Trip Day 1

September 23rd, arrived at Rainy Lake Houseboats at 11:15 am and checked in. Drove out along the docks and loaded the boat using a cart they provide.  Got some help loading the kayak and decided to put it on the bow rather than on top. With only me aboard there was plenty of room and much easier to launch.

Loaded the fridge, which was very large with excellent freezer space.  Then a guy came to check me out on systems. However, the kid was not very knowledgeable and when I started asking questions on how to operate the heater, oven, etc. He could not answer and had to get help.  Then he told me the 12 volt outlet was not working!  I explained that I checked ahead of time on that item specifically since I planned to use my tablet and phone for navigation using the very software they recommend.  I have previously used the same excellent software in Florida. Keeping the tablet powered was critical to navigation. They quickly got the problem fixed.

They don't let you operate to and from the docks but send a pilot out with you initially instead.  He drove me out about a mile and then a support boat picked him up and then I was on my own.  Not my idea of boating, but I understand why that is policy.  The boats are not small and have lots of windage!

The first thing I noticed was the steering was very loose and required constant attention.  You could not leave the wheel for even 10 seconds, which made it tough when you are alone.  It wandered constantly and was a lot of work to even come close to holding a straight line course.

Below is a chart of my plan for day one (red dotted line).  They reported that Brouillette Island (R46) had been vacated by another boat so I decided to head there knowing it was free.  I did not want to go too far and experiment much the first day.

Rainy Lake Houseboat Sites (West)
Day 1 - Base to Brouillette Is.
(Track in Red)

I motored for about an hour to get to the site.  After I was secure and got my equipment in place another boat came to look and saw I was there and had to turn around.  Several fishing boats passed through so it must be a short cut.  A previous boat left some firewood which I collected and cut up for a future campfire. I grilled a burger accompanied by chips and a beer for dinner.

Brouillette Island Houseboat Site (R46)

Bow of the houseboat, my kayak is just behind the rail, bow can be seen tot he left. Lots of room!

Later I went up on the top deck to enjoy my fire ring and the overlook of the small bay.  I took along my bluetooth speaker and CD player and listened to some music while I enjoyed some wine and chocolate covered almonds for desert.  Very nice!  Had to use a rope to lift all the heavy gear up to the roof of the boat.  The fire ring worked great.  (note the protective tile under the ring)

Fire ring and rig in operation.  I brought my own chair for this deck. Always have my camera and binoculars close at hand.

This is a shot from the top deck of the shore side fire ring.

Skiff with 15 hp motor. Skiff is provided but not the motor.  Great if you plan to fish, but I did not. That is the starboard mooring line in the foreground.

The weather was cloudy and cool so I decided to not use the house sheets and used my own flannel sheets and down comforter.  Listened to an andio book "Rogue Lawyer" by John Grisham before bed to put myself to sleep.  Due to the early darkness I hit the sack by about 8:30 pm.  Dozed off pretty quick.

Below are a few shots of the area seen from the top deck as I was enjoying the setting that evening:

Looking SW, the direction I approached the site from.

Small channel just off stern that would have been fun to explore with the kayak but I decide not to, given the cloudy evening.