10-14-2006, 03:52 PM
[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]For what it is worth. Let me state before I reply that I am a wimp, a confirmed observation by too many to count, and I am not a tube or tooner and have never had a toon BUT I've own inflatable crafts both manually and mechanically propelled. The rockpile is not very far from shore (unless you're dragging a snow shelter by hand across the ice covered snow).[/size][/black][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]I have considered using a pontoon boat on BL's rockpile for several years. Not kicking or motoring from shore BUT launching from a boat. A pontoon on the rockpile would be an absolute hoot when the mack spawn is in full swing. Being dragged around but a good mack could have it's up side. The very slow presentation afforded from a toon would be deadly. [/size][/black][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]As far as weather and other factors go, here are my observations. Have I seen winds come in so fast and strong that some one in a toon would be swept away? Not very often BUT one time could prove to be very intimidating to a majority of people. Also, very rarely, would someone be the only person on the lake. There are usually several boats on the lake at any given time and the chance of aid is usually around. [/size][/black][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]Also, if you decide to do the rockpile with a manually propelled flotation craft, I would seriously consider buying a VHF marine band handheld unit in the event that you become involved in a dangerous situation. The State Park Marina usually monitors VHF radio transmission and they could send out the calvary. Also a cell would be a good idea. 911 will work too but verify that your cell works in the BL Valley before depending on it.[/size][/black][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]Ideal Beach, during their off season allows people to launch from their beach for a fee. It is the shortest direct route to the rockpile. I know the GPS co-ordinates are available in the BL archives on this site.[/size][/black][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]I have considered using a pontoon boat on BL's rockpile for several years. Not kicking or motoring from shore BUT launching from a boat. A pontoon on the rockpile would be an absolute hoot when the mack spawn is in full swing. Being dragged around but a good mack could have it's up side. The very slow presentation afforded from a toon would be deadly. [/size][/black][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]As far as weather and other factors go, here are my observations. Have I seen winds come in so fast and strong that some one in a toon would be swept away? Not very often BUT one time could prove to be very intimidating to a majority of people. Also, very rarely, would someone be the only person on the lake. There are usually several boats on the lake at any given time and the chance of aid is usually around. [/size][/black][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]Also, if you decide to do the rockpile with a manually propelled flotation craft, I would seriously consider buying a VHF marine band handheld unit in the event that you become involved in a dangerous situation. The State Park Marina usually monitors VHF radio transmission and they could send out the calvary. Also a cell would be a good idea. 911 will work too but verify that your cell works in the BL Valley before depending on it.[/size][/black][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]Ideal Beach, during their off season allows people to launch from their beach for a fee. It is the shortest direct route to the rockpile. I know the GPS co-ordinates are available in the BL archives on this site.[/size][/black][/font]
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