With the mercury rattling around in the bulb of my thermometer like a pebble in a tin can, it’s hard to remember the warm breezes and bright sunshine of last summer’s Lake Pepin Messabout.  But the photos confirm that it wasn’t just a pleasant dream, but was in fact a joyful weekend of messing about in boats.

Last summer's Lake Pepin messabout wasn’t just a pleasant dream, but was in fact a joyful weekend of messing about in boats. Click images for larger views

To twist a phrase from Forrest Gump, “Messabouts are like a box of chocolates.  You never know what you’ll get.”  Along with old friends, the 2007 messabout brought some welcome surprises, including children.  Squeals of delight filled the air as a record number of future-messers splashed in the sparkling water at the shore’s edge.  Kenny Ceaglske introduced us to Cootie Boats – small drawer-like craft perfect for firing the imagination of small fries.  Some kids came for the day, and some camped all weekend with their parents. 

Kenny Ceaglske introduced us to Cootie Boats – small drawer-like craft perfect for firing the imagination of small fries.

Greg Lindberg sailed in on his creation, ARCEBUS, but also brought a new bit of his wizardry: a pedal-powered kayak.  Greg designed the propulsion unit from a bicycle chain drive and a two-bladed propeller.  The whole contraption dropped into the cockpit’s “centerboard case.”  The result was a recumbent kayak which I found to be just as fun to use as it looked.

Greg Lindberg brought a new bit of his wizardry: a pedal-powered kayak.

The whole contraption dropped into the cockpit’s “centerboard case.”

Equally fascinating was Jerry Sicard’s forward-facing rowing rig.  At first it looked strange, but the ease of use and the speeds Jerry achieved were unarguable. 

Equally fascinating was Jerry Sicard’s forward-facing rowing rig.

The ease of use and the speeds Jerry achieved were unarguable.

Other repeat messers included Greg Peterson with his IMB, Peter Simmons and his Skat (both of these are Michalak designs), Chad and Ruth (and four kids) brought their Dovekie, Bob Brown brought RATTY’S BOAT of his own design, Craig Bursell had BLACK BARK (a Stevenson Projects Skipjack), Dave Richards came with his Weekender JULIE K, and the irrepressible Doc Reagan trailered his Boatex 12 from Iowa.

Greg Peterson with his IMB - Chad and Ruth's Dovekie in the background.

Dave Richards came with his Weekender JULIE K

Bob and Virgene Trygg brought GIZMO, a modified Tread Lightly design by John Welsford.  Many of us suffered abrasions on our chins when our jaws dropped at the sight of Bob’s immaculate workmanship.  The photos don’t do justice to the professional quality of this craft.

Bob and Virgene Trygg brought GIZMO, a modified Tread Lightly design by John Welsford.

But there’s nothing like the excitement generated by the launching of a new homemade boat.  That was provided by Bob Doyscher and his brand-new Teal.  Designer Steve Lewis had his Scout Canu with him, and regaled us with tales of his current projects and design ideas. 

Bob Doyscher launched his brand-new Teal.

Designer Steve Lewis brought his Scout Canu.

The Mouseboats were well represented with boats by Erica, Kathleen (both of whose last names escape me) and the famous John Goeser.  Kenny, of Cootie Boat fame, sailed his PDRacer – a first at a Lake Pepin Messabout.  He seemed to have no trouble at all navigating the big lake in his square-ish craft.  Jim Allaire gave the lake a classic touch as he sailed his Bolger Bobcat.

Kenny, of Cootie Boat fame, sailed his PDRacer – a first at a Lake Pepin Messabout.

Jim Allaire gave the lake a classic touch as he sailed his Bolger Bobcat.

One of the most elegant crafts, at least to my eye, was the Adirondack Guideboat built by Dave Gerty.  (His strip-built canoe was no slouch, either.)

One of the most elegant crafts, at least to my eye, was the Adirondack Guideboat built by Dave Gerty.

Our traditional cloudburst happened at dinner time on Saturday night, but the rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of those enjoying the potluck.  In fact, one of my lasting memories of the event was the sight of a kayak paddle on top of the picnic table serving as a tent pole as it held up the center of the dining fly.

Our traditional cloudburst happened at dinner time on Saturday night, but the rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of those enjoying the potluck.

Next year’s Lake Pepin Messabout is scheduled for May 30 through June 1.  You can find full details HERE.