[Killevippen]

Every year September is tough enough, particularly after spending another great summer on the Lake. But this year I'm suffering from an additional amount of remorse having just sold the first boat I ever owned. Granted, it's "just a boat" and it was replaced by a wake boat that I *love* (and miss too!). But I can't help to think that I failed my faithful friend of 10 years. I'm wondering if any one else has gone through a similar mourning.

I bought this boat having done not much more on a water craft beyond some elementary sailing on Boston Harbor. I remember my first cruise, launching it from a dock near Weirs and guiding it to my home on the northern end of the lake. Talk about scared, as this was my maiden voyage on Winni, but thanks to a compass and some careful marker reading, we made it home safely.

I have so many great memories on that boat, which is what makes it so hard to say goodbye. Recalling a few:
....each family members’ first time learning to wake (it's great when you see the little kids make that first toe-side cut outside the wake!)
....an early tubing near-disaster after I launched my oldest (then about 7) head over heals (some tears, but more yelling directed at me)
....many, many family cruises to Wolfeboro for dinner and a sunset cruise back
....the annual trek to Weirs for the day
....spontaneously jumping on the boat on a hot day, cruise to the Broads, then spend hours diving off the front
…nightly runs to Pier 19 for some ice cream
....broken prop #1 by Pistol Island (yes, you go between the marker and the Island, just like the map says!)
....broken prop #2 just off my dock on the last day of summer 2005
…a 2 hours, post-midnight trip back from Wolfeboro after the 4th July fireworks several years ago, the darkest and waviest night I ever experienced.

Perhaps most poignant right now is our last trip together, with my 4-year old, to the marina and handing over the keys. A part of me hoped that it wouldn’t sell (“sorry honey, but we couldn’t just give it away.”), but it sold quickly.

So I could go on, but you get the point. So, if I may, as a final tribute to the boat. To Ks new owner, you have a great boat. Ten years running without ever once failing to deliver, and ready for at least a decade more. And to K, we all miss you and hope to see you on the Lake next Spring where you belong for many years to come.