Conference vicki::boats

	With the temp hovering around 100 or so ...... I don't know about
	the rest of you bu I'm ready for a GUMBALL day !  I'm about burned 
	out and need some fresh water relief !   Do I hear a groundswell
	of support for this ?  


	Chuck

    
    
    	Here, Here!!! Who's got the closest boat???
    
    Rick

    It's not "who's got the closest boat" but rather "What's the quickest
    way to it?"
    This is a bad week for me, but next week for sure...
    D.W.

	If we can't do it for a whole day  how about a 1/2 day ?  Jeanne
	hows that boat runnin' ?  In Salem NH right ?  My stuff is 3 hrs
	away so that's out.  Mike B's in Sunapee ?  Comeon,  someone
	volunteer ...... I'm too hot to care who.

	Chuck 

    
    	...and I'm headed north tomorrow morning, for just over three
    (count 'em, 3) weeks, otherwise I'd be in.
    
    	Reg
    

    re .4
    
    	That's right Chuck my Baja is in Sunapee...Rick and I are thinging
    about cruising up there tonight, stay tuned..
    
    								-mike-

    
    My boats at home (Pepperell), but I think you guys might feel a
    little silly skiing behind a 35 Merc.  Its OK for tricking though!
    
    Jeanne (whose playing hookey tomorrow)
    

	Thanks anyways Jeanne,

	I just thought I'ld get someone excited about going in the water and
	just maybe they'ld volunteer and just maybe I'ld get a little skiing
	in and just maybe catch some cool breezes off the lake.  Guess what !
	I got a phone call at 3:45 with a stangely familiar voice stammering
	out something like "We're goin' to Sunapee .... we're leaving at
	4:30-5:00 ..... we'll meet you at Sunapee Town Harbour at 6:30 ....
	slip #25 at the West Side Club".  Only thing they forgot was to tell
	me to get beer.  Mike Boiko apparently NEVER fills his own cooler !
	At least that's what Rick Suter said.  Anyways, I hurry home (Wilton)
	and get my Swim shorts, a towel, and grab a cold one for the ride up
	there (hey why bring more Mike'l have a cooler full when I get there
	Right !) and a map to find my way without having to double back to 
	the highway.  I pushed the little 'Zoo as hard a she'ld go up those
	hills on 103 and just got there at 6:30.  Now, I frantically search
	the docks for Mutt & Jeff, er I mean Mike & Rick and I can't find
	either of them or the damned boat. Great !  I figured they left me
	on the dock and I'ld get to read about what a great time they had here
	in the notes file the next morning.  Well, suddenly I heard screeching
	tires and someone yelling out the window of a truck at me.  The people
	across the street from the parking lot just rolled their eyes back 
	in their heads and proceeded to close the windows & shutters to their 
	camps ...... 'guess who just pulled in Margeret' 'those fellas in that
	there yaller boat' 'lets go shoppin'.  Ok, so we all made it ! Great
	let's get going !  But wait, we have to install an air cleaner on
	the motor and see if this baby really does improve the performance by
	20% (seams I've heard this line before only it was a custom pipe for
	600 Indy ...) anyways, Rick takes one look at the thing and says "Mike,
	it aint gonna fit" but Mike says "It has too I paid $150 for the damned
	thing !".  It didn't fit.  Mike was bummed.  Ok let's go I said.  Mike
	says "sh*t,  we gotta get gas".  So we go to two places and at the 2nd
	place theres a gas pump but nobody around to take the green stuff.  So
	Mike asks some lady sitting at a camp next to the marina if she'll take
	the money for the gas and give it to the marina owner when she sees
	him.  Yeh right !  As we pulled away from the dock after fueling up
	I saw her get into her car.  Last we saw of her she was leaving the
	package store with a couple cases of beer.  Geez Mike there were only
	150 zillion people standin' around watchin us steal gas.  Anyways,
	so we heave Suter over the side of the boat when we get past the 'No
	Wake' sign and tell him hand on.  Unfortunately, every one else had
	the same idea and it got a little crowded so we headed out to a 
	different cove a few mile up the lake.  We heaved Ricky over the side
	again and he got a nice run in.  Next up Mike dons the wetsuit (I think
	Mike wears this thing in the Bathtub ... cripes the lake was ONLY 85
	degrees !) and he gets up on two and drops one ..... right in an 
	outcropping of rocks.  Anyways, he gets a good run in and we go back 
	and retrieve the lost ski.  So NOW IT'S MY TURN, right fellas ?  Yeh,
	right as they snickered to themselves sinisterly.  Ok so I pull on
	Mike's slalom ski and get ready.  Mike hits it and I'm pushing the 
	lake in front of me until this 'Baja Baby' get to plane.  When it hit
	plane I shot out of the water and accross the wake and saw the fear
	of God on Rickys face as he thought I was gonna do a serious FP. But,
	I hung on (for dear life) and continued my run in which I ALMOST fell
	about 80 zillion times comin' accross the Banzai pipeline (the Baja's
	wake).  So Mike follows the shoreline and turns around this boat
	sitting out there in the middle of the cove.  The boat has a funny 
	green diagonal stripe down its side.  It's the NH State Boat patrol
	officer and he's not too happy about us skiing after 8:00 PM so he 
	points at his watch and gives us a scowl.  I thought he was waving 
	at us so I waved back !  Hi ! How's it goin !  Rick had to talk
	Mike out of dumping me right then and there.  Oh well, I finished up	
	my run with a fabulous slide and we went back to the docks for a 
	little food & fun.  Well I don't know about Rick but I felt REAL GOOD
	when the waitress shot back with 'Yeh, we're still open...unfortunatly!"
	to Ricks inquire of the closing time.  To top it all off they're outta
	every decent beer on the planet .... but they have Bud & Coors.  Ok,
	so I drank a Bud, sue me.  I also had to pay $5.50 for a ham & cheese
	sandwich.  Anyways, I had a good time and would do it again.  Only this
	time I'm makin' sure we have some cold ones BEFORE we put anything else
	in that boat !  

	
	Chuck    

    
    The alarm has been sounded and its time to do something about it.
    
    I am ready for a Gumball and I am willing to have it at my house
    on Fort Meadow Res. in Marlboro, Ma.  I am not sure if I can get
    away for a full day, but lets pick a day and I will see how things
    are looking.  There are a few days that are not good for me:
    Wednesdays usually are not good since I have a 1:00 meeting EVERY
    wednesday.  Next thursday (8/11) is not good, I'm picking up my
    new Blazer(finally broke down and got a decent tow vehicle),
    and looking further into the month  the week of the 21st is
    out.  And ofcourse Mother Nature always figures into the puzzle.
    
    also  8/8,  8/16 and 8/18 are not good since I have 
    softball games those nights.  Boy, are there any days left.!!!!
    
    As far as boats go.   I have a Baja just like Mike Boiko's.
    If any of you all V8 lovers would perfer or would just like to
    bring your own boat down/up,  I think we could easily work something
    out.  A Baja is not a MC or CC when it comes to skiing but it does
    pretty well just the same.   I have dock space for my boat plus
    two others and beach space if you want to go wild with boats.
    
    the Gumball we had in the spring was a blast, but I think we could
    top it with a little effort.
    
    So lets get some dates and find the one that is best for the most
    people,  hopefuly I will be able to be there also.
    
    The first date I would like to throw out is next tuesday.  I realize
    that is soon but, why wait.  Even though I said next thursday is
    not good,  it could be an option since it won't take me all day
    to pick up the truck I could just skip out for an hour or so.
    
    So what do people think of next tues or thurs.?????
    
    /Mike Smith
    
                         

    
    
    Mike,
    
    	My schedule at work has been extremely tight of late.
    Main reason I haven't done much about another gumball.
    Tuesday or Thursday would be ok for me, I might even get
    a chance to recarpet my trailer rails so I could bring
    "Corrective Action"....
    
    	Any chance of getting access to the slalom course?
    
    Rick

	I'm up for Tuesday !  Can't make next Thursday.  Hot weather is 
	supposed to return by Monday after a somewhat cloudy weekend. 
	Please bring your boat Rick I can't take anymore Banzai Runs.


	Chuck

    I'd like to go too!  Is there room for one more?  I'd bring my
    boat but its going in for service (again) on Monday.  Yes Rick,
    bring your boat, or Mike, bring that Baja back for a week, I've
    never seen a BaaaaJaaaaa.   :)
    
    Jeanne
    

    re .12
    
    >I've never seen a BaaaaJaaaaa. :)
    
    At 60+ MPH not many people have.....:-)
    
    How's it going Jeanne, long time no see.
    
    								-mike-

       Aha Mike, that explains it....they're too fast for the human eye.  :)
       Its' going well Mike, yes, its been a whole year already.  Time
       flies, just like your boat.
    
Whoops!  I see the gumball day is during the day, not after work, oh well,
I've used up all my vacation time, so much for that! :>( 

Chuck, loved that story, here are my comments;

     >>>At least that's what Rick Suter said.  Anyways, I hurry home (Wilton)

             Wilton!  You live in Wilton, NH??   Well now that explains a
             lot of things!  

     >>>so I drank a Bud, sue me.  I also had to pay $5.50 for a ham & cheese
	sandwich.                                     ^ ^
                                                      | |
             You're an engineer, right!  :>)


    Just kidding' Chuck, very funny story.  I'm still trying to figure
    out what kind of car a "zoo" is.....  Subaru?
    
    Jeanne
    

	

	

    
    
    	Status....
    
    
    		Trailer rails recarpeted..
    
    		"Corrective Action" is in Mass and ready to go..well
    after a little cleaning that is..
    
    
    	How are we looking for tomorrow??
    
    	Rick

>    	How are we looking for tomorrow??
>    
>    	Rick

	I'm ready.  I brought my HO Turbo back from 'up North'.  How do I get
	there (Ft. Pond ?) and when do I get there ?  Weather forecast for 
	tomorrow is a return to the Hot & Muggies with temps in the low to 
	mid nineties !

	
	Jeanne .... the 'Zoo' is an Isuzu Trooper a Suburu is a "Booberoo"
	Rickie owns a "Yeep !"


	I give up .... was 5.50 not enough for a Ham & Cheese ?


	
	Chuck

Well the gumball is off and rolling.  Tuesday afternoon is the day,
12:00 noon until ?::?? is the time.   Directions to my house to 
follow.   If the weather is anything like is has been so far today,
you won't want to miss it.  Looks like Rick will be bringing 
Corrective Action along. And the BAJA will be in the water also.
Can not make any promises on using the course yet, but I'm trying.

Hope to see you there,

Mike Smith


Directions:

	From 290E:
	At end of 290 go straight, follow signs to Rt.85 (Hudson/Marlboro).
	At the second light(Rt.85), take a RIGHT.(DEC Hudson entrance straight
	ahead and the 99 Restaurant on the right)  Follow Rt.85 south towards
	Marlboro,  just after you see Keepers 2 restaurant on the left, take
	a LEFT onto Reservoir Rd.  This will take you across the water (Fort
	Meadow Resevoir).  Just after you cross the lake, take your first
	RIGHT onto Lakeshore Dr.  #257 is about 2/3 of a mile down on the right.
	It is a blueish-gray house, a little after a curve to the left, JUST
	before you go up a hill, empty lot across the street.   Ph # 485-8094

	From 495(N or S):
	Take exit 25A (To Rt.85 Hudson/Marlboro),
	Then follow directions from end of 290. (see above).

	From 85N:
	Go thru Marlboro, past the Fire and Police Station.  Continue up
	Rt.85 past Marlboro High Sch. and Navin Ice Rink.  As you go down
	the hill past the ice rink take your first RIGHT onto Reservior Rd.
	If you pass Keepers 2 Restaurant you have gone past the turn.
	Reservoir Rd. will take you across the water (Fort Meadow Resevoir).
	Just after you cross the lake, take your first	RIGHT onto 
	Lakeshore Dr.  #257 is about 2/3 of a mile down on the right.
	It is a blueish-gray house, a little after a curve to the left, JUST
	before you go up a hill, empty lot across the street.   Ph # 485-8094

	From anywhere else:
	You probably can't get here from there, but give me a call anyway,
	I know a few short cuts.     Ph # 485-8094

Mike Smith

    What about us people who have to "work"? Would it be possible to
    show up at say, 5 or 5:30?
    Doug.
    

    
    Doug,
    
    	I assume we'll still have a few runs left in us at 5:00...
    
    Rick

    
    I do not think it will br a problem if you show up a little
    later.  I do know know how late Rick will stay around,  
    re: his last note it looks like he'll be there till at least
    5:00.   I should be around till about 7:00, and my boat will
    be in the water.
    
    Mike Smith
    

    
    That sounds good, I'm going to leave work early, hopefully by 2:00.
    
    Jeanne
    

    Hi kids.  Can I come too?  Sounds like another wild time in the
    neighborhood.  My ski is in R.I. so I'll have to sponge off one
    of you.  Of course, I have my barefoot suit and always keep on my
    person that which is required to 'foot.
    
    Hey Rick, you're bringing the 2001?  Let's try around the boat with
    you skiing this time (remember we did it with Rob last time?).
    Piece de cake!
    
    					...Roger...

    How 'bout someone dropping by Atlanta and picking me up!
    
    Nelson
    

How did the gumball go?  Did many people show up?  I would have like to
have been there but I had an all day off-site meeting to go to.

								Rob.

< Note 9.23 by DIXIE1::WILKINSON "Melted Snow Skier" >
                               -< Me Too, Also! >-

    How 'bout someone dropping by Atlanta and picking me up!
    
    Nelson
    

    
    	The gumball went great! It was attended by:
    
    		The all-day gang..
    
    			Mike "the host" Smith-Siepal
    			Roger "I Wish I owned a Ski Nautique" Gaudet
    			Jeanne "GPX user - I got a real eyeful!" DeCarolis
			Doug  "I want to go faster" Whynot
			Rick "Abuse me somemore!" Suter
    
    		The Late arrivals
    
    			Mike "Look! It's another Baja!!" Boiko
    			Ric "Water Skiing fanatic" Mershon

    		And Guest appearances
    
    			Rick "I have to go back to work" Wilson
    			Tom  "we've met B4" Kopec
    

    	Chuck... did you know that you were elected to write the 
    official minutes?
    
    Rick

    Who had a good time?   I DID!!   Thank You, Rick.  And Mike, for
    hosting that.
    
    I wish Chuck had been there for the barefoot boom demo.  Especially
    funny (to me anyways) was the Lake Commissioner who pulled up,
    with manual in hand saying, "I don't think thats' legal, let me
    look this up...ah...lets' see, what is that?  A Boom?  Boom, page
    2,....nope says here "a loud noise"...thats' not it...ummm....object
    protruding from boat...can't find anything here....  What is that
    thing again?  
    
    And his wife pipes in "don't you think thats dangerous"?!  Meanwhile,
    Mike B and myself shield the red lettering on the boom that says
    "WARNING....DANGER...and DEATH"...and assure her that its' absolutely
    safe.
                               
    Great barefoot demo guys!  Glad I had the camera for that one. 
    
    Jeanne (who went thru a half bottle of Murine to fix the eye up,
            that was a nasty face-plant)!  Yaouch.
    
                 

>    	Chuck... did you know that you were elected to write the 
>    official minutes?
    
    Rick,

	I didn't know I was elected  ..... but since I was'nt even on the
	list of all-day attendees (boy, I was there *BEFORE* you were !) I 
	guess I should be the one.  However, I can only account for the 
	slalom course part of the day since I left the rest of you guys (&
	Jeanne) at the dock around 4:30 because of the occasion of my 
	little girls 1st B'day.  Last I saw of the Fantastic Five was Rickie
	launching off the wake with a kneeboard and making a BIG splash but I
	lost site of you around the corner.  

	Well, I *WAS* the first one there and met Mike "The OTHER Baja owner"
	who immediatley informed me that it looked like a 'go' on using the
	slalom course provided Rickie gave a few of the Campgoers (Little 
	Kids around 7/8) a ride in the boat.  Great !  I told him "I never 
	skiied a course before, this should be fun !".  (After my performance
	Mike probably wondered if i had *EVER* skiied before let only run a 
	course).  We got the boat in and Rickie graciously gave the kiddies 
	a ride in the boat (Geezum kid DON'T TOUCH THAT BUTTON !) and Guess 
	what ! .... the boat survived !.  So first up was Mike and he cleanly
	goes through the 6 bouys at 28MPH. We bring him back around and he 
	does the course the next time at 30MPH and he gives it a few attempts
	at 32MPH.  All in all he looks great !  Oh, did I forget to mention
	that this is begining to look easy .... Yeh RIGHT !  Rick goes up next
	and does two bouys and then says "Hey I got two, why get greedy ?" 
	and we turn it around for another run.  Anyways, Rickie looks real
	good but he's just missing getting the bouys (I mean he's only off a 
	couple of feet on each one).  So, he gets tired and its between me &
	Roger to go next.  So, I'm not quite sure about this slalom stuff, I
	mean Mike makes it look like a 'piece of cake' but Rickie runs through  
	it with a couple of spills but he's only missing by a little bit.  
	'Hmmmm' I said to myself, better see how Roger does this.  So Roger goes
	next.  After he goes its back to thinking 'this is not that bad !'.  
	So, I jump out of the boat with the comment from Mike "OK Chuck show
	us how it's done !".  I think they'll all agree that I showed 'em 
	*how it's done*. Yup, I showed 'em alright.  I hate admitting what I
	showed 'em but they all know how to Face Plant real good now.  And 
	just to make sure they got the message I showed 'em several variations
	of it and did it using the 'repetition method'.  All I can say guys is
	next time you see me I'm gonna have a T-shirt made up that says 
	
			"I got 2 balls and proud of it !"  

	Jeanne showed up and happily missed my initial run so I of course 
	volunteered to repeat my performance after which she asked me "You
	want me to get the Trick Skis now ?"  Gee Jeanne, did'nt you know
	that THAT's WHAT I WAS USING ! Yeh that's the ticket ... a trick ski
	... yeh .. that's right.  Anyways, Jeanne did some slalom and I think
	she got the most bouys of all ..... of course she was'nt trying to.
	Doug "Why Not" showed up a little late and requested another Face
	Plant performance from "yours truely" but I had to decline ... my
	limit is two per day  Sorry Doug maybe next time.  Doug went out and
	tore up the course on three or four runs and came back in muttering
	something about "Geez, Malibu's don't give off that kind of wake !".
	So it was time to vacate the slalom course and go back to Mike's at
	which time I bade everyone a fond farewell.  Any other comments on
	what happened after I left ?



	Chuck

    
    
    	Chuck,
    
    		I apologize for my obvious blunder! I knew that
    list wasn't right but I couldn't figure out what the hell
    was wrong with it! Too many barefoot falls I guess........
    
    	After Chuck departed for his festive event, more abuse
    took place. (we love abuse) You'll have to bear with me here
    because things got a little fuzzy after those "try the flip
    on the kneeboard" falls. "Hey, look he went in directly on his
    head that time!"
    
    	We went to pick up MikeS's friend Steve? after we got "Corrective
    Action" back on the public (read mobbed) side of the lake. I 
    kneeboarded over and did a few wake jumps and attempted a couple
    wake flips on the way. "Hey, he went in on the side of his head
    that time"....
    
    	Steve with the tricks on and yours truly still on the kneeboard
    took off from the dock and doubled around the lake. Steve murmured
    something about a huge wake after taking several feet of air
    on the tricks. Eventually I'd had enough and dragged myself back
    into to boat...It was MikeS's turn. He was up for the challenge
    trading the use of the wake with Steve and then trying to bump
    him off!
    
    	Hey isn't someone sitting on Mike's dock?
    
    	Nah!
    
    	At some point in all of this I demonstrated my expertise
    on the tricks. I just couldn't figure out why (or Whynot) 
    everyone in the boat was laughing??? Aren't you supposed
    to sideslide outside the wake like a cat on ice?
    

    	Hey isn't someone sitting on Mike's dock?
    
    	Maybe?
    
    	Jeanne showed us how to really ski on the tricks with some 
    nice smooth sideslides (not like a cat at all), front-to-backs
    and 360s. "How's it looking out there, Jeanne? :-)".
    
	Hey isn't someone sitting on Mike's dock?
    
    	Yeah, and someone else is in his boat.
    
    	The person in the boat is wearing a white hat!
    
    	Guess we better go get these people.
    
    	And voila! It was Mike "I'm just resting in this here Baja"
    Boiko and a newcomer/oldtimer (figure that out!) to the notesfile
    Ric Mershon. (funky license plates, Ric)

    
    	My fingers are tired... whose going to document the slalom??
    
    Rick

    A big thank you to you folks for taking me along last nite for some
    "interesting" water skiing!  It was nice to finally meet all my
    fellow DEC "water skiing fanatics."  It goes to show ya that we
    water skiers are a rare and true breed!  We immediately have something
    to talk about and can enjoy each other's company!
    
    My only regret is that I left early and missed the inquisition of Rick
    by the "lake commissioner!!"  What ever came of that Rick??  Were you
    fined?? Or just warned??  I hope all is cool!  I do remember Mike saying
    that the commissioner was on the lake only a couple of days a year.
    Yesterday was your lucky day!!
    
    Just curious, how late in the year do you guys ski?
    
    Till next time,
    -ric.

    
    Sorry I have not responded sooner, today has been a mess.
    
    Well first let me say that I really had a great time yesterday,
    But  my body was not so sure this morning how much fun it was.
    I now know why people use wetsuits with flotation/PADDING in them
    when they are barefooting.
    
    I will give some accounts of the day in reverse order.
    The public ramp closed at 8:00, we got there at 7:59,
    didn't want to waste any of the day.
    
    Since we were all pretty tried and beat up by the end of the day
    Rick desided to put the barefoot boom on at about 7:15 so we could
    do some relaxing barefooting to finish off the day,  RIGHT.
    Rick was up first and showed us how it is done,  he gave us a few
    good passes while smiling for the camera.  You heard about the confused
    commisioner from Jeanne,  I'll probably hear from him again,  but
    I don't think he has any real objection he just thought we were
    crazy and was trying to tells us that.  He was right by the way.
    
    I was up next on the boom,  you know the thing that has in big red
    letters that the use of this MAY cause DEATH.  Just a disclaimer
    they really don't mean it....   Well I get a quick set of instructions
    from Rick on what to do.  He tells me I have two options, ONE, 
    hang from the bar and get dragged face first UNTIL the boat reaches
    36 mph, then tumble turn on to your feet,  I asked what is option
    number TWO,  that was hang over the bar until the boat gets upto
    speed and then place your feet in the water.  He didn't tell me
    about option three which was get a brain and stay in the boat. 
    Well I opted for option two and off we went,  I planted my feet
    and imediately I was in a position that sounded like what rick called
    option ONE, dragging in the water.  So after a couple of attempts
    at tumble turns I found myself standing on my feet heading down
    the lake,  I went a 100 yards or so,  figured out I was really doing
    this thought about what I should be doing,  THEN I fell.  It was
    a blast.
    
    Jeanne gave us all a good demo on how to do 360's and backward skiing
    on the tricks.  She seemed to do it all so easily,  but she was
    not so sure of the nice calm ocean conditions that developed as
    the night progressed.   Mike B. was also a little leary as he was
    out of the slalom ski as we were DOGING the other boats,  these
    guys from the big lakes just don't understand POND navagation.
    
    Seeing Jeanne do the tricks so effortlessly I desided to try a LITTLE
    tricking.  Well it a'int so easy.  But I left some water in the
    lake for others to swollow.
    
    Roger showed us all how to do the knee board wake jump hellicoper(360).
    He pulled out a number of these with varing degress of ease.  But
    whether he made it or not it was entertaining from our seats in
    the boat.
    
    As rick mentioned he showed us how to firmly pant our heads into
    the water while inverted with a kneeboard strapped on,  once again
    entertaining from one mans point of view.
    
    Doug got out on the slalom ski and cut up the water real smooth
    like,  but unfortunately we couldn't find him a whole lot of good water.
    He made a few very good attempts at a AROUND THE BOAT coming oh
    so close,  pretty darn good for first time trying it.  I think the
    problem was in the wake,  but that is still under debate.
    
    While on the slalom course we gave Chuck some free advice,  we are
    full of that and by the end he probably thought we were full of
    something else.  He seemed to take the advice that he was getting
    to far back on the ski and that he needed to get his weight a little
    more forward to the extreme as he kept getting a real good look
    at the front of his ski as his face went buy.
    
    The weather was great and so was the company.  Slalom, kneeboarding,
    tricking, skiing around the boat, barefooting, and FACEPLANTS;
    You couldn't ask for more fun than that....
    
    If you twist my arm I may do it all again before the ICE comes.
    
    I hope that everyone had a good time.
    
    /Mike Smith
    
    

    I sat on the side of I-285 waiting for my ride to show but nobody
    came.  I did see several boats on trailers but as I waved they just
    drove on by.  I did barefoot once.  A car stopped and I grabed onto
    the bumper for about 100 yards.  The faceplant was awsome!  I think
    the highway dept. has it filled in now(but what would you guys know
    about filling in holes in the road?).  After several more attempts
    at grabing bumpers, I went home when the rain started.  Who would
    want to get wet while skiing?  To sum it up, I did get in several
    good runs but I just couldn't catch up with the car.
    
    Nelson
    

    Well to add my 2� in here, I had a blast!  Thanks are in order to
    Mike S. and Rick S. for use of their place/boat.  But I missed the
    ordeal with the lake officer too!  Darn!  I gotta learn to plan
    the WHOLE day for these gumballs so I can stick around for the good
    stuff.
    
    All in all, a very impressive demonstration of various skiing skills.
    I'd love to have a gumball this year, put it on film and do another
    one next year.  Then take a look at the difference.  As crazy as
    we may be with all our faceplants and tumbles (voluntary or not)
    we can learn a lot from each other and I'm certain we'll be skiing
    better next time because of it.  I mean ask Chuck...he now has 2
    balls to his credit where before he had none!!!  :-) :-)
    
    Now, Rick, you gotta bring that boom back so I can show ya how to
    do some tumble turns (voluntary) off the 5' section.  Pretty nifty!
    
    					...Roger...

    
    re: Ric
    
    	We ski as late as we possibly can.. "I don't see any ice
    on that lake"!
    
    
    **************************************************************************
    	Anyone up for skiing tonite?????????????????
    
    	Kevin.. Will Mascupic be a madhouse tonite?
    **************************************************************************
    
    
	Rick

    
    
    Re: Roger
    
    	Yeah all I've managed to do on the shortlined boom is drink
    the lake and slam around a lot.
    
    	The lake commisioner didn't really know what to do so he and
    the wife just rode off shaking their heads. Sort of like what
    Mike was doing after he got off the boom...
    
    BTW: Everyone is more than welcome... I had a great time also!
    
    Rick

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Note 112.21                 I need some real HELP!!!!                   21 of 27
DHW::WILSON                                          28 lines   8-SEP-1988 11:03
                              -< .19 your on... >-
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    re .19
    
    Doug,
                                   
    I am ready to do the pull you behind the plane if you are.  I say
    you because I want somebody light for the first time.
    
    I do want to get it on video tape though.
    
    Here is what we need to do it:
    
    A calm day without much boat traffic.  
    A chase boat for the observer and video crew.  
    I have a handheld radio for boat crew to call for "hit it", and "he's down".
                                                 
    Interesting that if it's not flying, the FAA is not too interested,
    unless someone is injured, and most of the boating regs (at least
    Maine) say that it does not apply to seaplanes.  I am not quite
    sure what radio frequency to use... they don't list a water to water
    frequency...
    
    Say when... your place or mine.
    
    Don
    
    BTW - I would have liked to have made the last ski session, but have
    been nursing a bad back since late July, and have elected to stay off
    the skis until next year.  Just a driver for the rest of the season.

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Note 112.23                 I need some real HELP!!!!                   23 of 27
SETH::WHYNOT                                          6 lines   8-SEP-1988 22:54
                                 -< Contact! >-
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    Don,
      I'm ready! How about anyday next week. (except monday) We can
    use Suncook Lake and my boat as needed. Maybe another topic is in
    order, SKI-PLANES? Maybe we should talk abot this in the Gumball
    Report Note?
    Doug. 

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DHW::WILSON                                          12 lines   9-SEP-1988 12:50
                     -< Naw they can't be gonna do THAT! >-
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    re.23
    
    Ok Doug,
    
    Wed is good for me, we need two more people. One to drive the boat and
    run the radio, and one to run the camera. 
    
    Also do you have a place to beach the plane, its getting a little
    cool for swimming ashore.  Rick has a nice beach...  How about it
    Rick?
    
    Don

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Note 112.26                 I need some real HELP!!!!                   26 of 27
ARCHER::SUTER "Water is meant to ski on!"             8 lines   9-SEP-1988 13:10
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    Hey Guys,
    
    	Province lake is fine with me..... Wednesday is ok also...
    
    	What time are we leaving?
    
    Rick

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SETH::WHYNOT                                          8 lines   9-SEP-1988 13:32
                          -< I'll bring my goggles. >-
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    Wednesday is fine w/ me. I have 100' sandy beach that will do nicely.
    If nobody minds, can we use Suncook Lake as I'd like to take some
    aerial photos? (BTW Rick, I have some pic's for you of your camp
    and lake) Can Roger come along too? That will make 4 of us. Please
    let me know so I can either leave my equip up there or take it home.
    Doug
    Keeping with the title of this note, "We need help alright"
    

    
    
    RE: Doug
    
    	Can't wait to see the pics.... Thanks...
    
    RE: past few..
    
        Are we still on for Wednesday? Will someone need to drive to
    Suncook? What are the odds on getting multiple skiers up?
    This should get us into WaterSki magazine! I already have
    a title for it... "Our Skiing has really Taken Off this year!"..
    
    	If we could get multiple skiers up... Where can we find
    a camera/spotter/boat driver?

    	Don... How fast does the plane need to be moving to actually
    be off the water?

    
    Rick

    
    	Oh yeah... Don I almost forgot.. I saw you buzz the house
    Saturday..... Your plane wasn't even blue this time.... :-)

    Ok, anytime Wed is Ok with me, after lunch would be good.
    
    Suncook sounds like the place, I wanted to see Doug's boat
    before I make a buying decision.
    
    As long as Roger is not more than 175 lbs, we should be able 
    to handle four in the plane.
    
    First attempt will be starting on two skis and dropping one,
    we will take it from there.  I don't know about multiple
    skiers starting, out of the hole performance is not great.
    
    Unless I figure out a way to hitch the rope to the back of
    the skeg (underneath at the back of the step), it will be on the
    tail tiedown point.  Probably means stay pretty close to the 
    wake, as pulling the tail will turn the plane.  Just thought of
    how to do it - a C-clamp on the skeg would do the trick.
    
    Oh - you want to see somebody skiing with the plane in the air huh...
    ... the plane leaves the water at 62 mph, and I could probably
    keep it a little less than 70 for a while.  I think barefooting
    at 45 mph might be a better photo than someone hanging on to
    the rope at 65.  ...but if you are into high speed skiing and
    there is enough water, and your insurance is paid up... Imagine
    skiing with _NO_ wake...  bring a long rope though.
                                                           
    Let's hope for good weather.  BTW-Thursday is also OK with me.
    
    Don

    
    
    	62 Mph for "off-the-water"... yeah that's a little fast, I'm
    not real sure I'd want to be on skis at that speed.
    
    	Speaking of rope, Doug.. do you have plenty? All my ropes
    are in my boat. How about drop off skis, should be decide to
    try multiple skiers? Should I take a trip to the lake tonite
    for equipment?
    
    	Wednesday is fine for me, thursday is out since I have school.
    I've heard the weather is supposed to be nice tomorrow.
    
    Rick

    I have my O'brien TRC, an EP Compcr1, drop skis and plenty of rope.
    There's even gas in the boat (highly unusual) But, if you want your
    own equipment, that's up to you. Yes indeed, the weather looks
    promising for tommorrow.
                            Doug.

    
    
    I have my Kidder, gloves and wetsuits with me... I was more
    concerned with the extra stuff but it sounds like you've
    got it covered!
    
    All systems go??
    
    Any other spectators?
    
    Rick

    
>    Any other spectators?
    
	No thanks Rick ... I think I'll just catch the highlights at 11:00
	on Channel 4's 'Spotlight on Sports' with Bobby Lobel.  I can see it
	now ...... 

	Bobby:  "And here's an interesting way to fly economy class !"
	
	Eliz'beth:  "Oh my god !  HA ! HA ! HA ! They don't do *THAT* in 
		     Little Rock, Arkansas !"

	Bobby:  "Don't worry Liz, I got reservations for you next week ....
		 your plane leaves at 1:00 PM .... you take off at 1:02 !"




	Chuck

    
    	I can make it weds or thurs, run the video, pick up boat, collect
    dropped off skis whatever.  I can bring a couple of  "loseable"
    wooden skis (barefooters just *_LOVE TO_* find 'em unexpectedly),
    extra ropes, schnappes, whatever.  What time do we start from where ?

    Reg	{I qualify for the multi skier run, coz I ONLY come up on two:-^)}
     
    

        This sounds like a ball.  I wish I could be there to try it,
        but it is a long drive from Colorado.  62 Mph is flying.
        I once skied 52 Mph behind my Baja.  It didn't seem that 
        fast until I made a cut across the wake.  When I hit the
        wake, I realized just how fast I was going.
        
        We were supposed to have a gumball at the lake here this
        afternoon, but I had to cancel it because of snow :-).
        Actually, it is just raining here.  The snow line is at
        8000 feet, and we are only at 6100 feet.
        
        Have a good time, and I'll watch for you in Wski magazine.
        If I send someone a blank video tape, will you make me a copy?
        
        /wayne

    
    	Come in Don, come in Don, come in Don.
    
    	Hello ??   Anyone there ??   You guys make it in yet, or did
    you celebrate late last night ??
    
    	For the rest of you - YES, they (Doug and Rick, but NOT ME)
    did in fact ski behind Don's plane.  I drove the chase boat while
    they video'd each other (one at a time).  Nice job, though we didn't
    have all the signals worked out in advance, we should have had a
    special for  "Tell him to give me the zero wake experience".
    
    	Thanks again guys, we had a GREAT TIME watching.

    	Reg
    

    
    The preparation began at Hanscom.  I installed a C clamp (gives a whole
    new meaning to Mode C - inside joke for the flying crew) on the skeg
    just behind the step to serve as the rope attachment point. Also put
    some electricians tape over the tail tiedown to prevent the rope from
    catching. 
    
    After landing we picked out a beach to use that was a couple of
    places over from Doug's.  Reg and wife were already there.
    
    We had a few few bugs to work out in the camera/radio setup.  A
    TenTec aircraft handheld, Dave Clark H10-40s, and a push to talk
    switch mounted on the video camera.  The only thing that did not
    work properly was the mike needed a wind screen.
    
    Doug attached about 90 feet of rope to the plane.  We set up, and
    "Hit it "came over the radio.  Away we went.  They must have thought
    we were nuts.  A skier in a wet suit wearing snow skiing goggles,
    being towed by a stupid looking noisy airplane, and being chased
    by a boat with a camera man wearing big green earmuffs.
    
    Twice around the pond, and it was Rick's turn.  I think we got the rope
    fouled with the water rudder or something just after the start, and
    Rick was in the water.  Tried a single ski start - no go - not enough
    static thrust.  Rick was a little more aggressive slaloming, and also a
    little heavier than Doug, I could feel him pulling a little more than
    Doug.  Twice around for Rick and we called it a day for plane/skiing.
    
    Off to the slalom course with Doug's boat - a few good passes except
    for the novice driver.
    
    Leaving the lake, we did a tour of Wini, and on the way back stopped
    at Corbetts Pond - never seen so many ski boats on one lake.
    
    Splashed into the Concord River, then back to Hanscom.
    
    Doug has the bent C clamp as a souvenir.
    
    They will have to tell what it was like, I just drove.
                                                          
    Don
    

    
    
    	And from behind the plane.......
    
    	The snow ski goggles where a necessary piece
    of equipment, the "prop wash" was pretty stong directly
    behind the plane. Doug said "I like it, it feels like
    I'm going 80 mph!" The wake was small in height but about
    30 feet wide.
    
    	Unfortunately we didn't have the "Take the plane up
    off the water signal" worked out because Doug was trying
    to give us just tha signal, but the boat and camera crew
    didn't understand it. Needless to say we kept the plane
    on the water...
    
    	It's not everyone that can state "I skied behind a plane!"...
    
    Rick
    
    BTW: Don.. Did you get to watch the tape yet?

    WHAT A TRIP!
    It gave a whole new meaning to "Prop Wash", I'm just glad I had
    my goggles.  B^)  We were skiing at, what 40-45 mph? but that 65-70mph
    wind was definately different. Let us know when the editing is done
    to the video tape so we can make copies. If you want to, we can
    do it again with the C-clamp mounted the other way to try and "unbend"
    it. Thanks for the great time, Don and the "Grand Tour" of the Lakes
    Region.
    Doug.
    FWIW: The first person to water-ski (I forget his name) was back
    in the 1920's (I believe) on two wooden barrel staves (I think)
    attached to his feet with leather straps, behind, you guessed it,
    an amphibious aeroplane. (Fact)
    

    Yeh, I watched the tape.
    
    You guys skied better than you ran the camera, but there are some
    good shots, and I have an editor.
    
    Doug any still shots?
    
    Anybody that wants a copy, send me a tape, or $7, and I will send
    a copy.  One production run about Oct 1.
    
    Next time a better C clamp, a windscreen for the microphone,
    a longer rope for the no wake option, and a run at the slalom course.
    
    No problem with the no wake signal just a big thumbs up for faster.
    After 62mph no wake!  Need a little more water though, like the
    north end of Suncook.  You guy will have to practice behind your
    boats running them wide open.
    
    A good first attempt.
    
    Perhaps over the winter I will have the mechanic make a permanent
    tow point.
    
    Don

    
    
    I believe I forgot to say thanks to the pilot. THANKS, Don!!!!!!
    
    Don, you don't have to do all the work... if you make one VHS
    copy I could do the grunt production work.

    Rick

    Hey guys!  Sorry I missed it but I was in Washington D.C. at a
    conference from Monday thru Thursday.  I definitely would have
    been there!  Any chance you guys want to try it again?  Don?  Is
    the plane in the hangar for the winter yet?  Sounds like a "must
    try" thing.  I've got the skis, wetsuits, goggles, gloves, etc.
    
    Please please please please please please please please !!!!!!!!!
    
    					...Roger...
    
    P.S.  At the very least I gotta see that tape!

    Well, this note's been quiet for too long. Anyone one up for an
    end of season gathering, full wetsuits, longjohns and mittens?
    I must say, that I'm starting to panic as they pulled out the
    stopper in Suncook Lake for the annual drawdown, my boat is on the
    trailer (not yet winterized) and I've ONLY skied 118 times this
    year! (yes, I've kept count)  Anyone interested?? (dumb question)
    Any comments??
    Doug.
    

    re .56	OK, when ?, where ?, etc.
    
    	Reg	{STILL not winterized, still browsing & still broke}
    

    
    
    	Anytime....!!!
    
    Rick

    re. 56
    
    Sure as long as its after the weekend, or at my place in Maine
    where I left my wet suits.
                              
    If the weather is good, I will volunteer my place for the weekend, the
    lake is still high, the moorings are still out, and I am a batchelor
    for the weekend as the wife says she is going to do some real estate
    work.   Enough moorings for two boats, two spare beds, and floor
    space for plenty of sleeping bags.  Just need a boat or two and
    skiers.
    
    This is the time of year to start a fire in the fireplace before
    going out to ski.  Oh yeh - the ice maker is still making ice for
    some of that additional warming up around the fire after skiing.
    
    Finally got back on skis last weekend after the back injury in July.
    
    Made edited copies of the airplane towing skis last night, will
    send them out today to Rick, Doug, and Reg.
    
      

    
    	RE: Don
    
    		Glad to hear you are back on skis!! Whew... we'd
    need wetsuits in Maine, now.....
    
    Rick

    Pick the day.  I'm there.  Now if we could only get another day
    like last Saturday!
    
    RE: Rick... Yeah north would be chilly.  Looks like Quinsiggy is
    still up and pretty quiet these days.  I don't know if there's a
    course on it though.  Didn't see one in my 'footin' runs at 5:45AM.
    But at 40 mph it's hard to see anything clearly!  :-)
    
    					...Roger...

    re .61	Quinsiggy is DEEEEEeeeeP, so it tends to stay warmer
    for longer.  I don't know what flying restrictions there might be
    though, Worcs A/P is close and they 'copter cases into U-Mass medical
    centre fairly frequently.  Its nice and close for me though, could
    just slip out for a couple of hours and no one would notice - though
    if I come back blue (or black and blue   ...and blue) they might.
    
    	Reg
    
    {errrr,  "Woods"  or  "Water"  meeting ?}
    

    
    	On or off ?  Weather looks dull & cold down here through the
    week-end, "might brighten up but is expected to stay cold and windy",
    etc.
    
    	Reg	{thinking about cutting firewood this week-end instead}
    

    How about next week? Temps are expected to increase the next few
    days, as high as mid 60's by tues and wed. (Oooh) How about a tentative
    half-day gumball then? Preferably somewhat local, (i.e. Mass or
    extreme southern NH) That's probably the last chance we'll get.
    (Last night my Indmar had to sleep with a night-light in the motor
    box and a blanky :*)   
    Doug.

    
    	I've been keeping a watch on the garage temperature and it
    hasn't been too bad. It's under the house and the heat and
    hot water are down there so anything near freezing hasn't
    occured yet.
    
    Rick

    Does not look like a good weekend for skiing.
    
    My Glastron sits inside the heated garage, while my car gets
    frosted.  Perhaps one more launch before getting it ready to sit
    outside for the winter.
           
    A local jaunt sounds good.
    
    Don

    SKIING...TODAY...QUNSIGGI...1 PM TIL ???
    So far we have Rick, Roger, Self, Malibu Skier, and ???
    Any other takers???
    Directions to ramp are.. Rt 290 west to exit 22, right at the bottom
    of the ramp, and then first left onto N. Quisigamond Ave. The ramp
    is about 300 yards past the underpass on the right. Nice ramp (I'm
    told by Roger.)
    Doug.
    

    
    So how did you guys do???
    
    I wish I could have made it, but I had "snuck" out for a "few" hours
    of LVV (low visability vacation) on monday to take the BAJA up to
    Sunapee for winterization/storage,  so I was not able to get away
    again yesterday since I had some time a work to make up.
    
    I hope that it was not too cold and windy.  I did some white water
    canoeing two weekends ago up in Vermont and the water there was
    getting close to the uncomfortable degree.
    
    /Mike S
     
    

    re .69
    
    Mike,
    
    	I just got back from Sunapee after dropping the Sunsport off
    with Stewert. Your boat looked sad just sitting there - waiting
    for Spring. Must say it was more then a little cool out on the lake,
    especially at 60 MPH.
    
    	OK, now then how did you Gumballers make out...lets here the
    COLD story...
    
    							-mike-

    Well, it all started at Quinsigimond (sp?). The Malibu and I arrived
    about 20 minutes late, and waiting for me at the ramp were Roger,
    Rick, Reg and (I'm sorry I forgot his name) you know, the guy from
    the Stockholm Sweden office (Mike Kjellander was it?) Anyway, I
    back the boat down the ramp, unhook everything, and warm up the
    engine while still on the trailer. (Good Thing Too!) This very
    official looking vehicle, with blue lights on the roof, pulls up
    and out steps the man with a badge. He notices my lack of bow numbers,
    and asks, "Your not planning on launching that, are you?" I reply
    in my best Joe Isuzu voice "NNooo, I'm just warming it up to winterize
    it!" Next to me is standing rick dressed in full wetsuit, with other
    ski paraphenilia scattered about on the ground. I explained to the
    ocsifer that the boat is registered in N.H. and played ignorant
    of the reciprocity rules. We got to talking and I learned that total
    fines would have been ONLY about 150 bucks, (Hmmm, cheaper that
    registering, and don't have to pay retroactive sales tax.) Anyway,
    we decided to pack it up and headed north to the Merrimack River.
    We skied, wasn't Tooo cold, had fun, gotta go...
    Later, Doug 

 >>>the Stockholm Sweden office (Mike Kjellander was it?) Anyway, I
  
        Mr. Slam Dunk was there!  And I missed it!

   I tell ya, don't those men in blue have anything better to do than
wait for out-of-staters to launch their boats, past season even, and
make things difficult!  Time to get out of this state!

   Did you guys consider bribing this guy and ask him if he'd be 
interested in running the course....maybe that would'of worked.  :>)

jd/
 

    re .72	Picture someone around, say mid to late fifties, about
    5' 10"  260 or so pounds (most of it carried VERY low) with a waist
    size about 12 inches larger than his chest (wherever that once was),
    smoking the last couple of inches from a cigar, BTW the uniform
    was probably green when it was clean.   I dunno, I just didn't figure
    him fer an avid skier, maybe we shoulda ?   At least he didn't hide
    in the bushes, spring out as soon as we got it off the trailer and
    write a book full of tickets - SOME relief there, for which I thanked
    him.
    
    	I didn't have any gear in the car, I'd been sick on the
    week-end (still am a bit), at least I wasn't wearing a suit that
    day.  I just rode extra shotgun and managed the rope tangles (created
    AND solved 'em).  Even the dry guy got cold, but it was fun, especially
    the bit with the trai<oops, thats restricted information:-^) 
    
	Reg
    
    
    
    
    
    

    
    	Cold?? nah!!! My toes already have the feeling back in them!
    Actually, I've been in colder water but I think my feet got
    more abuse then usual since I was standing in the water more
    than just getting ready to ski.
    
    	Doug tried to spin each skier off the rope on his turnarounds,
    so we returned the favor. Magnus (Kjellander) never admitted he
    was cold although he was only wearing a shortie borrowed from
    Roger. I was cold just watching him. He also seemed to manage
    the deepest landings.
    
    Who cares how cold it is... I ain't frozen yet!
    
    Rick

    re .74
    
    Ok, I admit, it was COLD, but it was great fun and in sweden we
    are used to cold water. Anyway, thanks for the ride.
    
    Magnus
    
    

    OK, I'll toss in my 2� worth here before everyone thinks I'm still
    defrosting...
    
    Good day!  After we got our act together on the Merrimack, we had
    a great time.  Everyone took 3 runs up and down the river (2-3 laps
    each run, depending upon how tired you were).  And we ALMOST has
    a perfect day until yes, on the very last run Mr. Whynot got cocky
    and decided to check the water temp...with his whole body!  Well,
    a quick spin of the boat (I was driving) and a casual cruise past
    Doug as he's yelling "Hurry up, tighten up..." and we were off again.
    Doug finished his run in fine style, and Magnus took his last. 
    Then we all made a beeline for our cars to put on some DRY clothes.
    Oh yeah, almost forgot, on Rick's last run he must have been doing
    a "rain ski" (read rain dance) out there because we got a sun shower.
    Gotta remember how he did that!  :-)  We pulled the boat out of
    the water, never ran into the dude with the cigar and green uniform,
    and we retired to Rick's for some apres-ski and to watch the video
    of those crazy guys behind the seaplane.
    
    So they're talking about mid-60's this weekend eh?  May have to
    put off the winterizing...
    
    					...Roger...
    

    Rog,
     You weren't supposed to mention that I *FELL* and it wasn't
    cockieness, it was that skeg grabbin' tripperfish again. He must
    of washed downstream from Suncook. :^)
    D.W.
    

    
    	Does Sunday sound like a Webster Lake day??
    
    Rick

    RE: Doug
    
    Now I didn't say you fell, I said you were testing the water temp.
    with your body.  *YOU* admitted to the tripperfish!  BTW, they may
    have floated up river from R.I. too.  I've hit those guys too. :-) 
    
    RE: Rick 
    
    Darn!  Why didn't I read these notes in the afternoon on Friday?
    Sunday, though mostly cloudy in the central part of the state, was
    a fair day.  It would've been great for skiing too.  And all day
    I was thinking "Gee I wonder what Rick is up to today...  Does he
    have my home phone number? ... Maybe he'd like to take a cruise
    down here (Worcester area) and drop the Nautique in Quinsiggy or
    Webster?"
    
    Oh well, it's supposed to be in the 60's to near 70 for the early
    part of the week...anybody wanna try for another shot at Quinsig?
    This time, Rick can bring his boat!  :-)
    
    					...Roger...

    
    Roger,
    
    	I was at Quinsig on Saturday, I tried to call you before I left
    around noon but no such luck. It was a pretty nice day, got in
    a few runs and did a little cruisin'.
    
    	re: early this week.... I rather doubt I'll be able to make
    it considering I'm at home right now with a nasty cold. But I'll
    keep it in mind.....
    
    No ICE yet!!!
    
    Rick

    Figures!  I was in R.I. cleaning up my boat on Saturday.  You must
    have just missed my wife when you called since she was home all
    day except lunchtime.  Oh well, any other crazies out there besides
    you?  Besides the actual skiing itself I think the most fun is seeing
    how the poeple on the shore react when they see you come cruising
    by on skis (or "ski" as the case may be).  You wonder "what are
    they thinking right now?" and then the answer comes to you very
    quickly... "What kind of idiot would be water skiing on a day like
    this...in October?"  Remember the looks we got at Webster, especially
    from the fishermen?  Maybe I should become a sociologist... :-)
    
    RE: "No ICE yet!!!"  Yeah, this is true, but yesterday I took a
    long hard look at a page in the Ski Limited catalog that has the
    booties and hood...AND the 3 mil cold water gloves.  After the numbing
    experience of the Merrimack last week I don't see the water getting
    any warmer before April.  :-)
    
    Get well soon dude!  We ain't done yet!
    
    					...Roger...

    Re: "We Aint Done Yet!"
    How about wednesday?? Mid 60's again, except my trailers on blocks,
    boat's full of moth-balls and block's full of Prestone.  :^(
    How 'bout it Rick, will you be well by then? If not I'll bring the
    Kleenex and Schnapps. (strictly for medicinal purposes)  ;^)
    Doug.
    BTW I'm willing to travel. (Does Lake Mead freeze??)

    
    
    	About Wednesday I'll see how it goes, and let you know
    tomorrow....
    
    Rick

    I'd like to join if someone could lend me a wetsuit (it was cold
    last time) 
    
    All weather is skiing weather
    
    Magnus
    

    You did not give much noticed last time, by the time I read it,
    it was too late.
    
    My Glastron is ready to go, just need to fill the tank.  The skis
    and my wet suits are in it.
    
    Shall I bring it to work Wed?
    
    If someone is familiar with the area, I will even put my 17" prop back
    on it, although the 19" will do the job. 
    
    Don

    
    
    	Well I'm at work today and feeling much better..... The weather
    at 11 last night didn't sound too promising for Wednesday.... 50s
    and maybe rain...
    
    Rick

    I heard clearing in the afteroon with high of 60.
    D.W.
    

    ...but could be worked out.  I'll throw my stuff in the car in case
    we get crazy.
    
    Magnus, I have 2 wetsuits that together might provide enough
    protection: a sleeveless full length and the barefoot suit you wore
    last week.  I didn't have the long-legged one with me last week.
    Kneeboarding eh?  I thought I was close enough to the water on my
    ski last week, I don't know about kneeboarding... :-)
    
    Rick, if we do this, do you think you can toss (gently) that carb
    in your truck so I can borrow it for the weekend?  Otherwise maybe
    we can make arrangements so I can swing up to your home/work and
    grab it sometime this week.
    
    Where's Lake Mead?
    
    					...Roger...

    
    Re: Roger
    
    	Yes I'll try and remember the carb if we get together tomorrow.
    I guess we can play this by ear/eye in relation to the weather.
    Where should we go this time? I've heard of some lakes in Littleton
    but never been there... any hints?
    
    Rick

Rick,
Lake Mattawanakee (sp?) in Littleton is pretty good for skiing.  Only problems
are a launch that usually requires 4WD to retrieve the boat, and access to the
lake is via a 300 foot long channel that can be a little weedy in summer.  It's
probably not too bad this time of year.  There's also a private association
boat launch which solves both problems, but you need to know someone who lives
there.  There's a town beach which could be used for picking up and dropping
off skiers, but only in the off-season which this surely qualifies as!  There's
a sub shop and packie (for medicinal purposes only, of course!) within walking
distance of the beach.

I'm just a fair-weather skier, but this is beginning to sound like it would be
worth spectating.  Please, just try to keep the laughter and jokes down to a
dull roar if I show up with my 27 year old Alumacraft.  8^)


Directions: Take 495 to Rte. 119 in Littleton.  Go west on 119, take the first
            right onto Bear-Something Road (can't remember the whole name).
            About a mile down you'll see a small bridge with water on both
            sides of the road.  The launch is on the left side of the bridge.
            You can park on a side street which is about a hundred feet from
            the launch.

Rick W.

    RE: Rick S.
    
    Not sure about places other than Quinsig or Webster that still have
    water.  Both are a bit out of the way for you "northern" folks.
    
    Re. .90
    
    I thought I heard someone who lives on Lake Matta-whatever-it-is
    say that the water was getting low there.  Maybe just in his cove
    :-) ... I've been to his place once, never skied there.  He says
    it's a good lake to ski on, water notwithstanding of course... :-)
    
    Whichever body of water we choose (if any), just post the
    directions...my stuff will be in the car...
    
    					...Roger...

    
    
    Re: Rick W.
    
    	Thanks for the directions, I took a drive over this evening,
    and I shouldn't have a problem launching at the "rustic" ramp. Any
    idea how deep that channel is from the ramp to the lake??
    
    	The lake appeared to have plenty of H2O in it and looks like
    it might offer some protected skiing water. BTW: the name of the
    road off route 119 is "Beaver Brook road".
    
    Rick
    
    	If the weather is right............

    
				GUMBALL TODAY!!

            All systems are go.... 1:30-2:00 at the boat ramp. See 9.90
    for directions to Lake Mattawanakee in Littleton.

	Rick    

< Reply to Note 9.93 by ARCHER::SUTER "Water is meant to ski on!" >
                                   -< Sun? >-

    
    
    Re: Rick W.
    
    	Thanks for the directions, I took a drive over this evening,
    and I shouldn't have a problem launching at the "rustic" ramp. Any
    idea how deep that channel is from the ramp to the lake??
    
------------------------------------------------------------------------

I've put a canoe in there to go fishing and the water there didn't seem
to be too deep.  I have seen people put power boats in there doing the
summer.  I took my power boat over there once but I only have a six 
cylinder station wagon and I was afraid that If I put my boat in that
I wouldn't be able to pull it back out.  I'm still a novice when it comes
to using boat ramps so a more experienced boater might not have any 
problems as long as he has 4 wheel drive.  It is a nice place though.

							Rob.

    
    
    	Re: Rob... yes, a very nice lake with plenty of smooth
    water. The only ripples were the ones caused by the Nautique.
    
    	A little chilly, but who really cares we got to SKI!!
    Actually the water wasn't bad, but the air was downright
    frigid!
    
    	All of us wrapped up as well as possible (Magnus was
    borrowing anything that resembled a wetsuit) and hit the
    lake. One hell of a good size crew especially considering
    that it's late October! Crazies were:
    		Don "I'm all done for today" Wilson
    		Doug "break the handle" Whynot
    		Reg "Wahoo" username=firstname
    		Magnus "Can I fit into a 3rd wetsuit" Micro_a
    		Rick "what's this Scum?" Suter
    		Roger "I'm stayin dry" Gaudet
    		Rick "I'm stayin onshore" Wilson
	I still believe that we'll get another one in!!!
    
    Rick

    How 'bout next tues or wed? I'll bring some handles. :^)

    Gee I hope if you guys go next week that it isn't REALLY the last
    one.  I'll be in a course all next week and I doubt I'll get a chance
    to blast out early even for one day.  We'll see, though.
    
    RE: Doug.  I'm glad you said "handles" with an "s" ...  But just
    like Kjellander, no re-ride for you, though technically you were
    entitled to one...  :-)
    
    					...Roger...
    
    P.S.  The boat's all winterized and tucked away (that was this
    morning's chore since this weekend is supposed to be lousy).  Rick,
    I have your carb.  Thanks for the loan.

    What's the good word on this week?  I'm just looking for a day
    or two notice so I can drag my "INCORRECT CRAFT" into work and
    make arrangements to sneak out early.
    
    Rick W. 

    
    Hi Don.,
    
    	I don't know... Today actually sounds like the best 
    day all week from the weather reports last night. I know
    I could not make it today though. I heard rain the rest
    of the week...
    
    Rick

    Can't make it today, but the boat is sitting ready in the driveway.
    
    Bought some heavier gloves, boots, and a hood at the SCUBA shop, not
    that light water ski stuff, so not ready to give up yet.  Back
    continues to improve.  I want to snow ski before the last waterski
    this year!
    
    Perhaps on the weekend if my flying student does not show up.
    
    Don

    Don, you old diehard you!  Sounds like the plane is still running.
    When to we go?  I missed the last one :-( so I want a shot at it!
    
    I heard chilly (45-50 during the day) for the rest of the week but
    I didn't hear rain.  This class I'm taking has a lab in the afternoon,
    which translates to "pick a day and I'll make the lab a take-home"
    :-) ...
    
    					...Roger...
    
    who_will_be_skiing_this_time_even_if_I'm_sick_as_a_dog

    Next airplane skiing is at soonest next May...
    
    Those interested in skiing (behind the boat) on the weekend send 
    me your phone numbers, home and DTN, will alert you and redistribute
    the list to the diehard skiers.
    
    Don

    RE: -< Plane skiing is done for 1988 >-
    
    Boo hiss!  Well I guess I can survive.
    
    Hmm...snow skiing before the final water ski, eh?  A VERY interesting
    thought... :-)
    
    					...Roger...

    Well dudes!  You caught me napping again (actually I was in class
    all day yesterday).  I read the message about 2:00ish yesterday
    afternoon.  Did you guys go?  Like the topic title says, report!
    Did Magnus finally get a full wetsuit?
    
    It's supposed to be around 60 tomorrow!
    
    					...Roger...

    Well Roger, while you were writing note 9.104 (26-oct-1988 14:57)
    we were ON the water skiing. Don, Magnus and myself each skiied
    a few times, and Rick got there late (3:30ish) and skied a couple
    of times. Rick W. just spectated from his "Incorrect Craft" and
    wrinkled the pond.  :^)  We broke it up at about 4:15 because Don
    had to run...er...FLY to Vermont with a student pilot of his.
    
    Re Magnus: Two shorties do not a full wetsuit make! But, He didn't
    turn blue.
    
    Now Don knows the difference between a recreational rope and one
    that has AWSA approval. (there must have been 5 feet of stretch
    in that "rec" rope before we switched to mine.) You know that feeling
    of being catipulted past the boat as cut back in? I just didn't
    feel like going a$$ over tea-kettle, thank you.
    D.W.

    re .106
    
    Like the title...
    
    Boat is refueled ready to go again, AWSA rope still attached.
    Right - now I know the difference.  Will order new rope, to
    go with a pilon - maybe get a chance to use it this season.
    Perhaps the strechy rope was part of my problem with deep water
    slalom starts - the rope gets streched then the rate of pull
    goes way up.
    
    The 17" prop is going back on the boat tonight the 19" does
    not pull hard enough to suit me.
    
    We left at 4:15 because everyone said they had enough.  I hope no one
    felt pressured by my needing to leave.  Always time for one more run.
    As it turned out did not hook up with the student. 
    
    WX forecast for Friday says warm and windy becoming overcast - any
    interest? Send mail. There should be enough shelter at that lake.  Pack
    your stuff in your car, and see if we can make a decision by 11:00 to
    11:30.
    
    Don
    

    
    	I'd love to make it this afternoon, but I just won't be able
    to get away until at least closing time...
    
    Rick

    Likewise I'm sure...Could make it, but not til maybe 4:00??
    BTW, we start loosing afternoon daylight starting tis weekend. :^(
    D.W.
    

    Right, I got wrapped up as well and it would not have been a good
    day with the wind and the clouds, lets try for Tues or Wed.
    
    Don                                                        

    Sounds good.  I'll put the stuff in the car tonight.
    
    					...Roger...

    Just heard the weather forecast...
    
    	Tue. : getting cloudy w/ rain developing in the afternoon,
    		 near 50�.
    	Wed. : cloudy, 45�-50�.
    
    					...Roger...

    Based on the WX and my schedule, looks like next week is the earliest
    I can make it again, unless the weather is just outstanding on 
    Thursday.
    
    The 17" prop is back on, and a pylon should be on the way from
    Ski Limited, along with an AWSA rope.
    
    Don
    
    

    Y-NOT this week? The weather looking up for thurs & fri. (partly
    sunny, 50-55) Can anyone make it?  Besides, I'll be out of town
    next week.
    Doug.

    Friday's the only day I can make it.  I'll be in a seminar tomorrow.
    
    					...Roger...

    How about Thurs at 2:00?  Last I heard was diminishing winds,
    sunny and temp abt 55F.  If we use my boat, I would like help at
    the ramp at 1:30.
    
    Need at least four to sign up.  I am sure Magnus will go.  Who else?
    
    I cannot make it Friday.
    
    Don

    Count Me In...Anyone else?
    Doug.
    

    I guess Don is right.....I'll try to be there 1:30 and if I don't
    feel worse than today I'll ski. PLEASE bring wetsuits....I think
    I could use six or seven shorties :-)
    
    Magnus
    

    
    	I'm pretty sure I can make it.... Is 2:00 ok? Can't bring the
    boat it's hibernating....
    
    Rick

    You guys did it to me again!  I was stuck in a seminar in Marlboro
    all day yesterday.  And I even put my stuff in the car in case we
    went today!  Oh well, c'est la vie.  So how was it?
    
    Still waiting for that final ski...
    
    					...Roger...

    re .121
    
    It was a good day, a little windy at first, found shelter around
    the shoreline.  The crew is getting smaller - Rick, Doug, Magnus
    and myself.
    
    Magnus drove, still suffering from a cold.  Left the canvas on the boat
    for a little more warmth, brought a back pack tent heater to help warm
    the feet and hands between runs.  Best runs I have had since I hurt my
    back in July.
    
    Rick didn't leave enough slack for a standing beach start, and had
    us all shivering in sympathy when he missed the start.
    
    UPS man delivered the pylon from Ski Limited, I installed it yesterday.
    All set to go again and try out my new Connelly Wake Special -
    it is about twice as wide at the tail, and 3/4" wider at the mid
    point than my Obrien World Team.  Should give me a little more area
    for a deep start which I have never mastered on the Obrien.
    
    Tuesday and Thursday are the only days I can make it this week.
    
    Don

    
    	The water was 48 degrees F at the Littleton location yesterday,
    air about 58 F.  Two bass boats were also out and two or three wind
    surfers.  It was NOT a good idea to stay IN the water for long periods
    of time, I forgot the life vest first time and didn't have enough
    bouyancy to get the skis on without getting my head very wet and
    COLD !  I made three runs, we got stuck on the dark brown muck coming
    in, I had to wade in to push us out because the ski/paddle was just
    sinking in the bottom.  We went out again to clean up the boat and
    ME, we made it back fairly clean.  Remember, stay hard RIGHT for
    the first half, then cross and stay hard LEFT, coming or going,
    assuming you're going or coming forwards [forget the port & starboard
    stuff:-^)]
    
    	Reg
    

Re: .122
    
    Rick, what kind of boat were you guys using?  I ask because
    I've started doing my beach starts with ZERO slack.  Works 
    just fine with the Master Craft, and the elevation here is
    over 4000'.  With a Comp. boat at sea level?, no problem.
    I can't believe you missed one, how embarrassing!  No sympathy
    from me though, if you miss in 48 degree water, you deserve
    a cold wet slap in the face!  8-)
    
    Rob
    

    
    	Rob,
    
    		This is behind a Glastron 90hp OB, the Nautique
    is put away for the winter.
    
    Rick

    
    	Ahhhh, I can't do a beach start  YET,  but in defense of anyone
    who misses it at the Littleton place just let me say that there's
    a couple of shallow ridges just a little way out, it kinda goes
    from knee deep to calf deep as you go out, you CAN trip on 'em.
    I have to admit that if I COULD do a beach start (say 2 out of 5
    times)  I'd be a lot more willing to keep going a lot later in the
    season.
    
    	Reg
    

    
    Yeah, but still Rick!   You missed!  :>)
    
    Actually, I would think if you're used to deep-water starts with
    both feet in, the step-in drag technique could easily be missed.
    
    I don't mean to brag,.....but Roger does, so I will too (I know
    he's not around) :>)  ...I'm able to do a beach start with no slack
    behind a 35 Merc.  But you put me behind a Nautique or Mastercraft
    and I get pulled right onto my face sometimes!  Its all what you're
    used to I guess.
    
    

    Thats right blame it on the boat.
    
    I think Reg has the idea, musta been the underwater ridges,
    or perhaps one of the Jack brothers.
    
    WX is looking good for Tues - any takers...
    
    Don
    

    re .128	Bah, I gotta suit on today - <secret>  and no gear in
    the car, had to wash the wet suit after all that slime on sunday.
    
    	Reg
    
    	{Methinks people Jeanne's size could probably do a beach start
    		behind a row boat with no slack}
    

    
    Maybe Reg....(on tricks anyways), but have you seen this months'
    water-ski mag.?  There's a picture of Ron Scarpa trick slalomning
    behind a horse!  What a great idea!
    
    I suggest you'all try that at your next gumball.
    
    jd/
    

    Me brag?  P-shah!  I just tell it like it is!  :-)
    
    As for the gumball, the stuff's in the car.  I just got my "Polar
    Paws" (cold water gloves) from Overton's so I'm ready!  Looks like
    today is scheduled to be the better day of the week.
    
    Are we on?
    
    					...Roger...

    
    	Here you go guys.... "I've fallen before!!!!!"
    
    	Thought I'd give everyone something to talk  about... :-)
    
    
    	As for the gumball... it's unlikely that I can make it today.
    It's a damn shame cause it's supposed to be sunny and warm. Don't
    be shocked if you see a white Jeep pull up around quiting time though..
    
    Rick

    
    Re: .130 "Trick horses"
    
    You guys missed this one cause you're in a different region, but
    in the AWSA South Central Region tournament guide there's a pic-
    ture of a guy on a single trick being pulled by 6 or 8 other guys
    running down the beach.
    
    We were gonna try that in the pool at the bosses party this summer
    but I forgot to bring my tricks.  Oh well, next summer.
    
    Rob
    

    WX is forecast to be sunny and in the mid 50s for Tues, any
    interest?
    
    Flew over the lake on Saturday with a flying student - the 
    Mastercraft was sitting there with cover off, must have been between
    runs.
    
    Don
    

    
    	I'll have to try real hard to get out this week, delivery
    date is friday~!~~
    
    Rick

    Count me in! I'm back from 'Vegas and went to, but didn't ski Lake
    Mead.
    Doug.
    

    Yup, I'm in.  I heard that we're in for a "touch" of Indian summer
    for the early part of the week (it's about 60 as I write this).
    They're saying 60 tomorrow and even a tad warmer on Wed.  Excellent!
    
    					...Roger...
    
    who's_just_cleaned_all_the_sand_out_of_the_wetsuit!

    Hey guys, how come this note got quiet all of a sudden? 
    Did the water freeze or somethin'?
    
    Rob
    

    Rob,
      We've been every week since the beginning of October, but Turkey
    Day is causing a conflict this week.  :^)  In reality, Don's goal
    was to go snow skiing and then waterski one more time. I have no
    idea when that will be...All of our correspondance lately has been
    through Don's Diehard.dis list.
    Doug.
    BTW: Last week, in the same day, I H2O skiied and played hockey
    (on an OUTDOOR rink!)
    

        Didn't quit yet.
                                                                           
    Last outing was election day. 8-Nov  Sunny day with temps 
    in the low 50s - water temp in the 40s.
    
    Good session - four skiers plus a driver showed up.  People
    being a little more cautious, not wanting to take a spill.
    But after getting warmed up - so to speak! There was some
    aggressive skiing.
    
    Burned the most gas of any of the outings with my boat.
    
    Magnus drove, and gave all a good fast ride.  He also showed
    pictures of the previous outing.  He is using one to make Christmas
    cards - a photo of Magnus wearing a Santa Claus hat carving a turn.
    
    Only mishap was bending my previously unscratched prop.  Must have
    hit something floating.  Just one blade bent.                      
    
    Some procedures a little different - like leaving the top on the
    boat with the side curtains in place.  A little warmer for the boat
    crew.  Getting a cup of warm water from the back of the motor after
    a drop off to pour into the skiers wetsuit boots.  Using a butane
    tent heater during a couple of breaks in the action.
    
    I am convinced if you are going to extend the season where a shorty
    suit is not good enough, get a SCUBA suit with boots hood and
    thin SCUBA gloves.  The thin SCUBA gloves are much warmer than the
    gloves sold for waterskiing.  A little harder on the forearm muscles
    at first, but after the first outing I got used to them.  The boots
    are used between runs, and when filled with warm water, help get
    the feeling back in the feet.
    
    I had my downhill skis in the car last Friday night ready to go
    to Sugarloaf Saturday - it was a gray day so I scratched the trip.
    Heading down to the Bahamas next week, so getting in the snow skiing
    followed by a final water ski will have to the week of Dec 5 or 12.
    
    I have an unfair advantage of wearing a SCUBA suit, and only the
    feet get cold.  I don't know if the others will be up for a December
    ski, but hopefully we can get together at least a boat crew.  Perhaps
    we can get a deal renting the other guys suits from a dive shop
    - probably don't have much demand for them on a midweek day in December.
    
       
    Don

>>  Last outing was election day. 8-Nov  Sunny day with temps 
>>  in the low 50s - water temp in the 40s.
    
    Wrongo, mon ami!  Last outing was 15-Nov.  We did go on 8-Nov also,
    but I wrote in the 15th on my calendar (I'm keeping track so I 
    remember when the last one of 1988 happened).
    
    Yeah, it's getting nippy.  It took my feet the distance from the
    lake all the way to Worcester to get all the feeling back (that's
    about 40 minutes of driving with the heat on full blast)!  I gotta
    admit that I skied better that day than any day this summer.
    
    As for cold water gear, I'm seriously thinking of checking out the
    scuba stuff.  After trying Don's gloves I'm convinced that even
    the "cold water" water ski stuff just doesn't cut it.  I don't think
    I'll need the full hood though (I say this but I haven't fallen
    yet...he he he)...
    
    Well, Don is (or will be) sunning his buns, so we'll have to get
    pumped up for the Dec. ski.  Definitely MY longest season yet!
    
    Happy Turkey Day!
    
    					...Roger...

    re .141
    
    Thanks for the correction, us old people get forgetful.
    Knew we missed a week, but forgot it was this week.  Too
    much getting ready for the holidays and vacation.
    
    Just heard I may not be going to the Bahamas next week due to
    the wife's schedule.  If that is the case, will try to get to 
    Sugarloaf this weekend, then look for a mild day for more
    water action.  If you don't hear from me the first of the
    week, I have gone...
    
    Ok, I will loan my hood and gloves to the skier and my boots
    when I am skiing.  I didn't wear the hood on the Nov 8 outing,
    and had a headache for several days.  Of course I am the only one
    doing deep water starts, but if you fall down, you are going to
    find out why divers wear hoods in cold water...  If you want some
    practice take a pitcher of ice water let the temperture stabilize
    and have someone pour it over your head and back of the neck.
    Next time I will even tuck the hood inside the jacket.
                                                     
    My feet were warm by the time I got to Littleton Center.  SCUBA
    boots are a _must_ for between runs.  Wish I could get bindings
    big enough to wear them while skiing.  I have a hard enough time
    getting bindings big enough for my feet.  My new Connelly is just
    barely big enough for my bare feet - they really blew it - I will
    relocate the heel piece.
    
    I bought my hood, gloves, and boots in early October in anticipation
    of colder water.  Bought them at a dive shop over in West Concord.
    The owner tried to talk me out of the SCUBA grade stuff in favor
    of windsurf/waterski/whitewater grade as they are thinner and have
    less restriction on freedom of movement.  Being cold restricts 
    movement a lot more than thicker foam neoprene!  
    
    Aside from our difference of opinion, the owner was very helpful with
    letting me try on several styles and sizes.  A decent place to do
    business, he is a retired businessman (early) and doesn't need your
    sale for his next meal. 
    
    Fun towing the boat in rush hour traffic.
    
    Don
    
    

    Time to look for a mild day - skied Sugarloaf Saturday.
    Needless to say did not go to the Bahamas - oh well another
    time.
    
    The lakes around the Norway Maine area are starting to freeze.
    North Pond, a shallow pond had a thin cover of ice, and the larger
    lakes are starting to ice over the shallow sheltered areas.
    
    Seemed strange landing the amphib on the lake to check on the 
    camp with snow skis in the back.
    
    One more outing waterskiing before calling it a season.
    
    Don

    
       Well, I give you guys a lot of credit for skiing so late into
    the season.  My last day of skiing was October 1st :>( .   Luckily,
    there's more to life than skiing (like what Jeanne!)... otherwise,
    I'd be severely depressed.
    
      How can you people put yourself into the water!  It looks incredibly
    cold and uninviting this time of the year...in fact, it looks downright
    dangerous! :>)  Well, I guess thats' what separates the men from
    the boys/girls...
    
      Keep skiing you diehards!
    
    Jeanne
    

    RE: Don
    
    Ready to do it once more, although it sure would be nice to catch
    a day like this past weekend...in the 60's.  But I fear those days
    may be gone for a while.  We'll keep an eye on the forecast.
    
    RE: Jeanne
    
    Looks can be deceiving (but not in this case).  The water looks
    c-c-c-c-old and it IS c-c-c-c-old!  But as Don described earlier
    we've been doing some interesting antics to keep warm, like warm
    water in the boots and sharing various wetsuit parts.  All in all
    I haven't had any permanent damage and I don't think there have
    been any close calls.  We're pretty consciencious (though some might
    say "unconscious"). :-)  Anyway, I think I'll be more ready for
    the 1989 season because of these late-1988 runs.  I'm just darn
    thankful we're able to get together and ski this late.
    
    Was that steam I saw lifting off Quinsiggy this morning?  May have
    been fog on my windshield... :-)  Wishful thinking...
    
    					...Roger...

    Went to WaterSkisPlus yesterday and am now the proud owner of a
    Connelly Shortline2 Wingtail Graphite with Adjustable plate bindings.
    I got their demo ski for $ 175. It has just about enough scratches
    to get through customs in Sweden without paying any tax.
    
    Ed & April in the shop were very nice and helpful and I highly
    recommend the place if anyone is considering doing business with
    them.
    
    Mother Nature, Please give us a warm day so we can have our final
    (or our first?) december gumball.
    
    Magnus
    
    

    
    Keep your things in the car next week.  Sunny and calm, and we
    will do it.  Temp in the high 40s is all I think we can hope for.
    
    Where are you going to get a full wet suit Magnus?  Or are you going
    to brave it with as many shorties you can borrow and put on.
    Congrats on getting the Connelly, if the scratches my World Team
    got in Littleton are any indication, you should have no problem
    getting through customs after another ski session.
    
    BTW, the forecast for Saturday indicated might be good.  If there
    is any interest for a Saturday afternoon run send me your home
    phone so I can coordinate.
                              
    Don
    

    re: .-2
    
    Congrats, Magnus.  Maybe we should take more pictures of you with
    the Santa hat carving some real turns on your new ski!  :-)
    
    re: gumball 
    
    Will keep an eye on the weather next week.  Saturday is no good
    for me...I'll be playing mechanic on the wife's car.  Boo hiss!
    
    One more shot of Indian summer, please!
    
    					...Roger...

    Looking ahead, after we get the next session behind us, I suspect
    we will put the waterski stuff away and wait for ice out in 
    mid April.  About four months away.
    
    Anybody have any interest in a three or four day February ski 
    weekend in Florida?
    
    I suspect I may be able to come up with a four or five place plane
    to do a round trip to Winterhaven.  Would probably run about $1000
    to $1200 for the plane and fuel, split by however many seats.  A
    couple of bucks more than a cheap big tin bird ticket, but gives the
    flexibility of canceling if the weather is bad.  Or having to extend
    the stay if the WX is bad back here :-)
    
    Don  
    
    

    RE: .149
    
    It snowed last night!  There was at least a dusting on the side
    of the roads from Worcester to Maynard.  And we still want to ski
    one more time?  We're not well connected people.  So when do we
    go?  It's looking mighty nippy this week, only in the upper 30's
    today and tomorrow.  Supposed to get a bit warmer as the week
    progresses.
    
    Hmm.  Ski weekend in February, eh?  Sounds like a nifty idea.  I
    think you can count me in on that.  The Gumball Crew goes mobile!
    
    					...Roger...

    
    Looks as if you guys may be doing your skiing behind a snowmobile.
    We got about 1" of snow in Milford NH last night, and most of the
    ponds I passed this morning had a combination of ice-snow-slush
    on them.
    
    On Saturday I took my boat out for the last time to show it to
    a potential buyer.  We had to avoid a large ice patch at one end
    of the lake, so I know the water was cold!  I found out for sure
    when one foot slipped off the trailer while retrieving the boat.
    BRRRRR!  I could do this same balancing act with about 6 beers in
    me all summer with no problem.  Anyway, he bought the boat so I'm
    all done for this year until the new boat comes in next spring.
                           
    Rick W.

    
    Should have done it last Saturday.
    
    I don't mind the cold (too much), but I don't know how to deal
    with the ice.  Based on a noontime inspection of Flint's Pond,
    it looks like it's over.  About 25% ice covered.  I suspect the
    lake in Littleton and especially the launch area is about the same
    or worse.
    
    With temps going into the teens tonight, any chance of an Indian
    Summer thaw looks bleak.
    
    So unless somebody can come up with a plan where the ice is not
    a problem, I will put the boat away for the season.
    
    Now who's going to sign up for a southern trip.  I can handle the
    transportation part, but we need the water and and accommodations
    planned.
    
    Don
    
       

    
    	Re: Icy waters.... I'll check the river tonite or in the
    morning....
    
    	On the southern trip.... At this point getting the time
    off might be a problem, but hopefully it wouldn't be around
    Feb...
    
    Rick

    
    I checked with my friends at the seaplane base on the river in 
    Methuen.  They say it is ice free and we can use their ramp for 
    launching.
    
    I think it is tomorrow or nothing.  Who is ready?
                                        
    Don                   

    
    
    	It's supposed to be in the 50s Wednesday!!

    
    Today just does not seem to be the one, schedule conflicts and
    lack of sun.  Does not look like we could muster critical mass.
    
    Pack your stuff for a possible Wednesday session.
    
    

    The "stuff" is already packed... Wednesday afternoon looks good for me.
    Doug.
    (Are we NUTS or what??...Probably!)

    Great! Count me in. Roger are you coming and bringing your extra
    stuff? Where are we skiing (seriously, I've seen ice) ?
    
    Magnus
    
    
    
    

    
    Location - If we get a little warming and wind, the place in 
    Littleton might be OK, that would be my preference, as we know
    the routine.  What the heck we can probably break a little
    ice to get out of the launch area.
    
    If we are iced out in Littleton, then it will be on the Merrimack
    river where Rt 93 crosses.  Will figure it out in the morning.
    
    This IS the final ski date scheduled for the diehards, no
    postponements, no rain date, no snow date, only do it or cancell
    it.
    
    Bring cameras, you don't see much waterskiing on 7-DEC in 
    Massachusetts.
    
    Don

    
    It is the Merrimack, I checked the pond in Littleton on the way
    home last night, I couldnt break the ice in the launch area
    by dropping a 15 lb rock on it, and the main part of the pond had
    about 75% ice cover.  As warm as today will be, will not be enough.
    
    

    
    How 'bout a report?  Did you guys go yesterday?  If so you
    probably made the paper today, either a human interest 
    picture on the front page, or the court cases for protective
    custody.     ;^)    ;^)

    
    Rick W.
    

        It IS OVER... for 1988 for the diehard waterskiers of Massachusetts.

        It was a great finale, perhaps one of the best of the post normal
        mentality waterski season.

        A ski crew of four attended, Doug, Rick, Magnus and
        myself.
        
        I met my friends at the Seaplane base, and they told me
        where to find the key was for the ramp.
        
        Just after I arrived, Doug showed up to help.
        
        After suiting up, we launched the boat.  The ramp is next
        to the island, and we had to decide which way to get on to the
        main channel.  No decision, the route to the south was blocked
        with ice.
        
        Then we discovered the problem with the Merrimack being lowered
        three feet. 
        
        Doug and I had to get out of the boat and pull it over
        the sand bar - a hundred yard walk - remember the 7th of
        December.  Just made it, if the water was 2 or 3 inches lower,
        we would have been stuck.

        We skied from the Seaplane base, there were a few spectators,
        with words of disbelief, and some questions about our sanity.
        
        The air temp was one of the warmest for us since early October
        with mid to high 50s, the water temp was the coldest.  I forgot
        my fishing thermometer, but it had to be in the mid 30's.
        
        The first round of skiing was largely uneventful until Magnus
        didn't make the dock start with his new ski.  Fortunately
        he had rented a SCUBA suit, unfortunately it was baggy on him,
        and he didn't have a hood.  He looked like he had been shock
        cooled for certain.  Rick and John Wolley (owner of the seaplane
        base ) thought they were going to have to haul a frozen stiff
        out of the water.  But Magnus scrambled back to the dock and 
        climbed out.  The next one was successful, but Magnus didn't
        couldn't get his rear foot in the ski, and didn't loosen up
        on that run.  The next runs Magnus played it safe with a drop
        off ski, and started loosening up and carving some good turns.
        
        On the second round Rick hauled out a knee board.  I figured
        that he figured that he could do that with wet suit boots, 
        and do a dock start.  This was the first kneeboard action since
        we started using my boat after all the inboards were put away for
        the winter.  Rick loosened up was doing a great job with 15' off.
        Wake jumps and 360s, backwards, then he dumped it!  Quickly
        went back for him.  He was trying to get as much of his body out
        of the water by climbing up on the board.  Back in the boat,
        back to the dock.
        
        On my second round, I wasn't paying attention as the boat was
        doing a tight 180 to head back up river, and got waaaayyyyyyy
        out there hanging on for dear life, as Rick was laughing waiting
        for me to dump, but I squeaked by and recovery.
        
        On the third and final round Rick did the board again, got real
        fancy again, and dumped it again.  This time when we went back
        for him, he wanted the rope to do it some more - getting use
        to sitting in the ice water.  When we got back to the dock he
        signaled for another run, so back down the river we went.
        
        I took up the rear with my third run, and the last of the day
        with two passes up and down the river.  By the time I got back
        my feet were numb stumps, had to sit in Rick's car for a couple
        of minutes, but then figured I shouldn't let the feeling come
        all the way back as we still had to pull the boat back across
        the sandbar to get it on the trailer.

        During one of the breaks Rick and Doug asked John, "When does the
        river freeze?"  When John said,"Some years it doesn't, but usually
        some time in January."  I interjected with, "NO WAY GUYS, THIS
        IS IT, THE END"
        
        All in all it was a great end for the season.
        
        
        
        Don
    

    
    
    		Ittttt Waaaaassssss a Grrrreat d-d-d-d-dayyyyyyyy.....
    
    	I started to shiver just reading Don's reply! Whew that water
    was cold!!!
    
    	Seriously... we couldn't have asked for a nicer Pearl Harbor
    Day....
    
    Rick

    	You guy's are crazy...by the way, is there anyone up for planning
    a ski trip to sunny florida sometime in the next few months. It would be a
    blast to get a group of us together and catch a little year-round
    skiing - ie. "Endless Summer" style.
    
  	Water Skiing in New England, a few weeks before Christmas....that's 
    what I call a loooooooog season.
    
    								-mike-  	

    Yes, I'll admit it was cccold but well worth it. This season has
    been the longest ever, and we'll have to get a jump on it early
    next year. (Is March too soon?)
    Re; Mike: I'm the first to admit that I'm crazy, to some extent,
    it just takes someone like Don to get me to let loose.  :^)
    A few firsts for me:
      -Skied a grand total of 133 times. (yes, I've kept count.)
      -Skied the length of Plum Island. (about 12 mi I think.)
      -Skied behind an amphibious airplane. (Thanks Don!)
      -Skied on the Merrimack river, under the rt 93 bridge, IN DECEMBER.
    I'll have to think about it and try and top these next year.
    'Til Later,
    Doug.

    Yes March is too soon.  Expect ice out in early April.
    I will not take my boat north until mid May.
    
    You folks might consider getting some warmer gear.
    
    I may have to take up knee boarding so I don't have to take
    the boots off.  My feet were the part that got cold - ran the
    heater full blast all the way home.  Built a fire in the wood
    stove - sipped some antifreeze, wife says, "Why do you have a 
    fire going on such a mild night?"  We know why!
    
    I was accused of being crazy last night at a Christmas party by
    a guy who is an avid hunter - in late November he was hunting
    in Wisconsin - he shoots a deer, the deer goes out in the marsh
    a couple of hundred yards and dies in a few feet of water.
    The hunter goes out in a canoe, air temp 25 F, thin coat of ice
    on the water - capsizes the canoe trying to get the deer in it.
    We don't even know how cold that was! - now you tell me who is crazy.
                              
    Don

 
    
    
                                  :-)

    Well, you guys did it to us again this year.  You got out before
    us this spring because of my broken arm.  We figured we'd get the
    last one by going on Thanksgiving, but no, you guys couldn't stand
    for that.  Well at least we didn't have to put up with what you
    guys do.  The water was 60 and the air temp. was in the mid 60's,
    a very nice day!  No frozen toes or noses.  And we had footin'
    water for a couple of hours.  I had a few nice long passes, finally
    got back to doing one footers.  Then we did a little of everything
    else, got thrashed trying some more of those kneeboard flips.  Then
    back to Mom's for dinner and call it a day.  Mom lives at the lake
    see, and if your gonna drive down there, might as well take the
    boat right?              
    
    So once again I'm ashamed, living out here where it's warm and 
    letting you guys ski later than me!  Well maybe next we'll get
    out before you.  
    
    Wait a minute, the water doesn't freeze here.  Chuck, hand me that
    Overton,s catalog.  We're gonna get us some booties and cold water
    gloves and outlast those eastern boys yet.  We still got three
    weekends left before this year is over. 8-)
    
    Of course you guys are invited.  If you can get yourself out here
    we can have a tie.
    
    Rob
    

    
    Giving up when the water temp is still 60!
    
    Heck it had cooled down to that when I got started again in October,
    after nursing a back problem most of the summer.
    
    We did do the last sanely possible day here.  Really freezing up solid
    now.
    
    It was 14F yesterday as I was attempting to get the boat ready for the
    long chill.  The steering had frozen solid, motor cover did not want to
    come off.   A few hours in the heated garage, and we had it lubed and
    ready to fog, dragged it back outside, and it would not start - I don't
    think the Merc likes to started with temps in the teens.  Tonight it is
    supposed to go below 0, so hopefully will get it cleaned and covered
    and in the back yard so the car can sit inside.
    
    Got Magnus' Christmas card today.  Has a picture of Magnus waterskiing
    wearing a Santa Clause hat.  Picture was taken Nov 8 as I recall.
    Nice job.
    
    I sent the two rolls of film I took 7-DEC off to Kodak.  Sometime
    in January we will have to get together and sit by a wood stove
    to review the seasons action and look forward to ice out.
    
    Perhaps I will have to get another fast plane to take advantage
    of the long distance invites.
    
    Don
    

    I know we're done for this season, but I just have to plug once
    more for Lake Quinsigamond.  Driving by this morning it looks like
    most of it is still water, only ice at the northern edge and well
    before the first bridge.  It looked awesome on Monday morning when
    the temp was around 0F ... the lake was a huge tub of steam, the
    last remnants of heat trapped in the water.
    
    And today I received my booties from Overton's!  Blah!
    
    Hey Don, good idea about getting a "fast" plane for some long distance
    invites.  I'm willing to become a frequent flyer on DHW Airlines!
    :-)  Hello Albequerque!  And Rob said that with enough warning he
    might be able to join us on our potential mid-winter Florida weekend.
    I'd love to see that materialize!
    
    					...Roger...

        Our talking about a trip to Florida for some skiing reminds
        me of the story where two men are out fishing, and one
        takes a handgrenade out of his fishing box, and pulls the
        pin.  The other exclaims "WHAT ARE YOU DOING!"
        "I am going to do some fishing.", says the grenade holder.
        "You can't do that!"
        The grenade holder then releases the safety and passes it to 
        the other fisherman and says, "YOU GONNA FISH OR ARE YOU GONNA
        TALK?"
        
        Well are you guys going to talk about skiing in Feb, or are
        you going to ski in Feb?
        
        If we are going to do it, we need to start making arrangements
        after the holidays.  
        
        So to drive a stake in the ground - who wants to leave Thursday
        night Feb 16, and return Monday Feb 20.  
        
        Anybody want to tow their boat round trip?  Anybody want to tow
        someone else's boat round trip?  Anybody want to drive someone
        else's vehicle and boat round trip?  My Jeep and/or boat are
        available, but I am flying.

        Of course the sane thing to do is to make arrangements for a
        boat, but in case anybody was so inclined I thought I would 
        ask the question.  If somebody were to drive, it would be easier
        to find a plane for say up to four.  Also would provide
        transportation while we are there.  Drivers gets free round trip
        to Florida.
        
        BTW - got the 7-DEC pictures back.  Some good shots - looking
        at them on Sat night, it looked colder than I remembered it
        being.
    
        Don

    OK Don, let's do it.  The dates you mentioned look OK for me.  I'm
    not exactly sure I understand all the stuff you were saying about
    driving/towing/"Drivers get free round trip to Florida" etc.  I
    understand that having one of our boats and vehicles would make
    things easier but it's quite a long drive for just a couple of days.
    
    I will start looking into obtaining some of the info we will need.
    I am in the process of drafting a letter to AWSA to solicit their
    ideas on where to go (i.e. what lake), boat rental, accomodations,
    etc.  I gotta believe that they'd be able to help some poor distressed
    northerns who can't wait for iceout!  I'll post the results when
    I hear from them.
    
    					...Roger...

    Isn't the 16th-20th around school vacation week? Accommodations
    could be tight. If my truck was in better shape, I'd almost be willing
    to tow my boat down. (I've almost got the wife convinced)  It's
    only about 1200 miles... all downhill. In the meantime, I'll als
    check some sources:
      A summertime ski buddy who went to school in Fla to major in Water
    skiing.
      My cousin has a condo down there with a 26' Scorpion. (not exactly
    a skiboat, but good for Booze-Cruizes and *quick* sightseeing)
      Various other relatives who live there year round.
    
    Doug.
    I think Santa has been talking to my wife ;^)

    
    
    	Well it looks like I get to volunteer for the driving
    position. Here is the scoop... My girlfriend and her 13 year
    old son are itching to try out their new Kidders. Are females
    and teenagers allowed? If so I figure the best (read cheapest)
    way for me to go is to drive. 
    
    	As for boats... Doug, can we take the MS? I promise to take
    good care of it! And vehicles... it looks like Don's Cherokee or
    my Comanche. Neither vehicle would carry seven easily although
    I could do some work to the back of mine in the form of heat and
    seats if need be. Don is your Jeep hitch setup for a skiboat?
    (Which way do those damn trailer hitch classes go?)
    
    	The other oustanding issue would be that we need
    at least one more for the plane don't we? 
    
    	Hey MIKEY~~~!!!!! How about it......?
    
    
    Rick

        My Jeep has a 2000 lb/ 200 lb rating - I have pulled at least
        a 4000 lb tandem U-haul with it.  It will take a ski boat, just
        takes a while to get it going.  Three on board with baggage
        sounds like a reasonable load.  Just don't be tailgating.
        It is up to you guys if you want to use it.
     
        Have both a 1 7/8, and 2 inch balls.  Also a spare trailer wiring
        connector.
        
        RE the plane, I don't know which one to take, as I don't yet have
        a people count.  My wife thinks she might want to go.  (All I
        have to do is say sunshine.)  With baggage going on the ground,
        I have room for 4 in the amphib.  Hey Doug you wanna bend that 
        C-clamp straight...
        
        I will check other aviation alternatives, bug smasher and big tin
        bird prices.
        
        Is everybody happy with the date?  Feb 16 to Feb 20?
        
        Don
     
    
    

    I think that with the sign-up sheet filling up the way it is
    you guys are gonna need two boats. 
    
    If I got the bucks any date is fine with me, you'll have to
    add two more names to the list though, cuz I bet I won't be
    able to get out of town without my buddy Chuck.
    
    Rob
    

    
    We got two, the other one is 38 ft wide.
    
    Don

    OK folks, I'm concerned about something here.  This started out as a
    weekend gumball with the noting crew but it seems to be turning into
    a mid-winter family vacation.  This is OK, but are we still trying to
    do a quick and cheap ski weekend?  I mean are we gonna try to rent a
    house/condo for a weekend, drop a few sleeping bags on the beds/floor
    and ski (not on the beds/floor :-))?  I agree with Rob that if there
    are too many people we may need another boat.  Am I totally off base?
    Am I concerned for nothing?
    
    BTW I haven't heard back from AWSA yet.  I did check another possibility
    over the weekend.  Should know later this week.
    
    					...Roger...

    Re: All:
    Let's assess the situation... With so many people going (or wanting
    to go) it seems to make sense to get a package deal at a ski-school.
    There are plenty of them down there and they are willing to deal.
    I have the ski-school directory that was published in WSki Mag in
    April 1985 that I have copied and will send out today to Don W,
    Rick S, Roger G, and Rob C. (anyone else?) Yes I realize it is slighly
    out of date, but it will give us an idea of ammenities, accomodations,
    facilities, equipment, etc, etc. The list is too extensive to post
    here. If one can be agreed upon, then we can all rendezvous at the
    specified time/place via whatever mode of travel.
    As much as I would LOVE to fly down on DHW Airlines, time and cost
    factors for me might be prohibitive. (I may have to go the hour
    and-a-half route on Spam-Can airlines (for $199 R.T.) with my equipment
    checked as baggage.)  BTW, most ski-schools offer free pick-up service.
    As far as driving/pulling a boat down, for the amount of fuel used,
    the time involved, (4 days R.T. for travel) and then finding
    accommodations with boat ramp, docks, etc... It will be cheaper
    going the above ^ route.    Comments??
    Doug.

    
    I like Doug's idea.
    
    The only problem I see is that if we see some bad wx heading for
    Florida we are still committed, but for those that skied into 
    December, how bad can Florida get?  I should not have said that.
    
    Of course it solves the problem if someone gets sick and can't drive
    the towcar or the plane.
    
    Is it really only $199 RT?  I figure the round trip gas in my amphib
    at $400, plus 8 or 10 hrs each way.  Having to rent is a whole
    different story though - probably double.
    
    Towing a boat round trip is abt $225 for gas plus tolls.  Of course 7
    people @ $199 = $1393 
    
    Lets look at the alternatives, and decide by 6-Jan.
    
    Don                                      

    
    	Please count me in for .....uhhhhhh,  "consideration",  that
    just means I wanna know what its likely to cost before I commit.
     I'd offer to drive/tow with the 'burb (lotsa SPACE) but don't know
    that I'd be fit for skiing after that kind of a trip....  ???  ...
    ???   or how I'd feel about driving back after an INTENSE mini ski
    vacation ???  Packaged deal with accom, trans & ki school sounds
    good to me
    
    	Reg
    

    
    
    	The most popular idea seems to be "finding it all in Fla"
    so I have a call into Petersons to investigate the possibility
    of a weekend deal. I'm going to try and get a price on one
    extreme and the other.
    
    	#1 Will you let us use/rent your lake?
    
    	#2 Rent lake, boat and apartment.

	#3 Rent lake, boat, apartment and receive instruction.
    
    

    I just found out from a travel agent that starting the 18th of February
    is school vacation week. Flights are nearly booked and any available
    seats are going for full price. Not to mention accommodations being
    tight and ski-schools being booked. I think we should shoot for
    the first week of March; Give us more *planning* time as well.
    The travel agent also told me that our best deal on air travel would
    be by leaving Logan on a thursday A.M. and departing Fla monday
    P.M. She said the Super Deals expired Dec 15th and best price using
    the above scenario would be $280 RT. (I think we could do better
    if we shop around)  In the meantime I sent a letter to the ski-buddy
    of mine in Fla (He doesn't have a phone yet) to see what he can
    come up with. He'll call me as soon as he gets the letter and I
    can give him any additional info/requests, etc.
    But, if $280 RT turns out to be best price, maybe DHW airlines won't
    be so far fetched.
    I'll continue to call around...
    Doug.

    Don, are you saying the TOTAL expense is $400, i.e. $100 per person for
    those that ride in the plane?  It makes sense to me that we should all
    kick in some amount of money and cover the expenses of someone driving
    down, so it's really ($100 + X) where X is each person's portion of the
    driver's expenses.  I take it the amphib does not have too much (read
    ANY) room for luggage/skis/etc. so that's why you said that the plane
    can handle 4 people, right?
    
    I just got Doug's list of ski schools.  Boy there are a lot of them. 
    Are there any lakes left for recreational stuff?  Everybody's got a
    private or semi-private lake (sometimes 2 or 3) that they use for their
    school.  Although the ski school may be the easiest way to go as far as
    accommodations/boats are concerned, I don't think I really care if I
    get "instruction" or not.  Now I'm not saying that I don't need
    instruction (God knows I do!) but will it be worth the additional
    expense?  I'm not sure.  We'll have to wait and see what kind of deal
    (if any) we can strike with the school(s).
    
    Hey Rick, you really wanna drive?  Come on dude, then bring the
    Nautique and we can blow the antifreeze out of her!  :-)  No charge! 
    Who knows maybe you won't have to put it back it when you get back
    here!  It may be warm enough to drop her right into the Merrimack and
    start the season early!  I know, I dreaming again!  :-)  And here's
    some good news, maybe we can drop by the Correct Craft plant and switch
    your power plant for one of those new-fangled PCM Power Plus's!  All we
    gotta do is plug up one of your exhaust ports, right?  :-)
    
    BTW, I'm flexible on the date.  If we decide that the early March date
    is better that's fine with me.  I just wanna SKI!!!!!!!!
    
    					...Roger...

    re .184
    
    If I take my Lake, we just split the gas bill.  If I need to rent
    a plane we split the whole thing.   Probably about double.
    Actually the renting only starts to make sense if we get a 6
    place plane, and can fill the seats.
    
    If someone tows a boat, we put the skis and most of the airpassenger
    baggage in the boat or towcar.  Then we have room for 4 in the plane.
    
    If we have to carry skis in my plane, then there is room for only
    three people.
    
    I am a little leery of making a lot of non cancelable arrangements
    this time of year, as it can be blizzard season enroute.  But you can
    usually tell a couple of days ahead if the wx is going to be a washout.
    
    I will check on a few things:
    	1. If I can get a reasonable 6 place plane.
    
    	2. If some of my Florida seaplane buddies can offer their front
           yard to ski from.
       
        3. There was an outfit at the West Palm Beach Hilton that had
           a couple of competition ski boats and jet skis right at the
           hotel door.  That might offer a no firm commitment way to
           get pulled.
    
    RE the March date and the wife.  Wife says she is not that interested
    in going, and we are making tentative plans to fly to the Bahamas
    in March, so I would not like to get in a situation where I get
    back from Florida, only to turn around to go back south.  I am sure
    we can work out a date.  
    
    The is more likely to be better in March.  In Feb there is still
    the likelihood of cold fronts coming down through FL.  Imagine
    that perhaps only 50 degree air.
    
    Don
    
    

    
    re: Roger
    
    	If I could I'd certainly bring the Nautique, but I can't
    get access to it until the 1st of April, damn it!
    
    Rick

    RE: Don... OK, now I understand.  It still sounds like DHW airlines
    would be cheaper even if we had to rent a 6-seater.  BTW, with all the
    chatter on the news about landing fees are we talking here about
    anything significant for the plane we'd be using?  I know NOTHING
    about these things but it popped into my head so I thought I'd ask. 
    Just trying to account for all (or at least most) of the expenses up
    front.
    
    RE: Rick...oh yeah!  $ SET MEMORY /BEFORE=YESTERDAY ... :-)  Sometimes
    I'm amazed I can successfully answer the question "What's your name?"
    I forgot that your boat isn't at your place but in storage.  Fudge!
    Here I am thinking "Why is Rick asking about towing someone else's
    boat when he could just as easy (if not easier) hook up to his?" I
    remembered you saying something about taking yours down to Florida
    last year (don't remember if you did or not) so I thought "hey, he's
    done this before or at least thought about it, so why not this time?"
    I'm hip to the situation now.  Carry on...
    
    					...Roger...

	Well, I just got off the phone with Bill Peterson down in Fla - and
	here's the scoop:
 
	These are the dates he has open in the earlier March timeframe:
	
	March 4 (Sat) - March 8 (Wed) 
	March 6 (Mon) - March 10 (Fri)
	March 13 (Mon) - March 17 (Fri)

	Phone # in Fla - (407) 876-5966

	The cost is $475.00 with accommodations (Apartment and Breakfast/Lunch
	Dinner) and $400.00 without. I told him that we are not looking for 
	instruction, but $475-400 still stands as his going rate.

	I asked him about flying into the lake on his site and he didn't 
	really know if it was allowed or not but he didn't seem to have 
	any problem with it.

	At least this gives us a good idea of the price range that most 
	Ski school will fall in. 
								
								-mike-

>Note 9.174                     The Gumball Report                     174 of 180
>ARCHER::SUTER "Looks Frozun to me, Look frozun to y" 22 lines  27-DEC-1988 09:48
>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>    	Hey MIKEY~~~!!!!! How about it......?
>    
>    Rick


Rick,

You were probably referring to Mike B. but I will respond anyway.
I have been following this discussion waiting to see where the final
plans fall out.  Fortunately (or unfortunately in this case) I all ready
have made plans to be SNOW skiing in Tahoe the first two weeks of March.
Therefore my vacation and financial resources may be a liitle depleated
at the time y'all are looking to be going south.

Hope you guys can get it all worked out, sounds like it will be a good time.
/Mike Smith

    Re: Mike B:
      It seems that Bill Peterson is a bit IN-flexible, as well as being
    on the high end of the price scale. His loss will be someone elses
    gain..
    
    I found another ski-school directory that lists 28 schools in Florida,
    with all their features and sent it out friday to all of you. (Don,
    Rick, Rog, Rob, and Mike B.) Although many state "Rates available
    on request", some list their rates, both hourly and daily, with
    discounts for groups, will tailor instruction to suit needs, etc...
    
    If we do the ski-school route, a few we should consider are:
    
    Dee's Ski Center (Auburndale) Has a lot of equip/amenities (10%
    discount for groups of 4 or more)
    
    Lyle Lee's (Pompano Beach) 2 freshwater lakes, SKIBOAT RENTALS!
    I spoke with Lyle on the phone 2 yrs ago, seems like a real nice
    guy.
    
    Sunset Lakes: Home of International Tournement Skiing, inc (Okahumpa)
    This is Jack Travers' place. (Offers 25% disc for groups)
    
    There are others...
    
    In the meantime I am looking into price & availabily of ski boat
    rentals, and if my godfather's condo will be available to use.
    Later,
    Doug. 

    Dear AWSA,
    
    Can you help out a bunch of distressed New Englanders who can't wait
    for the ice to melt on local lakes?  A group of us here in the
    Massachusetts/southern New Hampshire area have braved the cold (read:
    VERY cold) waters and water skied into the first week of December, but 
    alas the lakes and rivers are now frozen and we've had to give in to
    Mother Nature.
    
    Then we came up with a brilliant idea...let's go to Florida and ski.
    Being the relatively crazy lot that we are this seemed like the best
    way to fill the void between fall and spring.  So that's what we want
    to do.  What we need is some information about places in Florida
    (preferably the central Florida area) where we can rent accommodations
    and a boat.  We're spoiled so we'd like to rent an AWSA-approved ski
    boat if possible (or some reasonable facsimile thereof...actually we'll
    take anything that can tow a skier at slalom speed) for a long weekend
    along with accommodations on or near a lake that we can ski on (a slalom
    course would be nice too).  Any information (locations, phone numbers,
    prices, etc.) or suggestions you can provide would be most appreciated.
    We're looking to be in Florida sometime in February with a semi-firm
    date of Feb. 17-19.  The group will be around 6-10 people.
    
    Thank you.
    
    				Sincerely,
    				Roger E. Gaudet

    It looks like you guys had the right idea...check out the ski schools.
    The AWSA response to my letter was the 1988 Ski School catalog!  I have
    sent a copy (via interoffice mail) to Doug's distribution list.  It
    has all the current prices, special, etc.
    
    One step closer to the sunny south...
    
    					...Roger...

   This is what I've come up with so far:

Lyle Lee's ski school has Hydrodyne O.B. rentals for $50./hr or
Inboards w/driver/instructor for $95/day per person -or- 10 rides for $150 -or-
$15/15 min ride. This you can break up if you have a number of people which
would be $60/hr including use of course.

Sonesta Village (Orlando) has Ski-Supremes for hire at $15/half hour. I would
assume this is for guest's only and includes a driver.

My vote is to attend Mike Seipel's Barefoot International in Lantana. I met
Mike at the Worcester Boat show on Saturday and discussed our situation. He
seemed really psyched about us coming down. (And it wasn't because of the
business...he doesn't *seem* to need the money) He has a few barefoot centurions
O.B's and Ski-Centurion inboards. He has private canals for footin' and skiing
the slalom course. These connect to semi-private and public lakes (if we flew
down in the Lake). Lanta Airport is across the street from the school. (walking
distance). There are nightclubs and other stuff-to-do in the immediate area.
Accomodations are from bunkhouses on the beach, up to Deluxe Accomodations (read
hotel) nearby. They also have tennis courts. His rate's (in the skischool guide)
say $85/day or $375/wk and discounts for group's. I didn't discuss *OUR* price..
yet... I told him I'd call him after I talked to you guy's.
I looked into UPS charges, to ship equipment, if it's decided we fly down in
the Lake and need to lighten the load:
  A 70lb (max) package large enough to hold 4 skis and 4 wetsuits would be 
$17.00 for shipping and $0.25/$100. (over $100) for insurance. So if we insured
for say $2000 (replacement costs :^) it would only be $4.75 for insurance, (the
first $100 is free) plus the 17.00 = $21.75 each way. And we could ship right
to Barefoot Int'l.

Whaddya Think?

Doug.

    Sounds like it is getting better.
    
    How is he about postponements if weather blocks our arrival, and
    extensions if wx blocks our return :^)
    
    The UPS trick sounds good.  I don't think I will be needing my gear
    before, or until about six weeks after.  Also can pack some of the
    Florida clothes in the UPS shipment.
    
    I have my seat in the Lake all picked out, still looking at other
    alternatives.  It can be slow going in the Lake.
    
    Don

    Sounds like the thing to do!  I wouldn't mind a few helpful hints from
    Mr. Seipel...no not at all!  FWIW, according to the 1988 Ski School
    directory, the info on Barefoot International is:
    
    	Nearest airport: West Palm Beach International
        Pickup & return: Yes
    	Equipment available: Yes
    	Proshop available: Yes
    	
    	Fees:	$  50	per hour
    		$  75	per day w/o room & board
    		$ 105	per day w/room & board
    		$ 295	per week w/o room & board
    		$ 445	per week w/room & board
    
    	Specials: (none listed, but Doug mentioned possible group rate)
    	Number of coaches: 2
    	Lakes (public): canals
    	Lakes (private): 0
    	Quantity of students per week: 4 or 5 per boat
    
    Oh yeah, there are also locations in Connecticut (lotsa good THAT'LL do
    us), Wisconsin (just as BRRRRRRR as N.E.), California (a bit far), and
    Mike does traveling clinics (which is obviously moot at this time). :-)
    
    					...Roger...

    Yes, the nearest MAJOR airport is W. Palm Beach Int'l, but DHW airlines
    can fly into Lantana. Yes, the Buccaneer would be slow going, but
    cheaper than a rental and a lot more fun with it's "puddle jumpin"
    capability. When I talked to Mike, he said the first weekend in
    March would be ideal. That way we could devote thursday and monday
    to flying and fri, sat and sunday to skiing.
    Doug.
    P.s. I talked to Mike's mom yesterday, (the  1-800 number connects
    you to wisconsin) she told me to call Kathleen (her daughter) in
    florida for additional info. (Real nice family operated business.)

    
    I am ready!
    
    I checked out the charts, the water is so close to the airport,
    it is on the IFR airport diagram!  It is about 5 milse south
    of Palm Beach International, just a few miles inland from the 
    coast.
    
    We might even be able to do some novelty skiing and go for the 
    NO_WAKE option.  Think I will call the FAA first though.
    
    Don

    Hey Don, do you think Mike Seipel would get a kick out of going for a
    ski ride behind your plane?  Maybe he'll give you an additional
    discount?  :-)
    
    					...Roger...
    
    who-if-it-weren't-for-funding-would-like-to-move-the-trip-up-a-month!

	I don't write too much in this notes file, but I do especially
	like following what my fellow skiers are up to.  It's obvious
	to me, that the discussion in this note no longer relates in
	any way to the "Gumball Report".  And when you do have new
	"Gumballs" how about writing a separate note??  It would make
	reading much easier, and I could navigate through the separate
	notes much easier!

	So, please start new notes for new subjects so us fellow noters
	can follow along?  Thanx!!

	BTW, I'm planning on attending Mike Siepel's school in Connecticut
	in June.  I can't wait!!!

	Thanx,

	-ric.

    re. 198
    
    Looks like the Lake is now the backup plane.  Some other time for
    plane skiing.
    
    It appears that we are going in a Beech Baron.  A much better long
    distance plane.  Two engines two pilots.
    
    Same plan to ship stuff UPS.
    
    Don

    re -.1
    
    Don,
          That Beech Baron wouldn't happen to be PY/PO would it ?? 
     
    
                    Lotsa  8^) 
    
    Just curious and wishing I could attend.
    
    Al

    
    re .201
    
    Roger that...
    
    Hope he doesn't read this file.  He is not skiing though, heading
    off elsewhere while we are skiing.
    
    Don

    re: Don
    
    Bummer about the Lake...I thought Mike Seipel might get a kick out of
    footin' behind the plane...and I'd FINALLY get a shot at skiing behind
    it.  :-)  No matter, whatever gets us there!
    
    Can we skip February and go right to March?  :-)
    
    					...Roger...

    
    I received a letter this week from Sammy Duvall (now how did he
    get my name!)...stating that the Duvall Training Center was closing
    due to career and business commitments.  And I imagine that Camille
    is also pre-occupied with other interests as well.  
    
    Sammy recommends Jack Travers of Sun Set Lakes, otherwise known
    as I.T.S. School, where Sammy began his training.
                      
    >>Can we skip February and go right to March?
    
         Sounds good to me, Rog!  I'll be in Utah the same week you guys
    are in ski school -- lets' get February over with.
    
    jd/
    
    

    RE: .204
    
    Letters from Sammy?  I thought you'd be getting letters from Cory!
    :-)  What's the deal, Jeanne?  I have a short memory...did you go to
    Sammy's school or did you just charm him so much at the tournament
    you went to that he felt obligated to tell you about the school?  :-)
    
    Utah?  Sounds like snow skiing to me.  We'll be thinking about you as
    we carve up the course... :-)
    
    					...Roger...

    
    RE: -1
    
    The deal is that anybody who has ever inquired to the Duvall Ski
    School (which I did last year) will receive a letter from Sammy
    announcing the closing of their school.  No, Rodger, I'm not special!
    
    I'll think of you guys too...as I'm adjusting my powdah straps :>)
    
    

    
    Sorry guys!  After Jeannes note, I've changed my mind, I'm
    going with her.  That time of year in Utah is awesome, and
    I'm a Powder Pig with capital P's.  Heck, I can water ski
    anytime.  And if you can believe it, I live this close and
    I've never skiied in Utah.
    
    Rob
    

    Your *NOT* serious, are you?
    D.W.
    

    Hey Doug, ever get that dull ache in your gut that tells you that you
    know something but you don't want to admit it...like our group of 6-7
    is down to 3?  That's the message I'm getting.  Well in any case, I
    know that *I* can't water ski anytime, so I'm going to Florida...if I
    have to walk there!  :-)
    
    Jeanne, Rob (if you go to Utah), etc... may the powder be with you!
    
    					...Roger...

        If you can swing by Colorado and pick me up, I'll go :-)
        
      

    
    OK Rob....meet me at Alta!  :>)
    
    *I* think you guys should re-schedule your trip for April 8th because
    thats when the Pro-tour kicks off in Orlando and its worth seeing
    these guys ski.  I know Rodg....you can't wait till April!  Well,
    come out to Utah in March and than schedule a trip to Orlando in
    April.  
    
    You can learn a lot through osmosis, and maybe even get to chat
    with your favorite skier or footer', or in my case, tricker!
          
    Heck, we can't downhill anytime, not with these conditions!!
    
    jd/
    

    RE: .211
    
    Well I'd like to but neither the funds nor the wife will allow 2 trips.
    Besides even though I snow ski (pardon my French :-)) it's only to fill
    the void between the last Wski of this year and the first Wski of next
    year.  And I haven't hit the slopes once this year, I didn't once last
    year, and I don't miss it.  Just my way, I guess...
    
    >>    Heck, we can't downhill anytime, not with these conditions!!
    
    What conditions?  I can see why you'd need to go to Utah (or ANYWHERE
    but New England) this year!  Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!
    
    					...Roger...

    What is this stuff falling from the sky?  For those of you not in New
    England it's snowing today (Thurs.) although it has turned to rain.
    We are planning our trip for the 1st right?  I vote for Feb. 1st rather
    than Mar. 1st if the white stuff is gonna start to fall!
    
    					...Roger...

    Just think Rog, 5 weeks from right -NOW- you can foot to your heart's
    (or feet's ?) content.   I  can't  wait  either !!
    Doug.

    
    Last night I dreamt that I was skiing...it was so real, I can even
    remember hearing the boat engine.  I was trying to execute a flying
    dock slalomn start in the dream, but every time I jumped off the
    dock, my ski fell off!  :>)  
    
    Then, just as I was gettin' ready to put on the trick skis, I woke
    up!  *&**%  I must be having subconscious withdrawal and not know
    it....

    Jeanne, it sounds to me that what you really need is a ticket on DHW
    airlines for the Florida trip instead of the Utah trip.  There's still
    time!
    
    BTW, was this dream one of those with the fog along the edges of your
    vision so you couldn't see the binding type?  I want to make sure I
    don't buy a ski with those bindings!  :-)
    
    					...Roger...
    
    P.S.  Doug, I couldn't do it...but I was tempted!

Roger,
    
       Those bindings were from the ATAR experiment.  Don't buy em'!
Yeah, I need to ski something.  Better stick with the fluffy stuff, you
guys are just a little too crazy and talented for me :>)   22 days to go....
    
   
    >>P.S.  Doug, I couldn't do it...but I was tempted!

                                 Thank You Roger!    :>) 
                                                          :>)

    Thought I should rub this in a little.  Ok, it was a little windy,
    and the water was only 48 degrees ( no problem for you guys right?)
    but we're still on our course to ski every month this year.  We
    went down last Sat. the 18th and did some trickin' and some boardin'.
    Nothing fancy like kneeboard flips cause its not fun landing upside
    down in that cold water, but we had a good time anyway.  The rest 
    of the year should be no problem, except maybe for December.
    
    Rob
    

    Hey Rob,
               :^P  :^P
    
    We'll be thinking of you next week when we're in FLORIDA.
    We'll even give Mike Seipel your regards and tell him you would
    have been there but had BETTER things to do. (Like ski on 48 degree
    water)    ;^)  ;^)
    
    Doug.
                 

    Doug, I couldn't have said it better myself.  I am a bit jealous, Rob,
    but I predict that by this time next week I'll have gotten over it!  :-)
    Carry on, you crazy N.M. skiers!  2 down, 10 more (months) to go!
    
    					...Roger...

    re .218
    
    Only 48 degrees!  That is near tropical!  Ask Rick about kneeboarding
    on cold water.  After he had his second swim from the kneeboard on
    7-DEC, he even went for a second tour of the course on 35 degree water.
       
    We ski every month, just have to switch to the frozen water skis
    sometimes.
    
    The countdown begins, as the plane now sits in the hanger, awaiting 6"
    to 9" of snow, and for Tuesday to arrive and start the 190 Knot
    journey to West Palm Beach.
    
    Don

    
    
    	Yes, I'm still jealous as hell, guys! But, I want to 
    wish you my best and I hope you have a GREAT time. Don't
    forget that the water in April will be a little chilly here!
    
    	Webster lake, Rog?
    
    Rick

    	As my fellow Boats moderator Rick has stated... I hope you guys 
    have a great time down in FLA. Try to retain that FLA heat for an April 
    ski up here :-)
    
    	...and don't forget "Bend your knees and look at the trees..that
    will be $75 please.." - phrase learned by Rick and I at Bill Peterson's 
    Ski School Orlando Fla.
    
    	Have a good trip.
    
    								-mike-

    Rick,
      #4 is a friend of mine, not a HARD CORE DIEHARD (like some people
    we know) but he does ski (will go on the pay-as-he-skis plan) but
    primarily an aviation buff anxious for a mid-winter getaway.
    
    As for April...If the water temp is greater than 32.0 degrees F,
    we'll be there.
    
    Later,
    Doug.
    

    RE: .222
    
    Webster in April?  I remember it well.  Sure Rick, I'll be there, but I
    may be a spolied little brat after skiing Florida!  :-)  We'll have to
    keep checking on when ice-out happens so we can mess with those
    fishermen's heads again!
    
    RE: .223
    
    Hey Mike, that's a good one!  Sounds like great advice until you hit
    the last part...then it's a reality slap!  Good stuff, and thanks to
    all for the good wishes.  You'll get a full report upon our return.
    
    Just 24 hours to lift off!  Yeah!
    
    					...Roger...

Yo Ricardo...

   Day 0 (Wednesday):

   Just arrived, here we are sitting on the deck at Mike Seipel's Barefoot
International just wondering what's going on in chilly New England.
Thought you'd like to know that we're having just too much fun!  This
message is coming to you from a lap-top computer and sent via integral modem.
Can you handle it?  We're gonna beat on ourselves tomorrow.  Today was
just a few warm-up passes on the slalom skis.

   Boats here are Barefoot Centurions, a Flightcraft, Ski Centurion, and,
of course, a Barefoot Nautique!  Life is good!

   BTW, it's about 80 degrees and partly cloudy, expected to be in the
80s tomorrow too.  Isn't that a shame?  Time to go play some tennis!  :-)


   Day #1 (Thursday):

   Some pretty serious stuff.  Roger goes first with some front
tumbleturns and deep water tumble starts off the boom.  Then it's on to
some back deepwater starts.  Never quite got it, but lots of entertaining
falls and nose-fulls.  Doug's up next with some boom footin', then on to
some line/handle deepwater starts.  Don gives the boom a try and does
terrfic, getting on his feet the first time after drinking only a little
of the lake.  All in all a good first session of the day.

   Later in the day, after a brief rain shower through which we stayed
in the hot tub, we went out again.  This time Don stayed behind so just
Doug and Roger hit the water (and I mean "hit" the water :-)).  Roger
keeps trying those back deepwater starts, almost gets it, then tries the
foot skis and gets up.  Doug gets out there and shows us he hasn't
forgotten what he learned in the morning and does a few deepwater starts
off the line and some pretty cocky footin', giving us the "Hang Loose"
sign as he gets up then slams face-first into the water.  Although his
butt (and face) is in pain, it was worth it.

   The day ends with a dip in the hot tub, and some serious 12-oz. curl
training.

   Day #2 (Friday):

   Today was productive for everyone.  Our first run saw Roger, ever the
pioneer, go out first and finally succeed at doing back deep water
starts on his feet, backward barefooting several times along with several
crushing (and humbling) falls.  Doug goes next with some fine foward deep
water starts, and then does a superb front tumble up, bouncing down on
his hurting butt and coming back up.  Don, ready to show the world that
even the bug guys can take the heat of footin', shows us some fine boom
footin' and even some terrific short-line stuff.  His best run needed a
little more speed, but otherwise he showed fine form.  With a little time
left in the morning, Roger goes out and does some double tumble turns and
some forward one foot runs to prepare for toe-hold attempts.

   After lunch, we did some "stick" skiing, i.e. skiing on skis vs. just
your feet.  Having fielded some serious lip service from the true-blue
footers with questions like "Gee, what are those?" pointing to the skis,
we wandered off to the other lake for some slalom passes.  Doug starts
off with some fine form off the 75' line, although there's some question
about his one-hand release technique on his good side turn.  Roger
follows with some good stuff with several passes of a new technique
called slam-me-through-the-course skiing.  Don then does some fine passes
on his Connelly. After running out of gas in the boat, Doug finishes his
runs with a near complete pass, Roger goes out at 15'-off and runs all
six bouys then misses the exit gate.  In standard fashion we all
discussed the reasons why we didn't ski up to our expectations...we
decided that the 4 months off was not as much of a factor as the extreme
pain we've put ourselves through footin' over the last couple of days.
But, WE LOVE IT!

   The day ends with the some time in the hot tub, standard 12-oz. curl
workout and, believe it or not, a night on the town at a local night club.

                           Don, Doug, Jim and Roger

  Well, we're back.  All body parts are intact although somewhat sore from doing
body  slams  and  faceplants  on  the  waterways  of  Florida.    Yup,  Barefoot
International  was  definately  an  experience  to  be remembered!  Already  I'm
looking  forward  to June when the B.I.  crew will be  in  Mass  for  the  month
running  a  clinic.    The  school  is pretty laid back from the  standpoint  of
whatever  you  want to try, they'll show you how to do it the  proper  way  with
minimal pain.    With their teaching methods, ANYONE can learn to barefoot water
ski.  The  clientele  while we were there ranged from a 62 year old pediatrician
from Holland to a 6 (or so) year old kid who was doing backwards one-foot stuff.
(A future world champion, I'm  sure)  We met some real nice people from all over
the country, all with the common interest of Footin' and havin' a good time.

  We also learned some new vocabulary while down there:
  -Get Wrecked- what happens when you don't hang loose.
  -Hang Loose-  Relax so you aren't fighting the water and do a body slam.
  -Body Slam-   Results from catching a toe. (or heel for you backwards types) 
  -Face Plant-  A body slam with your head hitting the water first.
  -Shoo-shie-   Shoe-ski.
  -Stick-Ski-   Slalom Ski.
  -Feet-Ski-    Barefootin'.
  -Car-Wash-    Tilting up your Yamaha 200 hp outboard and blasting water up 
                through low (steel mesh type) bridges into the undercarriages
                of highly waxed Florida cars.
  -Screaming Along- Riding in the Barefoot Centurion at 60+ mph.
  -Screaming Along- Flying in Don's Beechcraft at 240+ kts on the return trip.

Knowing what I know now, I was definately overpacked. If you ever go to Barefoot
International, all you need is sunglasses, sunscreen and, of course, feet!

Doug "Footer" Whynot

Bumper-sticker candidate: "Barefooters Have Bigger Booms" 

    Everyone please note the subject of Doug's reply..."Team Advil"!
    Believe me, you need it when doing what we did.  We even suggested to
    Mike Seipel that he have t-shirts made up with the "Team Advil" logo
    as well as having a candy dish on the coffee table in the student's
    quarters with Advil in it.  He's considering it!
    
    The phrase of the week was "PU-U-U-U-U-UMMMMP....YOU UP!" in the fashion
    see on Saturday Night Live with the body builders Hanz and Franz.  The
    folks at Barefoot International were fantastic.  They were all very
    patient and very helpful.
    
    My advice to those wishing to mix up their ski school experience with
    all kinds of skiing would be to spend some time at a school which
    offers more attention to skiing on skis, then go to B.I. for a couple
    of days of footin'.  They are the best for footin', but they ship you
    off to another place to do "stick" skiing.  Plus the B.I. experience is
    very hard on the body, so you'd want to be at your best for skiing and
    then get out there and 'foot till you drop!  Don't worry, there's
    plenty of opportunity to watch others abuse themselves too, even on
    video.  Gee Doug, how many times did we watch "Hot Rock'n Feet"...10,
    15 times?  We have both video and still pictures of our experience. 
    Perhaps we can bring them at the Webster Lake gathering if it
    materializes.
    
    Overpacked is not the word...these two guys showed up in the pro shop
    with nothing more than what they were wearing (shorts, t-shirt, and
    sneakers).  They said to Mike, "Ready to go!" and Mike said "OK, let's
    do it."  We each lugged at least 2 bags down there, these guys show up
    with practically nothing.  Believe them when they say "Equipement
    supplied and/or available."  Travel light.  You can use or buy anything
    you need right at the school.
    
    To amend Doug's list of new vocabulary, I'll add some footin' tunes we
    learned from the video:
    -"Beautiful Girls" by Van Halen
    -"Cheeseburger In Paradise" artist unknown
    -"Walk Of Life" by Dire Straits
    -"Another One Bites The Dust" by Queen (a most appropriate tune)
    -others which I forgot (must be behind all that water in my brain) :-)
    
    And just one more point, Don was a most competent pilot.  The flight
    down and back was fabulous.  He even let me occasionally set the nav
    radio and radar transponder (since I would remember to push the
    button, right Don? :-)).  But I kept my hands off the manuevering
    controls, which accounts for why I'm able to write this note!  :-)
    
    All in all, the best skiing experience I've ever had.  So who's in for
    next year?  :-)
    
    					...Roger...

RE: .228

>>    -"Cheeseburger In Paradise" artist unknown


It's by Jimmy Buffett (and the Coral Reefer Band)


Rick W.

    I had no intention of trying footin' when I arrived, as being 6'3"
    and 230 lbs, I am not your average compact skier.  But the social
    pressure got to me, and what the heck everybody else was putting
    on those suits.  
    
    Mike being a great instructor as well as 2 time former world champ was
    able to coach me to doing a front deep water start off the 5' line on
    the second session and I was up and skiing on my feet.  Looking
    forward to another try at it later in the season.
    
    THE CAR WASH
    ------------
    
    The area there is a series of canals and lakes that are interconnected.
    When the wind comes up they travel several miles away to find
    sheltered water.
    
    As we were enroute to one of the sheltered areas our instructor
    Nick Young stops the Yamaha powered Ski Centurion under one of the
    lower bridges and says "This is what we call the car wash." 
    He then tilts the motor up a bit and hits the throttle - a massive
    gusher of water shoots up through the grating and up about 10 feet
    above the roadway.  This is a four lane roadway with a fair amount
    of traffic!  Moves forward and replicates the gusher for each lane.
    By the time we move out from under the bridge everybody in the boat
    is in stitches, laughing so hard we were crying.
    
    On the return trip Nick repeats his effort to keep the bridge and
    the cars above as clean as possible.  This time I get it on video
    tape.  A few miles later we come to the Marine Cop sitting at the
    shore of a no wake zone.  He beckons the boat over, and asks for
    to see the life jackets and fire extinguisher.  Nick produces them,
    and after the cop has exhausted trying to find things to bust Nick
    for lets us go, and does a "Columbo" as we were leaving - "You wouldn't
    know anything about a boat that looks exactly like this one shooting
    water up on the bridges would you?"   Nick says with a straight
    face, "Water on a bridge?  No, can't say that I do.  Wouldn't be
    a boat like this with a Merc would it?"  Cop says, "You guys are
    professionals at this right?"  Nick acknowledges.  Cop says , "Then
    it couldn't have been you, professionals wouldn't do anything like
    that."
    
    As we were leaving Nick raises the motor to give the cop a little
    water salute but thinks again and saves it for another day.
    
    One of the many experiences.  A good time.
    
    Don
    

    
    
    Hey Guys!
    
    	Welcome back! Glad to hear things went so well, and also
    the Don Footed!!!!!! Is this on tape?!?
    
    	I'm really impressed with how laid back they seem to be.
    I mean the car wash and the cop..... "Yeah professionals
    wouldn't do that!"
    
    	Next year? Can I go, can I, can I?????
    
    	I guess you guys picked the right week because when my son
    was in Orlando a couple weeks ago he had to wear hat and gloves...
    
    Later,
    
    Rick

    
    I think everybody has their pictures back by now.  Anybody interested
    in getting together Thursday night 13-APR? for reviewing the recorded
    hazards of footin' and the like.  Have to watch "Hot Rockin' Feet"
    a few more times, along with the "Car Wash" and perhaps plan the
    next adventure.
    
    I can volunteer my place.  And Rick as you didn't use your seat on the
    trip, you best attend to see what you missed. 
    
    BTW - Ordered my gear from Ski Limited today.  Casad now has a barefoot
    suit that is approved as a CG flotation device.  All I can say
    is that is expensive to buy the equipment to ski with no skis!
                                                  

    
    Hi Don,
    
    	Can we make that Wednesday? It's the only night I have
    no class.....
    
    Rick

    
    re Wed.
    
    Maybe, but if not, then Wed the 19th.
    
    I have a tentative trip to Cincinnati that day.  Will keep you posted.
    
    Don

    I'd also vote for wednesday. (thurs night is last hockey game of
    the season)
    Doug.

    >>    Can we make that Wednesday? It's the only night I have
    >>    no class.....
    
    Come on Rick, I'm sure you have no class on plenty of other nights!!
    :-)  :-)  :-)  :-)  :-)  :-)  :-)  :-)  :-)  :-)  :-)  :-)  :-)  :-)
    
    Anyway, I'd vote for Wednesday also.  I'll be in California the week of
    Apr. 17th so I can't make it then.  I'm about due for another 5 or 6
    viewings of the "Hot Rock'n Feet" video.
    
    					...Roger...

    Can everybody make it Wed 26-APR?
    
    Mr Moderator please delete all this once it is settled/
    
    Don

    
    	26 April is ok with me.....

    
    Don,
    
    Do you think there'll be any room for the envious eyes of those
    who were stuck in the frigid north and didn't get to go skiing
    in Florida?
   
    In other words, if I have no class that night can I come too?
    
    Rick W.

    re .239     
    
    Sure, attendance is not limited to the participants of the crazy
    adventures. 
    
    The plan is to have some pizza delivered and plan accordingly for
    other refreshments.
    
    Don

    Sure, count me in!
    send mail with directions, time, etc...
    Doug.
    

    I guess I can wait another couple of weeks to see "Hot Rock'n Feet"
    again (and again and again and ... ) :-)
    
    					...Roger...