A Local "Joe" with Skills! or AKA "Speed Boat Joe"

I met Joe, not Minn KotaJoe, but another “local” Joe one evening down by the boat ramp. He was flying a drone around the fishing island getting some really awesome video footage. We had the occasional conversation in the past on facebook, but until this evening, we had not met in person. I discovered Joe to be an interesting character, and on top of that, he owned some very cool toys. Besides a fleet of drones, he also had RC speed boats which by the end of the evening, he had brought to the dock and was racing around the fishing island harbor. He even managed to treat us to a spectacular boat crash. The crash was immediately followed by a “Parts Rescue” from one of our marina rent boats. By the end of the night, I could see this had the potential for a friendship.

Over the past couple of months, Joe and his wife Karen have become part of our resort life. They wander in with new drone technology that is mostly beyond my ability to comprehend. We've sat on the Resort deck eating pulled pork sandwiches from the smoker while watching Bald Eagles flying around the lake through binoculars. Joe has even offered to help get some of our older derelict boats running again. He worked his magic on one of them the other night and was able to get it fired up and running long enough to determine the root problem it had.

Being one who appreciates talent and skill in all forms, I was most impressed on the day I invited Joe on a boat ride to rescue a pontoon that was not starting. The ride was slow and tedious as all of the “good” boats were already on the lake for the day. We puttered down the lake in a small fishing boat, the last of the fleet still remaining at it's post. We spotted the pontoon with apparently happy fishermen still on board. Upon pulling along side, Joe called out for them to turn the key so he could see and hear what it was doing. The VERY MOMENT, the motor attempted to start, Joe exclaimed “HA.....I know what that is” Lifting the hood and applying just the right touch with a screwdriver and.......... the motor started perfectly. Joe's a man with skills! Of course he makes a living as a mechanic and I'd say he's a darn good one.

Like Tom, Joe is an avid photographer. Without knowing it, he will fly a drone in on us and get some really amazing footage around the resort. The sample to the side is just a taste of what he and his drones are capable of. 

Joe and Karen stopped by just today with gifts of odds and ends fishing tack. Nets and lights and other gear, some for use, some for decorating the cabins and resort. Pleasant conversation always ensues when they make the trip across town to see us. There are days I feel bad that I cannot give them the hospitality they deserve, but resort life is demanding this time of year. Joe and Karen are a gracious and generous couple. Our town would seem a few degrees more empty without them. 


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