In years past when this was actually an "Event", the local water patrol were notified of it and they were on the lake ready for us before we even got there. Apparently there was a buddy on the force, and the objective was to get leniency for the day. Didn't work out so well.........

Anyways, there is no advance notice of us coming, it is not an event. It is just another day of boating with some folks getting together. Noise laws apply on the Madison Lakes just like the whole state, so that is what it is. All I can say is do your best to keep the noise down and make sure there is room before you start running hard otherwise we will draw more attention to ourselves than needed. All in all, if we all use common sense and good judgement, the day should go off without a hitch.

I will give a tip on getting into and out of the locks: Enter and exit as slow as possible. I usually am on and off the fwd gear coming in and just creep into the lock. DO NOT use fenders on the wall side, as they could get caught and cause problems when locking. You can use them on the boat/boat side however.

When locking through from Mendota to Monona, we will have to wait for some folks to come through. Our wait area will be in front of the Monona Terrace, which is a nice deep area to float and jump in for a quick dip. This will be on the right when coming down river and getting back on the lake. When you see the ski jump, your in front of the terrace.

When locking up river, there are a couple of areas to tie to when waiting for the locks to open. There is a deck to the right, and then another area under the bridge to the left. There is probably only area for 4 -6 boats to tie on, so I would recommend we stagger going into groups of 4-5 up river and the rest stay on the lake for 5-10 minutes.

If anyone wants to discuss things further feel free to shoot me an email.

[email protected]

-Ryan

Well it's only Monday, but the extended forecast is 86 sunny and warm...gonna be a good one. Same time as last year...? Launch and meet on the water at about 9:30-10:00? Glad we're going through the locks this year...that's an awesome experience for the newbies...nice and slow and relaxing. About four of us at a time...can't wait.

Yup, I'd like everyone to meet over at Marshall Park about 9-9:30, and be in the water no later than 10am. For the folks not launching at Marshall, meeting in front of the park on the water at 10am would be the goal.

Remember the online lock passes that I posted the link for. That will be a time saver while locking through on the way back up.

-Ryan

Think we are going to pass but now that the Rockford boys are going to know were to go we will have to join in next time. Heading to Mississippi to try out some new stuff have fun!

I'll be out @ Dubuque on the Miss on Labor day weekend.

Maybe we will see you out there. We will be going to the ozarks the weekend before for the shootout but if were not to burned out we will probably be there. Hope to see you there. By the way were did you get your 25? Got a pic? Curious if it might be our old one.Loved that boat.

Mine is in the picture, post #9, I bought it from a guy here in Madison 5 years ago.

Nope not it. Wish I knew were it was.

Last I heard it went out west. Washington or Oregon?

We will make it. I may be late but dont wait I will find you all. I am going to try to anchor at cristies and check out the wood boats for an hour or so when we go by.
Craig