Excelsior Bay, September 24

I jumped from my car and rushed over to catch this shot of the bay. In the diminishing evening light stood a woman trying to do the same. She was having a bit of trouble with her camera/phone. We both "Oohed and Aahhad" at the colors of the sunset, and then we were off.

Finishing Runners_ Apple Days 5K

The weather was perfect for a race. No wind, sunny and 60 degrees. The intensity of the light challenged my camera , and person skills.  The runners flew by.  The course was flat. It was perfect.  I think the winning time was about 15 minutes flat.
I stood near the soggy finish line, next to a woman who was taking photos for the Excelsior Chamber of Commerce. Her photos were spectacular.... I grumbled to myself.

Apple Day Run Excesior this Saturday Morning

I am opting out this time. I can live with the guilt, and there will be guilt.





I plan on one more race this year and this is not going to be the one... But I will take my usual action photos. I should be able to post very quickly with my new internet connection. I had been off line for months.
Let us take a look at the running shoes today's Minnetonka crowd are running in. Which brands will abound around town?

Salvage!

The Steamer “Minnehaha” was salvaged from the depths of Minnetonka in 1980. I have a little book written by Jerry Provost about the undertaking. It is fun to read and authentic, with vintage photos of the  salvage operation. Their effort demands thanks, and admiration.

“It turned out to be a little bit tougher that we originally thought to get the boat up out of the mud and to the surface. Boating enthusiasts and sightseers were gathering around the working barges. The well wishers were creating a work hazard.”

On another day a diving situatuion became critical: A loud scream was heard over the underwater mike, and then the diver went quiet. Other divers scrambled to get down and release one of the divers who had became pinned beneat the hull.
The weight of the water and hull pressing down upon him.

On day 7:“The divers spent eight long hours under water today. Finally accomplishing running a strap under the boats stern. A third Minnetonka dredge crane was made ready and brought to the site. Eventually both Niccum and I had everthing we owned on the Lake”


Their commitment to this salvage was impressive, and rare.
Today we can see the ship sail the lake and can enjoy its historic beauty.

 

Cottagewood 120