Tom and Minn Kota Joe

The soft sound of canoe paddles in water was barely audible from the deck. Accompanying the sound of paddles across the road and somewhere behind the boat dock were quiet voices. Usually, that's inconsequential. Most of the time it's simply fishermen stalking around the many old docks along this stretch of the bay in search of bass. I've always been a bit wary of people getting too close to our dock due to our small rental boat fleet parked there. Not to mention the gas pump. Not that anyone could get gas if they didn't know how to turn everything on. I suppose it's just habit. So far there had never been any instance of thievery or vandalism. I still perk up a little when I hear or see things around the dock that aren't normally there.

In this case, eventually a canoe with its inhabitants slowly emerged from around the end of the dock. As is the usual case, they were stalking fish. Dusk was coming quickly so after a few minutes, they headed for the nearby boat ramp. I thought nothing of it until they began heading my direction up the road, each toting one end of their canoe. As they neared, I realized one of the pair was Tom. Tom makes up half the team of Tom and Janice who are the housekeepers for the resorts. We spotted each other nearly simultaneously and gave a wave. He and Joe had been out fishing this evening and were returning, unsuccessful in fish but both with smiles from a nice casual paddle around on the lake.

They set the canoe down in the middle of the road so Tom could walk up to the deck and bring a set of keys. Normally a canoe in the road may have been a problem, but in our town, it's commonplace. At least common enough that no one thinks much about it. After a short visit, Tom leaned a bit closer and said “Joe has had some health issues, paddling the canoe is good for him”. I chuckled. He continued, “Yeah... He likes to paddle and I like to fish, so it works out pretty good!” I responded with “He's kind of like your trolling motor....Maybe you should call him 'Minn Kota' like an Indian name or something!”

We laughed. Tom is good for our town. He is the kind that is determined to be a citizen of the community and make the town a better place. Janice is this way too. The pair of them are one good reason to be a part of this quiet little town by the lake. 

Tom is an extraordinary photographer as well. He has shared his work with us and has been very gracious in allowing me to use them in our marketing efforts for both the resorts and the community in general.  

More on Minn Kota Joe and Janice later!


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