Putting out the dock and lift is an annual time of great joy for me. It means it’s time to act like its summer. The boat will be launched and the SeaDoos will also find there way to the dock. It’s my goal every year to have my dock out first, and to be the last to take it in.
A Different Year
This year is a bit different. There was ice on the lake far later than usual, well past opening day of fishing season (See Spring Time is Work Time). But the time has finally arrived. I have lots of muscle at the lake to get the jobs done. Kyle, Brett, Ben, Corinne, Kelsey, Kira. I had already put out the ramp sections the weekend by myself. I was tempted to put out the whole dock by myself. Each frame section, while awkwardly shaped, is less than 45 kg so can be placed then connected. I had figured putting out the dock myself would take about 4 or times longer than with a single helper, and I had many helping hands coming next weekend. But, the lift requires at least 2 people, better with 3, so I decided to let the others enjoy helping me put it all out.
High Water
Before we go too far ahead of ourselves, I donned the waders and wandered out into the water to do a depth check. Very quickly it was obvious that the plan had to change. (The floating dock owners are feeling pretty smart this year.) The water level at the lake is higher than I have ever seen it. By about 1-1/2 feet. That meant the dock, in it’s normal spot, would be underwater. We did some quick math and removed on 10′ section from the ramp. Then we got busy.
Next came the lift. Sure is a good idea to bring some muscle to the beach.
Now we are done. Time for fishing season!