TCC for 2/4/09
Posting of the Caretaker’s Journal entries from 2003 began on the 2nd of February 2009, if you’ve missed the earlier posts click on “TCC for Feb 02” on the left in the “Blog Archive” and begin reading from there.
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 third entry is from his third day back at the Island. It is as follows:
May 27th, 2003, Tuesday
It was a good day today. I did not do any work for the Island as was intended, but I did accomplish quite a bit for myself. In the morning I baked a loaf of corn bread, the bottom was burned a bit but not enough to make it inedible. Overall it came out pretty good. During the baking I figured out a way to get the oven to go above 325 degrees Fahrenheit—I put a piece of aluminum foil over the top covering the top vents, now the oven gets up to at least 400 degrees. I also realized that I need to rotate the pan 180 degrees to help it bake evenly. All of this new found knowledge went towards the second loaf which I baked earlier tonight, it came out better than the first, but I still have some tinkering to do. I expect that my third loaf will be even better if not perfect.
After breakfast I went for a canoe. There was almost no wind thus the Lake was perfect glass—given such conditions how could I not go? Originally my plan was to just paddle out to Gull Rock, but once I arrived there I saw no reason not to continue on to Log Bay, and so I did. I paddled in between the Perch Islands and then made my way over to the mouth of the stream from Shelving Rock Falls. The area has changed somewhat from when I was last over there some four or five years ago, nothing too drastic—the marshlands area has opened up a bit, more accessible. A fallen pine tree was blocking my way about five to ten feet from the bridge. I explored all the areas I could in hopes of seeing another turtle—no such luck. However, I did get to see and hear a wonderful lot of birds. The numerous songs and calls were almost overwhelming.
As I was paddling out of the marsh area of Log Bay I noted that the only thing Lake George lacks (other than less motor boats) are Loons. Yet just as I was canoeing around the North East side of the Longest of the Perch Islands I believe I saw a Loon. However once it took flight I was not so sure of the fowl’s Loon-acy. Yet tonight I thought I heard the call of a Loon. It has been some five or six years since I saw or heard a Loon so my visual recognition is a bit off, but when you hear one you know you hear one. Yet the call I heard tonight was so faint and brief I’m not completely sure. From past experience here I don’t recall if Loons inhabit this area. I should make a point of visiting the Highpeaks region if for nothing else to hear the Loons. There is something about their call at night both so eerie and haunting, yet so welcoming and comforting. It is a sound to me that makes me feel as though all is right in the woods. (Chances are there will come a time when the sound of the Loon will no longer be heard in these Adirondack woods, come that time, much will be wrong in not just the woods but the world in general. –Caretaker’s note 2/4/09)
The rest of the day was spent cleaning out the Ghetto and moving my belongings inside. For the past two nights I have been sleeping in the Living room in front of the fireplace—a fire going of course. I hope to air out the mattresses from the Ghetto tomorrow, if so I shall begin sleeping there. In the meantime I plan to organize my belongings in there and arrange my shower properly. Where I have my shower hanging currently is tolerable, but it can be improved. I shall make the final adjustments tomorrow—hopefully it will be the best it can be by tomorrow.
I will try to begin work for the Island tomorrow, but if not, well, there is always the next day.
On a lighter note: I found a water/air rocket, the kind you fill half with water and then pump with air and then launch. Well I found it in storage while packing up for the Island and thought it would be amusing to have here, if not for me for the children here. Well I unpacked it and thought I should give it a try. I filled it with water, pumped it with air and then launched it. Upon takeoff it immediately arced to the right, landed on the rood and broke off the fine I re-glued years ago. The rocket is still there on the roof, perhaps it will come down someday—if not it can always serve as a topic of curiosity. Anyway, though it was short lived, I found it to be very amusing. Watching it shoot off to the side like that and then crash on the roof gave me a good laugh. Oh well.
Mental note to self: If you see something on the Island that you know you will need at a later date put it somewhere conspicuous. Twice today I was looking for something I needed and had seen the other day, but at the time I needed these items they were nowhere to be found, not until long after the fact did I find these items again. Perhaps the Ghosts of the Island are conspiring against me, but why they should covet such things as the dust pan and the watering can is beyond me. Perhaps it is not the Ghosts and instead Island mind-rot as already begun to set in.
End Journal Entry for 5/27/2003
Coming tomorrow the Caretaker’s journal entry for 5/28/2003
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
TCC for 2/3/09
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
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
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
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