In memory of George Cole

It is a very sad day for all of us. George Cole has passed on and will be dearly missed. George passed away on November 13 at age 65, after a short bout with pneumonia.

George was the true Mayor of Mink Island (sorry Cruz). He was a friend to all, always ready to lend a hand or a tool. He would willingly share his river expertise, helping us navigate our way in and around the islands during all 4 seasons. He made us laugh with his stories of Mink Island and the river in the days before we became islanders. He was the first one we went to with a camp, boat, or river question. From the first time we met George, he and Karen made us feel comfortable and welcome. We were lucky to know him.

Karen, David, Geoff, Tara, Melissa, and Joshua - our hearts go out to you, our doors are always open to you, and we are looking forward to the time next summer when we can gather together to share stories and celebrate George's life in true Mink Island fashion.

God Bless you George.

MIMA meeting images

Scene on the River

Osprey baby seen in the narrows.

Carl and his chipmunk friend Shorty (so named because one ear is shorter than the other)

Survivor Mink Island Navarra/Enck style!

Raft races, can jam, and catch phrase to name just a few of the survivor challenges that took place over the weeekend.

Another gorgeous island sunset.

If Once You Have Slept On An Island

If once you have slept on an island

You'll never be quite the same;

You may look as you looked the day before
And go by the same old name,

You may bustle about in street and shop
You may sit at home and sew,
But you'll see blue water and wheeling gulls
Wherever your feet may go.

You may chat with the neighbors of this and that
And close to your fire keep,
But you'll hear ship whistle and lighthouse bell
And tides beat through your sleep.

Oh! you won't know why and you can't say how
Such a change upon you came,
But once you have slept on an island,
You'll never be quite the same.

--- Rachel Field

Good Night Moon

photo credit David Cole

A modeling gig for Boating World?

No, just the Navarra's looking tres chic while showing friends how Mink Islanders spend their evenings.

iphoto credit Otto Cuyler

Good Morning Sunshine...

Narrative and photos compliments of David Cole

"This was about 5:30am from our docks...The baby had us up anyway :)"

"This was about 5:45am from my boat in the middle of Chippewa Bay.Might as well go fishing if I was already awake."

"This was about 6:30am from my boat in Chippewa Creek"

Catch of the Day

Thanks to Jim Navarra and Mutual of Omaha, several Mink Islanders (and friends) enjoyed a successful day of fishing and a delicious shore lunch.

photo credits: Otto Cuyler and Gary Damiano

Mink Island's Newest Resident!

Joshua David Cole
Born June 24, 2009
8 Lbs. 2 Oz.

Congratulations Tara and David!

And congrats to the proud grandparents, Karen and George.

Can't wait to see the little guy in person.

Breaking Ground

Our newest neighbors on Mink Island have broken ground.

Sue and Tom Walker will soon have a new home on the southeast end of the island.

Their new abode will be built by Hunter Grimes, our resident builder and craftsman.

Sue and Tom are from Camillus, NY and have 3 children and a dog - a nice addition to our Mink Island community.

Sunset Cruz

Photo credit: Otto Cuyler

Golf anyone?

Met the owner of Thousand Islands Country Club this past Sunday.  She told me about a special they are running right now.  A "get to know us" 6 week golf membership for $125.00  If you decide after the initial membership you'd like a full membership, they will apply that $125 to the cost.  I told her I would pass it on, so here you go!

Link to the club is here

Is winter over yet?

You wouldn't know it by today but it is supposed to be beautiful on the island this weekend, anyone else opening?  We are ready!

Wanted to share some photos from our island adventure this winter.  Even though Mink had no power we managed to have an awesome time once again.  9 adults,  7 young adults, and 5 dogs enjoyed winter, warmth, wine, food and good conversation.

oh and it appears there were many busy beavers on Mink this winter.