Tornado in 3 Lakes Hit me hard.

[NPK2003]

Many of your readers have come to the "Shoot Out" in Three Lakes and most know where my place up there is. Last Tuesday, July 9th, our lake frontage on Big Stone Lake was hit by an isolated tornado around 6:00 PM. We had just returned from celebrating July 4th in Three Lakes to our other home in Brookfield, Wisconsin when our neighbor called us with the bad news. They were kind enough to send us some pictures of what was happening by e-mail. We were shocked as the damage to our shoreline was horrific. Our ski boat was lifted through the boat lift canopy and was floating across the channel. Our pontoon boat was also rolled across the lake and was floating upside down in another area of the lake. Dock sections and the pontoon boat parts lie floating in the area between Big Stone and Laurel Lake channel. Other personal property was thrown from shore and inside contents of the boats were mingled in what one neighbor described as a floating debris field. We sat devastated and in shock as we were helpless to do anything to salvage what was left. But what are neighbors for?

It seemed anyone who saw or knew of the destruction rallied to our aid. People came on jet skies, in fishing boats, ski boats, on foot, and immediately began a huge salvage effort on our behalf. Whatever could be saved was either placed on our shoreline or recovered and added to what was left of our boats and lifts. Their efforts were quickly joined by first responders from the Three Lakes Police and Fire Departments along with the DNR officials. Thankfully, no one was injured and the cleanup efforts prevented any later damage to watercraft passing through the channel area. Whatever could be returned, was returned as well. We are so thankful.

My raceboats were thankfully at the shop. Insurance totaled both boats and their boat lifts. Air Nautique had less than 60 hours on it. The 26' Bennigton was too heavy to roll over in the water and finally dragged to marina were we run the races. They needed a couple of hoists to spin and flip it with the big Honda 4 stroke on the back. Insurance will pay out less than half of value. Both boats were considered my wife's. She is devastated. Well, I have to go cruise "Selling Posts". I might sell some race stuff to replace her beloved Bennigton. Watch for posts in a week or so.

We have posted two sets of pictures on Dropbox if anyone is interested. One set is the day of the storm ; https://www.dropbox.com/sh/4v86h29v2otr9qq/kM8wXPtqWE and the second set is after the recovery; https://www.dropbox.com/sh/jq6mmzeypl8cdf2/atsDvQjhgA

Nick Kaye:(

[Chummy]

sorry to hear, hope you resolve everything quickly

[FlowMaxx]

Terrible news Nick, pics don't work for me, but I remember your two boats at the mouth of the channel to Laurel. That takes some serious force to lift up those two big boats :( Glad your neighbors were able to help. Part of the reason I like 3L so much is the people there.

[NPK2003]

The pics don't work for meeither when I tried. I will try to fix that . Thanks for letting me know and your concern.
Nick

[NPK2003]

I think I fixed the pic link. Someone comfirm please. Thanks

[ProComp]

Sorry to hear Nick. Hopefully the cabins OK.

[brockshydro]

Sorry for your loss and the pics are working. We have had a few tornados come through sc in the past few years unreal the power of these storms

[NPK2003]

Sorry for your loss and the pics are working. We have had a few tornados come through sc in the past few years unreal the power of these storms

The storm skipped around my first neighbor to the right, and then skipped back in and took the next pontoon with the lift attached and flung it upside down into the lake. there's a link to a picture below.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/eq9no62p88bu9v5/neighbor%27s%20toon.JPG

Nick K

[dnr78]

Wow
thats incredible to see
glad everyone is ok... It's only stuff and can be replaced

[Tom Foley]

Wow Nick , glad everyone was ok ! What a mess !

[MODVP22]

Sorry to hear Nick. That's terrible

[FUJIMO]

Sorry to see this happen to you guys Nick. Is there a history of this in your area?

[racerx]

Not good Nick, write the biggest list you can for insurance between all you have...

[Robby321]

Wow. Sad to see stuff like that. When I lived in Downers Grove, Ill, had some friends in the path of the "Plainfield" tornado. The destruction that can happen VERY fast, is amazing.

Hope things work out OK for you back there.

[NPK2003]

Luckily, my STV RR wasn't in the lift, because >>>THE FRIGGING JUST REBUILT MOTOR THREW A ROD THROUGH THE CASE WARMING UP FOR THE SHOOTOUT!!

It can only get better???

[SS170]

I've got a place up in Eagle River (9 mi. north) On that Tues. @ 6pm my wife & I were sitting in our boat having cocktails under the boat lift. It was just moderate rain. No wind. Unbeleivable the weather was that intense that close. Sorry for the damage.

[Robby321]

Luckily, my STV RR wasn't in the lift, because >>>THE FRIGGING JUST REBUILT MOTOR THREW A ROD THROUGH THE CASE WARMING UP FOR THE SHOOTOUT!!

It can only get better???

IT HAS TOO! Damn, they say trouble comes in 3's, and that 3 boats down, PLUS collateral damage? As I'm a old "Midwest boy too", ya all a STRONG breed there, and ya can knock us down, but we hard to KEEP down! ;):thumbsup:

Have to admit, as me still sidelined with Sciatica 3/4 weeks now, its summer and perfect weather, but simple I will get better soon, get the M/T slip stuffed one the boats soon. Plenty of summer left here. BUT, I have all my "stuff" ready to go but me! Damn, even fired the Flatty yesterday first out of rainy season "pickle". Tired of looking 4 boats trailered in front.

Sad that you will have a "summer", simple not wanted, so I really "gotta stop whining me", as others are living in a place that hope happens to none.

Hang in there. Stay positive. Its only money and "loved" stuff, but remember when "one door closes, another one opens"...(but it the hallways that are a "bitch!"):thumbsup:

[Robby321]

I've got a place up in Eagle River (9 mi. north) On that Tues. @ 6pm my wife & I were sitting in our boat having cocktails under the boat lift. It was just moderate rain. No wind. Unbeleivable the weather was that intense that close. Sorry for the damage.

I know the area well! My Ex inlaws owned a house on Lake Minocqua across from "Joes Bar", home of the "Summer Hummers" bucket drinks! Yep, I did manage to get one "hung the rafters" I knew some that (what, "Minocquabats"..(sp, the ski team") Have friends in Eagle River, Manitowish Waters, many more "Northwoods" locations. Beautiful country, a lot like here, the PNW, only our winters mild and rainy. I LOVED the "sledding" up there, great people, TOUGH BUNCH THAT PARTIED HARD TOO! I miss you guys there....and the comment "neighbors" helping out? Thats good old Midwest people, and some the best EVER met too!:thumbsup:..(they "loot" your stuff BACK TO YOU!)

A question about there. They still have the (damn, been decades), the what called, country either "Supper", or "Dinner" "clubs there? Really just a bar, but ya ate well first, then sat drinking and BSing to getting "closing, ya don't gotta go home, but ya can't stay here!" :eek:

Also never owned a "toon", but I want one someday, as getting slighty "old". My brother has a Toon, a ski boat for the kids and there off spring, more floaters in NorCal. Owning a fast boat, and a "toon", to cruise RULES! Let me find a pic, his Toon, .."the pink Flamingo" and my dog in front!
YOU, Damn! 26 foot, big motor the back..THAT is..(was), a NICE RIDE!

Best I can say is let it sink in, think what next, never give up, and I sincerely wish the best outcome. Mean it too. Keep smiling, as "reality", always get in the way of life.
279385

[86VOYAGER]

WoW, Is all I can say. Big Whitey, and the 27 foot trailer are at ur disposal. Just say the word, and I'll come a running with whatever you need.

[Cp]

Sorry to hear, Nick. Thankfully no one was hurt. Thank goodness for good neighbors.

[Schramer]

Man Nick talk about kickin a brotha when he is down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You just say the word and my truck and trailer will also be at your disposal any time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BTW my buddy needs an expensive part that I think you have so at the least we can help your pocket book a little :o PM me or shoot me a call anytime bud......Thank the Lord for excellent neighbors and 3 Lakes personnel, hence the reason we all go up there!! Our thought and prayers are with you Nick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :thumbsup:

[Robby321]

SEE what meant my post the "Midwest kids? Last 3 posts, are.."need help"?;):thumbsup:

[WARLOCK]

Nick, glad no one was hurt. If you need anything...call. We've been going up there for years and giving to the Fire and Rescue and now its looks like they paid back. Later, Dave

[Hydrovector]

Nick, sorry to see this glad everyone is OK.

[baja200merk]

My family got hit hard by hurricane sandy so I Feel your pain. Looking at the bright side everything that is getting fixed is now much nicer then it was. Hope it works out the same for you.

Kevin