spelling, it is basically a verbatim transcription from his journal (thus unedited except for coherency), this first entry is from his first day back at the Island. It is as follows:
May 25th, 2003, Sunday
I have returned. Thank God. It has been about four years or so since I have been the caretaker. I did have the pleasure of visiting for a weekend two years ago for the 75th anniversary of the family’s ownership of the Island. It was nice to see the Island, but it is bliss to live here once again.
I was a bit skeptical of my means of getting here, but thankfully my doubts went unrealized. To be honest I’m not sure if I really believe that I made it here without a hitch. Truth be known, I did, and thankful for it.
My overall plan upon arrival was to get my belongings into the house. Other than that I allowed myself the right to do whatever I wished, and so I did.
I messed about with my newly purchased Coleman stove top oven and found that placing it off to the side of the stove in order to center the flame is a bad idea. Thankfully I was only reheating pizza from a pizza shop for when I went to remove the first slice I managed to knock the oven off the stove, turn it sideways, holding one side with my foot the other with the door. Eventually I removed the pizza slice and replaced the oven to the stove. This is the learning process. I hope my curve is intelligent. In the end it all worked out.
I took T’s “canoe” for a paddle. It is more like a paper cup. Only about eight feet long, but does the job--very light and nimble. Really gets you where you need to go. I look forward to using it more often in the future.
Today I paddled out to Dome Island. It was quite a pleasure—I’m looking forward to camping out there for a night: “illegally” of course but I will do nothing more than sleep there. I hope it’s worth it. It will be.
Other than unload my gear and paddle around Dome Island I didn’t do much today but I’m okay with that—I live on the Island now, all things are good.
I plan to do a lot of hiking this year and biking and swimming, and anything else—I’ll be doing it.
I was planning on camping out on Sloop Island tonight, but the weather man calls for Rain, so I will just have to wait for a dry night—or not.
End Journal entry for 5/25/2003
Coming tomorrow, the Caretaker’s Journal entry for 5/26/2003
May 25th, 2003, Sunday
I have returned. Thank God. It has been about four years or so since I have been the caretaker. I did have the pleasure of visiting for a weekend two years ago for the 75th anniversary of the family’s ownership of the Island. It was nice to see the Island, but it is bliss to live here once again.
I was a bit skeptical of my means of getting here, but thankfully my doubts went unrealized. To be honest I’m not sure if I really believe that I made it here without a hitch. Truth be known, I did, and thankful for it.
My overall plan upon arrival was to get my belongings into the house. Other than that I allowed myself the right to do whatever I wished, and so I did.
I messed about with my newly purchased Coleman stove top oven and found that placing it off to the side of the stove in order to center the flame is a bad idea. Thankfully I was only reheating pizza from a pizza shop for when I went to remove the first slice I managed to knock the oven off the stove, turn it sideways, holding one side with my foot the other with the door. Eventually I removed the pizza slice and replaced the oven to the stove. This is the learning process. I hope my curve is intelligent. In the end it all worked out.
I took T’s “canoe” for a paddle. It is more like a paper cup. Only about eight feet long, but does the job--very light and nimble. Really gets you where you need to go. I look forward to using it more often in the future.
Today I paddled out to Dome Island. It was quite a pleasure—I’m looking forward to camping out there for a night: “illegally” of course but I will do nothing more than sleep there. I hope it’s worth it. It will be.
Other than unload my gear and paddle around Dome Island I didn’t do much today but I’m okay with that—I live on the Island now, all things are good.
I plan to do a lot of hiking this year and biking and swimming, and anything else—I’ll be doing it.
I was planning on camping out on Sloop Island tonight, but the weather man calls for Rain, so I will just have to wait for a dry night—or not.
End Journal entry for 5/25/2003
Coming tomorrow, the Caretaker’s Journal entry for 5/26/2003
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
TCC for 1/28/09
The Caretaker's Concern 1/28/09
No photos taken today.
--The Caretaker
1/9/09
12/4/08
9/16/08
No photos taken today.
--The Caretaker
1/9/09
12/4/08
9/16/08
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