May long weekend

The weather forecast was bang on for the weekend - fantastic.  Cottagers live on their dock in the summer so pale skin didn't have a chance on the dock or on the water.  There were more than a few 'pink' people walking around.  The store isn't set up yet but usually we have sunscreen on hand - as well as bug spray, both would have been good to have.  This is our fifth summer on Anstruther and though there are different perspectives on the 'bug' annoyance, some parts of the lake are not bothered, others have cottagers equipped in their netting.  We've heard this could be the worst year in 10 years on Anstruther.  On the upside - hot days like yesterday contribute to the demise of the blackfly - or so its said.  

This is the busiest weekend of the summer at the marina waterfront.  Cottagers launching, staff launching and items being transported across to cottages.  If you are picking up a guest and all they have is a bag or two, its ok to do the pickup from either the gas or barge docks -  because you'll only be parked there for a few minutes and won't tie up the space. For picking up larger items, our policy is to do it at the utility dock to the right of the Shop.  

We have watched many things loaded at the utility dock...fridges, bbqs, sofas, armoirs and other interesting oddities.  Balancing while carefully stepping across the ramp to get to the dock, then to get into a boat without falling is all part of the cottage experience for a water access cottager.  We watch in awe, every time we see the likes of a fridge or armoire standing up at the bow of a tinny while crossing the lake, bouncing through the waves.  

The favorable weather probably was the reason we had so many cottagers up, many funnelled through the same boatlaunch.  The launch congestion did become a problem this weekend.  The marina takes privledge to manage the order of the launch and to also use the launch first to ensure we meet our commitment to those who have stored with us and to ensure we reduce the downtime of our staff time in waiting to get the boat launched that they are working on.  In gaps when our staff are not using it, others who have either brought their boat or are having a boat delivered can launch.  Typically you will only find that there is a Queue for the launch during the May long weekend ...a lineup when it is busy.  For fairness, check in with staff on arrival for an indication for your turn.  For delivery of new boats, please advise in advance so we are know the delivery date so we are prepared.  There is often a lesson for the new boat owner to run through the boat's operation - check with us for a spot that will allow this to happen without interruption and to ensure the launch remains vacant for others use.