NPR interiews Coristine

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

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

The photography of Ian Coristine

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!

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

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

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

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

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

is sometimes the best.

Raccoons and Chipmunks and Squirrels, Oh My!

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

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!

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

Mink Island Potluck 2007

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

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

The welcome mat.










View from a hammock.











A peaceful place.

photos by Otto Cuyler

Venus and Little Fox

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

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

(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

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.