Ever since our first jet ski camping experience this summer we had been wanting to get lots of people together to do a Mississippi River Island Camping weekend. The dates finally worked out in late August. Jonathan and I started a day early and hauled all of the gear out to the island via jet skis, kayak, and "jon boat barge." It was hard work, but well worth it to have it set up early.
Part of our spread included a campfire pit and covered cooking area.
Because there were so many of us we even added a private changing/bathroom tent....
....complete with a luggable loo toilet. I know that a five gallon bucket toilet probably doesn't sound that great, but then maybe you've never tried to squat in the woods before. This was pretty posh. One might even say we were "glamping" instead of camping.
We went kayaking. Susie and Jon Dyck paddled over from the marina in Bellevue, Iowa
We also did some jet skiing and water skiing. Susie towing me (Emily) behind one of the jet skis using a booster ball to keep the rope up out of the water and prevent drag. It was my first time trying this and it was a blast. Can't wait for summer to come so I can try this again!
Jon suited up for jet skiing. He got up extra early and jet skied at sunrise - one of it's prettiest times to be out on the river.
Jen and Erin, some of my co-workers from Taft, also joined us for a night. We picked them up via jet ski at Ferry Landing in Galena, IL. They had all their gear loaded into hiking backpacks which worked great for the jet ski ride.
Werner spent the weekend camping with us too. He loves to ride on our laps on the jet skis. It was his first experience with sand....it got up his nose and made him sneeze. He spent most of the time digging in the sand and harassing two little boys that were trying to fish. He kept sneaking up and taking there cup of bait.....it was pretty funny even though the boys were somewhat distressed about it.
Werner catching some
ZZZ's after a swim. I think we all felt like this by the time Sunday rolled around. It was a great weekend that we hope to repeat several times next summer. Stay tuned for an email with upcoming 2010 Island Camping dates.
We enjoyed trying out some new restaurants, strolling around downtown Galena, and taking a hike out to North Point at Chestnut. It was a wonderful way to celebrate with Pam on her birthday, December 30th. 
Claire Landgren and me at the start of our skiing adventure - still smiling and full of energy.
Feeling confident, we skied over a frozen section of the river instead of taking our skis off to climb the stairs and cross the bridge....this was my favorite part!
We followed the edge of the river and the bluffs....what a beautiful day out in the snow, and a great way to start the winter break!
Jonathan, Emily, and Werner on the bank of the Mississippi River
....playing with sticks and carrying things in his mouth.
Even though he is getting bigger, he still loves to be held and is a floppy, soppy puppy.
Andrew and Uncle Jon at the dog park. 
Werner taking Andrew on a walk after the Thanksgiving parade in Stamford, CT.
Uncle Jon and George Thomas hanging out on the couch after Thanksgiving dinner.
Werner drying off in the sun on the dock with Jonathan. 
Our best attempt at a group shot with the timer on the camera.
Werner and me on the shore of Lake Monona.
What a pair?!? Werner 3 months, Monroe 9 months. 
Mr. and Mrs. McCarthy
We still managed to have a good time giving out the champion ram trophy in memory of my Dad, catching up with old friends, and eating good food. We are holding Hot Beef Sundaes from the Beef tent.....yum! Always a favorite.
Susie and Jon Dyck joined us for walking around the fair. Susie is doctoring her walking taco in the pic above. Another state fair classic. Good times were had by all!
Yes! He is named "Werner" after our favorite brand of kayak paddles. We've always thought it would be a great name for a dog and it is really fun to see that idea come to fruition with our first puppy. He's a keeper!
Jonathan went first. Tom was a little worried that he would not be able to take off with a big guy like Jonathan in the passenger seat, but they made it up just fine. Jonathan was nervous at first, but loved every minute of it.
I went second and had a blast. It really is the closest thing to flying like a bird with the wind in your face and feet tangling in the air. I reminded me of sky diving only a little more secure and relaxing, not to mention a much softer landing.
We walked on the beach in Apostle Island State Park. 
We paddled for about an hour and made it out to Sand Island (one of the Apostle Islands in Lake Superior) where some of the caves are located in the park. We even got to kayak into the caves. It was so neat!
Uncle Dan being his typical adventurous self decided to get out of his kayak and walk around on some of the ledges inside the caves. I'm sure he got some neat photos.
Uncle Dan back in his kayak. He gets the "tough guy" award for paddling with no skirt (the water was cold splashing into the kayaks), and no rudder (also an extra challenge in the wind and chop that day). What a guy!
Leigh and Tom in their tandem kayak. They had the advantage of a "double engine" which helped them brave the waves with more paddling power.
Once we beached our kayaks on Sand Island we went for a mile hike to the lighthouse. This is a nice pic of me and my cuz out on the trail. Something invisible must be chasing Uncle Dan. He is moving pretty fast.
Playing in waves of Lake Superior.
The kayaking crew before heading back for camp. Little did we know that the wind had picked up and we would have to battle even harder to make it back to shore. Good thing Xander decided to stay back and play with Grandma!
