Rosslyn’s boathouse pier originally extended far further into Lake Champlain, more than doubling its present length to judge from historic photographs and field measurements of the crib dock vestiges that still linger beneath low water level at the eastern end of the boathouse pier. As we understand it from the previous owner, the the original dock remained intact and usable through the 1980s or 1990s when the decking and upper piers were damaged during spring flooding. Since then seasonal ice flows and high water have gradually, incrementally reduced the once prominent waterfront landmark to photogenic rubble. Today the ruins of old pier offer welcome habitat for fish during high water, ducks during low water, and fish all year long.
When Susan and I began to daydream (and night dream) about the possibility of making Rosslyn our home it was the waterfront and lakeside living that most intoxicated us. Swimming, sailing, waterskiing, windsurfing, skating and cross-country skiing (in winter), bonfires on the beach, Independence Day parties with family and friends to watch fireworks over the lake, maybe a hammock overlooking the lake sipping sunrise tea,… Four seasons lakeside. Fêting, relaxing, bathing, and boating.
Ruins of the old pier morphed in our imaginations as we anticipated rehabilitating the historic crib dock in its entirety. No, not its entirety. Once upon a time the crib dock included an enormous coal bin built to serve the steam yacht, Kestrel, that was originally docked here. We did not want to rebuild the coal bin.
But again and again we fantasized the shoreline appendage back into place, history resuscitated. The restored crib dock would accommodate our boating needs and welcome family and friends to visit by vessel.
But our hopes were far more ambitious than we understood early on. Time tempered our enthusiasm as engineers helped us understand the challenge. Little-by-little we relinquished this vision. But those recalibrations belong elsewhere. Today, instead, an optimistic epilogue.
Old Pier Ruins
Confection conjured
rudiments of rehab from
relics and ruins.
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