Conference vicki::boats

Got a new ski vest and "Ice Breakers" gloves from Santa, so I'm ready.  Drysuit
and booties are at the ready as well.  I know for a fact that Quinsig is still
liquid (except for a little area at the south end).  Reg, tell me you didn't
stuff your machine with anti-freeze yet?  :-)

...Roger...

re            <<< Note 779.1 by ROGER::GAUDET "Nothing unreal exists" >>>
>
>                               -< I'm ready... >-

> liquid (except for a little area at the south end).  Reg, tell me you didn't
> stuff your machine with anti-freeze yet?  :-)

	We almost went on tuesday - 'we'  being my daughter and I, but 
were short of a spotter, and given that she only has a shorty wet 
suit and sometimes takes 4 pulls to get up at all   - -  'we'  passed.

	Howze the f'caste lookin' ?    There's hardly a crust on the 
little shallow ponds I drive by in the mornings, even the neighborhood 
back-yard pools are still wet.

	Reg	{say, mid week next week ?}

Reg... to be perfectly honest, I though sure I was gonna have a message from you
on my answering machine at home last weekend asking if I wanted to drop by
Quinsig for a blast or two!  The snow of last Friday melted so fast that I
thought you'd be out there on Sat. or Sun.  I went by the Quinsig ramp and it
was melted by Sat. afternoon.  Too bad it rained, otherwise it would've been
nice to take advantage of the 50's we saw 2 days before the new year came in!

Anyway, next week is certainly a possibility.  Maybe it'll creep back up into
the 40's and we can get a couple of runs in.  Hey Doug, you said you were all
done for '90.  It's '91.  You in?

...Roger...

    
    	Would this be "the first ski of 91" or the last ski of
    the "90 season"? Count me in.... 
    
    Rick
    
    We are crazy, huh? BTW: 1 day's notice would help my cause...
    

Rick...nobody cares if Rob has skied yet!  :-)  Actually, I assume he hasn't,
only 'cuz he hasn't piped in here and rubbed our noses in it...yet.  He'll
probably wait till we announce the day, then go the day before!  :-)

Anyhow, I'd call it the first ski of '91.  I guess we didn't break the record in
'90.  So what?  We'll set a new "earliest" record this year!  Heck, unless we
get some incredible cold in the next week or so, it'll probably be warmer than
our Dec. '89 Quinsig cruise where we "overstresses" Reg's gunwales.  You
remember the one where you and I had icicles streaming off our hair and ears?
 :-)

...Roger...

    Are you guys wacko?  What is the water temp?  Are the suits really 
    	that warm?
    
    	I have to know because I am going to ski school for a coupla'	
    	days in Dallas.  Their weather has been 30 at night and 65 in the
    day.  Can I ski in this comfortably with a drysuit, hood, cold water 
    	gloves and socks?  How much does a drysuit restrict your movements?
    	You guys should know, and you seem to be the experts!!!!!
    
    
    
    	BTW, I just purchased a Jobe 1600 from Ski Limited!  I hope this
    	stick is fun, it cost a lot at a time when I don't have a lot.
    	It was on a super sale down from 485 to 279 dollars.  I had to 
    	grab it.  It's the one with the rear entry bindings and the 
    	fancy color scheme.  Any of you guys ride this thing, or have one
    	for that matter?  Comments well accepted, I can still cancel the 
    	order.
    
    
    	So, hope to keep in touch throughout the season, even though I am 
    	down here in Jersey.  Maybe if I come up for training or customer 
    	visits I can bring up my ski and throw around some of that lake 
    	quinsig water.  And I will buy the first round at that little 
    	bar on the lake near the bridge (route 9?).
    
    	Allen 

	I'll take a stab at the first question: the answer is YES!  :-)

    Allan,
      A 65 deg air temp is no problem, but the water temp ('specially if
    you have to get into it) may be a problem.  A dry suit would be best,
    and cold water gloves so the fingertips don't go numb.  If you can do
    a beach start, that would minimize your exposure in the water, and with
    those rear entry, zip-up boots, putting your back foot in after you're
    up shouldn't be a problem.  Landing might be a problem as I don't think
    you want to ski back onto the beach with your brandy-new ski.
      You might want to call the school with your questions (water temp,
    dry suit availability, etc) and you might want to invest in a pair of
    cold water gloves anyway;  Being from Joisey, it's still gonna be cold
    when you start getting out to use your new toy in the spring.
      Yeh, if your ever up in this area, post a note and any one of us can
    take you for a drag - either a midweek gumball or on a weekend.  The
    hard-core skiers of this file keep our boats between central N.H. and
    R.I., and everywhere in between, But they have trailers too.
      Watch this space for future gumballs...
    
    Have fun..
    Doug

    
    Allen,
    
    	As Doug said.... the trick we use is *NOT* to get wet when the
    ice is about to take over the lake. Personally, not owning a dry suit,
    I wear my full wetsuit with my shorty barefoot suit over it. And
    do beach starts/landings for skiing and swing-outs/crawl back ins
    for footin'.
    
    Rick
    
    BTW: Doesn't matter how cold it is if ya *wanna* do it!
    
    re: Doug... what do you mean cold water gloves? December 6, 1989 I was
    wearing snow skiing mittens!

    Well boys and girls, I think we gotta wait for ice-out.  I cruised
    passed Quinsig yesterday and it's almost completely frozen, even near
    the ramp.  Of course, it's *real* thin, so if Reg wants to install a
    steel beam as an icebreaker on the front of the Nautique we can
    probably cut ourselves a corridor between the bridges!  :-)
    
    ...Roger...

    You's  (Jersey) are crazy!!!!
    
    	The ski school can lend me a dry suit, and I did get some Ski-Warm
    	cold water gloves, along with their socks.  I also got a Casad 
    	full hood.  So, I'll be out there a week from now.
    
    	Any comments on the ski?  I am really interested in finding
    	out weather this thing will work and what it rides like.
    	Right now, I use an HO Mach-1.
    
    
    	Allen (Exit 9)

	I'm the one that can't do beach starts (yet), and as I 
reminded myself at Littleton the last time we went out I seem to have
lost what little ability I had to do beach landings properly  - -  two
crash and rolls on in the dirt, I'd rather get colder and wetter -
left shoulder still hurts.  Anyway, I find that a full wetsuit under a
drysuit works pretty well, ice-breaker gloves, I don't have a hood.

	Reg

OK, Allen, I'll take a stab at commenting on the ski.  I don't have first-hand
(foot?) experience with that ski, but it's probably an OK ski to improve your 
skiing abilities on.  I have skied on older Jobe skis (the Honeycomb and the
Edge) and they seem to be a decent advanced-intermediate to tournament level
ski.  But to be honest, I've always had a problem with Jobe's prices.  They were
the first company (that I remember) to come out with a ski that cost over $400
(the "Edge" came in around $425 when it was introduced).  And I don't know of a
single top-level competitor that skis on a Jobe (others may jump in here and
point out how sadly mistaken I may be).  Anyway, IMHO, they have the wild
colors/patterns that may appeal to the fashion conscious crowd, but that doesn't
make me want to go out and spend $50 to $100 more for their skis.  And from
what I've seen there are other manufacturers that make skis of comparable
performance that are much less expensive.

Sorry to slam on Jobe, but of all the brands of skis out there, Jobe is probably
the last one I'd buy.

FWIW, the price you paid is quite good (especially for a Jobe), and I'm sure
you'll enjoy the ski.

...Roger...

	Well Rog, you DID make the invitation!  :-)

	I have to agree with you.  Brett Thurley is a world-class slalom
	skier, but I wouldn't call him a top-level competitor.

    Besides -- the HO Mach 1 is an excellent ski!
    

	.15 brings up a good point.  I have a question.  What was your
	reasoning in deciding to change?  I have a 1984 Connelly HP.
	Sure, all kinds of skis have come along since then with HOT
	graphics and all (including the newer HP), but I'm pleased with
	my ski and it's in good shape.

	I'd be cautious about sinking any amount of money into a new
	ski.  I'd want to ski on it first or at least be familiar
	with the ski line.  The second ski I ever had was a Connelly
	SP (anyone remember it?).  Stepping up to the HP seemed like
	a natural progression.

	If I did more stick skiing these days and was going to buy a
	new one, I'd either purchase a new HP or a Concept.  I've
	skied them both, and I'm familiar and pleased with the
	quality product that Connelly puts out.

	No matter how cheap something may cost, if you aren't satisfied
	with it, you've paid too much.

	I hope you like your new Jobe and am interested to hear your
	assessment of your new investment.

	Regards,

	-ric.

Ric, thanks for pointing out one of the, shall we say, "upper level" skiers that
skis on Jobe.  I honestly couldn't think of anyone.

Allen, I'm sure you'll enjoy the ski.  But as you can see from these replies,
people tend to be skeptical about changing brands of skis "just for the heck of
it", "because the color is neat" or even "because the price is right."  Bottom
line: use what works for you.

And please do give us an update on how you like the ski once you try it out at
ski school.  I'd be very interested in hearing an evaluation of your new toy!

...Roger...

    Allen,
    
    I just got my copy of the Water Ski Magazine's 1991 Equipment Buyer's
    Guide, so I thought I'd give you the write-up on the Jobe Spectra 1600.
    
    Construction:  Sequential E-glass construction, Spectra 1000 (tm)
      reinforcement, polyurethane core, molded-in bottom graphics.
    Bevels:  Seven-degree sidecut with three-position bevel.
    Tunnel:  Modified tunnel concave.
    Fin:  Comes with adjustable finbox and "all-around" blade; optional
      "overturn compensating" blade available.
    Binding Options with Price:
      a. Double flexon, $570
      b. Flexon w/rear toe plate, $525
      c. Pro wrap w/rear toe plate, $375
    Lengths:  64", 66", 68", 70"
    Manufacturer's Statement:  On or off the slalom course, the 1600
      is the choice of top skiers worldwide.  Its wide tunnel and soft
      bevels smooth out the performance of even the roughest of slalom
      skiers.  Gunbarrel acceleration for those who demand high-speed,
      no-nonsense turns, and predictable preturns with just the right
      amount of edge in the water.  If you enjoy competition or just 
      great free-skiing, the 1600 is the ski for you.
    
    According to the buyer's guide notes, the soft bevel will allow the 
    the ski to fall onto edge faster and smoother than a sharp bevel.
    It's one of Jobe's stiffer skis, but because of the soft bevel, it's
    a little bit forgiving.  It sounds like a good, fast, all-around ski.
    But, if you like to ski with your weight neutral or forward, you might
    have trouble with the nose digging down into the water.  (the front
    edge should be sharp rather than rounded for front-riding skiers)
    
    You should get a 66" if you weigh 130-170, 68" if you weigh 170-210,
    or a 70" if you weigh more than 210 (assuming you ski at 30-35 mph)
    
    Compare this description to the HO Mach 1:
    
    Construction:  Aircraft aluminum top, polyurethane foam core, three
      types of fiberglass and graphite, and a low-friction C1240 clear
      resin graphic base.
    Bevels:  Rounded at the back to help initiate the turn, making a
      gradual transition to a crisp 45-degree bevel in the forebody for 
      acceleration.
    Tunnel:  Narrow concave.
    Fin:  Extreme adjustable with standard comp blade and wing.
    Binding Option with Price:
      a. Double 97TSS, $595
      b. HO95AAS w/ rear toe plate, $475
      c. HO 75P w/ rear toe plate, $445
    Lengths: 63", 65", 67", 69"
    Manufacturer's Statement:  The Mach 1 continues to be the top-selling
      ski in the HO line and the water ski industry due to the fact that 
      it suits such a broad spectrum of skier abilities.  Deena Mapple
      used the Mach 1 to set a world record, yet novice through advanced
      skiers have improved their skiing immediately after switching from
      their prior skis to the Mach 1.  The Mach 1 is a true high-
      performance ski that is stable and easily controlled and does not
      have the quirks that are sometimes associated with skis of this 
      caliber.
    
    The two skis are definitely in the same class -- one very small step 
    below competition class skis, ie, they are good enough for competition,
    yet they're easy enough to ride that they appeal to the advanced 
    recreational skier.  I ski the Mach 1, and I love my ski.  I don't 
    understand why you would want to change.  But, that's just my opinion.
    
    Anne

    
    	Well, fellow water rats! Since tomorrow is the first day of
    February do we have any guesses on "first launch" day? 6 weeks
    away? 8 weeks? Maybe 4 weeks?
    
    Rick
    
    BTW: Did anyone tell Roger that the winter Gumball is at his
    new house this year?

    I taked to Rog the other day and he "offered" before I "suggested". :^)
    Does anyone have a copy of "Hot Rockin' Feet II" ?  We were thinking of
    daisy-chaining VCR's.  I'll let Roger put out the invitation and dates
    (since it is *his* house).  
      
    Re: Ice out:  Beats Me! My guess would be March 23 for the small lakes
    and April 13 for the big ones (?)  (Shouldn't this be in another note?)
    
    DW

    
    	Yeah... the Ice Out contest should be in it's own note,
    the question is "first Launch date"... maybe this year we
    can get more people together than Rick W and myself.......
    
    	BTW: I asked the Environmental cop at the Boston boat
    show about reciprocity and he said "We've been told to honor
    NH registrations".....
    

    I always get a kick out of all you guys waiting for the ice to clear.
    Here in Seattle, we have a guy who skiis around Lake Sammamish every
    Christmas, rain or shine. Usually rain, but this year it was snow and
    in the teens. Of course he wears a Santa suit.
    Maybe you should get a bunch of dedicated barefooters together for a
    trip to Seattle this year and upstage this guy.

	The Merrimac river is  NOT  iced in.

	As Rick is my witness....  please go check the tyre marks on 
the North Chelmsford ramp, while they're still there.  Check 'em for 
pattern (Michelin XLH on the tow vehicle, BFG L78 15 on the trailer).

	R

    
    re: Reg,
    
    	Near the falls in Lowell the Merrimack river is frozen and
    has been for quite some time. Is it really open in Chelmsford?
    When were those Michelins/BFGs there?
    
    Rick

re                       <<< Note 779.24 by ARCHER::SUTER >>>
>                            -< Is this April 1st? >-

	Nah, coupla months to go for THAT !
    
>    	Near the falls in Lowell the Merrimack river is frozen and
>    has been for quite some time. Is it really open in Chelmsford?

	Yeah, its really open - right up to the Tyngsborough bridge at 
noon today, but windy  -  go looksee f'y'self !

>    When were those Michelins/BFGs there?

	"recently",  I'll take the protection of the fifth beyond that.

BTW, someone was  FIRED  a couple of weeks ago for taking the 
afternoon off to be with a sick 'n dying relative/friend  - -  at the 
Nashoba ski slopes just off of 2A;  what a place to be sick 'n dying ?	
So, take formal "V-time" for gumballin' when we start, or at least 
have the right "comp time agreement" with your boss(es).

	Gumballin' .NE.  Illegal time off


	R

RE: .25 
>>   "recently",  I'll take the protection of the fifth beyond that.
                                   ^^               ^^

The protection of a fifth sounds like just what you'll need if you're 
considering going out anytime soon!

Rick

OK, all you water ski pukes!  It's time to start planning our annual mid-winter
bitch session, err, I mean mid-winter social gathering!  :-)  You know, the one
where we all get together and discuss, intelligently, about how we all wish we
were getting a new boat this year, but alas Uncle Sam's check is already
earmarked for other things?  :-)

So, as Doug stated a few replies back, I did volunteer my house as the point of
gathering for this year's event.  What we need to do now is pick a convenient
date and time.  In the past we've done this on a weeknight, which is still fine
with me.  But, I live in North Grafton (I know, where the hell is North
Grafton?).  North Grafton is southeast of Worcester (you *do* know where
Worcester is, don't you?).  It takes about 25 minutes to get to my house from
the Rt. 290 exit off Rt. 495 in Hudson.  I know that means a pretty long haul
for some of you, especially the return trip home after the party.  But, my house
is available if you want to have the party there.

A thought I had was to try to plan it for a weekend day (either Sat. or Sun. is
fine).  I know weekends are tough, but maybe that would work out better with the
longer drive.

You can reply to this note if you like, or send me mail at ROGER::GAUDET, and
give me your ideas, suggestions, desires, etc.  I'll tally up the results and
post them here.

...Roger...

From the information gathered from those who replied by mail (3 so far), we
already conflicts in "nights I'm available..."  From these responses, it looks
like a weeknight is better than a weekend.  So, to get the planning started, I
propose Tuesday, Feb. 19th as the gathering day (Rick W., bring Alan along, then
you won't have to work on your boat that night, just come tell us about it! :-))

Please respond by mail if you know (or think) you'll be able to make it, so I
can formulate a distribution list and send out directions, contact information,
etc. in the near future.

...Roger...

P.S.  Your significant other is more than welcome to come as well, as long as
      you feel they can stand an evening around a bunch of lunatic water skiers
      with a serious case of cabin (get it, *cabin* ?! :-)) fever!  :-)

	Report on local conditions:

	Littleton/Westford play area;   We cruised in from the
BeaverBrook road direction, the canal was iced in - VERY ICED IN. 
We continued to the public beach area, there were still tire marks on 
(in) the surface ....hmmmmm.  I tried to convince my partner that it 
was just a little soft surface mush and if we launched then the boat
would break through and after a couple of trolling laps .....Yeah, not
very convincing.  I skimmed a couple of stones for "illustration".
I was told that they didn't skim, they bounced.  They didn't sink
either.  We left and headed up Rte 40, her confidence that she
wouldn't have to drive was reinforced by several small ponds with 
skaters and snowmobiles on them - ice fisher_folks too. 

	Merrimac River;  The concrete ramp at North Chelmsford was 
clear, the river was high and flowing fast, the parking lot was a mud 
bog, there was very little wind.  "Looks like liquid water t' me".
We trolled up almost to MPM, turned back,  ....."kinda silly not to do 
it now we're here, right ?"   I blew it on the first pull, decided to 
vent the dry suit just after I had yelled 'hit it' - stooopid.  I ski'd
back almost to the Lowell bridge, we screwed up the signals for 
"I'm heading to the right, cut right to pick me up quick", so I sank 
while she did a cute little trolling speed figure 8 in the middle of
the river.  I was refused further runs due to the color of my feet, 
hands and face.

	Reg

You sick mo-fo, you!!  How come you didn't call me?  :-)  :-)

BTW, you comin' to the indoor gumball on the 19th?  Haven't heard from ya yet!

...Roger...

    
    	Gee Reg,
    
    		You only had to take a right into the canal
    	beyond the moored boats (well where the moored boats
    	would be) and you could have picked me up with the boat!
    
    		A little boom work, I could have been easily
    	talked into that!
    
    	Rick

Things are starting to come together for the "Indoor Gumball" scheduled for
*NEXT* Tuesday, Feb. 19th.  I'll be sending out directions later this week.  I
have 6 confirmed attendees.  Please contact me either via MAIL or this note to
let me know if you're coming.

If you're coming, please dig thru your video collection for anything that might
be fun to watch and has to do with water skiing (tapes of tournaments on ESPN
{editor's note: I've invited Wayne Grimditch, so please bring the required
release form from ESPN which says you have "express written consent to reproduce
the program" :-)}, stuff you taped of yourself and others performing lunacy on
the water, etc.).

...Roger...

P.S.  Anybody tape "America's Funniest Home Videos" last night?  If you did, and
      you're coming to the Indoor Gumball, please bring it along.  The previews
      I saw showed several clips of water skiers biting the proverbial dust (or
      is that *mist*? :-)).  I think the theme of the show was "Great Falls" or
      "Great Crashes" or something of that variety.  As you may have guessed,
      I forgot to set my VCR.

    
    Rog,
    If you saw the preview for Funniest Home Videos then you saw
    the entire sequence.  That was it, they didn't show any more
    footage during the regular running of the show.
    
    Except for the face-first beach landing, the wipeouts you guys
    have on tape are just as good.
    
    Rick

Job description: 1) must have own equipment, 2) must be stupid enough to jump in
the water with thousands of dollars in video equipment (see #1), 3) must be
willing to take boat spray and such upside the head without giving the
single-finger salute to the boat driver or skier, 4) must be able to show up to
all gumballs, pre-planned and spur-of-the-moment.

Do you qualify?  Enter your resume in this notesfile today!  :-)
 
RE: .33 (Rick)

Forgive me if I don't act surprised.  Oh well, maybe we should put together a
video...I know I've personally been the recipient of several g's of impact force
from some of the crazy stunts I've done.  And Reg...what we need for him is a
camera setup on a tripod on the beach in Littleton...to get those "comin' at ya"
shots!  :-)

...Roger...

    
    <Picture me on my knees with both hands clasped in front of my face>
    
    	U Lowell has pulled a dirty trick on me, my Monday class next
    week was re-scheduled to Tuesday (that's Tuesday the 19th!). I have
    Roger's permission to beg for the indoor gumball to switch to Monday
    night (February 18th) and see if I can get full agreement....
    
    	Please oh please..... 
    
    	Enough whining!
    
    	Rick
            

    
    Monday would be better for me anyway...
    
    Let me know if the change is official.
    
    Rick
    

    Better for me too!  I need a ski fix, even if it is
    in somebody's living room in front of a VCR!  
    
               --Jeanne
    

	Gee, I dunno that we should ever forgive Rick for this (-:, (-:

	Well, I s'pose I can make it - 


	Reg	{only wimps winterize}

    Monday's okay by me, too.

	Errr, anyone up for a little wetness this sunday ?
  
	R

    
    	Hey... how about picking me up with the boat at my house?
    
    	Rick
    
    	Isn't it nice that they put a canal right beside my house?

We came, we saw, we bitched and moaned!  But we had a great time (I know *I*
did).  I'd like to thank all the gumballers that were able to make it.  I hope
the drive home wasn't too nasty?  A special thanks to Mike Smith for bringing
videos of himself and his crew getting slammed around.  It was refreshing not to
have to watch me getting beat on!  :-)  Also for bringing "Hot Rock'n Feet II."
Good video, but I agree that the first one was better (better soundtrack).

Hey Jeanne, bummer you couldn't make it, 'cuz you would've been showered with
lotsa compliments on your photography...the guys had nothing but praise for the
picture you took of me doing the one foot toehold off Reg's boom.  Looks nice
blown up to 16x20 and framed! 

...Roger...

P.S.  I now have 5 new witnesses that can verify that the boat I have been
      claiming to own does in fact exist.  So get off my back!!! :-) :-) :-)

    
    Thanks for letting us invade your house, Roger... and thank Tina too!
    
    	A wonderful evening of boating bull! Although a little difficult
    to handle walking out into a snow storm after watching all that
    great footin'
    
    	Errr... I thought I saw a 65' Mustang... I did, I did, I did see
    a 65' Mustang... or did I? Hmmmm..... Pretty boat, rog.... you've
    really done a nice job on it over the years...
    
    	Rick

Thanks, Rick.  I've worked hard on that machine, but it's been worth it.  Now
all I have to do is put the thing back together and we can use it!  What a
wonderful thought, eh?

How 'bout these New England temperatures?  55 when I woke up this morning!  If
only the lakes weren't solid...

...Roger...

    
>How 'bout these New England temperatures?  55 when I woke up this morning!  If
>only the lakes weren't solid...
    
    	The mighty Merrimack ain't solid!
    
    	Reg, do you feel your ears burning???
    
    Rick

    re .42
    
    Thanks Roger and Tina for allowing us to get that pre-season boat/ski
    fix Monday night. It was great watching all those foot'n videos. The 
    best fall of the night had to go to Mike Smith off the boom - it hurts
    everytime I think about it!
    
    I didn't get back home (Londonderry NH) till about 2:30 AM. This is
    after dropping Rick off! The roads back up to NH were pretty bad in the
    old MR2...
    
    								-mike-

    
    Me too Rog, thanks a lot!  A good time was had by all.  I got
    spring fever big time now.
    
    But ahhhh, boat?  What boat ?  I didn't see any boat.  You
    guys see a boat?
    
    Rick

    It looked like a cardboard mockup to me...  Nice paintjob though. :^)
    
    Thanks again for the hospitality..
    
    Doug

	Encore d'thanks from me too.


re Doug

>    It looked like a cardboard mockup to me...  Nice paintjob though. :^)

	Bad !

re Rick

	I kinda anticipated the need for a little wetness this week - 
I even sent the prop off for repairs to reduce the temptation.  I
could get a half day pass if anyone else would like to launch in 
*_FEBRrrrrUARY_*  Unless I buy a spare prop RSN my next launch will be
in March (weep, weep). 

	......and the "anyone else" could just make it my birthday treat
(today IS the 21st Feb, right ?)

	R

    Yeh Reg, That was bad.    My Humblest apologies Rog.
    
    So Reg, what are you gonna buy yourself this year for your B'day?
    
    My B'day is Saturday and I'm treating myself to a new tape deck for the
    boat.
    Well since this is the W'Ski note, Yeh we ought to go sometime soon!
    Doug_Still nursing a couple-a cracked ribs.
    
    P.S.: Jeanne your bouys seem a little over inflated- 
          Should be  "o"  rather than  "O".    :^)

I actually couldn't believe it was midnight by the time the last of you guys
trickled out.  I figured it was around 11:00 at the latest, until I finished
putting things away and glanced at the clock!  But, no matter, cuz I had a great
time.  Sorry to hear that you got home so late, Mike, but at least you made it.

I kinda figured someone would "forget" they saw "something" in my garage!  :-)

Anyway, I'm game for a blast on the Feb. frigid Merrimack.  Just name the time.
Maybe we can get Rick to pull his prop off and loan it to Reg for a day?  You're
welcome to use mine, but that 12" should be good for all of about 35 mph and
mega-RPM! 

...Roger...

    
    	Well, I'm not sure when my prop will be back. I dropped it
    off at Forrest a week ago. Maybe next week??? Reg, your prop is
    a 16X13 isn't it?
    
    Rick

re                       <<< Note 779.52 by TOMCAT::SUTER >>>
>                              -< 16X13 or 13X13? >-

    
>    	Well, I'm not sure when my prop will be back. I dropped it
>    off at Forrest a week ago. Maybe next week??? Reg, your prop is
>    a 16X13 isn't it?
    
>    Rick


	Nah, I'm having it enlarged to  19x23  I might as well, since they're
adding 2 extra blades anyway.

	Seriously,  14x16 RH 3-blade, 1 inch shaft, nibral, cupped;

	Translation:  repair cost = $77.34, plus $5 to ship it back.

	Due outta H&H 27th Feb (1991, I hope)  ~next week-end fer next ski.

	I could drag the SeaRay out if anyone is desparate enough for a fix,
remember its a 4-banger.

	Reg

    
    	Someday I'll get those numbers in the right order....!
    
    	I guess we'd have to run your Nautique in *reverse* to make it
    go forward with my prop on it, huh?
    
    

    
    Roger, 
    
    I too would like to say thanks for having us over.
    Since I do not own a VCR (I don't now why I just don't),
    it was nice to be able to check out some of the footage
    from last summer again, as well as the worlds and "Hot
    Rock'in Feet I and II ".   I had forgotten what a good
    crash that was when I was the rope and my friend footed
    right over me when I "broke".  
    
    I did turn out to be a late night but it was fun to
    think about the summer again for a while.  The snow
    storm on the way home brought me back to reality,
    thank goodness for 4-wheel drive.
    
    See you all out on the water,
    Mike
    

    
    	I've heard rumors of a March 23rd 1st launch party......
    	(I better get painting/finishing, huh?)
    
    	With Ma/NH reciprocity we are not restricted to lakes
    which are in both states.
    
    	Any takers on a 1st launch party? Any suggestions on a location?
    Maybe the annual visit to Webster? Does anyone know about public
    access to the Quabog?
    
    Rick

I heard that rumor too!  (Actually, I think I started it...)

I'd be up any of the usual spots, (Mattawanakee, Webster, Monomonac)
unless someone has a better suggestion.  I know where there's a 
"secret" free public launch and parking at Webster.  Last time I went 
by Monomonac they had restricted public parking to practically zilch
so that may not be a good choice.

Rick

P.S.  The ground thawed early and my boat's stranded in the back yard.
      Anyone have a whole $#!+ load of old lumber I can borrow so I 
      don't sink my truck up to the axles in the front lawn getting 
      it out?   8^(

	Rick,

	I recall seeing an access ramp for the Quabog right next to the
	bridge we went under in the morning last year to find some
	smoooooth watah.  Do you rememba the bridge?  To get to it, you
	would stay on the road from Route 20, passing the right you took
	to get to BI.  You cross that bridge not far after that and
	just on the other side is the ramp.  I don't know how good it
	is though...

	Sure is a nice place to 'foot, ain't it.  Too bad Mr. Seipel
	won't be there this year...:-(

	-ric.

    
    	No I don't remember the bridge, Ric, I'm assuming you
    mean we went under it in the boat. Maybe I missed that excursion.
    
    	It would be a great place for a first foot' although it suffers
    from the same problem Webster Lake does. It's pretty damn far away.
    
    	Are you sure it was a public ramp, how about calling the town?
    
    Rick

Rick, I think Ric is talking about a bridge we crossed when we went to lunch (by
car).  I don't think we went that far in the boat, but I'd guess you could
navigate back to where the school site was from the bridge.  'Course, ya never
know how deep it is...

In a reply to the ice-out topic, I mentioned that Quinsig "looks" ice-free
between the Rt. 9 and Rt. 290 bridges (which, quite coincidentally, includes the
Shrewsbury public ramp).  From the Rt. 9 bridge, it also looks ice-free well
passed Roy's Marina (looking south), even as far as the narrows.  Might be a
candidate for first launch: plenty of parking, closer than Webster, plenty of
water!

...Roger...

	Riding in the boat, when we left the school, we could either
	go left, or right towards Quabog Lake (pond?)  When we went
	left, we went for a short stretch, and then Nick had to
	slow down and trim the engine to get under the bridge.  I
	distinctly remember you folks being with me...Anyhow, that
	ramp is a stone's throw from where BI was...I have no idea
	how shallow it is there...it would be worthwhile to call the
	town before going all the way out there...

	-ric.

Quabog isn't that far away for everbody !   Thats where I ski most weekends in 
the summer (when Quinsig turns into a complete zoo !)  Quabog is divided (by 
that small bridge) into parts known as North and South pond.  I believe South 
pond is the side where BI gives lessons.  Anyways there are now public ramps
at both ponds (the one on South pond just opened last summer).  I've never
used the small dirt ramp that was refered to by the bridge (it is very shallow
there).  There is another ramp, paved with parking, across the lake.  If you 
come in from rt 9 you turn just after the Clambox restaurant, that road brings
you right around to the ramp.

Denise

	Baert Marine will be having an open house the weekend of April
	20 and 21 to celebrate the opening of their new ski shop.  I've
	seen the shop already and it's HOT!  It's taking up the basement
	of their Plaistow location on Rt 125.

	Confirmed attendees for the open house are: Andy Mapple, Dave
	"the dog" Reinhardt and Tony Klarich.  Sammy Duvall may also
	be in attendance!

	Regards,

	-ric.

    
    	Hey, I heard a rumor that *two* Nautiques were out on Mattawanakee
    yesterday!
    
    

    One was still on the trailer when I left.
    DW

And as I was leaving I saw the "other" one floating with the engine box raised!

Hey "other" Nautique owner...forget something?  :-)

...Roger...

	I sorta took an oath of silence.....

		.....but only "sorta" (-:

	R

    
    	Argggg.... Reg, you beat me by 19 minutes! See note 544.19 and .20
    for the details....
    
    	BTW: Did you know that Decspell offers "rogue" as a replacement
    for Reg?

re      <<< Note 779.68 by KAHALA::SUTER "We dun't need no stinkin' skis!" >>>

    
>    	BTW: Did you know that Decspell offers "rogue" as a replacement
>    for Reg?


	No, really ?

BTW:	Did YOU know that what I offer as an alternative to Decspell 
	can't be communicated via a character cell terminal ?

	Rogue

RE: Reg

Sure you can!  Just instruct the person to take a few steps back from the screen
and voila!  It's amazing what distance does to those jaggies!  :-)

...Roger... (or is that, Roguer?)  :-)

    
    	Hey, anyone going out to play this weekend? Rick W. have
    you dampened the hull of the Sunbird yet?
    
    Rick

    Not yet, hoping for either (or both) of the days this weekend.
    
    Kenny Chace and I are driving up to Lake Winnipesaukee right
    after work tonight to check on the condition of ice-out. I keep
    hearing conflicting reports, finally decided to see it myself.
    Will give a report tomorrow.
    
    If the ice doesn't cooperate. we'll be someplace local.  Concord
    River, Mattawanakee?
    
    Rick

    
    
      OH NOoooooo Not the $$$$$ Concord River!! $$$$$
    
    
    		Kenny_who_isn't_*quite*_that_desperate_yet.

	Hi,

	Has anyone skied (barefooted) the Concord River?  The only places
	I've seen the river are from Rt 495, Rt 3 and Rt 2.  Looks prime
	for some barefooting...narrow, well protected, calm, and not
	man other people on the river.

	-ric!

    
    
    	I've footed on the Concord and you're right Ric, it's prime!
    
    

	Hi Rick,

	Whereabouts on the river did you ski?  Where's good access?

	Thanx,

	-ric.

    
    	See note 266.33 for directions to the Bedford Concord river launch.
    
    	Rick

    
    	Anyone just "happen" to have their ski gear in the car?
    I have an appt here in Lowell at 3:30, and could be at the
    N. Chelmsford ramp by 4:30.... Any takers?
    
    Rick

    
    
    	No takers? Mark Parento just said it's 90 degrees outside!
    
    	I'll check in later.... if I get any positive replies I'll be
    there......
    
    Rick

Anyone interested in joining us?

So far we've got 3 boats heading up to Lake Winnipesaukee Saturday morning.
Rick Suter, Ken Chace, and myself will be meeting at the McDonald's at
exit 20 on route 93 in Tilton NH at 10:00 am.  The plan is to grab a coffee
or whatever, then at about 10:15 head over to the town launch at Smith Cove 
in Gilford.  We should be in the water by 11:00.

The town launch is for Gilford residents, but there's usually a grace
period since 1991 passes haven't been sent out yet.  If anyone gets turned 
away there's a launch at Ames Farm about 5 minutes away, for a $10 fee.

We'll be cruising the lake, with a lunch stop at Burger King or Wendy's
in Paugus Bay.  If anyone wants to ski (brrr, water temp in the low to 
mid 40's) or lounge in the sun we can point out areas to go for that.

If you decide to join us, be sure to bring *every* piece of required
safety equipment in your boat, the marine patrol will be out in full 
force.

Rick

    Some other things to be aware of on Winnipesaukee this early in the
    season;
    - There are probably few (if any) floating flashers reinstalled yet. 
      Usually, they don't show up until mid May. The fixed ones are always
      in (Rattlesnake I., Parker I., Etc.). And the flashers are the ones
      with the "where am I" numbers... :^)
    - Be sure you have a chart and know where you are. The Marine patrol
      will be repositioning buoys back where they belong for at Least
      another month.
    - The water is pretty low right now. I would estimate it is down
      between 1 and 2 feet.
    - It is probably a good idea to get gas before you launch. Not all
      the pumps are operational and or staffed yet.
    - Watch out for sh*t in the water. We are usually picking logs,sticks,
      boards, and other junk out if the water until June. However, this
      year probably isn't too bad since there wasn't much runoff to wash
      the junk into the water. 
    
    - Oh yeah, remember burger king docks don't go in until Memorial Day. 
      The wendy's docks are generally pretty shallow on the shore side,
      and on the right side of the Paugus bay side. Use lots of bumpers...
    
    
    
      Have fun tomorrow. If anybody is up there Sunday, and looking for
    some sick pups to go tubin', call me (569-6740).
    
    Scott (whose boat comes out of the barn sat am)
    
      For a weather report you can call 875-6060 (NOAA Weather Radio,concord)
                                     or 569-lake (radio station
         (hi 40 to mid 50's for Sat, bring your gloves)
         
    

Trip report:

Just got back from the Michelob Dry Waterski Tour.  Real
exciting place to be if you're into waterskiing/barefooting/
kneeboarding/tricks/jump/freestyle!  The pros walk around
and mingle with the crowd, usually carrying their equipment
with them.  Andy Mapple is a very friendly guy and only
too happy to have his picture taken with you/your kids etc.
Maybe the fact that he's going to be a Dad soon has something
to do with it.  

Saturday began with the men's slalomn, eight men ran the
course in some pretty awful conditions.  Crosswinds and
gusts across the lake caused normally easy 35 off passes
to become difficult for some of the guys.  This was not
a record-breaking weekend with the conditions.
Bob LaPoint, Andy Mapple, Mike Slam Dunk, and Wade Cox all
advanced into Sunday's round.  Anyone care to guess who
won the tournament??  The winner scored 2 @ 38 off, and
it came down to a tie for three passes.  This was great
for us spectators.  I was camped out in front of ball
5 and 6 and fairly close, watching these guys ski is a
real treat.  I managed to take 70/80 pictures at this
competition.  Mike Kjellander really does slam dunk, it's
amazing to watch him at short line lengths.

Sammy Duvall gave away a 1991 Mastercraft, a lucky lady 
walked away with the keys.

Next up was the women's jumping....Deena Mapple is expecting
so the rest of the women get a break this year.  Sherri 
Sloane took 1st place, Britta Greba took a spectacular
fall, watch for this on ESPN next month.  She takes a
five minute break and then takes another two jumps.  Her
fall consisted of a shoulder/face landing, with 3 cartwheels
and a tumbleturn thrown in.  Luckily, she wasn't hurt.

Kristi Overton, Toni Neville, Susie Graham and Jennifer
Leachman made it into Sundays round.  Susie lost the handle
at #6 @32 off and gave Kristi an easy ride into the finals.
Susie asked for a reride but was denied.  Overton is really
sharp, she won the women's final. 

Other higlights of the weekend were exhibits given by Dave
Reinhart, Scott Ellis, Sea World performers, and Eric Perez.
During the men's competition a golden retrieve swam out
to ball #4 and tried to fetch it back in to his owner, everyone
had a good laugh over that one as the dawg would not give up!

Jeanne

>> Anyone care to guess who won the tournament??

	The Brit daddy-to-be: Mr. Mapple?  He has been beaten before,
	but it doesn't happen too often.  Am I right?  Do I get a free
	8x10 of one of your tournament shots?  ;-)

	BTW, Andy and Sammy Duvall won't be at Baert's this weekend.
	Someone tossed in (I think PAWS) a tournament in Baton Rouge.
	Some nerve, huh?  However, Tony Klarich, Dave Reinhardt and
	Ted Bevelaqua will be there!  I'll be going Sunday afternoon.
	Hope to see you!

	-ric.

    
    Nope, wasn't Andy.  Sorry Ric, no freebee 8x10 for you! :>)
    
    Jeanne
    

    
    	Bob "God_of_slalom" LaPoint, maybe?
    
    	What do I win, a ride in the new Toy?
    
    	Rick

    
    No!  Bob finished 4th, he lost the handle right after
    rounding #4 ball, and boy was he mad!  
    
    Jeanne
    

    
    OK I'll take a guess,  since I now have A 50/50 chance. :-)
    
    How about Mike Kjellander??
    
    Mike Smith

    Kjellander finished 3rd.
    
    Good try Mike.  but....wrong!  Gee, who could it be now?
    
    Wade Cox won the men's slalomn in a runoff against Andy
    Mapple.  A fellow over at Orlando Ski and Surf told me
    he had watched Wade (from the boat), ski eight consecutive
    passes @ 35 off, no problem for him at all.
    
    I wouldn't have picked Wade to win either, especially
    against those other three, but he did, good luck to him!
    
    Jeanne
    
    
    

    I guess that was an upset!  But heck, eight consecutive passes at
    35-off...a walk in the park for the guys at that level.  I mean sheesh,
    they do *WARM UP* passes at 35-off.  Gimme a break!  :-)
    
    Hey, maybe we should do another "Indoor Gumball" and have Jeanne bring
    all the pictures!  Then they won't get all wet and sandy while we
    exchange them on the beach or in the boat.  What a great idea, eh?
    
    ...Roger...

    Sounds like a good excuse for a party to me, who's having'
    it? :>)  If a gumball pops up first, I'll make sure the
    pictures are protected.
    
    Actually Roger, you'd be surprised at how many of the pros
    were dumping @35 off because of the conditions.  Sammy
    Duvall, Bob LaPointe and Neville all fell at 35 off and
    had to run a three-way tie.  While at ski school, our
    instructor made 3 passes at 35 off, I asked why he wasn't
    on the tour and his training partner told me he had to
    run 38 off consistently first!
    
    There's a big difference in running the course on familiar
    turf, vs. that in a tournament.  Pressure!
    
    By the way, I was in the boat watching this "unknown swede"
    ski the course @35 off and it was a sight to see!  I swear
    the pilon was bending and the boat was resisting.  Are
    pros at that level able to slow the boat down?  It sure felt
    like it.
    
    Jeanne  
     

	Jeanne,

	Was this unknown swede the relative of a skier currently on
	the tour?

	-ric.

    
    re: Jeanne,
    
    	Yeah, the pros can and do slow the boat down while skiing
    the course. A back-and-forth motion must be used on the throttle
    to maintain a constant speed.
    
    Rick

    
    Ric, this guy is one of the top Swedish skiers and no relation
    to Mike K., though he had adopted Mike's slam dunk style some-
    what.  On his good side he would put the handle in the water
    and almost use it as an anchor point to pivot around the ball.
    
    It was a habit he was trying to break.
    
    Jeanne
    

>>     It was a habit he was trying to break.

Hmm, that's interesting.  Mike K. has taken that "habit" into 41-off.  Doesn't
sound like something *I'd* abandon if I could do it right!

...Roger...

P.S.  I'm willing to have the "party" at my house again.  Of course, it would
      probably be more fun to combine the gathering with a gumball.  The days
      are getting longer!

	When I was visiting my friend in Stockholm last December she
	mentioned that her brother had been training with the Kjellanders
	all Summer (I guess the Kjellanders lived about a mile down the
	road).  His name is Oscar Lindstrom.  He's supposed to be attending
	Harvard Summer School starting this June.  I figured maybe I'ld
	introduce him to you GUMBALLERS and let him have a go at the 
	course at Fort Meadow sometime.  

	Chuck    
    
    

Yeah Chuck, bring him along.  Maybe some of the Kjellander "slam dunk" method
rubbed off on him, and we can "catch it."  :-)

And speaking of Swedes, I wonder what ever happened to Magnus?  Remember him?
The guy who sent some of us Christmas cards with a picture of him slalom skiing
in a Santa's hat?  Hmm...I wonder if he's still with DEC.  He was Swedish,
right?  Or was that Swiss?  I can't remember!!!!!!  I need to go skiing!

...Roger...

    Skiing in a santa hat?  Can't match that 'cos I was *snow* skiing in my
    santa hat on Christmas Day.  Did go out with the gang in Southampton UK
    on January 1st.  Anything to exercise (or freeze?) off that turkey
    tummy.
    
    But talking of fancy dress, we did a charity event last summer, skiing
    right around, in relay, the Isle of Wight (that little island at the 
    bottom of our dear little country).  Just to add a little sparkle, I
    wanted to wear fancy dress.  Ever since there was a train strike in the
    UK years ago and some bowler hatted commuters were shown on TV water
    skiing into London, I wanted to do something equally weird.
    
    So I dug out my arab robe & headband and away we went.  The tail tends
    to catch in the wake, so ladies - don't advise wearing long dresses
    either!  The BBC filmed it but transmitted everything but!  No doubt
    something to do with there being a war in the gulf.
    
    Oh well, still waiting for a new battery to the season going again for
    real.
    
    Cheers - Ken (almost about to buy an air chair but waiting until the
    dollar weakens a little, ho hum)   

    
    	Anyone notice if the slalom course on the Merrimack River
    near route 93 is in yet? How 'bout Wattawanakee? How 'bout any
    takers for a 4-5 pm ski today?
    
    Rick

re      <<< Note 779.98 by KAHALA::SUTER "We dun't need no stinkin' skis!" >>>
>                      -< Possible Gumball? short notice! >-

    
>    	Anyone notice if the slalom course on the Merrimack River
>    near route 93 is in yet? How 'bout Wattawanakee? How 'bout any
>    takers for a 4-5 pm ski today?

	Dunno 'bout MMumble'de'mack, but Littleton/Westford/Forge Pond 
course has been in for ~3 weeks now - where Ya bin ?

	Yeah, I got 400 hours available.

	Reg

    
    Reg,
    
    	I been on the river lately. And it's got smooooth water.... That's
    really my main concern is that man-I-wanna-ski might be rough...
    
    Rick

    If you mean the course up in Concord NH on the Merrimack...I went by
    there yesterday and didnt see it.

    
    	Well, its been a while since a gumball report....
    
    	We got the "old" Nautique into the Merri-muck about 5:00 pm. 
    The wind was blowing, but the water was pretty smooth. Some were
    glass-calm. Reg (Non Ausi), Jeff Green, my friend Jackie, and I
    were there to brave the mighty river, which is overflowing its
    banks in quite a few areas.
    
    	Both Reg's and Jeff's skiing seemed to improve on the spot.
    Each run they took, their style and "grace" was significantly
    more obvious! How's the face, Reg?
    
    	Jackie still can't shake her fear of the wake on her off side,
    but keeps trying. Although to Jackie's credit, the wake was huge
    with 3 people and a full tank of gas onboard.
    
    	I decided to take advantage of the rather large wake and
    use the kneeboard on it. Whew! The air I got was unbelievable!
    I don't think I'd ever flown quite that high before (on a kneeboard
    anyway :-)  ). I attempted to talk myself into a ariel roll, but
    naaaaahhhhhh..... another day......
    
    	A nice evening, thanks to Reg, Jeff and Jackie!
    
    Rick

    Good stuff, Rick.  Glad you guys got out yesterday, though I am a bit
    jealous (I had a softball game, so I'm not *too* upset :-)).  But next
    time ya gotta try to give me a day's notice.  With the new truck (and
    no cap) I don't bring my ski to work anymore (yeah I know, "We dun't
    need no stinkin' skis", "Bad Boys Got *These*", etc. etc.).  I'll just
    have to keep the rest of the gear in the cab from now on.
    
    ...Roger...

re      <<< Note 779.102 by KAHALA::SUTER "We dun't need no stinkin' skis!" >>>
>         -< May 8th, 1991 -  N. Chelmsford - Can you say chilly air? >-

    
>    	Both Reg's and Jeff's skiing seemed to improve on the spot.
>    Each run they took, their style and "grace" was significantly
>    more obvious! How's the face, Reg?

	Well, thank YOU !  Flattery will get you,  errrr  -  flattery 
in return and some pulls behind my boat (-:   I think Jeff and I were 
feeding off of the encouragement we were getting, and you're  
"exhibition skiing".   The face ?  OK, but the rest of the bod is a 
bit sore.

>    	Jackie still can't shake her fear of the wake on her off side,
>    but keeps trying. Although to Jackie's credit, the wake was huge
>    with 3 people and a full tank of gas onboard.

	I'm currently at the conclusion that this whole skiing thing
is about 95% confidence and 5% competence  (-:    "....fear itself", 
etc.

>    	I decided to take advantage of the rather large wake and
>    use the kneeboard on it. Whew! The air I got was unbelievable!
>    I don't think I'd ever flown quite that high before (on a kneeboard
>    anyway :-)  ). I attempted to talk myself into a ariel roll, but
>    naaaaahhhhhh..... another day......

	Anytime you need some boat ballast just holler.
    
>    	A nice evening, thanks to Reg, Jeff and Jackie!

	and special thanks to you, our host.


	Reg	{my turn - howze everyone's schedule early next week ?}

re           <<< Note 779.103 by ROGER::GAUDET "Nothing unreal exists" >>>
>             -< I need a locking ski rack for a pickup truck bed! >-

	Just leave the ski in the boat (-:

	R

.105>> Just leave the ski in the boat (-:

I actually thought about that...but I didn't want to ask!  :-)  Fine by me, tho.

Uh ... schedule, yeah, that's what I wanted to check:  Monday is NFG, Tuesday is
OK but I'd have to be leaving around 6:00.  Wed. looks beauty at this point.
'Course, Ma Nature can put a halt to that real quick.

...Roger...

re           <<< Note 779.106 by ROGER::GAUDET "Nothing unreal exists" >>>
>                           -< The need...for SKI ! >-

> .105>> Just leave the ski in the boat (-:
>
> I actually thought about that...but I didn't want to ask!  :-)  Fine by me, tho.


	Am I being too subtle ?   {who, ME ?}



	Leave the ski in  YOUR  boat 


	and leave  YOUR  boat on  YOUR  trailer




	and leave  YOUR  trailer attached to  YOUR  new truck
		(don't worry about the color clash)




	and  YOU  host a gumball


	GOTTIT ?     (-:



	Seriously, next weds is OK for my sched  -  anyone else ?

	Reg

	I wanna ski.

	I'd like to get out  EARLY  tomorrow morning,  I'm going to Ft
Meadow Pond in Marlborough/Hudson - around 8:00.  There's at least a
chance that I can hook up with some folks from the Intercolonnial club
{one of 'em just bought a new Malibu (mit 454), they were out last 
sunday at 8:00}.  I'll plan to swing by the St Mark's beach from time
to time as well as the Intercolonnial club-house.   Anyone ?

	Reg

PS	This is  NOT  the side that has a ski course on it, its the 
	bigger side.

    
     Reg,
    
    	Sorry I didn't read your note, until Saturday night. I wooda
    gone! Oh well..... 
    
    	Hey Roger, ya got your ski in your boat, yet? :-) :-)
    
    	Anybody planning on skiing instead of mumblemumbling this
    week? Sure nice out today!
    
    	Rick

    Weather dependant, I'd like to head out Wednesday or Thursday after
    work, perhaps the Merrimuck in No. Chelmsford again. I have my boat back
    and am overdue in giving it it's first seasonal launch. 
    
    ~jeff

re     <<< Note 779.110 by DECXPS::JEGREEN "Money talks, mine says GOODBYE" >>>
>                               -< Wednesday ?? >-

>    Weather dependant, I'd like to head out Wednesday or Thursday after
>    work, perhaps the Merrimuck in No. Chelmsford again. I have my boat back
>    and am overdue in giving it it's first seasonal launch. 
    
>    ~jeff


	I'm up for it.   Same time same place ?

	Reg

    Same place, and same time 4:30-5:00. I'll be leaving Salem NH around
    3:30 or so, then a quick trip home to pick up the boat and I should be
    at the ramp where we met last time. 
    
    Oh, I don't have one of them fancy multi-colored adjustable length rope
    thingies so if you get lonely skiing at 0' off you may want to bring
    one.
    
    ~jeff

    
    	Did someone say skiing? Wednesday is doable for me, but not
    until 6:00 pm... I can bring a fancy rope... :-)
    
    	Watch for the smiling person at the ramp with a ski in hand...
    Rick

>Note 779.113           Official 1991 Water Ski Season Note            113 of 114
>KAHALA::SUTER "We dun't need no stinkin' skis!"       6 lines  14-MAY-1991 08:31
 
                ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>    	Watch for the smiling person at the ramp with a ski in hand...
                                                 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>       Rick
    
	How do you 'splain this Rick !
    
    Look for a beige Baja bowrider with a red metallic waist band and
    smiling people with skis in their hands.
    
    ~jeff  
                                                            

Yeah, Wednesday sounds good to me, too.  How's the river these days?  Any 2x4's
for me to run over?  It just wouldn't be the same without it!  :-)

RE: Rick ... yeah, the ski is in the boat, but the boat is in the garage, still
without the motor (I'm gonna drop it in this weekend ... honest!).  So, I'll
take the ski out of the boat and bring it with me (even though I won't *really*
need it, right?).

...Roger...

    It looks like a slalom is in at the Merrimack off 93 on the Andover/
    Lawrence line. As you head up 93 north, driving in the first lane,
    there are red & yellow balls along the northern shoreline. It was hard
    to tell for sure but it looked like a slalom course.
    
    ~jeff

    
    	Yeah, you guys got me good that time... I better be on my guard...
    
    	Well, I just happened to be on my way back from Lake Attitash
    today, (nananananana) and stopped by the route 93 ramp, guess what?
    There are Jersey barriers blocking it. The only other ramp is at
    the seaplane place turned marina. Don't know if we can launch there,
    then there's the issue of the sandbar.
    
    	It did appear as if the course is in, but it was difficult to tell
    from my vantage point.
    
    	Anyone know the name of that boat shop on route 110?
    
    	Rick

The Rt. 93 ramp?  That's not the same one as N. Chelmsford, right?  The only
ramp I know how to get to is the one not far from where Rick Suter used to live.
Is that the one we're planning to converge at this evening?  Sorry guys, but I'm
not very well acquainted with all the access points to the Merrimack.

...Roger...

    The name of the marina on rte 110 is the Merrimack Landing. You can
    launch for $5 and then park in the yard. The owner is a protective sort
    of gent. He doesn't consider his marina to be  public access.
    
    He'll let you launch if he likes you. You can use the slalom course I
    beleive unless he or the un-official ski club that runs from there
    doesn't like you. If you look like trouble, give them trouble, or think
    of trouble he won't let you launch. Can't knock him for not wanting to
    get hassled. 
    
    I swung by a few weeks backs and talked to him for a while. The ramp is
    made of timbers, rather steep, but in nice shape.
    
    ~jeff

    Jeff,
    
    Thats the Methuen launch you're talking about, correct?  Would
    you know if they let outboards go through the slalomn course?
    The course at Mannawannakee is for inboards only.  
    
    Jeanne

    There is a launch at Lawrence, just above the falls, that has ample
    parking and not a steep ramp.  From there it's a four (or so) mile
    cruise up the Merrimack to the Rt 93 bridge, then to the slalom course.
    As far as O/B's or I/O's, I doubt very much if the owners of the slalom
    course would appreciate it.  Even with an inboard I would ask for
    permission first.  (No reason to make ~waves~ with the owners.
      The ramp at N. Chelmsford is above the Lowell dam, so the slalom
    course wouldn't be accessible from that end. (unless you wanted to
    shoot the falls :^))
      
      Any chance of commencing today's gumball earlier than 4:30 today??
    
    Doug

	It might seem a little late in the year, but I think the 
tournament at Oakham this week-end is the first sanctioned event of 
the season in the New England.   Anyone planning to go ?   Wanna meet up
there for a deccies' picnic ?   I'll probably go on saturday, unlikely 
to go on sunday.

	Reg



	

    
    	Any place to do a little skiing, while there?
    
    	Rick

re <<< Note 779.123 by KAHALA::SUTER "We dun't need no stinkin' skis, (sometimes)" >>>
>                              -< Acommodations? >-

    
>    	Any place to do a little skiing, while there?
    
>    	Rick


	Maybe afterwards;  certainly not while the events are on, 
there's not enough space.  The course just about fits, with just about
enough (almost enough ?) room for the turns at the ends.  I don't know
how they judge jumping there, the boat has to pivot around just about
the same time the jumper hits the water - they must have a special
version of that  "recover and ski away from the landing"  rule (-:, (-: 

	Reg


	

    Sure is nice out.....suppose to be *real* nice on Thursday too.
    
    If I were to investigate the possibility of using the slalom course off
    93 on the Merrimack, would anyone be interested in trying it out
    Thursday afterwork ?
    
    Sure is nice out.....suppose to be *real* nice on Thursday too.
    
    ~jeff

    
    Gee, sure wish I didn't have to play a tennis match on Thursday!!
    
    Guess what I heard about the slalomn course in Methuen?!
    It isn't a slalomn course, it's a *jet ski* course!  
    
    Jeanne
    

    
    
    *#@&^@* looks like Thursday is out for me also! Guess I'll have to wait
    for the weekend to play.
    
    Rick

	Gee, sure is nice out there.

	I have meetings all day on thursday - nothing much this
afternoon though, my gear is still in the car.....

	Gee, sure is nice out there.............

	R

Softball tonight (Wed.), so tonight's out.  Tomorrow...well, dunno.  I'm
thinking of doing some more work on the boat (unfortunately, engine installation
doesn't mean I'm finished).  So, I think tomorrow's a no-go for me also.  I will
certainly be playing over the weekend, however.

RE: Jeanne ... a jet ski course?  Did you happen to see the setup?  Is it like a
slalom course without the boat buoys?  Similar dimensions?

So Reg, did you go to the tournament last weekend?  Any good?

...Roger...

    
    How about taking Friday afternoon off, and meeting at Lake
    Attitash?  (or wherever, cept my boat is up in Merrimac)
    Forecast is for 85+/sunny-increasingly humid, with 90's
    by Saturday!!  (summer arrives early)!
    
    Roger, this is what I heard from somebody who had been there
    and seen the course.  Boy, that should be an easy one to
    get through @22 off!  :>)  (i think these jet-ski courses 
    are smaller in dimensions)
    
    Jeanne
    

	Errr, anyone planning to ... uhhh ,,,, like..

	Invite me anywhere around their boat this week-end ?
		(wow, asking for things like this is TOUGH (-:)

	R	{wanna_ski}

    
    	I'm planning on Mattawannakee early tomorrow.... like maybe
    8:30-9:00 am... Not sure yet if I'll be skiing or just driving
    and spotting.... Can ya make it, Reg?
    
    Rick

re <<< Note 779.132 by KAHALA::SUTER "We dun't need no stinkin' skis, (sometimes)" >>>

	Sure, wanna coord with all the usual other suspects too ?

	R

    
    	Might be kinda late to gather the suspects.... but if ya happen to
    talk to them....
    
    	or if they happen to log in....
    
    
    		6/1/91 Mannawanakee.... 9:00 am!
    
    	Rick

    
    re 131
    
    sure if you can make it to the hawkesbury on time (about 3/4 hr out of
    sydney) :-) 
    
    the other reg
     

    Since many/most of you folks talk about skiing the Merrimac river
    thought you might have an answer to the following question?
    
    How come I hardly/rarely/never see power boats on the Merrimac river
    upstream of Tyngsboro bridge? One would anticipate at least seeing PBs 
    with fishing types in them but - nothing? How come?

    
    >                  <<< Note 779.136 by PIPE::HOWELL >>>
    >                               -< Why? >-

    >Since many/most of you folks talk about skiing the Merrimac river
    >thought you might have an answer to the following question?
    
    >How come I hardly/rarely/never see power boats on the Merrimac river
    >upstream of Tyngsboro bridge? 
    
    			Rocks! You gotta know where they are!
    
    Rick
    

And believe me, do *I* know where some are!  :-(

...Roger...

    
    Hey, guys! I think a member of this conference hinted at us invading
    his waterfront accomodations in Marlboro next week for the day.
    
    Monday and Friday are no good for me. How about Tues, Weds or Thurs?
    Assuming Reg still wants us....?
    
    Rick

    
    Anyone of the three mentioned days is fine.
    in order of goodness for me.
    
      Thursday
      Wednesday (have to leave @ 3:00)
      Tuesday   (have to leave @12:30 but might be able to return 3:30)
       
    Mornings are the best anyway, the earlier the better.
    
    Might be best to pick a day early in the week in case
    there is (i hate to say it) bad weather one of the days,
    we could reschedule for another day.
    
    Mike

	Err, any day except tuesday.   Or EVERY day except tuesday.

	I kinda brought a work meeting to woods (errr,,, water) on 
tuesday - just hope I'll have a boat to entertain the group with.

	If you folks can only afford  ONE  all day session, how about
some B4 work fun ?   I know, you'd just blow off the work ethic (-:

	Reg

    
    Looks like Thursday is turning out to be popular for a Ft. Meadow GB.
    
    Reg, I might be talked into a little early morning skiing, if I didn't
    have to launch/retrieve a boat....
    
    
    In other developing news.....
    
    	Anyone up for a Route 93/Methuen/slalom course half day GB
    TOMORROW? I can have the boat there shortly before noon........???
    
    Rick
    

    Re: Reg;
      Next Thursday would be ok for me for an all-day Gumball. (I still
    have an unclaimed P-Holiday.
    
    Re: Rick;
      Is there a slalom course on Rt 93??  I thought it was on the river.
    
    Doug

    
    Any of those day are good for me.  I'll man *i mean woman* the
    video camera for ya, Rick!
    
    Jeanne  

re  last few.  Sure, thursday - thirst-day, anyday, everyday.

re             <<< Note 779.145 by DONVAN::DECAROLIS "Slalom Fever!" >>>
    
>    Any of those day are good for me.  I'll man *i mean woman* the
>    video camera for ya, Rick!
    
>    Jeanne  

	Dunno that we can talk about that kind of activity in this 
conference, the mods might cencor it.  The verb  "to woman"  ????

BTW:	We were trying to sex'less word some stuff in a meeting this 
morning.  Having done all the replacement of  "he"  and  "his"  with 
"one"  "one's"  or other gender free stuff, we were unable to do 
anything constructive with  "Manual"........

	"Non-automatically"  just didn't fit.

	R

    
    	It's looking like a good old-time Gumball for next Thursday! Yahoo!
    Oh yeah, we aren't yahoos! :-~ Don't forget to dream up new stunts for
    next week. Roger, you seem damn good at that. Oh yeah... hey ROB, I can
    stand on the kneeboard now, what was that about June 2nd?... hmmmmm....
    
    	Mike, any chance of getting some early runs on the course? 
    
    	Reg, I guess we probably won't know by the weekend if the FBB
    will be back in action, huh? I guess I'll just bring "Corrective
    Action" back down from Province Lake on Sunday, huh?
    
    
    Rick

re <<< Note 779.147 by KAHALA::SUTER "We dun't need no stinkin' skis, (sometimes)" >>>
>                                    -< Goo >-
    
>    	Reg, I guess we probably won't know by the weekend if the FBB
>    will be back in action, huh? I guess I'll just bring "Corrective
>    Action" back down from Province Lake on Sunday, huh?

	The goal is still friday, I called yesterday and they still 
believed they could meet it - I'll call late friday morning to confirm 
it, then send you mail.  You're working on friday, right ?

	Reg

{How do I spell relief ?  FBB

	F_antastic B_lue B_oat}

RE: .147

Way to go Rick, now the next step is to put one foot in front and
one in back, as in surfin' dude.

Yeah you heard right, my first ski was June 2nd.  I was selling
my house and moving.  Lots of stuff to do when selling.  Some 
minor repairs and keeping it spotless all the time, what a drag.
But I'm skiin' now and lovin' it.  Wish I was as close to the 
water as you guys.

Rob

RE: .149  Gee Rob, then I beat you by a ton...first ski this year was on Mar.
28th.  Easy to remember 'cuz the water was around 37 degrees and the wind was
blowing 20 knots!  So what's this with the slalom trick ski?  Decided to go for
the half-speed stuff now?  :-)

RE: Reg and others ... next Thursday, eh?  Sounds good to me.  I, like Doug,
have a "dangling P-holiday" which is itching to have it's status change from
"AVAILABLE" to "TAKEN."

Hey Reg...any chance we'll be able to get into the course that day?  Also, I'd
be up for some early morning skiing any day next week.  You gonna be able to get
to a tube and "note" or should we just show up if the weather's nice and see if
you roll outta bed?  :-)

...Roger...

re           <<< Note 779.150 by ROGER::GAUDET "Nothing unreal exists" >>>
>                               -< Let's do it!
 >-

	Yeah, lets do it with line feeds.

> Hey Reg...any chance we'll be able to get into the course that day?  Also, I'd

	Not from me; thats a different club - maybe I'll try to join 
it one day, say when I'm ready for the course (-: (-:

> be up for some early morning skiing any day next week.  You gonna be able to get
> to a tube and "note" or should we just show up if the weather's nice and see if
> you roll outta bed?  :-)

	I'll probably wander home some/most evenings and log in, may 
even do some work.  Send mail by all means, but if I don't reply its 
coz I may not see it til 7 or 8 pm, so just assume I'll be there the 
following morning and show up anyway  -  6:30 or 7:00  ???

	I'll lay on some light food and soft drinks for thursday, 
if anyone wants beer OK, - but please don't bring glass bottles.

	R

No course, eh?  OK, no biggie.  How about the jump ramp?  Can we "hit the big
brown wall" (ours is a "big red wall")?  I know most of the time I see the ramp
with a "gate" on top and a flashing yellow light.  Probably wouldn't be too
pleasant to hit that thing...kinda cut ya off at the knees! 

6:30-7:00 is fine.   Heck, that's a whole hour more I can sleep from when I
skied with the boys on Quinsig!  :-)

May the weather be nice, and the winds be light!

...Roger...

Hey Roger,

Yep, getting too old for that high speed stuff, except for barefoot
speed that is.  But really, I just have so much fun trickin', and
the single is hard to master, so I have to keep at it.  Took me two
whole summers to kinda get the 180 down. 

Rob.......lovin' those tricks.

    
    RE: the course.
    
    Unfortunately I do not think that the course will be an option.
    The club is very protective of the course.   We have had it 
    cut-up 3 times this year so far.   I am sorry that it is not
    more open but there are some valid reasons why it isn't.
    
    And then our jump. I'm not sure if Roger was serious but, 
    you can just imagine the liability there.  
    Combined with the fact we just spent about a $1K on a new 
    plastic surface.  I have not been over it yet myself.
    
    Still hoping for flat water and great weather next Thursday.
    
    Mike

    re. early morning ski-ing
    
    I'm game for some early morning runs. I have to be on the road headed
    for class by 8:00 though, maybe a 6:30 AM rendez-vous ? Howz about 
    Tuesday, and one other day. I can't make it Thursday :^(, but hope to 
    be done with class by noon-ish on Friday [hint..hint].
    
    ~jeff

    
    	Gee, I think waterskiing is *one* thing I could get up
    early for (there might be other things, too)... Tuesday sounds
    do-able.... let's see 6:30.. that means leave Lowell at 5:30...
    hmmm... let's see 7:30.. that means leave Lowell at 6:30...
    Now that sounds a little more reasonable....
    
    Rick
    
    Gee, Mike...we wouldn't hurt the course! Remember, we're NOT the
    yahoos!  :-)

RE: Mike ... actually I *was* serious.  But I kinda figured I wouldn't be able
to use the ramp.  Given the protective nature of the club about the course I
can't imagine them "letting" others use the ramp.

Just one nit about this whole protective stuff...the club should consider itself
lucky that the residents "let" them keep the ramp out there.  On some lakes I
know of, the club has to keep the ramp safely near shore and tow it out every
time they want to use it.  And that's a real pain when you consider the amount
of work it takes to get a ramp anchored down for safe jumping (think about what
a pain it would be if you had to install a course every time you wanted to use
it).  Leaving the ramp out there invites anyone to try it, including people who
have never jumped before (and with no instruction), people on kneeboards, tubes,
JetSkis/Waverunners, etc. etc.

...Roger... looking_forward_to_several_wakeup_runs_next_week

    Question...

    	Do any of you have any information on the Connelly "Factor 5" water
    ski?

    	I was looking through a catalog and it has a pair shown for
    sale... I was wondering if this was a good ski? Is the bottom level or
    does it have a cut?

    	It retails for $180.00  ,but I can get for $127.95

    	It says it is a fiberglass ski, is that good or bad compared to the
    Graphite's I've been hearing about?

    	I'm a intermediate skier if that would help in determining if this
    is the ski I would need...

    Thanks in advance!

    B.A.

    The Connely Factor 5 and Factor 6 are entry level combos. The only
    difference between the two is the adjustment device for the front
    bindings. The 6 is a little easier to do while bobbing in the water.
    They're decent ski's for beginners. As a slalom ski it leaves much to
    be desired. I bought a set of 6's from Beart Marine in Plaistow NH for
    $99 two years ago. It's nice to have a cheap set of skis for when
    friends show up and want to learn. If you were planning on using the
    single ski as a slalom ski you'll be disappointed rapidly.
    
    ~jeff

	Re  The course, the ramp and comments from Mike and Roger.

	I probably should have made things clearer sooner.  

	I have the use of a club house on the large side of Ft Meadow 
Pond., the slalom course is on the smaller side.  As I understand it
the Marlborough Water Ski Club has the exclusive use of the smaller
side of the pond, thats where the course is, its their course.  I am 
*_NOT_*  a member of that club (though I would like to join), hence I
have no access to the course.  The jump ramp is also the property of
the Marlborough Water ski club, it is kept on the large side of the
Pond, this may be what causes some confusion - it has certainly caused
that club some hassles with other lake front residents {"eye sore" 
accusations, etc.}.  Anyway, they keep a barrier across it except when 
it is in use and I'm pretty sure they tow it to the beach except when 
its in use or about to be used - they  DON'T  use it on week-ends once 
the traffic starts.   This might just be a  "Mutual respect for each
others' spaces"   kind of a thing - I don't think the Marlborough club
is unreasonable, petty, whatever, they just don't want the course cut 
up (reasonable ?) or neophites doing face plants on the jump ramp 
(also reasonable, and the issue here is probably one of liability).

	So, its free skiing, footing, tricking, kneeboarding, tubing,
only next week  -  enuf ?   Enuf to wear me out, I know that  (-:

	Reg

 re .157
    
>>...Roger... looking_forward_to_several_wakeup_runs_next_week
    
    
    What time do you think you could be there by, is 6:30 too early. 
    
    Real men and women don't sleep late. :^)
    
    ~jeff
    
    

    
    	Hey Reg,
    
    		Did the FBB come home yesterday?
    
    	Rick

    
    	Ok, I guess it's time to "fish or cut bait"... (Oh no, I've
    been in the FISHING file too much!)
    
    	Since the FBB might not make it.....
    
    	I gue$$ I can be talked into bringing "Corrective Action" to
    Marlboro for the early morning $ki tomorrow. How many of you crazie$
    will $how up? I won't be there at 5:30, more like 6:30-7:00.
    
    Rick	

RE: Reg ... I was not making any accusations toward the Marlborough Ski Club.  I
completely understand their reluctance to let "neophites" use the ramp or "just
anybody" go over and slice up their course.  I also knew that you are not (yet)
a member of the club.  I just wasn't sure what the story was regarding the jump
since I distinctly remember it sitting in the middle of the lake one weekday
afternoon last year with the barrier up, and nobody came by to use it.  Now I
have the whole story.  No problem (though I'll admit I'm a little bummed!).

RE: Rick ... I can certainly be there in that time range.  6:30 a.m. at the
club house.  Hey Reg, can you get there via the causeway road?  I know they are
(were?) tearing it up.

RE: All_who_might_show_up_tomorrow ... How do you like your morning coffee?  :-)

...Roger...

    
    
    There is a slalom course in Lake Mascuppic in Tyngsboro that seems to
    be available.  It's not really supposed to be there, but the I think
    that the folks who put it in know that.
    
    
    In any event, lots of people have been taking a crack at it.  If you
    put in at the boat ramp, bear right and you'll find it.
    
    
    Kevin
    
    

    Re: -1
    
    Thanks for letting us know!  Thats about a 15 minute ride
    for me, time to bring the boat home!
    
    Re: Thursday's gumball
    
    If we need another boat, I'll be happy to bring the Baja!
    Maybe I should just bring it anyways....just in case.
    
    Jeanne
    

    
    RE: Rick
    
    I certainly can be there tomorrow morning.  Just let me know what time
    to be out on my dock.  My boat is not in the water right now due to 
    the fact I was up at Winni this last weekend and I have not had a
    chance to put it back in the water,  probably will take the chance to
    clean it up while its out.  So dock space is available all week if
    needed.
    
    RE: Roger
    
    Yes the %@#&ing causeway is still torn up.  If you know where Reg's 
    club is you can get to it by ignoring the road closed signs from 
    RT. 85.  They do allow you go down there,  which is nice of them 
    since people live down there.
    
    Mike

    
    	I'll need directions to the launch..................
    
    	Rick

    
    Hey Reg,
    
    	Is there a TV at the camp, maybe a VCR to view the AM crashes on
    at lunchtime? Matter-of-fact, we don't need the VCR cause the camera
    will serve that purpose. If there's no TV, anyone wanna volunteer to 
    bring one?
    
    Rick
    
    BTW: For those of you not paying attention... :-)  Gumball, Thursday,
    June 20th in Marlboro....!

    
    We videotaped ourselves skiing last year during vacation.  TV
    supposedly puts 10 lbs. on you......what it also does
    is slow your speed down by about 10 MPH.
    
    So we looked *FAT* and *SLOW*!
                                     
    Are you sure we want to do this?   :>)  
    

    
    
    > So we looked *FAT* and *SLOW*!
    
    	Damn... and I already ate a donut this morning!
    
    
    	Personally, I'd like to see my bad habits in slalom so I can
    try to correct some of them.
    

    
    I can provide two options for viewing.
    
    I can bring a small B/W  to the camp (if there
    is not a tv at the camp), or
    we can hook it up to my 25" color at my home.
    By the way I DO NOT have a VCR so we would need all the
    necessary connetors to attach to a TV.  This maybe less
    than optimal (not being at the camp) but is better than nothing.
    
    Mike 

    
    
    Slalom course is now gone from Lake Mascuppic, or at least all of the
    buoys are gone.  I'll try to find out what happened to it.
    
    Kevin
    

    Hello everyone,
    
    My boyfriend and his friends own the slalom course on Lake Mascuppic.  
    Careless boaters were trashing the bouys and they were losing up to 3 a
    day.  The course is still underwater but the buoys are in the garage. 
    Once we find a way to secure the buoys without endangering boats or
    skiers we'll probably put it back up.  
    
    I have yet to try it - matter of fact I did my first deep water start
    on a slalom ski last Saturday.  It was very exciting!  
    
    We followed directions to the letter from the Overtons catalog and got 
    additional information from the library.  The course is installed
    correctly and it hasn't moved but the loss of the buoy's is getting
    really costly.  If anyone has any ideas or recommendations about
    securing them on without the risk of them not breaking and tangleing in
    a prop - we'd love the advice.  We also don't mind if anyone uses it
    but it was the people that just raced through, cut the buoys and then
    didn't return them that caused the problem.  After all, skier's should
    be one big happy family.
    
    Karen

    Hi Karen,
    
    You may want to replace the Overton buoys with empty plastic
    floatable containers of some sort, while you're not using
    the course.  If the buoys are on swivel hooks you can quickly
    attach the temporary buoys.  This will save you from having
    to dive down and find the blocks/rope to attach your buoys
    to.
    
    I had installed a course on my lake last year, I didn't lose
    too many buoys.  The people on the lake were pretty considerate,
    if they found a cut buoy, they would attach it back onto one
    of the other buoys.    
    
    It's too bad you couldn't section off a part of that lake
    that holds the course.  I've skied Lake Mascuppic and it
    can be a zoo! 
    
    Jeanne
    

    Karen,
    
    I would agree with Jeanne,  replace the bouys with detergent
    bottles, Tide 96 oz'ers are good.  In fact if you are not real
    particular you really do not need official bouys for the boat
    bouys.  It does not look as nice but it certainly is cheaper.
    For safty I would use real bouys on the entrance/exit gates
    and all turn bouys,  and then just have some easy clips to
    change them back to bottles when you are done.  It would probably
    take ten minutes to switch the ten bouys/bottles.
    
    A second choice is to use "sub-bouys".  These bouys are attached such
    that they float about 4' to 5' below the surface.  Depending on the
    clarity of the water they should be visible but not hittable by passing
    boats.  You can then attach the actual bouy to the sub-bouy and you can
    in effect takedown the course without having sink to the bottom.
    
    Hope this all makes sence.
    Mike 
                              

	Well all you 'Gumballers', I finally got to ski with that Swede
	that I told you about ....... 

	He'ld put you all to shame.  Yes, even you Roger.  I was a little
	embarassed to even ski with him but I had to !  He even had to 
	ski using my '69 HO Mach I (which was WAY too big for him) and
	was a handicap.  I shuddered to think what he could have done 
	with his own Conolly !  

	Oh well, at least I beat him in Horseshoes !

	Next time you guys decide to have a Gumball give me a call and
	I'll try and get him out (He's at Harvard for the Summer).  I
	don't think I'ld have to twist his arm too much.

	Chuck

    Reg,
    
    Is there any chance of a "Gumball" at Province Lake next week? 
    
    Just curious...
    
    Mike (itchin' to find some trouble next week from Laconia--north)

    
    Mike,
    
    As a matter of fact, I will still be there on Monday, if you'd like
    to stop by....
    
    Rick

A couple of questions about Lake Mascuppic:

- How good is it for skiing?

- Is there any area on the shore that can be used as
  a waiting area?

Thanks for info.

  >>A couple of questions about Lake Mascuppic:

  >> - How good is it for skiing?

  >>- Is there any area on the shore that can be used as
    a waiting area?
    
    
    The weekends are probably out of the picture if the weather is good. 
    There are just too many boats on the water.   There is a marine patrol
    boat out every weekend, either Saturday or Sunday.  Mid week isn't very
    crowded though.  The lake is 209 acres but it's not very long, so you
    end up skiing in a big circle.
    
    As for a waiting area, there is a public ramp but no real place to do a
    beach start, if that's what you mean.  The area next to the ramp (can't
    really call it a beach) has lots of submerged rocks.  
    
    Kevin
    
    
    
    

                                 
Nice tournament at Fort Meadow Pond this past weekend, we enjoyed
watching the little 10 year old girl ski the course @18 and 20MPH,
she gets the prize!!

The promo boats were very nice, they had a Red Ski Nautique,
Euro 3 Malibu Skier, Ski Brendella and MasterCraft.  

There were a couple of ski-outs in the men's and women's
division...in fact, one of the woman skiers is sponsored
by Straight Line, (and this was a novice tournament), 
she could have easily skied out of this tournament, (IMO), 
but didn't.  By ski-out, it means getting all six @34MPH,
not sure about the rope length.

There's a lot of talent out there, and they all come out
for these tournaments....good show!

Jeanne

    
    
    	Anyone up for a GB this afternoon at the Methuen Merrimack river
    site? I think I'll get the boat in the water around 13:30...........
    
    Rick

    Nice idea, but the current could be very high, and there are lots of
    foreign objects adrift in the river...Could be risky. I'd love to go,
    but have a mandatory meeting at 2:30. 
    
    Mike

    Hi again,
    
    re: Lake Mascuppic note...Kevin is right... the weekends are too busy
    to get a good run in... Matter of fact, on August 18th I tried to get a
    run in and crashed and burned...I now need reconstructive surgery on my
    knee.  No more skiing for this girl - not until next summer that is!! 
    At least I got to try to barefoot this season.  I can't wait to try
    again.
    
    Anyway,  I've read all these notes about people skiing on the Merrimac
    river.  Where abouts to you ski.  The lake is usually not calm enough
    to barefoot unless its 7am or so, and the guys want somewhere to go
    after the good water is over at lake Mascuppic.  
    
    Is there a club on the Merrimac, are you guys a club?  How does one
    join this elite group of slalomers and barefooters?  
    
    My boyfriend has a baja with an 150 outboard and the other boat in the
    group is a Mastercraft ski boat (they just bought it used so I don't
    know the details).
    
    Any info. anyone might have about skiing on the Merrimac would be
    appreciated.  
    
    Thanks,
    
    Karen

re                    <<< Note 779.185 by JETSAM::LEVENSALER >>>
>                         -< Footin' on the Merrimac? >-

    
>    Anyway,  I've read all these notes about people skiing on the Merrimac
>    river.  Where abouts to you ski.  The lake is usually not calm enough

	Typically North of Middlesex Power and Marine in Tyngsborough 
and south of the Hudson Bridge in NH, we launch at North Chelmsford.

>    Is there a club on the Merrimac, are you guys a club?  How does one
>    join this elite group of slalomers and barefooters?  

	Errr, a club we ain't.  An elite group ?   Gee, flattery will 
get you free membership (-:   Probably the easiest thing is for those 
of us who doit to put you on our mailing lists, keep your gear in the 
car at all times in case you get a 4:30 call to action.


>    Any info. anyone might have about skiing on the Merrimac would be
>    appreciated.  

	Watch out for rocks.  Don't go out on the Merrimac without 
someone who knows  AT LEAST  where the MAJOR rock gardens are  - -  
the water level varies tremendously, so a dozen safe trips over a 
particular spot might still mean that a 2 inch drop in water level 
could spell    D I $ A $ T E R !   -  pain too.

	Reg


	Also, watch out for rocks.

    
    Hey Reg,
    
    	I forgot about your new toy... wanna try it out on the
    river tonite if it isn't pouring? I'll provide the HPs.....
    
    Rick

re <<< Note 779.187 by KAHALA::SUTER "We dun't need no stinkin' skis, (sometimes)" >>>
>                             -< Mystery toy!????? >-

    
>    	I forgot about your new toy... wanna try it out on the
>    river tonite if it isn't pouring? I'll provide the HPs.....

	Sorry I missed this note, logged out around 3 pm yesterday.
Errr, some night soon would be nice - preferrably a school free night ??
Maybe Jeff could bring his new super dooper Kidder for us to wre< try.
The mystery toy is now properly fixed, kudos to Baert's in Plaistow.

	R

PS	We could do this behind a MUCH less powerful boat, but yours
	would probably be IDEAL !   because..... well, just IDEAL ! 

    
    	Actually, I thought about leaving tomorrow about the same
    time you logged out yesterday and heading for the river. Any
    takers?
    
    Rick

    Anybody know the water temps out there this week? On the Merrimack,
    that is! 
    Mike (with no protection from too-frigid waters!)

	In the interests of the interests of the w/ski members of this 
conference I dutifully dropped by the river on the way home last 
night.  From the parking lot of the Chinese restaurant (Lin Garden, I 
think) on Rte #110 it is possible to see if the ski course is  IN  or  
OUT.   There had been rumors circulating that it was either taken out 
prior to Hurricane Bob, or that Bob Hurricane had taken it out.  

	Either way, last night the course was definitately  IN  and
the surface was looking like super cooled silicon dioxide. 

	R	{Logging off now for a meeting in LKG,  but I'll try 
		to guest in later to see if any activities are imminent.}

PS	I like the mystery toy a LOT !

    
    Ah yes, A novel idea my dear Reginald! I think an early departure
    tomorrow afternoon to the Methuen sight is certainly in order.
    
    Rick
    
    re: Temps in the Merrimack.... don't know for sure, probably don't
    want to know, but it's too damn cold for me to get into without
    a full wetsuit. Actually, it's chilly, but not cold enough to numb
    any extremities yet!
    

Other than using a crane to get my wetsuit on (it's small, I'm eating -well- 
these days), is there a trick such as powder or the like for getting into
the blasted thing?


/Chris

    Corn starch or baby powder will work well for sliding into a wetsuit, as
    long as the wetsuit is dry.
    
    Disregard the above comment if your wetsuit has a plush lining.

    
    	It's final! Today, Methuen Merrimack River site.... 3:30 (maybe B4)
    
    	Rick

Windsurfing shops (Can Am in Cambridge, among many) are now carrying a new 
thing called "slippery socks" under various tradenames.  They go on over 
your feet, and produce close to zero resistance against the inside of a 
wetsuit when you're pulling it on, even if quite tight.

Don't know if they have gloves available yet.

J.

    
    RE: -1
    
    Thats good to know ... the Merrimack River is "feet numbing",
    I may have to pick up a pair.
    
    
    
    

    I don't think the socks are used for anything other than putting the suit
    on.  They are just some slippery nylon booties.

    George

	There are whole suit liners available too, they look a bit
like a whole body sock  - -  they probably don't add much insulation,
just help the wet suit slip on and off easier.  I'd think (for Jeanne,
NOT for me) that panty hose would do all/most of the same thing and be 
a LOT cheaper too.

	Reg

    
    Reg, pantyhose is *NOT* cheap!  :>)  But I'm sure a pair
    is much cheaper than a full body sock.!  
    
    On the subject of waterskiing, don't miss tonights' Pro
    WaterSki Tour at 10:00 on ESPN.
    
    

 
Reg,
	Roger Karr here.... We met last Friday at the club you belong to on 
Fort Meadow. (I was next door at my buddy's house) I just wanted to drop a
note thanking you for the tug last Friday! I appreciate it... It's not too often
I get the opportunity to ski behind a 'real boat'  8^)

My 'bayslammer' was purchased as a family boat (3 little tikes, + wife and I)
but does satisfy my 'frequent urge' to play in the water. My 7 year old has 
been on skis all this year and has been boarding since he was 4. I told him
about your boat so now I am building forces to convince my wife we NEED an 
AWSA approved tow boat! 8^) 

(ya right)   8^(

If you guys are ever out on quinsig... let me know! (my boat is kept outside
the entrance to half moon cove)   

Thanks again!
		Roger

              <<< VICKI::SIE$DATA0:[NOTES$LIBRARY]BOATS.NOTE;1 >>>
                                -< Powerboats >-
================================================================================
Note 815.11                  "RED DOT" CABIN HEATER                     11 of 11
ROGER::GAUDET "Because the Earth is 2/3 water"        4 lines   6-NOV-1991 17:43
                    -< Is there still water in Ft. Meadow? >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And about what time of day would these "quick runs" be happenin'?  I just might
be able to break away from the chores to cut a few slices of my own!  :-)

...Roger...

re 
> And about what time of day would these "quick runs" be happenin'?  I just might
> be able to break away from the chores to cut a few slices of my own!  :-)

	Awww, they finish about 6 minutes after they start, assuming 
no falls.  They're likely to start somewhen around 8:30 or 9:00, it 
depends on the enthusiasm level and number of showees, and whether we 
decide to haul the docks in first - that kind of stuff.

	Reg

    
    Ahhhhhhhummmmmm... <yawn>
    
    	Yup 8:30 is right after yawn for me.... I think I can make it
    for a couple of cold ones.... As long as it's not pouring, that 
    causes pain to my delicate face.
    
    Rick
    
    PS: How's the sandpile?
    
    PPS: Should I bring the firewood?

OK, that sounds fine.  Is the hot water shower gonna be installed and working in
the boat for Saturday?  :-)

Moving the docks?  You mean you guys haven't done that yet?  Whatchu waitin' for,
cold weather or somethin'?  :-)

...Roger...

    
    RE: Moving of docks.
    
    I am waiting for them to lower the water level so I
    can just walk out and get them without getting wet. :-)
    
    If I wait too long I can probably just walk out on the
    ice and lift it out from there.  :-)  Don't laugh,
    it HAS been done.
    
    Mike
    
    

re                        <<< Note 779.206 by ROCK::SMITH >>>
>                        -< Waiting to remove docks... >-
    
>    RE: Moving of docks.
    
>    I am waiting for them to lower the water level so I
>    can just walk out and get them without getting wet. :-)

	Its a trade off,  a) get wet and cold, be able to float 
them in, have a few people still around to help  vs  stay dry, carry
them in ALONE, and what if they freeze in ?

	You up for a run tomorrow ?

	Reg

    

    
    	Well, if we pull the dock out we can use it for heat.......
    
    	Seriously, do you think we could get away with a campfire
    if we cleaned up afterward or would the members and/or the
    Marlboro fire dept get upset?
    
    Rick_the_pyromaniac...

re  <<< Note 779.208 by KAHALA::SUTER "We dun't need no stinkin' skis, (sometimes)" >>>
   >         -< Overcoats, a barrel of fire, cheap wine...oh yeah! >-

    
>    	Seriously, do you think we could get away with a campfire
>    if we cleaned up afterward or would the members and/or the
>    Marlboro fire dept get upset?


	How about I scounge up a few logs, get there early and open up 
the club house and build a fire in the wood burning stove ??

	Or, we crowd around the gas stove and pretend we're making 
cookies ?
    
>    Rick_the_pyromaniac...

	Reg {the designated responsible  member}

    WELLLL???  How about a report.  Some of us are curious.
    
    Doug_Waiting for the WX to break 60�....

    
    
    re: Doug_Waiting for the WX to break 60�....
    
    	I'd say you have 2 alternatives. Travel south or wait til spring...
    :-)
    
    	Reg, should I fill him in or would you like to?
    
    	This should give you a hint, Doug.... Wimps, wimps, wimps......
    
    Rick 

re <<< Note 779.211 by KAHALA::SUTER "We dun't need no stinkin' skis, (sometimes)" >>>
>                      -< Cold....? Cold... ? Nahhhhhhhh >-

    
>    re: Doug_Waiting for the WX to break 60�....
    
>    	Reg, should I fill him in or would you like to?

	Well, errr;   I didn't, mainly because I'd been in the water 
earlier for quite a while hauling dock sections out.  Just as I was 
about to leave, having got back into sweats, etc. the only skier of 
the day showed up  -  he took two 5_or_so minute runs, and that 
off-side turn has really been cleaned up since the last time I saw him 
ski.

>    	This should give you a hint, Doug.... Wimps, wimps, wimps......

	Yeah, well, like I said.....  at least I didn't try to keep 
warm by working under a junk car and snuggling up to the exhaust pipe 
all morning (Hi Roger).
    
>    Rick 

	Reg	{unable to do the  "don't get wet"  trick}

PS	What time did you get thawed out ?  I mean REALLY THAWED OUT !

Unfortunately I wasn't 'snuggling up to a warm exhaust' ... :-)  That darn thing
was ice cold so we could work on it!  Believe me, if I had to freeze my fingers
off, I'd rather have been doing it with a ski handle in my hand!  From now on, no
more Mr. Nice Guy.  :-)

Sooooo, we've had our first snowfall of the year.  But Nov. 11th is pretty darn
early for us to be calling it quits, don'tcha think?  :-)

...Roger...

>Sooooo, we've had our first snowfall of the year.  But Nov. 11th is pretty darn
>early for us to be calling it quits, don'tcha think?  :-)

    	Where did you hear a vicious rumor like this? Threats  like
    quitting November 11th should be moved to the rumor note.... :-)

    
    Gumball, N. Chelmsford, 13:30, today! Any takers?
    
    

re <<< Note 779.215 by KAHALA::SUTER "We dun't need no stinkin' skis, (sometimes)" >>>
>                               -< Look, A Lert! >-

    
>    Gumball, N. Chelmsford, 13:30, today! Any takers?

	Gee, I'd  luv'ta  butt...    
    
	regretfully,  I have to take my mother in law to the airport  (-:

	Sorry,

	Reg

    
    Ah yes, these things that interfere with skiing! 
    
    BTW: I'm sure your M-I-L is a fine woman since she's related to your
    fine wife! :-)
    
    

    
    	Fellow waterskiing fanatics:
    
    		A snow storm is predicted for tonight here in the
    	cold northeast, but will that stop us from surpassing our
    	previous record of skiing on December 7th, 1989? No way!
    
    		C.A. Still isn't winterized so I'll volunteer the
    	power at the most popular, unfrozen body of water this Sunday.
    	That's Sunday, December 8th! Any takers, no matter what the
    	weather is?
    
    	Rick

    .....might be talked into doing something stupid Sunday morning !
    
    Why not hold out for Dec 28 or 29 and be completely crazy !
    
    ~jeff

Well, you guys will, once again, do it without me.  I will be in sunny Florida by
Sunday evening.  Whether I will be water skiing down there is still in question,
however.  I will, of course, be looking for any opportunity to break away from
being a tourist and catch a few runs somewhere.  At any rate, perhaps if good old
New England weather stays on its current course, there will still be liquid
somewhere on which to really smash the old 12/07/89 record after I return on Dec.
16th.

Until then, asta-la-vista, baby!  (actually, not till this Saturday)

...Roger...

    
    
    	Well folks, Seems there is a lack of size of a certain part of
    the anatomy in this note lately.... if you catch my drift.........
    
    	But, a Sunday ski is still scheduled despite the fact that many
    ponds are iced over. The mighty Merrimuck still isn't......
    
    Rick
    
    Oh yeah, Roger, you scum!

re <<< Note 779.221 by ARCHER::SUTER "Cold toes! Cold nose! Ain't froze? - Hit it!" >>>
>                                -< Fla my @$$! >-

    
>    	But, a Sunday ski is still scheduled despite the fact that many
>    ponds are iced over. The mighty Merrimuck still isn't......

	I drove by there on tuesday, there were parts of the river 
that looked kinda  "crusty".   What time one sunday ?   I might make 
it, I might bring my cross country skis and just shuffle around the 
ajoining ball field  (-:

	Reg

    You're pushing your luck going for Sunday. There's bound to be ice by
    then. You might have to push the trip closer to the Atlantic, to get
    the water with more anti-freeze (brackish!)... If I remember correctly,
    following the Dec. 7th ski, wasn't there ice the next day out on the
    river?
    
    Good luck!
    

    
    	11:00 AM on Sunday, Reg.....

    
    Well???  Did you do it?  The weather sure was nice for the first part
    of the day.
    
    Rick

    Maybe they did, but have not survived to note about it!
    
    Better yet, they should have waited until today, and that's maybe the
    reason that we haven't heard back from them. 
    
    Go for it, guys!

    
    
    	Yup, 3 skiers "did it" on the river yesterday.... details soon...
    
    Rick

re <<< Note 779.227 by TOMCAT::SUTER "Cold toes! Cold nose! Ain't froze? - Hit it!" >>>
>                               -< Chilly? nah! >-

    
    
>    	Yup, 3 skiers "did it" on the river yesterday.... details soon...

	I wasn't one of them.

	I heard that someone didn't get wet.....

	R

    
    
    	Yeah that's true, "someone didn't get wet"... well almost, I did
    splash a little when I attempted a beach landing at the beach that I'm
    a little less familiar with....
    
    	A really nice day.... attended by the true diehards (you know the
    skiers that aren't in Florida right now!) Jackie, Jeff and myself each
    took 2 runs, although my footin run barely rates as "a run".....
    
    	Not bad for December 8th! A new record for us! Anyone in New
    England care to challenge it? Although today is beautiful weather-wise!
    C.A. got an oil change and lube yesterday on it's way to winterization,
    but since no Antifreeze or fogging oil has been applied yet the trend
    is still reversable.
    
    Rick

    I had a good time and was glad I ventured out. There were *small*
    pieces of ice seen floating in the water so I figure water temps were
    maybe high 30's. The finger tips got mighty uncomfortable even with
    'cold water' gloves. I brought some rubber dishwashing gloves which
    would have helped but found it too hard to maintain a grip. The toes
    and body stayed warm, my head was not too happy doing those deepwaters
    starts though. Shocking is a good description of what it felt like. 
    
    I think Rick should get a FANATIC's award. He was the only one without
    a drysuit but he was still skiing fairly aggressive considering the fate
    that awaited him should he fall, which he's been known to do. :^) We took
    some pictures with each of us skiing with snow in the background, and
    Rick on the boom.
    
    Almost couldn't fetch the Nautique out of the water. The ramp was snow 
    covered and 4WD wasn't helping. Fortunately for Rick he had a chain in 
    the truck. After he was gracious enough to pull me around skiing, the 
    least I could do was rescue his stuck Dodge with my mighty Chevy. :^)
    The day wouldn't have been possible without 2 4WD trucks.
    
    Florida is for wussies !  
    
    ~jeff

    
    You mean Reg didn't ski!!  Reg...have you not recovered
    from last February?  Did that experience scar your soul?!  :>)
    
    Jeanne....just thinking about being *near* that water makes
              my feet hurt!
    

re                <<< Note 779.231 by DONVAN::DECAROLIS "Jeanne" >>>
>                -< Maybe Reg just wants to break your record! >-



				TEASE !

	R
    

    
    When are we going?

    FWIW, the weather guess I heard this morning was for 60 degrees
    on Friday.  Don't finish winterizing that boat yet...
    
    Rick

    
    	60s on Saturday also, chance of rain, any takers?
    

re <<< Note 779.235 by TOMCAT::SUTER "Cold toes! Cold nose! Ain't froze? - Hit it!" >>>
>                                  -< Final? >-

>    	60s on Saturday also, chance of rain, any takers?

	Awww,  OK    if you  INSIST !

	But my dry suit still isn't fixed, maybe I can rubber cement 
the split wrist seal well enough.  Else its gonna be cold deep water 
starts, 2 max !

	Reg
    

    
    	Reg, A deep water start in a wetsuit! Brrrr! I wouldn't wanna do
    it!
    
    	Better get out the glue...
    
    Rick

    re: .236 & .237
    
    Sissies!
    
    
    
    <grin>
    
    John H-C

>>    	60s on Saturday also, chance of rain, any takers?

    Would be fun ! All the projects I planned to work on last Sunday are
    waiting for me this Saturday though. Priority conflict.
     
>    	But my dry suit still isn't fixed, maybe I can rubber cement 
>the split wrist seal well enough.  Else its gonna be cold deep water 
>starts, 2 max !
    
    I don't think you'd make *one* deepwater with the water being as cold
    as it is. You could bring a trash bag and lots of duct tape. :^)

    If it weren't for the stories about the pirahna's getting pulled out
    around Bow NH, I'd suggest skiing there. Downstream from the power
    plant the water is supposedly toasty year-round (60's !)
    
    ~jeff

    
    Yeah Reg, I think Jeff was starting to kibbie a little when he didn't
    make his first attempt at a DWS. I can't imagine what it would feel 
    like having that water rush into a wetsuit.
    
    Ah Jeff.. Maria will paint by herself again, won't she? What a woman!
    
    RE: John, come join us, but only bring a 2mm wetsuit, not one of those
    10mm jobs....
    
    Rick

    re: .240
    
    Aaaargh! On Saturday I am once again out on the ocean with the Divers'
    Environmental Survey. Love to ski again, but I some priorities are not
    to be messed with.
    
    My 10mm neoprene is a drysuit, and it will see use in January/February.
    The boots wouldn't fit in a ski anyway. <g>
    
    2mm wetsuit? Are you serious? Why would anybody spend money for a fake
    wetsuit like that in New England? 5mm is the bare minimum for local
    waters.... And the wind will sap your body heat from a wet wetsuit
    faster than it could steal it from your bare body. People who ski
    submit to the wind after they get wet, don't they?
    
    18 years since I've been on a ski. I hope we can connect one of these
    days....
    
    John H-C
    

    re:779.229
    Here's a dumb question.  Years ago (1964) when I was young my friend
    and I used to ski right off of his dock or by standing in about a foot
    of water with the one ski razed.  We would come right into the beach
    when done so we never got wet.  Rick mentions making a beach landing.
    Are beach starts and landings illegal due to the 100' from shore rule
    or is it a different rule that only applies during certain parts of the
    year? 
    Thanks, Wayne  

    
    re: wayne
    
    	Yup, technically beach landings and starts are illegal just for 
    that reason... BTW: It's 150 feet isn't it?
    
    Rick

    Actually, I was told by a Marine Patrol Officer that the rules on 
    beach and dock STARTS had been changed. I think this was 2 or 3 years
    ago. The 150 foot rule was still in effect for stopping. This is in
    New Hampshire.
    
    Scott

    Well ? Does the December 8 record still stand, or did some of you head
    on again on Saturday. It was raining hard most of the day in my neck of
    the woods.
    
    ~jeff 

    If you can't do beach starts, can you start off the back of a second
    boat?  I ask because whenever I do deep water starts lately it's been
    behind underpowered boats that take forever to pull me up.  I have
    come close a number of times to losing my contact lenses due to the
    spray.  Try finding a contact stuck up under eyelid while skiing
    sometime!
    Wayne

    
    Yup... Jeff, the 8th still stands and probably will til next year....
    I plan on some mothballs this weekend, much to Jackie's dismay...
    
    Off the back of another boat would be a dock start. Dock starts
    (for me) tend to be a little more damp than beach starts. Although,
    in one the skiing crowds more brilliant moments we surmised that
    a DOUBLE platform kneeboard start (1 from each boat driving in opposite
    directions) would be possible...!
    
    Rick

    re: .247
    
    Wayne---
    
    Have you ever considered wearing a pair of competitive swimming goggles
    while skiing with your contacts on? If worn properly, you can do a
    face-first landing without their coming off, and you can see better
    with them above water than underwater. They're cheap, too, especially
    when you compare them with the price of contacts.
    
    FWIW
    
    John H-C
    
    

    John, you haven't seen a face first landing until you've seen one of
    mine.  Worse yet was the rear first landing I did two summers ago that
    tore the seat out of my swimming suit (and I didn't realize it until I
    got back up).  Would MVP Sports carry these swimming goggles?  Has
    anyone else tried this?
    Wayne

RE: Note 779.247   
>> If you can't do beach starts, can you start off the back of a second
>> boat?  

I'm sure this would a definite no-no in the eyes of the New Hampshire MP's.
Any boat traveling at more than headway speed is supposed to keep at least
150' from all other boats.  Since the tow rope is only 75' long, you'd be
pretty much holding the evidence in your hands that the 2 boats were too 
close.

Rick

	Double opposing kneeboard platform starts, eh ?

	Hmm, hafta talk Jason into that next spring....

	You going left or right ?
	OK, I'll go opposite - no, same  - -  Ooops !

	R

    re: .250
    
    Wayne---
    
    Just about any sports store would care the goggles. For the kind of
    heavy-duty abuse they (and your face) might receive with a fall from a
    ski, I suggest you get the kind that has a rubber skirt around each
    lens rather than the low-profile kind favored by competitive swimmers
    for racing. These only have a foam seal. The kind with the rubber skirt
    is often used for practices because they can be worn for longer with
    less discomfort. They also cost a bit more, but I suspect they would be
    worth it.
    
    
    FWIW
    
    John H-C

Sheesh!  All this abuse I've taken, and I wasn't even here to defend myself! 
:-)

Well OK, since you guys slammed me while I was gone, I'm gonna dangle my trip
report in your face!  :-)

The Weather:  Sunshine with temps in the low 80's *every day*.  I'm not
kidding!  The only precipitation we saw was on Thursday just after lunch, when
it literally misted for 5 minutes while we were at Universal Studios.  The sun
promptly returned.

The Skiing:  I skied later than you guys did!  Na na na na na na!  :-)
December 9th on some obscure lake in western Orlando behind an American Skier.
4-buoy course.  6 passes on an O'Brien TRC.  Didn't cost me anything, either.
Why, you ask?  Because I let some sales-bozo bend my ear for 2 hours trying to
sell me a vacation timeshare.  After I politely explained that my current
financial situation would not permit me to purchase one of their time slots
($12,000 would be much better spent on a new boat, IMHO), I was directed to the
hospitality area where I received 4 free tickets to King Henry's Feast (a local
dinner/show place ... single adult price is $27.95).  During the tour they
showed us the private lake on the premises.  Of course, I just *happened* to
notice the American Skier parked at the dock (with a boom hanging off the
side).  I made a mental note of this and we continued with the tour.  Upon
getting our free tickets, I told the others with me that I wanted to go check
out the waterfront again, so why don't they go into the shops and check things
out.  "I'll join you in a little while," I said.  Heh heh heh!  So I wandered
down to the waterfront and there's a guy on the dock.  "Hey, nice lake," I
said.  "Looks great for skiing."  "Did you take the tour today?" he asks.
"Yup, sure did.  Nice place you have here.  I'm hoping to get a chance to go
skiing before the end of the week.  Know any good places around here that I can
take a few slalom runs?"  I'm asking this while standing in front of a sign that
says "Water Skiing: $20 for 15 minutes, $30 for 30 minutes, $50 per hour."
"Well, you want to take a couple of runs here?" he asks.  "You mean, now?" I
ask.  He says, "Sure.  You took the tour, so if anybody asks I'll just say I'm
showing the place to a prospective buyer.  I'll fire up the boat and get it
warmed up for the lessons I have scheduled at 10:00."  This was around 9:15 a.m.
The lake was glass calm.  "Well, gee, how can I refuse?  Only problem is I don't
have any stuff with me."  "Hey, no problem," he says. "There should be some
trunks and towels in the cabana, and there's a few skis on the side of the shed
over there."  Ouch!  My arm was twisted so far I couldn't stand it.  "OK, be
right back," I said.  So I donned some rather unremarkable trunks and grabbed
the TRC.  "Hit it!"  Being the wussie-boy that I am (you know us northerners
just aren't in shape in December!), I pooped out after 6 passes (but they were 6
*great* passes).  Of course, I couldn't resist making a grand return to the dock
by going out onto the boom for a short footin' run.  I didn't do anything crazy,
though, as I didn't have on a wetsuit or neoprene shorts.  Tumble turns are
painful with just trunks on!  Anyway, I figured I'd give the guy something for
the effort, and he said, "Nah, no big deal.  15 minutes won't kill anyone.  I
had to warm up the boat anyway."  Good deal, eh?  Maybe I will buy one of those
units after all!  :-)  So that's the good news.  Unfortunately, that's all the
skiing I would do for the week.

The next day we went to Cypress Gardens.  Guess who skis in the Cypress Gardens
ski show?  Banana George Blair!  Yup, the 76-year-young Banana-Man was there,
footin' across the water.  After the show the skiers came up near the stands
and I spoke with several of them including Scott Clack (4-time World Freestyle
Jump champion) and Ambassador George.  What a great guy!  My father-in-law took
a picture of George and me, which I am eagerly awaiting it's return from the
photo developer.

Thursday night we used our free tickets to attend the dinner/show at King
Henry's Feast.  So who do I see sitting about 4 tables away?  Would you believe
Britt Larson?  For those of you who don't know her, she and her twin sister
Tawn Larson are very prominent trick skiers on the pro tour.  It took me a
while to convince myself that it was her (I guess I didn't recognize her with
all those clothes on :-)), but I'm certain it was her.  Unfortunately, I didn't
have a chance to go over and talk to her, as she seemed to be there with her
'beau' and several friends/family members.  She seemed to be engaged in rather
heavy duty conversation with about 10 people when it was time to leave.

Saturday I took a ride out to Sammy Duvall's Water Ski Emporium.  No, I didn't
see Sammy or Camille (in fact, the guy at the shop told me he hadn't seen Sammy
in a couple of weeks).  But I did get some great stuff.  You guys are gonna
love this T-shirt I picked up ... if I had the money [$15 each] and known all
your sizes I would have picked up T-shirts for everyone ... they could
definitely be the official T-shirt of our gumball crew ... you'll agree when you
see it).  I also picked up a rope/handle combo for $30 (Free-Style with take-off
loops), a neon yellow O'Brien hat and some stickers for the truck.  And let me
tell ya ... if I was a Mastercraft kinda guy, I would have hitched up one of
those '92s and dragged it home.  What a nice looking machine!  Cypress Gardens
uses Mastercrafts (nobody's perfect, I guess! :-)), and while there I checked
them out between shows.  They had 5 of them, all 5 of the color schemes.  Very
sexy!

Also I Saturday I stopped by a place called "Performance Ski and Surf" on
Orange Blossom Trail ("directly across from the Florida Mall" according to
their radio spot).  Neat place, and I picked up some great O'Brien shorts and
a neon red "Bad Boy Club" hat.  Gnarly!!!!  :-)

I took a ride by the Correct Craft plant (since I just happened to be cruising
down Orange Avenue) ... they're not open on Saturdays, but I did get a glimpse
at several unfinished boats.  I even saw a Fish Nautique down the road a ways,
and quite the stack of trailers.  A short distance down the road is their new
headquarters office building.  Nice big sign out front, and a couple of vans
with the "Ski Nautique" logo on the side.

So there it is.  The week that was.  You may now wipe that drool off your face!
:-)

...Roger...

    Thanks for the report Roger,
    And welcome back to the (cold) great white north...
    
    Doug

re Roger 

>	But I did get some great stuff.  You guys are gonna
> love this T-shirt I picked up ... if I had the money [$15 each] and known all

	We KNOW you got money  (-:

> your sizes I would have picked up T-shirts for everyone ... they could

	For future reference;

	Two small, two med, two large and one extra large,  I'll take 
the X-tra large, Rick and Jackie know why I like a little extra space 
in my clothes (-:  (-:     [river joke]

> definitely be the official T-shirt of our gumball crew ... you'll agree when you
> see it).  I also picked up a rope/handle combo for $30 (Free-Style with take-off

	Errr, lemme guess...

	"Our buddy Roger went to Ski in Florida last December, 
	but all we got were these  *&$#%@#  T-shirts"

> tell ya ... if I was a Mastercraft kinda guy, I would have hitched up one of
> those '92s and dragged it home.  What a nice looking machine!  Cypress Gardens
> uses Mastercrafts (nobody's perfect, I guess! :-)), and while there I checked
> them out between shows.  They had 5 of them, all 5 of the color schemes.  Very
> sexy!

	Ouch !  I hear there will be one on the Merrimac next season too.
Not you TOO !?

> So there it is.  The week that was.  You may now wipe that drool off your face!
> :-)

	Thanx, we feel REAL GOOD now  (-:

	Reg {maybe I'll take up slush jogging instead}

    
    Roger,
    
    You ought to try skiing in April, and see how much the
    body complains after not skiing for 6 months!
    
    Sounds like a great time, I'm trying to figure out how
    you knew it was Britt, and not Tawn Larson...those
    two are identical  twins!
    
    I've been to that pro shop on Orange Blossom Trail,
    the guy who owns it knows all the pros, and watched
    Wade Cox ski through the course at 35 off, (in the rain)
    6 consecutive times last spring.  He predicted Wade would 
    win the April tour stop in Orlando, and he win it he did!
    
    Jeanne
    
       You mean you didn't buy us all t-shirts for X-Mas!!??  :>)
    

    Welcome back ! Seems like it wasn't too hard for you to tear yourself
    away from being a tourist. Was there a single day that you didn't visit
    a pro-shop, or look at a ski-boat ? :^)
    
    OK, so you *technically* have ski'd later in the season than we did.
    But is doesn't count for the New England record! And anyways, I'm
    thinking of launching at 11:45 PM, December 31 , and making a
    short run from 11:58PM to about 12:02AM. That will clinch the record
    for 1991 & 1992. There are still some minor details to be worked out!
    Any takers ? (It was Doug's idea :^) )
    
    ~jeff                                       

    
    Roger... I have only one thing to say.... YOU SCUM!
    
    Really though.... glad you had a good time, still hoping I can
    make a trip to the sunshine state this winter, but a little iffy
    right now....
    
    So a new MC, huh?
    
    Oh yeah..... where the hell is my T-Shirt!
    
>    But is doesn't count for the New England record! And anyways, I'm
>    thinking of launching at 11:45 PM, December 31 , and making a
>    short run from 11:58PM to about 12:02AM. That will clinch the record
>    for 1991 & 1992. There are still some minor details to be worked out!
>    Any takers ? (It was Doug's idea :^) )
    
    	Gee, I was considering a similar plan... as C.A. still isn't
    winterized and the end of 1991 is drawing near.... although with
    the predicted temps of the near future even the Merrimack may be
    frozen....
    
    
    Rick
    
    Anyone had any thoughts on the winter skiers crying party?
    (All-i-need-is-a-beautiful........)

OK, where do I start?

RE: Doug ... the (cold) great white north?  You kidding me?  I got cocky on our
last day there (Sunday, 12/15) and decided I was going to wear shorts and a
shortsleeve shirt ('cuz I'm a *tourist*, that's why!).  When we woke up it was
cool (about 58 or so, but I figured that was normal for 5:00 a.m.).  No problem.
We hopped in the car and headed north.  At our *first* stop (just south of
Jacksonville) I stepped out of the car and had to grab my jacket!  It was in the
upper 40's!  Needless to say I wasn't looking forward to heading any further
north (like I had a choice).  When we got to Richmond, VA at 6:30 p.m. it was 27
degrees.  And I was still wearing my shorts!  I got some funny looks at the
Friendly's where we had dinner.

RE: Reg ... OK, X-Large it is!  Maybe at the mid-winter whine party (:-)) you
can explain to me the "river joke" you mentioned?  Anyway, with all the grief
I'm taking for these T-shirts I didn't buy, I guess I'll just have to go back
and get 'em!  Better yet, let's plan a gumball down there ... we can all go, and
I'll show you exactly which rack they're on!  :-)  Oh yeah, BTW, I did look for
those "My buddy went to Florida ..." shirts but couldn't find any.  Besides, if
I was going to spend the money, I definitely would have picked up copies of the
one I bought.  The only problem is that they're Kidder shirts (gee, what a
surprise coming from Sammy's shop, eh?).  But I know Rick S. wouldn't mind!  :-)

I just figured it out ... the whole T-shirt situation could have been avoided if
I had just remembered to borrow Don Wilson's laptop with the modem.  I could
have dialed up my system, logged in, and dropped a quick note into the
notesfile.  Then you guys could have told me your sizes, and even wired me the
money to pay for 'em!  What the heck's the matter with us?  Here we work for a
high-tech company and we forget to use high-tech to solve these problems!  :-)
OK, my fault!  It won't happen again.  :-)

RE: Jeanne ... Yeah, we did the 'Back To The Future' ride at Universal Studios.
Incredible!  One serious 'mess with your senses' ride.  But, I found it
interesting that it is actually quite similar to 'Star Tours' (Disney/MGM) and
the Hanna-Barbera cartoon ride.  They all seem to employ a large movie screen
for the visual effects, and a "vehicle-type seat" which moves up/down/sideways
to provide the sensation of motion/acceleration through the "simulated world"
you see on the screen.  Nevertheless, they're all fabulous!  A real head rush!

How did I know it was Britt?  I didn't.  And still don't.  Except that I took a
quick flip through one of my water ski mags and saw a picture of Britt with her
hair down ... when I saw her at King Henry's Feast she was wearing her hair
straight down, no curl or anything else fancy.  Besides, I figure I had a 50-50
chance of guessing the right name!  :-)  And to be honest, I'm a little glad I
didn't go over to see her, 'cuz I probably would have said, "Hey, you're Britt
Larson, the water skier!" and she would say, "Wrong!  I'm Tawn!"  Oh well, I'll
probably never really know for sure!

As for the pro shop, I didn't see the guy you mentioned.  I talked with some
woman behind the counter, and she wasn't very fluent in water-ski-ese.  She had
enough trouble just ringing up my order.  They had one of those new-fangled
PC-type registers that shows each item by code, description, etc ... she punched
in a generic code for "sportswear" and then says, "Gee, I don't see those shorts
on the list" ... I said, "Try hitting the down-arrow key and scroll to the next
screen."  Sure enough, there were the shorts a couple of screens down.  And no,
I didn't get a discount for helping!  :-}

RE: Jeff ... Hmm, a ring-in-the-new-year ski, eh?  It's possible.  Keep me
informed of developments.

RE: Rick ... Did I really give the impression that I was actually going to *buy*
a Mastercraft?  Both you and Reg mentioned it, and I got a note from another
BOATS noter saying the same thing (he even wanted to know if I was selling my
Mustang ... sorry Wayne, not yet :-)).  As I told Wayne, even though I thought
the '92 MCs were really nice, I think I'd have a tough time breaking away from
the Correct Craft family.  I still think the CCs look *much* better than the
MCs.

Regarding our annual mid-winter bitch/moan/wanna_ski session (:-)), I'm already
compiling last season's photos, etc.  Guess I better send in that roll of film
so I can have my picture with The Banana-Man too!  I just hope I don't forget
that damn T-shirt I've been bragging about!  :-)

...Roger... eagerly_awaiting_the_900th_viewing_of_Hot_Rock'n_Feet  :-)

    Rumor has it that a potential site for a February bitch/moan/video
    party has been volunteered. Watch this note, or the *Official 1992*
    note for details. 
    
    ~jeff

re  recent comments on M/Cs

	Pierre, Carol and I went to the  "sale"  on water skis and 
other equipment at USA Marine on saturday.  My general impression was 
that most of the stuff was AT LEAST 30% higher than it had been in the 
summer when I got REAL CLOSE to buying a particulat K*dd*r ski that 
they still have.  Now its marked down even more from an even higher 
price, so its a better deal even though its more expensive, right ?
Anyway, the point is that they have a new Mastercraft in there and of
course we looked it over and the sales droid gave us the pitch.....  
probably the same one he gives to people looking at the Bayliners and
Bass-Trackers.  We had a few jokes with him about test driving the
skis,  "Sure, you put that boat in the water we'll try out the skis". 
We bought nothing there, but went on to Water-Skis Plus in Spencer
and did the usual clean up on gloves, ropes, T-shirts, etc.  Ed's
prices are still in line with the mail order companies and he wasn't
trying to make a killing on last minute gift shoppers. 

	errrr, M/Cs ??   I'm hoping to get pulled around a couple of 
times by one next spring, just to see what its like.

	Reg

Re: .248 and .252  Double kneeboard starts from opposing swim platforms.

Rick,
Yes this can be done-I know.  I'll give you a couple of rules, hard
learned.  First, both boats must be running right.  If one dies on
takeoff one skier might just get run over.  Next, both drivers must
be running right.  Remember, you won't be able to go in gear before
starting, so someone might kill an engine resulting in the same 
problem.  Most importantly, both skiers absolutely must be running
right.  If you listen to nothing else please trust me on this part.
I suggest practicing one at a time first.  Be sure both skiers can
start off a swim platform on a moving boat WITHOUT FAIL!  Remember
that you're not going to slide forward off a solid dock.  The boat
is going to jump out from under you and you will plop into the water
with a delayed pull.  The trick is to plop into the water in good
position. (ie: rope pulled in to hip, leaning slightly back)  You
CAN'T fall.  A rope accelerating in the opposite direction is not
pleasant when it hits you in the face.  This I remember most vividly.


One last thing: DO NOT do this with a Correct Craft.  The first time
we tried this I sat on my platform attached to a CC.  My buddy sat
on his CC attached to my MC.  Three times we tried it.  Three times
that D@mn CC died.  Three times I plopped in the water and sank.
Three times my MC took off.  Three times my buddy skied away.  And
three times my ex-buddy splashed my face as he passed.

Rob

.263>> One last thing: DO NOT do this with a Correct Craft.  The first time

Hey boy, where's the smiley face?  :-)

So how's things in the southwest?  You guys planning on ringing in the new year
with a cold weather ski?

...Roger...

Re: .264

OOPS!  I did mean to put one on there.  Here you go.  0   0
                                                        ^
                                                       \_/

We're still out here.  Hard to find time to check into the notes file.
Only got to ski 3 days this summer-too busy moving and going off to
training.  Don't know yet about a 'Ring in the New Year' ski.  Thinking
about it though just cause you guys can't. 8-)  May not be able to. 
My friends out here tell me I'm having a New Years Eve party.  Guess I
could take them all with me huh?  Yeah that's it.

To the boys in Colorado: can we really stop in for a ski?  When I saw
Prospect Lake I was ready to transfer to the Springs.

Happy Holidays to all, and wishes for a March ice out.

Rob

You bet.  We'll be out there as soon as it thaws in the Spring.  We usually ski
Mon-Fri from sunup until 10:00 AM.

/wayne

    -1,-2
    
    Wayne, don't forget to tell Rob about our tournaments. 2 Non-sanctioned
    and one sanctioned event,2round slalom,2round trick.
    
    Matt