Monthly Archives: September 2016

School's back in session, which means (for most of us) no more long weekdays with the kids on the boat. Make the most of weekend boat rides with fun and educational activities that everyone can enjoy. The road trip guessing-game "I Spy" gains a new dimension on boat rides, where interesting things can be "spied" in the water and sky as well as on the shore. Kids can spy green fish, white birds, red buoys, and countless colored boats, and have fun guessing each other's items. Another game has no name that we know of, but it can be played anywhere, not just on the boat. Starting with the letter A, look around and see how many things you see that begin with that letter. One great thing about playing this game around the docks: you're bound to see a Zodiac inflatable watercraft to finish up the alphabet. Do you see any unusual or migrating birds? What kind of seashell is that? Keep pocket-size field guides for birds and fish in your boat's glove compartment,

The days are growing shorter, but the light show of autumn colors is only just beginning. Have you ever taken a boat ride to see the changing leaves? If you're the planning type, check the Fall Foliage Prediction Map to see where color is peaking, or just take the boat out to your favorite lake and see what you can see. Here are five of the Skipper's picks for colorful fall boating. Door County, Wisconsin Fall colors are beautiful all across the upper Midwest, but autumn in Door County is something special. Canoe, kayak, sail, or motor along the rocky shores of this peninsula that juts into Lake Michigan. There's much to

Here in the USA, Labor Day falls on the first Monday in September. Just as Memorial Day marks the unofficial beginning of summer, Labor Day marks its end as children head back to school and the daylight hours grow shorter. Labor Day is a very busy time for boaters seeking to squeeze every last drop of enjoyment from this three-day weekend. Lakes and rivers will be crowded, so it's extra-important to be extra-careful. Boat Sober. The Skipper says this all the time, but it's always good advice: if you're at the helm, steer clear of alcohol. Driving a boat while intoxicated is as dangerous (and illegal) as driving a car under the influence. Partying passengers can be distracting, too, so take care to be aware of your surroundings when things get rowdy. Wear It. Carry a