BMO 2020 Spring Newsletter

Wow, how the world has changed since our last newsletter. Keep thinking of the song “In the Year 2525” but “2020” instead! (Okay, maybe I’m dating myself here!)

Still waiting to hear when we’ll be able to fully re-open our store, and what parameters will apply when so. Trying to imagine running shuttles in 12-15 passenger vans while social distancing, and haven’t come up with a solution yet. (Well, our staff has suggested having passengers lie down in upright canoes on the trailer, the back of Doug’s truck, the roof rack…just kidding!) BUT, we’re brainstorming, and I’m sure we’ll come up with solutions to keep our rental business going!

Meanwhile, we’re still taking boats in for repair and custom outfitting, and doing curbside pickup. Hopefully we’ll soon be up and running as usual! We’ll keep you posted.

Romance on the Water Bookmark this location of the page.

A gunwale repair job on a Wenonah Itaska canoe by Tim Kocher and Vern Graham (Thanks Vern!)

Last fall we had a customer bring in a used Wenonah Itaska canoe to have the woodwork replaced. We didn’t know what we were getting into! Asked Wenonah for advice and was told “we wouldn’t even try it.” Well, with a lot of help from local canoe guru Vern Graham (thanks, Vern!) in collaboration with our own workshop guru Tim, we were able to restore the canoe and get it back in the hands of our happy customer. We don’t often get feedback about restorations, but this one was great; he proposed to his girlfriend in the canoe on Thanksgiving, and she said “Yes”!

BMO New Website Bookmark this location of the page.

After a long process and LOTS of work by Greg, our new website is up and running. Be sure to check out our new Bargain Basement Page (under “Sales & Services”.) Cleaning out corners, so lots of odds and ends for sale!

BMO Fun & Games Bookmark this location of the page.

Idle hands lead to weird creations. . .

Obviously our repair crew had too much time on their hands in the workshop!

Demo Day 2020...Not Bookmark this location of the page.

As you probably know we originally scheduled our annual Demo Day for May 9th, until Covid 19 derailed it. In talking to our reps to try to set up an alternate date we were told that all other dealers are cancelling demo days this year, so it looks like we are in the same position. We are looking at doing demos by appointment; will keep you posted. (If it’s any consolation, the river would have been too high AGAIN this year to be on the water by May 9th, so it would have been yet another “dry” Demo Day.)

BMO Gallery of Fine Art Bookmark this location of the page.

A photohraph of an Osrpey on the Statue of Liberty in Dauphin, PA. © Michael Arter 2020

Check out this awesome photograph taken in BMO’s backyard at the Dauphin Narrows, thanks to customer (and obviously photographer) Michael Arter. Thanks, Michael!

More BMO Fine Art Bookmark this location of the page.

Original artwork by Emily Zebel. © Emily Zebel 2020

When Kris Wolpert was working here we had a great photo his wife Gunne took hanging on the wall in our showroom. Alas, the photo left when Kris did, leaving us a bare space on the wall. Not to worry; local artist (and friend) Emily Zebel gave us this beautiful original drawing to hang in its place. Thank you, Emily!

Sun Protection Bookmark this location of the page.

Had a suggestion from one of our customers who had a bad experience with a severe sunburn to remind paddlers to use sunblock. Along with that, don’t forget sunglasses with UV protection, lip balm, sun protective (rated) clothing, a hat with a wide brim, and possibly gloves. And you know that neck scarf that many of us are using as a mask? It also serves to protect your face from the sun, and many provide cooling as well!

Give me Five! Bookmark this location of the page.

Hi Five - A Sit on Top Kayak made for kids! Image from Hi Five - Perception

We’ve had a great kid’s sit inside kayak for quite awhile (Perception Prodigy XS) but have been looking for a truly kid sized, quality sit on top as well. Perception has come through again with the Hi Five, 6 foot 6 inches of fun. Kid tested and approved, and affordable as well ($250, including paddle!) Coming soon to BMO!

The Latest Dougism Bookmark this location of the page.

(If it Ain’t a Word it Should be!)

Doug, like many other business owners today, is dealing with the Covid 19 situation. The other day he pronounced that it was “totally flustrating”. (I looked at him quizzically and he said “haven’t you ever felt flustered and frustrated?”)

Guess he’s got a point!

Cover Your Junk! Bookmark this location of the page.

Cover that junk!

When Bonafide first started producing their SS Series of kayaks they offered an accessory called a “Junk Drawer” that slides under the seat and gives kayak fishermen (and women) a place to carry all their “junk”. Now they are offering a cover so the junk is better contained. Available here at BMO!

Sealect Designs Paddle Clip Extension Bookmark this location of the page.

A Paddle Clip Extension made by Sealect Designs.

Sealect Designs keeps coming up with solutions to problems we never even thought of, but apparently paddlers have. Hence the Paddle Clip Extension. What do you do if you want to install a paddle clip on your kayak, but it will get in the way of other things you want to use (rod holders, phone holders, cup holders, whatever-else-holders?) Here’s the answer! In stock at BMO.

Local Scene Bookmark this location of the page.

A map of the Cove Mountain Preserve hiking trail. Here is a direct link to the PDF file of the hiking trail map.

When you get a chance, check out the hiking trails at the Cove Mountain Preserve opened recently here in Marysville. (Stop by the shop; we’ll give you directions to find it.) Great place for a day hike!

Check out Nature.orgs page for more information!

Hopefully the next time you hear from us it will be to let you know that our doors are open for business as usual (well, as usual as can be!)

Take care, keep well, and get outside as much as possible!

- The BMO Gang
( Doug, Mary, Tim & Greg )