Mink Island

Christmas in July - What fun!

2011-07-18T12:31:00.001-07:00

Christmas in July

2011-07-07T08:46:00.000-07:00

To all good citizens of Mink Island, Honeymoon Island, Dillon Island and any other surrounding island we may have forgotten to mention.

Please join us for Christmas in July

When: Saturday, July 16

Where: 9 Mink Island (Navarra/Enck Camp)

What: Decorate your boat, your camp, wear your favorite bad Christmas sweater, bring a Christmas wrapped re-gift, an appetizer to share, your favorite beverage and prepare to join in the festivities!

Time(s):

5:30 pm Appetizer Party

7:00 pm Favorite Bad Sweater Judging and Christmas re-gift exchange

8:00 pm Christmas Boat Parade (boats will be judged by a non-partial party)

9:00 pm Prizes

Hope you can all make it!

Mayor Cruz chooses not to run for re-election

2010-09-08T10:00:00.000-07:00

After 5 years of serving his "constickuents", Mayor Cruz has chosen not run for re-election for the 2011 - 2012 term. The mayor will be 12 on December 12, 84 in dog years. Although showing no signs of slowing down, Cruz intends to travel, spend time with his family and is considering involvement in the Tea Party movement. Through his interpreter and manager, Otto, Cruz comments "it's been a great run and I've thoroughly enjoyed the barking, swimming, humping, stick fetching and general harassment you have so kindly allowed me to serve my good friends of Mink Island with."

Cruz's Mink Island political headquarters are now for sale. You may contact Nancy Williams at Christensen Realty USA and visit Cruz's headquarters website at www.12minkisland.com.

A fun day!

2010-08-26T04:10:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all who attended the Mink Island potluck and helped create the memorial garden. It was a beautiful day, the garden turned out great, memories were shared, and the eats were delicious and plentiful. It is always great to see our neighbors and get to know each other a little better. Enjoy the rest of the season and see you on the island!

2010-08-01T07:09:00.001-07:00

Please Join Us

What: Mink Island Potluck Supper and Mink Island Memorial Garden

When: Saturday, August 14

4:30 pm planting of Mink Island Memorial Garden

5:00 cocktails and appetizers with dinner to follow

Where: 7 Mink Island (Lisa and Mike Ryan)

Why: Visit with old friends, meet new friends, share a memory of George Cole with Karen and the kids, help create the Mink Island Memorial Garden along the Mink Island Path.

Supper: Bring a dish to pass and your beverage of choice. We will provide burgers and dogs.

Mink Island Memorial Garden – bring a perennial to plant in memory of a loved one (the canine variety too!) Garden will be centrally located along the common path.

RSVP to Lisa at laryan01@gmail.com or 315-383-1078.

Let us know who will be attending and what you will be bringing.

We are looking forward to catching up with everyone!

The River

2010-05-06T15:00:00.000-07:00

When you think of the River, think of me.
I'll be there smiling in the ripples of it's sun-drenched waters.
I'll be there in the blue of it's peaceful vastness.
I'll be there still watching the ships go by in my favorite summer garb.
When you think of the River, think of all the glorious times it has brought us.
Think of the cottage openings and closings we have spent together.
Think of the holidays spent there as well as the ones we longed to spend there.
Think of the warm nights, fast-moving storms and sun-filled days.
The River has become such a wonderful part of me, of us, of family. And, at some point in time--me, us, we, will all become one.
So, when you think of the River, smile and think of me, of us, of family.
See you on the River.
Paula Chamberlain 8/07

A walk across Chippewa Bay

2010-04-22T07:36:00.000-07:00

The Walkers did their first winter day on Mink Island this year. Tom and Amanda tried ice fishing while Sue and Toby walked around the island. Pictured below below is Amanda and Toby. Toby's little paws got cold so he got to ride in the bucket across Chippewa Bay.

2010-04-05T21:25:00.000-07:00

Open for Business!

With this past weekends 80 plus degree temps, Mink Island saw a few families eagerly opening cottages and test cruising the 39 degree river. On island were the Navarras, Otto, David and Geoff Cole, Mayor Cruz, Brady, Mookie, Chamberlain crew, Mike, Julian from Honeymoon and a woodpecker that looked like a pterodactyl. Beavers left evidence of their winter residence . Much missed was everybody else...

Thank you to the Ryans for the WiFi...

2010-03-25T14:19:00.000-07:00

I want to take this opportunity to thank all of my constituents for your support these past few years. I want you all to know that this is a whole new year and we have an aggressive agenda for 2010 and we hope that fun is had by all. I look forward to seeing everyone soon - Mayor Cruz

Sights we do NOT like to see on the river

2010-03-22T11:05:00.000-07:00

This sucker was huge. But no worries Mink Islanders, this guy was on Dillon Island.

2010-03-16T04:44:00.000-07:00

10 degrees away from flip flop season

What happens on Mink Island stays on Mink Island

2010-03-13T04:44:00.000-08:00

2010-03-09T02:20:00.000-08:00

A summer swim

2010-03-06T14:36:00.000-08:00

What a great shot! This was taken by Liz Diener's children last summer while fishing in the creek. Thanks Liz, for sharing.

2010-03-04T20:37:00.000-08:00

2010-03-03T16:59:00.000-08:00

2010-03-02T19:52:00.000-08:00

March 1st! Wooo Hooo!

2010-03-01T18:43:00.000-08:00

With March here, the end of winter is in sight. No matter how much it snows this month we know that next month will bring sun, ice melting, and boat access to Mink Island. With that in mind, I am going to try and post a photo a day to move our thoughts toward summer. Feel free to send in any photos and I will add them to the blog.

Winter Pics

2010-02-18T07:12:00.000-08:00

Dave Cole took a day trip up to the river a couple of weeks ago. He shared the photos below. Thanks Dave, for giving us our Mink Island "fix". If life slows down a bit we may head up there in early March for a winter adventure.

In memory of George Cole

2009-11-18T02:44:00.000-08:00

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

2009-09-13T18:15:00.000-07:00

Scene on the River

2009-09-12T05:59:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-12T08:38:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-16T23:24:00.000-07:00

photo credit David Cole

A modeling gig for Boating World?

2009-07-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

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

iphoto credit Otto Cuyler

Good Morning Sunshine...

2009-07-14T04:26:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-29T03:12:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-06-26T11:34:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-29T03:36:00.001-07:00

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

2009-05-04T05:17:00.000-07:00

Photo credit: Otto Cuyler

Golf anyone?

2009-04-23T19:19:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-04-23T08:02:00.001-07:00

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.

Mink Island Sleeps

2008-11-28T21:46:00.000-08:00

As we enjoy these holidays and this new year, our Mink Island has gone quiet and sleepy. It has returned to it's nature of so many millions of years without the river rats. We have the good fortune of having hundreds or thousands of memories that endear the place to us in a way no other place can. And it will bring us back as soon as reasonably possible. It's a form of love that really stays with us because it's the one thing that doesn't talk back or give us a hard time. It only gives itself and we have to do the rest. I'll bet you just can't wait.

Moon on the River

2008-04-28T03:43:00.000-07:00

We've seen some gorgeous sunsets on the river but I'd never seen a moonset. This was about 5:00 a.m. on April 20. Wish I'd had a tripod to capture it better but you get the idea. It was beautiful.

Snow, snow, go away.....

2008-04-03T12:55:00.000-07:00

There is now a live webcam at Schermerhorn Harbor
Click HERE to go to their website, then click the 2nd button on the left.

Thanks George, for the link.

Spring has arrived!

2008-03-20T11:06:00.001-07:00

Word on the street (er, river) is that the Seaway is opening this Saturday, March 22. The icebreaker, the Martha Black (a Canadian Coast Guard ship) was scheduled to begin its trip through the Seaway on Wednesday, March 19.

Save the River Organization has some concern of damage caused by icebreaking and ships passing through ice. You can read more about it here

2008-03-02T19:30:00.001-08:00

After years of exposure to the elements, the "Barn" on Oak Island has succumbed to the element with the back portion of the roof collapsing. The image is of the North wall that blew out intact. The quality of the construction has always impressed me.

March 2nd dawned to a perfect sunny day and 10 degrees. The heavy snow made everything glisten in a way you only see being on The River, cruising along on an ATV where your boat only can much of the year.

The ice was 18+ inches 10 meters off our dock. Chippewa Bay looked more like I-90, with large groups of snowmobiles running down the Bay at speeds up to 80 MPH both day and night.

Mayor Cruz was in his element as only he can experience it.

Water Levels

2008-02-29T02:46:00.001-08:00

Check out this link Mike Emmerling sent over. It has current water levels for the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway. The site has good information that includes how they measure the water levels as well as historic water levels. The link has also been added to our side bar.

Just a reminder.....

2008-01-21T11:17:00.000-08:00

of how much fun (or funny) boating can be.

2008-01-16T08:30:00.000-08:00

NPR interiews Coristine

2007-12-23T15:17:00.000-08:00

This audio only interview is worth 15 minutes to hear Ian's comments on our wonderful playground.

Interestingly, you can also rent Raleigh Island.

Merry Christmas to all our friends on Mink Island

2007-12-04T15:29:00.000-08:00

(mink island winter 1989)
From #23 - George, Karen, and Family

The photography of Ian Coristine

2007-11-29T04:57:00.000-08:00

Many of you may already be familiar with the photography of Ian Coristine. His beautiful aerial photography captures our islands like no one else has before. During this winter season, visit his website and get your river "fix".
The link is added in the sidebar.
In the meantime, watch (and listen) to the beautiful video below.

Mayor Cruz re-elected for another term!

2007-11-09T08:58:00.000-08:00

I'd like to thank all of you for your support during this re-
election campaign. I am pleased to serve you as Mayor of Mink Island
for another 2 year term. If there is anything I can do to make your
Mink Island experience a better one, please feel free to contact me
at cruz@asksomebodywhocares.com.

Please accept my very best wishes for a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Best Regards,
Mayor Cruz

Mink Island's Newest Addition

2007-10-21T06:32:00.000-07:00

A BIG congratulations goes out to Liz and Eric Diener on the birth of their grandson, Cooper James.
Cooper is grandchild # 5.
Please extend island best wishes to Cooper's mom and dad too and we can't wait to meet Cooper sometime in the future!

Cruz for Mayor

2007-09-25T09:17:00.001-07:00

It appears there is some serious campaigning going on for Cruz's re-election as Mayor of Mink Island.
This sign appeared mysteriously in front of 9 Mink Island.
While there has been speculation as to to who placed the sign, no one has stepped forward to claim responsibility.

News from #23 Mink Island

2007-09-18T18:52:00.000-07:00

Geoff and Melissa

Dave and Tara

Things have really gotten busy at #23 since mid August.

There are more than just the billions of stars in the night sky, twinkling on the Island.

Karen and George have announced the engagement of their son Geoff to Melissa Levitt on August 15th. The week prior to their engagement, Melissa received her Masters of Physician's Assistant Studies from Le Moyne College. Melissa also received one of two Outstanding P.A. Student of the Year Awards given this year. She has started her career as a P.A. with Park Ridge Hospital in Rochester. Geoff is an accountant at a CPA firm in Fairport. An August 2008 wedding is planned.

As if there isn't anything else going on at #23, Karen and George also announce the engagement of their son Dave to Tara Fedele on August 18th. The week prior to that Tara received her Masters of Inclusive Education from Nazareth College. Tara is in her 3rd year as a 3rd grade teacher in Rochester. Dave is a Design Engineer at a manufacturing firm in Fairport. A July 2008 wedding is planned.

Congratulations to all!

WHOMISOMI

2007-09-13T00:06:00.000-07:00

Do you have an embarassing or funny island story you'd like to share?
Did you hit a shoal and sink your boat?
Run out of gas in the middle of the river?
Forget to put the plug in your boat and watch it sink before your very eyes?
Well here is the place for fellow residents to air their embarassing moments.
Anonymously or otherwise.
Tales told here are protected under the WHOMISOMI rule.
"What Happens On Mink Island Stays On Mink Island"

A quiet moment on the river

2007-08-16T11:32:00.000-07:00

is sometimes the best.

Raccoons and Chipmunks and Squirrels, Oh My!

2007-08-06T04:01:00.001-07:00

What is with all the critters on the island this year?
As cute as they are, they are destructive little buggers.
"Rocky" raccoon will not leave our grill alone. He doesn't even wait til it's dark to make an appearance. (And we've been hearing stories of in camp invasions. )
The squirrels are gnawing at the screen to come into our porch
and the chipmunks? They are so bold as to climb ON us looking for food. But they are camera shy, as I haven't been able to capture one on film quite yet.

West Side Story

2007-08-03T03:36:00.000-07:00

The west side of Mink Island was busy with family gatherings last weekend.

The Navarra's celebrated some pre wedding festivities and the Ryan's enjoyed a reunion of O'Canada family members from across the river.

Island photographer Otto C. was on hand to capture some of the fun moments.

Hot Dam!

2007-07-25T13:04:00.001-07:00

Some beaver friends are making their home in front of the Walker's lot.

Mink Island Potluck 2007

2007-07-23T16:36:00.001-07:00

We had 45 plus who turned out for the 2007 Mink Island Potluck!

(not including our canine friends, who kept showing up for handouts)

Plenty of good food and conversation were enjoyed.

We saw old photos, mink island t-shirts, and heard the tales from days gone by.

New ideas were offered up - a progressive dinner, a mink island gift store, a map of all homes on the island.

All in all a wonderful evening with a diverse crowd who had one thing in common....

we love the 1000 islands and especially ours!

A big thank you to Jim and Cheryl (and family) for hosting this fun evening.

July 13-15

2007-07-16T05:13:00.001-07:00

Little Fox aka Jesus Shoal aka Rita Rock aka Bird Poop Island (any other names it's known for around the island?)

Cruz couldn't stand that the a group of teenage boys went to Little Fox without him so he hitched a ride.

Lightening strikes a tree between Grimes and Culyers camp.

Prettiest tanker I've seen on the river so far this season.

As seen from 12 Mink Island

2007-07-08T17:41:00.000-07:00

The welcome mat.

View from a hammock.

A peaceful place.

photos by Otto Cuyler

Venus and Little Fox

2007-07-02T06:07:00.000-07:00

Little Fox is the perfect place for a bonfire and star watch.
This year Venus has been so bright on the river it leaves a light trail.
There have been a billion stars to see, and many shooting stars.
I haven't been able to capture Venus with my camera but here are some photos from bonfires past.

A new season

2007-06-01T06:03:00.000-07:00

The 2007 summer season has begun.

May 6 - Little Fox

Cold, but perfect for kayak racing

May 12- sunset from Dillon Island

May 19 - Singer Castle

Otto Cuyler - Saturday was sunny with no wind, calm waters and no fish. Water temp was 45 degrees in The River and 47 in Chippewa Bay. There are no fish...

The legend of Honeymoon Island

2007-02-25T18:00:00.000-08:00

(photo by Otto Cuyler, 1/6/07)

A man by the name of John Brown inquired about buying a small island. He found one near Oak Island, bought it for $500.00 and built a small cabin on it. In the spring John Brown arrived with his lovely bride, rented a skiff from local man, George Forrester, and loaded his provisions and new wife aboard.

That was the last that was ever seen of either Brown or his wife. The skiff was found at George’s dock but nothing else was ever found.

Mid-winter Island Getaway

2007-02-23T08:48:00.000-08:00

Great fun was had by some (but unfortunately not all) of the Cuyler, Navarra, and Ryan family members on February 17 and18.

We had cold weather, warm cottages, indoor and outdoor activities, good food, good company, good wine, and a working porta-potty.

All contributed to a lovely "island" getaway.