We're still getting an occasional call about low water. Green Mountain Power is doing the best they can, but so far Mother Nature is not helping to re-fill the pond. As some of you know, last week the mechanism that is supposed to automatically control the water level failed. The men who are working on replacing the penstock below the dam noticed the water seemed to be lower and were able to switch to manual control. However, quite a lot of water had gone over the dam already and even though we had a couple nights with half an inch or so of rain, after the hot spell we'd had, most of the water soaked into the ground instead of running into the pond. To add to the long re-fill process, the power company is mandated by the state to keep a certain amount of water running into the brook in order to protect the fish. Consequently, it's taking longer than one would think to get the level back where it is supposed to be.

In the meantime, boaters should be careful and realize that where they normally have gone with their boats may be too shallow now. There are a number of low spots, sand bars and rocks one should be aware of. Best to go slow and when in doubt, do as Jack LaGue did going through the narrows this weekend - tip your motor up a notch or two and proceed slowly.

Also, remember there is a long stretch of shallows running parallel generally northwest from Sunken Island, and you should always avoid crossing Smith's Point, but especially now. There are other shallow spots - off most points of land, like in front of the Burgess and Denny cottages, off of Keenan's, and around both islands.

We've heard that some boats tied up at docks or in boat houses are resting on the bottom. All of this may be an inconvenience, but it will get better. Once we've had a stretch of rainy weather - perhaps this weekend - the level should begin to come up. Meanwhile, do be careful.










Fred went to St. J. with Bill Rossi this morning, and on the way back (just before lunch!) they stopped at the ice cream below Marty's 1st Stop - at Scott Plamer's. I don't know what they call it, but Bill and Fred each had a creemee and called it very good. They have lots of flavors of hard ice cream. Fred took pictures of the menus. They also do shakes, sundaes and floats. In hot weather, what more could you ask?