Sunday-- June 22, 2008
Water Level at Little Falls: 3.8     Water Temperature: 80

The so-called Solstice Sleepover turned out to be a big Sidwell Friends graduation party. I've never seen so many teenagers here before. Nobody spent the night and to be honest there was virtually no Club participation. I'm not going to do the Solstice Sleepover next year and I think if Whitney wants to have a party she should schedule a large party through the large party coordinator.

Yesterday was very busy but last Sunday was a killer as well, I counted over eighty visitors to the Island that day!

I put up a list of chores that need to be done around the Island. I thought it would be a good idea to give people the opportunity to pitch in and help the Club, but so far my list has been ignored. I thought this was a volunteer club. I can't do everything by myself.

Tryon took it upon himself to build and launch a new swim float. I was very impressed by his determination and energy. He carried all the lumber down the hill by himself, plus the floatation. He did draft some young Club members to help him carry down the heavy concrete anchors. I helped him put the thing together and yesterday Dave Winer, Eric Simpson, Drew walsh and Tryon got the float into the river. Thanks Tryon, you're awesome, and just in time for Whitney's party.

You might not recognize the Sycamore Store anymore. The painters have been working there for the last two weeks, the sign is gone and the familiar white clapboard house is now yellow. I think they're fixing it up to sell it.

Tuesday-- June 10, 2008
Water Level at Little Falls: 3.8     Water Temperature: 75

The storm we had last Wednesday did more damage here than I realized. I was busy clearing the trails around the head of the Island when suddenly there was no trail to clear, it had been obliterated by a fallen black walnut tree. I was marveling at the new opening in the canopy when I noticed that two other huge walnut trees had fallen as well. These three tree were gigantic, like eighty feet tall, and as they lay on the ground their length covers three quarters of the width of the Island. I think the head of the Island can rightfully be called a true disaster area.

I have to cut the "grass" now, no more excuses. I couldn't cut it in April because of the bluebells and I couldn't cut it in May because of all the rain and flooding.

There was a raccoon walking around by the zipline yesterday, in broad daylight. Rarely do see them in the daytime.

Monday-- June 9, 2008
Water Level at Little Falls: 4.1     Water Temperature: 75

It's been a crazy month so far with these almost-daily rain storms and fluctuating river levels. The bad weather has made it impossible to plan events down here and three large parties had to be cancelled. Luckily my power came on in time for Mike Gelb to have his Graduation party here last Friday. Those Gelbs really know how to party and everyone seemed to be having a grand time.

Don't miss the special presentation that I've arranged for Wednesday evening before the meeting. I've invited a couple of local historians to talk about the Potomac River Company(George Washington's company)and early navigational techniques on the river. I understand it's going to be a high quality presentation complete with projected arial photos of the river. The presentation starts at 7:00 or you can come early and join us for a picnic.