Finally!

On the last weekend of our vacation, the water was finally low enough that we thought we could try to step the mast.  With a little help from some friends, the mast went in smoothly, and we could finally get the season started!  As vice-commodore, I get to fly a special burgee this season, and it was wonderful to hoist it up the halyard for the first time.

We put the mast in Saturday afternoon, and got the sails on Sunday morning.  The weather was perfect for our first sail of the season, on Sunday afternoon, July 30.  Better late than never. 

Lobsterfest

Once again, the water couldn't dampen the social atmosphere at Queen City!  Rearranging our social schedule again, we had a huge turnout for this year's version of Lobsterfest.  Although the flood water has started to recede, most of the lawn is still too wet to be usable.  Instead, we set up the lobster (and steak) stations on the driest section of lawn near the clubhouse, and people sat at tables on the Rapids Queen and in the Great Hall.  The lobster was great, and the band kept the party going into the evening.

Happy Canada 150

The Canada Day festivities were originally planned for July 8 (huh?), because we were supposed to have a cruise out to another club on the July long weekend.  However, due to water levels on the lake, we've had to cancel all our cruises this season, as few clubs are able to accept visitors.

Instead, we held a great Canada Day party on July 1 - where it belongs!  Ed and I had dinner at the clubhouse, with Canadian themed menu items.  After the flag lowering complete with piper, we made our way to the Rapids Queen for some Canada 150 cake, and awaited the fireworks, first from the CN Tower, then from a
barge off Harbourfront. 

Oh - and we got a great view of the giant duck being towed into position, when we were on our way to the club the day before .