Greybeards Gripes

Ok,  so I have a  nice older 21ft SeaRay.  Runs like a top and is configured about as well as it can be for fishing. It’s more of a day cruiser, (cuddy) and not really and overnight boat.  Single 305 V-8 with Mercruiser outdrive.  It serves the purpose.

Along comes a 25 Ft SportCraft Hardtop.  Lot’s more room,  auto-pilot,  GPS/Fishfinder combo,  trim tabs,  350 V-8 with Mercruiser outdrive.  Much nicer fishing boat,   with overnight capability.  Possibly more efficient on fuel. 

Problems:  First off,  the price difference between the two boats is about $18,000!    Then there’s always the problem of selling the SeaRay in today’s economy.  The SeaRay is worth around $6500.   I can dig up the cash,  and suffer with the 2 boat syndrome for a while,  but not forever. 

Also,  and even more on my mind is the cost of gasoline.  If it goes beyond all reason (it’s actually already there)  and I wind up having to make a planter, or cabin,  out of the boat.  Do I want a $6500 planter,  or a $24,500 planter?  Do I want a $6500 planter,  next to a $24,500 cabin??

Troubling thoughts,,,,   That SportCraft is a sweet ride,  but,  it sure seems like it’s heading down the path toward Albatrossism.    I’m already wondering if I’m going to be priced out of sport shooting,  by the cost of ammo,,,,   Are we now going to be pushed out of fishing,  by the cost of fuel.

Your thoughts are welcomed,,, 

 GreyBeard

‘Twas to windy to get the boat out on the Bay today,   but I’ve heard that the Walleye are moving into the area.  A couple of limits were taken in 30 feet,  South of Point AuGres.

We’re back from our short wine purchasing/vineyard visiting trip at the Leelanau Peninsula and Old Mission Peninsula.  Just short of 4 cases of really good,  and great Michigan Wines came back with us.

On Old Mission we visited the fancy new “Two Lads” vineyard,  along with all the regulars.  Fancy,  and ultra modern would be my description of “2 Lads” .

On Leelanau Peninsula,  we visited most of the Vineyards that were open (early in the year on a weekday).  The stand outs were,  Leelanau Cellars,  Raftshol’s,  and of course Boskydel’s.

Leelanau Cellars,  is flowering in their new tasting room  on the shores of the Bay in Omena.  Their new winemaker, Nichole,  is also pulling her own weight.  Their past Winemaker,  Shawn Walters,  is still working to get the new tasting room opened at 45 North .

Warren seemed in good spirits,  at Raftshol’s,  with a good selection of excellent Reds,   and Bernie (the old Wine Nazi),  was still solid as a rock behind his tasting bar at Boskyel’s.  (Not to mention offering 40% off of case prices,  Thank’s Mr. Rink)

A Toast
There are several famous toasts at Boskydel. This one sums up the wine nazi philosopy quite nicely: “Here’s to you and here’s to me, but if we should ever disagree, <expletive deleted> you, here’s to me!

Leelanau Vinter’s Association Map

Old Mission Vinter’s

On a somewhat disturbing note,  it seems that a few more of the tasting rooms have gone to “For Pay” tastings,  with the cost being between $3 and 6 dollars to taste a limited number of wines.  (and pouring very small tastings)   This may work for them,,,  but for me,  a single sip,  doesn’t allow me to decide if I want to spend 8 to 50 dollars for a bottle of wine.   Also being a bit of an old school wine tourer,  we aren’t really enamoured with the whole pay for tasting idea.  If I pay to taste,  it better be Da—ed Good,  if you expect me to buy a bottle or to even come back on the next trip.

I won’t have time to get involved in this subject, but if you’re interested:

http://ballseyesboomers.blogspot.com/search/label/concealed%20carry%20creed

http://xavierthoughts.blogspot.com/2008/05/concealed-carry-creed.html

This morning I bought gas for my lawn mower,   4 gallons,   SIXTEEN DOLLARS!

In case your math skills are poor,  that’s 3.99 per Gallon!

Then,  this afternoon,  while I was taking an online seminar,  I got into a side discussion about gas prices.  A fellow in New Hampshire,  stated that the gas prices just outside his window were 2.75 per Gallon!

Today’s newspaper headline,  said people are getting Angry about gas reaching 4 dollars a gallon.

 HMMM,  let’s see,,,, What do Michigan folk get for the EXTRA 1.25 they’re paying for their gasoline???

ANGRY!!!   I SURE HOPE SO.  I HOPE A LOT OF PEOPLE GET VERY ANGRY!

“TWO GLASSES OF WINE