Lighted Buoys Gone - a bit early this year, or no?

[IslandRadio]

I probably never noticed before, but tonight (Thurs. 10/18), I was leaving Rattlesnake Island and noticed the usual flashing buoy near Smith Point was not there. I figured maybe it quit or something like that, but coming around Sleeper's Island - no flashing buoy at the entrance to Small's Cove either.

It was VERY dark tonight, so it took a bit of playing the flashlight around to actually find the cove entrance, and proceed down to West Alton Marina, etc. etc.

I can't remember when the flashing buoys are usually taken out of the water. It seems early, as I've never noticed them not there in the past.

[upthesaukee]

Anything after seems to be a bonus.

If my feeble mind is mistaken, one reason for an early departure may be a reduced MP staff, as in budget cuts.

[secondcurve]

Originally Posted by IslandRadio

I probably never noticed before, but tonight (Thurs. 10/18), I was leaving Rattlesnake Island and noticed the usual flashing buoy near Smith Point was not there. I figured maybe it quit or something like that, but coming around Sleeper's Island - no flashing buoy at the entrance to Small's Cove either.

It was VERY dark tonight, so it took a bit of playing the flashlight around to actually find the cove entrance, and proceed down to West Alton Marina, etc. etc.

I can't remember when the flashing buoys are usually taken out of the water. It seems early, as I've never noticed them not there in the past.

You should consider a GPS. It is cheap insurance, especially for an island owner that uses his/her home late in the season.

[Rattlesnake Gal]

I would have to agree with Upthesaukee. It is usually Columbus Day weekend. Given how many boats that are still on the lake, I think they should be taken out the last weekend in October or first in November.

Secondcurve is right. A GPS would be a good idea. There are many rainy, dark or foggy days/nights that you'd be glad to have it. A few years back Lyle Trundle, a fellow islander that has been on the lake for a very long time, came ashore in the wrong spot and was seriously injured. Christmas is coming. Maybe you can ask Santa for a unit.

[IslandRadio]

Originally Posted by secondcurve

You should consider a GPS. It is cheap insurance, especially for an island owner that uses his/her home late in the season.

I actually have one in the boat, but I didn't turn it on It takes a couple of minutes to sync up with the satellites, so it was faster to use the flashlight . But, yes, secondcurve offers very good advise, and a GPS is a "must have" in my book. I have used the GPS many times in fog and under other poor visibility conditions. It's also really great late at night when you're going a long distance.

[Misty Blue]

We have heard good and bad on the forum about the Marine Patrol. One thing is undenyable, thier maintenance of the aids to navigation on the inland waters is outstanding.

I have done some ATON work for the CG and when I think of what the MP does with what they have I have to admire them.

Thanks for a job well done.

Misty Blue

[Pine Island Guy]

As someone that often gets up to the lake way after dark this time of year... it is always a shock to come around the south side of Pine Island and not have #4 blinking away in front of the dock i'm trying to head for...

But usually the first week after Columbus Day, they are all gone... I'll second the GPS, it is very handy when traveling at night in some less familiar location, or when all the light buoys have been taken out...

It's also sort of cool because after the light buoys are out, when the Mount comes by at night, she will shine the big spotlight on the marker to make sure she's on course...

There should be many more good boating days before ice in!!! -PIG

[Misty Blue]

Hey Pine Island Guy...

Maybe Pine Island Gal should speak to santa about that new spot light for the Eastern?

Misty Blue