Picture this:
A picture-perfect day at the lake. Not a boat in sight and none anywhere
near the launch ramp. The ramp is empty, the dock is empty, the water is
empty. The sun is shining. The air is warm. Only thing left to do is
launch my boat.

Oh, one problem. While I was prepping my boat a PWC'er came to the dock
from the water and tied up on the dock near waters edge! He had 4 options
that wouldn't have interfered with my solo launching plans and he picked the
one that kept me and anyone else from using the dock for a launch.

Anyway, it forced me to perform my first water launch and solo at that. The
water launch went well. I'll be comfortable doing that from now on when the
dock isn't available.

So, the bad news: just another encounter with another knucklehead.

The good news: it caused me to learn another water skill.

Oh, and I practiced using my new anchor buddy in preparation for teaching my
wife how to use it for her upcoming boat-in camping trip this weekend. Glad
I practiced; I'll need a longer land line and I think I'll take advantage of
the suggestion to tie the anchor rode and land line to a float for easy come
easy go.

Once again, I've learned as much from this ng as I have from boating
friends; in fact, I'm finding myself more knowledgeable than most, but less
experienced/skilled.

Summer 2006: So far so good!