tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54397619049604389272024-03-12T17:04:39.554-07:00A Bama Dream on the Great LoopLinda and Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417081628587029110noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439761904960438927.post-33182825234399399452015-10-14T05:57:00.001-07:002015-10-14T06:57:12.290-07:00Closing Our Circle!<div><br></div><div><i>A</i> <i>Bama</i> <i>Dream</i> is now secure at her new home in Goose Pond Marina. We have decided to spend the next few months enjoying some quality time with our children and their families, especially the grandchildren and great grandchildren, before dropping our lines for another trip to the islands. This has been an amazing journey that we are so grateful that we were able to experience! Hopefully our blog has given everyone that has been following us just a little bit of an idea of what we have encountered over the past year. Many of our friends want to know what we plan for our next adventure. Well, while we don't think we will ever spend a whole year on the road, or water, again we are now preparing for our next great adventure by getting a new set of wheels and attaching a small camper to the hitch. As we have decided that there will be at least a few more trips aboard the amazing <i>Bama</i> <i>Dream</i>, she will wait patiently at Goose Pond for her next turn.</div><div><br></div><div>Just a few stats from our Great Loop adventure:</div><div><br></div><div> Miles traveled: 7,512</div><div> Engine hours: 1021</div><div> Gallons of fuel: 2790</div><div> Gallons per hour: 2.73</div><div> Average mph: 7.36</div><div> Total trip days: 364</div><div> Days traveled: 195</div><div> Nights on anchor: 164</div><div> Nights at marinas: 156</div><div> Mooring balls; 8</div><div> Walls: 34</div><div> Locks: 148</div><div><br></div><div>Untold number of new friends, too many stunning sunrises and sunsets to count, just a couple of bad days, caught some very nice fish, visited numerous charming seaside villages, and came home with a great tan!</div> <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMC0OvOCjGvjgCZhrgO8ry1rSbR5nGmQKTHGF7S986Og2LHMP2MAc6Y35tcchmzHyBIC6E0pZoutpGYC_qUFbuey3uY7sT_mo2j7o6TDIIc1zheSe-RglLiFid-N4zSxAXr8NEFV9A2uU/s640/blogger-image-85000746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMC0OvOCjGvjgCZhrgO8ry1rSbR5nGmQKTHGF7S986Og2LHMP2MAc6Y35tcchmzHyBIC6E0pZoutpGYC_qUFbuey3uY7sT_mo2j7o6TDIIc1zheSe-RglLiFid-N4zSxAXr8NEFV9A2uU/s640/blogger-image-85000746.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our favorite selfie of the trip!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRHSAXoEz-sjpk-dqTiNo8EWLqGGi2Z420ymu_NFJ_1QgEKgNiYLHHvoq74nnE6VXMsnoJJB4L4wag90RnSGEPjil_TZvySBxriG3xe35_o_B0g6DcQKB8Thr7c5cOzxOWMMvi8Dax3HO/s640/blogger-image-1696746042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRHSAXoEz-sjpk-dqTiNo8EWLqGGi2Z420ymu_NFJ_1QgEKgNiYLHHvoq74nnE6VXMsnoJJB4L4wag90RnSGEPjil_TZvySBxriG3xe35_o_B0g6DcQKB8Thr7c5cOzxOWMMvi8Dax3HO/s640/blogger-image-1696746042.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Thanks to our son, Seth, who kept track of our travels on this map of the Great Loop, we are able to share this overview of our trip.</div>Linda and Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417081628587029110noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439761904960438927.post-54810910279327153202015-10-05T18:48:00.001-07:002015-11-02T21:55:52.266-08:00Homeward Bound!Oct. 4-8<div><br></div><div>Days 327-331<br><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Wow! I didn't realize how much trouble I would have writing this last post. After several years of planning and preparing for this adventure it is hard to believe we have closed our circle and come to the end of our journey. I won't deny that there have been a very few moments along the way that the thought ran through our heads, at least mine, that maybe this wasn't such a great idea. Those moments were few and far between and never lasted long enough to shed major doubts on our sanity. Before we began this trip, we both were apprehensive about all of the "unknowns" we would meet along the way. Everything that we worried about turned out to be absolutely "no problem". All in all, we have been captivated by our view from the waterways we have traveled, grown enormously in our confidence in our abilities, visited so many places we had never even heard of before, and met new friends from around the globe. Some of our new friends will one day become our old friends as we continue to include them in our lives. To borrow a phrase from one of those new friends: Life begins at the edge of your comfort zone!</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYWgIiFzsfQWqnZ9d9IvYGQHCnol0CtBASGDSbTsNqjE1w06d1dnDvLuH7-iKsoujOMct7S4dNFq9uq1aLS0lcqn4DwQVcKWQnZwbFofAfXo-oUGWBbEnDjzzNrm9GWr8e91a6mLvUl-T/s640/blogger-image-783707238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYWgIiFzsfQWqnZ9d9IvYGQHCnol0CtBASGDSbTsNqjE1w06d1dnDvLuH7-iKsoujOMct7S4dNFq9uq1aLS0lcqn4DwQVcKWQnZwbFofAfXo-oUGWBbEnDjzzNrm9GWr8e91a6mLvUl-T/s640/blogger-image-783707238.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>A new bridge is taking shape over the Tennessee River where several years ago an unfortunate ship captain performed a slight, but costly, miscalculation as he rammed his barge into the bridge. His cargo was rockets on there way to Cape Canaveral. While there was no damage to the ship, or its cargo, the bridge did not fair so well.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOHPHQbr-t5LVurXwSuujEVI5wC9XNnXx-sqIgzWfYk0JdsYHr_HyVt4ZEjoo9yn9vjaJJ6a5uUy2_ROmJoanWp2ihfp1bkkBfT5AWMHeITS1gagprt1EIhUPeo5NjkTXHF3zOL9Vdv4vM/s640/blogger-image--1939526769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOHPHQbr-t5LVurXwSuujEVI5wC9XNnXx-sqIgzWfYk0JdsYHr_HyVt4ZEjoo9yn9vjaJJ6a5uUy2_ROmJoanWp2ihfp1bkkBfT5AWMHeITS1gagprt1EIhUPeo5NjkTXHF3zOL9Vdv4vM/s640/blogger-image--1939526769.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Talk about having your own personal fishing pier. Obviously, this railroad bridge is no longer in service.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhljCCxibfvTH6tcAGs0YW9KhmQscqdL7zFJXmTPbsGA2_dA7Pvuib88YuHVowcc3E3pkgHS41nowPJ5qJzL8dr2az0xVcQDuF2AVZLDzwMLbyuXhcISh32SK59fvA3sygV8JXtIAGIzOoN/s640/blogger-image-281978408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhljCCxibfvTH6tcAGs0YW9KhmQscqdL7zFJXmTPbsGA2_dA7Pvuib88YuHVowcc3E3pkgHS41nowPJ5qJzL8dr2az0xVcQDuF2AVZLDzwMLbyuXhcISh32SK59fvA3sygV8JXtIAGIzOoN/s640/blogger-image-281978408.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>When the dams were built that backed up the water for Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake many structures, including a whole town, became covered or surrounded by water.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJGBtyPQEM0ThCifr8DmEc4aAd0ytfSPlaknCwMAzXahMZEGvqn0_JWpW5h8AszTK7iLDlZL-SwN4F53bcl6iaI5Yq48PJQa-r8xvddtYkfdSLwXekDEqD0EQChDN0t1Ab3gFSL9W_g6o/s640/blogger-image--1785832928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJGBtyPQEM0ThCifr8DmEc4aAd0ytfSPlaknCwMAzXahMZEGvqn0_JWpW5h8AszTK7iLDlZL-SwN4F53bcl6iaI5Yq48PJQa-r8xvddtYkfdSLwXekDEqD0EQChDN0t1Ab3gFSL9W_g6o/s640/blogger-image--1785832928.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Another beautiful sunrise greets us as we look forward to another perfect day on the Tennessee River. While we are not in a hurry to bring our journey to a close, we are getting a little excited about seeing family and friends, so we are up at the crack of dawn again.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicnuMXXki1NJQS4rX_Tk5OyjbOERvftL09tK5A4_ny4DLVao6PKNp9eGwH7im0tJIp6E_K2NIv3dtqJEFBbhRjVPMZ3kP5D-U5X-NOEnVAIysA582fzQEsWbChqL2NcAuVwtW6ODJyvoJg/s640/blogger-image-1681170059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicnuMXXki1NJQS4rX_Tk5OyjbOERvftL09tK5A4_ny4DLVao6PKNp9eGwH7im0tJIp6E_K2NIv3dtqJEFBbhRjVPMZ3kP5D-U5X-NOEnVAIysA582fzQEsWbChqL2NcAuVwtW6ODJyvoJg/s640/blogger-image-1681170059.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We have met quite a few tows plying these waters, but none of them come close to the size of the ones on the Mississippi River. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0BVz4x8lVyF6mbUYasXDq0dl8PEYVIsLwCjZ6ttaoxpWtYlel_NOtMfPoqg2tMlcggTcWDlT7xJb3dMOErLeY473FVEkWiguyR_IZXl6-oehipAYQ0ygWWec4wiiSwwNP4EM4pDER41-/s640/blogger-image--530349581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0BVz4x8lVyF6mbUYasXDq0dl8PEYVIsLwCjZ6ttaoxpWtYlel_NOtMfPoqg2tMlcggTcWDlT7xJb3dMOErLeY473FVEkWiguyR_IZXl6-oehipAYQ0ygWWec4wiiSwwNP4EM4pDER41-/s640/blogger-image--530349581.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>As we have traveled the inland river systems, we have made a point of telling our fellow Loopers how much they will enjoy the Tennessee River. Views like this are why this portion of the Loop is a favorite for many cruisers.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7bABb-RrCEfjPoYh2C2n_szo_WeyJF2H2s3RIluZRQxHbKQ-7WrBYmlLK2AJpgUeZf362eVKmczQPCjptVRrWxLe8D6Hak-GURS0imLIpFM0A0pcmC1etRBX2mk1-xRi5zIaiolXseoc1/s640/blogger-image-2108321425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7bABb-RrCEfjPoYh2C2n_szo_WeyJF2H2s3RIluZRQxHbKQ-7WrBYmlLK2AJpgUeZf362eVKmczQPCjptVRrWxLe8D6Hak-GURS0imLIpFM0A0pcmC1etRBX2mk1-xRi5zIaiolXseoc1/s640/blogger-image-2108321425.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>So this is where river rock comes from! This dredge that looks like it has seen better day is harvesting river rock and then sending it to various markets by barge. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbPwxAurQDciC1rl85uInB2m-hZPV18aLztPL7jXyVjaK6x40awzhvsdadGcAQCV7TklW0QzUfB7xVH1DiSewGhIdxtVMHaUnd9LnI_pNeB1MlsHJ5chRVkrpyfFV_judWg-Y0TbhAfb3b/s640/blogger-image-176915210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbPwxAurQDciC1rl85uInB2m-hZPV18aLztPL7jXyVjaK6x40awzhvsdadGcAQCV7TklW0QzUfB7xVH1DiSewGhIdxtVMHaUnd9LnI_pNeB1MlsHJ5chRVkrpyfFV_judWg-Y0TbhAfb3b/s640/blogger-image-176915210.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Other than being a little warmer than I like, we have experienced wonderful weather these past few days. There are homes tucked into the hillsides all along the river. I must say that I much prefer my waterfront property to theirs. Our foundation is the water, and we can follow it wherever it goes.</div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY8dKC-4CkdePL5Tc7c7LPDFWeong11AvMnfGwWugH8ARZrguxl4bVHrVhWAxlzuD0k922laMWqlp9UjJOaimkEKpCBHy87cGAwRarVW62YA7boCjch0vAxGxWQcJiRWUH4OWDYDlANxai/s640/blogger-image--389584480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY8dKC-4CkdePL5Tc7c7LPDFWeong11AvMnfGwWugH8ARZrguxl4bVHrVhWAxlzuD0k922laMWqlp9UjJOaimkEKpCBHy87cGAwRarVW62YA7boCjch0vAxGxWQcJiRWUH4OWDYDlANxai/s640/blogger-image--389584480.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div>Our days come to a close with tranquil anchorages and peaceful sunsets.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZcnmOrT2jo1Ufus_QHE2h5oSMv8Qgp12uMZCS-EL3IX3EQZqqMiYFjUKmBiARMfYM7_554Ti_BiWacEG5AkbWg8nSLb-GozlSFOmlVlp2lPGTE7UzEVOQCMJbsrnweewt0wtsRwhFG_uP/s640/blogger-image--422704126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZcnmOrT2jo1Ufus_QHE2h5oSMv8Qgp12uMZCS-EL3IX3EQZqqMiYFjUKmBiARMfYM7_554Ti_BiWacEG5AkbWg8nSLb-GozlSFOmlVlp2lPGTE7UzEVOQCMJbsrnweewt0wtsRwhFG_uP/s640/blogger-image--422704126.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Although we experienced this awesome red sky in the morning, we were not being warned of an impending storm. It was just a stunning beginning of another glorious day on the water.</div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOaUuI80Vz3kSvots4JKAUUDq-45-cHZisWi-dLwF1Mj8ZkYqH4Rxl-FLQljqNx1mwkVOXqXU_q58FpG2jc3nxpFVeh7MsgN1K04Eob3LlEWXIt6uQJdbnMqnO66f7Vkoc7JZFUifwfJJW/s640/blogger-image--242292565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOaUuI80Vz3kSvots4JKAUUDq-45-cHZisWi-dLwF1Mj8ZkYqH4Rxl-FLQljqNx1mwkVOXqXU_q58FpG2jc3nxpFVeh7MsgN1K04Eob3LlEWXIt6uQJdbnMqnO66f7Vkoc7JZFUifwfJJW/s640/blogger-image--242292565.jpg"></a></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After a short wait for this tow to clear the lock, we were ready to enter our final lock before we would cross our wake. We still have three more locks to go, but Pickwick is the last one that we had not already been through at the beginning of our trip.</div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4kw4jo6ID9nCSsadrehTsFxGD13wKcSEkNjGEMa6DaGKQL_0aA_ZoBp420mCZdIzmKpuLrpcxjOaDAAj_rxsx_vg2xRTZPi9b1NjqVRhyphenhyphenUWm4r_ESMPdniLr20nCxY3EpmvVzh9FazqYx/s640/blogger-image--769941140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4kw4jo6ID9nCSsadrehTsFxGD13wKcSEkNjGEMa6DaGKQL_0aA_ZoBp420mCZdIzmKpuLrpcxjOaDAAj_rxsx_vg2xRTZPi9b1NjqVRhyphenhyphenUWm4r_ESMPdniLr20nCxY3EpmvVzh9FazqYx/s640/blogger-image--769941140.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We have gotten a little better at selfies over the course of our travels. Actually, we just discovered that Jess's arm is longer than mine.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIGIztuhvwrVyBlxBieRp9faCTVZIK0Vz-kWbqrshyphenhyphengvsAS5VqyrbUmr1b0Xyskd7Hs8oYfEnb_iVZkHcAg9KmamV4jEeFofYXEDMm1yNR6_RZ3JvsHFV4DfIzzftO0GcAWR6CS5yvy-q1/s640/blogger-image-457978747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIGIztuhvwrVyBlxBieRp9faCTVZIK0Vz-kWbqrshyphenhyphengvsAS5VqyrbUmr1b0Xyskd7Hs8oYfEnb_iVZkHcAg9KmamV4jEeFofYXEDMm1yNR6_RZ3JvsHFV4DfIzzftO0GcAWR6CS5yvy-q1/s640/blogger-image-457978747.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Just a few miles east of Pickwick Dam, the Tenn-Tom branches off to the south. After watching our white burgee wave on our bow for so long, it will soon be time to replace it with our gold one.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgOHmvMa5EYuDi7Ct0ST-ZR1Wnv5dLW20Ue67Zo9KHOOtf5HLyPrYPVpzv43ioL2v41R433XpxL3XHMkW1TwltheabmWK5kyqa3Jeq5DphgieIyYq9h0HA53PtMH1UQWsB44yUACPWgclk/s640/blogger-image--1797026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgOHmvMa5EYuDi7Ct0ST-ZR1Wnv5dLW20Ue67Zo9KHOOtf5HLyPrYPVpzv43ioL2v41R433XpxL3XHMkW1TwltheabmWK5kyqa3Jeq5DphgieIyYq9h0HA53PtMH1UQWsB44yUACPWgclk/s640/blogger-image--1797026.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We did it! We have now "crossed our wake"! It seems like only yesterday we were just beginning our Great Loop adventure and now we are Gold Loopers.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwz6ezO111dDv9W7cc2Sh2hVtHayCMNjBIIze9b3xJosoM8QhvK-tk4lwEyjGW2t9okpQRnW1LjyFv7cmc3zkw1yhzRUN2rGy2zXZqqYOuG3XIxVL0k6pJwf5eifrpPJexoziIz7R8XT12/s640/blogger-image--268710638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwz6ezO111dDv9W7cc2Sh2hVtHayCMNjBIIze9b3xJosoM8QhvK-tk4lwEyjGW2t9okpQRnW1LjyFv7cmc3zkw1yhzRUN2rGy2zXZqqYOuG3XIxVL0k6pJwf5eifrpPJexoziIz7R8XT12/s640/blogger-image--268710638.jpg"></a></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If you have ever used the timer on your camera to stage pictures, you have some idea of how many times we had to move and adjust to get a few decent shots. I have to say that Jess has become quite understanding when it comes to me saying: "Just one more!" Off with the old...</div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImHjqqw4yGXf52VSkyCc05az3clE31AvBBnjoRFGZo26Xwfso1_yglYDD4i2VELPgPHxbebXGCnoKGlgCExkKF7huUPFsjFXtbK2AFdscst5TsurOU2bJg-C5Lf7T85pNcOTkfRQzlsjn/s640/blogger-image--1857991808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImHjqqw4yGXf52VSkyCc05az3clE31AvBBnjoRFGZo26Xwfso1_yglYDD4i2VELPgPHxbebXGCnoKGlgCExkKF7huUPFsjFXtbK2AFdscst5TsurOU2bJg-C5Lf7T85pNcOTkfRQzlsjn/s640/blogger-image--1857991808.jpg"></a></div> </div><div>On with the new! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7YolmNcokhn-EeQnvmeTBT06WExRi_wDWiZ54Gl5YvsM_B8nB0daWHMt2wszgYtk647pk49SaDGvrXTMmf6IJItnlmHz-tCvDWtGN2BKB1o8-FJh2zgCNUKujyYqDMv0fL0hpmnzvkV1/s640/blogger-image-1368294792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7YolmNcokhn-EeQnvmeTBT06WExRi_wDWiZ54Gl5YvsM_B8nB0daWHMt2wszgYtk647pk49SaDGvrXTMmf6IJItnlmHz-tCvDWtGN2BKB1o8-FJh2zgCNUKujyYqDMv0fL0hpmnzvkV1/s640/blogger-image-1368294792.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Our view of <i>Bama</i> <i>Dream's</i> bow has changed today. This time through Wilson Lock was a breeze. If you have been following our blog from the beginning you know what I mean by that!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqkZTzaJ6RQCh8vUvO4wlaid_O4JEMaR88AG-s-xm2dEVq_SYlu_nSNrAxoK5Lte3kLA4Vb37KVHnDSaiDbF1A9vWaOj3qDUeHVOoMEsZlFOq1SJr1FTaKzLfOXogUf9wvqS1Tvaa6PQp2/s640/blogger-image-1527908184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqkZTzaJ6RQCh8vUvO4wlaid_O4JEMaR88AG-s-xm2dEVq_SYlu_nSNrAxoK5Lte3kLA4Vb37KVHnDSaiDbF1A9vWaOj3qDUeHVOoMEsZlFOq1SJr1FTaKzLfOXogUf9wvqS1Tvaa6PQp2/s640/blogger-image-1527908184.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Jess is pulling up the anchor for the last time on this trip. We are planning to stop at Ditto Landing Marina tonight, then on to our new home at Goose Pond Marina in Scottsboro from there.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXy24FXP8EOtaGXaE8MW-Gyyy-Av-wMQGMqWyHlm4YZ5TlX6HfYQC0p54CUXeC4k2q5Mbg5ajPx9NiZnMhqpZfmQ17Cble2d1r4qfDp5QyeNscnhGP8QPVZTCTBjWl8OHMj17pPF4p4oE1/s640/blogger-image--1355288123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXy24FXP8EOtaGXaE8MW-Gyyy-Av-wMQGMqWyHlm4YZ5TlX6HfYQC0p54CUXeC4k2q5Mbg5ajPx9NiZnMhqpZfmQ17Cble2d1r4qfDp5QyeNscnhGP8QPVZTCTBjWl8OHMj17pPF4p4oE1/s640/blogger-image--1355288123.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Another memory from last year. This is the railroad bridge in Decatur that has to be raised for boat traffic. Slightly west of here is where we experienced our first huge storm on the water. Luckily, the storm we encountered on Lake George is the only other deluge we had to deal with.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPQN1VvL0DUXRKvMl4vbS33_LldILOyeut6-8R0iILVIhwnO7jEzyJN65yZJHPyeC_2bee3sfgq0RpejBshfR8g11zD6zCyvfpngHt1o36ljZT2D_v4Mf62u813ROcjKIkaSvwprmCVzsy/s640/blogger-image--971032247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPQN1VvL0DUXRKvMl4vbS33_LldILOyeut6-8R0iILVIhwnO7jEzyJN65yZJHPyeC_2bee3sfgq0RpejBshfR8g11zD6zCyvfpngHt1o36ljZT2D_v4Mf62u813ROcjKIkaSvwprmCVzsy/s640/blogger-image--971032247.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">These cliffs welcome us back to familiar waters. We have seen some breathtakingly beautiful places along this voyage, but we have to admit we may be slightly prejudiced when it comes to the Tennessee River.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6S5-fFr9pHMXDAn0FivypBaJV1G5i2YwYWv9dBdgXLYcPjrmPRxnV_kgCNxu_R67ulclkkIAZ5oC6M2QJfWBbK8CZ4darh4hQ9_icofGQ0494dLTHqiCm_geT_qqqOWFk5p_KYcE0GMH/s640/blogger-image-435461930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6S5-fFr9pHMXDAn0FivypBaJV1G5i2YwYWv9dBdgXLYcPjrmPRxnV_kgCNxu_R67ulclkkIAZ5oC6M2QJfWBbK8CZ4darh4hQ9_icofGQ0494dLTHqiCm_geT_qqqOWFk5p_KYcE0GMH/s640/blogger-image-435461930.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Waiting patiently for the gates to open on Guntersville Lock. We are home!</div>Linda and Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417081628587029110noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439761904960438927.post-57161885776981599332015-10-02T14:26:00.001-07:002015-11-02T21:56:04.925-08:00Green Turtle Bay Sept. 26-Oct. 3<div><br></div><div>Days 319-326</div><div><br></div><div>These last few days have been slightly melancholy for us. My usual posts contain pictures of the places we have encountered as we travel from one place to another, not so this one. Green Turtle Bay Marina has provided us with the opportunity to visit one more time with many of our fellow Loopers that we have met along the way. Some we have not seen in quite some time, others we have shared many wonderful moments with along the way, and still others are new Loopers who are just beginning their great adventure. We have actually extended our stop here so that we would be here when our friends on <i>Seahorse</i> arrived, in order to celebrate with them as they complete their Loop. Then we discovered that <i>Aunt</i> <i>Aggie</i> would arrive here just after our scheduled departure, so what is a couple more days added to our trip. In case you can't tell we are just a little reluctant to bring our Loop trip to a close. We are excited about seeing our family and friends at home, but not necessarily ready to swap our white burgee for a gold one.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjda98Az6_TfFI-Q_mCK3MHfMZvum8lWxDxzn0YqC1bzzlVoYo0UTuuQn2FyPCwN6dBiELk5cCLl9LR9b4kNB-X_N0JPYYs0Om-b75uhW9b4JOlcBI3ocYglSM8SCEwjvgocjYvWER1AZuw/s640/blogger-image--2131773932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjda98Az6_TfFI-Q_mCK3MHfMZvum8lWxDxzn0YqC1bzzlVoYo0UTuuQn2FyPCwN6dBiELk5cCLl9LR9b4kNB-X_N0JPYYs0Om-b75uhW9b4JOlcBI3ocYglSM8SCEwjvgocjYvWER1AZuw/s640/blogger-image--2131773932.jpg"></a></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Green Turtle Bay Marina has been swamped with transient Loopers, as we all continue our trip south. They have done an amazing job finding every nook and cranny they have in order to provide dockage for us. We have felt right at home on the sale dock, enjoying the many wannabe boat owners who have checked <i>Bama</i> <i>Dream</i> out. Sorry, she is not for sale just yet!</div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5LAkQCyIPdHCZAkXhA2r-M2erTa8CTm7ZUGPaHAiRgZtezdjQGapGISBLzGY-NGzAaNrSa-YJAyXOEjw72vJqyUyHQ7t2QLwwr7ggX4l0sWJe3vTh0LalFlUl9j_VBbT-LS2ZOyEbSRA/s640/blogger-image-1814056543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5LAkQCyIPdHCZAkXhA2r-M2erTa8CTm7ZUGPaHAiRgZtezdjQGapGISBLzGY-NGzAaNrSa-YJAyXOEjw72vJqyUyHQ7t2QLwwr7ggX4l0sWJe3vTh0LalFlUl9j_VBbT-LS2ZOyEbSRA/s640/blogger-image-1814056543.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Our timing was perfect. The yacht club sponsored a Seafood Boil on Saturday night and it sure didn't take much convincing to get many of the Loopers to join in the fun. I certainly am not going to turn down the chance to attend an event that includes all you can eat crab and shrimp. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZUrWKQ_0kAkwDp3J0pH9p2bkuaSx_aNAFFxsNCJXfKhqelQ3WqWxn_tsrTojdLoFLp1npgaU_vQSUhdysEFtCVMZ8RvfiPtou_6CG-bpOL61y76SUXvwd4UfDqNE29uZO4OzsXqcvQvx/s640/blogger-image-1329807462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZUrWKQ_0kAkwDp3J0pH9p2bkuaSx_aNAFFxsNCJXfKhqelQ3WqWxn_tsrTojdLoFLp1npgaU_vQSUhdysEFtCVMZ8RvfiPtou_6CG-bpOL61y76SUXvwd4UfDqNE29uZO4OzsXqcvQvx/s640/blogger-image-1329807462.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Our view of the lunar eclipse was hindered by a partly cloudy sky, but we did manage a glimpse every now and then. Oh well, Jess and I have decided we don't mind waiting another 18 years for the next one.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1N4O1P5m53xga0X513EHoH8yQtnXcG3EJIirjKd0QKRWBk5Ldu6ef71uOg-AdGp0pWzfxRMgmMb7AemU8rxF5EEfa_6YL5bIrSjA1AvBS8bivHEJGyaAwZS9mITJP1fWozcSq8SGa1q5c/s640/blogger-image--751548833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1N4O1P5m53xga0X513EHoH8yQtnXcG3EJIirjKd0QKRWBk5Ldu6ef71uOg-AdGp0pWzfxRMgmMb7AemU8rxF5EEfa_6YL5bIrSjA1AvBS8bivHEJGyaAwZS9mITJP1fWozcSq8SGa1q5c/s640/blogger-image--751548833.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Dan and Angie from <i>Seahorse</i> arrive to an improvised song, and plenty of cheers, as we help them celebrate crossing their wake.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihlskQ_1R2PcLb9c_qxG0czX2OExx_4At_T6R8jsZ_morbTOS_H6TfaG0T0Q7ckgpPitKR317BPd6MvxBOtjwjhvlsUCIBpAaokAAiDC-vGMos_zNf65OwgHOhudNCeVXpnVm0zbKpLvT2/s640/blogger-image--1647911218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihlskQ_1R2PcLb9c_qxG0czX2OExx_4At_T6R8jsZ_morbTOS_H6TfaG0T0Q7ckgpPitKR317BPd6MvxBOtjwjhvlsUCIBpAaokAAiDC-vGMos_zNf65OwgHOhudNCeVXpnVm0zbKpLvT2/s640/blogger-image--1647911218.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>What better excuse than a "Cross Your Wake" party to cover the table with some scrumptious snacks. Cruisers always keep a few items in their cabinets just for these special occasions.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4_MJEij-Z35PjS1bGo1-1JUBMdDkat3ZT7EIzTU5Q08D4rP-x-d3iRbauXDnTY4IK_w_VhA0O_85EiPuTElsXy6z15LmlOrZFvxc4lVY10imGVCoUxa_ytj-T5Bp_a65Qi_aQMbVvDX9/s640/blogger-image-236821246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4_MJEij-Z35PjS1bGo1-1JUBMdDkat3ZT7EIzTU5Q08D4rP-x-d3iRbauXDnTY4IK_w_VhA0O_85EiPuTElsXy6z15LmlOrZFvxc4lVY10imGVCoUxa_ytj-T5Bp_a65Qi_aQMbVvDX9/s640/blogger-image-236821246.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>After all of the planning, then the excitement of each moment of the journey, it all comes down to the big moment when the white burgee is replaced with the coveted gold one. Dan and Angie can be proud that they have accomplished this goal, and are now ready to seek new adventures.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWYtamYY62k-cSa9SjKoKv5UfG3LDFLg3kj0X9uakQtMaVHEI95mZmfS0g6usQXG1AWr5tj0EfF2X1icei3UL7cUUpKon-Pr4A_sHeyarznv5gwHjXaD_7T65mpzUJ3P1zxKwuntItZoa/s640/blogger-image-2109402655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWYtamYY62k-cSa9SjKoKv5UfG3LDFLg3kj0X9uakQtMaVHEI95mZmfS0g6usQXG1AWr5tj0EfF2X1icei3UL7cUUpKon-Pr4A_sHeyarznv5gwHjXaD_7T65mpzUJ3P1zxKwuntItZoa/s640/blogger-image-2109402655.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Even in the marina we were treated to an amazing sunset.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8QcXwCEK3na5Nzg_Q1iAiiKwc4uk7PIkRHlQ-C6bVML_EhMcJs9Y6oX82O7PeOPLWbOCW1krvdDoIIojK_1dpeP1ddmNZiZwIAAf0vECR_lwDfV36nJjZpvOzQlhF9R9cDJ9HfxwbBk0d/s640/blogger-image--1041834672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8QcXwCEK3na5Nzg_Q1iAiiKwc4uk7PIkRHlQ-C6bVML_EhMcJs9Y6oX82O7PeOPLWbOCW1krvdDoIIojK_1dpeP1ddmNZiZwIAAf0vECR_lwDfV36nJjZpvOzQlhF9R9cDJ9HfxwbBk0d/s640/blogger-image--1041834672.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Jess and I enjoyed visiting with Don Britton and his wife, Janice. Don is my cousin's wife's brother. If you read that slowly you will get the relationship. After a nice visit with them, their cats, and a number of hummingbirds at their beautiful home on Kentucky Lake, we ended the evening with supper at their marina.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRTu6JmNY4bx2fOhHk4EXo6k7PM5U3GZ2omOu4g8J02FzVwh9KlteZM5CZgV2w_YwYVjtOcc4T65cFD4xos99XIb1V3PdatSayxPqI1r7eYuJd7FGnbxrBxfM8qcrh9Dk-7mcN_LhzCIPs/s640/blogger-image--1753949774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRTu6JmNY4bx2fOhHk4EXo6k7PM5U3GZ2omOu4g8J02FzVwh9KlteZM5CZgV2w_YwYVjtOcc4T65cFD4xos99XIb1V3PdatSayxPqI1r7eYuJd7FGnbxrBxfM8qcrh9Dk-7mcN_LhzCIPs/s640/blogger-image--1753949774.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>As a thank you to Loopers for visiting the Green Turtle Bay Marina, they graciously provided us with a Bar-B-Que meal with all of the fixings. We were even entertained by a quite talented musician who did a pretty good job adapting songs to meet the Looper lifestyle. </div><div> </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKTT2i7Gx5ViGv50iMWy520d2SP5CW1CLWy5i6HZIOzwP98NjO8qvZ4BAEMugr1fztjpIUkwmtk05K48SJXc0E2TgvqnJ82aDjXDnS7RXLbHDk9oB4FiAv7zCIdfa1H1HPeAOwrFFskY8j/s640/blogger-image-1781309754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKTT2i7Gx5ViGv50iMWy520d2SP5CW1CLWy5i6HZIOzwP98NjO8qvZ4BAEMugr1fztjpIUkwmtk05K48SJXc0E2TgvqnJ82aDjXDnS7RXLbHDk9oB4FiAv7zCIdfa1H1HPeAOwrFFskY8j/s640/blogger-image-1781309754.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Free food brings out the smiles at our table full of Loopers.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_gxV09G7ZT5195qjVPAtOlwFVbo3QqtpDlEvWE9_IMNLwQlmMBBwZ9G37JdQgeNArrWarSQbSvOPAB_9H7WNhFKnhU5iPw3DS0VS74PfKxyusQtToq9ALNLUagx6Vqe5qcqRkwAm32f3l/s640/blogger-image-1387887400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_gxV09G7ZT5195qjVPAtOlwFVbo3QqtpDlEvWE9_IMNLwQlmMBBwZ9G37JdQgeNArrWarSQbSvOPAB_9H7WNhFKnhU5iPw3DS0VS74PfKxyusQtToq9ALNLUagx6Vqe5qcqRkwAm32f3l/s640/blogger-image-1387887400.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Sampling a little of each of the cobblers, Jess makes his way down the dessert table.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTIAlC8tMoqXHpHEg34bmvRdhB5FBcROU1_Ch_9vPfBK54I7xeLQjCcAH8cIR5iDhSK1FZ4I3SXywqZQQrWftXzxNY1MEXXDh_dT32vwd7tBxMH3F3gHmQhyphenhyphen3udNcXbpOdDiYZiIe4uW32/s640/blogger-image--1326629133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTIAlC8tMoqXHpHEg34bmvRdhB5FBcROU1_Ch_9vPfBK54I7xeLQjCcAH8cIR5iDhSK1FZ4I3SXywqZQQrWftXzxNY1MEXXDh_dT32vwd7tBxMH3F3gHmQhyphenhyphen3udNcXbpOdDiYZiIe4uW32/s640/blogger-image--1326629133.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The newest Gold Loopers, Dan and Angie from <i>Seahorse</i>. We began our journeys at the Rendezvous last October. Our paths have crossed many times and many different places over the last year. We will miss these moments, but have promised to keep in touch and meet again somewhere along the way.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSL786TZRhA512BPuco0NvYfbohAO0AX1BagryYjqPcvXePRXXHJX4DY9YeAEASX6whKL_FSt6pnRO7N_MqJfIEKRlWqiX8HUR8fhcqAJffcaaA4f-XmXJRxGT9I00EyI1lMRd_hyphenhyphen-ZAC/s640/blogger-image--1453733081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSL786TZRhA512BPuco0NvYfbohAO0AX1BagryYjqPcvXePRXXHJX4DY9YeAEASX6whKL_FSt6pnRO7N_MqJfIEKRlWqiX8HUR8fhcqAJffcaaA4f-XmXJRxGT9I00EyI1lMRd_hyphenhyphen-ZAC/s640/blogger-image--1453733081.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Our fellow Alabamians from Mobile, Donnadee and Wayne from <i>Always</i> <i>Home</i>. We first met at Half Moon Bay on the Hudson River. There have been several docktails since at many stops along the way. I am sure our paths will cross again as they continue their journey, and then move back onto dry land with an RV.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwGxei3CVD34aKkrmaMfvpazzT6m8JVFvGZFq4hqK0CUFAxOUNR7XUxgTIgxm2UnuybJwpHyPC458b40O-4Px6qBazoM5y6QhhlkEdAMX7bE4i5ih2a0q8wyffITyUmh0ASnYWJyq4tYH/s640/blogger-image-174065379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwGxei3CVD34aKkrmaMfvpazzT6m8JVFvGZFq4hqK0CUFAxOUNR7XUxgTIgxm2UnuybJwpHyPC458b40O-4Px6qBazoM5y6QhhlkEdAMX7bE4i5ih2a0q8wyffITyUmh0ASnYWJyq4tYH/s640/blogger-image-174065379.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>New friends, Clark and Evelyn on <i>Sea</i> <i>Moss</i>. We only just met at Grafton, Il, but we are already planning a cruise up the Tennessee River at least as far as Chattanooga. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRitGdCepcq_s3AyngR18SbVsigNy6mWH0pNOu9dmBxxx2b8J_QMU-hkuwpiyJh-0wGq6-qAlK4C90Y699exMU7ZEnvejbaZopwAzlVtjEa9oNBISKMVZ2yGNr_v2Th5Nt8wF_TVOAbspi/s640/blogger-image--1449723383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRitGdCepcq_s3AyngR18SbVsigNy6mWH0pNOu9dmBxxx2b8J_QMU-hkuwpiyJh-0wGq6-qAlK4C90Y699exMU7ZEnvejbaZopwAzlVtjEa9oNBISKMVZ2yGNr_v2Th5Nt8wF_TVOAbspi/s640/blogger-image--1449723383.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We really feel like we are close to home with all of the deer that wander the resort grounds.</div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjrxqTfDOoFwVvEoni7xbZ2Q1yvRfw6Ej1OEv1U3ub_l2LVs8jxvqZoa71w9Gk53dIvukPfn11M_klPkZ6V3mXNAyFhY8X5-Rjvb93wrl_5WKjlsbY9JpfN1DK9Mqzf9TlGjmcrNPpNCR/s640/blogger-image-279559320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjrxqTfDOoFwVvEoni7xbZ2Q1yvRfw6Ej1OEv1U3ub_l2LVs8jxvqZoa71w9Gk53dIvukPfn11M_klPkZ6V3mXNAyFhY8X5-Rjvb93wrl_5WKjlsbY9JpfN1DK9Mqzf9TlGjmcrNPpNCR/s640/blogger-image-279559320.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We have had cloudy, rainy days, but hopefully this means we can expect some sunshine soon. We are also reminded that fall is here to stay, as the temperature has really started dropping.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0L_yDezZ-97OxNrAMW6hpLMvElHGRAxXB7oDKT5rC0NSujGkJykwbHm6POt1R0TQDo0W_0i6DTDgri_xkauJz_nZBAVE78_Ayf-34aLLViAlAOGC7qHEVtG9tL9C6Pe4AnsWE3rg0yNvn/s640/blogger-image--830323254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0L_yDezZ-97OxNrAMW6hpLMvElHGRAxXB7oDKT5rC0NSujGkJykwbHm6POt1R0TQDo0W_0i6DTDgri_xkauJz_nZBAVE78_Ayf-34aLLViAlAOGC7qHEVtG9tL9C6Pe4AnsWE3rg0yNvn/s640/blogger-image--830323254.jpg"></a></div><br></div>The small town of Grand Rivers has a nice little grocery store, a dairy bar that has very large small dip cones, antique stores, gift shops, and this awesome restaurant. Patti's is famous for their 2 inch pork chops that are absolutely out of this world. After two trips to Patti's we can vouch for the fact that they have many other tasty items on the menu.</div><div><br></div><div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLybgl69hPx2spFcKQfppZtQztTJECO6zO_PK1PaUt34YLsoDWcW-Ke_weH7GRJXVj6LPW3uk7qXObMA5nBsmhpjpdCSiry2o3xD4ykxasBRxPI1lHxz5cMMyxr03ARVi6Gw510czJeLtS/s640/blogger-image-1864353353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLybgl69hPx2spFcKQfppZtQztTJECO6zO_PK1PaUt34YLsoDWcW-Ke_weH7GRJXVj6LPW3uk7qXObMA5nBsmhpjpdCSiry2o3xD4ykxasBRxPI1lHxz5cMMyxr03ARVi6Gw510czJeLtS/s640/blogger-image-1864353353.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div>It didn't take long after our arrival at GTB for the crews from <i>Always</i> <i>Home</i>, <i>Fryedaze</i> and <i>Bama</i> <i>Dream</i> to make our way to Patti's. We were not disappointed in the fare or the amounts. All of us had plenty for supper and leftovers for lunch.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4G2O6nYmKQXMMGmslC1wSxBIasekzy5PRHXlJjV4xoiAObqGQ9urWhg_AoZ_WmSFKwT0bOiRaEDwO1-VBAa4zhE9Irz40P2ud9XR-BLAOj1nCF3eHiOcbhUfFWRYpUqVu5l8Lfqa8IvvG/s640/blogger-image-1006839037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4G2O6nYmKQXMMGmslC1wSxBIasekzy5PRHXlJjV4xoiAObqGQ9urWhg_AoZ_WmSFKwT0bOiRaEDwO1-VBAa4zhE9Irz40P2ud9XR-BLAOj1nCF3eHiOcbhUfFWRYpUqVu5l8Lfqa8IvvG/s640/blogger-image-1006839037.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">What better excuse to return to Patti's than welcoming our friends, George and Martha from <i>Aunt</i> <i>Aggie</i>. We were so happy that we could have one more short visit with them before we each complete our loop just east of Pickwick. We began this journey together at Joe Wheeler last October. We have met at many different spots along the route, but it always seemed that as we arrived they were leaving or vice versa. Never the less we have shared some great memories and look forward to visiting them at their new home in Atlanta.</div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP6RB6axDFepaj_mam06ifapGKUq6KMeLh2M4-RYqsrnS5Z3u5ij1DTJBPqrUb37kPkLusrj7LODjg2ur1duhJX7aisNNgGbfHD2P-ikURhRsCWjQim9dc62lhhsPtiPL8Lu0bTnvu_EE0/s640/blogger-image--1838651290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP6RB6axDFepaj_mam06ifapGKUq6KMeLh2M4-RYqsrnS5Z3u5ij1DTJBPqrUb37kPkLusrj7LODjg2ur1duhJX7aisNNgGbfHD2P-ikURhRsCWjQim9dc62lhhsPtiPL8Lu0bTnvu_EE0/s640/blogger-image--1838651290.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>One reason to take home half of your meal for the next day, is that that way you can save room for dessert. After listening to the very long list of scrumptious concoctions Jess settled on Coconut Cake and I have to admit the other chocolatey thing is mine and I don't even remember what it was called.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3yUuWmXa-VEvjoPa98ztm2lSp5UW8N52zsLtfecrfH4UUPLaNdLNRqCJcZhqd9adroDvHmKlTBmtwRwgyitQGdLrCqaRMxop6hO4x6WUr9OwjPcGnJ1JXFMakyIxn7qnPC7eUX21RJPIY/s640/blogger-image--1361710643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3yUuWmXa-VEvjoPa98ztm2lSp5UW8N52zsLtfecrfH4UUPLaNdLNRqCJcZhqd9adroDvHmKlTBmtwRwgyitQGdLrCqaRMxop6hO4x6WUr9OwjPcGnJ1JXFMakyIxn7qnPC7eUX21RJPIY/s640/blogger-image--1361710643.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>After a thrilling Crimson Tide win over Georgia, there was still time for a couple more very competitive marble games before bringing our final evening at GTB to a close.</div>Linda and Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417081628587029110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439761904960438927.post-28601508455027025232015-09-25T13:26:00.001-07:002015-11-02T21:56:15.605-08:00The Mighty Mississippi, Then On to the Ohio and the CumberlandSept. 21-25<div><br></div><div>Days 314-318</div><div><br></div><div>After leaving Grafton it was only a matter of minutes before we discovered what it meant for us to join the waters of the Mississippi River. They were not only a chocolate brown, but also quite swift. The current ramped up our speed to a mind boggling 14 mph. Wow, at this rate we would cover this section of our trip in no time at all. We had heard many nightmare stories about traveling the Mississippi, but we experienced no problems. Our timing was excellent because the water was at its lowest level in some time and most of the deadheads we needed to dodge had already found homes along the banks. The Mississippi and the Ohio are definitely working rivers. We had to maneuver around many huge tows as they moved their cargo up and down the waterway. As with all of the other parts of this trip that we have worried about, our cruise down the inland rivers was no big deal.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxsh_ysDJXS6TBTXJkdJs_GewV2GCEWUSf8swF_tM6Npy84So6ucXDELOUJPIWCrKGTpH4j0ROT6QWGROs_VshO0B1c-klvb1KAECyE4fFeIpevMpngpdHvZhtJdUOSwNu9njJkXMbHgY/s640/blogger-image-833811260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxsh_ysDJXS6TBTXJkdJs_GewV2GCEWUSf8swF_tM6Npy84So6ucXDELOUJPIWCrKGTpH4j0ROT6QWGROs_VshO0B1c-klvb1KAECyE4fFeIpevMpngpdHvZhtJdUOSwNu9njJkXMbHgY/s640/blogger-image-833811260.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>If you don't look at the color of the water, much of the scenery along this stretch of the river reminds us of our beautiful Tennessee River.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXhDehGqQhK6OPMu2LILGy-jOGX__s_lgJtsDO1TcH3VZNpawDLZamd5LV5D0bLogad_g5MqFvuaEsoWdTmsJCGZh_dwLTAJ02Oe5PRTAlBjC7IvLnZy6XWdePrV6bKYEbwNb5gyA-CYsA/s640/blogger-image-282477463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXhDehGqQhK6OPMu2LILGy-jOGX__s_lgJtsDO1TcH3VZNpawDLZamd5LV5D0bLogad_g5MqFvuaEsoWdTmsJCGZh_dwLTAJ02Oe5PRTAlBjC7IvLnZy6XWdePrV6bKYEbwNb5gyA-CYsA/s640/blogger-image-282477463.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div><br></div><div>Tucked between the industry of the waterfront are opportunities for entertainment. These former riverboats have found new life as casinos.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5j98xmhF_sfyLAoewUpWC6Ai5nRjC58_vzf717Q70jvkb0qgYkJxRwhRtVGYUrzWzyuneIrlptPH1dCIgHi4wsdGSgZjC72CXv5L4-K5QwuGb2W1DXpUjoh-Yq9aNiBjRp886Shb7V4Je/s640/blogger-image--2001100026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5j98xmhF_sfyLAoewUpWC6Ai5nRjC58_vzf717Q70jvkb0qgYkJxRwhRtVGYUrzWzyuneIrlptPH1dCIgHi4wsdGSgZjC72CXv5L4-K5QwuGb2W1DXpUjoh-Yq9aNiBjRp886Shb7V4Je/s640/blogger-image--2001100026.jpg"></a></div></div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The paddle wheeler <i>Spirit</i> <i>of</i> <i>Peoria</i> joined us for our lock through at the Chain of Rocks Lock.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9cwSknV38qdjxUlwwBbJZVMg5Ot7tkxLpBrbXpcTkiqfyzCto9DR5PAJL7cyNDe8CRbpsqCszm3IfPcy99P9UIATVJpooIO7MBu_sWgTw7onrdfSUNA2IgwXvrY4lehqPCozqHgJ10xDs/s640/blogger-image-722954729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9cwSknV38qdjxUlwwBbJZVMg5Ot7tkxLpBrbXpcTkiqfyzCto9DR5PAJL7cyNDe8CRbpsqCszm3IfPcy99P9UIATVJpooIO7MBu_sWgTw7onrdfSUNA2IgwXvrY4lehqPCozqHgJ10xDs/s640/blogger-image-722954729.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Here is the proof! I had to take a screen shot when we actually topped 14 mph. I know that doesn't sound very fast for all of you landlubbers out there, but when your normal speed is around 8 mph, this is amazing. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOzeYa1TIxKCKq2uERsr6GDuXcS3vvUdWC47LW29ogKZb-SWnzVQVYOP3DH82YRhlzun3zPRkIFIk_cRxC2We8JTXzRgxN6cUO6gCU6moA1OxeBsi8CXYrEko8RnG7V3KdBGNeIQVbi0uT/s640/blogger-image--2135077317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOzeYa1TIxKCKq2uERsr6GDuXcS3vvUdWC47LW29ogKZb-SWnzVQVYOP3DH82YRhlzun3zPRkIFIk_cRxC2We8JTXzRgxN6cUO6gCU6moA1OxeBsi8CXYrEko8RnG7V3KdBGNeIQVbi0uT/s640/blogger-image--2135077317.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>As we approached St. Louis our view became cluttered with one bridge right after the other.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUAfpvB3RPb9hau2bMmEskFsF7kTUOOSyPPpvKo91dn7fSJ6RI4RiLwEW851ncGeasnqeMP-i953ZCGEeyeSK87b9Ye0T6WmSy_Yvl22Ua1sHYBosW7pWsWWzN8z9GGS23nVd2tNhc9s03/s640/blogger-image-1336372000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUAfpvB3RPb9hau2bMmEskFsF7kTUOOSyPPpvKo91dn7fSJ6RI4RiLwEW851ncGeasnqeMP-i953ZCGEeyeSK87b9Ye0T6WmSy_Yvl22Ua1sHYBosW7pWsWWzN8z9GGS23nVd2tNhc9s03/s640/blogger-image-1336372000.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>St. Louis has one of the most recognizable waterfronts, thanks to its famous arch commemorating the cities early days as the gateway to the American West. There appears to be a major building project taking place that will eventually open up the area along the water for visitors to enjoy.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5QyKEpHsFwLML4fTdDwqtJhygaR1x4VK0o4MSuStcD74WcKdfk6n6jkEIPCx0EMYzEAEjGdA1Qw9398ssptYyv0QOR6xqg2huHkjG4JNw9yvCsgPIv_hyD4pgFZauDjARR2LHXSOBUDXM/s640/blogger-image--1731079411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5QyKEpHsFwLML4fTdDwqtJhygaR1x4VK0o4MSuStcD74WcKdfk6n6jkEIPCx0EMYzEAEjGdA1Qw9398ssptYyv0QOR6xqg2huHkjG4JNw9yvCsgPIv_hyD4pgFZauDjARR2LHXSOBUDXM/s640/blogger-image--1731079411.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our first day on the river took us to the famous Hoppies Marina at Kimmswick, MO. This is a must stop for most Loopers. Not only does it provide the last opportunity for cruisers to top off their tanks before entering the longest stretch of no services on the whole Great Circle Route, it is owned and operated by the best known character on the water. Fern has been running the "marina" since she and her husband took charge from his father in the early 70's. The village of Kimmswick, MO is lined with businesses designed to entertain tourists. Just don't arrive on a Monday like we did. The whole town takes the day off. We walked the streets for an hour and saw absolutely no one. Nobody was working in their yards, sitting on their porch, walking a dog, saw no children anywhere, it was like being in the middle of a Stephen King novel. The worst part was that there were quite a few shops I would have loved to have browsed through.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbLiV_QwMvJCdF2fLvQqYy_sh00WNIsEaff85SjaIuAPHVOGJJDfqYk1s-V6ro2TQj_UNaxamzRA8uAFRFJGNB5lHKdhD1tu7J_ed87BXmCV3SrdV5YvX15ZvZCqMBjoaddiLTXvHGAeLx/s640/blogger-image--1268508191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbLiV_QwMvJCdF2fLvQqYy_sh00WNIsEaff85SjaIuAPHVOGJJDfqYk1s-V6ro2TQj_UNaxamzRA8uAFRFJGNB5lHKdhD1tu7J_ed87BXmCV3SrdV5YvX15ZvZCqMBjoaddiLTXvHGAeLx/s640/blogger-image--1268508191.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Hoppies consists of 3 derelict barges that have been tied up to the banks of the Mississippi for over 80 years. They offer fuel and power, but virtually nothing else. That is except for the valuable information about the river that Fern willingly shares with her guests.</div><div><br></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgvAt4ziWUocmvPQ9JsTdB6kAEg18odWJ99iCskYWgLNhyIE2cpTI2ymyRMRRwych1eK_3RgsSGHftKno-y-aPm-w1jcbvbfYE_fLso5HVDp8ftZqp-aRXfTfbv1z6cEYdVjBC3mLBOOl/s640/blogger-image-634208202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgvAt4ziWUocmvPQ9JsTdB6kAEg18odWJ99iCskYWgLNhyIE2cpTI2ymyRMRRwych1eK_3RgsSGHftKno-y-aPm-w1jcbvbfYE_fLso5HVDp8ftZqp-aRXfTfbv1z6cEYdVjBC3mLBOOl/s640/blogger-image-634208202.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div>The sun was trying its best to burn a little fog off the water, as we prepared for an early start on the river. Our next anchorage is 110 miles down stream, so even at our new traveling speed it is going to be a long day.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijOhGpNrEKPHirQRCtddcoi0ovXiuI5OvQUofykcpY8VUdJJE-0c3cLGt3HP3fGrbuic4oeCu0Zt4dr8SBL9_GLSdQYmzi24Dm_tHf2O11RvdHD75YrFEvFhpBos0JAt6rE_mB1JejC-kg/s640/blogger-image--363661813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijOhGpNrEKPHirQRCtddcoi0ovXiuI5OvQUofykcpY8VUdJJE-0c3cLGt3HP3fGrbuic4oeCu0Zt4dr8SBL9_GLSdQYmzi24Dm_tHf2O11RvdHD75YrFEvFhpBos0JAt6rE_mB1JejC-kg/s640/blogger-image--363661813.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The trip down the Mississippi has actually been quite pretty. I imagine as the trees start exhibiting their fall colors, the views will become impressive.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgek4qa4F_bTyz5v-HSgwuzRgE_uwmY4ivGKP4XbW0Jvd_qUx0-QZ4MwULPFfrAi3NGaY9w8vVLJXz8KGhpMu0lUuaH5gICl0hng06FgZxvmaly2Ywf1SIc47Le3hiN26XUd35c-Ebv7GgE/s640/blogger-image-1659588811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgek4qa4F_bTyz5v-HSgwuzRgE_uwmY4ivGKP4XbW0Jvd_qUx0-QZ4MwULPFfrAi3NGaY9w8vVLJXz8KGhpMu0lUuaH5gICl0hng06FgZxvmaly2Ywf1SIc47Le3hiN26XUd35c-Ebv7GgE/s640/blogger-image-1659588811.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>It is really amazing how much cargo the tows can push up and down the river. This tow was guiding 30 loaded barges, which means it takes awhile for us to negotiate our passage. The secret is to make sure we don't meet these big guys when they are working their way through one of the many horseshoe turns along the way. It is very important that we make radio contact with the captains, so that we both know what we are doing.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaWcTLFn-QoUD3_-AQtaVp4kkLlpBFZo5vCj_lBzhCMzRgQneC9YIdi2bbr8Xg74qcSlMS_C9ypsffEZtgDli0haTUK9mxYaRBlj26xcJuNpfemibVKIcCiqMmOKnDcZzNW2aa0Zyf0JTq/s640/blogger-image-1351573427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaWcTLFn-QoUD3_-AQtaVp4kkLlpBFZo5vCj_lBzhCMzRgQneC9YIdi2bbr8Xg74qcSlMS_C9ypsffEZtgDli0haTUK9mxYaRBlj26xcJuNpfemibVKIcCiqMmOKnDcZzNW2aa0Zyf0JTq/s640/blogger-image-1351573427.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Our anchorage in Diversion Creek was a little snug with a few other cruisers joining us. No problem, <i>Always</i> <i>Home</i>, <i>Fryedaze</i>, and <i>Bama</i> <i>Dream</i> just rafted together. That gave us the perfect opportunity to share potluck and stories. With another long day of travel ahead of us, <i>Fryedaze</i> led us all out into the river just as the sun crept above the trees.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvNrPuNU4E22VEoSnnsut-_C1cBWs8UhDSH4bMtFNBoK3lCAcsJNlT4WkFij405wG7KVsnWsGmut_K7gGDR1hLtJGIFN16UGV7Pg9r0Eo9pD-q9KYrLdJmcupI_fZGizEFFCWmeH0Qggwx/s640/blogger-image-1769117454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvNrPuNU4E22VEoSnnsut-_C1cBWs8UhDSH4bMtFNBoK3lCAcsJNlT4WkFij405wG7KVsnWsGmut_K7gGDR1hLtJGIFN16UGV7Pg9r0Eo9pD-q9KYrLdJmcupI_fZGizEFFCWmeH0Qggwx/s640/blogger-image-1769117454.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>There are many ways to enjoy time on the river. We passed this cruise ship loaded with passengers headed north toward St. Louis.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2UgMkQkbqI8kohB3seckrtLGAmr6Z2ynGS58EtIN5PSlNaVFz00pg-mzJ3dQO7VNNbSuB_HVGQ3U_Vln-I1UnOibztsLID-b_YIvISxbPt1T8URTm1twiM2SH7oE0he0MKFFhqoS0Iug/s640/blogger-image-951003481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2UgMkQkbqI8kohB3seckrtLGAmr6Z2ynGS58EtIN5PSlNaVFz00pg-mzJ3dQO7VNNbSuB_HVGQ3U_Vln-I1UnOibztsLID-b_YIvISxbPt1T8URTm1twiM2SH7oE0he0MKFFhqoS0Iug/s640/blogger-image-951003481.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>This is a river that seems to be in constant turmoil. The captain had to be alert at all times, watching for deadfall that could damage our props, eddies that have a tendency to toss us around when we least expect it, and of course the many huge tows plying the river.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-IQy9Fh9RDN_U8V7jUZmS-TCA6f5m2G8hgg8o8tKFnS0Q0GngcuTo_vDp9svZqbacbocDxpYRHoQ7ngOkz5RyCjKR8VDsh1EUCHjbtyLi9HRMuFM-TkORskh3gFxsp6m3BGu94O5Yya1t/s640/blogger-image--36758904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-IQy9Fh9RDN_U8V7jUZmS-TCA6f5m2G8hgg8o8tKFnS0Q0GngcuTo_vDp9svZqbacbocDxpYRHoQ7ngOkz5RyCjKR8VDsh1EUCHjbtyLi9HRMuFM-TkORskh3gFxsp6m3BGu94O5Yya1t/s640/blogger-image--36758904.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The confluence of the Ohio and the Mississppi is quite a thing to behold. It appears that the Ohio refuses to allow the muddy Mississippi to mix with their much clearer waters.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh836Nd43jXKg6WQkQQiL89VoCoWAew17uTNOx376sYCMG3uqCyKbbGJa5lnl0HUif_X_jdfGWr9MDUZaRJ-A_whThR_2uaszma4KXhSOK0g8P6qxW7tEHRFNDc4RcuAh-iFTZmMpP3-2bV/s640/blogger-image--1854238330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh836Nd43jXKg6WQkQQiL89VoCoWAew17uTNOx376sYCMG3uqCyKbbGJa5lnl0HUif_X_jdfGWr9MDUZaRJ-A_whThR_2uaszma4KXhSOK0g8P6qxW7tEHRFNDc4RcuAh-iFTZmMpP3-2bV/s640/blogger-image--1854238330.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We had been warned that we could run across some significant wait times at Lock 53 and 52. A new lock is under construction at Olmstead causing some delays, low water levels and a backlog of barges waiting for locking through all piles up to mean "just be patient". </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyBgIQu-Z8DgMzB3y2oZDq6E_dVYJtGMhQ7D51SW_JMxm9MCxvUfdjxLs0AiTX0r1zy-vjtG8kzD8I8kzYY1xGKoFoDT1wcV7IiP-kmBtvOtFcfKbdjPSPj1TKDttCGvkRLbCw8QcxPYn/s640/blogger-image--948598835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyBgIQu-Z8DgMzB3y2oZDq6E_dVYJtGMhQ7D51SW_JMxm9MCxvUfdjxLs0AiTX0r1zy-vjtG8kzD8I8kzYY1xGKoFoDT1wcV7IiP-kmBtvOtFcfKbdjPSPj1TKDttCGvkRLbCw8QcxPYn/s640/blogger-image--948598835.jpg"></a></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After only about a 3 hour wait, we were able to drive right through the new lock, and then on to Lock 53 that will soon be removed. Evidently the old locks were not designed to accommodate pleasure craft. Just getting tied off was an adventure. There was only room for two boats on the very short flat wall, so with four of us going through we had to raft up. One lock down on the Ohio, one to go.</div></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPAxZmx4_-_wIHUDdspW-peVYptfqlqcPPqNJsHNx_rDPQovgKatTQOtweGI9Lv28Ss4n8NfyCEguyezqLqzHIQokX4vdFBqKKT5-ef13mk2PXGzrenba8MVwiWlLGBQCZ-qrg4Ys83mwG/s640/blogger-image--461530663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPAxZmx4_-_wIHUDdspW-peVYptfqlqcPPqNJsHNx_rDPQovgKatTQOtweGI9Lv28Ss4n8NfyCEguyezqLqzHIQokX4vdFBqKKT5-ef13mk2PXGzrenba8MVwiWlLGBQCZ-qrg4Ys83mwG/s640/blogger-image--461530663.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Traveling with other Loopers is not always conducive to sleeping late. When the other 2 boats say we need to get under way by 6:30 it does mean we get to see some very nice sunrises. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTMEXICLMp5Wolu6sNu37wHPSO4yLHkoTUHQZw1HoajPNBj8HtnQ-Lx51ZIG72wmxVI3NzhMf4WPnhsxnwmdNOS-lU34fpf7jT2ANEIM7XTmMVSf5XyqASNFqSScICEqOcOX35DmE1BrZA/s640/blogger-image-1528289199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTMEXICLMp5Wolu6sNu37wHPSO4yLHkoTUHQZw1HoajPNBj8HtnQ-Lx51ZIG72wmxVI3NzhMf4WPnhsxnwmdNOS-lU34fpf7jT2ANEIM7XTmMVSf5XyqASNFqSScICEqOcOX35DmE1BrZA/s640/blogger-image-1528289199.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The dust is flying as another barge is filled with what appears to be some type of fertilizer. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Industries of all kinds, that benefit from the river system for transporting their goods, line both banks of the river.</span></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG2SoURf0VHEZy3VUd1MSg5gfkFU5dSYYpqAH9MDCptIOTPENAzV9hGMJjiomL6ODgGWWb2MP97wF2BA6CvB-a1_ujh3NDEl5vng2gShCxEdP4kKJD7JzNBATkYT2ESNW3E1yNDfnZ5zuu/s640/blogger-image-566448160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG2SoURf0VHEZy3VUd1MSg5gfkFU5dSYYpqAH9MDCptIOTPENAzV9hGMJjiomL6ODgGWWb2MP97wF2BA6CvB-a1_ujh3NDEl5vng2gShCxEdP4kKJD7JzNBATkYT2ESNW3E1yNDfnZ5zuu/s640/blogger-image-566448160.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We finally made it into Lock 52 with a wait of only a couple of hours. The lift here is only a few feet, which means if the water levels are high enough the wick dam is lowered, enabling watercraft to actually just go right over the dam. That probably would have made me "slightly" nervous, so I was just as happy to wait for a lock through. Always Home developed some unexpected mechanical difficulties as we entered this lock. We made a quick stop so that Jess could go for a swim, hoping to give them a temporary fix that will allow them to limp into Green Turtle Bay on one engine, but at least they will get there under their own power. While Jess is a little anxious to get back into the Tennessee River, we decided we would stick with our buddies for a while longer and take the Cumberland instead.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4D-1kjiXWbO2pfsRr3uxIMRdv5YC5yzAVzcCtkTRGPKABnsEbDY16tq87sYoxqT6TBMLYEn8cSFa8nSARVSzSh8zJXj8Q9-TzoMSISGCjrty0CBEE4e_8JlJYQmsWLXpWrqOBHrS6JRH/s640/blogger-image-2067945998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4D-1kjiXWbO2pfsRr3uxIMRdv5YC5yzAVzcCtkTRGPKABnsEbDY16tq87sYoxqT6TBMLYEn8cSFa8nSARVSzSh8zJXj8Q9-TzoMSISGCjrty0CBEE4e_8JlJYQmsWLXpWrqOBHrS6JRH/s640/blogger-image-2067945998.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Another early departure from our anchorage behind Towhead Island. As we entered this awesome hideaway we were behind Fryedaze who evidently spooked a large number of the dreaded Asian Carp. They were jumping all over the place until we got close enough for a picture. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHknVDg5uRfQ3l5JlP4deTCPB4888c_g55MgSJJzsPxTvyxKzitk0M7Y-mruaRLmhA5jaLqcojZ9DRX3PC7_HuSgVceccLzP_9R9KeMZq46Sqdu2WHhNOakYZfL5NJLYC8x7U2M4B_NrMN/s640/blogger-image-457948731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHknVDg5uRfQ3l5JlP4deTCPB4888c_g55MgSJJzsPxTvyxKzitk0M7Y-mruaRLmhA5jaLqcojZ9DRX3PC7_HuSgVceccLzP_9R9KeMZq46Sqdu2WHhNOakYZfL5NJLYC8x7U2M4B_NrMN/s640/blogger-image-457948731.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>A right turn will leave the Ohio River behind us, and a much smaller Cumberland River in front of us for a few hours. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMRzjNZtp79jDVF77c9zC5EJtbbSe3BFAnzn-kT78_NnGB3x_NHCnVUK3JbaKvpwElPQAvqc7VV_MxvyedMSOa5vcHY2mMgMFT4wvA8UlaLyOkhZKN8nsuTU-yCi-h_ZmdCVy7EUzwZM5/s640/blogger-image--1434188384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMRzjNZtp79jDVF77c9zC5EJtbbSe3BFAnzn-kT78_NnGB3x_NHCnVUK3JbaKvpwElPQAvqc7VV_MxvyedMSOa5vcHY2mMgMFT4wvA8UlaLyOkhZKN8nsuTU-yCi-h_ZmdCVy7EUzwZM5/s640/blogger-image--1434188384.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Barkley Lock and Dam is ready for us with no waiting, how nice! This lock provides a 57 foot lift into the beautiful Land Between the Lakes region. This vacationland is formed by Kentucky Dam on the Tennessee River and Barkley Dam on the Cumberland River, which form Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley respectively.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKe8G37T381N1mxt6nqIFPIl8XBRo6DTEZPSwjyYaGtxXYn-wU4958M5qVlA5JkG2bJjVM8IPWkR0OzJi6lGQfwMsj6txcW7TyfYT3ZQXdiPRb_C6rT-Xh5e7MO4Sa-YvQEvPxZJEl2iOM/s640/blogger-image--1335739954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKe8G37T381N1mxt6nqIFPIl8XBRo6DTEZPSwjyYaGtxXYn-wU4958M5qVlA5JkG2bJjVM8IPWkR0OzJi6lGQfwMsj6txcW7TyfYT3ZQXdiPRb_C6rT-Xh5e7MO4Sa-YvQEvPxZJEl2iOM/s640/blogger-image--1335739954.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Green Turtle Bay is swamped by Loopers as we stop here for a brief break from the water before continuing our journey. For us this is almost the end of the line, while others are just getting started. Either way we are all making amazing memories!</div>Linda and Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417081628587029110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439761904960438927.post-76621656230120658552015-09-20T14:45:00.001-07:002015-11-02T21:56:44.353-08:00Cruising down the Illinois RiverSept. 14-20<div><br></div><div>Days 307-313</div><div><br></div><div>Wind, wind, wind, and more wind! We really did not think we would still be dealing with wind after we returned to the river systems. Wrong! At least the body of water is narrow, so the waves don't have enough room to build too high. It just seems to blow straight at us with enough force to make for an uncomfortable ride. After a few days it did finally calm down, so that we could enjoy some nice days on the river. We were thrilled to see so many bald eagles soaring from the tree tops and down to the banks as they searched for their fish dinners. One evening we spotted a coyote rambling along the river bank, and of course we were happy to see all of the turtles sunning themselves. It makes us feel like we are getting closer to our home waters, where every log is covered up with turtles basking in the sun. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4Bizbl9cL8wyBfrYqRzmaqIwX_tFezUCckmIt2cLHyWXAKlO8uEGBezIO4STMPdy7ogyNDgTjF0jCsrb_vlM9D5eIj_-jodEg9SnC9nqti0gehTjfb8df0afiA3eXm0pH4F2xijaDnMD/s640/blogger-image-634029624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4Bizbl9cL8wyBfrYqRzmaqIwX_tFezUCckmIt2cLHyWXAKlO8uEGBezIO4STMPdy7ogyNDgTjF0jCsrb_vlM9D5eIj_-jodEg9SnC9nqti0gehTjfb8df0afiA3eXm0pH4F2xijaDnMD/s640/blogger-image-634029624.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>This is the point where the Calumet Sag Canal flows into the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal on there way to join all of the streams that merge to become the Illinois River.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhogREmZVGhC_OHLj9Bt69VadUJHEf8jmOAxV2xGLiWI1hxvnunHkFgIUt3J9osUmigIUf1T4WbARO4X7KG_msTMzotOhwFexvFnraGuJZlkljNvmvFZ9xVtt7J__eiHIGKJlKBr9JP6nkB/s640/blogger-image-947987511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhogREmZVGhC_OHLj9Bt69VadUJHEf8jmOAxV2xGLiWI1hxvnunHkFgIUt3J9osUmigIUf1T4WbARO4X7KG_msTMzotOhwFexvFnraGuJZlkljNvmvFZ9xVtt7J__eiHIGKJlKBr9JP6nkB/s640/blogger-image-947987511.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>This is one of those spots on the Loop that causes just a little anxiety of the unknown for cruisers. The red sign reads: Danger! Entering Electric Fish Barriers/High Risk of Electric Shock/No Swimming, Diving, Fishing, or Mooring. This barrier is in place to try to stop the advancement of the Asian Carp into the Great Lakes. We had been warned that the large carp would be jumping out of the water in huge numbers and actually landing in our boat. I have mixed emotions about what we actually witnessed all the way down the Illinois. We saw very few carp, which was a little disappointing, but hopefully that means that the efforts to control this invasive species are working.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicjjtHeknzQCEaN-JqPyIsc6aQLorVgKIPhATZlHuKw_SSkhaMvsThNMqZiqLKYeiIoSrffJ_8x2TaucL84JZxkkXK0NLeZkXSO-YbTH5mwf4PauLDlUCcMd3mk4z_QlGOjZttJdtoaTKI/s640/blogger-image-1504346161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicjjtHeknzQCEaN-JqPyIsc6aQLorVgKIPhATZlHuKw_SSkhaMvsThNMqZiqLKYeiIoSrffJ_8x2TaucL84JZxkkXK0NLeZkXSO-YbTH5mwf4PauLDlUCcMd3mk4z_QlGOjZttJdtoaTKI/s640/blogger-image-1504346161.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Barges load and unload their huge cargoes all along the river. Luckily the river has plenty of room for all of us. While we have had to stay prepared to contact the tow captains for their choice of a pass on the ones or twos, their left or right, we manage to stay out of their way quite easily.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDn896xB_TS6_iEuGUWiDT_SX5k-mcJMNZBWbjQbsY7uEsrty0elaFFKuP5qV7MG0TXIEak9YB5v1Wsd7wViF78J2fy9O4RgblfW3swcGFI1iT3uBS2_dHM6VNqZljGSReTncnDHyJ2m5/s640/blogger-image-1018876117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDn896xB_TS6_iEuGUWiDT_SX5k-mcJMNZBWbjQbsY7uEsrty0elaFFKuP5qV7MG0TXIEak9YB5v1Wsd7wViF78J2fy9O4RgblfW3swcGFI1iT3uBS2_dHM6VNqZljGSReTncnDHyJ2m5/s640/blogger-image-1018876117.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Yes, with the relatively calm waters of the rivers comes the need to lock through the many dams along the way. Unfortunately for pleasure craft, barges have first priority to the locks, causing for some delays along the way. We don't mind waiting a couple of hours, but it sure would be nice if the walls they expected us to tie up to were in a little better condition. Tying to a piece of rebar sticking out of a crumbling wall was quite interesting. Usually we just dropped anchor and chilled if the wait was going to be lengthy.</div><div> </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhleNhgFjJaqCDBkXhWOODP9G6WYbykBaa2BXswJnna1EFwuMzRQgvKQ-OVUSlGUmWyw5yVz2qWJJSM_ZIsDqWMkKheOAuzTh6fLdNd8EQkPVa68Gop02y2cMFWNZxgZLEoZ099FiUn3t58/s640/blogger-image--549942423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhleNhgFjJaqCDBkXhWOODP9G6WYbykBaa2BXswJnna1EFwuMzRQgvKQ-OVUSlGUmWyw5yVz2qWJJSM_ZIsDqWMkKheOAuzTh6fLdNd8EQkPVa68Gop02y2cMFWNZxgZLEoZ099FiUn3t58/s640/blogger-image--549942423.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Duck hunting must be pretty good along this stretch of the river. We passed some rather large blinds in various stages of preparation for the upcoming season.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5oJAgTYM9YfsaR-4dflSUU3frWL5wagTqUWy3UvfvNnZsp-LgRqJKw_SoPyMV2H62a6SHDqOqDE8dlBsO0arF79lEN2DziUa3z0ZJV1GApwKZcyxhHL-wE3YgNNREq4T5DctbFReRkPg/s640/blogger-image-387336125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5oJAgTYM9YfsaR-4dflSUU3frWL5wagTqUWy3UvfvNnZsp-LgRqJKw_SoPyMV2H62a6SHDqOqDE8dlBsO0arF79lEN2DziUa3z0ZJV1GApwKZcyxhHL-wE3YgNNREq4T5DctbFReRkPg/s640/blogger-image-387336125.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Locks on the Illinois have very few bollards to catch. Most of the time we all had to pull up to the same wall where the lock crew would drop us lines to hold bow and stern. The locks are designed to accommodate barge traffic that pretty much fill the lock wall to wall. Many times the barges have to be broken down into smaller units, in order to get them through the locks. Depending on how many barges the tow is pushing it can take several hours for one barge to get all the way through the lock. Thus the reason for delays for pleasure craft.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxGZmWWuDlVg_CDauuK3CCCBZVDgSGdZoCzanvr0WEsCiO9cPx3SCrCP0rkD14WTy_KoUll8jJCf5q0-6TEe27p1-RjejYfEhNy3PMwZMG9mgzRGgdj4Uu_70GYSgaF1AaaPUxXqXmb2wP/s640/blogger-image--1560256141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxGZmWWuDlVg_CDauuK3CCCBZVDgSGdZoCzanvr0WEsCiO9cPx3SCrCP0rkD14WTy_KoUll8jJCf5q0-6TEe27p1-RjejYfEhNy3PMwZMG9mgzRGgdj4Uu_70GYSgaF1AaaPUxXqXmb2wP/s640/blogger-image--1560256141.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Some nights we were able to take advantage of city walls for tying up, other nights we anchored. This beautiful bluff at Buffalo Rock Park was shinning brightly with the morning sun, as we pulled anchor for another day on the river.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-mJStyxzsmrpJaRTATmEygb31kXN3lFKCp8kl0PRawC8iiUbohZAsmQZP7SH7Sl2FrKDP5whJW1ebx_gVa-DcpxvPnxWwMgyOWM1heBiYxYHWenxplf6zhuo6ZOu8MmG0GF7UZJRXiYH/s640/blogger-image-1998475913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-mJStyxzsmrpJaRTATmEygb31kXN3lFKCp8kl0PRawC8iiUbohZAsmQZP7SH7Sl2FrKDP5whJW1ebx_gVa-DcpxvPnxWwMgyOWM1heBiYxYHWenxplf6zhuo6ZOu8MmG0GF7UZJRXiYH/s640/blogger-image-1998475913.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A grain handling facility loading barges as we passed by. While we can't necessarily see all of the farming that takes place along the river, it is there and the river provides excellent opportunities for handling the grain that they produce.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzuZTQjkf5wrG7G4DSUWxBdTb3OMdVLtW67qkGpYurZe0VF0fJJr5DHyWncPvlrHuCIKomcsFdICgNLREIOns-wxXXB1YVV7LCzQAiAlsESY1fDXo64pEHoCnTUpvSWM3uihWmFpVGH5oI/s640/blogger-image-66546807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzuZTQjkf5wrG7G4DSUWxBdTb3OMdVLtW67qkGpYurZe0VF0fJJr5DHyWncPvlrHuCIKomcsFdICgNLREIOns-wxXXB1YVV7LCzQAiAlsESY1fDXo64pEHoCnTUpvSWM3uihWmFpVGH5oI/s640/blogger-image-66546807.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This lock through was a first for us. The drop here is only about 11 feet, and with basically calm waters we were given the option of floating through. It was kind of cool to just sit in the middle of the lock as the water receded. Of course that was my point of view, Jess was the one keeping <i>Bama</i> <i>Dream</i> where she belonged. He has become such a pro at maneuvering her that I have no worries.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXSJMfiXC-YdrPGx4dIxOHf94thVoKHSnQYXd60ei0gUWL2EAlX24rBm_e3Vy5631Xf-dqzcm7zQ0I37N04WbHWpD_XQCJdh_x43YdNK4ooS19NYJWFyd6p5GSqR2nK_xPi2HqpRyMEVb/s640/blogger-image-241890581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXSJMfiXC-YdrPGx4dIxOHf94thVoKHSnQYXd60ei0gUWL2EAlX24rBm_e3Vy5631Xf-dqzcm7zQ0I37N04WbHWpD_XQCJdh_x43YdNK4ooS19NYJWFyd6p5GSqR2nK_xPi2HqpRyMEVb/s640/blogger-image-241890581.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>This eagle searching the river bank, is just one of the many we enjoyed seeing every day.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3M0Kp9xu7ZF6YRXyfk0sSR-sMgYvIFODPaOC554s83juo7Jp70ldp2_Gtug1yOO6wjTKFBYZo1P3kBa-7sgUQxR0qN3wvFxjdWQaaDpqZz_ONIBbQUV99-LHKhN049L79ebT9HMbgluz/s640/blogger-image--899942830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3M0Kp9xu7ZF6YRXyfk0sSR-sMgYvIFODPaOC554s83juo7Jp70ldp2_Gtug1yOO6wjTKFBYZo1P3kBa-7sgUQxR0qN3wvFxjdWQaaDpqZz_ONIBbQUV99-LHKhN049L79ebT9HMbgluz/s640/blogger-image--899942830.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We are up and moving down the river by sunrise, as we prepare to put in a long day, in order to get to the marina in Grafton to watch some Saturday football.</div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXRiu9L1U1PuQX36EqAxcN5dKGemsrOa31sm2vLd1MKjWzn4EelLr9yce5_Zf5ymK4qsDa18hRjlf5f0TSu3arLoksVRslMpBWla1jQ5AO5tfNsaU-cg0AtgkDDw7GxW6eMTLIujIlgvW4/s640/blogger-image-907002041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXRiu9L1U1PuQX36EqAxcN5dKGemsrOa31sm2vLd1MKjWzn4EelLr9yce5_Zf5ymK4qsDa18hRjlf5f0TSu3arLoksVRslMpBWla1jQ5AO5tfNsaU-cg0AtgkDDw7GxW6eMTLIujIlgvW4/s640/blogger-image-907002041.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>It is not hard to judge where the high water mark was this year. The banks are cluttered with downed trees, and if you look closely you will see the red buoy that once marked the right side of the river channel. The water level is low right now, with very few snags for us to avoid.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3wEzF-kig2l_sPCk8I-2pHfTmOpbyA-9K0mhMRLLBujJfqkiOIwIX3TkhYHByCeSMAlqS8gK7GTE6FSO1DqpCH5hALr1dW7OXyrFCQaZeQ_ACC-crvgQv3sS94cBfnW8F-KWWlFM7W0hyphenhyphen/s640/blogger-image-761590596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3wEzF-kig2l_sPCk8I-2pHfTmOpbyA-9K0mhMRLLBujJfqkiOIwIX3TkhYHByCeSMAlqS8gK7GTE6FSO1DqpCH5hALr1dW7OXyrFCQaZeQ_ACC-crvgQv3sS94cBfnW8F-KWWlFM7W0hyphenhyphen/s640/blogger-image-761590596.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>This riverboat is high and dry. Obviously, it has been quite some time since she plied these waters.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9Sh3-5ZZjQexhYx8cSV4s5CvQGYRnUiXr2qlcBY9Nj7Mf_wP_zfOXCaaEvDfSfdb1bH6Ox4tfPSY-OsisPJd4P0kT4g7ihzwnc_WwMrqOcVyzKLofEcme3ObIkkhfNOCVTjWVAxLCRBl/s640/blogger-image--618322166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9Sh3-5ZZjQexhYx8cSV4s5CvQGYRnUiXr2qlcBY9Nj7Mf_wP_zfOXCaaEvDfSfdb1bH6Ox4tfPSY-OsisPJd4P0kT4g7ihzwnc_WwMrqOcVyzKLofEcme3ObIkkhfNOCVTjWVAxLCRBl/s640/blogger-image--618322166.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>After a long day, we finally arrived at Grafton Marina, just north of St. Louis. We will spend the weekend here while we wait for an opening Monday night at Hoppies. There are very few places to safely anchor along the banks of the Mississippi River, so just about everyone cruising this section of the river must make a stop at Hoppies Marina.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6z1d-1M1jN_t5gSBd6gg9adXRweHD01lzqHKKXAdQ5SpHIVxyGlzwS88MUJ9CcWukRIqQUm7iwvPJmEdr1QlqsxBUKZvXbEKhWbE4mdd3tm2Bv7JHAi8gdyUWw5UZtocV_VI-ZEPJve4e/s640/blogger-image-1170797999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6z1d-1M1jN_t5gSBd6gg9adXRweHD01lzqHKKXAdQ5SpHIVxyGlzwS88MUJ9CcWukRIqQUm7iwvPJmEdr1QlqsxBUKZvXbEKhWbE4mdd3tm2Bv7JHAi8gdyUWw5UZtocV_VI-ZEPJve4e/s640/blogger-image-1170797999.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Time for docktails once again. We had a large group of Loopers docked here in Grafton. It seems really strange to be the ones with the most Looping experience, but other than <i>Patriot</i> and <i>Always</i> <i>Home</i>, whom we have met at other stops along the way, the other boats were just getting started.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNzbH6Zim2U34Q46Ygxe2rJaE-i6lv8aPH09ghoPKVH-qvRDd1CSb0BiDAT938qMbtJH-JlrOb_Gc-3jHp3bAEHdtwsCc1cAB3UnosqIVqdmsgVK6-xfCkWQxQ17U-gmReE3aU7Zniv6Ap/s640/blogger-image--248829752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNzbH6Zim2U34Q46Ygxe2rJaE-i6lv8aPH09ghoPKVH-qvRDd1CSb0BiDAT938qMbtJH-JlrOb_Gc-3jHp3bAEHdtwsCc1cAB3UnosqIVqdmsgVK6-xfCkWQxQ17U-gmReE3aU7Zniv6Ap/s640/blogger-image--248829752.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The lighthouse was erected in 2007 to celebrate the resilience and determination of the residents of Grafton. The Great Flood of 1993 devastated the town when flood waters reached a record high of 38.17 feet. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI2Wc4JH1MUWrXLTpTdvrqTbj8c03zmUVNLcWtMH2Wt10oPnjlHYo78lFJiVKFRAKZEJ5ShRWRkbi945lAyyKDUqSd5QAX2lefvUlvOIj-gz5ECn133FLBIT1grPjzdYamhSqrU-Ps9dZ-/s640/blogger-image--707525659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI2Wc4JH1MUWrXLTpTdvrqTbj8c03zmUVNLcWtMH2Wt10oPnjlHYo78lFJiVKFRAKZEJ5ShRWRkbi945lAyyKDUqSd5QAX2lefvUlvOIj-gz5ECn133FLBIT1grPjzdYamhSqrU-Ps9dZ-/s640/blogger-image--707525659.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The sun is shining brightly this weekend, and it seems that all the bikers within a few hundred miles have hit the road for a trip to Grafton before cold weather gets here. The Hawg Pit Bar-B-Que restaurant is a favorite stop for lunch and some liquid refreshment before they move on.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPnwj65cub3cvj764-mn-bsgy2hfgkuLjvbuxWaxtK3m2Z1cDU6W_nL3rEBylO_WS_sFdoPe71Dvubgp0J6IO9pJxizUJgHae-clj67M1MqmmbIBDN6dmHRZ6ooUAC5i6PFg-IeC6CygP/s640/blogger-image--1875194033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPnwj65cub3cvj764-mn-bsgy2hfgkuLjvbuxWaxtK3m2Z1cDU6W_nL3rEBylO_WS_sFdoPe71Dvubgp0J6IO9pJxizUJgHae-clj67M1MqmmbIBDN6dmHRZ6ooUAC5i6PFg-IeC6CygP/s640/blogger-image--1875194033.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>All of the structures along the waterfront are built on tall pillars so that they will be ready for the next big flood. I don't know how much flooding is considered normal, but the bike path along the river was covered with dirt, indicating that at some point this year the water had been at least that high.</div><div>On a perfect fall day of sunshine and mild temperatures, Jess had time to clean the outside of the boat, while I got real friendly with my IPad. Then we still had time to go for a nice walk, eat some supper, and have a great visit with Dan and Angie from <i>Sea</i> <i>Horse</i> before we prepare to take on the Mississippi River tomorrow.</div><div><br></div>Linda and Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417081628587029110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439761904960438927.post-18227634224989621622015-09-18T19:56:00.001-07:002015-11-02T21:56:53.643-08:00My Kind of Town! Chicago!Sept. 10-13<div><br></div><div>Days 303-306</div><div><br></div><div>We have debated vigorously just how we were going to deal with the issue of a visit to Chicago. There were suggestions from other boaters along the way as to what would be our best way to taste at least a small portion of what the city has to offer. We could stop at the marina in Holland and take the train into Union Station, get a little closer by going to Hammond and then using mass transit into the city, going all the way to the harbor and grab a mooring ball which then requires a tender pick-up back and forth from the dock. All of these possibilities had their benefits, mostly involving money. When it was time for us to actually visit Chicago, we bit the bullet and made reservations at DuSable Marina, which allowed us to step off our boat right into the middle of the action. What an exciting, and exhausting, time we had! Other than our trip to the zoo, which necessitated a bus ride to Lincoln Park, we walked to all of the attractions we were able to squeeze into four very busy days. This was our first trip to Chicago as tourists, and were we ever thrilled. The waterfront area is packed with things to see and do. Hopefully someday we will return to this beautiful city on the shore of lake Michigan. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREY4YZ5ZuTekJxY8HKfaieIy5sDlUVq_MeKFOJP62-6AwIJUeJaFyCdI4uef6HILn0_2GOXSD99n4DGtHCatwiyF2T1iYBZxq_lGx5tzCdnYatptvkWhvtZ42Ir1zaePF7D5mgjIPi6bH/s640/blogger-image-1620400410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREY4YZ5ZuTekJxY8HKfaieIy5sDlUVq_MeKFOJP62-6AwIJUeJaFyCdI4uef6HILn0_2GOXSD99n4DGtHCatwiyF2T1iYBZxq_lGx5tzCdnYatptvkWhvtZ42Ir1zaePF7D5mgjIPi6bH/s640/blogger-image-1620400410.jpg"></a></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After watching the skyline take shape for the past three hours, we are finally honing in on the harbor and our marina. Luckily we still have a little daylight left to at least get off the boat for a walk along the riverfront.</div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdpaUXV7Tkw6rp2w79-Zy2ZKY06nuDwV2MIH9pqOL8Y2bUYIMN9RoxEAWWb00mtLpgQhT1xygAIHuOqGAEfdxDRlvHVsqjG21mivf5n1OesLuZGS3V38a1_IRqTSdaa5ch2GhEAySyayR/s640/blogger-image--622203845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdpaUXV7Tkw6rp2w79-Zy2ZKY06nuDwV2MIH9pqOL8Y2bUYIMN9RoxEAWWb00mtLpgQhT1xygAIHuOqGAEfdxDRlvHVsqjG21mivf5n1OesLuZGS3V38a1_IRqTSdaa5ch2GhEAySyayR/s640/blogger-image--622203845.jpg"></a></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">With so much to see and such a short time to see it, we didn't waste any time. As soon as <i>Bama</i> <i>Dream</i> was snug in her slip, we put on our walking shoes and headed for nearby Navy Pier. Shops and restaurants line the pier all the way to the end where visitors can enjoy a stunning view of the city. Jess was very happy to find what seems to be his favorite quick food stop, McDonald's. My sandwich was fine, but my coffee ice cream cone was great!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKx8lWeGWSAIL2BFalSWmz75aHWvRBy1A7FrO2PW2a6cXzmGLuIygQDPyBKEpvzWL3gU1qNnaFtb___34k1qWH654Rt-ChRHJlg8FeVZjJaewHnAZ574c2zHbyvvqa-bfAJFJ7Or53woD/s640/blogger-image--872445325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKx8lWeGWSAIL2BFalSWmz75aHWvRBy1A7FrO2PW2a6cXzmGLuIygQDPyBKEpvzWL3gU1qNnaFtb___34k1qWH654Rt-ChRHJlg8FeVZjJaewHnAZ574c2zHbyvvqa-bfAJFJ7Or53woD/s640/blogger-image--872445325.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Since we will get the daytime view when we leave Chicago, we decided to take the nighttime architecture cruise through the downtown district. Chicago is very proud of the variety of architectural styles incorporated in their highrises, as they should be. This was a fascinating trip down the canal, with a very knowledgable guide.</div></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNoU4TfIrW_CXhPfpGKXa6cbMXJD6fmVR8ARcbp6u0oP4D4nl3FDL_1QJnsT1vw8xN8hNk3Nw5e5LA_1VzsB_VdAvcsT0T7y2s2tMqEi2QmklYyFZZIpI1pnCiqJOlz5ezqqtF6520hyphenhyphenXU/s640/blogger-image--135287200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNoU4TfIrW_CXhPfpGKXa6cbMXJD6fmVR8ARcbp6u0oP4D4nl3FDL_1QJnsT1vw8xN8hNk3Nw5e5LA_1VzsB_VdAvcsT0T7y2s2tMqEi2QmklYyFZZIpI1pnCiqJOlz5ezqqtF6520hyphenhyphenXU/s640/blogger-image--135287200.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On our return trip into the city, the Willis Tower, formerly the Sears Tower, stands tall above all of the other skyscrapers.</div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbZDtZYjSj9WxNhb0hnSsA0W4VIe7IGpdGe0723bAMFckHYaEIcCdgpGx9hPohEfw7IAzuzSrgrIjszKOrssu5ohKTN5fLQ3-JVDQver7r3jZcmhiUS6KlE7qYcv95-IbXRHrd6IFWhRi/s640/blogger-image--1092448749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbZDtZYjSj9WxNhb0hnSsA0W4VIe7IGpdGe0723bAMFckHYaEIcCdgpGx9hPohEfw7IAzuzSrgrIjszKOrssu5ohKTN5fLQ3-JVDQver7r3jZcmhiUS6KlE7qYcv95-IbXRHrd6IFWhRi/s640/blogger-image--1092448749.jpg"></a></div><br></div>In order to make the best use of our time in Chicago we purchased City Passes that gave us admission into five of the most popular attractions along the waterfront. Our first stop on Saturday morning was the Shedd Aquarium. </div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZhWE-wGbCAOCwH8BXcS0fUG4n_Y2mHecMtuzM7ZHfW2DZxE9Maw-9h-rkZ8YHVLxld34luxrVCzBNLpjgI3Evz59fq2ckdCnKMiaW4RMQ-M_rbXUmaWbJnWMejEhdyGQ1jYx0GYudexk/s640/blogger-image--613466712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZhWE-wGbCAOCwH8BXcS0fUG4n_Y2mHecMtuzM7ZHfW2DZxE9Maw-9h-rkZ8YHVLxld34luxrVCzBNLpjgI3Evz59fq2ckdCnKMiaW4RMQ-M_rbXUmaWbJnWMejEhdyGQ1jYx0GYudexk/s640/blogger-image--613466712.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is Granddad, an Australian Lungfish that arrived at Shedd Aquarium in 1933. His claim to fame is that he is the oldest aquatic animal in any public aquarium in the world.</div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjTS9s3tz3Zaa3W7Km3I4NzFmRCUYOmyuUihW7aDqbmnMXOjkTKSO3Mx3cPhvbyHUfEslOGYBPH9lxmg3vhDCQeh7qyc2WtzjMPdPxw6G4x4Q5WFIuFndls5KyL-99FV6cyu7r3Jv9c-iy/s640/blogger-image--2003465743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjTS9s3tz3Zaa3W7Km3I4NzFmRCUYOmyuUihW7aDqbmnMXOjkTKSO3Mx3cPhvbyHUfEslOGYBPH9lxmg3vhDCQeh7qyc2WtzjMPdPxw6G4x4Q5WFIuFndls5KyL-99FV6cyu7r3Jv9c-iy/s640/blogger-image--2003465743.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">While we were enjoying the aquarium, the morning's rainy skies finally cleared, leaving a stunning view of the waterfront, with its beautiful park and a very busy mooring field.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiik55t87nyeQbM19fm6gXqrELH8csz1sWTf7w8a0Wu0gKZ2vFhL6bxIfWJ5qtNR2ZlBcaM0kwU3jmrB4BbJ9F7Zs7muMZYH4OJy_R4dQ_r_8nIC69xKFTsM1Q_LDNSPBnFRtpgZH2wFXbs/s640/blogger-image--1336946690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiik55t87nyeQbM19fm6gXqrELH8csz1sWTf7w8a0Wu0gKZ2vFhL6bxIfWJ5qtNR2ZlBcaM0kwU3jmrB4BbJ9F7Zs7muMZYH4OJy_R4dQ_r_8nIC69xKFTsM1Q_LDNSPBnFRtpgZH2wFXbs/s640/blogger-image--1336946690.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We spent so much time in the aquarium we had only a couple of hours to hit the high spots in the Field Museum. The official greeter is Sue, the most intact skeleton of a T-Rex ever found.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmm-m2T6tOUxvgeHYCCb5EqcVR4iqsMc-6vyjlVvqWhCrlRs1k0fAIUJaRvJ8SDJwf7hUgilyrazsDKAAsBzJIZawGlL_Mkym5OwMij4wBZ8czO5ZzABOg__MFNqREzg6ottOtKJR2ycLN/s640/blogger-image--27510083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmm-m2T6tOUxvgeHYCCb5EqcVR4iqsMc-6vyjlVvqWhCrlRs1k0fAIUJaRvJ8SDJwf7hUgilyrazsDKAAsBzJIZawGlL_Mkym5OwMij4wBZ8czO5ZzABOg__MFNqREzg6ottOtKJR2ycLN/s640/blogger-image--27510083.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>This panel is just one of many that provide a panorama of the Chicago skyline. Each panel was done by Qiao Xiaoguang, a Chinese master of the art of paper cutting. All of the panels were cut freehand using just scissors and a large sheet of black paper.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94PVnelGsAO3SQbFwXXugSp3udxaj3FzhHcjHOpQg3OHXYQWvx1FLBPD9tyld4Kx3YsgdWc4sEu1RGJ799VmNAggu8N5HbXQ9eQNcL5n4yhvoK1pzJSn4lwyAkUIal-O1Qwg-Qztx_zRu/s640/blogger-image--272099796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94PVnelGsAO3SQbFwXXugSp3udxaj3FzhHcjHOpQg3OHXYQWvx1FLBPD9tyld4Kx3YsgdWc4sEu1RGJ799VmNAggu8N5HbXQ9eQNcL5n4yhvoK1pzJSn4lwyAkUIal-O1Qwg-Qztx_zRu/s640/blogger-image--272099796.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The architecture of the Field Museum is just as interesting as the wide variety of exhibits it houses. These figures standing watch over the main hall represent the museum's mission. The woman on the right holds a magnifying glass representing Research and the sculpture on the left holds a quill and paper representing Records. Figures representing Dissemination of Knowledge and Science occupy the cornices at the opposite end of the hall.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcC_jYi002q68AiY9qiFmLfLQBQItvFdIN7Ga0x-2AZ5C_dmDU4JyFe4wOsgT5aLVTIm04ZonPIQyAETmV9ql6LTsgmSRIqfXvVUAKX21cXhmhOtj7xPrXjJ1OtSuWMAA0Hze3sXp5WGTx/s640/blogger-image-1063526661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcC_jYi002q68AiY9qiFmLfLQBQItvFdIN7Ga0x-2AZ5C_dmDU4JyFe4wOsgT5aLVTIm04ZonPIQyAETmV9ql6LTsgmSRIqfXvVUAKX21cXhmhOtj7xPrXjJ1OtSuWMAA0Hze3sXp5WGTx/s640/blogger-image-1063526661.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The rain may have moved on, but the wind is still here. The aquarium looks out over a very choppy harbor, even though it is protected by a very long breakwall between the waterfront and Lake Michigan. It is easy to see why we chose not to join the others who were rocking and rolling in the mooring field.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1TnbGuoJQKzR2GpkZbLK_hRsNWQBjrOG6eZPDWRUS9yiAroQOpyEpQ_n-7nVMbqKEmVEtkPNG80CLWbleTeoqJWm5rlCONShpagQZSeZVx_4QC_VsThTgFt_U97Ve0x6YJUUCZn95gHnL/s640/blogger-image-833249887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1TnbGuoJQKzR2GpkZbLK_hRsNWQBjrOG6eZPDWRUS9yiAroQOpyEpQ_n-7nVMbqKEmVEtkPNG80CLWbleTeoqJWm5rlCONShpagQZSeZVx_4QC_VsThTgFt_U97Ve0x6YJUUCZn95gHnL/s640/blogger-image-833249887.jpg"></a></div><br></div>After waiting out another rainy morning, we worked our way from the marina to The Art Institute of Chicago. Knowing that our day was slipping away, we tried to time our walk between rain showers. I can only say that we were not 100% effective.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdOUMqtadZJldCRkANUbOxJDGLZjmt8oreXGbQbHBVnE_y8n-tmNoq6UWFixLTN319mT6zOerSaiQcpI_rteDUeR0n01L3qYGmiRdZuZBo2ByMqT5pwjSSG-V52bZtqHSw7Ak7QGivFkJO/s640/blogger-image-1767494755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdOUMqtadZJldCRkANUbOxJDGLZjmt8oreXGbQbHBVnE_y8n-tmNoq6UWFixLTN319mT6zOerSaiQcpI_rteDUeR0n01L3qYGmiRdZuZBo2ByMqT5pwjSSG-V52bZtqHSw7Ak7QGivFkJO/s640/blogger-image-1767494755.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The Art Institute is huge, containing exhibits of works by the masters all the way to paperweights, and pretty much anything a person could imagine in between. We soon discovered that because we didn't have all day, and then some, to spend here we would have to pick and choose what we would see. This is definitely one of those places I would love to come back to. One room is dedicated to American Folk Art with many items depicting the high level of patriotism during the World Wars. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUqLw5GoUolhpw28FGmcaYij-T4uurCNN3tuhHeJQQ6KH5-ripLNhUVdusQ9bFSopt_OQOiBPlh628uWJEMuISUZg978SQS1wWySp6ko6e_a9iELoQ8FZ4Hd0LSKDtjZxsCNNVjeAIUGQ/s640/blogger-image-1914573857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUqLw5GoUolhpw28FGmcaYij-T4uurCNN3tuhHeJQQ6KH5-ripLNhUVdusQ9bFSopt_OQOiBPlh628uWJEMuISUZg978SQS1wWySp6ko6e_a9iELoQ8FZ4Hd0LSKDtjZxsCNNVjeAIUGQ/s640/blogger-image-1914573857.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We found a fascinating exhibit containing artifacts dating back to the Vikings, as well as this room full of all of the equipment needed to be a knight in shining armor.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDA48cY0xPosyD6WOOC_twqLiHzpqMLskqVAkoxpLuGz-2XuwZ3e8A0Z037tOdLYzFOswzAR_tTtPRSyZl6_e8WrYE-M-HHvZch5B0kK4OrKR31WUShHSynwOaIxUr00iU6GMBlqpKjX3o/s640/blogger-image-2089051364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDA48cY0xPosyD6WOOC_twqLiHzpqMLskqVAkoxpLuGz-2XuwZ3e8A0Z037tOdLYzFOswzAR_tTtPRSyZl6_e8WrYE-M-HHvZch5B0kK4OrKR31WUShHSynwOaIxUr00iU6GMBlqpKjX3o/s640/blogger-image-2089051364.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I loved seeing works by the great masters, but this is the painting I had really wanted to view. After seeing this iconic painting, titled <i>American</i> <i>Gothic</i> by Grant Wood, used in so many different ways all of my life, I was excited to stand before the original. It was interesting to learn that the artist actually used his dentist and his sister as the models for the early American farmer and his spinster daughter.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQtBoVssN2F9Ni3Kg_XdxNd96ccZkbL1GfBeT_7zUhBq9ghkBOl1KAwAfQ6Kx74pyiJ253CBzyX9XdL6u88dR4KEGpL9cKu8gwl2nkkh_Eku8XYdVQimr6MHZobeYFSyK1weCkiNzE2lUk/s640/blogger-image-701235743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQtBoVssN2F9Ni3Kg_XdxNd96ccZkbL1GfBeT_7zUhBq9ghkBOl1KAwAfQ6Kx74pyiJ253CBzyX9XdL6u88dR4KEGpL9cKu8gwl2nkkh_Eku8XYdVQimr6MHZobeYFSyK1weCkiNzE2lUk/s640/blogger-image-701235743.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I always enjoy viewing sculptures and paintings depicting scenes from the American West. This beautiful work is titled <i>The</i> <i>End</i> <i>of</i> <i>the</i> <i>Trail</i> by James Earle Fraser, who was a 15 year old student at the Art Institute when he produced the first version of this bronze sculpture that symbolizes the vanishing Native American population due the westward expansion.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlrX1SZN8yMwFuqwULXHaJ5TBJ7vtqKxID_RMYJyMzeeBqs-EYUdBdUDSQLmssENvSCMExJGH871bfsPMERv8_YznlOiT7BRchN5E23sWrctzfOI5mrYelSPpueKhTKxFPNDedAxryQzNY/s640/blogger-image-1611084202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlrX1SZN8yMwFuqwULXHaJ5TBJ7vtqKxID_RMYJyMzeeBqs-EYUdBdUDSQLmssENvSCMExJGH871bfsPMERv8_YznlOiT7BRchN5E23sWrctzfOI5mrYelSPpueKhTKxFPNDedAxryQzNY/s640/blogger-image-1611084202.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>A walk through the streets of downtown Chicago was required to get us to our next destination, the Willis Tower. Along the way we came upon an interesting sight. Evidently it is perfectly excepted in Chicago to stop traffic while making wedding pictures in the middle of the street. There were actually three different groups using the highrises as a backdrop. I have to say, it probably made for some very nice shots.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWrZ49Dpy5nBGx4dXyIqx5tcp8sxUrus3gIQ_o6SvYUU9ZnI1-d3W3ENsDN3G37eSmCJwdLLgi1Cwqldzy0yG_lQgSM2JguXf4Gw31orjj_k5zvB5brHDIWCe6jM8XyhK9ZjQPI-JkEBS/s640/blogger-image--49548440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWrZ49Dpy5nBGx4dXyIqx5tcp8sxUrus3gIQ_o6SvYUU9ZnI1-d3W3ENsDN3G37eSmCJwdLLgi1Cwqldzy0yG_lQgSM2JguXf4Gw31orjj_k5zvB5brHDIWCe6jM8XyhK9ZjQPI-JkEBS/s640/blogger-image--49548440.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The City Pass not only gave us direction for our short visit in Chicago, it also provides a very nice perk. Holders get to do a Fast Pass into the attractions, which means while others are standing in long lines, we get to go right on by. The view from the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, formerly the Sear's Tower, is stunning. You can just see the beginnings of our marina at the west end of the mooring field.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDf1zlidK5rgs0aR18rM617AcJcIaH-jy81AfU_BT0RF8-DtvT6Qjni-LBqSbobN_vUhVpNcQi3YWe6-NhKCmh7ut72EVhL2Lz3VGwJ4zBx15Q3ImottgKTt4TTTWkgGqygPAU-9BTM-1I/s640/blogger-image-437281820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDf1zlidK5rgs0aR18rM617AcJcIaH-jy81AfU_BT0RF8-DtvT6Qjni-LBqSbobN_vUhVpNcQi3YWe6-NhKCmh7ut72EVhL2Lz3VGwJ4zBx15Q3ImottgKTt4TTTWkgGqygPAU-9BTM-1I/s640/blogger-image-437281820.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Wrigley Field is out there somewhere. From this height everything looks small. Luckily we timed our visit for a sunny afternoon, so the skyline was visible all the way to Wisconsin. Supposedly, on a clear day, you can see four states from here, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan</div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgadvzM0qvnRNwSpmf1QVruaJpK7DR25lQiGl9VTUqoBX5qfvssbxtcrIySrFVRYOOifumKO8ZEdYk_Xzfkr9F6PM26G52f-Axebit429w7mfXsAN4Y28N2IRO-Zg5ro3vC-9r4xlrYdlQ5/s640/blogger-image--1773070676.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgadvzM0qvnRNwSpmf1QVruaJpK7DR25lQiGl9VTUqoBX5qfvssbxtcrIySrFVRYOOifumKO8ZEdYk_Xzfkr9F6PM26G52f-Axebit429w7mfXsAN4Y28N2IRO-Zg5ro3vC-9r4xlrYdlQ5/s640/blogger-image--1773070676.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Sorry this is a little dark, the sun wasn't cooperating, but I had to prove to you that we did step out onto the glass bottomed "ledge". I was just slightly nervous, but I figured thousands of people had been out there before me, and so far no one had mentioned a malfunction, surely it would hold up a little while longer. </div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-yTXbhv_sr0hhVvtwEomWQ5s5IYfOtTJmuCb9XDkruFxLkJpKIG8a3j9djwIHHwkBF4LW6PrHoazjLkCHmvoaabeAUjeNck6soZHnW4Qc5CmZ772SaWp_otFLLQXcJFncTAehX9j-IVcJ/s640/blogger-image--1008175547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-yTXbhv_sr0hhVvtwEomWQ5s5IYfOtTJmuCb9XDkruFxLkJpKIG8a3j9djwIHHwkBF4LW6PrHoazjLkCHmvoaabeAUjeNck6soZHnW4Qc5CmZ772SaWp_otFLLQXcJFncTAehX9j-IVcJ/s640/blogger-image--1008175547.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Had to include this photo of the gorgeous building containing the holdings of the Chicago Public Library. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFfK9M18CdWZn_9zHLtWWmHAUH4MD7v9K_20jB9T37VzmPYG_af9w6T04weJXqx_alTWc8eUqYyGSnk51Neupp_U5Ny6iO4L5LYT8weLyfX6C45-oACdK6n_ub4cKdo-3y4zm9FjHMySPb/s640/blogger-image--1535115243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFfK9M18CdWZn_9zHLtWWmHAUH4MD7v9K_20jB9T37VzmPYG_af9w6T04weJXqx_alTWc8eUqYyGSnk51Neupp_U5Ny6iO4L5LYT8weLyfX6C45-oACdK6n_ub4cKdo-3y4zm9FjHMySPb/s640/blogger-image--1535115243.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This bean, I don't know what else to call it, is the center point of Millennium <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Park. Giving an awesome reflection of the Chicago skyline, and of course the hundreds of people trying to find themselves as the check it out from all directions.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gbE9tBsdYL5c0nKgxzk7uQz-ZOyRx1vh63qdD3y7mtdRhjgj5PXhUYnySI9uFd6b56b2Q-4uZLdv4-YtjmFQwjM-CbyKocZp_LOvJe4Y8IZk_MZzFozhkdZ4RS61QH5D1-yH6mKywTBi/s640/blogger-image--1487724820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gbE9tBsdYL5c0nKgxzk7uQz-ZOyRx1vh63qdD3y7mtdRhjgj5PXhUYnySI9uFd6b56b2Q-4uZLdv4-YtjmFQwjM-CbyKocZp_LOvJe4Y8IZk_MZzFozhkdZ4RS61QH5D1-yH6mKywTBi/s640/blogger-image--1487724820.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As you wander under the sculpture the view takes an interesting twist to say the least. At its very center it reflects a perfect circle.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghgweHRgnIRk5Z9RoPSsTVf2tOv5aHDGLNp5fTL-3enJGHzvGGfXag41onCnYksawKKnx77-Md0MkgDcyf3mt015scPYneYzgeYQuVIOtaZKeZatYWPPXaNmAv7IukoQyLwLg4NnxpWHIA/s640/blogger-image-244280808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghgweHRgnIRk5Z9RoPSsTVf2tOv5aHDGLNp5fTL-3enJGHzvGGfXag41onCnYksawKKnx77-Md0MkgDcyf3mt015scPYneYzgeYQuVIOtaZKeZatYWPPXaNmAv7IukoQyLwLg4NnxpWHIA/s640/blogger-image-244280808.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This serpentine walkway provides the perfect means for foot traffic to cross over the very busy Columbus Avenue. It connects Millennium Park to Daley Bicentennial Plaza which contains the most amazing playground. Jess and I spent an hour or so just watching children have a blast.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGEVRfZgZ0EJi7bGi4_KpwvfW4nUVFV3JBrc8zKYfhEEiKnjpQGle0lSaMTTgArCYhY1EKRNTc5yEirrnzWYuS5yHDjQLLLm-MmWqm2tHrM95O4WT_0SrELD-eg4bLsaJtEqRil6FWuZ1g/s640/blogger-image--2121592687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGEVRfZgZ0EJi7bGi4_KpwvfW4nUVFV3JBrc8zKYfhEEiKnjpQGle0lSaMTTgArCYhY1EKRNTc5yEirrnzWYuS5yHDjQLLLm-MmWqm2tHrM95O4WT_0SrELD-eg4bLsaJtEqRil6FWuZ1g/s640/blogger-image--2121592687.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Saturday night we were entertained by a fireworks show right form the bow of our boat. The Navy Pier provides fireworks every weekend through the summer tourist season, which is rapidly coming to a close.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtEX5qwQnWjaZK8lIzIWD8GucBR_mfFPMbdyYyFD89qKS6cZXf2BHi9haWbk0H9jsFtSWDB-DbqN4Q0XEe7l95BIPHzVgFSWodpD15k9zqFx50S-fRg7HgO3zaHK4RZlLEiGg1e24z24S/s640/blogger-image--2053179972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtEX5qwQnWjaZK8lIzIWD8GucBR_mfFPMbdyYyFD89qKS6cZXf2BHi9haWbk0H9jsFtSWDB-DbqN4Q0XEe7l95BIPHzVgFSWodpD15k9zqFx50S-fRg7HgO3zaHK4RZlLEiGg1e24z24S/s640/blogger-image--2053179972.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">With a beautiful day greeting us on Sunday morning, we decided a trip to the zoo would be the perfect ending to our days in Chicago. This also gave us an opportunity to check out "The Magnificent Mile" of shops along Michigan Avenue on our way to catch the bus. Sadly, we just couldn't fit a day of shopping into our busy schedule, maybe on our next visit.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzcZMrf82M0IDh7hcy5zDARrZkhoyGHf0h91-Xp58r8r2l_Xezi9c2Ca6x7URFR5fwPzseOCLSoFhLqR20psGPVxsXmCb7Ym-FpwrOf_uQ1TJIXF0p4AfoGhyphenhyphentMuaw6Qa799jAftVsLyC5/s640/blogger-image-1477392326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzcZMrf82M0IDh7hcy5zDARrZkhoyGHf0h91-Xp58r8r2l_Xezi9c2Ca6x7URFR5fwPzseOCLSoFhLqR20psGPVxsXmCb7Ym-FpwrOf_uQ1TJIXF0p4AfoGhyphenhyphentMuaw6Qa799jAftVsLyC5/s640/blogger-image-1477392326.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>This turned out to be my favorite guy at the Lincoln Park Zoo. In general I can't say that chameleons are the most photogenic creatures, but the colors on this one were such a pretty mix of pastels, that it made up for what he lacked in beauty.</div><div> </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjie60Wd-nALvK8GOyVRihRuyr0zBFxkhcjWLPYXDb5FWWrPjNp_VRyI7_XBjJ6oPxEQPihAWostrX0xxTUtFXFY4lGmlAy7Rc_O6zmukaDgDcNd-NSVZY6uP8UXnZXFdOxSiBtNhxSHT-9/s640/blogger-image--1634319387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjie60Wd-nALvK8GOyVRihRuyr0zBFxkhcjWLPYXDb5FWWrPjNp_VRyI7_XBjJ6oPxEQPihAWostrX0xxTUtFXFY4lGmlAy7Rc_O6zmukaDgDcNd-NSVZY6uP8UXnZXFdOxSiBtNhxSHT-9/s640/blogger-image--1634319387.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The antics of meerkats can be quite entertaining. The free Lincoln Park Zoo is a wonderful facility that the residents of Chicago can be very proud of. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6OIFE0wicjm5TflPP2ml9sJXoODLO5jbYi9Wj7s0bKPQbnYoNNjfRoYgSjLn4x6Qr0cIkGLm8VHyMFoQVqQYkRZpBUXPW3isZcmsENtr3XGTuMbWfdyt3j0QnubsqwlG1dsyaFpl97nMF/s640/blogger-image-1889284362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6OIFE0wicjm5TflPP2ml9sJXoODLO5jbYi9Wj7s0bKPQbnYoNNjfRoYgSjLn4x6Qr0cIkGLm8VHyMFoQVqQYkRZpBUXPW3isZcmsENtr3XGTuMbWfdyt3j0QnubsqwlG1dsyaFpl97nMF/s640/blogger-image-1889284362.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We were so focused on what to see in Chicago, we had not really had a meal out while we were here. That is if you don't count the quick lunches at various places around town. As we were approaching exhaustion the best we could do was head back to Navy Pier for supper at Bubba Gumps. I'm sure the great connoisseurs of Chicago cuisine would not be impressed with our choice, but it was convenient and not at all bad. Unfortunately, I never got to ride the Ferris wheel on the pier, so I will just have to add that to my list of things to do when we return someday.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmknA46G9wcIYezH1wCeWVqei9DOrGExnkh7t99vnbqQkGxkp6vLMgL7IuLznHptmXktA6qxNxAcP9AGeNc-vdyCUIMNd0Dc-mlNv-JAcFxYLi7uklBZv_Kky_hJPbEY6pQmGY2Y8No7Xf/s640/blogger-image-1819621877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmknA46G9wcIYezH1wCeWVqei9DOrGExnkh7t99vnbqQkGxkp6vLMgL7IuLznHptmXktA6qxNxAcP9AGeNc-vdyCUIMNd0Dc-mlNv-JAcFxYLi7uklBZv_Kky_hJPbEY6pQmGY2Y8No7Xf/s640/blogger-image-1819621877.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>As the sunrise hits the marina it is time for us to say goodbye to this great city, as we prepare to commence the last stretch of our journey.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVX3w27wMvQ5Q5aeUcfk5K2kdNEn6-W2R5DbE7L-VPI9J421rhMLqrXy9EAvJY7TYZ-JOCgmcZ2i0Do5BFYTM2Vid1iqZPmYxAGPhkJccWSmdpvP49KVilIADrtdads05h2iEaSfMZddWX/s640/blogger-image--848682264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVX3w27wMvQ5Q5aeUcfk5K2kdNEn6-W2R5DbE7L-VPI9J421rhMLqrXy9EAvJY7TYZ-JOCgmcZ2i0Do5BFYTM2Vid1iqZPmYxAGPhkJccWSmdpvP49KVilIADrtdads05h2iEaSfMZddWX/s640/blogger-image--848682264.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Here we go with locks again. The Chicago Lock was built to help prevent the Illinois River from dumping its less than savory contents into Lake Michigan. While the river is not nearly as polluted as it was during the early years of development, the lock is still needed to separate the two bodies of water.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8hnWFz3K2iTYbG5aQjlkyCtsCNgXUGO26eQdwVYouJhPCav7VTVDW88yQCAnZ0ZyxRcHm9to48n1D_mm57JGfqZ4DSwFU3FhcWeaNUWdvdNqgRqhoCeGy1dQizYYTpgR8r8oel0uBAQyK/s640/blogger-image--607608882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8hnWFz3K2iTYbG5aQjlkyCtsCNgXUGO26eQdwVYouJhPCav7VTVDW88yQCAnZ0ZyxRcHm9to48n1D_mm57JGfqZ4DSwFU3FhcWeaNUWdvdNqgRqhoCeGy1dQizYYTpgR8r8oel0uBAQyK/s640/blogger-image--607608882.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Our view as we progress down the Chicago River by way of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal is quite stunning. The skyscrapers soar into the bright blue sky on both sides of us.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gYO_ULMtaKHxxen9XTtELjOQ4j_Zmk1IKOQe8T-Z4cmg8UpsQ7zl-Hj2Qr1TUL0wxis09DcYHrAFHby44TwQldICmNRa1yKKPJpAnQwS9dPt5Kjk2n82soaIPuTa9O3D9rCthve_stqw/s640/blogger-image--793688512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gYO_ULMtaKHxxen9XTtELjOQ4j_Zmk1IKOQe8T-Z4cmg8UpsQ7zl-Hj2Qr1TUL0wxis09DcYHrAFHby44TwQldICmNRa1yKKPJpAnQwS9dPt5Kjk2n82soaIPuTa9O3D9rCthve_stqw/s640/blogger-image--793688512.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>This is Trump Towers, which contains office space and residential units. I can't imagine what a nice little apartment rents for, but I don't think it is within our budget.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjib1xQ-SLrmV_jfWOru8pMYy42WIEiEBOY9PQG-iDNezbNaR-ebp7qqnlrrZIZIG0LC4L2h78RscwPTioWwEfkPAW8lIfE4tQEpEZ06ZdfnCisCPI2rWlIfZU5kbEBKoxEF80j-oyI8HBP/s640/blogger-image--272154571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjib1xQ-SLrmV_jfWOru8pMYy42WIEiEBOY9PQG-iDNezbNaR-ebp7qqnlrrZIZIG0LC4L2h78RscwPTioWwEfkPAW8lIfE4tQEpEZ06ZdfnCisCPI2rWlIfZU5kbEBKoxEF80j-oyI8HBP/s640/blogger-image--272154571.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Access to the water is very important here. These highrises actually include boat slips, as well as a parking garage. How convenient<font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"> can you get?</font></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3SMVnm_FxGU80QIcET6o_GzTMji0EIuo_Z0CgI73oI60PlKVOHmwcBAewcW33dzvQAhjc-FdX10b-k7crE4mt5mTpeEje3Ip9xFikRaAQ3IYe_oo4F3BgYNsosA7CLTNyI6VNzRbjivk/s640/blogger-image--1322472864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3SMVnm_FxGU80QIcET6o_GzTMji0EIuo_Z0CgI73oI60PlKVOHmwcBAewcW33dzvQAhjc-FdX10b-k7crE4mt5mTpeEje3Ip9xFikRaAQ3IYe_oo4F3BgYNsosA7CLTNyI6VNzRbjivk/s640/blogger-image--1322472864.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>There are approximately 50 bridges crossing the canal as it connects Lake Michigan with the Illinois River. Most can be opened if needed, while some are fixed causing boats to be able to get below a certain height in order to transverse this portion of the canal. That is why we had to lower our mast again this morning. Luckily we are able to do that in order to meet the height requirements, some Loopers have to connect with the Illinois River further south by way of the Calumet River Canal.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvVCEHrBltfkojA_xIwAaScTmyDpWmdQbh2oaKKywuHCc_jtJAWEKHX1X8QRoBw7oKke4TukoH3I3V_u2NGulo9JvFgxYjPmVqvgqYWNeR36zgzqrZvsMzzybrWvtMhmfreF7b872v6x5x/s640/blogger-image--218760206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvVCEHrBltfkojA_xIwAaScTmyDpWmdQbh2oaKKywuHCc_jtJAWEKHX1X8QRoBw7oKke4TukoH3I3V_u2NGulo9JvFgxYjPmVqvgqYWNeR36zgzqrZvsMzzybrWvtMhmfreF7b872v6x5x/s640/blogger-image--218760206.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The glass fronted towers provide picturesque views of the skyscrapers around them.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN_Dn5h-1SB_HT0UGIiKmyOY-RhLGUsgai3m-Sh6T91pXkyAWly0cWjGr1N9EkQsGw7oNylyAlOb7ecN0QO39mVNZM-Np8xYE9ZQwWl7vhdYz4eh2CsazGUSXx74x1ti0MdIvVx4EMPuXZ/s640/blogger-image-2072450812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN_Dn5h-1SB_HT0UGIiKmyOY-RhLGUsgai3m-Sh6T91pXkyAWly0cWjGr1N9EkQsGw7oNylyAlOb7ecN0QO39mVNZM-Np8xYE9ZQwWl7vhdYz4eh2CsazGUSXx74x1ti0MdIvVx4EMPuXZ/s640/blogger-image-2072450812.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Chicago is a city in constant motion. New skyscrapers are rising, and others are in the planning stages. The uniqueness of its architecture is very important here. Architects seem to basically have a free hand in designing structures that will add to the intrigue of the city skyline.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjoGxsES9Z_jwFWt0jb2kJ5PlSf6dEEMngscu9fVMSM-X72vK2t4icGPH804qSpe7AsBLJ-hdPUKPLn_RkZpp1ubYGYpq1rRGZx0dIxa7-VzWbxTVY5g55aDJVfgZubA5sVyWLS7lCWQXA/s640/blogger-image-649683150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjoGxsES9Z_jwFWt0jb2kJ5PlSf6dEEMngscu9fVMSM-X72vK2t4icGPH804qSpe7AsBLJ-hdPUKPLn_RkZpp1ubYGYpq1rRGZx0dIxa7-VzWbxTVY5g55aDJVfgZubA5sVyWLS7lCWQXA/s640/blogger-image-649683150.jpg"></a></div><br></div>It wasn't long before we had left the city behind us. The Illinois River is a major commercial route because of its connection to the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes. We will be sharing the water with many very large barges as we continue our travels south.</div>Linda and Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417081628587029110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439761904960438927.post-33665325025101940442015-09-12T20:42:00.001-07:002015-09-18T18:36:45.784-07:00Michigan City, INSept. 7-9<div><br></div><div>Days 300-309</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Windfinder says it is time to leave Michigan for a quick stop in Indiana. A fairly nice day on the water brought us to a nice marina in Michigan City. We had planned on a short visit, but the wind continues to blow. Oh well, we have discovered that Michigan City has plenty to keep us busy for a few days. The marina here is nestled in a protected harbor that connects to a beautiful park. We arrived Labor Day evening, too late to enjoy any of the holiday activities taking place, so we just went in search of supper. Thursday looks like a good crossing day for us to head for Chicago, which gives us two days to check out the activities within walking distance of the marina. Our friends on <i>Sea</i> <i>Horse</i> are here with a rental car, giving Jess an opportunity to make a drink run, while I caught up with the laundry.</div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AzJj1CQC3RAG-1ZZNRamx2dr-pDBySztENt6qoX_g9Mb6J0ri2cyRQMbNetRmoPciVoJZIuos9Xg-NjxZUCr_X3RfgRhbQiE1jdQSAJH1w1vlj0Y7PUmFTm07YHKC3AJaxr-kxrKNtnW/s640/blogger-image--440082382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AzJj1CQC3RAG-1ZZNRamx2dr-pDBySztENt6qoX_g9Mb6J0ri2cyRQMbNetRmoPciVoJZIuos9Xg-NjxZUCr_X3RfgRhbQiE1jdQSAJH1w1vlj0Y7PUmFTm07YHKC3AJaxr-kxrKNtnW/s640/blogger-image--440082382.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Our first stop was the Washington Park Zoo. Visiting zoos when we travel has always been sort of a family tradition for us. This is only our second one on this trip, but like most zoos, it offered some things that make it quite unique. In the 1920s the city fire station was located in Washington Park. For some reason the firemen took on the role of caring for homeless and injured animals. As the numbers and variety of species grew, the town council decided that if the community came together to offer funds and labor, they would begin building a zoo in its present location. They may be a relatively small zoo, but they still are able to house an interesting collection of animals. This is one of a pair of white tigers that are absolutely magnificent.</div><div><br></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrjnQSh9GOLfYzDJ9uq_R_7xc3BlJYnjsmbqIoC3iDI0lJdAT7CGz3q6-pPxolp0uiUNPWTvlCCS3EbuiREHRRQe9LXluxKBZjF6nHSYDyXK97dQhyphenhyphenuew9OZutYtwYimPTOgOIk7R92zr/s640/blogger-image--439730453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrjnQSh9GOLfYzDJ9uq_R_7xc3BlJYnjsmbqIoC3iDI0lJdAT7CGz3q6-pPxolp0uiUNPWTvlCCS3EbuiREHRRQe9LXluxKBZjF6nHSYDyXK97dQhyphenhyphenuew9OZutYtwYimPTOgOIk7R92zr/s640/blogger-image--439730453.jpg"></font></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The zoo is built on a hillside with this observation tower looming over the highest peak. The tower and several other structures in the zoo, was built by the WPA during the depression. The city provided the materials and the WPA program supplied the laborers. It takes 92 steps to reach the highest observation point.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHn-Y0ku8qwPIyBYubjfIn18Y-2x4-oG6gMREsukxFRI68MZbjpHnsnH0Z5jFOIOiwv7hODbCwZgtAt5fEl4SnCJwFAKGuxbSoo4_U7GUh8Xglp4eT8LYk_KxORsmsk7s7oYdACK1aoLr/s640/blogger-image--1993667458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHn-Y0ku8qwPIyBYubjfIn18Y-2x4-oG6gMREsukxFRI68MZbjpHnsnH0Z5jFOIOiwv7hODbCwZgtAt5fEl4SnCJwFAKGuxbSoo4_U7GUh8Xglp4eT8LYk_KxORsmsk7s7oYdACK1aoLr/s640/blogger-image--1993667458.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">You can just see the marina in the distance. The wind was quite strong this high up, but we were entertained by some rather large birds of prey, a nice way of saying vultures, as they used wind currents to search for their lunch.</div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJCKwIRM6pXBE5UWEE3JQCN0LddpkJ4ADodHXUmAhxJoijtMr9XZC4ZT9S6Q_T20VRh8hhf2pugxunwxv59BDW10l-o0xxqnt3psw1phKdrKmlmY8xWc6smM-8BF3mqbdnbvOUi6_tFAf/s640/blogger-image--1732830656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJCKwIRM6pXBE5UWEE3JQCN0LddpkJ4ADodHXUmAhxJoijtMr9XZC4ZT9S6Q_T20VRh8hhf2pugxunwxv59BDW10l-o0xxqnt3psw1phKdrKmlmY8xWc6smM-8BF3mqbdnbvOUi6_tFAf/s640/blogger-image--1732830656.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>A popsicle stick covered with birdseed enticed the budgies to leave their roosts. Most of them didn't mind having friends come to dinner, but a couple of the green guys evidently missed the lesson on sharing.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwjeFcP6Lci2FX6POw-8fDLTFM5HJk90K8cOmmgdpgJ70NqfaKkyjD0AdRpu0WBToLGZP4gpa9kU1zSBO7Ija6fKICiQxF5NsLEVhD6SDjcQMSSKl-9C7500SlbkEZ3xg9_lsT0u1ybXl/s640/blogger-image--422221643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwjeFcP6Lci2FX6POw-8fDLTFM5HJk90K8cOmmgdpgJ70NqfaKkyjD0AdRpu0WBToLGZP4gpa9kU1zSBO7Ija6fKICiQxF5NsLEVhD6SDjcQMSSKl-9C7500SlbkEZ3xg9_lsT0u1ybXl/s640/blogger-image--422221643.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Another one of those art structures that causes Jess to contemplate on its meaning. This one is titled <i>Whispering</i> <i>Stones, </i>a sculpture in steel and stone. It is definitely true that "beauty is in the eye of the beholder".</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2clPSX_7ItC37NXMWcFO1fDlLE8mN_0nyBaCxV2xyjnnzyriFbiVzpdimZgJaRALYzhutcoIaKLqib30oahXqSHSoR0Qv9nKArPa5GRT9BOrZSm4SKPDYC0I97kNi59fHjrJtZibqhO5n/s640/blogger-image--1040432623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2clPSX_7ItC37NXMWcFO1fDlLE8mN_0nyBaCxV2xyjnnzyriFbiVzpdimZgJaRALYzhutcoIaKLqib30oahXqSHSoR0Qv9nKArPa5GRT9BOrZSm4SKPDYC0I97kNi59fHjrJtZibqhO5n/s640/blogger-image--1040432623.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>This lighthouse was built in 1858. It is now the home of a museum, with the actual light now placed at the end of the entrance pier.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCbF5tKDBezJZeGgBPckK9a_RA4JbH9_4wMWWR0feOg1rigSAU5oQpQzg-6oUYRmxFnSgKjQKMgxNAHskJuyzLshlqXw4i2SMTI_absNkAPQdoAc6BVJnK_Pko1PvSrUP6I9XmAPJN3fZW/s640/blogger-image-1276282975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCbF5tKDBezJZeGgBPckK9a_RA4JbH9_4wMWWR0feOg1rigSAU5oQpQzg-6oUYRmxFnSgKjQKMgxNAHskJuyzLshlqXw4i2SMTI_absNkAPQdoAc6BVJnK_Pko1PvSrUP6I9XmAPJN3fZW/s640/blogger-image-1276282975.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The draw bridge connecting the waterfront to Michigan City. All of the condos along the river have their own boat slips. It must be one heck of a job when it is time for all of the boats to be placed on the hard for the winter. The marina has more than 500 slips, most of which are full. Every one of those boats have to be taken out of the water by the end of October before the harbor freezes.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibvPbVZ-ExWuEsgD0csyeUgbTlwhOf8t5W_44PsICG0DfamBvOQl73lvdG7-LL6nzz7pIKld6bvC3BIRGb-tmGloJPuaw8E7ly3W07Ubc_6zV8FKmSvcAyym_STupZfLbksKHY20PsxwQ-/s640/blogger-image--1417487742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibvPbVZ-ExWuEsgD0csyeUgbTlwhOf8t5W_44PsICG0DfamBvOQl73lvdG7-LL6nzz7pIKld6bvC3BIRGb-tmGloJPuaw8E7ly3W07Ubc_6zV8FKmSvcAyym_STupZfLbksKHY20PsxwQ-/s640/blogger-image--1417487742.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>What a nice monument honoring firefighters and police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioVOEHGp1DFbjGOKci3s_7H_E-aoiwRYJCMhDgwwuxRS7jy0wtpZ5QSZy0o04JiVFW4K2cPl8Yq6jH-mJI3X4XhTYtAxPhGNgbCBVpPehBm1PuAh-rlwIM6M7o_nP7oq0fZCyll-Tiyhju/s640/blogger-image-1356454884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioVOEHGp1DFbjGOKci3s_7H_E-aoiwRYJCMhDgwwuxRS7jy0wtpZ5QSZy0o04JiVFW4K2cPl8Yq6jH-mJI3X4XhTYtAxPhGNgbCBVpPehBm1PuAh-rlwIM6M7o_nP7oq0fZCyll-Tiyhju/s640/blogger-image-1356454884.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Another stunning church, as we take a walk through the streets of downtown.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz5Y1YZOjiJX3yombd4d4Pq0Wvb533X0I-6vC9KrxBeQ-C3DsMP28zAAt8qstSS7umJqNJNBW1C6toGeRgDL4FOu3EHvyOnMufhifBOAKp8dNp823dvvexVdSQjw3-HbMgEQeiUbpLaONz/s640/blogger-image--30103597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz5Y1YZOjiJX3yombd4d4Pq0Wvb533X0I-6vC9KrxBeQ-C3DsMP28zAAt8qstSS7umJqNJNBW1C6toGeRgDL4FOu3EHvyOnMufhifBOAKp8dNp823dvvexVdSQjw3-HbMgEQeiUbpLaONz/s640/blogger-image--30103597.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The Barker Mansion is the former home of a railroad baron. He made his fortune building railcars back in the day when railroads were at their peak.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_iBvcrgOzQ3FVedWyTP1RHWWgGSAoESB6wKyyPcLXYQegGls0_Dp-MQglABkbeytPEhTnIIxeyzOCkGkZOUU9HFQzvsDjie0abq_gK9avEzZ75-Mnu51t5AqnZW1e-uhfLugT9Nbq6cs/s640/blogger-image--1715510407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_iBvcrgOzQ3FVedWyTP1RHWWgGSAoESB6wKyyPcLXYQegGls0_Dp-MQglABkbeytPEhTnIIxeyzOCkGkZOUU9HFQzvsDjie0abq_gK9avEzZ75-Mnu51t5AqnZW1e-uhfLugT9Nbq6cs/s640/blogger-image--1715510407.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Not only is the architecture amazing, but the landscaping is perfection. The structure is now owned by the city, and it is used as a civic center for various functions.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP1GL0Nzl-BkQAPFgAVasl9_AVwYg0d76xv9xnU24S0NBjJWiXF3-iGS4GbyREzET_Pfbm6fCxdf38ShrbYu5uQ-7Z9VOpxrlbNuXggDgD1GRjHBNswGuZGeKuBk35zozBi8pqogrq7aZS/s640/blogger-image-45460801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP1GL0Nzl-BkQAPFgAVasl9_AVwYg0d76xv9xnU24S0NBjJWiXF3-iGS4GbyREzET_Pfbm6fCxdf38ShrbYu5uQ-7Z9VOpxrlbNuXggDgD1GRjHBNswGuZGeKuBk35zozBi8pqogrq7aZS/s640/blogger-image-45460801.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Jess was happy to finally sink his teeth into a traditional Chicago Dog for lunch. I am not sure what all was on it, but it did make him happy. I know I am not very adventurous when it comes to messing with my food, so I stuck with ketchup and relish.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQznKU69LqXyDXwUcLSX_OFAXYidV69R9DLX33njze3kMw-aNKduzvcxp6SMMuApuL7mhTPj-0lTdqT4fYsfHnYfmK5-CroMf8gSJdlxbtoMreISMjQNe4vCWirnHoQ6vdwS9YNSKo9-O/s640/blogger-image--121182014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQznKU69LqXyDXwUcLSX_OFAXYidV69R9DLX33njze3kMw-aNKduzvcxp6SMMuApuL7mhTPj-0lTdqT4fYsfHnYfmK5-CroMf8gSJdlxbtoMreISMjQNe4vCWirnHoQ6vdwS9YNSKo9-O/s640/blogger-image--121182014.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>This stunning maple seems to be telling us that it may be time to start heading for warmer climate. It is hard to believe that we are ready to begin the last leg of our journey.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicTu5VXS_pO_ekSH1ixKIE7wZpT5PhvzWCvUzayPnKaTe95I_udlEipi1G6tr1rNRaj-nK_uk9gUwJB58B8RZEYLIdZEoM6zkIZIJhZ4SvcrMMz_asGxm-_1jCRhHX5wHY1qneo_CQHrvC/s640/blogger-image-536503539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicTu5VXS_pO_ekSH1ixKIE7wZpT5PhvzWCvUzayPnKaTe95I_udlEipi1G6tr1rNRaj-nK_uk9gUwJB58B8RZEYLIdZEoM6zkIZIJhZ4SvcrMMz_asGxm-_1jCRhHX5wHY1qneo_CQHrvC/s640/blogger-image-536503539.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><i>Bama</i> <i>Dream</i> safely tucked into her slip, as a gorgeous sunset provides a stunning backdrop for the end of another fantastic day.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_XXgiEW6GpjYW-O_OEc1WJE0gzxgJrnjP7nzcnIaDnG3HR5qxmduNL9H6DRJFwlKwTtRqgAG6XMYwQx_n5n4vBttvElMEGNBKlvCnKjsRzBDBiG5lTzNrs30pSyj8FBn1GK9_OKTrGb-W/s640/blogger-image-1683664014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_XXgiEW6GpjYW-O_OEc1WJE0gzxgJrnjP7nzcnIaDnG3HR5qxmduNL9H6DRJFwlKwTtRqgAG6XMYwQx_n5n4vBttvElMEGNBKlvCnKjsRzBDBiG5lTzNrs30pSyj8FBn1GK9_OKTrGb-W/s640/blogger-image-1683664014.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We are headed out of the harbor for what we hope will be a calm day on the lake. It is roughly 35 miles to Chicago, which means about a 5 hour trip. We deserve a nice smooth ride on our last full day on Lake Michigan. Thanks to Angie on <i>Sea</i> <i>Horse</i> for sending this picture to us. </div><br></div>Linda and Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417081628587029110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439761904960438927.post-64783959091993856662015-09-07T15:31:00.001-07:002015-11-02T21:57:06.673-08:00Taking on Lake MichiganAugust 18-Sept. 5<div><br></div><div>Days 280-299</div><div><br></div><div>Many travelers we have met along our way have warned us that Lake Michigan can pose issues for boaters. How right they were! While we have not seen 6 foot seas, we have had many more unpleasant cruising days than we prefer. When the waves hit us on the beam it is time to start searching our charts for the closest protected harbor. Luckily, the state of Michigan provides wonderful opportunities to get off the lake all along its west coast. I have decided that while Lake Michigan may not be one of my favorite bodies of water, I have thoroughly enjoyed the lovely towns that have provided our safe harbors along the way. After leaving Mackinac Island we headed for what we believed would be a nice anchorage in a bay by Garden Island. Two nights of rocking and rolling convinced us that it was time to take the short trip into the marina on Beaver Island. Since then we have basically travelled only on days that our Windfinder App says it won't be too rough out on the water or we have just set tight and enjoyed what we found on shore. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXeZnMWU_eQWCC2a8NiaJYjPhEepUa_-3c9r19HmJM0rAw8kpJXDTsBBk2XH81UXn1Gw2cijRJwjozKfCEvaYpHMsCjhzb8fn4ZOlLbJwEsG9SAZvWmk5ysqso5UK9n3OaBMYVmsyMcn_6/s640/blogger-image--898915925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXeZnMWU_eQWCC2a8NiaJYjPhEepUa_-3c9r19HmJM0rAw8kpJXDTsBBk2XH81UXn1Gw2cijRJwjozKfCEvaYpHMsCjhzb8fn4ZOlLbJwEsG9SAZvWmk5ysqso5UK9n3OaBMYVmsyMcn_6/s640/blogger-image--898915925.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The small village of St. James is nestled in a protected bay on Beaver Island. This is the largest island on Lake Michigan, but as we must rely on our feet for transportation we were only able to explore this small part. They did provide every cruisers major requirements, a nice grocery store, good restaurant, ice cream, and a bakery.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0eaYBllqBiEfzGPVTXXtTf4RnSDCg7cRT7wBcgZwDYodw1xG1ukDJ8BxYVSrKmIWsnxnzJdHlKTUfSSXuqpbXNF9HstgNgZgXVUeMrPlsHVNFOgmtYqOFDdf_cHMrDko9zPetYH7Uqqbt/s640/blogger-image--133341650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0eaYBllqBiEfzGPVTXXtTf4RnSDCg7cRT7wBcgZwDYodw1xG1ukDJ8BxYVSrKmIWsnxnzJdHlKTUfSSXuqpbXNF9HstgNgZgXVUeMrPlsHVNFOgmtYqOFDdf_cHMrDko9zPetYH7Uqqbt/s640/blogger-image--133341650.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Didn't realize I had found two headless ducks until I looked at this picture on my iPad. I was actually just trying to show how beautifully clear Lake Michigan's waters are.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6VGaATfRogpj4MVo1cXum__in-_Cgn_0hoZh7BbMNLAX-qVhRf-dqxA_h5_6kfXGunuhW_GLaTikPxU-OyYhCebHIIHTMWtf6TQSF7LyPxPcA_f-t_UCLAfwU9M_BhNB9Aj1SyXNH7Y-/s640/blogger-image-2079305286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6VGaATfRogpj4MVo1cXum__in-_Cgn_0hoZh7BbMNLAX-qVhRf-dqxA_h5_6kfXGunuhW_GLaTikPxU-OyYhCebHIIHTMWtf6TQSF7LyPxPcA_f-t_UCLAfwU9M_BhNB9Aj1SyXNH7Y-/s640/blogger-image-2079305286.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The sunrise across the lake seems to be promising us a nice day on the water. It was nice for a few hours before the wind picked up and we again started looking for a place to hunker down. When we dropped anchor in Sleeping Bear Bay we thought we had been transported back to the gulf. This was our first glimpse of the Michigan sand dunes. Jess was thrilled to set the anchor in the sand again.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWVA0LOM7j2XfL4aj7EDethEwfsDdb0fF1xsXNCqIjSLOYjlRjiMk8tQ4f_EHpeklRgjMAYBkwREM_ofmjqgF2Sy5SzZ7HH1-rkPWE1T5hRwzYNOPYj7yHxygES2DGP7PFOX6XsSKjiB64/s640/blogger-image--186677820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWVA0LOM7j2XfL4aj7EDethEwfsDdb0fF1xsXNCqIjSLOYjlRjiMk8tQ4f_EHpeklRgjMAYBkwREM_ofmjqgF2Sy5SzZ7HH1-rkPWE1T5hRwzYNOPYj7yHxygES2DGP7PFOX6XsSKjiB64/s640/blogger-image--186677820.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Lake Michigan is so huge that it can kick up waves just like the open ocean. Mariners have to really pay attention to wind direction and speed in order to make good decisions about traveling these waters. From what locals tell us it really gets bad later in the Fall. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQTM5ZGRF6Nnq9fH2j_EYG85ec7tPObj-n0cc0dDoFMXyvVCQFXsN_D4nIT_3MbXiELByE9vydap3jaZRpzrFktO_ZPTGgYQ-VcNGR7IwRmBNzc9dRPiw841jdFdJEhUalr4HWBTsjggLJ/s640/blogger-image-188950564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQTM5ZGRF6Nnq9fH2j_EYG85ec7tPObj-n0cc0dDoFMXyvVCQFXsN_D4nIT_3MbXiELByE9vydap3jaZRpzrFktO_ZPTGgYQ-VcNGR7IwRmBNzc9dRPiw841jdFdJEhUalr4HWBTsjggLJ/s640/blogger-image-188950564.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">With the wind picking up over the next few days, it was time to head into the marina in Frankfort. This is a nice small town with stately old homes covering the hillside overlooking the lake. Our walk along the river front also took us to the Saturday morning farmers market, where we were thrilled to pick up some locally grown fruits and vegetables. </div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_4BAju9FNR2wtbnuJOOcaVX82UjGmO9O7b9YiggSbRAZHSbsEUjAnHfVgDNldhhdz5hwrVt3TeFXO5QqHMiKtn8LapStpnssrBmOKoKcBtnmZJEpN7Aa2c6jPHqdVbmsnbXcRVrx1xe_/s640/blogger-image-2146234709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_4BAju9FNR2wtbnuJOOcaVX82UjGmO9O7b9YiggSbRAZHSbsEUjAnHfVgDNldhhdz5hwrVt3TeFXO5QqHMiKtn8LapStpnssrBmOKoKcBtnmZJEpN7Aa2c6jPHqdVbmsnbXcRVrx1xe_/s640/blogger-image-2146234709.jpg"></a></div></div><br></div><div>With the sandy beaches, nice waves and a beautiful blue sky it may have not been conducive to boating, but it was perfect for wind surfers.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNppCzThYkNg6zcgJ8ZKIFQLs73swArhziV7KRkcZM1SRdgRkU-iJfy_Msh-t59eLzyEH4ozp-ZlRy2Az6IbU9yBh0hp1p67DpUWqdEUg0rv6h7daQ5dNvoNNqw_8I3yRKiWFBQ7GjosWZ/s640/blogger-image-930207631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNppCzThYkNg6zcgJ8ZKIFQLs73swArhziV7KRkcZM1SRdgRkU-iJfy_Msh-t59eLzyEH4ozp-ZlRy2Az6IbU9yBh0hp1p67DpUWqdEUg0rv6h7daQ5dNvoNNqw_8I3yRKiWFBQ7GjosWZ/s640/blogger-image-930207631.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The beauty is certainly in the details on these older homes. With all of the different textures and paint colors it must take constant attention to keep them preserved at this level.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj663YXanm48paQakuZKUEiSpu-sBX6jUUjPF0l4XwrP9gti92etgX1KlDL5c94vkaH8sX9Z-3IxTtzJWQaFbax7uDHs-eszJXFqA_GQiZNxxiHFCgbyXWdvEGjnk987xL-hjjiDZHYGFp9/s640/blogger-image--687822532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj663YXanm48paQakuZKUEiSpu-sBX6jUUjPF0l4XwrP9gti92etgX1KlDL5c94vkaH8sX9Z-3IxTtzJWQaFbax7uDHs-eszJXFqA_GQiZNxxiHFCgbyXWdvEGjnk987xL-hjjiDZHYGFp9/s640/blogger-image--687822532.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Bama</i> <i>Dream</i> enjoys her relatively peaceful berth in Frankfort. Unfortunately, the wind did shift directions, causing the waves to push through the channel and straight into the harbor. We rocked and rolled so much one night we couldn't even tell we were in a marina.</div></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7CXktOX8iYlECXUc5jgsudR4e9g5vE9cKbHgRkz9bA2iZnpAvqFHKa0QZvOs2Z9mknotbJNFLjeOEh7pvXhdKPgfNCYTXiaw-IzvSPK-YLWd9O1M9BeDiG_UkEwkWeivLvy68KgXqEJU/s640/blogger-image-2117567456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7CXktOX8iYlECXUc5jgsudR4e9g5vE9cKbHgRkz9bA2iZnpAvqFHKa0QZvOs2Z9mknotbJNFLjeOEh7pvXhdKPgfNCYTXiaw-IzvSPK-YLWd9O1M9BeDiG_UkEwkWeivLvy68KgXqEJU/s640/blogger-image-2117567456.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We were not the only loopers waiting out the weather in Frankfort. After docktails on <i>Spirit</i> <i>Journey</i>, we all headed to Dinghy's for some great food so that we could swap more boating stories. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQChCttEsTWp79E_Rk-u4Obrl9L5BknNfr1oxZqXuQQqep05G7puesJrm_1HpkK0Jhhfdy3465TMA838_KZ95P1FLFTSKI4_hGLiNiamZn8BjCidCdPH8W_46S9DaJ-D2C8WcAV6LEt237/s640/blogger-image--1302183928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQChCttEsTWp79E_Rk-u4Obrl9L5BknNfr1oxZqXuQQqep05G7puesJrm_1HpkK0Jhhfdy3465TMA838_KZ95P1FLFTSKI4_hGLiNiamZn8BjCidCdPH8W_46S9DaJ-D2C8WcAV6LEt237/s640/blogger-image--1302183928.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>After four days in Frankfort, this looks like our first possibility for getting a little bit further south. Not perfect, but doable.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDzslw7jfhdkw_99KWfEsgAd0vHA0RxjcuLuFgVZQFMB-2sl8AuMbQ_nJ9FLhFON9EU24VjKdAcm4D2lKu2BPTeHpKK9LqQ26a-8ZTTKBSvqyCEeVOVuRqlwJuAHy7vMfH6gVR9QIVEUp8/s640/blogger-image-1697243694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDzslw7jfhdkw_99KWfEsgAd0vHA0RxjcuLuFgVZQFMB-2sl8AuMbQ_nJ9FLhFON9EU24VjKdAcm4D2lKu2BPTeHpKK9LqQ26a-8ZTTKBSvqyCEeVOVuRqlwJuAHy7vMfH6gVR9QIVEUp8/s640/blogger-image-1697243694.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The water is still a little choppy, but the sun has finally broken through as we near our destination for today. After negotiating our way through the rocky terrain in the Georgian Bay, the sand dunes along the coast of Michigan are quite a change. As we had never visited this area before, and didn't realize that the west coast of Michigan is basically one long sandy beach.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyek2_7CqYrmbEm5k4pHotyYS3jl51g1s_5AHLhqrnERMHGf9h3l30uvx5XXaSMqTGo5BBxdP5TpBidQvAVCYurv-JkbFaWTvM9AGAjDVwXliW8NQj6WMVy7e3Ph2KyoUSQR4bpdZ1bBod/s640/blogger-image--487846235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyek2_7CqYrmbEm5k4pHotyYS3jl51g1s_5AHLhqrnERMHGf9h3l30uvx5XXaSMqTGo5BBxdP5TpBidQvAVCYurv-JkbFaWTvM9AGAjDVwXliW8NQj6WMVy7e3Ph2KyoUSQR4bpdZ1bBod/s640/blogger-image--487846235.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>An overnighter in Ludington made us wish we had more time here, but the weather is good for tomorrow, so we will continue our travels. We arrived at the marina early enough for a nice walk around town, and of course a stop at the local ice cream shop.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdlOo7fKf2EKt4RmJZVVxMa0nnANGeuIgHrEkR0LZtQvm6uCKFBa2E_jYRof1YK0F7GWdctUWbBO2RLfBHxeiskAT9MJ-ySnjt79Si6_-p2uSJgDD-ickL9JaUhfZvNOiDSM4n8rxOnKA/s640/blogger-image-650801073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdlOo7fKf2EKt4RmJZVVxMa0nnANGeuIgHrEkR0LZtQvm6uCKFBa2E_jYRof1YK0F7GWdctUWbBO2RLfBHxeiskAT9MJ-ySnjt79Si6_-p2uSJgDD-ickL9JaUhfZvNOiDSM4n8rxOnKA/s640/blogger-image-650801073.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Just like everywhere else we have visited for the past few months, the flowers in Michigan are glorious.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDkkSSIy4-UpkR8bxpnn2jHBq5YXdSqFY2laG8hR-ZRmGgNa9nBx93FMTRYYNO7b4P2ziMmycO6Dj5Ga2jbDtSvLaXL5HfbCHPsn2OCwxUZH5T1S-MyxUr20g7Ogwwl_DzGMifSEcsMWqM/s640/blogger-image--1130057904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDkkSSIy4-UpkR8bxpnn2jHBq5YXdSqFY2laG8hR-ZRmGgNa9nBx93FMTRYYNO7b4P2ziMmycO6Dj5Ga2jbDtSvLaXL5HfbCHPsn2OCwxUZH5T1S-MyxUr20g7Ogwwl_DzGMifSEcsMWqM/s640/blogger-image--1130057904.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Ludington is the homeport for the S.S. Badger. It is a passenger and vehicle ferry that has been in service on Lake Michigan since 1953. It is the last coal-fired passenger vessel operating in the Great Lakes. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWZCLvEWZxbSYgt54gAZiXTsbTmMgdzb9T4UgnQRLBGO5s9wGSt6yvKdN2geIzCG1bwiFWM0ZeYHBbe6O3mldxOlbp6iua-Jb2Gc97A44W4RwFZq4UsmgVaKK__XxBfCz6SZ69WdNVvp7/s640/blogger-image--2073670718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWZCLvEWZxbSYgt54gAZiXTsbTmMgdzb9T4UgnQRLBGO5s9wGSt6yvKdN2geIzCG1bwiFWM0ZeYHBbe6O3mldxOlbp6iua-Jb2Gc97A44W4RwFZq4UsmgVaKK__XxBfCz6SZ69WdNVvp7/s640/blogger-image--2073670718.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>What a treat! Our one night stop here just happened to coincide with a concert by the Navy Band Cruisers out of Washington D.C. They are on a Midwest tour, and we were thrilled to get to see these awesomely talented musicians perform.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5fqw6HLEyIPZOiax71hzg8FSd89JkKfV5sLrI6LDEfAUJqiWJcs2ya8bZcT8zOfV6r6MKgenhcoA5TxGgnfL8Mk-lvC_OSrrXYbW6Zl2uxLcu4M_5_cs-sozgvLGrSVrKSWfHU89c_JSv/s640/blogger-image--1145428217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5fqw6HLEyIPZOiax71hzg8FSd89JkKfV5sLrI6LDEfAUJqiWJcs2ya8bZcT8zOfV6r6MKgenhcoA5TxGgnfL8Mk-lvC_OSrrXYbW6Zl2uxLcu4M_5_cs-sozgvLGrSVrKSWfHU89c_JSv/s640/blogger-image--1145428217.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A stunning sunset glittered off the sculpture, "Reflections", as it seems to catch the wind at the edge of the harbor. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU27ke3X1PTMuqgr3F-O46ieiAg7tphrUNBEyJr9nfobVBLkE7_z3J8l9qfU2DCDsdA-jVuTFT7Xh5fM77DEKWa55Y-feDZomJrIMSesX8hXwKkKPHEpRY06vFlpP6jNxEGNFLMUmQR0dR/s640/blogger-image-9789689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU27ke3X1PTMuqgr3F-O46ieiAg7tphrUNBEyJr9nfobVBLkE7_z3J8l9qfU2DCDsdA-jVuTFT7Xh5fM77DEKWa55Y-feDZomJrIMSesX8hXwKkKPHEpRY06vFlpP6jNxEGNFLMUmQR0dR/s640/blogger-image-9789689.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The S.S.Badger leaves the harbor on her trip across the lake to Manitowoc, Wisconsin. The ship is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij5f3OH-uF9AgGOyGYdVSzt_ze-qx2_im3Dl7UufEr822K9xbKd_szXYs6QMXOX5yZ656PU5YU3UJN3chLTmLA_k2i87jz3Eb5wgbBCxL5gYJmNzNzF_nO5ocDYmWh6tr0RQTl5T0D0N42/s640/blogger-image-1551101662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij5f3OH-uF9AgGOyGYdVSzt_ze-qx2_im3Dl7UufEr822K9xbKd_szXYs6QMXOX5yZ656PU5YU3UJN3chLTmLA_k2i87jz3Eb5wgbBCxL5gYJmNzNzF_nO5ocDYmWh6tr0RQTl5T0D0N42/s640/blogger-image-1551101662.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Another roly poly day on the water, but we are determined to make it to Grand Haven today.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMRt3eORBVOPV7EFAlrSqYDnCAkXQVGMozbtA5FT0-8wSjA6bAZvHq_kxsyK8lv9TnrR7vkeuiuIRF_yOXJkXi_zQnFWJ3clAeI3SSN_P9RtikPBUAJnYDW0bc0i0sSAGHbSi5HwX2C2T/s640/blogger-image--1081178725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMRt3eORBVOPV7EFAlrSqYDnCAkXQVGMozbtA5FT0-8wSjA6bAZvHq_kxsyK8lv9TnrR7vkeuiuIRF_yOXJkXi_zQnFWJ3clAeI3SSN_P9RtikPBUAJnYDW0bc0i0sSAGHbSi5HwX2C2T/s640/blogger-image--1081178725.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We didn't know it at the time we tied up to the wall in Grand Haven, but when night fell and the Musical Fountain began its show, we soon realized we had front row seats.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ed83_mxDVhOKcuc4gsI4dcEiWLDzSZX5vW2oeJEblkFaCIk1oX1sG18AQVmgHKInRniJPaNghvMg9_ozaCxmFn1EbaohN7A1z08bwgTPLuxSkZMpxZRL7xZwJQVMOdCwb6uMPvC-5Kxc/s640/blogger-image--977917923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ed83_mxDVhOKcuc4gsI4dcEiWLDzSZX5vW2oeJEblkFaCIk1oX1sG18AQVmgHKInRniJPaNghvMg9_ozaCxmFn1EbaohN7A1z08bwgTPLuxSkZMpxZRL7xZwJQVMOdCwb6uMPvC-5Kxc/s640/blogger-image--977917923.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We were entertained each evening with this beautiful light and water show set to a variety of musical numbers. At the time the fountain was built in 1962 it was the largest musical fountain in the world. It held that title until 1998 when the Bellagio Fountains were installed in Las Vegas.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjl93y_MlzYrs4_3oJth8sUwh705SL8itztzVoKCS_5CMayHvx0DAbLBAT-8CKGUGjlZJModZUEgytKi3Ol99PtIZksDz1Vl9d22RoZpwP30nW4bxo_K85kXCYeB8VKqGgBCVeJmRoUnY/s640/blogger-image-1213170863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjl93y_MlzYrs4_3oJth8sUwh705SL8itztzVoKCS_5CMayHvx0DAbLBAT-8CKGUGjlZJModZUEgytKi3Ol99PtIZksDz1Vl9d22RoZpwP30nW4bxo_K85kXCYeB8VKqGgBCVeJmRoUnY/s640/blogger-image-1213170863.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The Pere Marquette Railway operated in the Great Lakes region during the first half of the 20th century. This engine on display in Grand Haven was the inspiration for "The Polar Express" by Chris Van Allsburg. A Michigan native, he had seen the engine as a child when it was housed on the Michigan State University campus.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5W-L0XCBzGhcRciFjS07bdtEa5GEPS6bvVRrw9-QEF3YY5BA-ATZPT0lhyphenhyphenHKKfi9ThjLayIKOVa_W4biIJIVaBEDTtykDVxp7gzqs7oqs3BfWi0s8c4p0pU6Q88tD_HxB0YzXQdmdy9oB/s640/blogger-image--1106755148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5W-L0XCBzGhcRciFjS07bdtEa5GEPS6bvVRrw9-QEF3YY5BA-ATZPT0lhyphenhyphenHKKfi9ThjLayIKOVa_W4biIJIVaBEDTtykDVxp7gzqs7oqs3BfWi0s8c4p0pU6Q88tD_HxB0YzXQdmdy9oB/s640/blogger-image--1106755148.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Grand Haven has its fair share of beautiful old homes with amazing architectural details.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh36Dtqg6ccqkSvgbSuEbUTWQplHn6EPDaxzwTE1jrMp7sYdeXG9TKDDfgtShWG_ym8VTYL0RTW5cxTg5WxaXxDE3Vp7j5pGSsNx9lG4kOwJZfXDVU3xsgMObZxLHGIWrJGUdnbaLop7rNE/s640/blogger-image--503493403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh36Dtqg6ccqkSvgbSuEbUTWQplHn6EPDaxzwTE1jrMp7sYdeXG9TKDDfgtShWG_ym8VTYL0RTW5cxTg5WxaXxDE3Vp7j5pGSsNx9lG4kOwJZfXDVU3xsgMObZxLHGIWrJGUdnbaLop7rNE/s640/blogger-image--503493403.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The cool summer temperatures, as well as long hours of sunshine, contribute to a lucious landscape of thick green lawns and vibrantly colored flower beds.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLi3uLNRhPZcE2_8XFtXIX_R1VKaBIJBgAmaeTK9jKykOMe8HiYosv8W8dhVkJ8wn4POre3Mxw_9HG5fQ5gVptPGmgjqmu9MbsvCpuJfo11D2EO3jZ1mB41mZDP7sFyJb2jrP3xTWQqVeY/s640/blogger-image-1326018509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLi3uLNRhPZcE2_8XFtXIX_R1VKaBIJBgAmaeTK9jKykOMe8HiYosv8W8dhVkJ8wn4POre3Mxw_9HG5fQ5gVptPGmgjqmu9MbsvCpuJfo11D2EO3jZ1mB41mZDP7sFyJb2jrP3xTWQqVeY/s640/blogger-image-1326018509.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We enjoyed sharing Ralph and Janet's grandchildren, while they visited with their parents from Colorado for a few days. Grady, Hunter, and Haley were impressed with the salmon catch of the day. Between the fishy smells, and the dripping blood they were ready to head off to the playground rather quickly.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2RZUCZz_pcZGMYw0mq5GsglN5paisb-Xg9sHiuxht2M94Xn1Y16zUpzhXQrq2lppvYgXW_Sz9gB8Z3eWpmBTcTDmhv7n5yEOKku9Pfco7n1gDqleHmVaE-I5hZWPv4YWxIovR5B-0zagu/s640/blogger-image--1236808818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2RZUCZz_pcZGMYw0mq5GsglN5paisb-Xg9sHiuxht2M94Xn1Y16zUpzhXQrq2lppvYgXW_Sz9gB8Z3eWpmBTcTDmhv7n5yEOKku9Pfco7n1gDqleHmVaE-I5hZWPv4YWxIovR5B-0zagu/s640/blogger-image--1236808818.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><i>Spirit</i>, <i>Fugitive</i>, and <i>Nearly</i> <i>Perfect</i> joined us for a short visit. Yes, more loopers means it is time for docktails! Before we left Grand Haven, <i>Sea</i> <i>Horse</i> and <i>Always</i> <i>Home</i> also arrived in port. That prompted a potluck get together with some locals that wanted to hear our Great Loop stories.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPzfTQ0-yHI7USZnB7os7y5LCcqCq2Q35dzBYxXZi-Lud704Rxu_ksYnGw_i88PHVyYh43i5Htt9dRCpK4uk5H7d1GYLP2DoCx45cgYL8_z6Hi9GNSS7TgNDF0gpeej3VaizifApPT4Emi/s640/blogger-image--1970644551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPzfTQ0-yHI7USZnB7os7y5LCcqCq2Q35dzBYxXZi-Lud704Rxu_ksYnGw_i88PHVyYh43i5Htt9dRCpK4uk5H7d1GYLP2DoCx45cgYL8_z6Hi9GNSS7TgNDF0gpeej3VaizifApPT4Emi/s640/blogger-image--1970644551.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The sun sets between the sails of this sculpture along the shore. It seems that every waterside park has its share of sculptures that are designed to reflect the relationship between the communities and Lake Michigan.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkxbT2tS89_5IC99re_hCzgzD-x-rRCDYYyXFEtAFYCDnI5hXqlr4Cq0275FulTfUUAr_wNFIYCEbLBNgfNj09WfA0yIxVdJ1sW9ETbl-C-RapkuXn0dgjimMYOnPDzwFZ-VcvlTqfbVI-/s640/blogger-image-1951274698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkxbT2tS89_5IC99re_hCzgzD-x-rRCDYYyXFEtAFYCDnI5hXqlr4Cq0275FulTfUUAr_wNFIYCEbLBNgfNj09WfA0yIxVdJ1sW9ETbl-C-RapkuXn0dgjimMYOnPDzwFZ-VcvlTqfbVI-/s640/blogger-image-1951274698.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We are still tied up to the wall in what I considered to be a rather small channel coming out of the lake. I had to rethink that when at about midnight the night before this guy came by us on his way to unload a short way up the river. He doesn't look near as formidable in daylight, as he did in the dark when he slowly moved by my bedroom window with his spotlights scanning back and forth.</div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRiPcz5EswIAbkwblvCsuNuP9yMp7AF-otoVVeDl2NYc-7kXtNbotZ5h1tHRvgDRnLicIKRuL5iytsrJt4p3RqjMdwJQuewb23PEGlcD9iLYkP1-vClJhjbK4HyFLZZvOMc9kJkOq7Z7Lf/s640/blogger-image-483264487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRiPcz5EswIAbkwblvCsuNuP9yMp7AF-otoVVeDl2NYc-7kXtNbotZ5h1tHRvgDRnLicIKRuL5iytsrJt4p3RqjMdwJQuewb23PEGlcD9iLYkP1-vClJhjbK4HyFLZZvOMc9kJkOq7Z7Lf/s640/blogger-image-483264487.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>After watching all of the charter boats coming back into port with their coolers full of salmon, Jess and Ralph decided to try their luck. I will give them an "A" for effort, but we did not enjoy grilled salmon for dinner.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxN1A0LAglmtu_LAm79Jovv7zquKC27QWh4IlKBgogFZkT4m8Ue_X-WhyphenhyphencWKexit-_od0cm-_UeVYeZSi_xgt3gZ8QUOWvxeVuVK6-ljpQ0dR0iGjEr-9Un6xlGqpBoLN4cB6RrKlp9_hU/s640/blogger-image-1152608157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxN1A0LAglmtu_LAm79Jovv7zquKC27QWh4IlKBgogFZkT4m8Ue_X-WhyphenhyphencWKexit-_od0cm-_UeVYeZSi_xgt3gZ8QUOWvxeVuVK6-ljpQ0dR0iGjEr-9Un6xlGqpBoLN4cB6RrKlp9_hU/s640/blogger-image-1152608157.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Instead of salmon, Jess and I decided to check out the fare at the World Famous Tip a Few bar and grill. Yes, this is another one of those "World Famous" places on the Great Circle Route. I will say that the food was very good, atmosphere was interesting, and they do not skimp on the alcohol content in their margaritas!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhauulMI_es3OWalwaV6kx2GT7HGZJEViwdoZ1mp7HUZTk_Idl6yMCNP4swrZ841TwVSVisub6qFSQJLZ9k5-wZKqaYwMonKpnZ9Q63nBFUOtKdAt3Kjn0AvNCXAEa_hVBs_4fNBz8u4UBv/s640/blogger-image-2032988171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhauulMI_es3OWalwaV6kx2GT7HGZJEViwdoZ1mp7HUZTk_Idl6yMCNP4swrZ841TwVSVisub6qFSQJLZ9k5-wZKqaYwMonKpnZ9Q63nBFUOtKdAt3Kjn0AvNCXAEa_hVBs_4fNBz8u4UBv/s640/blogger-image-2032988171.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>For the huge sum of $.75 each the Harbor Transit will pick you up anywhere in the city and drop you off wherever you want to go. Yes, Grand Haven is absolutely awesome! While we waited to be taken to the best laundromat we have used on this trip, the bees were working hard gathering nectar from the gardens in front of the Chamber of Commerce.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQfH9F46fg63r3D0HSLDkZabev9_cTFBxJey39m52ijxQ8SIbTIkiPWQHzJlcPKxmIZtwhuW2soM8HmDgiqVjWsT0ud_qb2qW_kBRmt2OAh7Aihf5iJ6JxhpXzgzrUfWFqiL9cTXaO4cm5/s640/blogger-image--278564768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQfH9F46fg63r3D0HSLDkZabev9_cTFBxJey39m52ijxQ8SIbTIkiPWQHzJlcPKxmIZtwhuW2soM8HmDgiqVjWsT0ud_qb2qW_kBRmt2OAh7Aihf5iJ6JxhpXzgzrUfWFqiL9cTXaO4cm5/s640/blogger-image--278564768.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Th calendar says it is time to keep moving south so here we go again. The elevated walkway leading down the break wall to the lighthouse was used during the winter so that the keeper could reach the building from shore. Storms push the ice and snow up so high in the winter that otherwise the lighthouse would be inaccessible. Now that it is totally automated, the walkway is maintained more for historical reasons than actual use.</div><div> </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xDE2cFChYKLe2Ehe2zTebWS3NfiWmVPSZWhS7UsnnHqopgPQTCbxj5ojtkPpzs1AYYshBjbeor6EdEG8buo_hsgRXvL1dWXiIKe3iOQSt_H_IwfD_OmEov9HDicuUZ8x8G5K0zs5p0VY/s640/blogger-image-2131255212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xDE2cFChYKLe2Ehe2zTebWS3NfiWmVPSZWhS7UsnnHqopgPQTCbxj5ojtkPpzs1AYYshBjbeor6EdEG8buo_hsgRXvL1dWXiIKe3iOQSt_H_IwfD_OmEov9HDicuUZ8x8G5K0zs5p0VY/s640/blogger-image-2131255212.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Well, Jess didn't get totally skunked. This guy did make a couple of beautiful red fillets that will make us a nice grilled salmon dinner.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqaa9nMMbMY66f2xEEDj9rS3vmrxAsKStbLtFOaJDNuW935nJ_CfShkqWwagHk48qBQ9eze6o9HdsL5cn8ylziFu8uYgiS24Ngg65hebcxngdr0ZPZKiethzNsBl82dxW2ogwuqnjTsNfd/s640/blogger-image--1951090647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqaa9nMMbMY66f2xEEDj9rS3vmrxAsKStbLtFOaJDNuW935nJ_CfShkqWwagHk48qBQ9eze6o9HdsL5cn8ylziFu8uYgiS24Ngg65hebcxngdr0ZPZKiethzNsBl82dxW2ogwuqnjTsNfd/s640/blogger-image--1951090647.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We enjoyed the company of three of these little guys on our cruise down to St. Joseph.</div><div>They were actually quite entertaining, as they flitted about snatching bugs right out of the air.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrrE9dnXhYvrRD8-EfVTTPU1ZaPF7VRWpbAzRtgQaZiQVD-2YJpiqYYxpKFC8u8lpmTjRCWUH0LeYw5RSlGQv98fZePZS9bHnLsPEGb68H3xYbm5uV3M_T_TODgA0egPhmRKbzoVCBNdo/s640/blogger-image--209812298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrrE9dnXhYvrRD8-EfVTTPU1ZaPF7VRWpbAzRtgQaZiQVD-2YJpiqYYxpKFC8u8lpmTjRCWUH0LeYw5RSlGQv98fZePZS9bHnLsPEGb68H3xYbm5uV3M_T_TODgA0egPhmRKbzoVCBNdo/s640/blogger-image--209812298.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>They totally ignored Jess and I as they walked around our feet and checked out every surface on the flybridge. One of them actually visited inside, but when we pulled into the harbor at St. Joseph they all disappeared.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRxiCQhlTgjVM0H0JeaTepGJwoaYttYAAsALO60hRcQvD49tKirzKEcbJLTXtD1DYRn_jYV8IcQMqMTYv9qsXFB-QcbPeqx_ghcfo85FGkktuQeHJjigozTvY8sNU6eogXFN57DhldNFQ/s640/blogger-image--1936321329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRxiCQhlTgjVM0H0JeaTepGJwoaYttYAAsALO60hRcQvD49tKirzKEcbJLTXtD1DYRn_jYV8IcQMqMTYv9qsXFB-QcbPeqx_ghcfo85FGkktuQeHJjigozTvY8sNU6eogXFN57DhldNFQ/s640/blogger-image--1936321329.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The sandy beaches have been a complete surprise to us. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDr-7ipRK9Oh6QWc9w5HGM9wdUbkW7wDzOGGywn_mVOgHD-Gc5WW05ppYc0Py-sxsPGQR7l03RkYk63aFHS-0zu16G3ZoDr_2WZdn7u45qisW8znk7mdr31SnGoB5BDvks6DszxvTvuLAt/s640/blogger-image-1323802729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDr-7ipRK9Oh6QWc9w5HGM9wdUbkW7wDzOGGywn_mVOgHD-Gc5WW05ppYc0Py-sxsPGQR7l03RkYk63aFHS-0zu16G3ZoDr_2WZdn7u45qisW8znk7mdr31SnGoB5BDvks6DszxvTvuLAt/s640/blogger-image-1323802729.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We were also not expecting to find waves just like the ones along our Gulf Coast. The water may be slightly cooler than the gulf, but on the plus side there are no sharks, no jellyfish, and no salt. Even I enjoyed a swim after I managed to get past the chill. Jess just dives right in, I have to get used to it a little at a time.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTiuskYfnmLQXduiKOG9FMkl4sweKiuErpcpLo5x5J5IWKwe9agSR1MSIW1x5bbROF2pHNmpbT2kRqC_TGdjfMls64uN5AtQOgP_9X32gfQ7mCl9KYZ2Fcl3RM-FNA5pcI-4yJbjPo9bzj/s640/blogger-image-1605327067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTiuskYfnmLQXduiKOG9FMkl4sweKiuErpcpLo5x5J5IWKwe9agSR1MSIW1x5bbROF2pHNmpbT2kRqC_TGdjfMls64uN5AtQOgP_9X32gfQ7mCl9KYZ2Fcl3RM-FNA5pcI-4yJbjPo9bzj/s640/blogger-image-1605327067.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The Tri-State Regatta takes place on Labor Day weekend. Sailors leave Chicago at 7:00 p.m. on Friday night and arrive in St. Joseph harbor Saturday morning where they catch a very little rest before they start partying at the yacht club. They then depart on Sunday morning for Michigan City before returning to Chicago on Monday. This picture was taken from our boat inside the marina. The sailboats were rafted up 7 deep here and the big girls, ranging from 40-70 feet were 3 deep on the city wall. Keep in mind that say you are on the 7th sailboat and you wanted to go ashore, you have to actually step from one boat to the next all the way. This scene made for a very interesting day. The best part came<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> on Sunday morning when we were entertained by the last boat out of the marina. Traditionally that boat carries a bagpiper who plays as all the boats make their way out of port.</span></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexFFEscTTOasC34-_3ZywCLdVD7uZdPe-9T6YTuD4hyphenhyphenBhGvRIwJOTinJ7RDGHxlZ008ku_l0Zak3DBh7gJcjnqn0x4TpPabatHjbTSN9R5Vu-KMwHMIAlWK2LUoW__Z80iv-9l1cs06gt/s640/blogger-image--1142002097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexFFEscTTOasC34-_3ZywCLdVD7uZdPe-9T6YTuD4hyphenhyphenBhGvRIwJOTinJ7RDGHxlZ008ku_l0Zak3DBh7gJcjnqn0x4TpPabatHjbTSN9R5Vu-KMwHMIAlWK2LUoW__Z80iv-9l1cs06gt/s640/blogger-image--1142002097.jpg"></a></div><br></div>O.K., so not all of the art found in the parks along the waterfront have anything to do with the relationship between land and sea. We couldn't quite figure out what this artist was trying to say, but it was interesting to say the least.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipY_EbK96VlDMySRBNva72kLOc_au-YioXVvopF_OKkcAh2_J-RF7tsPcBVsmCT5sqziOdU8XAccV1rspgNpo1SWgjvnBdSEJU-Oi9821KWikP7rGAwzmaHfuK6D-Lku9ZwvmYr3Wb1TEU/s640/blogger-image-355525469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipY_EbK96VlDMySRBNva72kLOc_au-YioXVvopF_OKkcAh2_J-RF7tsPcBVsmCT5sqziOdU8XAccV1rspgNpo1SWgjvnBdSEJU-Oi9821KWikP7rGAwzmaHfuK6D-Lku9ZwvmYr3Wb1TEU/s640/blogger-image-355525469.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Boating and football do not go together very well. When we left during football season last year we were at least in the south, not so this year. We did find a bar that graciously set the TV to the Alabama-Wisconsin game for us. It is better than not seeing it at all, but I do miss Ely's play by play commentary. Yea, Bama! 35-17 </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbr7JkHdn1-AyebNuijXfceV_eTTYUZU81sc9SXH3FBuOOsUN8zI_VLO4GnVvHAI48sp_WjgclzxCwlw8yUYCL2bhFeiQSyKKOn3TrIl6HnJ3HmEG1BiRydkNcyak99RwkjWEYGUQFwrrt/s640/blogger-image--1701713609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbr7JkHdn1-AyebNuijXfceV_eTTYUZU81sc9SXH3FBuOOsUN8zI_VLO4GnVvHAI48sp_WjgclzxCwlw8yUYCL2bhFeiQSyKKOn3TrIl6HnJ3HmEG1BiRydkNcyak99RwkjWEYGUQFwrrt/s640/blogger-image--1701713609.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>With sunny skies and 85 degree weather, everyone from miles around flocked to the beach. It was awesome to see this many people out having one last fling before their summer comes to an end.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiASbWAUcbAdtyxIkKsNxQUyxq0r-l6M4S2lmVdoj1bfKvQPUQSM37CH8eG8wjsy_lzuF1GmdW952dZ3wbB1yH_4GqWnGRNZ9K8zcrKS6UbfFww7dHyPTKkoqdY0i5nfLC9u-T_Xvs71V9o/s640/blogger-image--398580776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiASbWAUcbAdtyxIkKsNxQUyxq0r-l6M4S2lmVdoj1bfKvQPUQSM37CH8eG8wjsy_lzuF1GmdW952dZ3wbB1yH_4GqWnGRNZ9K8zcrKS6UbfFww7dHyPTKkoqdY0i5nfLC9u-T_Xvs71V9o/s640/blogger-image--398580776.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We had to wade quite a ways down the beach before we were able to find a spot for our blanket. What fun! The water was perfect and there were kids of all ages having a great time.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvLW7lXTUtjxyF-CopJkd7p1I_ruYTPcPerIUhHKtxUDRKChBte7PJyWGzV2vRyZw11mbKbot7HR7B8bFrM9IR7SYPoqX81E5eH5d8ILAalcE5KBS2BBbSNlrZiC5RS0A-YbjDog5Xhir/s640/blogger-image--956006957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvLW7lXTUtjxyF-CopJkd7p1I_ruYTPcPerIUhHKtxUDRKChBte7PJyWGzV2vRyZw11mbKbot7HR7B8bFrM9IR7SYPoqX81E5eH5d8ILAalcE5KBS2BBbSNlrZiC5RS0A-YbjDog5Xhir/s640/blogger-image--956006957.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Janet shared this picture of Bama Dream as the sun peaked through the clouds on our last morning together. Ralph is still hoping to hook into one of the elusive salmon he has been searching for, and we are getting anxious to head south.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ymOzBvwIuEjdo3JzkIlXNifrivf-PRfVPa8yw4W4YQHhqBOpBIR9jteFCKU257SSgziJdANzE1eI672wg3Drw8mIJJKzzl-VGUwcsHVk9WHesQ8TTW0m6L8eMGyG9jDUp91PNgUaAuvr/s640/blogger-image-577089029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ymOzBvwIuEjdo3JzkIlXNifrivf-PRfVPa8yw4W4YQHhqBOpBIR9jteFCKU257SSgziJdANzE1eI672wg3Drw8mIJJKzzl-VGUwcsHVk9WHesQ8TTW0m6L8eMGyG9jDUp91PNgUaAuvr/s640/blogger-image-577089029.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>This amazing adventure has taken us to places we had only dreamed about going to, but the best part of the whole thing is the new friends we have made along the way. We have been traveling with <i>Gud</i> <i>Nuff</i> off and on since we first met them on the Hudson River. What a great time we have had, and if all goes well we will see them again when they reach the Tennessee River, if not before. Safe travels, Ralph and Janet!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtEffUoL5KNOnTWOCNo7EdZylUr0KTFKg8s5VKXg55F91xhxcuLVWvqmmyxML9LSP8EjpmDw8qfBI28qOhIeAsEt9-O2G5v2SwGswrIKY1GghYng4WYEicO05lDV7stAFfx8lCwnKfMaIq/s640/blogger-image--1640979788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtEffUoL5KNOnTWOCNo7EdZylUr0KTFKg8s5VKXg55F91xhxcuLVWvqmmyxML9LSP8EjpmDw8qfBI28qOhIeAsEt9-O2G5v2SwGswrIKY1GghYng4WYEicO05lDV7stAFfx8lCwnKfMaIq/s640/blogger-image--1640979788.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>What a trip down Michigan we have had. The lake may have kicked up its heals a time or two, but that just caused us to spend more time acting like tourists than we would have otherwise. Thanks Michigan for three weeks of fun! Now we are off to Michigan City, Indiana for a quick visit, before stopping to see the sights in Chicago.</div>Linda and Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417081628587029110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439761904960438927.post-81072086501361446362015-08-20T18:48:00.001-07:002015-11-02T21:57:16.835-08:00Back in the Good Ol' U.S.A.!August 15-17<div><br></div><div>Days 277-279</div><div><br></div><div>Have I mentioned before that I am not exactly thrilled with open water passages? I much prefer having something other than just water to look at on those days that we need to cover the miles. Now, remember our top speed is about 8.5 mph, so when I say "cover the miles" I am only talking about 50-60 miles. Our goal was to anchor one last time in Canada so that we would be close to Drummond Island where we would check in with U.S. Customs first thing Sunday morning. That meant for a long travel day on Saturday plus another long day of open water after we left Drummond Island. Other than giving up two dozen eggs and a couple of lemons to the Customs agent, we are glad to be back on our own turf. Especially since we are now able to turn our phones back on. Neither Jess nor I are big on long phone conversations, but we sure were happy to be back in touch with family and friends. After our short stop at Drummond Island we were off again with Mackinac Island as our target. The water was absolutely gorgeous until about 1:00 when the wind and waves picked up considerably. By the time we reached the harbor at Mackinac Island about 4:00, we were both ready to tie off our lines and go for a walk on something that wasn't constantly in motion. What a unique place Mackinac Island is! With only a few exceptions (lawn mowers, fire truck, ambulance, and a few work vehicles), the only means of transportation allowed on the island are horses, bikes, or walking. A constant flow of ferries bring thousands of visitors to the island every day. Many come just for a day, but others take advantage of the many historic Inns in order to extend their stay. The island has been a favorite vacation spot for the average family, as well as, the rich and famous for centuries. We spent a couple of days here enjoying all of the sights, smells (there are lots of horses), and some great food. While Mackinac Island is famous for their fudge, we didn't indulge. Jess still has fond memories of the fudge his sisters made for him when he was a kid, and nothing else stacks up. I guess I will have to get the recipe.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbNoCUpJeXYJ-CiIGrzuT0UXJ3MyS1JPUnrmI4kTRTTkr9Q1oLaUygznvN7mgiyMqXpf9-BgTu1oD05deH3FihC_IJHRWNbyx7MhbVJwjr7xmoWC-es_TG4V1K6s6BsUyNsV-BYSdjxcrJ/s640/blogger-image-535845139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbNoCUpJeXYJ-CiIGrzuT0UXJ3MyS1JPUnrmI4kTRTTkr9Q1oLaUygznvN7mgiyMqXpf9-BgTu1oD05deH3FihC_IJHRWNbyx7MhbVJwjr7xmoWC-es_TG4V1K6s6BsUyNsV-BYSdjxcrJ/s640/blogger-image-535845139.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>With the wind trying its best to send his cap flying, Jess valiantly rescues our burgee. Luckily only one of the wire ties broke before he was able to reattach it to the pole. We have been looping long enough, that we can almost tell how long other loopers we meet have been traveling, just by the condition of their burgee.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbD-YWj5AxPn0iHeY9OAlhmmwammHkoQRVzZw_cMvpy71YXVGBlJSyVGZf4213nwLjrBkifNjChsnsAxtXgUbOJ4oalTjok6gAHhIWxCdUWrEYtif56-ThJMLrwBbluIgAswku5bChcHt/s640/blogger-image--359198855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbD-YWj5AxPn0iHeY9OAlhmmwammHkoQRVzZw_cMvpy71YXVGBlJSyVGZf4213nwLjrBkifNjChsnsAxtXgUbOJ4oalTjok6gAHhIWxCdUWrEYtif56-ThJMLrwBbluIgAswku5bChcHt/s640/blogger-image--359198855.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Luck was definitely on our side when we managed to get two nights in the marina on Mackinac Island. It is very difficult to time where we will be when, in order to make reservations in marinas ahead of time. Mackinac Island is a very popular spot, and with only one marina and no good anchorage places, we would have had to stay on the mainland and ferry over with the crowds each day. It is so much nicer to be able to just walk off our boat when we are ready.</div><div><br></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJK6x_Yp7C3KWP9aMtL58NolttTYJAcNeAdbsyEmec46HU1Bgp4RncpGmL2MpCSMvJG5Hmw9Zivie_QnyX3ku7oW-H5-M8xgPItJnGBmMWhVPxhfmwlLYOs7BZDFwRE8HHFmYJ2m86491/s640/blogger-image-1008809054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJK6x_Yp7C3KWP9aMtL58NolttTYJAcNeAdbsyEmec46HU1Bgp4RncpGmL2MpCSMvJG5Hmw9Zivie_QnyX3ku7oW-H5-M8xgPItJnGBmMWhVPxhfmwlLYOs7BZDFwRE8HHFmYJ2m86491/s640/blogger-image-1008809054.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div>The Inns and homes along the waterfront are reminiscent of a bygone era. With their wide porches and lush green lawns, they encourage guests to relax, after a fun day of investigating all of the wonderful things the island has to offer.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZD-KeyAMtOmo4qVbBnEI4xA1K4dPJ0Z4jyrf68sLSJfpnur4FZV9l3o13LSg4pxOJd0uoMRwdSYpExrxl0M7o0N5d8P1QH7WZPLXXtPHRA07oolgXuL-IzY6EzmM9tXxPczrZip9qJtq/s640/blogger-image--815038757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZD-KeyAMtOmo4qVbBnEI4xA1K4dPJ0Z4jyrf68sLSJfpnur4FZV9l3o13LSg4pxOJd0uoMRwdSYpExrxl0M7o0N5d8P1QH7WZPLXXtPHRA07oolgXuL-IzY6EzmM9tXxPczrZip9qJtq/s640/blogger-image--815038757.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The streets are lined with brightly colored Inns and many historic homes that are now Bed & Breakfasts.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgun40DUzwm5vFHq0xhgCpqmNRtJvDA6NQz2UGw_qkWD-ILx0rcxZpv8wHdI9-SukvXTDCvwYiT7fzowLGxVtUuWmO0FibwwakDaiU5qZ321NuIpb34VEzIkWopEXgM5ep6e3qqMeH9xAt6/s640/blogger-image--194712728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgun40DUzwm5vFHq0xhgCpqmNRtJvDA6NQz2UGw_qkWD-ILx0rcxZpv8wHdI9-SukvXTDCvwYiT7fzowLGxVtUuWmO0FibwwakDaiU5qZ321NuIpb34VEzIkWopEXgM5ep6e3qqMeH9xAt6/s640/blogger-image--194712728.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Fort Mackinac was built by the British in 1780-81. Thirteen years after the end of the Revolutionary War the island was finally returned to the Americans. On the eve of the war of 1812 it was again seized by the British in their attempt to control military movements in the area. It wasn't until the end of the war that the island was returned to the U.S.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHa12YDG0Y5N8KTzKI5cTvR_6ysF-ygNa6IrYmpZn-OankcOO1lHrlwagvayF60IKoz3VekwzjV-U16tqdnHFm7vLgKkeEmJNBbBOPPN0UZ6rIywEDzpyD5-62EOf4ievm6X_c4Avb45sp/s640/blogger-image--1116493239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHa12YDG0Y5N8KTzKI5cTvR_6ysF-ygNa6IrYmpZn-OankcOO1lHrlwagvayF60IKoz3VekwzjV-U16tqdnHFm7vLgKkeEmJNBbBOPPN0UZ6rIywEDzpyD5-62EOf4ievm6X_c4Avb45sp/s640/blogger-image--1116493239.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I couldn't resist rubbing this guys silky nose, as he patiently waited to have cargo unloaded. While many of the horses are used to transport tourists, there is an equal number that spend their day delivering supplies to the many establishments on Mackinac.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbDJZQWk2CayykYTmKHYrGukdZ24VfPunL6qDFpz16HiHNJseyjaop8LLhUivZ-NX636fxMduA_xIa1To7P_XnPuDZOwcnD9w6EdXlxAx89aiw-U4QOtgDAr3GFecONxxxoYPCFGMQ3kDf/s640/blogger-image--1941362319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbDJZQWk2CayykYTmKHYrGukdZ24VfPunL6qDFpz16HiHNJseyjaop8LLhUivZ-NX636fxMduA_xIa1To7P_XnPuDZOwcnD9w6EdXlxAx89aiw-U4QOtgDAr3GFecONxxxoYPCFGMQ3kDf/s640/blogger-image--1941362319.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Huron Street provides an abundance of shopping, restaurants, hotels, and of course, the famous Mackinac Island fudge shops. Many of the tourists arriving on the ferries never make it past this street</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu9uewv1qkkYkhvodQevzaAWk5__04PYZGA__GLmcZVDlR7Vmntdnv9xfdLlyZ6fsmah8rUW00F1Gdzl2nwRrmreMTgT0igALY8b9h1FsgOJd_5bqkt6T6FDqolqfs2mH4XT1oPIDOjc3X/s640/blogger-image-1085223018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu9uewv1qkkYkhvodQevzaAWk5__04PYZGA__GLmcZVDlR7Vmntdnv9xfdLlyZ6fsmah8rUW00F1Gdzl2nwRrmreMTgT0igALY8b9h1FsgOJd_5bqkt6T6FDqolqfs2mH4XT1oPIDOjc3X/s640/blogger-image-1085223018.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>A stunning array of flowers provide a feast for the eye along every walkway.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8rNT6ayQTsiEM-g79CliFf9LK25-PR1lExxGGF3u_2iIar-X5CdSrLpZ1u-Cwq0JuOE5zGkgZ3ev8ldM9gCERq5U14-hUdQ53YLr_3gYflFzqgJ95TAmODruXx4fbWP_zL4uQlKdhUT3/s640/blogger-image--1115123575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8rNT6ayQTsiEM-g79CliFf9LK25-PR1lExxGGF3u_2iIar-X5CdSrLpZ1u-Cwq0JuOE5zGkgZ3ev8ldM9gCERq5U14-hUdQ53YLr_3gYflFzqgJ95TAmODruXx4fbWP_zL4uQlKdhUT3/s640/blogger-image--1115123575.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Many of the large, immaculate structures date back to some of the earliest summer residents. The more affluent often spent their summers in places like Mackinac Island in the early 1900's.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWT1SJN432Ij15tum0g6iXtQ0HHyhA01CpgvVqMIe84MZtWvXLSrP3EVKrNTuQnXQ52FSWyECetMFXjFldFbtY-Negxb3fesosukkAiSfocuKIslXAF_zR8F7BumMaZOMMCgXjp2CKAuif/s640/blogger-image-663706604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWT1SJN432Ij15tum0g6iXtQ0HHyhA01CpgvVqMIe84MZtWvXLSrP3EVKrNTuQnXQ52FSWyECetMFXjFldFbtY-Negxb3fesosukkAiSfocuKIslXAF_zR8F7BumMaZOMMCgXjp2CKAuif/s640/blogger-image-663706604.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>One of the many horse drawn carriages makes its way down Huron Street, on its way to take another group of visitors on a tour of the island.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZQGgjFNMYLLuGKjnPZvv6SoKmEc0U5RgGlCTtEa6HG2GgQAixO1IGBWawcjrCySSjkpSOnZbdEg2cWG0XHI1chz0A7Pb-UukDOcjq3NrnzhAd-hgTNzuKBDBOqvOlkG0iICN5D4y8RfC/s640/blogger-image-1924962754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZQGgjFNMYLLuGKjnPZvv6SoKmEc0U5RgGlCTtEa6HG2GgQAixO1IGBWawcjrCySSjkpSOnZbdEg2cWG0XHI1chz0A7Pb-UukDOcjq3NrnzhAd-hgTNzuKBDBOqvOlkG0iICN5D4y8RfC/s640/blogger-image-1924962754.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Just keeping the hanging baskets adorning every lamppost watered must be a full time job for someone. There are only about 400 year round residents, but from May-October those numbers swell with all of the seasonal employees.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEawNUbNm67DPkOhKX_7q8B0rherImCqcFgRsNeAv1t9c-wUgtaPXSi1avxAznu4ErAc_PV4iGIF-8sV43RN6dFKBo5xLmk241huc6AQuGj4dbhksAjZb4OYolCWWmUEMpZVo94XVH3_dj/s640/blogger-image--589405119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEawNUbNm67DPkOhKX_7q8B0rherImCqcFgRsNeAv1t9c-wUgtaPXSi1avxAznu4ErAc_PV4iGIF-8sV43RN6dFKBo5xLmk241huc6AQuGj4dbhksAjZb4OYolCWWmUEMpZVo94XVH3_dj/s640/blogger-image--589405119.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>One of the numerous ferries that ply these waters, makes its way back to Mackinac City to bring another load of tourists to the island. They make continuous runs from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv834hBwYp8LotVNGDheVImf3vOJOnu0fp5kzIaftxnsMaW_Qtel6ftZ-vkYC8qxUxbmSHMFQHX2SuZuPkrztJ6VAOjghqPjkwy_-KFrolVBAoQuqJmOmt2Tj4Kx6lOV6ulIKxhj0u8v9a/s640/blogger-image-287345466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv834hBwYp8LotVNGDheVImf3vOJOnu0fp5kzIaftxnsMaW_Qtel6ftZ-vkYC8qxUxbmSHMFQHX2SuZuPkrztJ6VAOjghqPjkwy_-KFrolVBAoQuqJmOmt2Tj4Kx6lOV6ulIKxhj0u8v9a/s640/blogger-image-287345466.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>These wild roses grabbed my attention with their fragrant perfume. The bees must have been enjoying them too, because they were flitting about among the many blossoms.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjinWnsH-SEZiwS6cmm7aNTcVoV2Oc90hzqz7ACiKBOlFRuB5evXDOxDhHOOb3omIk9NGBo9a-K0S8LREB3UTwrrxrAOCtZRRVh2Zc-vxxU5jyouMgEkri6Elwz11mARYkOww_YcWl4gMr7/s640/blogger-image-354659345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjinWnsH-SEZiwS6cmm7aNTcVoV2Oc90hzqz7ACiKBOlFRuB5evXDOxDhHOOb3omIk9NGBo9a-K0S8LREB3UTwrrxrAOCtZRRVh2Zc-vxxU5jyouMgEkri6Elwz11mARYkOww_YcWl4gMr7/s640/blogger-image-354659345.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Well manicured gardens are scattered throughout the commercial and residential areas. There is no shortage of "oohs", and "ahhs" at every turn.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTo1gVqDY2IjRWJmG0d-pFoO-RM8RNwUosAvLQ0Pl2ZAzDxpG9ZTmRjhLUfuk-1_pUwsvoMmJ_4tdiJtTy-9on9zF7qQWssc3KnTwaCzjjdifycjs9yU_JBEIBPU0weBl-PEQckVAqODCG/s640/blogger-image-794583518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTo1gVqDY2IjRWJmG0d-pFoO-RM8RNwUosAvLQ0Pl2ZAzDxpG9ZTmRjhLUfuk-1_pUwsvoMmJ_4tdiJtTy-9on9zF7qQWssc3KnTwaCzjjdifycjs9yU_JBEIBPU0weBl-PEQckVAqODCG/s640/blogger-image-794583518.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Grand Hotel sits on the hillside overlooking the Straits of Mackinac. It opened its doors in 1887, providing a place of classic elegance for its many famous, and not so famous guests. This majestic structure boasts the worlds longest veranda for its many visitors to enjoy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACpflI2aEUjZpwYy7_bvCOQH2zvCyNRWsEorq1Q4LyroiD6akoOo2x8voKtXfnZ1so0MhcAO412IAfsbimRctY1bzD3977wyiYNdJKdrY6a-PPnLhsLmOALBvE-kYnozNA_q1VqPn11zr/s640/blogger-image-1886434840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACpflI2aEUjZpwYy7_bvCOQH2zvCyNRWsEorq1Q4LyroiD6akoOo2x8voKtXfnZ1so0MhcAO412IAfsbimRctY1bzD3977wyiYNdJKdrY6a-PPnLhsLmOALBvE-kYnozNA_q1VqPn11zr/s640/blogger-image-1886434840.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Since automobiles have never been allowed to travel the streets of Mackinac Island, a wide variety of carriages are a significant part of the islands history. The Grand Hotel has maintained a large carriage house where all sorts of horse drawn conveyances can be viewed. Jess read every single word that was written about each carriage, while I have to admit I got to the point where all I looked for was who the original owners were. It was a fascinating record of who's who in the early 1900's.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1fvM-84mrqXbxO9YAH9AVEg44rJxfzSNMkw6mm6Z49FxWYB7WAad0W7o3z2sManWYhKkZnxjN5Nvi2oJD8jgoaqws1v9I34pG0lFO9ONTNvCsaKTzDbzeWddCZKxBzhmbG0FuuVfP0z9Y/s640/blogger-image--632940657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1fvM-84mrqXbxO9YAH9AVEg44rJxfzSNMkw6mm6Z49FxWYB7WAad0W7o3z2sManWYhKkZnxjN5Nvi2oJD8jgoaqws1v9I34pG0lFO9ONTNvCsaKTzDbzeWddCZKxBzhmbG0FuuVfP0z9Y/s640/blogger-image--632940657.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>No matter where we walk, Jess always seems to find a few berries. This time he spotted a cluster of raspberries that he just had to sample.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGECUqm5kTHbW1RNmaVXVYR-RPuCCHYkppe46A2ou8_9UgTrOfUlRouSsF9fLYkKPjwn7lyAr9vkEjiqZhqOjQu7dq48LdovfVuEK-ObL5Wq3LTcGd6zb4_QDkEVoBHsDzOKuBTfAZLoS/s640/blogger-image-554406846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGECUqm5kTHbW1RNmaVXVYR-RPuCCHYkppe46A2ou8_9UgTrOfUlRouSsF9fLYkKPjwn7lyAr9vkEjiqZhqOjQu7dq48LdovfVuEK-ObL5Wq3LTcGd6zb4_QDkEVoBHsDzOKuBTfAZLoS/s640/blogger-image-554406846.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Mission Point has been home to a number of different occupants since it was originally settled in the 1820's by Reverend William Ferry, who constructed a school for the native population. Over the years structures were added by an assortment of groups. In 1966 it became the campus for a short lived college, before it was sold to evangelist Rex Humbard. By 1972 it saw its latest transformation into what is now The Mission Point Resort. The massive lawns allow visitors to enjoy a relaxed view of Lake Huron from the comfort of an iconic Adirondack chair.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilo7PuVjWDtYz0mBHfKaf5vmc3JXUIOcAgXBtUtcai59jYmEaGHUp21rBmWrsT-lI1FZEYzgigCgLcKivwhLSd-5CNkKWLW4yav3UowQXUmKQiKFw23bCR-dnuPg0g1zt-9bWEl91bK2AK/s640/blogger-image-681846688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilo7PuVjWDtYz0mBHfKaf5vmc3JXUIOcAgXBtUtcai59jYmEaGHUp21rBmWrsT-lI1FZEYzgigCgLcKivwhLSd-5CNkKWLW4yav3UowQXUmKQiKFw23bCR-dnuPg0g1zt-9bWEl91bK2AK/s640/blogger-image-681846688.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is definitely the most beautiful putt putt coarse I have ever seen.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTgozLp17CnKfdT0_b6MTX5_mTnsaqd9dLVnxTi2y-RcMqjGs4xeGvTcIj9mb_-sBEYZneIq3SWXg08B60_5qq9s7-kgCBIHqBxuE5YuA6_J7z0dB4l6GFZTgKVX0_QuTX381Fxl_q5i0/s640/blogger-image-1549746311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTgozLp17CnKfdT0_b6MTX5_mTnsaqd9dLVnxTi2y-RcMqjGs4xeGvTcIj9mb_-sBEYZneIq3SWXg08B60_5qq9s7-kgCBIHqBxuE5YuA6_J7z0dB4l6GFZTgKVX0_QuTX381Fxl_q5i0/s640/blogger-image-1549746311.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>This is one of Michigan's oldest protestant churches. It was built in 1829-30 by members of Reverend William Ferry's congregation. It is judged to be Michigan's best example of the New England Colonial style church.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5o86TA3T0xXtrUj-xDxPUL8m4xAYRHWkrDlBHOGEHTnaZs5wge_oHUXBYrZFZoulyRwAV0UPi1LoEDJrlTdlu5EtPqCPjRZ0O3mUxq3j_XzOmP1UBVePPcn9WcYFvAh1uZrQVvhMAyrTm/s640/blogger-image-751920785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5o86TA3T0xXtrUj-xDxPUL8m4xAYRHWkrDlBHOGEHTnaZs5wge_oHUXBYrZFZoulyRwAV0UPi1LoEDJrlTdlu5EtPqCPjRZ0O3mUxq3j_XzOmP1UBVePPcn9WcYFvAh1uZrQVvhMAyrTm/s640/blogger-image-751920785.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Couldn't pass up this photo op! Yes, even the garbage man has to handle a team of horses.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAFWQufde4nfTStTbGRF5rZl2V7qzGGQkBRimr_asz0GnaOWorl1evriLfLn28Z8PsCD_PSAOz32Ji-2PDG9kmqpWxn6g04vf5c6ReJpHbR-hJkjrFrvqaCGy4d7H6-Qf6uOVnFdys3_6/s640/blogger-image--1813751733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAFWQufde4nfTStTbGRF5rZl2V7qzGGQkBRimr_asz0GnaOWorl1evriLfLn28Z8PsCD_PSAOz32Ji-2PDG9kmqpWxn6g04vf5c6ReJpHbR-hJkjrFrvqaCGy4d7H6-Qf6uOVnFdys3_6/s640/blogger-image--1813751733.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This historic building was once home to the American Fur Co. in the early 1800's. Notice that the tour guides all dress in period clothing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEPxEIYG4r6GqW5iqvSs54XguEs7skVWQVc7tTJMnPhdgD44gfnh6Q7MzRKTMVl3EBHkfdHY5BhBKxW8tncVb_l9JShEerKSDIvHFSV0AnyuGVoOmTCGB04GLC1A24wlw7cDRw-7AWlBEo/s640/blogger-image-1621224629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEPxEIYG4r6GqW5iqvSs54XguEs7skVWQVc7tTJMnPhdgD44gfnh6Q7MzRKTMVl3EBHkfdHY5BhBKxW8tncVb_l9JShEerKSDIvHFSV0AnyuGVoOmTCGB04GLC1A24wlw7cDRw-7AWlBEo/s640/blogger-image-1621224629.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Even the post office on Mackinac Island has a claim to fame. It is the only post office in the U.S. that has never delivered a single piece of mail, at least that is what our tour guide told us. Everyone on the island must come to the post office to pick up their mail.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZZfrHiVYgMhQHODkcrxFKwrKnsIaxZzqTQLMMkGoNWiQq-p__OJv_gyBie-poOJfMNVuxc5kkH4KtlY3bD_h7s0wluTCONO-DKbYOu0R2bkUVzJkCdyqbbZM2v98R0WB77hrF8M2F825/s640/blogger-image--508530703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZZfrHiVYgMhQHODkcrxFKwrKnsIaxZzqTQLMMkGoNWiQq-p__OJv_gyBie-poOJfMNVuxc5kkH4KtlY3bD_h7s0wluTCONO-DKbYOu0R2bkUVzJkCdyqbbZM2v98R0WB77hrF8M2F825/s640/blogger-image--508530703.jpg"></a></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Yes, even Mackinac Island must have a police force. This historic building is home to a year round force that must patrol mostly by bicycle. </div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglRLKJysYEXKRjrlr66ecedsM8QpHB2cneEgahpHweHmNg1ZbsmC588S_H1QnRL5XBUxOeSWjx6A5ZSlRN3c1M5aULGCFhU5vcU5TwxH9whinZ-j4vZFseNB8UTWwiADiPUox_MMRM9-nf/s640/blogger-image--1183082806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglRLKJysYEXKRjrlr66ecedsM8QpHB2cneEgahpHweHmNg1ZbsmC588S_H1QnRL5XBUxOeSWjx6A5ZSlRN3c1M5aULGCFhU5vcU5TwxH9whinZ-j4vZFseNB8UTWwiADiPUox_MMRM9-nf/s640/blogger-image--1183082806.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Most of the horses who work here are raised and trained by the Amish. They spend their summers on the island, and then most of them return to the mainland for the winter.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcD7-1mBJbJfD9Kw66liOJQGe946RU6tewnKva7KhKlUGvZGTwL9sRR4cLT8dLP_kAp1GBhpa2YBv8XimklHj6FQ6eRlXV4PFDqOfBIakzE8hCUn_mG_dMcjsuJfPUSidlOBOOEV9fiL3j/s640/blogger-image--950198994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcD7-1mBJbJfD9Kw66liOJQGe946RU6tewnKva7KhKlUGvZGTwL9sRR4cLT8dLP_kAp1GBhpa2YBv8XimklHj6FQ6eRlXV4PFDqOfBIakzE8hCUn_mG_dMcjsuJfPUSidlOBOOEV9fiL3j/s640/blogger-image--950198994.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It is time to return to the real world. Our visit back in time was fabulous, but it really is time to set our sights southward. This lighthouse on the point of Round Island guides us into the waters of Lake Michigan, as we head for Chicago.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFkh5l-HKpgItC7Hx2I4RtDIXZM2lf9M_RawX8ixhqmcwBNl3XhMT1uuzuOH-Ow8qwa-NpC2KsC0aF1IR6SIO1Dggph2IY5XFTBEzLvbhlAopu61cq_KNw5Y0Q2RLOCtyQbBYhnbNMcMy6/s640/blogger-image--599869075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFkh5l-HKpgItC7Hx2I4RtDIXZM2lf9M_RawX8ixhqmcwBNl3XhMT1uuzuOH-Ow8qwa-NpC2KsC0aF1IR6SIO1Dggph2IY5XFTBEzLvbhlAopu61cq_KNw5Y0Q2RLOCtyQbBYhnbNMcMy6/s640/blogger-image--599869075.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The vastness of The Grand Hotel is quite a sight from the water.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Z3484gOgB5GJ4n7qasdiIv2AeO20Cb2m6v6gGe-YHJp0oLe9s5DFZUDJ46vrpmz3R_3w2EdGTisxzUuMqC_oTj3CFeHoYvVVLToCO3OXW3UE-Bm5TvrQ0yLvq4Z0ixT-xcm2in5xjYDe/s640/blogger-image-1197922297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Z3484gOgB5GJ4n7qasdiIv2AeO20Cb2m6v6gGe-YHJp0oLe9s5DFZUDJ46vrpmz3R_3w2EdGTisxzUuMqC_oTj3CFeHoYvVVLToCO3OXW3UE-Bm5TvrQ0yLvq4Z0ixT-xcm2in5xjYDe/s640/blogger-image-1197922297.jpg"></a></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Two tour boats send out their rooster tails, as they speed more visitors to Mackinac Island.</div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyb4F1PNF-4WEbzffevVH27tn3O1hTszZF4FSIafFrJi6pTfYizsic5AOGyEJoAhHBgOGTfW4kDokFeCVXrkrmVYuGUrKTtwv0HhDYeYoov3IIy6-4RatLSNKaIal6olD1Z2Xq7iwSHjlN/s640/blogger-image-72452048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyb4F1PNF-4WEbzffevVH27tn3O1hTszZF4FSIafFrJi6pTfYizsic5AOGyEJoAhHBgOGTfW4kDokFeCVXrkrmVYuGUrKTtwv0HhDYeYoov3IIy6-4RatLSNKaIal6olD1Z2Xq7iwSHjlN/s640/blogger-image-72452048.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Cruising under the Mackinac Bridge that connects the Upper and Lower peninsulas of Michigan. The bridge was the world's longest suspension bridge between anchorages at the time it opened in 1957. It is still the longest suspension bridge with two towers between anchorages in the Western Hemisphere. The long leadups to the anchorages makes its total shoreline-to-shoreline length 5 miles. A quite impressive tribute to American engineering.</div>Linda and Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417081628587029110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439761904960438927.post-55782008344082872752015-08-18T21:52:00.001-07:002015-11-02T21:57:27.166-08:00The North ChannelAugust 6-15<div><br></div><div>Days 268-277</div><div><br></div><div>We will soon be leaving Canada to begin the last leg of our wonderful journey. Our visit in Canada has been everything we were told it would be and then some! The local residents in every small town we have visited have been extremely welcoming, and the scenery has been nothing short of spectacular. While the Georgian Bay is beautiful, we have thoroughly enjoyed the more remoteness of the North Channel. The islands and hidden coves are not dotted with cottages, allowing us to drop anchor in places where our view consisted only of rocks, trees, and brilliantly clear water. This is not so much an area filled with weekend boaters, as a place where cruisers come for the whole summer to visit their favorite anchorages and discover new ones to add to their already long list. As with the Georgian Bay, we made sure we dropped anchor where locals had told us were must stops, and also searched out a few amazing spots on our own. The beauty and serenity here brings many boaters back to the North Channel year after year. Canada has also been great to me in an entirely different way. Many of you know that Jess and I have had an ongoing cribbage match for the last several years. We normally manage to stay within a game or two of each other, but for some unknown reason Jess experienced a long string of luck when our trip first began, allowing him to take a huge lead of 38 games at one point. Well, I have held my head high and not given up! My perseverance paid off on July 25th when I finally took my rightful place in the lead once again! It doesn't take much to thrill some people.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3d6VU3lVFspUqtqwlPp8GTPpRAlXQrH-fv0NNpc5LS-_fZKqf5x4rbM39kR4aOl0MQvQEsrPe_kDQmYnG2lD662zGJLI55GtzBXJMoTYO3Y9k2mq6Dj8cXX6aONQGRe6bT-agt4OccjYi/s640/blogger-image--1463053322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3d6VU3lVFspUqtqwlPp8GTPpRAlXQrH-fv0NNpc5LS-_fZKqf5x4rbM39kR4aOl0MQvQEsrPe_kDQmYnG2lD662zGJLI55GtzBXJMoTYO3Y9k2mq6Dj8cXX6aONQGRe6bT-agt4OccjYi/s640/blogger-image--1463053322.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>After a long day crossing about 50 miles of open water, we arrived in the small village of Killarny just in time to watch a parade of seaplanes leaving port.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGyrjNzrDrURigRFVJof4ThjaX869ZnmAU_-haIE9ywSW55fYl_MlTQQIc6CxH4Q5-G7IZU7l78IA4TWGZEZC-GXTGzf3Sm3Nl_K5hdb4jydQvnHyEz5MbDqydGV4dFa0srezigMb5167t/s640/blogger-image-840891697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGyrjNzrDrURigRFVJof4ThjaX869ZnmAU_-haIE9ywSW55fYl_MlTQQIc6CxH4Q5-G7IZU7l78IA4TWGZEZC-GXTGzf3Sm3Nl_K5hdb4jydQvnHyEz5MbDqydGV4dFa0srezigMb5167t/s640/blogger-image-840891697.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Killarny is the home of Herbert Fisheries and their "World Famous" Fish and Chips! Just wondering how many people it takes to spread the word before something becomes "World Famous"? Anyway, we did enjoy visiting with Dan and Angie from <i>Sea</i> <i>Horse</i> while we tested the perfection of Herbert's fare. I have to say that from my point of view the Fish & Chips I had from a small roadside van on Little Current were much better.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6E46MBnmfmEhH1ityJ2jeUkknPvAqt6nXL7QzHODZfetwuhlitezZa2N9QLPz4YjNvtjcqF1aGkJ5nxjngCrvuo6xsNmRF8Ri1scyoiOENCuLaP1HbxDxV_UHaqVJ652j_D6CMzc09y2/s640/blogger-image-1973817903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6E46MBnmfmEhH1ityJ2jeUkknPvAqt6nXL7QzHODZfetwuhlitezZa2N9QLPz4YjNvtjcqF1aGkJ5nxjngCrvuo6xsNmRF8Ri1scyoiOENCuLaP1HbxDxV_UHaqVJ652j_D6CMzc09y2/s640/blogger-image-1973817903.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>One more amazing sunset to add to my file! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzNfEPgQ3Sddnsrfiv39Cgpc4Pkx8arQ7k3rJY7EZ_S9HP3ccK7WKzhcAdHXLumi0qDTR3XIGVNIH9WYVuNAUgIwrPVweq7GC4NmUdmar1qQywHxUWoAvq5156vnzFKrw_MzTIfXz7DaN6/s640/blogger-image--618603865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzNfEPgQ3Sddnsrfiv39Cgpc4Pkx8arQ7k3rJY7EZ_S9HP3ccK7WKzhcAdHXLumi0qDTR3XIGVNIH9WYVuNAUgIwrPVweq7GC4NmUdmar1qQywHxUWoAvq5156vnzFKrw_MzTIfXz7DaN6/s640/blogger-image--618603865.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Our first stop in The North Channel may be slightly off the beaten path, but so worth every mile that we went out of our way. Baie Fine (Bay Finn) is one of the few fjords in North America, providing stunning scenery along its10 mile passage into the Pool at its far end.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhee3xYUyl5JYSwFUwz0Fgi46RRP9MulHQH2kH7WlnsE7_uTQx2yhB0odUzLrPcjx3L2AgMQxNwy-UFiPU78cn_RYOszFNMQNFQiq2kEvz5bPUVmsgUDQwUN4eQ5DQOzYAq7PK_li-51BmF/s640/blogger-image-1992172941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhee3xYUyl5JYSwFUwz0Fgi46RRP9MulHQH2kH7WlnsE7_uTQx2yhB0odUzLrPcjx3L2AgMQxNwy-UFiPU78cn_RYOszFNMQNFQiq2kEvz5bPUVmsgUDQwUN4eQ5DQOzYAq7PK_li-51BmF/s640/blogger-image-1992172941.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><i>Bama</i> <i>Dream</i> on anchor beside <i>Sea</i> <i>Horse</i> in the Pool. Rain threatened when we arrived, but then moved on to give us a beautiful afternoon for our hike up to Topaz Lake.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6auUDDOBDmM_djnWaUllgQVxMUsoPhiKNn189TiqOee3qX1WivrmMG7x3hueld2hD_l8TaCYS9cscAsfHaupjpq8069TzGf0jIpnGhB7_5E4Yv1esyCLXC3o8R9gI1hYlO3mwoPo1l1Vh/s640/blogger-image-1420204513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6auUDDOBDmM_djnWaUllgQVxMUsoPhiKNn189TiqOee3qX1WivrmMG7x3hueld2hD_l8TaCYS9cscAsfHaupjpq8069TzGf0jIpnGhB7_5E4Yv1esyCLXC3o8R9gI1hYlO3mwoPo1l1Vh/s640/blogger-image-1420204513.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Our reward for the hike up the rocky trail is breathtaking! For some reason Lake Topaz is a dead lake with no life within its waters.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26DnS3S0R0w3LhwDZjqYlZI0DWqS1pcsb5Onz8A9N7pXeMk_5tKuvBlDZ1LpVCDsXW_CuRAtcuAS7jfkHAcsO6ECS1JXzMPp8WRAvforVmm8gSihIgn7OKIm2GWQ1xzO4kndmhLlZwl_-/s640/blogger-image-137662000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26DnS3S0R0w3LhwDZjqYlZI0DWqS1pcsb5Onz8A9N7pXeMk_5tKuvBlDZ1LpVCDsXW_CuRAtcuAS7jfkHAcsO6ECS1JXzMPp8WRAvforVmm8gSihIgn7OKIm2GWQ1xzO4kndmhLlZwl_-/s640/blogger-image-137662000.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The crystalline waters of the lake, and the tranquillity of its setting, enticed us to just sit and breath in its beauty.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSoMEwBeEwexswkfthyphenhypheniKpKJa4gqLcYdqJu-bQFAKzc5BE59oIlwGW19-yd2aRVNtsWE9caABKJih3UaZ5qQeC4Rnvu34NK7xT5fO0Kusso4cXc9Sb2LCKF_ovSaA11K-QiUhhGBolkaEp/s640/blogger-image-1975249799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSoMEwBeEwexswkfthyphenhypheniKpKJa4gqLcYdqJu-bQFAKzc5BE59oIlwGW19-yd2aRVNtsWE9caABKJih3UaZ5qQeC4Rnvu34NK7xT5fO0Kusso4cXc9Sb2LCKF_ovSaA11K-QiUhhGBolkaEp/s640/blogger-image-1975249799.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Jess and Dan couldn't resist taking a plunge in the cool, clear water. I would have jumped right in, but of course someone has to take pictures. What a shame.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1iIt8_GRLee2NJwW62ejJPifqFFmtQElHZwC8xHYSnhYCazsLpzcQrRWqO__X9iRXLip7GYNh_y0VY6cXGgPNFwdNS4PRm4hEfFXimxjmHhnGFkKS-GeGCSucsjZLDZ_9VFj45mYjC9u4/s640/blogger-image-909648809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1iIt8_GRLee2NJwW62ejJPifqFFmtQElHZwC8xHYSnhYCazsLpzcQrRWqO__X9iRXLip7GYNh_y0VY6cXGgPNFwdNS4PRm4hEfFXimxjmHhnGFkKS-GeGCSucsjZLDZ_9VFj45mYjC9u4/s640/blogger-image-909648809.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>The lake is a favorite spot for adventurous swimmers. Many climb the cliffs along the banks to daringly jump from their heghts to the chilly water below.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibamKGxd8yA2gFh292mVvq7wbCopnBwS2OYrvWITZjK9ozYvCzvPw3QWs5BhBO1zwds3pTsyZLXFBQw1i8KbvRxOPNSL6PJ-PIuvdomkE4KvmU3mXwzYnPW-0AUan09NTiX2n6Fzuv9Ij_/s640/blogger-image--893962259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibamKGxd8yA2gFh292mVvq7wbCopnBwS2OYrvWITZjK9ozYvCzvPw3QWs5BhBO1zwds3pTsyZLXFBQw1i8KbvRxOPNSL6PJ-PIuvdomkE4KvmU3mXwzYnPW-0AUan09NTiX2n6Fzuv9Ij_/s640/blogger-image--893962259.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It took Jess about two casts to hook this largemouth. I quickly caught a pike, and that was it for our fishing luck. We did have a great time dinking around the Pool while searching for more, though.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqAoAgpiyZmUmTirlUShzAZ1uUOMwAIVOmRmnd-qbjEOdHvORxAndmN2VpFTngyLXG7BGkxzThyphenhyphenHBcnRu8Jw_UrvHxCWPUI30UunaLYYVBANSbrrML32kL-6NdkdoPiqd2wmPMNkTE2ER/s640/blogger-image--1679796472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqAoAgpiyZmUmTirlUShzAZ1uUOMwAIVOmRmnd-qbjEOdHvORxAndmN2VpFTngyLXG7BGkxzThyphenhyphenHBcnRu8Jw_UrvHxCWPUI30UunaLYYVBANSbrrML32kL-6NdkdoPiqd2wmPMNkTE2ER/s640/blogger-image--1679796472.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The fishing may not have been great, but the views were awesome!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg08PKzh76g201gLii9Lj4pBeN28BhejKCLnFqBeea2-c8oTmSCpJlm-Ri90zzrAiKG-iWyThaGOtA2rvBmSafzoE6urom8OOesl2eMLGSHr5vwacRRir0S64Kos7SvLsL1Xh_YVhsX_JTn/s640/blogger-image--1697375893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg08PKzh76g201gLii9Lj4pBeN28BhejKCLnFqBeea2-c8oTmSCpJlm-Ri90zzrAiKG-iWyThaGOtA2rvBmSafzoE6urom8OOesl2eMLGSHr5vwacRRir0S64Kos7SvLsL1Xh_YVhsX_JTn/s640/blogger-image--1697375893.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Other than birds and fish we have seen very little wildlife as we have cruised through Canada. Jess says there are plenty of bears and dear, they are just too hard to see because of all the trees. Of course he can't prove this, so I will just have to take his word for it. We did find this guy and I must say Jess did a great job getting him to pose.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM72IS6KstLQON-sLiDKGHOC01YAe6K5-rSY8x-CXFWL4Zn7DV6b9w05jpAAtmZp6S4vG4Gk_9JosVlBh9Z81JdKosJx6unvfq_JbthgJfq8fzigrV1simwtFn0iG6Ttcl4AY3C_fZSYCY/s640/blogger-image--482119048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM72IS6KstLQON-sLiDKGHOC01YAe6K5-rSY8x-CXFWL4Zn7DV6b9w05jpAAtmZp6S4vG4Gk_9JosVlBh9Z81JdKosJx6unvfq_JbthgJfq8fzigrV1simwtFn0iG6Ttcl4AY3C_fZSYCY/s640/blogger-image--482119048.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The waters were so calm early in the morning, that I couldn't resist taking this picture of the reflection of the sky beside the boat. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyphP4RwLv2lvsJ4ZVmuF9zF2qaIDATA9pewSiYd3muIC5R33wiesd4QmrTesxjJOtqNrJV9Hhc8jTcE-rBrr4BtlGlHNPZ3T0zYzaC0Uwwewb6p2sD8HlQ_h4AUs_M3AU6oPzevNVYPnb/s640/blogger-image-705774649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyphP4RwLv2lvsJ4ZVmuF9zF2qaIDATA9pewSiYd3muIC5R33wiesd4QmrTesxjJOtqNrJV9Hhc8jTcE-rBrr4BtlGlHNPZ3T0zYzaC0Uwwewb6p2sD8HlQ_h4AUs_M3AU6oPzevNVYPnb/s640/blogger-image-705774649.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The Pool may be beautiful, but it also has no shortage of weeds. This is actually only a small part of what came up with the anchor. Jess had already knocked all of it off the chain before he took this shot. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUsLOZEvWn7cOjgEqzO3C6q1LbmtDEpEcbVql3HeOCqKLn0mPPzVS4HwqzmjIW9uBrhOwdTsSSmDEGvXhhylg7yTDHOOcmCUiNApuP_cPxQKZnV_21UmjFLjkyyR4ExHK8Ks0EtxD0gPBF/s640/blogger-image--1841263157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUsLOZEvWn7cOjgEqzO3C6q1LbmtDEpEcbVql3HeOCqKLn0mPPzVS4HwqzmjIW9uBrhOwdTsSSmDEGvXhhylg7yTDHOOcmCUiNApuP_cPxQKZnV_21UmjFLjkyyR4ExHK8Ks0EtxD0gPBF/s640/blogger-image--1841263157.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The lighthouse on Strawberry Island guards the channel leading into Little Current.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mPT31WxjNPrBQuyD15Bw0Q3WtEroMqTFSIWjglag7EPCpYiewQWHzpMAT79mYiDaV708IGO34ibtIC4ytq8DFiIuejp9N9YybxEoj4Ok8iIjFUQRw-llQ6dErXPuy06W-31OEgOWHp3W/s640/blogger-image-1514913918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mPT31WxjNPrBQuyD15Bw0Q3WtEroMqTFSIWjglag7EPCpYiewQWHzpMAT79mYiDaV708IGO34ibtIC4ytq8DFiIuejp9N9YybxEoj4Ok8iIjFUQRw-llQ6dErXPuy06W-31OEgOWHp3W/s640/blogger-image-1514913918.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The swing bridge crossing the channel between Manitoulin Island (the largest freshwater island in the world) and Goat Island was originally built in 1914 as a railroad bridge. It is now a one lane bridge that is Manitoulin Island's only connection to the mainland. With only an 18 foot clearance we, along with several others, had to patiently wait for its once an hour opening. Just past the bridge is Little Current, the largest community on Manitoulin Island, with a population of about 2,500. We stopped here for two days to reprovision and stretch our legs. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNzhesKscXsQCq-45tppbrUGVOuCiHUS7bPKyw3bc-y4_ANWH9Zp08w7YzdSFxk51FSynQQHoNgpa7wvB51NELyGoKYlVMv5M4SyZIOkk0zRVbn7woHfw_yjAq0Sv9lz1SXn3N5d1p2Mo3/s640/blogger-image--1453305909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNzhesKscXsQCq-45tppbrUGVOuCiHUS7bPKyw3bc-y4_ANWH9Zp08w7YzdSFxk51FSynQQHoNgpa7wvB51NELyGoKYlVMv5M4SyZIOkk0zRVbn7woHfw_yjAq0Sv9lz1SXn3N5d1p2Mo3/s640/blogger-image--1453305909.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Every summer morning at 9:00, Cruiser's Net is broadcast from the Anchor Inn in Little Current. Roy provides boaters with the days weather, world news, events in the area, and then opens the radio for boaters to check-in with their locations throughout the North Channel. We had fun joining his broadcast, along with several Ranger Tug owners who were having a rendezvous in the harbor.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQmnyxpSRAN82h7ItqfP8KZwUy89y00LNA_v0Ng0YNpXkNCNw7XME5rk5qRtG1BqCvMhWCpRwlgL1jVRT4PUyD4NdXOPOrDIq7upMdVEpru0AstkbzOedA5pg280Tl1WnJBFVPKeDtEzG/s640/blogger-image-212853414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQmnyxpSRAN82h7ItqfP8KZwUy89y00LNA_v0Ng0YNpXkNCNw7XME5rk5qRtG1BqCvMhWCpRwlgL1jVRT4PUyD4NdXOPOrDIq7upMdVEpru0AstkbzOedA5pg280Tl1WnJBFVPKeDtEzG/s640/blogger-image-212853414.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our next stop on Manitoulin Island before heading to the islands along the north shore, was Kagawong. This very small community seems to have two claims to fame. It is the home of Bridal Veil Falls and a Chocolate Shop in the small downtown district. Actually it is a nice little historic town, with very friendly residents and nice trails along the Kagawong River.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVaw_X3IxWFtoDQyyp1JKyPRe7D2Or8OdGyfPhSlSJLfaY2nur9KrEOdbi0qDRx2bmVNGr32gsY0sDqgR0AcOzTE3IJGInDbkXgE7ImbWmqGBzlTYh3AemtJP5zSShJe5LukQp2gvrH_GI/s640/blogger-image--1709031931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVaw_X3IxWFtoDQyyp1JKyPRe7D2Or8OdGyfPhSlSJLfaY2nur9KrEOdbi0qDRx2bmVNGr32gsY0sDqgR0AcOzTE3IJGInDbkXgE7ImbWmqGBzlTYh3AemtJP5zSShJe5LukQp2gvrH_GI/s640/blogger-image--1709031931.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It has been a very dry summer in the North Channel and that is really evident here in the pool below Bridal Veil Falls. While I climbed the stairs to the top of the falls, Jess checked out the water.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip5hL6c_IsXZXrbxzS3qGnoGze1JJfluTGDCYFeKTDgz9T4eHSWeeiGg7hZ0bBY41baFxaGatrFYbzE6TYSIDUF2sc-X377qFd-ykPkPBOxwW9W80qrWWYBYZk1mmC0VBBzCZKA1MRxG0C/s640/blogger-image-621247411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip5hL6c_IsXZXrbxzS3qGnoGze1JJfluTGDCYFeKTDgz9T4eHSWeeiGg7hZ0bBY41baFxaGatrFYbzE6TYSIDUF2sc-X377qFd-ykPkPBOxwW9W80qrWWYBYZk1mmC0VBBzCZKA1MRxG0C/s640/blogger-image-621247411.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>After trying to get the camera set to get our picture with not a whole lot of luck, a nice guy out walking his dog gave us a hand. He is the owner of the local B & B, and shared with us what it is like to live in this remote area in all seasons. The whole lake freezes over in the winter, allowing for ice fishing and snowmobiling all the way over to the mainland. With the right clothes, I think it would be fun. I don't think Jess agrees.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpylK09ingPExCZKcDNCSnmhPqkOkbWuHwv8xzBs1rHgVylFvdE-7c7ZoHmwDCBtlnKW5fd8i6G8Kvqfry6mYY6YOB-JfctnjQnQXysHXhJ-J_fjY1vOSqWWOMVoe7rOTxPzzntFc_xd56/s640/blogger-image--1784050986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpylK09ingPExCZKcDNCSnmhPqkOkbWuHwv8xzBs1rHgVylFvdE-7c7ZoHmwDCBtlnKW5fd8i6G8Kvqfry6mYY6YOB-JfctnjQnQXysHXhJ-J_fjY1vOSqWWOMVoe7rOTxPzzntFc_xd56/s640/blogger-image--1784050986.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The Anglican Church welcomes boaters from its spot in the harbor.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1lx5a2XzO0W7AMBUQvQbqQht_Hzkk2EgY8x_uxr9RTWIEYVyMxL7VtkdOHmxXim_2EFAUneoHpUi6URfCFfi7vLPReP8xk37Fp9Nup9IeGxYWCCvCuyv0AEoBd2Tx1ESsoSY2tK0yb9i/s640/blogger-image--1299287600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1lx5a2XzO0W7AMBUQvQbqQht_Hzkk2EgY8x_uxr9RTWIEYVyMxL7VtkdOHmxXim_2EFAUneoHpUi6URfCFfi7vLPReP8xk37Fp9Nup9IeGxYWCCvCuyv0AEoBd2Tx1ESsoSY2tK0yb9i/s640/blogger-image--1299287600.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The history of Kagawong has a strong link to the sea. Even the church recognizes that fact with its marine themed decorations.</div><div><br></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixNXc5vjeo47fr4RpL8xVZ1Vuvp8SmJFo0xYQR285irZ8-yv2jxQFbhLrG_tfeNFIvHDGc7XFkhy8GVZYhlSbpQZe12tJF3DUg0OWqQFXZXg_Rsq1cq4RgqZCRhYbVvjsUaeOciD5JF5T-/s640/blogger-image--789951798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixNXc5vjeo47fr4RpL8xVZ1Vuvp8SmJFo0xYQR285irZ8-yv2jxQFbhLrG_tfeNFIvHDGc7XFkhy8GVZYhlSbpQZe12tJF3DUg0OWqQFXZXg_Rsq1cq4RgqZCRhYbVvjsUaeOciD5JF5T-/s640/blogger-image--789951798.jpg"></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The North Channel provides an abundance of nice, quiet anchorages. Here we are in a bay at Croker Island, as we continue island hopping toward the north shore.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGetkYLHnDRurA2KWTBt-QVAI9ZJSDBi9MLuJk5TIFxMc48e3udN0CNTbpLu7ucgSqvcSsrMpD9S-UzFDMkhcTDkWZ4LVMHPsEL2lUoXgqLshywpGQZPIIRGnsXegC74LMqBBB8-U4xAf/s640/blogger-image--113536913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGetkYLHnDRurA2KWTBt-QVAI9ZJSDBi9MLuJk5TIFxMc48e3udN0CNTbpLu7ucgSqvcSsrMpD9S-UzFDMkhcTDkWZ4LVMHPsEL2lUoXgqLshywpGQZPIIRGnsXegC74LMqBBB8-U4xAf/s640/blogger-image--113536913.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Soaking up some heat from the sun's rays, Jess is warming up before diving in to swim back across the bay.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqaQsKXCVk5e6OhQxCD7vy3Kh9SqNnWX9nEdzvKUQ4h9hyphenhyphenM38h8pTk4QjvpR0n5LNh71n2S1Bv0UtkvHZfTsaHB-Ub-sN67OcHbepH7dfni7bUov0ZQe726lxyY-k-i37YhMb-dUaDrmka/s640/blogger-image--769093231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqaQsKXCVk5e6OhQxCD7vy3Kh9SqNnWX9nEdzvKUQ4h9hyphenhyphenM38h8pTk4QjvpR0n5LNh71n2S1Bv0UtkvHZfTsaHB-Ub-sN67OcHbepH7dfni7bUov0ZQe726lxyY-k-i37YhMb-dUaDrmka/s640/blogger-image--769093231.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Again the dinghy ride proved to be much nicer than the fishing here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Cqpmf2tM_Kr1cYKHvRm7q_mMJ7geRXnsXU5Hn4c09hG0WIw63aMCzMktvl64I8Y-EXKLMpt3_lUeMjv0Q1PiFDBp9XaveP9mrkZSPcT2icxeCW7y1lYrL27OApeDwjAz0KxLWSKBFpWR/s640/blogger-image--115103200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Cqpmf2tM_Kr1cYKHvRm7q_mMJ7geRXnsXU5Hn4c09hG0WIw63aMCzMktvl64I8Y-EXKLMpt3_lUeMjv0Q1PiFDBp9XaveP9mrkZSPcT2icxeCW7y1lYrL27OApeDwjAz0KxLWSKBFpWR/s640/blogger-image--115103200.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Rain threatened, but the clouds always managed to pass us by. After giving up on the fishing, we focused on picking up enough dead wood along the shore for a campfire on the beach.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmr6K8wr4YAAXRGtto6-cx01rUv7ryO6hlgHWOHqvGLPfsWR9VCZHf1PnIk11d12CmdNVi8mYQV00PMETFKsz0NHlfQhFM6wZ6kvqG-U9F3L_xWm8uZ8b5yQZUcqWLJmZdzIDabgW7mfgs/s640/blogger-image--1697321173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmr6K8wr4YAAXRGtto6-cx01rUv7ryO6hlgHWOHqvGLPfsWR9VCZHf1PnIk11d12CmdNVi8mYQV00PMETFKsz0NHlfQhFM6wZ6kvqG-U9F3L_xWm8uZ8b5yQZUcqWLJmZdzIDabgW7mfgs/s640/blogger-image--1697321173.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The rain stayed away, but obviously it did fall somewhere.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWPd8dFB_wkSbEymZkyWMjJn2DPm0bJKTzrmeDxyHicpa8tYkYvmG2__DWrMrK3Cp1ySUT9gWMfWekzPVGefRRrAwfzcAZO_KgIAy24Shyphenhyphensq3I6ZeG4OObEu0a9tKnuQ5PQ1xfm3_3LEJG/s640/blogger-image--1922409689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWPd8dFB_wkSbEymZkyWMjJn2DPm0bJKTzrmeDxyHicpa8tYkYvmG2__DWrMrK3Cp1ySUT9gWMfWekzPVGefRRrAwfzcAZO_KgIAy24Shyphenhyphensq3I6ZeG4OObEu0a9tKnuQ5PQ1xfm3_3LEJG/s640/blogger-image--1922409689.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>This is only our second campfire on this trip. I wasn't prepared for the first one, but as you can see, I now make sure I have a bag of marshmallows aboard.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8n5nzryExN4uXc8Nx0mXhjYLwmg9QAN3Qd2_V8OGoHPIzhwcqnWt1T6ko5W5L6PfRmtY0SaSoFJMHYnhhhDQb0Ix70PqpB_j-_Y4pNVi4lXhnotOF7BU9K-49979bezhvyy8LUTVlwaaU/s640/blogger-image-566653039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8n5nzryExN4uXc8Nx0mXhjYLwmg9QAN3Qd2_V8OGoHPIzhwcqnWt1T6ko5W5L6PfRmtY0SaSoFJMHYnhhhDQb0Ix70PqpB_j-_Y4pNVi4lXhnotOF7BU9K-49979bezhvyy8LUTVlwaaU/s640/blogger-image-566653039.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>To keep from swinging into places we don't want to be, we often have to tie off to shore, as well as drop the anchor. Jess has used many different techniques to accomplish this feat. Some have definitely worked better than others.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnsJKNqlzqIMrBrRFvW0lyHLZLWga0CECfY40t0bxr9_A22NPPrxEwJKtZ9tvQx6IEziaDttSgTK01IaZSH53slvOAEARlxzhYPVOwTUO_uHD-ndKxq3dJq1Jcx73YvX-CylsmFNPk6id/s640/blogger-image--1331083303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnsJKNqlzqIMrBrRFvW0lyHLZLWga0CECfY40t0bxr9_A22NPPrxEwJKtZ9tvQx6IEziaDttSgTK01IaZSH53slvOAEARlxzhYPVOwTUO_uHD-ndKxq3dJq1Jcx73YvX-CylsmFNPk6id/s640/blogger-image--1331083303.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>There is no lack of beautiful scenery in Ontario's North Channel.</div><div><br></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowABwLkq2bh7ceU19mBEE4mgBi7QLWgTl2NsXKwYXCjWrc-g8U90UqOPZFsfioxw01IUvLXcwmVyCL2lym4tAcKuXWvyTMCioRDdVYDfc5x2q76Cxb2NjevjImZ1vjzCkEq7oPUff0XzQ/s640/blogger-image--642245810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowABwLkq2bh7ceU19mBEE4mgBi7QLWgTl2NsXKwYXCjWrc-g8U90UqOPZFsfioxw01IUvLXcwmVyCL2lym4tAcKuXWvyTMCioRDdVYDfc5x2q76Cxb2NjevjImZ1vjzCkEq7oPUff0XzQ/s640/blogger-image--642245810.jpg"></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is our anchorage on South Benjamins. It is hard to believe that we were the only boat in this awesome bay. Of course it was quite a challenge getting the anchor to set. Jess actually had us tied off three different times before he was finally satisfied. While I was perfectly happy to just enjoy the view, nothing would do but Jess had to hike up to the top of the rocks to see what was on the other side. It looked a little steep to me, but he didn't hesitate. Before he left me, I did give him a review of the fact that without him I would be slightly stranded, so watch out for snakes, bears, and don't fall off any cliffs.</div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPVzp5sS2VEQzxSPPtl_ldHdX8h3Gfevzv2e7lW-_mzlugGTdvxwT0rah_gkdefIdZwm8jeawgLqQ89tqDEPXxkBfXv25ddjG7sn90d-Sxi2buHa_EM8Z7MvKSvA2aE3TprOQZL6ks9JCi/s640/blogger-image-287716060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPVzp5sS2VEQzxSPPtl_ldHdX8h3Gfevzv2e7lW-_mzlugGTdvxwT0rah_gkdefIdZwm8jeawgLqQ89tqDEPXxkBfXv25ddjG7sn90d-Sxi2buHa_EM8Z7MvKSvA2aE3TprOQZL6ks9JCi/s640/blogger-image-287716060.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Jess did provide a nice shot of <i>Bama</i> <i>Dream</i> snuggled into this sheltered bay.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0sPYEUfDO4faN1D2NTguu7Jxf0XBfyLGPWcIvxQ2rSRBLDEpKzTuwtiTsg09xR_ZFjUpL2PXjH_qnLWb0sohEVO2CoiNnXqgtG42ADW9AJoWBPQL_XQl8YweAVlmG7SLxp3xzPH6tQ_nG/s640/blogger-image--1249174519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0sPYEUfDO4faN1D2NTguu7Jxf0XBfyLGPWcIvxQ2rSRBLDEpKzTuwtiTsg09xR_ZFjUpL2PXjH_qnLWb0sohEVO2CoiNnXqgtG42ADW9AJoWBPQL_XQl8YweAVlmG7SLxp3xzPH6tQ_nG/s640/blogger-image--1249174519.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>This was one of the few spots that Jess actually got a little nervous. Watching for rocks that hide just below the surface is very important here. When we entered the bay we discovered a rather large one to port that wasn't on our charts. The experienced captain that he has become just took a deep breath and guided us into safe waters.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMV8gL6pC-aI8twtZ3m5cuX5BlsTJI0nK1XU01g54vU3gxVR_vvthvFoO3p6B080yX3DHWDxb0P47-rQk3IFpUPB8qQZtNtjRu-c8tnMzrcecJ1uhUOIoXygV5dvmiaOLL4FFonq_Sumh/s640/blogger-image-1297255655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMV8gL6pC-aI8twtZ3m5cuX5BlsTJI0nK1XU01g54vU3gxVR_vvthvFoO3p6B080yX3DHWDxb0P47-rQk3IFpUPB8qQZtNtjRu-c8tnMzrcecJ1uhUOIoXygV5dvmiaOLL4FFonq_Sumh/s640/blogger-image-1297255655.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A day of smooth water brought us to our final anchorage before turning our bow toward American waters. There were several boats already anchored in Long Point Cove, but we still had plenty of room. We are hoping to catch a few more fish before leaving Ontario behind. We have spent money on many things as we have traveled along the loop, but we both have enjoyed our Ontario nonresident fishing licenses as much as anything.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4h7ogj-EH09TVig8bsT0Or_gSU1oShHh1uIXtuN2yDxmecIm8XSc67LMso_538aHEmeQ8PT7VTcJo7AkRbo9G_oksod3HbedGOXA80Yu-wSmqYOoslcId0nTcjqmI9gxExoYDWdK4wpym/s640/blogger-image--1727409764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4h7ogj-EH09TVig8bsT0Or_gSU1oShHh1uIXtuN2yDxmecIm8XSc67LMso_538aHEmeQ8PT7VTcJo7AkRbo9G_oksod3HbedGOXA80Yu-wSmqYOoslcId0nTcjqmI9gxExoYDWdK4wpym/s640/blogger-image--1727409764.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>These islands are so amazing that we couldn't resist a nice dinghy ride before we tried our luck with fishing. In the dinghy we could weave our way around rocks and islands, getting into places that bigger boats can't go.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONK3kmL-Kciyn8ORJ1BKQz3XAa_f_ofRdPJvXzk_ApxO06dJxpcC6X4RwEqxkUoJNay5CQ6Lc_b1I-DMGwNCq0QRZTZYdXNvL5U1lSLEo4XeAqQdzdMON9ZLDCk900LhdwzLbZmOILYQr/s640/blogger-image--124009082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONK3kmL-Kciyn8ORJ1BKQz3XAa_f_ofRdPJvXzk_ApxO06dJxpcC6X4RwEqxkUoJNay5CQ6Lc_b1I-DMGwNCq0QRZTZYdXNvL5U1lSLEo4XeAqQdzdMON9ZLDCk900LhdwzLbZmOILYQr/s640/blogger-image--124009082.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Other than a mink scurrying along the shore, we didn't see any other wildlife. I guess with miles and miles of remote territory, there is no reason for animals to frequent the more populated areas.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX9gxaeN9kNidaqIKUGRaPU-ialUFEg25VAF4_7L_ZEdOYSJ1q17cQe689o4a_k0xp_BVDFHCU_y1TdAJQC_mDPrvT1Lo8y3qoP7t_DlJH_UPGbnWcHrbG7Z8jm__1tZkoefb0Ipbh-_s0/s640/blogger-image-753223615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX9gxaeN9kNidaqIKUGRaPU-ialUFEg25VAF4_7L_ZEdOYSJ1q17cQe689o4a_k0xp_BVDFHCU_y1TdAJQC_mDPrvT1Lo8y3qoP7t_DlJH_UPGbnWcHrbG7Z8jm__1tZkoefb0Ipbh-_s0/s640/blogger-image-753223615.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The water is so clear it is quite difficult to judge how deep it is. Making it very important to watch out for the rocks that can cause major damage to our props. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwUtaTR2qTUhCd9s9MsbFV1zDo7jQ46tsQX8b4CA7JAEG5yMOFxiXFPFqg2lUaQohEXjgV_Ynkd_zjp1r5vrhckqw28WOFgieubS6rw8cB-u0LzsQujNuK9EIF61bXhrQMTC1JwQ5kwPm6/s640/blogger-image-2028519025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwUtaTR2qTUhCd9s9MsbFV1zDo7jQ46tsQX8b4CA7JAEG5yMOFxiXFPFqg2lUaQohEXjgV_Ynkd_zjp1r5vrhckqw28WOFgieubS6rw8cB-u0LzsQujNuK9EIF61bXhrQMTC1JwQ5kwPm6/s640/blogger-image-2028519025.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Morning arrived with the threat of a significant thunderstorm. While we were entertained by the lightning and thunder, most of the rain slid by without soaking us too badly. It finally did clear off for a nice afternoon of fishing and sightseeing.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3PGMwewXlXBi7zIyLZZiJaY01EtrduYe9J1hpY26odjWtb2As0geZWYHRvdwsX_GJgtsMbSYMT3LkWO6Q9OI5SPaWGIBjSQ0X2pMnzcVP0wAf9Mk_RlUAngx89kxwqsx1Ksf99l05iUyz/s640/blogger-image--739547949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3PGMwewXlXBi7zIyLZZiJaY01EtrduYe9J1hpY26odjWtb2As0geZWYHRvdwsX_GJgtsMbSYMT3LkWO6Q9OI5SPaWGIBjSQ0X2pMnzcVP0wAf9Mk_RlUAngx89kxwqsx1Ksf99l05iUyz/s640/blogger-image--739547949.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>While we were hoping for more fishing activity, I must point out that I did catch the most and the biggest. Jess will say that his pike was bigger, but it was only longer, my smallmouth was definitely heavier.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBW5SutHks-7uaNRAY_RQ_uzJYJFn-GwSMQNo9ldIK1JHdp6Fm3AYo-Sfe6kfQN1-wxPkyq883fZfZpRlZp9JyRTrLnsgK0kQ36lv-86N9vXX0sMAnrVIBetzbBLzTU9dVwPqoEobU2m3/s640/blogger-image-116244749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBW5SutHks-7uaNRAY_RQ_uzJYJFn-GwSMQNo9ldIK1JHdp6Fm3AYo-Sfe6kfQN1-wxPkyq883fZfZpRlZp9JyRTrLnsgK0kQ36lv-86N9vXX0sMAnrVIBetzbBLzTU9dVwPqoEobU2m3/s640/blogger-image-116244749.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>This beaver evidently wants to make sure he has plenty of winter food in easy reach for those long, cold days. He is either new at this, or a very messy bachelor.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVXxpmq9J63-S6F0w0ZsLg_CSgyR_cALShAvBSwBGNdc4Nh4yl_B_ng4cmBZFgcQCoSxvwONLlJVkAyK6ErfwkU0l57k2G9-1vK-BciZfA7A7UF_lJUg8X0hUC_2VCcwrHPUxiwKTgkEaI/s640/blogger-image-1251087490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVXxpmq9J63-S6F0w0ZsLg_CSgyR_cALShAvBSwBGNdc4Nh4yl_B_ng4cmBZFgcQCoSxvwONLlJVkAyK6ErfwkU0l57k2G9-1vK-BciZfA7A7UF_lJUg8X0hUC_2VCcwrHPUxiwKTgkEaI/s640/blogger-image-1251087490.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The North Channel is absolutely beautiful. It is no wonder that so many boaters spend their summers searching for its hidden gems! They are not hard to find, as they are everywhere you look.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOA2N6-G4wGQZ42kzMUR8XPu56orRJQ2Jfn4TBSzcDm2cOn0hdQ030w3k3HQNzZSTWQno_1AKQW3E0WR1xN-nkP0MSokphOVl-veZBpxoYLA2YfiOgGie5tbEvUeH9txge3NxTFk80y8Ly/s640/blogger-image-1799528424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOA2N6-G4wGQZ42kzMUR8XPu56orRJQ2Jfn4TBSzcDm2cOn0hdQ030w3k3HQNzZSTWQno_1AKQW3E0WR1xN-nkP0MSokphOVl-veZBpxoYLA2YfiOgGie5tbEvUeH9txge3NxTFk80y8Ly/s640/blogger-image-1799528424.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Just wanted to point out that right there where the weeds extend out into the water is where I landed my smallmouth. I am going to miss hooking into these guys. They love to jump as they try to shake out the hook, and they never give up the fight until they have been netted.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQfq5_zHzdA-08uuYzFJvMvW1CpVIiRHEuoYqSqkCBpKrigusHuhi1UZDzULj9zUQKwqvVphoWiMGNUT4QXMEEkVB3tmadBwYI_TikYbYPn_rtzzodEFjnC1G7jQm9dckJehygfnsETf7d/s640/blogger-image--198945533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQfq5_zHzdA-08uuYzFJvMvW1CpVIiRHEuoYqSqkCBpKrigusHuhi1UZDzULj9zUQKwqvVphoWiMGNUT4QXMEEkVB3tmadBwYI_TikYbYPn_rtzzodEFjnC1G7jQm9dckJehygfnsETf7d/s640/blogger-image--198945533.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The sun sinks behind the hills on our time in Canada. We may not make it back here on <i>Bama</i> <i>Dream</i>, but I am sure that, God willing, we will return.</div>Linda and Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417081628587029110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439761904960438927.post-90721434798948278592015-08-09T19:52:00.001-07:002015-11-02T21:59:08.187-08:00The Georgian BayJuly 25-Aug. 6<div><br></div><div>Days 256-268</div><div><br></div><div>I am going to try very hard not to overuse the words beautiful, stunning, breathtaking, and gorgeous in my remarks about our voyage through the Georgian Bay. I will warn you right now that it is not going to be an easy task. We have discovered that while portions of this area are definitely more remote than our travels through the canals were, this is still "cottage" country. With over 30 thousand islands to choose from, it has not been too difficult to drop our anchor where there are no homes in sight. The temperature has taken quite a dip, which pleases me immensely, but it is not always to Jess' liking. At least not when he comes out of the water after one of his many swims. We have also had to deal with some windy weather, causing us to search for safe harbors in which to wait it out. When living on a boat, it doesn't take long to realize that wind is your biggest weather issue. It is not always a bad thing, because it gives us the opportunity to catch up with fellow loopers, have a lazy day in a quite cove, or tend to all of those little chores that require some attention. We have a tendency to always be on the move, so when the weather slows us down it is O.K.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJpHZ1LCD0We69DqRjjneAJKXb3Y66RDyL1sZzFSnGBN6vxVcODiLB0q-5N3UagP9wq-eUkiqGbswknhsRJadT7mGNQlkGS8T3osuXvrOGRya-D_gjW1omKNejfZ050dpMI6MlRxaoBI4c/s640/blogger-image--1244639673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJpHZ1LCD0We69DqRjjneAJKXb3Y66RDyL1sZzFSnGBN6vxVcODiLB0q-5N3UagP9wq-eUkiqGbswknhsRJadT7mGNQlkGS8T3osuXvrOGRya-D_gjW1omKNejfZ050dpMI6MlRxaoBI4c/s640/blogger-image--1244639673.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Port Severn was so busy when we came through the lock that there was no place for us to tie up in order to pick up a few things that we needed before traveling into some remote territory. Local information told us to head for Honey Harbor, where we would be able to restock the cooler. Honey Harbor is a very busy boating spot, and with us arriving on the weekend we decided our best bet was to just drop anchor and chill until Monday. We took the opportunity to drop our dinghies in order to try our luck fishing, as well as making a visit into town. I'm not sure whose job it was to tie off Janet & Ralph's dinghy, but as you can see it was taking a little trip on its own until Jess dove in to retrieve it. We headed back to the National Park on Beausoleil Island first thing Monday morning after a quick stop at Picnic Island for fuel and water. If you time your stop just right the most scrumptious breakfast pastries to be found anywhere will be just coming out of the oven. If they are not ready yet I highly recommend that you wait for the them!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwTYIGIGlRwqMAWHzv4MXNhe4e0ZKhyphenhyphenR3x2GOJFTrD5oCcP30jzYVgkpVWnDZ2T1JfswTVZiS4ELd_8EOWBXWmqZPxqCylyB-W-JA8xkRZM-7RfqXZ8MOfya9ShxVS0MSuER0USkJ3TyTF/s640/blogger-image--323675578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwTYIGIGlRwqMAWHzv4MXNhe4e0ZKhyphenhyphenR3x2GOJFTrD5oCcP30jzYVgkpVWnDZ2T1JfswTVZiS4ELd_8EOWBXWmqZPxqCylyB-W-JA8xkRZM-7RfqXZ8MOfya9ShxVS0MSuER0USkJ3TyTF/s640/blogger-image--323675578.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Jess and I love visiting our National Parks, so we were excited to check out what this one in Canada had to offer. </div><div> </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJas3bbCyO8b_XJjyhVQvIUwgDVNP7jPIXoMdZuSN3ALF2a6Kw_M6XgzUSQEnffbCT4BWwAK-xePkbvOFc9EJEboAxEFRosZR8It3nLHWdQxgP5KpCtk7Lh9cR2ZsPWxrGk2-Dp29TfQ8/s640/blogger-image-1422069737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJas3bbCyO8b_XJjyhVQvIUwgDVNP7jPIXoMdZuSN3ALF2a6Kw_M6XgzUSQEnffbCT4BWwAK-xePkbvOFc9EJEboAxEFRosZR8It3nLHWdQxgP5KpCtk7Lh9cR2ZsPWxrGk2-Dp29TfQ8/s640/blogger-image-1422069737.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Decked out for a nice hike around the lower end of the island. I love birch trees and we couldn't resist posing with this big guy that we came across along the trail.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYHfeCnRh6IuoxErrBCIYdg96BOsNsXhfMV23UGQkIN3_nIuduKnTHj3q7CsS_YRGFP_v3NlUVN4xzBcSUNhEkbSLpLXPPjdsT0eNgTlAT5nJKcHWFncj1y-QsQyuXJvPQePWrVm6nH27W/s640/blogger-image-446957055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYHfeCnRh6IuoxErrBCIYdg96BOsNsXhfMV23UGQkIN3_nIuduKnTHj3q7CsS_YRGFP_v3NlUVN4xzBcSUNhEkbSLpLXPPjdsT0eNgTlAT5nJKcHWFncj1y-QsQyuXJvPQePWrVm6nH27W/s640/blogger-image-446957055.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>This historical cemetery is the resting place for many of the native inhabitants of the island before it became a National Park in 1929. Most of the headstones were dated in the 1800s.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDXRuJ0gboCk3va2lY7E9_pCF2YpG8W7isp2YyhhD0QbUSyfZiXvwEv0NSaJs7tNmdXKady9PSZK6IEPFrycZunh3O-4CQVA2i-69STIgmSSgOKXgGmfvXV5sUcq-754qw9Dt56IEC6CaX/s640/blogger-image-565254445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDXRuJ0gboCk3va2lY7E9_pCF2YpG8W7isp2YyhhD0QbUSyfZiXvwEv0NSaJs7tNmdXKady9PSZK6IEPFrycZunh3O-4CQVA2i-69STIgmSSgOKXgGmfvXV5sUcq-754qw9Dt56IEC6CaX/s640/blogger-image-565254445.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Our little hike through the woods was going great while we were out in the open enjoying a beautiful sunshiny day. Then we entered a shaded forest area that was home to at least 500 million mosquitoes and everyone of their cousins. Luckily we had brought some spray with us that all four of us quickly bathed in. Of course, if we had not had something to ward off the mosquitoes, we would not have had an up close encounter with this guy. This part of Canada is home to only one poisonous snake. You guessed it, this is a <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Massasauga </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">rattlesnake! By the way, Melinda, he did <b>rattle</b> at us!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmoyBc23kZ2La9a45PiYuynBS8E3oB4dEGEOypQb6OUA4LtIjqnF6iyoR2DRdGL89_JlTySBCrMdUWhhPNllgFcZc7E0z1WQTiHPyQegpPs-KVrPaBSPCGdOX5mLT2TOckECMALvkjCfG/s640/blogger-image-1607173117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmoyBc23kZ2La9a45PiYuynBS8E3oB4dEGEOypQb6OUA4LtIjqnF6iyoR2DRdGL89_JlTySBCrMdUWhhPNllgFcZc7E0z1WQTiHPyQegpPs-KVrPaBSPCGdOX5mLT2TOckECMALvkjCfG/s640/blogger-image-1607173117.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We were rewarded for persevering through our little adventure with this beautiful meadow of wildflowers, as we reached the summit of our hike. Actually, the mosquitoes had evidently all been blown to the east side of the island, because they didn't give us a problem at all on our trek headed north along the western shore. There are several trails on Beausoleil Island that we could have explored, but we had had all of the fun we could handle for one day, so it was time to haul anchor and continue our journey.</div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmXNQTA-41_olii7iHatbrHvp0bs29UldFoWUuq1LkXzhxq7SAAZOKXsOZTjfW_6PJTLPgcFSSnrTuL1NfkmOUotZ0DEmq0aL8Rwyhh4eN0gc7LwGTpfujdQ6s3xGo_hOg-m5kWnfymiH2/s640/blogger-image--1601587004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmXNQTA-41_olii7iHatbrHvp0bs29UldFoWUuq1LkXzhxq7SAAZOKXsOZTjfW_6PJTLPgcFSSnrTuL1NfkmOUotZ0DEmq0aL8Rwyhh4eN0gc7LwGTpfujdQ6s3xGo_hOg-m5kWnfymiH2/s640/blogger-image--1601587004.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>All of the local fishermen have given us the inside scoop on what baits we need to catch fish in these waters. We have taken their suggestions and increased the profits of several bait shops along our route. Finally, we gave up and went back to our old standby that catches fish in the Tennessee River. As you can see everything likes our watermellon flukes, even this big <font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">mussel that grabed on and wouldn't let go.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTIHH8Kh9AKqMQx0pL_ej7AzJ2rbKx96qo5UwdVhwZFPppgBbEuOwtzktbAj0_J1Cz_gsDU9w38fdn74Kn0u9zaCArenTYrmWT0TuXEnagGxGtnoqoMNoTNwSjqC1PX4F0B0fZj0icIrV/s640/blogger-image--1814348806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTIHH8Kh9AKqMQx0pL_ej7AzJ2rbKx96qo5UwdVhwZFPppgBbEuOwtzktbAj0_J1Cz_gsDU9w38fdn74Kn0u9zaCArenTYrmWT0TuXEnagGxGtnoqoMNoTNwSjqC1PX4F0B0fZj0icIrV/s640/blogger-image--1814348806.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>A lovely end to a very busy day. We anchored behind Bone Island with several other cruisers and another Albin. No luck with the fish, but the scenery more than made up for it.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFwhvR_v_7ZNtkQdgxjstX8wxdDNaBd2wnJvAWesZlVmD1ouwfOnwxVeVyVxT6tK7l4U3frcVzwhDkDn-wYnZsnj1LZCb5lF7JzH0mDBWBFS6wEIhKz0NpR4eaCUcxZQQvqYW0Pyvgu_FN/s640/blogger-image--551633746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFwhvR_v_7ZNtkQdgxjstX8wxdDNaBd2wnJvAWesZlVmD1ouwfOnwxVeVyVxT6tK7l4U3frcVzwhDkDn-wYnZsnj1LZCb5lF7JzH0mDBWBFS6wEIhKz0NpR4eaCUcxZQQvqYW0Pyvgu_FN/s640/blogger-image--551633746.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We met up with <i>Gud</i>-<i>Nuff</i> and <i>At</i> <i>Last</i> in Brown's Bay. The day couldn't have been nicer. It was a little on the warm side, so we all enjoyed a nice swim. Had a great time fishing here, but the best part was the beautiful anchorage.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1sYteOtZrKOA_iyq39O7haq-AK-4muDBcl6HY3NrImXZpJlOysmr-ZGDiOnfxF4ncGPEKyNVIdjs-cmj3BAZJTRagOq93Xvg0IAvStPi5b4OuE9DLirzZ1APvxQox0rfIVrPnHNHFd6DD/s640/blogger-image--2024043585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1sYteOtZrKOA_iyq39O7haq-AK-4muDBcl6HY3NrImXZpJlOysmr-ZGDiOnfxF4ncGPEKyNVIdjs-cmj3BAZJTRagOq93Xvg0IAvStPi5b4OuE9DLirzZ1APvxQox0rfIVrPnHNHFd6DD/s640/blogger-image--2024043585.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Show Off! Jess was getting our fishing stuff out of the dink and just threw my bait one time and comes up with a pike. Sometimes I think the fish know which line is his and they just come swimming and say "Here I am"!</div><div><br></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ejXuIYyq2cZ-UozkOqt2CKlAwprneb6ptnhBFLLdVUgu29HTLvJe0SONB7f7H-wVeVlAVcZh8_Z-el0_dezUrLWXWselgFR65hX77NmpawC5ExcUySCdP5gUwD-uJR-v1SpbnPyM5-G6/s640/blogger-image--941797794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ejXuIYyq2cZ-UozkOqt2CKlAwprneb6ptnhBFLLdVUgu29HTLvJe0SONB7f7H-wVeVlAVcZh8_Z-el0_dezUrLWXWselgFR65hX77NmpawC5ExcUySCdP5gUwD-uJR-v1SpbnPyM5-G6/s640/blogger-image--941797794.jpg"></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After a great pot luck dinner, we still had room for my version of a boater's lemon icebox pie. When you live on a boat you soon learn that if you don't have quite everything you need, you improvise.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLtGMbsSW5s5-Rw_KAAacwIOTNI0moBh998ldqTcKJNCYrcPMn4-erpdnkUWFlJdS3pUyJ5M4EOMsThT5lru9gaXcCPRgetQ0k9Kk-nLuQr6_igCbMxY3bL-GlFCc1hcvdb20CkOPA4BcY/s640/blogger-image-1684944960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLtGMbsSW5s5-Rw_KAAacwIOTNI0moBh998ldqTcKJNCYrcPMn4-erpdnkUWFlJdS3pUyJ5M4EOMsThT5lru9gaXcCPRgetQ0k9Kk-nLuQr6_igCbMxY3bL-GlFCc1hcvdb20CkOPA4BcY/s640/blogger-image-1684944960.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We have discovered that we like catching smallmouth bass. It's a good thing, because that is most often what bites.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhceUuv_bwG0rEw58r55t8-DOLZsrB5skZ0G3gZcVNRGEzcrueeBKwINa9MKNk7HVeWxrP37pTSqsGCqwL1gZQiI-zb8-jAsckTt5ikx-mxEhyphenhyphenwPQmjjeUMlkB4OejZx9q2J9dQVAGiFenh/s640/blogger-image--1382615128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhceUuv_bwG0rEw58r55t8-DOLZsrB5skZ0G3gZcVNRGEzcrueeBKwINa9MKNk7HVeWxrP37pTSqsGCqwL1gZQiI-zb8-jAsckTt5ikx-mxEhyphenhyphenwPQmjjeUMlkB4OejZx9q2J9dQVAGiFenh/s640/blogger-image--1382615128.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>A move into Twelve Mile Bay opens up some more fishing possibilities, but we are also sad to see Ralph and Janet leave us as they move on to Parry Sound. Hopefully we will meet up again somewhere on the water. These smallmouth bass don't give up without a fight. I love to watch them jump out of the water as they try to shake out the hook. I told Jess to let me know when he had one hooked so that I could try to get some shots of the fish jumping. I was really amazed that I managed to catch him basically in flight.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkKtJTcNnCvClHjrMwDNfrHC_qIJ2KqUDxcSmtwnq18degZvTan22FOGBVl8n_r7fjU9X0zXsAVUe_vbZBmI1XzqtFKUv9RrZU7xJxhjzthLYlsvG-F46L2Pb5G_SAb7TIigiUR6pqJcoX/s640/blogger-image--1527278847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkKtJTcNnCvClHjrMwDNfrHC_qIJ2KqUDxcSmtwnq18degZvTan22FOGBVl8n_r7fjU9X0zXsAVUe_vbZBmI1XzqtFKUv9RrZU7xJxhjzthLYlsvG-F46L2Pb5G_SAb7TIigiUR6pqJcoX/s640/blogger-image--1527278847.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>One more flip and Jess had him landed. We usually just catch and release, the excitement of the hit and retrieval is enough for us.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8kO9RJQWi_EYigRfb7eatAE0hNqPvjpULx7voBq7kMpGpXENZZY9cIV-1h2unG22cjXSxfRcniEApF2-raA_uNEHUTdnBhQWJKhprL5Ed4-l5zPAHqlAeyKxzoL7rnFG2s6_BOKLbCFy/s640/blogger-image-902823939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8kO9RJQWi_EYigRfb7eatAE0hNqPvjpULx7voBq7kMpGpXENZZY9cIV-1h2unG22cjXSxfRcniEApF2-raA_uNEHUTdnBhQWJKhprL5Ed4-l5zPAHqlAeyKxzoL7rnFG2s6_BOKLbCFy/s640/blogger-image-902823939.jpg"></a></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On the move again as we maneuver around a multitude of islands on our way to Port Rawson Bay. This bay is a Provincial Park for overnight boaters and remote camping. There are no private cottages within the park. </div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBOqbxECmMSqpCV4YPBoRsoLqm1qZbCO1phyphenhyphen173volXWEKusMTM1NOVzaJGMXskeOzCTOAnoiMWwOlwypOiSE90qpwCEdfvFV7VMH24VdJ7VjYV-r4hlfPpY4F2vtlFlMpPA5fjU7Sza0/s640/blogger-image--1451571482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBOqbxECmMSqpCV4YPBoRsoLqm1qZbCO1phyphenhyphen173volXWEKusMTM1NOVzaJGMXskeOzCTOAnoiMWwOlwypOiSE90qpwCEdfvFV7VMH24VdJ7VjYV-r4hlfPpY4F2vtlFlMpPA5fjU7Sza0/s640/blogger-image--1451571482.jpg"></a></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I figure you are all tired of looking at our fish pictures, but this is one nice smallmouth. Jess would have been very disappointed if everyone didn't get to see his catch.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2CCbFbpMXFWUqNOZCSPwIjxxBai48WTC532CvLQVIEjlXi9dnXyBnO1c0GezzN7sBFH7iFZZaaKrH5N_GQXtUQzEtvgYw9nt-vZANJwcc_kRE5TpdPIafP2nVRSWwIlt3Cud9AaWzI8a/s640/blogger-image--1297690404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2CCbFbpMXFWUqNOZCSPwIjxxBai48WTC532CvLQVIEjlXi9dnXyBnO1c0GezzN7sBFH7iFZZaaKrH5N_GQXtUQzEtvgYw9nt-vZANJwcc_kRE5TpdPIafP2nVRSWwIlt3Cud9AaWzI8a/s640/blogger-image--1297690404.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>This has been a very dry year here. The lack of rain made for a very disappointing blueberry crop. Jess managed to find just enough berries to add to our breakfast cereal in the morning. I am a little concerned about what the bears are eating this summer.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4SLKPit0s8yo2fJgREP-N0j1AYQx8pXfOEaicPApRYIASscaKBdlyKNobvRuRvUCe7oTOUlZOwTWav2xse3_sYZ3tXR2oXZc9XDtBN14tult2P0POM_zbnhxFKSikpRA1EIcGMr3Pyio/s640/blogger-image-105081584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4SLKPit0s8yo2fJgREP-N0j1AYQx8pXfOEaicPApRYIASscaKBdlyKNobvRuRvUCe7oTOUlZOwTWav2xse3_sYZ3tXR2oXZc9XDtBN14tult2P0POM_zbnhxFKSikpRA1EIcGMr3Pyio/s640/blogger-image-105081584.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Surrounded by the beauty of nature, <i>Bama</i> <i>Dream</i> has brought us to the most amazing places as we traverse the Great Circle Route and its many side trips.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9EDrrslWfwYLs_NFAfxr_BmURdZg7_TyavADCpIVNrK0-l74RN6bQHOeANlKyEV_sx5Srh5WUkmrWWfilcOyI6x3kStQcZVW6lMF0KG44vo-Ne-HJpTO9mWwqtClEkyP4l8aWVJvoC9MW/s640/blogger-image--1673111147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9EDrrslWfwYLs_NFAfxr_BmURdZg7_TyavADCpIVNrK0-l74RN6bQHOeANlKyEV_sx5Srh5WUkmrWWfilcOyI6x3kStQcZVW6lMF0KG44vo-Ne-HJpTO9mWwqtClEkyP4l8aWVJvoC9MW/s640/blogger-image--1673111147.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>A full moon peeks through the clouds as another awesome day comes to a close. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_OyYMrxIUUoUtBmy4KJk5TJjBnKAOkXDVDR6VjQtMoOTTR287mhPeGj1A2iZ_k_NPP1k_zVx3v39qsskapH3GCBe81c9OMFSGxqU5zC5GkCv4_p-4Ap6kddDCuTP7cHl1wFJheQoHQNR/s640/blogger-image-1493018141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_OyYMrxIUUoUtBmy4KJk5TJjBnKAOkXDVDR6VjQtMoOTTR287mhPeGj1A2iZ_k_NPP1k_zVx3v39qsskapH3GCBe81c9OMFSGxqU5zC5GkCv4_p-4Ap6kddDCuTP7cHl1wFJheQoHQNR/s640/blogger-image-1493018141.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I can't let Jess's catch of the previous day go unanswered. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YMq3dKCGGeADmaMO8Xah85n-gVeNjcr5cuZuktByeZX7E4ubXEKVxUIYaKutfKnbbWoxFnhXGAuaFN4ie7-vyfWbh_7w6N_j86L1vbe_O8HXpG6jiUm7Y4GjSU2KZY3u3C3dfgjbh7Jx/s640/blogger-image-47850758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YMq3dKCGGeADmaMO8Xah85n-gVeNjcr5cuZuktByeZX7E4ubXEKVxUIYaKutfKnbbWoxFnhXGAuaFN4ie7-vyfWbh_7w6N_j86L1vbe_O8HXpG6jiUm7Y4GjSU2KZY3u3C3dfgjbh7Jx/s640/blogger-image-47850758.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>As much as we hate leaving Port Rawson Bay, it is time to move on. We have been fighting some windy weather for the last couple of days and from what we hear it is going to get worse. We only stayed in a marina one day in July and since it is now the 1st of August it is probably time to look for a nice dock until the weather improves. The closer we get back to civilization the more cottages we cruise by. Many of the cottages are only accessible by boat, but most of them do have power. Our charts show submarine power lines running all over the place.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGKeG7eo4Fcxlu0JoKoOaImYVV4Cb39bxw4O-PNdcfv6hrENPijBUzHydzBNV1NiEpvlmIaThYQBzV2lx3GcC3Ei9kI3oWzS4kvr8Jdao3V09J3X4r0p3SOrAhraxs1YlKPpcO_ASKhwBB/s640/blogger-image-819166153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGKeG7eo4Fcxlu0JoKoOaImYVV4Cb39bxw4O-PNdcfv6hrENPijBUzHydzBNV1NiEpvlmIaThYQBzV2lx3GcC3Ei9kI3oWzS4kvr8Jdao3V09J3X4r0p3SOrAhraxs1YlKPpcO_ASKhwBB/s640/blogger-image-819166153.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The water is getting a little choppy as we work our way to Killbear Marina. We were thrilled to find our friends on <i>Aunt</i> <i>Aggie, </i>as well as four other loopers already in the snug harbor.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-KPmlCmEOdi0-RCRdD3eq65V5dVX2Nnh2h13iTxP5-jKorZx00gMsg7jjnD8M6LvK3u9QmK8xtYJi9teIBs4OLVEgN4SbFaZFfc9nIi3GIMG9ovvy4CWQ-plvfm0Ujr2lmAGne-40_BzP/s640/blogger-image-1698009783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-KPmlCmEOdi0-RCRdD3eq65V5dVX2Nnh2h13iTxP5-jKorZx00gMsg7jjnD8M6LvK3u9QmK8xtYJi9teIBs4OLVEgN4SbFaZFfc9nIi3GIMG9ovvy4CWQ-plvfm0Ujr2lmAGne-40_BzP/s640/blogger-image-1698009783.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Time for boating stories at an impromptu docktail gathering, After drinks and snacks we all enjoyed a great meal at the Ships Store Restaurant. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATnFcx6-FMJQDTAv4Hp0m248eOKo174PuhrHoSE0PGQh119_sM7QLDY_ZGmEd2F8KkJfFTjzN9H5uzmDfIhyncRGQXgpraqHjvs_3V1IDtFNkN8j9x7l7xmf-yRdE6sseWqwmMRUb80_S/s640/blogger-image--403478374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATnFcx6-FMJQDTAv4Hp0m248eOKo174PuhrHoSE0PGQh119_sM7QLDY_ZGmEd2F8KkJfFTjzN9H5uzmDfIhyncRGQXgpraqHjvs_3V1IDtFNkN8j9x7l7xmf-yRdE6sseWqwmMRUb80_S/s640/blogger-image--403478374.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The heavy rain clouds are threatening and cruisers are rapidly heading into the marina as they look for a safe harbor until the storm passes. We were hit by three strong thunderstorms over the course of the evening. We stayed dry in <i>Bama</i> <i>Dream</i> with George and Martha, having a fun evening playing cards and marbles.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8T6zKMD5D8ACzVY44MigAvUuFuZ8f7Ul38axl5kUWGsZao42F6ZJyaTOcqfXFgzYGXRm-2ZehZ49X49FLzYCYvNOeyOgOqVUTj8-EC9hsh2hoYFM-g97u0bgjiGvwfc3I6X6AruaU6ZXC/s640/blogger-image--1406584706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8T6zKMD5D8ACzVY44MigAvUuFuZ8f7Ul38axl5kUWGsZao42F6ZJyaTOcqfXFgzYGXRm-2ZehZ49X49FLzYCYvNOeyOgOqVUTj8-EC9hsh2hoYFM-g97u0bgjiGvwfc3I6X6AruaU6ZXC/s640/blogger-image--1406584706.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The weather cleared enough for us to head for an anchorage behind Stairs Island. Absolutely breathtaking is not even close to how beautiful this anchorage is. We stayed here for two days and other than fighting the wind it was perfect.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPR7B1jDi43q31sI2eDDNxnFvBayhCZOctnhfQANoTMVT52iCyiFlUSOibrOuuwrVhqad8ZLaPw3ZpGQxczfunJTSd8dkjroJOS9STb1iGyp0Ki6gjEfsYAfa8PP5aU1fwhf50IbHX4tKd/s640/blogger-image-948696367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPR7B1jDi43q31sI2eDDNxnFvBayhCZOctnhfQANoTMVT52iCyiFlUSOibrOuuwrVhqad8ZLaPw3ZpGQxczfunJTSd8dkjroJOS9STb1iGyp0Ki6gjEfsYAfa8PP5aU1fwhf50IbHX4tKd/s640/blogger-image-948696367.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The dinghy ride through Hemlock Channel is amazing. We have seen some lovely places while riding in the dink, but I think this one tops them all so far! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg8O9tWjVytLRp-vsJVALA9PddyfivmTczqOU3owtNwJwOATc5L3MnZoyJ6XWyGSvLWD6LoBX1DgI8s7nalV3m2TpvJmRM0n7NiwAootQyjSia9F6WDTWbPuLRCWQqsCP9IXzPam6VgjAK/s640/blogger-image-2107221406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg8O9tWjVytLRp-vsJVALA9PddyfivmTczqOU3owtNwJwOATc5L3MnZoyJ6XWyGSvLWD6LoBX1DgI8s7nalV3m2TpvJmRM0n7NiwAootQyjSia9F6WDTWbPuLRCWQqsCP9IXzPam6VgjAK/s640/blogger-image-2107221406.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>If you have never heard the call of a loon you owe it to yourself to make a trip north in the summer just for that purpose. We enjoy just watching them as they preen themselves, dive for their supper, land so gracefully on the water, and carry their young around on their backs.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisl3Rjom9itraxlslNq-Ogaacipmrmby6DtVE5TVnl4syGuu9XOpx1GSR8OfUi-UEqjcfluzCbFC5aEe7f9Q5GsYGiT2NviSf15ZnGnwyKFF-Njir3Vkl6CsDVWkW0ju3-MkzNdDtfpdTD/s640/blogger-image-957593918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisl3Rjom9itraxlslNq-Ogaacipmrmby6DtVE5TVnl4syGuu9XOpx1GSR8OfUi-UEqjcfluzCbFC5aEe7f9Q5GsYGiT2NviSf15ZnGnwyKFF-Njir3Vkl6CsDVWkW0ju3-MkzNdDtfpdTD/s640/blogger-image-957593918.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>This huge beaver lodge was directly behind our boat. We kept a watch on the area, but if there was anyone home we never caught a glimpse of them.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoe9qUREu1DCDhFvOHoAzFEvVLdAEY3mq1oyq4RDcJUtkjkv5EKr4vI_leJu6SX9lhpDWsrZniRSwLz3MAUXbIWxmyqMTyMrNT_qPVjV86mz269qmwLQvlAXZ-8kZKISpNT4B0XTN47-eD/s640/blogger-image-525976816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoe9qUREu1DCDhFvOHoAzFEvVLdAEY3mq1oyq4RDcJUtkjkv5EKr4vI_leJu6SX9lhpDWsrZniRSwLz3MAUXbIWxmyqMTyMrNT_qPVjV86mz269qmwLQvlAXZ-8kZKISpNT4B0XTN47-eD/s640/blogger-image-525976816.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>This 1889 lighthouse marks the entrance to Pointe au Baril. It also guards the channel that leads out to open water. We are hoping for a smooth ride, but are not sure what we will find when we enter the bay.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEa0Ca1jhPeBwqflsCFMoFe41lOIO4IL6-Q2yQmDBKAFhVYcgqjoxwxxTUX3clC7g96dKFtLwHlLL3tXUtMZ6tPReT7mMk8v7OT9YkimjbngEvFLWvKjVphzmXcCrLfIdqw-8pFRYGAAQ/s640/blogger-image--710367909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEa0Ca1jhPeBwqflsCFMoFe41lOIO4IL6-Q2yQmDBKAFhVYcgqjoxwxxTUX3clC7g96dKFtLwHlLL3tXUtMZ6tPReT7mMk8v7OT9YkimjbngEvFLWvKjVphzmXcCrLfIdqw-8pFRYGAAQ/s640/blogger-image--710367909.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Sorry, my horizon line leaves something to be desired, but it was quite rough when we left the protection of the islands. There are also many rocks just under the surface that are making my captain very nervous. The white caps you see are actually the waves hitting the rock ledges that are not kind to props.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzTNADLoOXwmDICp_u8lH-88hQZIlsb3AuWp2dsc-HFClgen8ayUAJvez_uRjy0M8rqv8qU2G4AUSX_LE9JXAHTEbl7p8E9rUkw0mwskADsw9vH6CKHHmOKAX-54OAMwhbdkRNbeS-jCnU/s640/blogger-image-858535813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzTNADLoOXwmDICp_u8lH-88hQZIlsb3AuWp2dsc-HFClgen8ayUAJvez_uRjy0M8rqv8qU2G4AUSX_LE9JXAHTEbl7p8E9rUkw0mwskADsw9vH6CKHHmOKAX-54OAMwhbdkRNbeS-jCnU/s640/blogger-image-858535813.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Enough rough water for us. We are able to tuck back into the protection of some islands as we strive to make a few more miles before calling it quits for today.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvh6sL2vwtnrNb4BVTyGVk8QVQWOgAZ1XUAUzTTWyDg7ucJJY3AxVjk2GBnBI2EUOXEZjQO5viHJz8qhxgqVkhDUhyDKqcIdG-zNMpL6_m93qsCWIpbN6PTY8PEqEvbenVQMS6t6C3OLeV/s640/blogger-image-824848807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvh6sL2vwtnrNb4BVTyGVk8QVQWOgAZ1XUAUzTTWyDg7ucJJY3AxVjk2GBnBI2EUOXEZjQO5viHJz8qhxgqVkhDUhyDKqcIdG-zNMpL6_m93qsCWIpbN6PTY8PEqEvbenVQMS6t6C3OLeV/s640/blogger-image-824848807.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Someone didn't explain to these misguided folks what a cottage in the north woods of Canada should look like. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Wr6n07lOobPQiz8zXPUEsAT333bZr53WbMJDPvKbAx7CYvu16HYYjUywjmbG4TJLksRs7O7C3krIOQDGjOrs1dPHtGX87yWPDBZotuVOot-Hy6IgN3DmuU2klI6oqvwvAQlyOPEc8PP5/s640/blogger-image-1863766237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Wr6n07lOobPQiz8zXPUEsAT333bZr53WbMJDPvKbAx7CYvu16HYYjUywjmbG4TJLksRs7O7C3krIOQDGjOrs1dPHtGX87yWPDBZotuVOot-Hy6IgN3DmuU2klI6oqvwvAQlyOPEc8PP5/s640/blogger-image-1863766237.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>If all goes well and the wind finally ceases to blow, this will be our final anchorage before heading into the North Channel. Many boaters spend years traveling through these islands and I can understand why. The beauty and serenity found here is nothing short of amazing.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWB5qeLWoFZo57WCwda1WXCJ6no87dqtRxljwTx9Q0KzFWmqTDmCLBIkOUsC84ume54e5ai7HxrD2IZDtQXCqvxPe5M_6E4PywNandbcTKxCbGRHaRiTOVclyIoQ9paPsW1jlJn5mFAvUI/s640/blogger-image-1291981664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWB5qeLWoFZo57WCwda1WXCJ6no87dqtRxljwTx9Q0KzFWmqTDmCLBIkOUsC84ume54e5ai7HxrD2IZDtQXCqvxPe5M_6E4PywNandbcTKxCbGRHaRiTOVclyIoQ9paPsW1jlJn5mFAvUI/s640/blogger-image-1291981664.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The waters are mirror calm as Jess pulls the anchor in order to begin our trip across the bay to Killarney and the beginning of our travels through the North Channel.</div>Linda and Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417081628587029110noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439761904960438927.post-13785565332277180982015-08-06T12:13:00.001-07:002015-11-02T21:59:17.191-08:00Trent-Severn Waterway<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>July 9-25<div><br></div><div>Days 240-256</div><div><br></div><div>I can't believe that we are now on the brink of entering our final lock system as we travel through Canada! This is one section of our adventure that we had anticipated with excitement, as well as a little trepidation. I was very anxious about navigating through the many locks, another 43 in the TSW, but so far my fears have been for naught. My captain has become so skilled at maneuvering <i>Bama</i> <i>Dream</i> that we have had no difficulties pulling up to the lock walls and attaching to our cables. Just as with everything else we have worried about, locking through has become no big deal! The Trent-Severn Waterway was built in bits and pieces over a 90 year period. It connects Trenton, Ontario with Port Severn on the shores of Georgian Bay, traveling a total of 240 miles through lakes, rivers, and canals. The TSW is used today almost exclusively by pleasure craft, as most of the locks are not large enough to be significant aids to commercial traffic. Like the Rideau, the canal is run by Parks Canada. Mooring walls are provided in park-like settings at most of the locks. Unlike the Rideau, there are only three locks that provide hydro (power), so unless boaters stop at marinas along the way, generators are a necessity. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0z2PnRREq0-VSNtxMvUQDKHumOawodKwGa9sWkkA2A7zJ6BxWF2S2Xoi2FXMIEN-In7JbTAzoKeMvWwvE350-bxQRGys5jO0-7JWnD29x0ahzpuGNRrIt6XJAr7AxJxJ2lZUOsckQ-FB/s640/blogger-image-690724926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0z2PnRREq0-VSNtxMvUQDKHumOawodKwGa9sWkkA2A7zJ6BxWF2S2Xoi2FXMIEN-In7JbTAzoKeMvWwvE350-bxQRGys5jO0-7JWnD29x0ahzpuGNRrIt6XJAr7AxJxJ2lZUOsckQ-FB/s640/blogger-image-690724926.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>A stop at a marina for the night gives us an opportunity to catch up with some fellow loopers that we have met at different spots along the way. Actually, it seems that the most important reason for enjoying the comforts of a marina is to access their wi-fi! Being out of touch with family while traveling in the Bahamas, and now in Canada, is the most difficult part of this adventure.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTfrHfKgXa7FAjnAw2COODo09u6DUygo9tW7j6xgbseLqDLvhl5tBb7Qq53FEFAZigCyagJWr3VPhNh2MdWw2Tt-W9nwrovqEBfAgqiiW9R7c_28PbPXX84-Fp6UKwlHO8xvRFqZ8sF3z/s640/blogger-image--370095262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTfrHfKgXa7FAjnAw2COODo09u6DUygo9tW7j6xgbseLqDLvhl5tBb7Qq53FEFAZigCyagJWr3VPhNh2MdWw2Tt-W9nwrovqEBfAgqiiW9R7c_28PbPXX84-Fp6UKwlHO8xvRFqZ8sF3z/s640/blogger-image--370095262.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>We could step off our boat into this park at Trent Marina. They provide live entertainment every Friday night during the summer. The band was actually pretty good. It always seems a little strange to me to hear so much of our country music performed by Canadian groups. Jess says it is because we have the best song writers. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIxSmjCVvi6yC2_ZrsAHcRh9_fOl6FxsUt9D_fOmPvV5Zd39_jhAw48Xl-Z2mbQRK0ZxNaRPemRMrGzWG7Z6xsSmZQg0nMpXyBT2XRq21rXLEWBslMd5jCVrUa6NNFvjQYKz9g-z1uaI9/s640/blogger-image--1606455249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIxSmjCVvi6yC2_ZrsAHcRh9_fOl6FxsUt9D_fOmPvV5Zd39_jhAw48Xl-Z2mbQRK0ZxNaRPemRMrGzWG7Z6xsSmZQg0nMpXyBT2XRq21rXLEWBslMd5jCVrUa6NNFvjQYKz9g-z1uaI9/s640/blogger-image--1606455249.jpg"></a></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Off we go into our last canal system. What wondrous sights will we experience over the next couple of weeks? This is called "cottage country" here in Canada. With Canada's highest populated cities located within a few hours driving time, many Canadians spend their summer vacations along the Trent Severn. We will definitely be sharing the locks and anchorages with many more boaters than we have to this point.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzD5sLLiOC6QC_emAPXhPxi6Fv-M4xiAxUNi6eEsNyPL1fRhkQEPM-6LKfBlreffcHTapyjQ8UoEHWgLkLIf8P1zVskKX-E1iGTszzomAfDC9sBaASVYPkuhJv710oGInuBeC6goX2hXUu/s640/blogger-image-1057366306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzD5sLLiOC6QC_emAPXhPxi6Fv-M4xiAxUNi6eEsNyPL1fRhkQEPM-6LKfBlreffcHTapyjQ8UoEHWgLkLIf8P1zVskKX-E1iGTszzomAfDC9sBaASVYPkuhJv710oGInuBeC6goX2hXUu/s640/blogger-image-1057366306.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After 12 locks and only 30 miles we were ready for a short stop at Cambellford. We were told by so many of the lockmasters along the way to visit the bakery here, that we couldn't pass it by. It is quite evident that Cambellford caters to the boaters cruising these waters by the road (water) sign that we passed on our way to the town docks. The icons are just like the ones we have along our interstates letting us know what facilities are available at the exits.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7PGitDObJd1PFzhhANmqvurlNsGpv1j_2Cmno2Hg1s-pofaDaQTl_hNRBydxaJs8DeDPX5fYrPef5g9UqQDhsvYN_7MN8nT98Tcgm_L0pAzSjr8c_4EmTItZshRuQizYo31EKAsKm8gJj/s640/blogger-image-212964653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7PGitDObJd1PFzhhANmqvurlNsGpv1j_2Cmno2Hg1s-pofaDaQTl_hNRBydxaJs8DeDPX5fYrPef5g9UqQDhsvYN_7MN8nT98Tcgm_L0pAzSjr8c_4EmTItZshRuQizYo31EKAsKm8gJj/s640/blogger-image-212964653.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our local information was correct! The bakery was outstanding. Butter tarts are a Canadian specialty, and the raspberry ones we had here were some of the best we have tried. We enjoyed our breakfast there and returned later in the day to pick up some fresh baked bread to go with our dinner.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96OgZ3xiGngDLA9X5KeDbD8HN-HqJDDWB1NXq2KDku1bj-liabV5sUbBp1AU93llPJmwknpdYSnhEr0ZGvOi_wA3ycZ7YbtHXxK28egzL36ra-Ha71qRf5LvVdGXC3gDtpwIGj7GDNW2A/s640/blogger-image-2135278103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96OgZ3xiGngDLA9X5KeDbD8HN-HqJDDWB1NXq2KDku1bj-liabV5sUbBp1AU93llPJmwknpdYSnhEr0ZGvOi_wA3ycZ7YbtHXxK28egzL36ra-Ha71qRf5LvVdGXC3gDtpwIGj7GDNW2A/s640/blogger-image-2135278103.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After negotiating Lock 17 the river opened into a small lake tthat looked so fishy we couldn't resist a night on anchor so that we could wet a hook. Jess and I both caught several nice bass just as the sun was setting on one more fantastic day.</div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjk5sauDl4OffVK-DHdtxKAuzo2iifyX9iH9LBYhh6xKim6447vlNoLfOgV03_HYq4M8BLisxAlhB0wGWAi315xou55iR-GZayFhm1XlC4uscTKdIVG1hg9-9Dakja1JyWl2CbuwbMWGOZ/s640/blogger-image--1130409812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjk5sauDl4OffVK-DHdtxKAuzo2iifyX9iH9LBYhh6xKim6447vlNoLfOgV03_HYq4M8BLisxAlhB0wGWAi315xou55iR-GZayFhm1XlC4uscTKdIVG1hg9-9Dakja1JyWl2CbuwbMWGOZ/s640/blogger-image--1130409812.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The "cottages" along the TSW come in all shapes and sizes. Some are very large, modern, year round homes while others, in some cases right next door, are small weekend cabins. The landscaping in most cases is stunning, with the luscious green lawns and the vibrantly colored flowers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAo3uU03kGtNZtrkCH7TB-ZyIDRsSSrvJ5ZyEpF-tS8NlTL-304H5yxNeuFdkKy9xmQ4DgglEHdDF7kaVTCKFy8qh3Hm1eAjSnHfHURZ8iayGBG9xMVc6s3_AupnfalRSKRVLN-zG1OZnQ/s640/blogger-image-1668619237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAo3uU03kGtNZtrkCH7TB-ZyIDRsSSrvJ5ZyEpF-tS8NlTL-304H5yxNeuFdkKy9xmQ4DgglEHdDF7kaVTCKFy8qh3Hm1eAjSnHfHURZ8iayGBG9xMVc6s3_AupnfalRSKRVLN-zG1OZnQ/s640/blogger-image-1668619237.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After reading the fishing reviews for Rice Lake, we were ready to drop anchor and get the dink in the water. While the fishing did not live up to its' hype, the setting for <i>Bama</i> <i>Dream</i> was certainly well worth the stop.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIuDSMlFF59_lZk_mtpqCms1G47I1pQlAciMm1tA49TbtNgyfABlM-RJytOFgjI1QCNoaOpdnwpSIeVG2gLHu30ML-X2ypkzGNqpJHd7BIaBhQ5RnLSM3_H1T_PxpNRoOJ9v8jluSRwRNO/s640/blogger-image--1736703448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIuDSMlFF59_lZk_mtpqCms1G47I1pQlAciMm1tA49TbtNgyfABlM-RJytOFgjI1QCNoaOpdnwpSIeVG2gLHu30ML-X2ypkzGNqpJHd7BIaBhQ5RnLSM3_H1T_PxpNRoOJ9v8jluSRwRNO/s640/blogger-image--1736703448.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Tied to the wall below Lock 19. Using the lock walls for overnighting has made the trip through the Canadian canals a breeze. We paid our locking and mooring fees way back when we entered the Chambly Canal, so long ago we forget that these moorings are not exactly free. In comparison with the cost of staying in marinas, they are quite a bargain. Not to mention the fact that it is like staying in a different park every day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3R_OI19sdFkBlthyphenhyphenQbuXOkYQJAFgDFOmuuvdb4Wh0yT27dfKYKHF4UUdRTOE33BF4IGCv6x81U7TmxFSr_VQX9jqW7ktnXlzqq5gDzB54uUKmGCymIwheIVuKYlMuBVb64psOEyjgX3qN/s640/blogger-image--954636514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3R_OI19sdFkBlthyphenhyphenQbuXOkYQJAFgDFOmuuvdb4Wh0yT27dfKYKHF4UUdRTOE33BF4IGCv6x81U7TmxFSr_VQX9jqW7ktnXlzqq5gDzB54uUKmGCymIwheIVuKYlMuBVb64psOEyjgX3qN/s640/blogger-image--954636514.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Spending the night on Lock 19 gave us the opportunity to visit Peterbourough where we picked up a few needed supplies, stretched our legs, and enjoyed a fun evening at the <i>Porch</i> <i>and</i> <i>Pint</i> with Ralph and Janet. Our walk provided us with close up views of the 250 foot Centennial Fountain, with its beautiful rainbow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEOUxXMyLO5BrRg11LbYNSbrv2aXeB-FgjzJ5CKOrOfw5UErydoXmZKiulHsnFCdGN-S8JV-0jxIR4pbxXORYhsYt24p2vlKGjfuGBS-L81bXr1oolAU4UNhV-x9pyUHGhl_Phsqvnl5id/s640/blogger-image-1048186211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEOUxXMyLO5BrRg11LbYNSbrv2aXeB-FgjzJ5CKOrOfw5UErydoXmZKiulHsnFCdGN-S8JV-0jxIR4pbxXORYhsYt24p2vlKGjfuGBS-L81bXr1oolAU4UNhV-x9pyUHGhl_Phsqvnl5id/s640/blogger-image-1048186211.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After going in search of an ATM the next morning, Jess and I decided a little breakfast was called for. Little did we know that we would fit right in with the local senior citizens, as they took turns providing live entertainment. Actually, I think we were the youngest people in the restaurant.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0KT_5trlDg2po8FSS9cOZBO0z8Cfbi8XzI5tyI76EdzzIy0Fgvhyphenhyphen4r9NbNWhhXhv-6FiPA7B9KZhyphenhyphenOck6JfVyD8FZPMfYF39oLMuKoA86W5izvC6WDHbamhlquv8WjGH7PN7p-DD6YtYT/s640/blogger-image-1855669052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0KT_5trlDg2po8FSS9cOZBO0z8Cfbi8XzI5tyI76EdzzIy0Fgvhyphenhyphen4r9NbNWhhXhv-6FiPA7B9KZhyphenhyphenOck6JfVyD8FZPMfYF39oLMuKoA86W5izvC6WDHbamhlquv8WjGH7PN7p-DD6YtYT/s640/blogger-image-1855669052.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">At Lock 20 we were joined by the tour boat that takes all of the unfortunates who don't have their own boats for an excursion that enables them to experience Lock 21. We felt a little claustrophobic, but the lock tenders squeezed us all in with no problem. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQdDI43z_wmYOgQOv57zU9inKnAW97uViHLPqsKwdha6CK00Ty3-Uqd4QvvIXF2KIx2Tv3qTWmqT2rHAJ9aWkMovULsLFbpzKaETmad6YpHRVJ1GNfgWbJX5M5jsecktmjTvAgCtlQL_eX/s640/blogger-image-835342133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQdDI43z_wmYOgQOv57zU9inKnAW97uViHLPqsKwdha6CK00Ty3-Uqd4QvvIXF2KIx2Tv3qTWmqT2rHAJ9aWkMovULsLFbpzKaETmad6YpHRVJ1GNfgWbJX5M5jsecktmjTvAgCtlQL_eX/s640/blogger-image-835342133.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The time has arrived. The TSW contains three locks that are not your typical canal locks. Lock 21 is the first of these. It is the world's highest hydraulic lift lock with a 65 foot vertical lift. A hydraulic lift lock works like a simple balance beam scale. A boat enters a huge tank shaped like a giant cake pan. Parallel to that chamber, but 65 feet up is another chamber that contains boats coming down. The water in each chamber weighs 1,500 tons (330,000 gallons). When the upper chamber is filled with an extra foot of water, the increased weight in that tank forces the lower tank with its load of boats to rise. It doesn't matter how many or what size boats are in each pan; the boats displace their own weight. The lock opened in 1904, an engineering wonder in its day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJoJ4iciyIcMngIpXSBtMYbqIBNUF8SvmnkBo5hBGeSRSaDyBcCBScvc9t72DUvIAayWER_aj5_SS3K1vMknV7Y6F_wW1BwFExkmKL7rXU1Gtian_UlW6EkE6yqxcsn5Opuoxqz94LpS6u/s640/blogger-image-1894218302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJoJ4iciyIcMngIpXSBtMYbqIBNUF8SvmnkBo5hBGeSRSaDyBcCBScvc9t72DUvIAayWER_aj5_SS3K1vMknV7Y6F_wW1BwFExkmKL7rXU1Gtian_UlW6EkE6yqxcsn5Opuoxqz94LpS6u/s640/blogger-image-1894218302.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our rearward view after reaching the top. Another one of those things that we stress over that ends up being no problem. It was like climbing into a huge bathtub and going for a ride. This turned out to be a very rainy and uncomfortable day for locking. Even with our Frogs we were wet to the bone by the time we reached Lock 24. They had recently added new showers, and I was certainly ready for an unlimited supply of hot water. Our 6 gallon hot water heater doesn't hold a candle to their 40 gallon one.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifduIae8yqAXq32NiSJD29EpjrrQGvC_lSnEFyIXUVH52EMyMVSi1rUsZGSvmUxdnPgWcLYzDmnjPYUrgULmsDr95Q3bEvPwQKi6L64RyKso7jgoybkPsmcKyYxNM0mk8Cagm4P2fqCuaA/s640/blogger-image--1040971043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifduIae8yqAXq32NiSJD29EpjrrQGvC_lSnEFyIXUVH52EMyMVSi1rUsZGSvmUxdnPgWcLYzDmnjPYUrgULmsDr95Q3bEvPwQKi6L64RyKso7jgoybkPsmcKyYxNM0mk8Cagm4P2fqCuaA/s640/blogger-image--1040971043.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A stop at Youngs Point gives Ralph and Janet a chance to clean their dinghy before trying to repair a major leak. The bottom seems have started to separate causing for very wet feet every time they try to use it. Luckily we have a tube of PVC glue that will hopefully at least make their dink useable. While the guys worked on the dinghy, Janet and I browsed through the Lockside Trading Co. and the general store, where we found the absolute best cheese bread ever.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV9ROIAe-q2dhSJD6gUoUpp5HDHIhwTjWifAetjQ2fNlRuEw3MA8Ek6nPRlb16jm_8rAkIfK36eVtCaMt8SE2NsUtB6BiN8CMdhgeeykKQUWB8eak4kWMmh9Y7uoFvBk024j2iTY4Uznse/s640/blogger-image--1455289862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV9ROIAe-q2dhSJD6gUoUpp5HDHIhwTjWifAetjQ2fNlRuEw3MA8Ek6nPRlb16jm_8rAkIfK36eVtCaMt8SE2NsUtB6BiN8CMdhgeeykKQUWB8eak4kWMmh9Y7uoFvBk024j2iTY4Uznse/s640/blogger-image--1455289862.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The many small lakes are connected by man-made canals, enabling boaters to traverse this portion of Ontario. In some areas the waterway is so narrow, that a warning must be given over the VHF radio to alert oncoming boats that you are headed their way in the channel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUpe5Wshp-SO7oRYr-an7NxluMsoxJDWykhC6VlHVsggr1FgKEi0XDYYTSARQZ1JJrJsASNzjNSNz3DkmLRlvV8NhEG1QghnapKIUoYZQrfUyPOWsuDjoAkXNqG4wjlboetmlBiWB3LaB/s640/blogger-image--1558200772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUpe5Wshp-SO7oRYr-an7NxluMsoxJDWykhC6VlHVsggr1FgKEi0XDYYTSARQZ1JJrJsASNzjNSNz3DkmLRlvV8NhEG1QghnapKIUoYZQrfUyPOWsuDjoAkXNqG4wjlboetmlBiWB3LaB/s640/blogger-image--1558200772.jpg"></a></div></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Many of the islands are dotted with cabins. I was surprised to find this church perched on this rocky island, requiring its parishioners to arrive for services by boat. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYjZCBensiJUe-8I-PFhf5ShmVsTggdQVMuTXgKOAghy4Yd6ADyBEJKXEckUBLKJi-dJmwhPNtMZy8gjGM1NJty0uiS8vKUS35crwxpi8NphKB8cfOZ5goyey1RS6im9d6V27UzkrFvauO/s640/blogger-image-225476504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYjZCBensiJUe-8I-PFhf5ShmVsTggdQVMuTXgKOAghy4Yd6ADyBEJKXEckUBLKJi-dJmwhPNtMZy8gjGM1NJty0uiS8vKUS35crwxpi8NphKB8cfOZ5goyey1RS6im9d6V27UzkrFvauO/s640/blogger-image-225476504.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After a long day of locking and winding our way around numerous islands, we are glad to set the anchor and enjoy another stunning sunset.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1wIBo62HQM3v_ijcRo4i170tQWMvyo2RzN2UMBGR360rLSmTy6pwDnS7Sf3RlakV0wjGba5DMkohGKuYjR1uabqEkqRfiVXmzgPVXd9xxIgHXzpPQniILZRTiqQ8YC3IkNZ5LJzyzaBZ/s640/blogger-image-371888841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1wIBo62HQM3v_ijcRo4i170tQWMvyo2RzN2UMBGR360rLSmTy6pwDnS7Sf3RlakV0wjGba5DMkohGKuYjR1uabqEkqRfiVXmzgPVXd9xxIgHXzpPQniILZRTiqQ8YC3IkNZ5LJzyzaBZ/s640/blogger-image-371888841.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">One our favorite locks turned out to be Lovesick Lock 30. Even the lock tenders have to come to work by boat here. Jess and I fished in the current below the dam. We didn't catch anything to brag on, but little guys went for our bait on just about every cast. Of coarse Jess will say he did catch a few nice smallmouth. A killdeer had made a nest on the very tip of a dead tree that was hanging out over the water. Mom and Dad were very protective of their offspring every time we came too close, but we did get to see them peeking over the edge of the nest.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyOSO8jFVYi4kJq2q2LDCHOvzguagjSugRHubR8XBRNNN6jId9WaN7Uvi0vHDQK1CqyZHwO53Bx1bfvx-OHY375_h3oEZQA9yvoiG96uwFeAlE-_-5b8QSmL4jKRCNkNFiVyEc_dbsz6-g/s640/blogger-image--1135783863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyOSO8jFVYi4kJq2q2LDCHOvzguagjSugRHubR8XBRNNN6jId9WaN7Uvi0vHDQK1CqyZHwO53Bx1bfvx-OHY375_h3oEZQA9yvoiG96uwFeAlE-_-5b8QSmL4jKRCNkNFiVyEc_dbsz6-g/s640/blogger-image--1135783863.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I won't call any names here, but this lock wins the award for the most slime on its walls. Not only that, but it had several pretty good leaks, too. Oh, where are those gloves I purchased just for the job of pushing us away from the wall when we are ready to leave the lock?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQhV92iwOgKDdReyzRU_s4aqY1cSWZGBK8iRfaybwmgIbYfLm6DVPldT9MgaDJZHFZ3pyW0cM9y0gdIjr_aGcu5D4PMe-eREYGRKEflxrBsD5Joxjax3qr_aXu5vzVyEyBG4zerofAk5yw/s640/blogger-image--1548665331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQhV92iwOgKDdReyzRU_s4aqY1cSWZGBK8iRfaybwmgIbYfLm6DVPldT9MgaDJZHFZ3pyW0cM9y0gdIjr_aGcu5D4PMe-eREYGRKEflxrBsD5Joxjax3qr_aXu5vzVyEyBG4zerofAk5yw/s640/blogger-image--1548665331.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our timing was perfect when we reached Fenelon Falls. There was still room for us on the wall and we were able to get power for the first time since we entered the TSW. It was also time to reprovision and do some laundry. The weather even cooperated by giving us two days of strong winds, so we weren't really wanting to move on anyway.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFy5v2tyikBYPdt8tbQn8-qM9M-gQavz2FzZxR6s84rym-pVfzwFdqSS4ZsjLvA1OQq3SuYST-FTAPke7jrdqS11ErO7-pzJgnyovP3wJ3JVVjzTxrpSRMdj3vAwhE_nu7eF3wl3gdq3-s/s640/blogger-image-636848257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFy5v2tyikBYPdt8tbQn8-qM9M-gQavz2FzZxR6s84rym-pVfzwFdqSS4ZsjLvA1OQq3SuYST-FTAPke7jrdqS11ErO7-pzJgnyovP3wJ3JVVjzTxrpSRMdj3vAwhE_nu7eF3wl3gdq3-s/s640/blogger-image-636848257.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After having supper at the <i>Cow</i> <i>and</i> <i>Sow</i> we walked over to check out the falls that give this small town its name. It was getting a little late so my picture is dark. The dams and locks that were built to make the Trent Severn Waterway, changed the water courses in many places along the route. The areas where falls existed probably saw the most change, but they are still pretty. The development of hydro-electric power was the initial reason these dams were built. As the years went by and more and more were added it became evident that with just a few more changes and additions the entire route from the Georgian Bay to Lake Ontario would become open to boat traffic.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjddoPiLUZ4we9L-dLTPSLHzn9nBpv82sa0uQhJv9zdDw0u-B6Ea6dDSiiXjan9Z7soFmhvldNSIFZ07UmbkTH6Lcn8aO4hZsM1czBg81LCcpkW8ROv9_9i3X0-Q8mjAK4PbpDWZghe38Ob/s640/blogger-image-1272651067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjddoPiLUZ4we9L-dLTPSLHzn9nBpv82sa0uQhJv9zdDw0u-B6Ea6dDSiiXjan9Z7soFmhvldNSIFZ07UmbkTH6Lcn8aO4hZsM1czBg81LCcpkW8ROv9_9i3X0-Q8mjAK4PbpDWZghe38Ob/s640/blogger-image-1272651067.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Here we are once again with the trusty little red wagon. After it carried our laundry, a trip to the grocery store was next. The flowers are beautiful in all of the small towns we have visited.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTB9nCVZEX9J__ks748fneNwmYJ82B_d0W6cuenLcbZHWSc3j4cTQ9G6KArXbyOh9O4Lq8JdhH3Saol7xyvFwaeO-4Weo9Nz-faYQA2DCkIkPISAO0wVQdbYRxb2YBeJ0DYlfUhc2qFqb/s640/blogger-image--1728336052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTB9nCVZEX9J__ks748fneNwmYJ82B_d0W6cuenLcbZHWSc3j4cTQ9G6KArXbyOh9O4Lq8JdhH3Saol7xyvFwaeO-4Weo9Nz-faYQA2DCkIkPISAO0wVQdbYRxb2YBeJ0DYlfUhc2qFqb/s640/blogger-image--1728336052.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Moving on through yet another small ditch. What a beautiful day! I have been surprised at how warm it is most of the time. Not near as hot as it is in Alabama right now, but warmer than I would like. At least it usually cools down nicely after dark. Of course that doesn't happen here until around 9:30.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprj5sGyw3jVmPrBJfMFcf5rPJFAAfzkkmZWS849OQu2KoMfMYiCHEbT4F1Vt3RJIvI41O2mUUkmnRS8tJyIh8FAwGnRwWKIoWLaAX_07rYxYU6AHczo8Ib2B7gsKrySXDDaoO9zkbFP3I/s640/blogger-image--1720111873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprj5sGyw3jVmPrBJfMFcf5rPJFAAfzkkmZWS849OQu2KoMfMYiCHEbT4F1Vt3RJIvI41O2mUUkmnRS8tJyIh8FAwGnRwWKIoWLaAX_07rYxYU6AHczo8Ib2B7gsKrySXDDaoO9zkbFP3I/s640/blogger-image--1720111873.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>I took this shot from the upper helm right out my side window. There were many places I could have reached out and touched the trees as we went by. We have definitely arrived in tree country. I love the blue spruces and the birches that line the hillsides.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq4NV_F0t_4jILXSkGU_w-Q3_nqCJN4duxQnthXJvQJrssvylyXjZ7uStb7nSVujEn6Lzg618rq8VU0pCGVOkQygvKrALt0eSssmPBSyjaeBM7rVLQ2Q-bRbyXUsOgukGI4V4hmTH1Cfq1/s640/blogger-image--1099804239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq4NV_F0t_4jILXSkGU_w-Q3_nqCJN4duxQnthXJvQJrssvylyXjZ7uStb7nSVujEn6Lzg618rq8VU0pCGVOkQygvKrALt0eSssmPBSyjaeBM7rVLQ2Q-bRbyXUsOgukGI4V4hmTH1Cfq1/s640/blogger-image--1099804239.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our second lift lock is the first lock that will begin our descent into the waters of the Georgian Bay still 70 miles away. As we went through the previous lock (Lock 35) we reached a unique milestone. At that point we had reached 598 feet in elevation above Trenton, which is the highest point in the world a boat can reach from the sea under its own power. Amazing!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9lbrU897Pr4KmVzhBmG264B4hYfo50OwUquM_I5PsB0UoB2guTMlpGCxFX1elv-4pncOagIxlpZ_B5PqNaCwAmdUxpOhC-dwgbSNZ2kFrjdMgduIX-FEOx0AxwXvbaFYIc_1T8knQwwxP/s640/blogger-image--732920070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9lbrU897Pr4KmVzhBmG264B4hYfo50OwUquM_I5PsB0UoB2guTMlpGCxFX1elv-4pncOagIxlpZ_B5PqNaCwAmdUxpOhC-dwgbSNZ2kFrjdMgduIX-FEOx0AxwXvbaFYIc_1T8knQwwxP/s640/blogger-image--732920070.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As we enter Kirkfield Lift Lock 36 the view from our bow is quite thrilling. We are going to be dropped 49 feet, making this the second highest lift lock in North America, into Canal Lake.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1SLBH9cjj3wQ71up0Pw6vL00BKGL10lMC9JJtno68EUQjcbR8Ldyh6nNBajP39TFFZ2zwhpcnJNAvzWDK7e74iCk6obfNNdH79AlxayWm14k4xNa_lHIeDM5puXehSYZNsvdhdW1Ewonc/s640/blogger-image--1343455516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1SLBH9cjj3wQ71up0Pw6vL00BKGL10lMC9JJtno68EUQjcbR8Ldyh6nNBajP39TFFZ2zwhpcnJNAvzWDK7e74iCk6obfNNdH79AlxayWm14k4xNa_lHIeDM5puXehSYZNsvdhdW1Ewonc/s640/blogger-image--1343455516.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Gud</i>-<i>Nuff</i> moves slowly through the picturesque Hole in the Wall Bridge, constructed in 1905. We are now leaving Canal Lake, one of the man-made lakes along the TSW, and entering the Talbot River.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoO_oMd9i4leHDdjzwg3w_Pt8hgaF5pkhx4xe34aHVYwgh2o33iAHDu_UqpkMna6rkckgozd4wloyDzKT0qKewxjA35R3G4n5geJ3yl4WX67ypVYYEo9T9x8DPpCr4i3iGqQx5UK8CwQCQ/s640/blogger-image-49012848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoO_oMd9i4leHDdjzwg3w_Pt8hgaF5pkhx4xe34aHVYwgh2o33iAHDu_UqpkMna6rkckgozd4wloyDzKT0qKewxjA35R3G4n5geJ3yl4WX67ypVYYEo9T9x8DPpCr4i3iGqQx5UK8CwQCQ/s640/blogger-image-49012848.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">When we decide to call it a day there is always another wall to tie up to. The facilities have been outstanding with clean restrooms and lovely parks all along the way. Portage Lock 39 has no public road access, making it a very quiet stop for the night.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhr4Q1KdXFc1NGRQmnL0iOKWqWGF5YjuFFEA-E4fJXjYCdfih7ZSF4-j2swN6lBAhILFaIY7zYt5qDEQtumXQlcLqVWnFSwLV6z2WwgQX8F1dH-JquRmVOByjCQETDlNPQqpGb8iNIMqU/s640/blogger-image--799056308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhr4Q1KdXFc1NGRQmnL0iOKWqWGF5YjuFFEA-E4fJXjYCdfih7ZSF4-j2swN6lBAhILFaIY7zYt5qDEQtumXQlcLqVWnFSwLV6z2WwgQX8F1dH-JquRmVOByjCQETDlNPQqpGb8iNIMqU/s640/blogger-image--799056308.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">All Loopers make a point of stating that the new friends they have made along the way has been the best part of this extraordinary adventure. We are no exception to this! Our stack of boat cards increased again when Dave and Gayle on <i>At</i> <i>Last</i> joined us at Lock 39. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrbznQFtpmTu3Mydu_vb-2TV9qeJzcLpiHbjbRhsiy3DSzCBuL3r7U9KJNP7SDNz3z-HBj4ejoy_GRDT8AqviXzLThZlVhAoR76RoJnScpnJ7Dm4CTem-keWxEmBAweJwcmNvMq7GFZ5X/s640/blogger-image--449542529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrbznQFtpmTu3Mydu_vb-2TV9qeJzcLpiHbjbRhsiy3DSzCBuL3r7U9KJNP7SDNz3z-HBj4ejoy_GRDT8AqviXzLThZlVhAoR76RoJnScpnJ7Dm4CTem-keWxEmBAweJwcmNvMq7GFZ5X/s640/blogger-image--449542529.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Jess and I tried for an early morning walk along the canal. We started on the shaded side and soon realized that mosquitoes also like shade. The locks don't open until 9:00 each morning, so we always have leisurely mornings when we are tied up below the lock.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8LGD1gZudzfxoJxt8lAlW19sXcTIDkH9CT5ACTzooj1TwZuIhNQaduAnNHG1JmSsnOr6o7KdYYr-ubNWdNnPLwP1XunFIMcm-L7uYhXTsppGbUneTFX8uKvN0Rxd-sC33RNR9Pkk63k9/s640/blogger-image-1980690372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8LGD1gZudzfxoJxt8lAlW19sXcTIDkH9CT5ACTzooj1TwZuIhNQaduAnNHG1JmSsnOr6o7KdYYr-ubNWdNnPLwP1XunFIMcm-L7uYhXTsppGbUneTFX8uKvN0Rxd-sC33RNR9Pkk63k9/s640/blogger-image-1980690372.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We still got a nice walk in by crossing over to the sunny side of the canal. This is rolling farm country with plenty of clover for the bees and the butterflies.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9PAHMkFbUbxcLKyR7so4xy_TamprqULo-aU7DTGGAZKwn0c14c0-aTbajnLoCeKpIPThuNcr8dZMWncqn0hY_fmb2SlWcdUiGZJS2ZNuLwPeCs-RrBZ8J_KHSG5Glds0mk_WurnSn0Pjj/s640/blogger-image--126510393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9PAHMkFbUbxcLKyR7so4xy_TamprqULo-aU7DTGGAZKwn0c14c0-aTbajnLoCeKpIPThuNcr8dZMWncqn0hY_fmb2SlWcdUiGZJS2ZNuLwPeCs-RrBZ8J_KHSG5Glds0mk_WurnSn0Pjj/s640/blogger-image--126510393.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After negotiating the open waters of Lake Simcoe we are once again in a narrow channel. We patiently waited for a train to go through this swing bridge before it could open for us to continue on to Lock 42. This bridge is so old the bridge tender had to cross over the bridge after the train went by, then climb a rickety staircase up to the control room where he had to crank a very loud engine in order to swing the bridge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIF3a-yuJ4lV81v60f-UAfULm7t5FjpNcW7J8qtCRJA83h3TE5ozt9lOKFojD8myfnqw4XJWB93CR3ScwsKICJel1ByUXlEMc7K0V_0tqXjAsQq5SWU5HZSDEeC-9at4S1_Eks3EUNoRqA/s640/blogger-image-2024790058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIF3a-yuJ4lV81v60f-UAfULm7t5FjpNcW7J8qtCRJA83h3TE5ozt9lOKFojD8myfnqw4XJWB93CR3ScwsKICJel1ByUXlEMc7K0V_0tqXjAsQq5SWU5HZSDEeC-9at4S1_Eks3EUNoRqA/s640/blogger-image-2024790058.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Canadians on <i>Absolute</i> <i>Lee, </i>shared some great local information with us about where the best anchorages are in the Georgian Bay. Many of our favorite stops have happened because of information we have picked up from locals. We enjoyed spending our evening at Lock 42 with them. Especially watching the excitement on Addeline's face as she caught her first fish!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEqCnmPUUtioG7UpQCp-SGopsAy8Ivxzz-61mspJ24XUjn9irvpCOr1K4vxo8WQbAJJY04BZEvNdVExWz9VNlHwwc27xD7b6BgzUsYgJhFU4MDP7lTGt4koo6OHIGOgQfFm5nO4EQHol6S/s640/blogger-image-600020348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEqCnmPUUtioG7UpQCp-SGopsAy8Ivxzz-61mspJ24XUjn9irvpCOr1K4vxo8WQbAJJY04BZEvNdVExWz9VNlHwwc27xD7b6BgzUsYgJhFU4MDP7lTGt4koo6OHIGOgQfFm5nO4EQHol6S/s640/blogger-image-600020348.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Putting the final touches on another great meal, Jess is still the best grill master on the Loop!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">At least on <i>Bama</i> <i>Dream</i>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHb9UqK8rrYVGyOau4HX9OwBREUWJZbA4KRvehN_JMolvrx8PqmI_I9Sfc3TRO1gfStg47P1fTscr1FbIrE4EibYXZX4msEjNYf7diHg7X1-t4KEQCX-AYKjkQ1ZtXIAKzhebIeFAlP9G/s640/blogger-image-1597005613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHb9UqK8rrYVGyOau4HX9OwBREUWJZbA4KRvehN_JMolvrx8PqmI_I9Sfc3TRO1gfStg47P1fTscr1FbIrE4EibYXZX4msEjNYf7diHg7X1-t4KEQCX-AYKjkQ1ZtXIAKzhebIeFAlP9G/s640/blogger-image-1597005613.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Arriving<i> </i>at Lock 43 with plenty of local cruisers means we will tie up to the blue line, while we wait our turn to lock through.Tying to the blue line means you are waiting for the lock tender to notify you when he is ready for you to take your place in the lock. It is usually first to arrive, first to enter, but sometimes if it is really busy they will fill the lock by boat sizes so that as many as possible lock through at a time. </div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnoMZlcnia9rNZl0AWNwvatucAoD99cI-KVTZyCwehC1vXhB-ZBK1kwNFpca8zgDx6y1f9J61HA7JFarGyrGZxI77DIoFfyVGhXuVh7r-X1j7b2QAgi09jwlosGXSYQmNXTjC759Ml0Dx/s640/blogger-image--1584014958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnoMZlcnia9rNZl0AWNwvatucAoD99cI-KVTZyCwehC1vXhB-ZBK1kwNFpca8zgDx6y1f9J61HA7JFarGyrGZxI77DIoFfyVGhXuVh7r-X1j7b2QAgi09jwlosGXSYQmNXTjC759Ml0Dx/s640/blogger-image--1584014958.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">While waiting our turn in the lock, we took this opportunity to commemorate our voyages through the canals, by posing in the red Adirondack chairs that serve as the symbol for Parks Canada.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvR3t3wokIll0h3aDhXRBzAZyfZ3bD-sepUmJeTrmhhppv_MVsTEpgODMdhPWJvWRfuGX2VGZvT-MW1gmhyphenhyphenEvREbdj5M0qwvuYSDxsFYqlGn8RjX_jz59hw3-MqV934T08-v2LI-2kivC/s640/blogger-image-1181317127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvR3t3wokIll0h3aDhXRBzAZyfZ3bD-sepUmJeTrmhhppv_MVsTEpgODMdhPWJvWRfuGX2VGZvT-MW1gmhyphenhyphenEvREbdj5M0qwvuYSDxsFYqlGn8RjX_jz59hw3-MqV934T08-v2LI-2kivC/s640/blogger-image-1181317127.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This beautiful tree studded, rocky coastline is the perfect terrain for the many summer cottages that dot the landscape. With a relatively short summer here, the Canadians know how to take advantage of every moment they have. Power boats of every size and style ply the waters, along with skidoos, canoes, and kayaks. The water is a little cooler than we are used to, but the locals (and Jess) have no problems enjoying it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJbLCJ4SLXQttZaKqJRK2u_F4D59BFLYetCNQfaed5HvG_LGQb2cwMYMG0DBpQBqWTnnis4Tl_0bUf-lev0kfBzqEAKH_xg9jARvmORNsIf4W8Wz3PF_Kg8uE0ubC10fXdJNLjjHiZUSJ/s640/blogger-image--1812240412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJbLCJ4SLXQttZaKqJRK2u_F4D59BFLYetCNQfaed5HvG_LGQb2cwMYMG0DBpQBqWTnnis4Tl_0bUf-lev0kfBzqEAKH_xg9jARvmORNsIf4W8Wz3PF_Kg8uE0ubC10fXdJNLjjHiZUSJ/s640/blogger-image--1812240412.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After much anticipation, we have arrived at the Big Chute! Yes, in spite of what this may look like, it is actually Lock 44, commonly called the marine highway. At one time work was underway on a conventional lock at Big Chute. Then WWI happened and put a stop to many building projects. The marine railway was quickly built as a temporary measure in 1917. When it was time to replace the too small railway with a conventional lock in the 1970's, not only was it determined that the railway was helping to prevent the possible migration of a parasitic sea lamprey into Lake Simcoe, but it had also become a well loved historic icon of the TSW. The decision was made to enlarge the railway to accommodate the much larger boats traversing the canal system today.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVypWtB4oOXGXxXV8LeglB2HAkb7PFfvl-QgPK6QtPrNSnuUEOFFbz79SWCUYojwLX_FxUfP6lQ4sKuq-4vAXQFrtITecUwKFDffEwLrOfCjM_w7N9Udi9Hbs45WU_1Z2vG1cAPdXTHG7X/s640/blogger-image--1444595841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVypWtB4oOXGXxXV8LeglB2HAkb7PFfvl-QgPK6QtPrNSnuUEOFFbz79SWCUYojwLX_FxUfP6lQ4sKuq-4vAXQFrtITecUwKFDffEwLrOfCjM_w7N9Udi9Hbs45WU_1Z2vG1cAPdXTHG7X/s640/blogger-image--1444595841.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We have observed how the Big Chute operates, and it is now time to take our place on the blue line in preparation for our turn in the famed Lock 44. The smaller vessels load first, then Jess guides <i>Bama</i> <i>Dream</i> into position. I am sure it was quite intimidating for the small cruiser on our starboard to watch us slowly advance to the point that we could no longer see them under the flare of our bow. With the guidance of the lock tender, Jess put us right in our slings.</div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1bD1aAGyaJI2gNQeN_lGYDkaQgSbrlEErhrFk6gA41_ZwkKRPYeWAQZjhCO_eGLe9TDevVTy6D9j7A5-W2IQ6bZRPIdK5RG4BBsfVUMRlaMOrzeXzRp2lrD0W-u4Wp_KraYCR96fxEzdU/s640/blogger-image-1256266758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1bD1aAGyaJI2gNQeN_lGYDkaQgSbrlEErhrFk6gA41_ZwkKRPYeWAQZjhCO_eGLe9TDevVTy6D9j7A5-W2IQ6bZRPIdK5RG4BBsfVUMRlaMOrzeXzRp2lrD0W-u4Wp_KraYCR96fxEzdU/s640/blogger-image-1256266758.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The lock tender gives our props a free inspection after our stern clears the water. We actually had about 6 feet of <i>Bama</i> <i>Dream</i> hanging off the back of the railcar, as we relaxed and enjoyed the ride.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjTKSoZynJD7yVd9fi2o3HocFnAcYXVrQiovT53qpTWT_wlqqm2vjpSeX03l0HwGTqI64g_MmKYKNBhSq1_jm2udsp_xL8Q9xsYRGQcsGL4BiuggUd8toxn9A4dMCX7qZpPDQLY8PiXxn/s640/blogger-image--865779395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjTKSoZynJD7yVd9fi2o3HocFnAcYXVrQiovT53qpTWT_wlqqm2vjpSeX03l0HwGTqI64g_MmKYKNBhSq1_jm2udsp_xL8Q9xsYRGQcsGL4BiuggUd8toxn9A4dMCX7qZpPDQLY8PiXxn/s640/blogger-image--865779395.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our fully loaded railcar rises out of the water, as it follows its tracks up and over the hillside. The view from the upper helm was quite amazing!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU6X25O_m2BRo7_7bLZ-UCykvt-W6wI4T_OqpmpHBbAs_QJwUzziuB0z76O5CRwmqBWNCAS7xbfNC6MB5_d-QqbTosjBA7Xa_bIW7VW5GB02-7IX7kSegodeGtd9FPFwaQtdtTRi1Y_Vbw/s640/blogger-image-1379913962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU6X25O_m2BRo7_7bLZ-UCykvt-W6wI4T_OqpmpHBbAs_QJwUzziuB0z76O5CRwmqBWNCAS7xbfNC6MB5_d-QqbTosjBA7Xa_bIW7VW5GB02-7IX7kSegodeGtd9FPFwaQtdtTRi1Y_Vbw/s640/blogger-image-1379913962.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Down we go! Cruisers are entering the bay for their upstream ride. Unique in North America, the Big Chute Railway carries boats over a 57 foot drop in elevation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrqMGVskMI70kWP9sULz2jfDM7bHez1iElPUbpzuARDr0nEIgKlBssdKSFS6KCDUlwjZJOL8EUULqR3uQ3xQF3NjOv-flv6UigPRNeLr-5ttIYGcXNkpKNHU2pOleHJgxIDSBIuSh4KfyI/s640/blogger-image-1031624242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrqMGVskMI70kWP9sULz2jfDM7bHez1iElPUbpzuARDr0nEIgKlBssdKSFS6KCDUlwjZJOL8EUULqR3uQ3xQF3NjOv-flv6UigPRNeLr-5ttIYGcXNkpKNHU2pOleHJgxIDSBIuSh4KfyI/s640/blogger-image-1031624242.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>As the tracks take us down to the bottom, the railcar slowly enters the water allowing the boats to float free. What a ride!</div><div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6fwlkAhBhv3PuIdpsIMxHIPrXsQHFh-BdbfM8EgMWwT4YRscmev1UqrLXnZL0WRQAbXA2HRJabRQRJBaqa_LVeU0Mf0xK8_hlSiLV2MX9dbP22bztKvw0v3dVpKq2DS511nju3sJpFGR/s640/blogger-image-1667762679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6fwlkAhBhv3PuIdpsIMxHIPrXsQHFh-BdbfM8EgMWwT4YRscmev1UqrLXnZL0WRQAbXA2HRJabRQRJBaqa_LVeU0Mf0xK8_hlSiLV2MX9dbP22bztKvw0v3dVpKq2DS511nju3sJpFGR/s640/blogger-image-1667762679.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div>One more awesome anchorage before we leave the TSW. We found a beautiful little bay off Basswood Point in the Severn River. Jess had a little luck as we got the next morning off to a great start. There are several "cottages" along the shore here. Before we pulled our anchor, one of the landowners arrived for the weekend, by helicopter. Poor guy, I bet he isn't having near as much fun as we are!</div><div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjeBv5c7xbQtS1YWapkBje9uaUXEbAOePzsQH3f2trJ2ha0L_nUkBESv5AYj5bEE0Sj6lFF6YOj_ni31GiDOBnwx4OjPLimeBZjRYt5e6paxa0FSmc3_C9tyTJLb43zdiF4-1a3ppXI_Op/s640/blogger-image--1728141020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjeBv5c7xbQtS1YWapkBje9uaUXEbAOePzsQH3f2trJ2ha0L_nUkBESv5AYj5bEE0Sj6lFF6YOj_ni31GiDOBnwx4OjPLimeBZjRYt5e6paxa0FSmc3_C9tyTJLb43zdiF4-1a3ppXI_Op/s640/blogger-image--1728141020.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div>Lock 45 opened in 1915, so the town of Port Severn sponsored a huge party to celebrate the centennial. One of the highlights of the festivities was the antique boat show. We enjoyed our own parade, as many of the boats cruised by us on our way into the harbor. </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9OKxkX7BKhNHuMz8ucTJRyQkvuTetvJiLUUdXHoi0fhQEcIp66Cdz9UOIPqGN-F_YF85mdELTaeVpLHoMSqDdxNzU92c-817x0UmDCykulwuqoIQopH5pbmItVgNWl3bpmY295csn-90/s640/blogger-image--521406843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9OKxkX7BKhNHuMz8ucTJRyQkvuTetvJiLUUdXHoi0fhQEcIp66Cdz9UOIPqGN-F_YF85mdELTaeVpLHoMSqDdxNzU92c-817x0UmDCykulwuqoIQopH5pbmItVgNWl3bpmY295csn-90/s640/blogger-image--521406843.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A bittersweet moment as we enter the final lock on the Trent Severn. Our trip seems to be flying by at this point. We have now negotiated 131 locks, with still a few more to go. Our timing here was great with the crowds gathered to celebrate the opening of the lock we had quite a send off ourselves.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Op3SZqmm1Y2XWshfjVelC8rQZ2JFFmDo_LI6fhsVxJ1gdmitu-WGpIWkJibLzWzeOtFmdEpSzjiiA5zcgRW945VbrB3Qi9vVZeo2BfJTGlAFLzowYS_WpjnWwm3mpU96YOKCEyPVpvoE/s640/blogger-image-185574388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Op3SZqmm1Y2XWshfjVelC8rQZ2JFFmDo_LI6fhsVxJ1gdmitu-WGpIWkJibLzWzeOtFmdEpSzjiiA5zcgRW945VbrB3Qi9vVZeo2BfJTGlAFLzowYS_WpjnWwm3mpU96YOKCEyPVpvoE/s640/blogger-image-185574388.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Port Severn lock is the smallest and busiest lock in the system, making maneuvering through the chaos a challange that keeps <i>Bama</i> <i>Dream's</i> captain on his toes!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC6B1mioZDJwuhFzmt-aN_Zu9C_Nr70I_62MLzCuhcbU6E1grbsvmuC4PpWhpchNrSK2X3o1dQlS1nHZxdRKvwaupNi2wEJvyeYlZSzWZcSffx11xPRkN77DgPJCWC80x8Cs1mMWXBRX5R/s640/blogger-image-931682549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC6B1mioZDJwuhFzmt-aN_Zu9C_Nr70I_62MLzCuhcbU6E1grbsvmuC4PpWhpchNrSK2X3o1dQlS1nHZxdRKvwaupNi2wEJvyeYlZSzWZcSffx11xPRkN77DgPJCWC80x8Cs1mMWXBRX5R/s640/blogger-image-931682549.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Georgian Bay here we come! </div>Linda and Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417081628587029110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439761904960438927.post-43601023287932433772015-07-21T15:16:00.001-07:002015-11-02T21:59:28.504-08:00Rideau CanalJune 30-July 8<div><br></div><div>Days 231-239</div><div><br></div><div>What a fantastic addition to our Loop! We began our voyage in the Rideau Canal by entering Canada's Capital city through the 8 locks that literally stairstep us up into Ottawa. This requires about three hours to traverse, and we were definitely ready for a break when we reached the top. As we have timed our arrival with July 1st, the equivalent to our 4th of July, Ottawa is a very busy place. The walls are lined with boaters and tourists who are here to share in the celebration. Canada Day turned out to be a rainy day, but it didn't seem to dampen anyones spirits. Many of the streets around Parliament Hill were closed to vehicle traffic, allowing the thousands of pedestrians free access to the roadways. There were a multitude of activities scheduled throughout the day, culminating in a wonderful fireworks display over the Ottawa River. Knowing we would not be seeing any fireworks on the 4th we just pretended these were ours too. The next week proved to be one of the nicest parts of our adventure so far. We traveled through the urban areas around Ottawa in the north, that gradually gave way to the lakes and marshes in the south, as we continued through the 46 locks of the Rideau. Along the way we visited a number of extremely friendly and picturesque villages. Met so many helpful, informative, congenial lock tenders at every station that our overnighters moored to lock walls became an unexpected highlight of our trip through the canal. Parks Canada has done an amazing job providing stunning parks along the canal for the use of transient boaters. It appears that it has almost become a competition between lockstations as to whom will have the most beautifully landscaped stop along our way. When we arrived in the lake region, it was time to put our nonresident Ontario fishing license to use. Anchoring in these beautiful waters while catching a few fish along the way was certainly no hardship! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguU5Tu_0sGcoCzidCyscXcyjWiRz9r-Z78WOmnlBxPW9WfdY_cRp93VPmEc1jSDIuQnkQxcho_O9pLEYgmM0ii5GdAxZ5S8ejKqxcN0RJBVgjLsLV6X5tIPifwnhl4L_k2Ohx6rVagTpIA/s640/blogger-image-1317711974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguU5Tu_0sGcoCzidCyscXcyjWiRz9r-Z78WOmnlBxPW9WfdY_cRp93VPmEc1jSDIuQnkQxcho_O9pLEYgmM0ii5GdAxZ5S8ejKqxcN0RJBVgjLsLV6X5tIPifwnhl4L_k2Ohx6rVagTpIA/s640/blogger-image-1317711974.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our arrival below the first locks. There were many of us headed into the canal at this point, so <i>Gud</i> <i>Nuff</i> and <i>Bama</i> <i>Dream</i> had to ascend in two different groups. This worked out great, because it gave Ralph and Janet the opportunity to get a few pictures of us as we went through the first couple of locks, and we were able to return the favor as they completed their trip through lock 8.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEZpFsxjqU95hRKZkUJiqDmBdRoqXvUB-G4WFIUVHKuV-q19OMEjfJhb958nHF9WxZG4FJHIt7sg4ngWJSqDm-ZuwhEXq5ZcmVX9S07OhAPRGr0gymUby-LrFbuS_Mz1N8_UkuEq8DIySh/s640/blogger-image-813256853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEZpFsxjqU95hRKZkUJiqDmBdRoqXvUB-G4WFIUVHKuV-q19OMEjfJhb958nHF9WxZG4FJHIt7sg4ngWJSqDm-ZuwhEXq5ZcmVX9S07OhAPRGr0gymUby-LrFbuS_Mz1N8_UkuEq8DIySh/s640/blogger-image-813256853.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There may be some disadvantages to having one of the larger boats looping, but I have discovered that when it comes to locking through these smaller canals in Canada it definitely has its advantage. I don't know if the lock tenders think we will run into the smaller vessels or not, but they always want us to lead the way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijOh_FmTSZyg3Xtb-_-8NJBLExuEbF2-xvwOjD_PqPSuj58O7bI_dbLhCcVOkf7VVkLAxFE1goytNmgJ2M7hPzlDV2-wWEu4yFoAdTg96r3htmqF1eGCaEanLlTDppFNT7ErzVQj_izSR-/s640/blogger-image-1421776396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijOh_FmTSZyg3Xtb-_-8NJBLExuEbF2-xvwOjD_PqPSuj58O7bI_dbLhCcVOkf7VVkLAxFE1goytNmgJ2M7hPzlDV2-wWEu4yFoAdTg96r3htmqF1eGCaEanLlTDppFNT7ErzVQj_izSR-/s640/blogger-image-1421776396.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We are securely attached to the cables as we prepare to ascend to the second lock. The proceedure is simple enough (at least when everything goes perfectly), I put a line through the second cable and hold on while Jess shuts off the engines and quickly grabs a cable at the stern and attaches a line. Easy enough, usually!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4OJ0WJA1PpKEOSvnwMVmbKpYfh3GtzM4EYP7yXjucV2IHFW18txTYxTroeljJoUh0USK6R9J4OnwjWQ9pBsCBg7kihj5FI5rnb50_8LSqRLrcqVPlyxy5IP5bCn1JXcFWK1V7ZYmnFfqj/s640/blogger-image--1479416481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4OJ0WJA1PpKEOSvnwMVmbKpYfh3GtzM4EYP7yXjucV2IHFW18txTYxTroeljJoUh0USK6R9J4OnwjWQ9pBsCBg7kihj5FI5rnb50_8LSqRLrcqVPlyxy5IP5bCn1JXcFWK1V7ZYmnFfqj/s640/blogger-image--1479416481.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This group of day campers followed us along a few of the locks. I am not sure exactly how excited they were with this field trip, but they did have some interesting questions. One little girl wanted to know if she could go for a boat ride with us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwlAEz1EvQdF3tC_Cv5ndqQbVKnaeP-N4Ch4GWb45r0BgKhLXgXShVE_PrkdOf_0aS0Cxb-E6vj91zECXu000zIGNyRGIP65LFqYoyCdGlwn0VUiKaTuHB0CNhUmzg8hs1ejmc5oWziOW/s640/blogger-image-537302506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwlAEz1EvQdF3tC_Cv5ndqQbVKnaeP-N4Ch4GWb45r0BgKhLXgXShVE_PrkdOf_0aS0Cxb-E6vj91zECXu000zIGNyRGIP65LFqYoyCdGlwn0VUiKaTuHB0CNhUmzg8hs1ejmc5oWziOW/s640/blogger-image-537302506.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Jess should have a summary of our trip memorized by now. Everone wants to know where we are from, and then how on earth we got here from Alabama!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcmkeKGGOrAnKwxeKV8tkBpR8tFQShWX19CIiizE-Wbvusx8olb2zKGss13tX4bnLQqWJ-j5DvIjRQ5iIeznNAaXWn3fLBAN2FRRneBwJQaViJ4u9tUvJ23ZSU20uGgIzrBguNBSLHE7r/s640/blogger-image-501081233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcmkeKGGOrAnKwxeKV8tkBpR8tFQShWX19CIiizE-Wbvusx8olb2zKGss13tX4bnLQqWJ-j5DvIjRQ5iIeznNAaXWn3fLBAN2FRRneBwJQaViJ4u9tUvJ23ZSU20uGgIzrBguNBSLHE7r/s640/blogger-image-501081233.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The canal walls are lined with boaters as everyone has arrived to celebrate Canada Day!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMy5jEpME3LAyFdn9vmeNZ3EtATnheJOKCD4m4DJis_wVkt8W10qNnD4XaMt3eFKxVUMjXm0wQjDxOQ3u-TGlEUEUso4Mt8Qhd-zfj_UIr6IHiNeMGGwoi-VtHtESzTzhE5z__59jpIMo0/s640/blogger-image-1154148599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMy5jEpME3LAyFdn9vmeNZ3EtATnheJOKCD4m4DJis_wVkt8W10qNnD4XaMt3eFKxVUMjXm0wQjDxOQ3u-TGlEUEUso4Mt8Qhd-zfj_UIr6IHiNeMGGwoi-VtHtESzTzhE5z__59jpIMo0/s640/blogger-image-1154148599.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As the stairstep locks ascend into Ottawa Parliament Hill provides the scenery on your port side, while the castle-like Fairmont Chateau Laurier looms above your starboard side. Talk about a grand entrance!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis16Lm-RSl3VUYi937GgESlbT_UGxtZZrZBnw4G611CLzdGXnNF5lGP-yoWQuMAkR1kP04bx62CEheLPp_pLMYHeEOs1YkkFrW7R6toh1kJ_iCJhqgjCHARDDj-4-4aS2PxXcH8JaKlQiE/s640/blogger-image--1517761699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis16Lm-RSl3VUYi937GgESlbT_UGxtZZrZBnw4G611CLzdGXnNF5lGP-yoWQuMAkR1kP04bx62CEheLPp_pLMYHeEOs1YkkFrW7R6toh1kJ_iCJhqgjCHARDDj-4-4aS2PxXcH8JaKlQiE/s640/blogger-image--1517761699.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">One of the majestic government buildings on Parliament Hill. European influence is certainly more pronounced here than it is in the U. S., at least when it comes to architecture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdTQhla-R0WQoiuC5Y439kvjhAiCMvHLfnc2dDkgRsYDGqt6cQT6Lh9MoPDejcGpVddUOIT7ekJnlA_UIsNlchdySqLhBGqC_KVeB2wJ_981d5zu2sCviEMKc-Z0czUCdy8PyIt6y_uJu/s640/blogger-image--826174471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdTQhla-R0WQoiuC5Y439kvjhAiCMvHLfnc2dDkgRsYDGqt6cQT6Lh9MoPDejcGpVddUOIT7ekJnlA_UIsNlchdySqLhBGqC_KVeB2wJ_981d5zu2sCviEMKc-Z0czUCdy8PyIt6y_uJu/s640/blogger-image--826174471.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">They just don't build them with this much detail anymore! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8d3cVBbkZc0aXZRNfoUxX5Vmb-RI1Y6gxTYTWIWiJQgvUo3lcbj8oNjVvW1caAykivCIjAif-YOCLZJo2ar34l3itUbkt5-HoYi3PtUMIlX2PUXrGQGF3Tbi1Q7hR3Z_4yvjjeUvk1sf/s640/blogger-image--1405665843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8d3cVBbkZc0aXZRNfoUxX5Vmb-RI1Y6gxTYTWIWiJQgvUo3lcbj8oNjVvW1caAykivCIjAif-YOCLZJo2ar34l3itUbkt5-HoYi3PtUMIlX2PUXrGQGF3Tbi1Q7hR3Z_4yvjjeUvk1sf/s640/blogger-image--1405665843.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ottawa, just like Washington D. C., is home to statues and monuments on every corner. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdO_PwZCEMKNpBv6m-g7EJWh0bLSsLjRzSd7wdGX21PKEcapUQPCh6QdjxnjH2Fz6w-1axvbMtUvsGaQPkuW2aFmS9hpBXTcB68ivQCmhu1Rx5insHblpziQaPIPSEmMmZ7gT1ZhmB4JB0/s640/blogger-image-259881040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdO_PwZCEMKNpBv6m-g7EJWh0bLSsLjRzSd7wdGX21PKEcapUQPCh6QdjxnjH2Fz6w-1axvbMtUvsGaQPkuW2aFmS9hpBXTcB68ivQCmhu1Rx5insHblpziQaPIPSEmMmZ7gT1ZhmB4JB0/s640/blogger-image-259881040.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is the Library of Parliament, the <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">only remaining section of the original Parliament building, which burned in 1916. Built in 1876 it provides information, reference and research services for members of the Parliament. Sure looks different than the library I spent thirty years in!</span></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2tqnpccOy29Y4gghqamlHhWgcjowJNfOawccsA7Z5z-x28r7nNliU8DlnCq86N8mgEcSKayZB9PkkxgQsSdoQGKwEQxPVx94vhZ5KYuc_KT5l7DBdNIODgu1lQz91fum2RdZAV_rwmPO/s640/blogger-image-392034893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2tqnpccOy29Y4gghqamlHhWgcjowJNfOawccsA7Z5z-x28r7nNliU8DlnCq86N8mgEcSKayZB9PkkxgQsSdoQGKwEQxPVx94vhZ5KYuc_KT5l7DBdNIODgu1lQz91fum2RdZAV_rwmPO/s640/blogger-image-392034893.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A view of the 8 steps leading up into the beautiful city of Ottawa.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvvj14QHNBQsUksNsghFlqcNEyM5XXJIFfGL5hRwm2_o7wgWbEdjF2K5OVpJnj2Yk051-iAHQxREOYrCyE11II-hsnjPiHvaA0Bqnwsy9m1_cREykjg4xSyZFT7BoL45i5OnkmvdZwGbb3/s640/blogger-image--2010229852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvvj14QHNBQsUksNsghFlqcNEyM5XXJIFfGL5hRwm2_o7wgWbEdjF2K5OVpJnj2Yk051-iAHQxREOYrCyE11II-hsnjPiHvaA0Bqnwsy9m1_cREykjg4xSyZFT7BoL45i5OnkmvdZwGbb3/s640/blogger-image--2010229852.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As darkness fell and the lights lit up the night sky the waterfront took on a whole new look. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9ISXnMgLRgyG9MG8KOREyTT8G69ePj15jkQCIMRYTVBoEPrliCkHlQeAKmsXF4yeFjy7Wn6-MjijmmAFVQXbIl64RyyqZT6gvUw5bk22Jh9plvWrTnxx5xYGGRb7dAE0Zr2XhXEi0Wmg/s640/blogger-image-21046187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9ISXnMgLRgyG9MG8KOREyTT8G69ePj15jkQCIMRYTVBoEPrliCkHlQeAKmsXF4yeFjy7Wn6-MjijmmAFVQXbIl64RyyqZT6gvUw5bk22Jh9plvWrTnxx5xYGGRb7dAE0Zr2XhXEi0Wmg/s640/blogger-image-21046187.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The military pageantry was exhibited throughout the city, as they celebrated their Independence Day!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlOtBm5V2SEy0TcDVcqvfsl-uc55MtrkiOHXkW2XNwa98er_XsF7sxjtR1gujxbzxnqIzFwHG6h6YxfzM1_afznOFt4zh0zywCo_NsZuViWvINozeH0q6WN82Gs9Y1zfB0z5hqmfExIxl4/s640/blogger-image-1573455862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlOtBm5V2SEy0TcDVcqvfsl-uc55MtrkiOHXkW2XNwa98er_XsF7sxjtR1gujxbzxnqIzFwHG6h6YxfzM1_afznOFt4zh0zywCo_NsZuViWvINozeH0q6WN82Gs9Y1zfB0z5hqmfExIxl4/s640/blogger-image-1573455862.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">One of the many cathedrals that grace this stunning skyline. Canadian flags were flying everywhere. We have discovered, as we continue our trek through Canada, that flying their countries flag is very important to a vast majority of Canadians.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObyoX3J_b8o42sP-rEFgYmQH8HSd_ODkPgnqcWGPj21g3DxeYVGzKbS5LIpSuHsDnmDzIGr8nj7qNOK_10Anw4Z6seQqG__4rnOcStpAROgw7jRL7MqVm9gQ-xumPzX9XHvIP0tgRS89m/s640/blogger-image-586956851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObyoX3J_b8o42sP-rEFgYmQH8HSd_ODkPgnqcWGPj21g3DxeYVGzKbS5LIpSuHsDnmDzIGr8nj7qNOK_10Anw4Z6seQqG__4rnOcStpAROgw7jRL7MqVm9gQ-xumPzX9XHvIP0tgRS89m/s640/blogger-image-586956851.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The crowds were thick and exuberant as they waited for the fireworks to begin.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMKA18qNdcUTCxF4qh4RXf6eggwbp4MTCUV7NRod8yDU_7nmg7v-mqIsNYoW-NEkY-ZmC5PM8l2Z1qlyWfUYgJjUneQ3QImvaontTxR3dtDzOhqJPLJ59OhcTOJipXZs566dfdlQuGHDZM/s640/blogger-image-1574808162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMKA18qNdcUTCxF4qh4RXf6eggwbp4MTCUV7NRod8yDU_7nmg7v-mqIsNYoW-NEkY-ZmC5PM8l2Z1qlyWfUYgJjUneQ3QImvaontTxR3dtDzOhqJPLJ59OhcTOJipXZs566dfdlQuGHDZM/s640/blogger-image-1574808162.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The fireworks display was fantastic! We were a little disappointed because we have become used to having our displays accompanied by Sousa and Lee Greenwood at home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGnBp2ezNre0i7uNIZGd0epHtntVMOGYo6lqsLATm5uMDlR_YbxoZKuDC9MJd-jCql62qYnTLe-n215EmCj-UJvdiwJYtVtr5T8mrr_uaxtdNlAdUFfvCq_7St6QgUI-LpQrlEMDifcHZ/s640/blogger-image--2055406028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGnBp2ezNre0i7uNIZGd0epHtntVMOGYo6lqsLATm5uMDlR_YbxoZKuDC9MJd-jCql62qYnTLe-n215EmCj-UJvdiwJYtVtr5T8mrr_uaxtdNlAdUFfvCq_7St6QgUI-LpQrlEMDifcHZ/s640/blogger-image--2055406028.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A bright, sunshiny day greets us as we pull away from the wall to continue out journey down the Rideau.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKcYKrb-JjBtpu0m9QeK6CLhV55CInEAt-q5WnUTtE34B2GLiBYKR1cd-faAWjiVVwQLrBabzAB2RPgFiK8fMi-SyFKxrqpo2dQtMUug2UczEZEv-nq_wUuBGb4Hv2-cY3MKWbbFjzOtTo/s640/blogger-image--637764299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKcYKrb-JjBtpu0m9QeK6CLhV55CInEAt-q5WnUTtE34B2GLiBYKR1cd-faAWjiVVwQLrBabzAB2RPgFiK8fMi-SyFKxrqpo2dQtMUug2UczEZEv-nq_wUuBGb4Hv2-cY3MKWbbFjzOtTo/s640/blogger-image--637764299.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After Lock 12 we made our first stop to visit Hogs Back Falls. Construction of the canal between 1826 and 1832, changed the natural shape of the falls, but they are still an awesome example of the forces of nature. Our short stop here was extended when Janet and I realized our guys had disappeared. We spent at least 20 minutes searching for them before we found them patiently waiting for us on the other side of the road. We may both need leashes!</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDl3qaWAmWjAz5_v8SwUpaRuKwW8vLOvmOkqJe1dnUl4ESDJD1PnSK2A8Gavw_Sj0f-paLbD9Z_X8RKYhOnpa3rwXG8SGDRIXtYtdFx5lfb-DSO98ZvyXhFWwBNNZFv4GiWRuiOeLOfth4/s640/blogger-image--187107057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDl3qaWAmWjAz5_v8SwUpaRuKwW8vLOvmOkqJe1dnUl4ESDJD1PnSK2A8Gavw_Sj0f-paLbD9Z_X8RKYhOnpa3rwXG8SGDRIXtYtdFx5lfb-DSO98ZvyXhFWwBNNZFv4GiWRuiOeLOfth4/s640/blogger-image--187107057.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As we cruised through the canal we were entertained by some gliders enjoying this perfect day. I have always thought it must be an awesome feeling to soar through the air with no disturbing engine noise.</div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7Ik4GkcxMbIaxdvk3bwgKu7T52kWtdilFSTHQUJcW-_1JU7MgDd1Dlld29z9CukHVnDnFw1HExF2yPN92UlnIpGeuuyDu4y3zDMXcW7BPdqPlxBFY9x7w2t6vJzUdQrGqdJRmxIPoi19/s640/blogger-image--1513741370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7Ik4GkcxMbIaxdvk3bwgKu7T52kWtdilFSTHQUJcW-_1JU7MgDd1Dlld29z9CukHVnDnFw1HExF2yPN92UlnIpGeuuyDu4y3zDMXcW7BPdqPlxBFY9x7w2t6vJzUdQrGqdJRmxIPoi19/s640/blogger-image--1513741370.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Bama Dream secured to another lock wall. Most of the locks have well manicured park areas along their walls with restroom facilities available. Several of the locks along the Rideau also offer power, enabling boaters to keep their generator usage to a minimum.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gZYXSuv3sxUo4XvcLmFjc0cZIgpnX-22EpZUia8ItRosQ-QH2GXFuAKYJmNyqpb1iPwJyMEJRB1QAwJaGoOuEeZWnlTyKvCH8ZAuY5ziJEW23g3Wsi3dMzTE5IZb5MdkLZY5J2TQ7zZi/s640/blogger-image--1615655895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gZYXSuv3sxUo4XvcLmFjc0cZIgpnX-22EpZUia8ItRosQ-QH2GXFuAKYJmNyqpb1iPwJyMEJRB1QAwJaGoOuEeZWnlTyKvCH8ZAuY5ziJEW23g3Wsi3dMzTE5IZb5MdkLZY5J2TQ7zZi/s640/blogger-image--1615655895.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As we leave the more heavily populated areas the locks have fewer observers. The scenery has changed also as we see the more expected forestation and lakes of the north woods.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZYjfuCwEZ4wqKfG0pc2vmrp-qyjg3tbzpKi25VX66aCZZFEPOSJ5mLGMvz5irs8Xe5QwxSfbdJ5s8aCeuluD5EPAJqJNM9vOJ6q6GQVqFU_KeFv5SetHJwV79pXavQhjXpfIlPtUfci2H/s640/blogger-image-547747158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZYjfuCwEZ4wqKfG0pc2vmrp-qyjg3tbzpKi25VX66aCZZFEPOSJ5mLGMvz5irs8Xe5QwxSfbdJ5s8aCeuluD5EPAJqJNM9vOJ6q6GQVqFU_KeFv5SetHJwV79pXavQhjXpfIlPtUfci2H/s640/blogger-image-547747158.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The water is rushing over this lock before we begin our rise to the next level. The Rideau Canal is a National Historic Site and is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the best-preserved 'slackwater' canal in North America, and the only canal from the great 19th century canal building era that still operates along its origional route and with most of its origional structures intact. With a very few exceptions, the gates and bridges are still operated by hand.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUuD9o3ZBbF_AafBLZ9PaH24mwg4inGdrMcZSKL1y0djlARbwCNqpWX7iwanBP2UUgM9CQWv9GEZK0HPQydluIEOiVA_yHPA6WMxFGP4QaZpb_1_tYThjq4XgQgBRDzcoqmtx7iJY-A7XW/s640/blogger-image--773697036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUuD9o3ZBbF_AafBLZ9PaH24mwg4inGdrMcZSKL1y0djlARbwCNqpWX7iwanBP2UUgM9CQWv9GEZK0HPQydluIEOiVA_yHPA6WMxFGP4QaZpb_1_tYThjq4XgQgBRDzcoqmtx7iJY-A7XW/s640/blogger-image--773697036.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A stop in Merrickville after Lock 23 provided us with a sight we don't find at home in Alabama. In addition to the other playing fields in the park, this hockey rink stands ready for some freezing temperatures.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSuhTTLblhcD9AKWMQmlvqryDinsk3YuF4N2QutToysprnp5ynqjI2BcqofmUF4x8T8LexSrlpKpXRB1_skEZkTCMRI-ZKlW9TtjjqMnsU5xgllGwnLKE4UZwLgE8GwKXvY7Ef8MbXueJs/s640/blogger-image-985838721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSuhTTLblhcD9AKWMQmlvqryDinsk3YuF4N2QutToysprnp5ynqjI2BcqofmUF4x8T8LexSrlpKpXRB1_skEZkTCMRI-ZKlW9TtjjqMnsU5xgllGwnLKE4UZwLgE8GwKXvY7Ef8MbXueJs/s640/blogger-image-985838721.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is an example of the beautiful stonework the town of Merrickville is famous for. The flowers are amazing all through Canada. The days are long, providing plenty of sunshine, and the mild summertime temperatures don't burn up the plants.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHUlFGzvWFT_zqVzFT1tOQs_5bD09imJj2hUoNxQ9xZMuCLmTMM8rrwgZO0cOxecZhApVNK44b4DpeM1u0SJX9UukScYHWwNs5GmEwgAsaeiUJHPHBTuG6dCTgjQGAFKDTdgdwnf0AqVV/s640/blogger-image-667587938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHUlFGzvWFT_zqVzFT1tOQs_5bD09imJj2hUoNxQ9xZMuCLmTMM8rrwgZO0cOxecZhApVNK44b4DpeM1u0SJX9UukScYHWwNs5GmEwgAsaeiUJHPHBTuG6dCTgjQGAFKDTdgdwnf0AqVV/s640/blogger-image-667587938.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Celebrating the 4th of July in Canada with new friends we have met along the way. Angie and Dan from <i>Sea</i> <i>Horse</i>, who we first met at the Rendezvous, and Janet and Ralph from <i>Gud</i>-<i>Nuff</i>, who we have been traveling with since we met them on the Hudson River, shared a nice meal and numerous stories at the Main Street Cafe. Our waitress was super nice, adding to our evening by finding a recording of <i>America</i> <i>the</i> <i>Beautiful</i> that she played over their sound system. We all proudly stood and added our patriotic voices to the music. It was great fun, but we will not be cutting a record!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQUNnW5l4mVPtAPNx67AJgkPATAbMFQCaHO3f0zVINxdDMv7Ooe0pw16Qu2jnfigZn0frdpvmvYeR2nH5esIdkzkpBNdGNSY7jBpC07g7VKITlXDj-4ffcKRG2hZ0MS5cUr7bTOxEWu1d/s640/blogger-image-1072371418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQUNnW5l4mVPtAPNx67AJgkPATAbMFQCaHO3f0zVINxdDMv7Ooe0pw16Qu2jnfigZn0frdpvmvYeR2nH5esIdkzkpBNdGNSY7jBpC07g7VKITlXDj-4ffcKRG2hZ0MS5cUr7bTOxEWu1d/s640/blogger-image-1072371418.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Rideau is actually a series of ditches that were dug in order to connect the many small lakes in this region. At times we cruised down very narrow passages and at other times we were in much wider bodies of water.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdReRcWzpqCFSXz26L8Js_Ioh89VF9kcN5udsXMapxr9gZBY5oUhdmHYPZBRv6VQSREl0aGEDTz39d4UWeRZt-6MP_Ib7CsDuMFAsUat228CAk1j4NStGKUT0aEC00a4Mwts2dzV6sLGY/s640/blogger-image--1600670071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdReRcWzpqCFSXz26L8Js_Ioh89VF9kcN5udsXMapxr9gZBY5oUhdmHYPZBRv6VQSREl0aGEDTz39d4UWeRZt-6MP_Ib7CsDuMFAsUat228CAk1j4NStGKUT0aEC00a4Mwts2dzV6sLGY/s640/blogger-image--1600670071.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A quick stop at Smith's Falls in order to purchase nonresident Ontario fishing licenses and we are soon searching for fishy looking anchorages like this one!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXjd8HJ_Xw5c63R-oPXZEKX4Fv7Prm9vPKCAS3QQod46zqmCs8rh-G-PeReDwatc30X8cVvMw90KJ1C7Xlm4LY0B1F7EM_z9N_tBRMJo7umvaVkxFa9BAkKA1hRfxvBofqqV9TP3cMVrY/s640/blogger-image--566206365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXjd8HJ_Xw5c63R-oPXZEKX4Fv7Prm9vPKCAS3QQod46zqmCs8rh-G-PeReDwatc30X8cVvMw90KJ1C7Xlm4LY0B1F7EM_z9N_tBRMJo7umvaVkxFa9BAkKA1hRfxvBofqqV9TP3cMVrY/s640/blogger-image--566206365.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There are so many bluegill in these waters that it is virtually impossible to drop a hook and not get a bite. Jess had to show off by putting two hooks on his line and quickly catching two at a time. That didn't last too long though, because between getting his fish off, and helping me with mine, he was spending way too much time handling fish and not enough time fishing. What a horrible situation to be in!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNMHH-TIIYZHt3ujG3DW_-pxBjAKcbpM5TN-bz-AQYRioVegnKsHmM8tHgE1H7wTXJc8tpNYsuNdsbdRbm6V1bPC49X_dQ-O96D-ILl2I36pRx912y6hw18aIqr7MhhNjU9Z9v944uuykH/s640/blogger-image--1171064688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNMHH-TIIYZHt3ujG3DW_-pxBjAKcbpM5TN-bz-AQYRioVegnKsHmM8tHgE1H7wTXJc8tpNYsuNdsbdRbm6V1bPC49X_dQ-O96D-ILl2I36pRx912y6hw18aIqr7MhhNjU9Z9v944uuykH/s640/blogger-image--1171064688.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Another peaceful sunset in Canada. Listening to the loons call in the evenings is a wonderful way to end a lovely day on the water. Fighting off the multitude of bugs is not so great!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPT6as8XHHYcxrZSBoAZiJpp1zYTiYIquETaT_i1EoxxsCnTpiTW_4XNasWHmF6kq7lnhGMmj1f9fmjrhAHXUu-DGrqj5E52GAkiX7ZfkTm2QJ0HG198FSnQiBEZScC7ql2ditKGOkg24_/s640/blogger-image--1884630771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPT6as8XHHYcxrZSBoAZiJpp1zYTiYIquETaT_i1EoxxsCnTpiTW_4XNasWHmF6kq7lnhGMmj1f9fmjrhAHXUu-DGrqj5E52GAkiX7ZfkTm2QJ0HG198FSnQiBEZScC7ql2ditKGOkg24_/s640/blogger-image--1884630771.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This rocky island in the middle of Sand Lake is called Birmingham Island. There was probably some Earl or Duke of Birmingham back somewhere in British history. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxXrsMp8rYrQWT4-jz0L888YbY7Gwy1gbBsKg2LQ307XC8t8cL0iEFurxIukBQ3w1IjKEEhYEgixbTjb_dvTgMCW5NIBwrWm8ssrxV3IwQ9-BeRAaCz52xlRiLrchlNTKdEuXVHkLvCx4/s640/blogger-image-574920530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxXrsMp8rYrQWT4-jz0L888YbY7Gwy1gbBsKg2LQ307XC8t8cL0iEFurxIukBQ3w1IjKEEhYEgixbTjb_dvTgMCW5NIBwrWm8ssrxV3IwQ9-BeRAaCz52xlRiLrchlNTKdEuXVHkLvCx4/s640/blogger-image-574920530.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Jones Falls locks are another stairstep set of three locks, so we had time to enjoy a walk while we waited for our turn. The Rideau Canal was actually designed and built shortly after the War of 1812. At that time the Canadians were still very much afraid that the dreaded Americans to their south would try to invade Canada, so many of the lockstations were built to resist attacks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72vGMlwySphDBvzt5PHfIaiWGpPBJ0rCX_cMZCecQ-ah8Q966qwTJ5FmNIsc4oFL9n9e5otwBYvrsob8SfGPxSAFyyY6Xc7VugGzuSRtysCCv229tx0H79x_tOl8-5sAP_QL7S4sXCftz/s640/blogger-image--1316366051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72vGMlwySphDBvzt5PHfIaiWGpPBJ0rCX_cMZCecQ-ah8Q966qwTJ5FmNIsc4oFL9n9e5otwBYvrsob8SfGPxSAFyyY6Xc7VugGzuSRtysCCv229tx0H79x_tOl8-5sAP_QL7S4sXCftz/s640/blogger-image--1316366051.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This lock tender's residence was designed to enable the inhabitants to fend off attack from all sides. The structure is solid stone with rifle firing slits, and very few windows.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEw0ywg6yFqlO0I8foQIooBMRZH72eXfr54xOUYyVXnO-wAjH1AZf8rlr2gTNBDWw9NFurNfwyyoqNNBvoiIObDLzYYp48MXuTQZSraKrCS3zHkRVXHUm1_z1DVIJXHKqJlOn3xoOl88r4/s640/blogger-image--126037479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEw0ywg6yFqlO0I8foQIooBMRZH72eXfr54xOUYyVXnO-wAjH1AZf8rlr2gTNBDWw9NFurNfwyyoqNNBvoiIObDLzYYp48MXuTQZSraKrCS3zHkRVXHUm1_z1DVIJXHKqJlOn3xoOl88r4/s640/blogger-image--126037479.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">No lock here, just one more bridge that must be operated manually in order for us to pass. All along the canal the park employees are ready with a 'Good Morning' and 'Have a Great day'. It was such a pleasure to meet so many people that seemed to genuinely love their job and were happy that we were visiting their country.</div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQbKe6XuM_n8mkeOzzQaybgHOdCYxBAFOAYZPYa0OU9okA6-LFrvwR4REt9X2J5KGOLJmoEr1bz06QoZBq80_gcULz0hL_jvb2Fnn-eAXiGFyynrwvRXj6l8kUxTMtgEXpXUvH1o-RNYtN/s640/blogger-image--182775373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQbKe6XuM_n8mkeOzzQaybgHOdCYxBAFOAYZPYa0OU9okA6-LFrvwR4REt9X2J5KGOLJmoEr1bz06QoZBq80_gcULz0hL_jvb2Fnn-eAXiGFyynrwvRXj6l8kUxTMtgEXpXUvH1o-RNYtN/s640/blogger-image--182775373.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As we come close to the end of our trip through the Rideau, our view as we enter a lock changes. We are no longer ascending, but are now descending to the river below. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqbto78tY_3PnWSbLZudPk6OSiZgvvA7WCq6ZjTjmkq_xE1I6y0W9dq4M8FzHtgYqWE_DsBCoXxrLQcoEYvSyzzo-9rYVIYC4qAwKKyOl9Zy8UXEI7Xlo6IGF5JqVOaFixVT-buiLAO_h/s640/blogger-image-160650628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqbto78tY_3PnWSbLZudPk6OSiZgvvA7WCq6ZjTjmkq_xE1I6y0W9dq4M8FzHtgYqWE_DsBCoXxrLQcoEYvSyzzo-9rYVIYC4qAwKKyOl9Zy8UXEI7Xlo6IGF5JqVOaFixVT-buiLAO_h/s640/blogger-image-160650628.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Some of the locks are connected to automobile bridges that must be opened either before of after we traverse the lock. While we wait to leave the lock, two young people use their muscles to swing the bridge around behind us. Some of the lock tenders are older, full time employees, but many of them are college students who are working for the summer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1QlHwV6ULFH7APyOjTxCrncfCzrM6biVWA_KQQDHqP228Nqf_eMDTiroBvMHYfVeXUlAULNS-YcOBM6ZUnCkdY5-8IgRo1Ki2iDhUCFsWgI_1lJ8psVxjXORNSsnp0D33ZLJ1EIXIGCD/s640/blogger-image--265233157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1QlHwV6ULFH7APyOjTxCrncfCzrM6biVWA_KQQDHqP228Nqf_eMDTiroBvMHYfVeXUlAULNS-YcOBM6ZUnCkdY5-8IgRo1Ki2iDhUCFsWgI_1lJ8psVxjXORNSsnp0D33ZLJ1EIXIGCD/s640/blogger-image--265233157.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Gud</i>-<i>Nuff</i> as we leave the last lock upon our arrival in Kingston. What a fabulous 8 days!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDLOLX8KcIhQEqBfHzzGgF4EPblUrbxe2eZG0SoDjN6rfQBafWlDOQtl3UvCAtZeZD456mCFToAfE3vO04Xv3ED4mhc4LeXX90qeMOd0dk_6cWaUnANUYPx8U3nSQsH2GAAbwt5HI7MFA4/s640/blogger-image--1252675681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDLOLX8KcIhQEqBfHzzGgF4EPblUrbxe2eZG0SoDjN6rfQBafWlDOQtl3UvCAtZeZD456mCFToAfE3vO04Xv3ED4mhc4LeXX90qeMOd0dk_6cWaUnANUYPx8U3nSQsH2GAAbwt5HI7MFA4/s640/blogger-image--1252675681.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The lift bridge rises to allow us to leave the River Styx and enter the St. Lawrence River again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi27DfYF20utrclNIYU8zmQlI7SXtpmdeklcWKcCb-EptLWY3267oBOPMLeBCVo2sJwHg1L_i3RVm8F8e0RVljrmKOO2j8eobp57U8PtvFJDE8uZKG3aXyeHZ9bkcHdwyQFPqt06KM7rmwn/s640/blogger-image-863445601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi27DfYF20utrclNIYU8zmQlI7SXtpmdeklcWKcCb-EptLWY3267oBOPMLeBCVo2sJwHg1L_i3RVm8F8e0RVljrmKOO2j8eobp57U8PtvFJDE8uZKG3aXyeHZ9bkcHdwyQFPqt06KM7rmwn/s640/blogger-image-863445601.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There were many boaters out enjoying a beautiful summer day on the water including this large group of sailboats preparing for a race. We are now on our way to Trenton, where we will begin our voyage through the Trent Severn Waterway.</div>Linda and Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417081628587029110noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439761904960438927.post-57981134423804359342015-07-10T18:28:00.001-07:002015-11-02T21:59:36.256-08:00Arrival in CanadaJune 22-29<div><br></div><div>Days 223-230c</div><div><br></div><div>After sitting out a couple of rainy days, we finally turned <i>Bama</i> <i>Dream</i> north into Canadian waters. Clearing customs was no problem, then it was on to the Chambly Canal. As this was our first canal system in Canada it was time to purchase our season pass for the Canadian Parks system. The pass enables boaters to travel through any of the historic canals that connect the rivers and lakes across the eastern section of Canada. The locking pass and mooring pass combine to provide boaters the opportunity to experience this beautiful country at a leisurely pace. While paying for the pass is a relatively simple procedure that can be accomplished at the first lock the cruiser enters, it was also the first chance we had to use our bank debit card after entering Canadian waters. You guessed it! The second we had crossed into a foreign country our cards were instantly shut down. So, here we are tied off in the first lock with cards that won't work and phones that are not supposed to be used. Our first priority was getting our passes so that we did not block the lock any longer than necessary. We cringed and turned my phone on to call our bank. They were extremely helpful and in a matter of minutes we were on our way. As we progressed through the nine locks of the Chambly Canal we soon discovered that, unlike the locks we had experienced up to this point, locking through the historic canals in Canada is a spectator sport. There have been crowds watching our advance through the canal at virtually every lock. We have become Public Relations specialists <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">for the AGLCA (America's Great Loop Cruisers Association), as we have repeated the story of our trip an unbelievable number of times. The Chambly Canal, opened in 1843 creating a navigable waterway along the Richelieu River. Its primary role at that time was the shipping of forest products from Quebec's forests to the United States' growing market. The towpaths, that were originally used by horses as they towed barges through the canals, are now used by bicyclists and walkers enjoying the beautiful countryside and small villages along the canal.</span></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgspz4LOkbCpRbyfRHfnSRSuH_nO0Opf9isISF2AnX0UWztGB3dyFVVfyrk_7y5r-2GUXDUr2q-IyGQUiLuRQJjhiiI8zS3_yz3_aug9RGybgbQzsMdp1R_yor2Aa10hzUBOPMRlL05BrMY/s640/blogger-image-1002469485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgspz4LOkbCpRbyfRHfnSRSuH_nO0Opf9isISF2AnX0UWztGB3dyFVVfyrk_7y5r-2GUXDUr2q-IyGQUiLuRQJjhiiI8zS3_yz3_aug9RGybgbQzsMdp1R_yor2Aa10hzUBOPMRlL05BrMY/s640/blogger-image-1002469485.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Preparing to enter the first of nine locks that we will encounter as we proceed north on the Chambly Canal. There are also 12 bridges that must be moved in order for us to pass. Most are in conjunction with the locks, so they are controlled by the lock tender when it is time for us to enter the lock.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggarHZVJK_KrQWSqLkn9rOEQpmixW_QT129Ew_Hc756bcBPkwzY0hzAEtcb9zS-4r7zLYyqqur-aL8zJKx5v7lRyoCRtfO936qHjFVbpYO_Hz4-9Y9h4IKsIJLiPbwEKP0VqGcGOFLC8IN/s640/blogger-image-1538257559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggarHZVJK_KrQWSqLkn9rOEQpmixW_QT129Ew_Hc756bcBPkwzY0hzAEtcb9zS-4r7zLYyqqur-aL8zJKx5v7lRyoCRtfO936qHjFVbpYO_Hz4-9Y9h4IKsIJLiPbwEKP0VqGcGOFLC8IN/s640/blogger-image-1538257559.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We are given the green light, signaling that it is time for us to enter the lock. Other than a few exceptions all of the locks in Canada have been declared National Historic Sites and are under the administration of Parks Canada. They are meticulously cared for, keeping them in their original design as much as possible. The gates are opened and closed manually by park employees who all seem to love their jobs. We have locked through about 60 locks since entering Canada and every one of the Parks Canada employees have been fantastic. They have helped with lines and proudly offered information all along the canals.</div></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYW6W-NAYnFZQmNybsxt49K0h2pD_n3noBsw_sU3b3VFJrQfo_7DeTGOnItoe7OclVcSPptmVPY1Rfa_A_JndnXBTpa60UBWERS_zP6hIxcfbVYAZ7wLubQwbKaVV0uY-ZBiE1tpWo2te4/s640/blogger-image--1378160924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYW6W-NAYnFZQmNybsxt49K0h2pD_n3noBsw_sU3b3VFJrQfo_7DeTGOnItoe7OclVcSPptmVPY1Rfa_A_JndnXBTpa60UBWERS_zP6hIxcfbVYAZ7wLubQwbKaVV0uY-ZBiE1tpWo2te4/s640/blogger-image--1378160924.jpg"></a></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This narrow canal allows boaters to travel around the many rapids of the Richelieu River. On the right, the bike and walking trail that runs along the canal for several miles can be seen.</div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhdhyphenhyphenaUYpP-K4-aLxfKIeFSIlwyrI2ewzd5yxNcoLl0SOVA25412XscFLHAO5Hd2nmVgREdud71ZpHrgVqPKCJVXR4FPboj-q9vkmaIeGzmlnWL4byJVGlhYz2e1rQVTQcBr2HL7HuMvO/s640/blogger-image-1000848933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhdhyphenhyphenaUYpP-K4-aLxfKIeFSIlwyrI2ewzd5yxNcoLl0SOVA25412XscFLHAO5Hd2nmVgREdud71ZpHrgVqPKCJVXR4FPboj-q9vkmaIeGzmlnWL4byJVGlhYz2e1rQVTQcBr2HL7HuMvO/s640/blogger-image-1000848933.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>This is a swing bridge that is manually swung out of our way as we progress through the canal. No one pushes a button, they actually use muscle power to swing the bridge around on a circular track.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGjWjghNr6MrffF6rkox8JPe1Gk8itZsYPuv3DxZGK0erA0VmXXiFvX6FVoHqLB3Su-CzNCDe7nIfATkM6ySeARnkuZrMdb8gwV4pminODMPWu6tynnn88FgT6JGATyrO8Yy7UjWqNw3Fg/s640/blogger-image-358694380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGjWjghNr6MrffF6rkox8JPe1Gk8itZsYPuv3DxZGK0erA0VmXXiFvX6FVoHqLB3Su-CzNCDe7nIfATkM6ySeARnkuZrMdb8gwV4pminODMPWu6tynnn88FgT6JGATyrO8Yy7UjWqNw3Fg/s640/blogger-image-358694380.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>There has been quite a bit of rain this spring causing the river to overflow into a low area beside the canal. We are glad that we have decided to take this route through Canada even though it means more miles and more locks. There has been so much high water in the Erie Canal that many of the locks have been closed, causing Loopers who chose to go that route to be stuck for days at a time.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii31d_AYareKNIa0nrX9v55hoMwH96p4VFTEME_VT4x8oa4HT9OHV5PxfECU_YL4_7xD-K6SV4OCQDAWq_SzQZccccYKqV_xme5xtu_9sWkFw9dt8eWwIgrepymbjUM-BDr-oPURx-L_b8/s640/blogger-image-203803684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii31d_AYareKNIa0nrX9v55hoMwH96p4VFTEME_VT4x8oa4HT9OHV5PxfECU_YL4_7xD-K6SV4OCQDAWq_SzQZccccYKqV_xme5xtu_9sWkFw9dt8eWwIgrepymbjUM-BDr-oPURx-L_b8/s640/blogger-image-203803684.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This momma duck and her brood don't appear to be the slightest concerned that <i>Bama</i> <i>Dream</i> is headed their way. At our speed, she probably knows that she has plenty of time to get across. Of course, Jess would stop in the middle of the canal to let them pass it he had to.</div><div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjABDVa_wnEn9ofXVC8dzBy4rqDMVjExp4ArYuULx_U07gD05sjyQGqDVv9jvCo53SwV_fozcDscE-7jGm0Lx3vF9_p7Vj4aSQenHh3U8aMzG9msR691mrrub400yLBSi2EWYd4kOxgStWe/s640/blogger-image-384691353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjABDVa_wnEn9ofXVC8dzBy4rqDMVjExp4ArYuULx_U07gD05sjyQGqDVv9jvCo53SwV_fozcDscE-7jGm0Lx3vF9_p7Vj4aSQenHh3U8aMzG9msR691mrrub400yLBSi2EWYd4kOxgStWe/s640/blogger-image-384691353.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div>Each of the locks have a structure called a lock house. Some of them are actually homes where the lockmaster lives, others, like this one at Lock 8 are used by park employees during operating hours.</div><div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwqs5q1hbQWfr61NzH3B-DuWaWxiIX6PyWOdFYADNOYhVpTFRIU6_UJNZ68m60x1GrFmzK60QJoOJdNK2wNWzDr2YHo1CRAQFNV_fAcW3uto_ziCl6mZTJQEyxwHDIq-OokxD5_ZsQaskb/s640/blogger-image--46753105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwqs5q1hbQWfr61NzH3B-DuWaWxiIX6PyWOdFYADNOYhVpTFRIU6_UJNZ68m60x1GrFmzK60QJoOJdNK2wNWzDr2YHo1CRAQFNV_fAcW3uto_ziCl6mZTJQEyxwHDIq-OokxD5_ZsQaskb/s640/blogger-image--46753105.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Using a system of gears the lock tender regulates the flow of water into the lock, then cranks open the gates to allow us to continue. We were surprised at how many people seemed to be out enjoying this beautiful Wednesday until we learned that today is a holiday in Quebec. They were all celebrating Saint Jean Baptiste Day. When we tied up to the wall in Chambly, we realized we were going to be able to be part of the celebration. A huge party would be taking place right across the canal with a live band (performing in French), a huge bonfire and fireworks! </div><div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVXiR_j3GdF_9MMWYE58XQP1Wq7J_7UG1X6BFnsvSbkTgwpf2OPUFDU9TkT4hylZ0NQ7zR92TxY1WoUCHRP5Uw7EPKIKUAxekNzI9zOqR03NmdIEiyt36pRpVaZbsNWDwlIqv6W2R1qbwR/s640/blogger-image--1101571564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVXiR_j3GdF_9MMWYE58XQP1Wq7J_7UG1X6BFnsvSbkTgwpf2OPUFDU9TkT4hylZ0NQ7zR92TxY1WoUCHRP5Uw7EPKIKUAxekNzI9zOqR03NmdIEiyt36pRpVaZbsNWDwlIqv6W2R1qbwR/s640/blogger-image--1101571564.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div>The small town of Chambly has some beautiful old homes and some great pizza! We had a rain shower in the evening, but it did not dampen the spirits of the revelers.</div><div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjszT1C9bULtnXLc6bWi1Qum12EzDpHs-ZYcmmJvxQUN5yE8_MnB5hzUZxy0bX9TD5MoOmroJGdkevzksFBf9I-MLTCtryizEb1bi5z46aV96ts70qPtvX_CFo10HiFDE6q2Uqc1EICuBKr/s640/blogger-image-1595394489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjszT1C9bULtnXLc6bWi1Qum12EzDpHs-ZYcmmJvxQUN5yE8_MnB5hzUZxy0bX9TD5MoOmroJGdkevzksFBf9I-MLTCtryizEb1bi5z46aV96ts70qPtvX_CFo10HiFDE6q2Uqc1EICuBKr/s640/blogger-image-1595394489.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I seem to be taking pictures of churches everywhere I visit. I can't help it, they are always some of the most stunning architecture, in the most beautiful settings.</div><div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUv1O5BbOhAvEnQ0BjTOMafZ3UjIkV9eRXYXOSeB1-GSIEoArb9AG8MumDEWLfQhUnldRcKVeUAfo9GLgJX3EWVmymnmKkn8eW45UzM2kP2mQGceSXNPqtrB2eS-j2bjBZKzOXVwGps3pp/s640/blogger-image--413679011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUv1O5BbOhAvEnQ0BjTOMafZ3UjIkV9eRXYXOSeB1-GSIEoArb9AG8MumDEWLfQhUnldRcKVeUAfo9GLgJX3EWVmymnmKkn8eW45UzM2kP2mQGceSXNPqtrB2eS-j2bjBZKzOXVwGps3pp/s640/blogger-image--413679011.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The final 3 locks on the Chambly drop us abruptly into Lake Chambly This was my first triplicate lock and I will admit I was just a little nervous. O.K., maybe quite a bit nervous! Just like everything else that has caused anxiety on this adventure, this turned out to be no big deal too.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-eL2-8MXeUeyN74vmPn5gmHodhFjOhw_boHPGHaUs6Bd7PpVQtBJ7RDMF1NfGCqyM3j3NZEKhSi6Phq3-2ZgQrMQOXUTAqGxxOqliPXfirS4cLyXxECgm2o6eHN50Z1w8laGjs3PDh9I/s640/blogger-image--1539392724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-eL2-8MXeUeyN74vmPn5gmHodhFjOhw_boHPGHaUs6Bd7PpVQtBJ7RDMF1NfGCqyM3j3NZEKhSi6Phq3-2ZgQrMQOXUTAqGxxOqliPXfirS4cLyXxECgm2o6eHN50Z1w8laGjs3PDh9I/s640/blogger-image--1539392724.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After locking through the single lock at Saint Ours we are headed into the St. Lawrence River. It has been a long day, and we are looking forward to a peaceful night on anchor. That is if we can find the right spot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjsNZ0tw4GFH7FT6TNlxuSnGT3FlX8MZ7JSWLpJyMmsa_dCofkR7IcaOnYirGVCgAXzSO4z2GIZ-B3PP9ULop9nkCvFboXssjtFEMNGrd4pMOjC9pX_4VPPRYQEaopStDqunZXs28C7-M/s640/blogger-image-1169597605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjsNZ0tw4GFH7FT6TNlxuSnGT3FlX8MZ7JSWLpJyMmsa_dCofkR7IcaOnYirGVCgAXzSO4z2GIZ-B3PP9ULop9nkCvFboXssjtFEMNGrd4pMOjC9pX_4VPPRYQEaopStDqunZXs28C7-M/s640/blogger-image-1169597605.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">With the help of some local sailers who directed us to the perfect anchorage, we were ready to relax.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As the sun went below the horizon the willow flies started rising out of the lake and every gull within five miles came for supper. It was really quite an amazing sight.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU5Jnh6DOj6QersB6PKtVPE_iVRoWTOdOyVL0iOGbtcrLqNufX4CJGriUU4LUzpdthkHpmfI87xC6DiMs8VmVQIc3OxHC4Iy_GonF8DpYRrF4DZNTIijvbw-g39PUbeirhPx0Ot8lVSxaT/s640/blogger-image-1423770082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU5Jnh6DOj6QersB6PKtVPE_iVRoWTOdOyVL0iOGbtcrLqNufX4CJGriUU4LUzpdthkHpmfI87xC6DiMs8VmVQIc3OxHC4Iy_GonF8DpYRrF4DZNTIijvbw-g39PUbeirhPx0Ot8lVSxaT/s640/blogger-image-1423770082.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After chugging along behind us, this Coast Guard ship finally overtook us, as we continued down the St. Lawrence River on our way to Montreal. Even though he passed us, we would soon meet him again when we entered the seaway.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PLVf3b-IokxP8E58TlnFBCjCNYNgEpKxJPdHAPovwsj-9vF2ee6F_vdT33y0_wDSPtCG9pAKON_GBHLRfRVMwKXk0ZBLjCL7FgD1wX-hLVwj2sIeWY0Ggb_bi5s8Gz9YDNGyzHek7qAT/s640/blogger-image--113554832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PLVf3b-IokxP8E58TlnFBCjCNYNgEpKxJPdHAPovwsj-9vF2ee6F_vdT33y0_wDSPtCG9pAKON_GBHLRfRVMwKXk0ZBLjCL7FgD1wX-hLVwj2sIeWY0Ggb_bi5s8Gz9YDNGyzHek7qAT/s640/blogger-image--113554832.jpg"></a></div><br></div>As we approach the city of Montreal, commercial traffic picked up. With the St. Lawrence Seaway opening up the Great Lakes to huge commercial ships, this area is a very busy seaport.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUJjsBitIUTMrtyozANU6w_7D-XhGl7I1pyfEvyE4L0haqJzBG8MRIh-C93owEnm31IEGTrYRGeeMbciBTY36TnKMJ2izbFPWK4K-zyw_Mn0dSaAU0uLtRag5hwLDb4jgcP2Ymgxsi1be/s640/blogger-image--492529561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUJjsBitIUTMrtyozANU6w_7D-XhGl7I1pyfEvyE4L0haqJzBG8MRIh-C93owEnm31IEGTrYRGeeMbciBTY36TnKMJ2izbFPWK4K-zyw_Mn0dSaAU0uLtRag5hwLDb4jgcP2Ymgxsi1be/s640/blogger-image--492529561.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The 1976 summer Olympics were held in Montreal. Olympic Stadium provides a rather futuristic backdrop for the commercial waterfront.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xUX1UR6kp4EqIV-seSKks4FNvV1mqOcCoCyRSlDqa7PGgEmOXk3EGnTWHXK2Jeg7tGcfK0I_S_pbAZSv18GVCcOCKOCcrfvSKhArM4gmsjoGdFq8sHfS0w2dtBAhIxMxyjQDziobnABJ/s640/blogger-image--428854209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xUX1UR6kp4EqIV-seSKks4FNvV1mqOcCoCyRSlDqa7PGgEmOXk3EGnTWHXK2Jeg7tGcfK0I_S_pbAZSv18GVCcOCKOCcrfvSKhArM4gmsjoGdFq8sHfS0w2dtBAhIxMxyjQDziobnABJ/s640/blogger-image--428854209.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Turning into the St. Lawrence Seaway as we arrive in Montreal, we pass by Six Flags close enough to hear the screams from the daring roller coaster enthusiasts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFYPThLuyctFhkVf85QXltBkWVW0UCwxmJzNbcJU7tryUEdJI4tWjvv9F8IwpxXyjpseLsAGwpVixyZklMdHNqcUdwrY5QmMJ4qWXp9kTn34Nn243FMTK33C2pqsHGQ9Cqix2owamvDglw/s640/blogger-image--1961975992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFYPThLuyctFhkVf85QXltBkWVW0UCwxmJzNbcJU7tryUEdJI4tWjvv9F8IwpxXyjpseLsAGwpVixyZklMdHNqcUdwrY5QmMJ4qWXp9kTn34Nn243FMTK33C2pqsHGQ9Cqix2owamvDglw/s640/blogger-image--1961975992.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After negotiating the small locks of the Chambly, the 2 locks we must transit in the seaway seem huge. Especially when we have to make room for the Coast Guard ship that had passed us earlier in the day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPfGMxb4Lwqe9E1NTDHcIV6QtOrMrTtbBHO0LBgMkvgsgZXydViJISBo1VbPMgpIT8yVt0jE4TZfYxKSivCIZebehu2xP8aXDEUSXQpi7I898qa5jHT8InZjzv8I9bmJZGNqwJgvsReS7b/s640/blogger-image-176128114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPfGMxb4Lwqe9E1NTDHcIV6QtOrMrTtbBHO0LBgMkvgsgZXydViJISBo1VbPMgpIT8yVt0jE4TZfYxKSivCIZebehu2xP8aXDEUSXQpi7I898qa5jHT8InZjzv8I9bmJZGNqwJgvsReS7b/s640/blogger-image-176128114.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As we rise through the lock, the bridge has to be raised in order for us to escape.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO3dT8FPTFFkwISSNJ_EV3uzl6NE7j36WdY5uTT1cqsgqXdvUOeoji5xqxDXS7w4nSKvTkPB7h8NQYZ6mIfEcjUxwWgKtm9cXwNIAc5qCbzUju5V4KiYGFwgT3gGf6x1O1vz41j5r0I1-X/s640/blogger-image--640530643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO3dT8FPTFFkwISSNJ_EV3uzl6NE7j36WdY5uTT1cqsgqXdvUOeoji5xqxDXS7w4nSKvTkPB7h8NQYZ6mIfEcjUxwWgKtm9cXwNIAc5qCbzUju5V4KiYGFwgT3gGf6x1O1vz41j5r0I1-X/s640/blogger-image--640530643.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our anchorage for the night was close enough to the city that we could see the steady stream of planes preparing to land at Montreal's International Airport. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmng75j1xnrs-I0m1w9EUwklw5GmJ-q-RzwyWVGDP9nOaWZT7oqLhzV3wxovjrMVtISCur_YP8TO4qysLrcvf1aK-a1ndUHqn4t7MBJOCM7Bgw_I-IGikYy-U59XmcKdeEwsBIERAPJJaH/s640/blogger-image--1224024096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmng75j1xnrs-I0m1w9EUwklw5GmJ-q-RzwyWVGDP9nOaWZT7oqLhzV3wxovjrMVtISCur_YP8TO4qysLrcvf1aK-a1ndUHqn4t7MBJOCM7Bgw_I-IGikYy-U59XmcKdeEwsBIERAPJJaH/s640/blogger-image--1224024096.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I have found my favorite kind of lock. Saint-Anne-De-Bellevue Canal, as well as some others, provides a floating dock that the lock employees tie your boat to. They grab your lines when you enter the lock, tie you off on the dock, and you sit back and relax. My idea of the perfect locking system! Saint Anne's lock provides our entrance into the Ottawa River.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNPiIxLPEvLqw4ik9SxAske2TuisxnJlHn0gTWAXTXRq3yo09LQvQL2iGKU3qgd_vAN5ewE1AH7FTvu3tN47gRDXetbMOBn-73yLIkbX1PTryHxHj4OUzvnsArgkLWdLj0VgqD7sY_FgXG/s640/blogger-image-859336144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNPiIxLPEvLqw4ik9SxAske2TuisxnJlHn0gTWAXTXRq3yo09LQvQL2iGKU3qgd_vAN5ewE1AH7FTvu3tN47gRDXetbMOBn-73yLIkbX1PTryHxHj4OUzvnsArgkLWdLj0VgqD7sY_FgXG/s640/blogger-image-859336144.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The deeper Carillon Canal consists of one lock that bypasses an area of rapids in the Ottawa River. This lock replaced a system of 11 locks that moved boats around the rapids in a series of small increments. Very glad they decided one could do the job. The gate system here (unique in North America) is a little imposing as it consists of a guillotine weighing 200 tons</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGScIWAf_y8nR-MCfT532kEeZYRM2xOdsqo1HTHcbZfCEjjs5CGYrTmA36l5JZYW_tLyPfmk42wT0RzTfoKrcRhD-zgMyzrmIHbiZvEJRjyzMxgvJJ3UaJlmSoIJUwgx-Jh1U-9zgSxIV/s640/blogger-image--295563884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGScIWAf_y8nR-MCfT532kEeZYRM2xOdsqo1HTHcbZfCEjjs5CGYrTmA36l5JZYW_tLyPfmk42wT0RzTfoKrcRhD-zgMyzrmIHbiZvEJRjyzMxgvJJ3UaJlmSoIJUwgx-Jh1U-9zgSxIV/s640/blogger-image--295563884.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I had to include this picture. I mentioned earlier that we have told the story of our adventure numerous times as we have progressed through the locks. This is a prime example. Jess is on the front of our boat explaining the Loop to the guy on the back of the boat in front of us, and Ralph is standing on the upper helm of his boat explaining the same thing to the guy above. They could have saved some breath if they had gotten the two guys on the same level.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-q61DRd_DGU8TAoMrQwYPu9FHRoSBK_b1Tk3SJE8TKtExMgT64SM4MwxcxrjcOOh89ULzfT_JBSC1klIjT-kyUjSd27OyiLcbqylMeHgvHv_Uxk55I_Pp5hXZq5PLZ2D8pzFb3R9lmS20/s640/blogger-image--689813385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-q61DRd_DGU8TAoMrQwYPu9FHRoSBK_b1Tk3SJE8TKtExMgT64SM4MwxcxrjcOOh89ULzfT_JBSC1klIjT-kyUjSd27OyiLcbqylMeHgvHv_Uxk55I_Pp5hXZq5PLZ2D8pzFb3R9lmS20/s640/blogger-image--689813385.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We were told by many fellow travellers that we should not miss visiting the Chateau Montebello. I am very glad that we listened, because our afternoon walk around the grounds was lovely. This is the manor house that was built by Louis-Joseph Papineau in the mid 1800s. The estate is now a museum and is a National Historic Site of Canada.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93_hhFKwglmF4Q4QzW-IsLHKNuT2XXTcHJjCkUu0nNiwmBhZZWzKnJj7rIx8Xil3y_BJpuCt6A95f__5vBHgsFvWO5S8n23RTxoUUrtOJb4e0pu-wdCk8HoC9Z0JigMTm0JrgS3iX-z2k/s640/blogger-image-1612255227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93_hhFKwglmF4Q4QzW-IsLHKNuT2XXTcHJjCkUu0nNiwmBhZZWzKnJj7rIx8Xil3y_BJpuCt6A95f__5vBHgsFvWO5S8n23RTxoUUrtOJb4e0pu-wdCk8HoC9Z0JigMTm0JrgS3iX-z2k/s640/blogger-image-1612255227.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Chateau Montebello began as a hunting lodge for the privileged. It is now (supposedly) the largest log structure in the world! The hotel and resort complex encompasses 65,000 acres of forrested wildlife sanctuary and 70 lakes on the shore of the Ottawa River. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKkyql7Nc_AjdUlJD5_CtQVbMB9rKRH-2HIAzHpYY7y86kLJKdlM25Gb62IQ9dN9gfhqF-ebUUNskwIG2eKUyhFu8r4DuVj6a_Gytz022WzqE_NpAbMEq_X3szisZ9QSDeW5SQBdT7vDn/s640/blogger-image-1162098251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKkyql7Nc_AjdUlJD5_CtQVbMB9rKRH-2HIAzHpYY7y86kLJKdlM25Gb62IQ9dN9gfhqF-ebUUNskwIG2eKUyhFu8r4DuVj6a_Gytz022WzqE_NpAbMEq_X3szisZ9QSDeW5SQBdT7vDn/s640/blogger-image-1162098251.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Heytaafh-NVsyqH8uWSi9CLWwm3mwCg2YaHH4Z__XtW1W4NivXUvicbgfTQNKO8tjhY9MqhSEqdtZ-M0dtXgjKhCutviISi6drCMYN_m-4nNl8_Za4qh-vUemdmxYXEN_uIPaTzpn9Lq/s640/blogger-image-79797482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Heytaafh-NVsyqH8uWSi9CLWwm3mwCg2YaHH4Z__XtW1W4NivXUvicbgfTQNKO8tjhY9MqhSEqdtZ-M0dtXgjKhCutviISi6drCMYN_m-4nNl8_Za4qh-vUemdmxYXEN_uIPaTzpn9Lq/s640/blogger-image-79797482.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The lodge is surrounded by beautiful landscaping. The grounds and flowers are meticulously cared for.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3HL6_fdtxI9rsztaSbHK-wM9A8pK_p-hnRjDDM0UubZ59y_ODrA48YpHmyM9hseRLZ4Iky3bzxx6h_Sq8AUZacjw6nuPVeqedOEYMQrja2HBpl0SO6TwUjgI5FhHHYUCN-HY52DOAvUmP/s640/blogger-image--1905589152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3HL6_fdtxI9rsztaSbHK-wM9A8pK_p-hnRjDDM0UubZ59y_ODrA48YpHmyM9hseRLZ4Iky3bzxx6h_Sq8AUZacjw6nuPVeqedOEYMQrja2HBpl0SO6TwUjgI5FhHHYUCN-HY52DOAvUmP/s640/blogger-image--1905589152.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It is impossible to grasp the enormity of the structure in a picture. The main structure contains the central lobby with four wings leading off at right angles.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfhLf7SBlTr4UWyUqGrLGJF4txb14F1d75GThC7KXl_OlqBCyZ_Z6sYsVr5uzf1oBQCn8hu9hVOitmpthnsjQFVACoNPSDI_VM5uORgDQmaORrckQpkCj00ITQ2hLLhrJzPKuob-jzUWn/s640/blogger-image-1279913024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfhLf7SBlTr4UWyUqGrLGJF4txb14F1d75GThC7KXl_OlqBCyZ_Z6sYsVr5uzf1oBQCn8hu9hVOitmpthnsjQFVACoNPSDI_VM5uORgDQmaORrckQpkCj00ITQ2hLLhrJzPKuob-jzUWn/s640/blogger-image-1279913024.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Small, well tended gardens are tucked into every corner. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgqtfcpMoWTClOeMvipsWymKPr-_Jeqk-RTPLk4xUVkYLy5rQqIpD1p4o-N3f_jWOSca7KGCZbwBeHryTSWUZ-C_8CTAeix5oFgQo_Af_FsTP9fZYSC9_QbEbXVLxEOLJs7qrllZRA6fM/s640/blogger-image--1403898761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgqtfcpMoWTClOeMvipsWymKPr-_Jeqk-RTPLk4xUVkYLy5rQqIpD1p4o-N3f_jWOSca7KGCZbwBeHryTSWUZ-C_8CTAeix5oFgQo_Af_FsTP9fZYSC9_QbEbXVLxEOLJs7qrllZRA6fM/s640/blogger-image--1403898761.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The focus in the lobby is this enormous floor to ceiling four sided fireplace. I can't imagine how much wood they could burn in just one evening during the cold winter months.</div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqBGecLehN1eKftp8448gX84mVATUdclb65bQnelzZYHc92jv7JmIQQ8QovpoHBQL4surZYUSEsB1Wjd0i8V6CWX447FcwUbBdCLIatoHqJSWTeafR38DjjY_I6h21nhDTg4ymBuRNDTs/s640/blogger-image-1463489928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqBGecLehN1eKftp8448gX84mVATUdclb65bQnelzZYHc92jv7JmIQQ8QovpoHBQL4surZYUSEsB1Wjd0i8V6CWX447FcwUbBdCLIatoHqJSWTeafR38DjjY_I6h21nhDTg4ymBuRNDTs/s640/blogger-image-1463489928.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There are three levels that branch off from the main lobby. The structure reminded us of the lodge in Yellowstone National Park, only on a much larger scale.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJThcIhJsz08Gv8VCXEjiF9G2xsQwdux0MeDFhy5-Mt_8J8dykB7NcAPRV0bs5bIt0IDEPq2Qtm854oSv2PeEvTjfV5QifS6uHaKesfjdQGKWqZ1LXfMLMcSJFAsYfI-K8WgzvWGqoJhsj/s640/blogger-image-1856186516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJThcIhJsz08Gv8VCXEjiF9G2xsQwdux0MeDFhy5-Mt_8J8dykB7NcAPRV0bs5bIt0IDEPq2Qtm854oSv2PeEvTjfV5QifS6uHaKesfjdQGKWqZ1LXfMLMcSJFAsYfI-K8WgzvWGqoJhsj/s640/blogger-image-1856186516.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After a quick lunch, we are back on our boats headed toward Ottawa. The overcast skies didn't make for a great picture, but as we passed by Chateau Montebello you can get an idea of how far the structure extends from each side of the central dome.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyjE0akU9BDsT10xMi-gOs5tYbpTEzHVy3gRH_oPDlhKuiFdFQ1lTIJxEY6fd-rzTEy567HcymMSTJPF-YzFCBx5pxuDHC2rtIIu_D6tqyRPhHnQ7L4HF8qTSFt4-8ftsVAy5WHJboMSGT/s640/blogger-image-1831092482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyjE0akU9BDsT10xMi-gOs5tYbpTEzHVy3gRH_oPDlhKuiFdFQ1lTIJxEY6fd-rzTEy567HcymMSTJPF-YzFCBx5pxuDHC2rtIIu_D6tqyRPhHnQ7L4HF8qTSFt4-8ftsVAy5WHJboMSGT/s640/blogger-image-1831092482.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We can see Ottawa, Canada's capitol city, looming on our horizon. We will be entering the Rideau Canal, below the Parliament building, as we begin the next chapter in our voyage.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div>Linda and Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417081628587029110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439761904960438927.post-41390103833870638552015-06-19T17:26:00.001-07:002015-11-02T21:59:48.796-08:00Enjoying the Hudson RiverJune 14-21<div><br></div><div>Days 215-222</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">As we have continued our travels up the Hudson River, we have been rewarded with some of the most beautiful scenery you can imagine. This area that flows through the Catskills and the Adirondack Mountains of New York, before reaching the stunning views of Vermont, in general has been a very pleasant cruise. When we left the lock at Troy, it was time for us to make a major decision as to which route we would take at this point in our Loop. Until now, other than the side trips we had taken, the Great Circle route was pretty much straight forward with very few options. Now we were literally coming to a fork in the road as it were. Do we take the left fork through the Erie Canal and then on into Canada or do we keep to our right and go up the Champlain Canal into Lake Champlain and then on into Canada? After much discussion, we decided that we would take the longer route through Lake Champlain because heaven forbid we should bypass the locks in the Rideau Canal. Actually, we have had so many fellow Loopers tell us that we will love the Rideau that we just can't pass up this part of our trip in order to save a little time. Besides, this adventure is as much about what we experience along the way, as it is about just crossing our wake when we finish. After experiencing some strong winds and rough seas in Lake Champlain, we are now attached to a mooring ball in the harbor at Burlington, VT. and the weather is absolutely perfect. We will stay here for a couple of days while we enjoy this lovely town and Jess gets the oil changed in our engines, then it is off to Canada. While we are in Canada we will basically be off the grid again, so unless I find a wifi every now and then this will be the last post until we return to the U.S.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkzjP3J8rK4VwsCgHMIoG7L8Av7M5pKHixxxXOuBhcsJrwIs1-uCaaczxgaAS6Ol-8SfjmpoUMHX4Fzscj9lz2DiQdIx3AeLmr7DN1a96z9h5sDQRHxQDnvsmZlJfmM9up_IlxGnNGPX9/s640/blogger-image--1587963898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkzjP3J8rK4VwsCgHMIoG7L8Av7M5pKHixxxXOuBhcsJrwIs1-uCaaczxgaAS6Ol-8SfjmpoUMHX4Fzscj9lz2DiQdIx3AeLmr7DN1a96z9h5sDQRHxQDnvsmZlJfmM9up_IlxGnNGPX9/s640/blogger-image--1587963898.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Much of the scenery along the Hudson reminded us of our own Tennessee River. There are beautiful cliffs and lush wooded areas along the banks. One huge difference is that this is the middle of June with highs in the 60s and low 70s, while I am sure it is much warmer in North Alabama right now.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirI2_zdM9tgUx6dOHwr4__z1dFPwH1erAFHOwI0B-eG4WU4rg964jRUS50dqaM4SI-7-L_nKfHrT9ZrFE1XNX3w-o3peXLtoTYzeDC1wvUO7y2mFmMYR-4hl4JtjFzxxfYMdwpxZJvQutM/s640/blogger-image--947891568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirI2_zdM9tgUx6dOHwr4__z1dFPwH1erAFHOwI0B-eG4WU4rg964jRUS50dqaM4SI-7-L_nKfHrT9ZrFE1XNX3w-o3peXLtoTYzeDC1wvUO7y2mFmMYR-4hl4JtjFzxxfYMdwpxZJvQutM/s640/blogger-image--947891568.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It is amazing sometimes how different our view from the water can be. When we visited West Point by car I did not realize that there were so many large buildings all the way down to the banks of the river. Obviously our tour only touched on the vastness of this stunning campus.</div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIQ5tpFKv5GAVUYq-o0X0vXhLtSKYmg5ki0Valaaxb_56Z-OsdU8nmV9xa5polwF2mGEata44qII0uldhs6k09hC3eBvfS_70VUUv7ZggAzOoLjPoaqu7vGAla-mLYGUxJgNQYareTkxT/s640/blogger-image-1770552022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIQ5tpFKv5GAVUYq-o0X0vXhLtSKYmg5ki0Valaaxb_56Z-OsdU8nmV9xa5polwF2mGEata44qII0uldhs6k09hC3eBvfS_70VUUv7ZggAzOoLjPoaqu7vGAla-mLYGUxJgNQYareTkxT/s640/blogger-image-1770552022.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Hopefully you can read the sign on the roof. When we took our tour it was pointed out to us several times how important to the cadets this is. Beat Navy was also on the list of important events.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1HKdF8hmXIU3LRpnVZCWhVOH3IRLQfURLLNnhPN0CC8lS6u19cZa50vhDKutAOIE0xymS8hNmKYhu818Yb-HWQ0rP9T769Ru9SsiHwKFtX0X6C99-3g1EMM_WIrXkxDQnyhAVrY4VPnU/s640/blogger-image-1044561971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1HKdF8hmXIU3LRpnVZCWhVOH3IRLQfURLLNnhPN0CC8lS6u19cZa50vhDKutAOIE0xymS8hNmKYhu818Yb-HWQ0rP9T769Ru9SsiHwKFtX0X6C99-3g1EMM_WIrXkxDQnyhAVrY4VPnU/s640/blogger-image-1044561971.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">This is the narrow channel above the fort at West Point that the Revolutionary forces pulled a chain across so that British ships could not proceed down river. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV9PtmKkaueBCwufkwSYfd5QZQKlPwa94Apq5704VyNeCG1w9VBdwfXE8Dnww8RD-TQ18rdXFjRoLCQGhW0NAUKep2VKaM4h7-YfPcgynDylalDwvNJ_gtQForKpURQIiEkHh4ZPRJTUxR/s640/blogger-image-670566576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV9PtmKkaueBCwufkwSYfd5QZQKlPwa94Apq5704VyNeCG1w9VBdwfXE8Dnww8RD-TQ18rdXFjRoLCQGhW0NAUKep2VKaM4h7-YfPcgynDylalDwvNJ_gtQForKpURQIiEkHh4ZPRJTUxR/s640/blogger-image-670566576.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The ruins of Banneman's Castle. This island castle has long been abandoned by its owner who was using it as an arsenal housing explosives, ammunition and Civil War relics. It was actually a warehouse for one of the first Army-Navy stores in NYC. You just never know what you might find along the river.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1XM_LSCWA5e-dK1vT148hwGTmHtUbtUOO-XvY5NlBkw_CFpPIYKdFjs7HY3QxRiMIwFk3MDuW7DDfpBmC-8OWUx8E3VOoNKo0cAcwn4R_BTZ6pZlrkysYXobhFmZ1AqN027moia9r6Wl/s640/blogger-image--1490997421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1XM_LSCWA5e-dK1vT148hwGTmHtUbtUOO-XvY5NlBkw_CFpPIYKdFjs7HY3QxRiMIwFk3MDuW7DDfpBmC-8OWUx8E3VOoNKo0cAcwn4R_BTZ6pZlrkysYXobhFmZ1AqN027moia9r6Wl/s640/blogger-image--1490997421.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Modern technology seems to have made the lighthouses here either obsolete or </span>unnecessary,<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> as none of them appeared to be inhabited.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-qGCgh-eU9yMNNlFLzfbtGYzKO1geaJUCCax_0lM1JMgCPSDNWoY21utPafzEhFFawbo80S-0nSjM55ad0Q8bstG0Sp8T1UyHDwbX3hLU0lNnUXvWH8DA59EDfDFWhK89SPrnlCvQtw9/s640/blogger-image--194929292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-qGCgh-eU9yMNNlFLzfbtGYzKO1geaJUCCax_0lM1JMgCPSDNWoY21utPafzEhFFawbo80S-0nSjM55ad0Q8bstG0Sp8T1UyHDwbX3hLU0lNnUXvWH8DA59EDfDFWhK89SPrnlCvQtw9/s640/blogger-image--194929292.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Apparently the lighthouses in the Hudson were built with the comfort of the keepers in mind, more so than the ones in the Chesapeake were.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2P02FFfprp-twztaA5yE_4p-GGF_L7J80eryA7sacP2yQ1J6Y8Oeq9iCGGCZ5sADPKGelwkKSnw9A-HpaXG5P7b0j2t9N03tZWWIvxyHJxqGIHpUYyqZ5NMZLSS-O0WxVY18SQKax48J/s640/blogger-image-314754697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2P02FFfprp-twztaA5yE_4p-GGF_L7J80eryA7sacP2yQ1J6Y8Oeq9iCGGCZ5sADPKGelwkKSnw9A-HpaXG5P7b0j2t9N03tZWWIvxyHJxqGIHpUYyqZ5NMZLSS-O0WxVY18SQKax48J/s640/blogger-image-314754697.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We spent one night at the free dock in the older part of the city of Troy. Many of the businesses in this area have closed down and it is a shame to see so many of the old buildings in need of repair. The cost of upkeep must be astronomical though. This beautiful Catholic Church was built in1824, unfortunately many of the windows are boarded up.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM0G7qQs0OyUOkcfALCbvsEheW9-Jrkay-yEccCUkOjSaT4CNLNSfXWh9oKIHTlz2hH7Xi7nbFYRkxHDwnUc0o1T1JFu7mohvx7bKPdRi77oGVewodyDKvETcCAjIvi-MZ3DP4zXNI-DNk/s640/blogger-image--374417148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM0G7qQs0OyUOkcfALCbvsEheW9-Jrkay-yEccCUkOjSaT4CNLNSfXWh9oKIHTlz2hH7Xi7nbFYRkxHDwnUc0o1T1JFu7mohvx7bKPdRi77oGVewodyDKvETcCAjIvi-MZ3DP4zXNI-DNk/s640/blogger-image--374417148.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Upon entering the Champlain Canal system there are some fixed bridges that are too low for us to get under with our mast up. With the help of some fellow loopers it is no problem for Jess to get it down and in the cradlle. Of course at some point we have to get it back up into its proper position again. Jess says it will be a breeze, we will see about that.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUS_01gEzp-oYLKgp_jVuFbJzgxyqhrmektrV_GBPrNZ-cUZMVZIfvyrr7tpuAw4wkOb15cUanzMvDhTqo21lS2J3F8NH4EWtG67Y6n-rSYK05x69RKppjvll_YAPfUAlNj94ts7hFoF1X/s640/blogger-image-736770914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUS_01gEzp-oYLKgp_jVuFbJzgxyqhrmektrV_GBPrNZ-cUZMVZIfvyrr7tpuAw4wkOb15cUanzMvDhTqo21lS2J3F8NH4EWtG67Y6n-rSYK05x69RKppjvll_YAPfUAlNj94ts7hFoF1X/s640/blogger-image-736770914.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">A stop in Troy gives us an opportunity to share a meal at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que with Ralph and Janet Babish on <i>Gud</i>-<i>Nuff</i>. They are taking the same route into Canada that we have chosen, so we will be enjoying their company for awhile. They are from Hayden, Co., a small town near Craig where we lived in 1975.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhblExWA6Phy9HJnK_IlzR1w0Y_ZzABGJKr3fVUquRWICgWdvRgU3TqeXb-x-_h9UvqZEdF-KE6WwSw8ulP0WaFu53BWynx-352tBiTWqqXA4k5fjBw1ozuFGVD5x0v7MnrZzVHeWmrhRqd/s640/blogger-image-744616577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhblExWA6Phy9HJnK_IlzR1w0Y_ZzABGJKr3fVUquRWICgWdvRgU3TqeXb-x-_h9UvqZEdF-KE6WwSw8ulP0WaFu53BWynx-352tBiTWqqXA4k5fjBw1ozuFGVD5x0v7MnrZzVHeWmrhRqd/s640/blogger-image-744616577.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">New York's capitol city, Albany, as we cruised by the waterfront. With threatening rain we chose not to make a stop here on our way to the Champlain Canal.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjic4uYhnkIAf1Ev1SPO4VUNFTxl3n0X9ofOZln055vr4WbT2Sr_O-quEOZaE9ckHkZW6QFI-b9ys_2RvWvDVUUL-5ACTl1cg84AQJbQBV3y2a5sZZbGPP2mIWKZ4P_TtnmhgHyHUQ5880e/s640/blogger-image--1334456339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjic4uYhnkIAf1Ev1SPO4VUNFTxl3n0X9ofOZln055vr4WbT2Sr_O-quEOZaE9ckHkZW6QFI-b9ys_2RvWvDVUUL-5ACTl1cg84AQJbQBV3y2a5sZZbGPP2mIWKZ4P_TtnmhgHyHUQ5880e/s640/blogger-image--1334456339.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The fork in the road. Thank goodness we have decided on the Champlain, because we have heard since we went by the Erie that because of high water it has been temporarily closed, stranding many boaters between locks. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFHi16YYk6tgF2fibfrXr0opKiGUnGvaYd2_b8RjK6qMC0FBykmcphcyiNwfEbtRn3Q9F9E6tiAcWG3mGdtHd6i3H9oSV107G4eIutEGqwgHNSV-zxt76CyQASGFuoezkarX6ZhvW1uwx/s640/blogger-image--1529197423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFHi16YYk6tgF2fibfrXr0opKiGUnGvaYd2_b8RjK6qMC0FBykmcphcyiNwfEbtRn3Q9F9E6tiAcWG3mGdtHd6i3H9oSV107G4eIutEGqwgHNSV-zxt76CyQASGFuoezkarX6ZhvW1uwx/s640/blogger-image--1529197423.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Champlain Canal consists of 11 locks. Eight going up and 3 going down into Lake Champlain. The locks are actually numbered 1-12 with no number 10. When the engineers first laid out the canal the plan included 12 locks, but they discovered when the building of the canal began that lock number 10 was unnecessary so they left it out. So they didn't have to redo all of the plans, they did not renumber the last 2 locks. This makes sense to everyone except the person that searches their charts extensively for lock number 10. Yes, that would be me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJtZ9df2wk62xSMS58prTlXT66ijTUK3zafpYsNz12ET9wjfaiS6wf_ycmF8N2yKols4jGR7GYtMel9F3WCT_xH9fZv-2z6msi5J7_qsYNWPCQYblARHNik4mRoVF9U9UV1FkQ0T3G7t6/s640/blogger-image-1506042235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJtZ9df2wk62xSMS58prTlXT66ijTUK3zafpYsNz12ET9wjfaiS6wf_ycmF8N2yKols4jGR7GYtMel9F3WCT_xH9fZv-2z6msi5J7_qsYNWPCQYblARHNik4mRoVF9U9UV1FkQ0T3G7t6/s640/blogger-image-1506042235.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Finally got Jess to take a picture from the upper helm while I am below with the lines. This is the spillway at one of the locks that actually produces power.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSHhXRwS8wIjq7E82g72hV8R9xM17fz3olwGfPhyphenhyphenQCzaUUVyeR1EmaiNb8yNvBgiNxu4aOFImOSmemjJiTuU2USWSG_4k3b2snL7yhVqSxW0UfObsJbhKJwzGiKeH6NiNAvkpCpX5KpTo/s640/blogger-image--898250855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSHhXRwS8wIjq7E82g72hV8R9xM17fz3olwGfPhyphenhyphenQCzaUUVyeR1EmaiNb8yNvBgiNxu4aOFImOSmemjJiTuU2USWSG_4k3b2snL7yhVqSxW0UfObsJbhKJwzGiKeH6NiNAvkpCpX5KpTo/s640/blogger-image--898250855.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Looks like I have unleashed a monster. Jess has discovered that I am not the only one who should be documenting this journey.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC7MyjT7MHwF08QKf1UluH5IGrrMEQAjmUZOB-desgklaXmMbRpDroN2HaWJ9JadDRqxaqu0OyknWZAC_fiLxMBpi2dySSDmB6EZvKyAscQQWkSWH8sF7AhDC0GD8AbUKKvOAuqhiO5hQa/s640/blogger-image--115561546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC7MyjT7MHwF08QKf1UluH5IGrrMEQAjmUZOB-desgklaXmMbRpDroN2HaWJ9JadDRqxaqu0OyknWZAC_fiLxMBpi2dySSDmB6EZvKyAscQQWkSWH8sF7AhDC0GD8AbUKKvOAuqhiO5hQa/s640/blogger-image--115561546.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This gives you an idea of why we had to lower our mast. Fortunately, we can get low enough to traverse this section of the loop. Many boats are not able to get under these fixed bridges, so they have to cruise the Erie Canal.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh017roo53vZdBaPFuNZkA-sDtZqXIj1unR1cJxegUOhPcOS1X-7xgiqK-uXFU7ZrSa9wbe3FCD1YdV1pXEkl2ZFML3y_b_vQ0ng4qBWOWJqcfFg81J0FEMwz8Gm84mUHHRoypLxSnmsHUm/s640/blogger-image--1627586715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh017roo53vZdBaPFuNZkA-sDtZqXIj1unR1cJxegUOhPcOS1X-7xgiqK-uXFU7ZrSa9wbe3FCD1YdV1pXEkl2ZFML3y_b_vQ0ng4qBWOWJqcfFg81J0FEMwz8Gm84mUHHRoypLxSnmsHUm/s640/blogger-image--1627586715.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">One of the dams along the canal system. Compared to the locks on the Tennessee River and the Tenn-Tom, these are not very deep. Most of them are only about 15 ft. up or down.</div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbj0peaxM4WYq5DVATZxKzhxhV3ICZVO7Hbc6eUvpriAHKyT9t0BStyF-zDzo0aSA7CJNo494QsdAwDe7oi7GjyX3IYippMUrTzRz02Db_d3OwZapYbQ4XLSFASLS6B9aunpefPD9syMjk/s640/blogger-image-290856894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbj0peaxM4WYq5DVATZxKzhxhV3ICZVO7Hbc6eUvpriAHKyT9t0BStyF-zDzo0aSA7CJNo494QsdAwDe7oi7GjyX3IYippMUrTzRz02Db_d3OwZapYbQ4XLSFASLS6B9aunpefPD9syMjk/s640/blogger-image-290856894.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The heavy rains have caused the water to be a little muddy, but this is still a beautiful ride.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAhRPiKYWcRWOnSgdtp0hTbRQB9IkEbPz9iKUM32KPA9y1BndKgsAtDxFIs1Kv-pUrECsvGFk_G_fouSONLbtgnFwh39xr41lyZGiuTlcUgKWDXtZzCXRSL0smNjS4S7CWazaDIlo_Xlu/s640/blogger-image--117200830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAhRPiKYWcRWOnSgdtp0hTbRQB9IkEbPz9iKUM32KPA9y1BndKgsAtDxFIs1Kv-pUrECsvGFk_G_fouSONLbtgnFwh39xr41lyZGiuTlcUgKWDXtZzCXRSL0smNjS4S7CWazaDIlo_Xlu/s640/blogger-image--117200830.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The outside wall of Lock number 7. We snuck by here on our way to a free dock at the historic town of Fort. Edward. The locks are only open until 6:00 p.m., so you have to spend at least one night along the way. Jess and I enjoyed a short walk around town and a nice supper in the Old Fort Restaurant.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5KshCgMOhn6gPXM3xm7_MnLaY3d-ZeksgudnTKc5KlSLk0xlDidmfZZjOkDK5WR6RdWTpABH8gcXtogiP2A9IRD2CXI0HH-cLOo6A20pWZ2RFWsVQGliQM0ea8xxA_oHNWYvbwkyt8XV/s640/blogger-image-2053458417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5KshCgMOhn6gPXM3xm7_MnLaY3d-ZeksgudnTKc5KlSLk0xlDidmfZZjOkDK5WR6RdWTpABH8gcXtogiP2A9IRD2CXI0HH-cLOo6A20pWZ2RFWsVQGliQM0ea8xxA_oHNWYvbwkyt8XV/s640/blogger-image-2053458417.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">There is a large dredging project going on through the canal, so we had to maneuver around many work boats as we made our way north.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEius6IyR_BDnaKS7KSrTKBSUvBNpyaPbLfUGgYP-pnp7nG6jJTh3hHjr8HRwi0uAsdxRfiWWmsjosaMwHxNujacFDWja989fE80S0jmALKc6H9PiyoNX-J0BBpAYB7npc6gaXWp6N8BeyqJ/s640/blogger-image--188653157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEius6IyR_BDnaKS7KSrTKBSUvBNpyaPbLfUGgYP-pnp7nG6jJTh3hHjr8HRwi0uAsdxRfiWWmsjosaMwHxNujacFDWja989fE80S0jmALKc6H9PiyoNX-J0BBpAYB7npc6gaXWp6N8BeyqJ/s640/blogger-image--188653157.jpg"></a></div><br></div>At the north end of the canal is the village of Whitehall. This is just one of the many of the lovely towns along the riverbank. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1WrpbnT795FcgRIIOF8T37WERtKsXv7PkdlTQZsfdd5gPCSxAKmk8I9lyUSIhX-rD7or6UVHZOCfiEtb1tukA32YSZasToFEB8ZO7-_F8Q9lEGT2jAcPNWSey3K21eusmY4gw8M4ARE6T/s640/blogger-image--1635856991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1WrpbnT795FcgRIIOF8T37WERtKsXv7PkdlTQZsfdd5gPCSxAKmk8I9lyUSIhX-rD7or6UVHZOCfiEtb1tukA32YSZasToFEB8ZO7-_F8Q9lEGT2jAcPNWSey3K21eusmY4gw8M4ARE6T/s640/blogger-image--1635856991.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A gorgeous view of the cliffs and mountains before the river opens out into Lake Champlain.</div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsAxl-qy1if8kwaTENsQa63qlUWUqPAR2_GMQad62WOOV3pFvVm028JVOiWwt_06Go0Ob433tOb8XTbHD_xo39-7DdshU575R0nPYqm2xNTc7bIl-Dlvsn8ZYz7Xn6_a0JQxAzL-wQGGdd/s640/blogger-image--1923540813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsAxl-qy1if8kwaTENsQa63qlUWUqPAR2_GMQad62WOOV3pFvVm028JVOiWwt_06Go0Ob433tOb8XTbHD_xo39-7DdshU575R0nPYqm2xNTc7bIl-Dlvsn8ZYz7Xn6_a0JQxAzL-wQGGdd/s640/blogger-image--1923540813.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Fort Ticonderoga was the site of several battles during the French and Indian War, as well as, the Revolutionary War. Before Benedict Arnold turned traitor he led a group of Green Mountain Boys that were successful in taking the fort from the British in May of 1775. Commanding this fort kept the British from moving down the Hudson until 1777 when British cannon from Mount Defiance placed Fort Ticonderoga back into British hands.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwW65OcZJn0LSgBYd0bmGhx9m3G5eIost1vAnp3iMcYscxkSUaa2wwsXDxG9pXtiwZhhvMV9MPKxnX2KnXT819zoayeTm0StfnhsFGOKusL0eOJKUvy1-SXj31zJlpwHnXe4OJMt5cJNKM/s640/blogger-image-251290706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwW65OcZJn0LSgBYd0bmGhx9m3G5eIost1vAnp3iMcYscxkSUaa2wwsXDxG9pXtiwZhhvMV9MPKxnX2KnXT819zoayeTm0StfnhsFGOKusL0eOJKUvy1-SXj31zJlpwHnXe4OJMt5cJNKM/s640/blogger-image-251290706.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This majestic old inn has been restored and is now a resort and restaurant. It is supposedly so popular that reservations are required in advance. We haven't figured out how that can be done when we never know when we will arrive in any given place. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7hqsWuEfbQtt-ZcdALF2JkHu-lND-w9aSlBalw-K77w7BnCIdvb9U4T2-02OGHdrtbkHL86oxn4ob1Uq1uJZkKo556rRplcwYBaHyMD8gRNt5EYI7Aa0UIZl1hLqy946rFcJwgH6Se-I/s640/blogger-image--125058858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7hqsWuEfbQtt-ZcdALF2JkHu-lND-w9aSlBalw-K77w7BnCIdvb9U4T2-02OGHdrtbkHL86oxn4ob1Uq1uJZkKo556rRplcwYBaHyMD8gRNt5EYI7Aa0UIZl1hLqy946rFcJwgH6Se-I/s640/blogger-image--125058858.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The waterfront of Burlington, VT is full of life. There are a couple of small marinas and a harbor crowded with moorings. All positioned behind a breaker wall that helps minimize the wave action coming off Lake Champlain. Ferries and tour boats come and go taking people back and forth across the lake. This is a beautiful old college town with lots to see and do.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirjCICmgSjfzq0ybkH8WnxGz3-SZecfR5LX4h1WYFZ4Og3I7Ixl2dLAOrNk0TFa_Kc9_VHekZK4z9oxFMCZeuVkU_40Iy2D6eSEBAxPfY14iWnnNaczi2fxsOdQIJBCUpaw2nYZWzwiwQV/s640/blogger-image--165804968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirjCICmgSjfzq0ybkH8WnxGz3-SZecfR5LX4h1WYFZ4Og3I7Ixl2dLAOrNk0TFa_Kc9_VHekZK4z9oxFMCZeuVkU_40Iy2D6eSEBAxPfY14iWnnNaczi2fxsOdQIJBCUpaw2nYZWzwiwQV/s640/blogger-image--165804968.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Historical homes, many of which have been turned into businesses, can be found on virtually every street.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqDvjFNcXfDo5FctzyQZMeQCsn71sFd_cPAY4T2u-20NC7mKqmBJKstgIGTK-I1lqchRWe8TGIjiQ5Hk9DBiHS9a410831_P7aji7tT4J6SGbmkFnQqMSTNw-UjB8LVBwC-uP51IuhyphenhyphenFi/s640/blogger-image-1055216110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqDvjFNcXfDo5FctzyQZMeQCsn71sFd_cPAY4T2u-20NC7mKqmBJKstgIGTK-I1lqchRWe8TGIjiQ5Hk9DBiHS9a410831_P7aji7tT4J6SGbmkFnQqMSTNw-UjB8LVBwC-uP51IuhyphenhyphenFi/s640/blogger-image-1055216110.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">O.K., I have to admit that finding ice cream stops has become very important to me. I think next time we take one of these selfies I am going to make Jess be in front, because my ice cream sure looks a lot bigger than his!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdL3H12f4KZOEYWyV7bDHf5UDoHrIYTh1OcYeYMN2xcFUi0-TE6fvMF4Or74bxGB8CTdF2U-Optqk9gsN7F3ju8ZoQrJ68-7EJl8_cUqvHvJk46JQjw2kL-OGVASdsNsoCvcXIfpNo2FLA/s640/blogger-image-569986020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdL3H12f4KZOEYWyV7bDHf5UDoHrIYTh1OcYeYMN2xcFUi0-TE6fvMF4Or74bxGB8CTdF2U-Optqk9gsN7F3ju8ZoQrJ68-7EJl8_cUqvHvJk46JQjw2kL-OGVASdsNsoCvcXIfpNo2FLA/s640/blogger-image-569986020.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The Church Street Marketplace is a happening place on the weekends and during the summer tourist season. The street is strictly for pedestrian traffic and is lined with numerous shops and restaurants.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw9X367q4T3WnuQDymr-Vn4RXyoxUn-OJ8mHRYrvQQlOAK7hlvkJ2FexszHS_XF2eifp8Mj09c2fHC6-sDgsyzhOwvGOVwei2FExDgKP2NAmzZZ0WYf-XA3nOQxGwE5w09JItbzfZTyqz4/s640/blogger-image-651525115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw9X367q4T3WnuQDymr-Vn4RXyoxUn-OJ8mHRYrvQQlOAK7hlvkJ2FexszHS_XF2eifp8Mj09c2fHC6-sDgsyzhOwvGOVwei2FExDgKP2NAmzZZ0WYf-XA3nOQxGwE5w09JItbzfZTyqz4/s640/blogger-image-651525115.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We are on the move again. Anchoring in this picturesque cove as we begin our trip north into Canada.</span></div>Linda and Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417081628587029110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439761904960438927.post-57441745324077656702015-06-13T10:33:00.001-07:002015-11-02T22:00:01.715-08:00The Big AppleJune 5-13<div><br></div><div>Days 206-214</div><div><br></div><div>One thing we have learned about Loopers as our paths have crossed from time to time, is that we have many different takes on how we should prepare for each day's travels. Some Loopers record everything, from fuel consumption, miles travelled, engine hours, dockage fees and every minute detail in between. Others leave everything to chance. I think Jess and I fall pretty close to the latter. Other than keeping up with the important stuff that keeps <i>Bama</i> <i>Dream</i> functioning the way she should, we usually leave our daily travels to chance. We have a very good reason for using this laid back approach. It seems that most of the time when we take an hour or so out of our evening to plan for the next day or two something happens to change everything. Our evening would have been much better spent by playing a few games of cribbage (especially if I win). A prime example of this happened as we recuperated from our horrendous crossing of the Delaware River. We moved into an anchorage near Cape May and proceeded to check every weather and wind app we had at our disposal, in order to determine how long we would be staying in Cape May, and if we would be able to go outside to open water for the more direct route up the New Jersey coast, or if we would have to stay in the relatively shallow ICW until we reached Manasquan River Inlet. We literally hashed this over for at least a couple of hours before we decided we would visit Cape May for a few days, then stay inside for a run up to Atlantic City, hoping we could go outside at that point. Great! We have our plan set, right? Wrong, bright and early the next morning, as we are still in our pajamas and enjoying a second cup of coffee, the first set of Loopers cruise by. Then here comes <i>Tumbleweed</i> (met them in Baltimore) right behind them, all headed for open water. A brief radio discussion follows and we are quickly pulling anchor to join the caravan headed for Atlantic City. So much for all that time we spent planning.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkHc_SmaUZeH7YM4KjpPNtMq7UqITcrC6OoghEyHV9tVIZqKhpo5Zvbf0s5etDvpvgUlbXhOTqcc9VxKfSQfA5cbceHkUpqMGLhUHNinRDf3qWJ25mWItVXZHiG3uaYCqQae9pJCVlLqY/s640/blogger-image-174382261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkHc_SmaUZeH7YM4KjpPNtMq7UqITcrC6OoghEyHV9tVIZqKhpo5Zvbf0s5etDvpvgUlbXhOTqcc9VxKfSQfA5cbceHkUpqMGLhUHNinRDf3qWJ25mWItVXZHiG3uaYCqQae9pJCVlLqY/s640/blogger-image-174382261.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Storm clouds were threatening as we arrived in the harbor at Atlantic City. They ended up moving off and we had a very nice evening at the Farley State Marina. We were told that it is not a good idea to walk from the marina to the boardwalk, so Jess and I just wandered through the Golden Nugget. It was fun joining the crowd watching American Pharoah take home horse racing's Triple Crown.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrcRXmjzkDBMch8qtNk0RmfyiTC7bLzsYJYiAsWZcmYeqp1YiMn75PulR_72SU4e6NNpGo4PYPrQR-5QOeA08xg1eWXPZwr2Ns4kcfan3BccW9xMYT-SJbvPVZJPRRgC5oAPw9VKT1zOzY/s640/blogger-image--930683452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrcRXmjzkDBMch8qtNk0RmfyiTC7bLzsYJYiAsWZcmYeqp1YiMn75PulR_72SU4e6NNpGo4PYPrQR-5QOeA08xg1eWXPZwr2Ns4kcfan3BccW9xMYT-SJbvPVZJPRRgC5oAPw9VKT1zOzY/s640/blogger-image--930683452.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Don't know how we managed it, but some how we were docked on the same pier with several mega yachts. <i>Boardwalk </i>belongs to the owner of the Golden Nugget Casino and about 600 restaurants. All they did for us was block our view.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqC7_EkWxjFiaFv6Jz2y010-Mlt0eoyaJT9sf2Qqv9pEbKAgiAdgHUvVCxIdSSFrlmCZ2foW_jBgCSeJr_bjJ4RQ9zrp9pbUIGglBOeRCYHBGKfdH6WF3i4ECymNJV6HeMFM5xTrw67t4G/s640/blogger-image--392163689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqC7_EkWxjFiaFv6Jz2y010-Mlt0eoyaJT9sf2Qqv9pEbKAgiAdgHUvVCxIdSSFrlmCZ2foW_jBgCSeJr_bjJ4RQ9zrp9pbUIGglBOeRCYHBGKfdH6WF3i4ECymNJV6HeMFM5xTrw67t4G/s640/blogger-image--392163689.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The weather is much better as we leave Atlantic City headed for a long day outside. Our plan is to get to an anchorage near Coney Island, which is about 80 miles from here. At 8 mph that makes for a long day on the water.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdlfc6UbqAIpuCDL2Fbg8Vw8Gp991QVwEl9_zNjCPpEK3cWf7cYAVoqbcdfaZkxm0H6EDRV5RZH4hjXlnR0OkCyRytIZzcel7sODTyRQGGYB0hv16UDfj7KYWTcvD1pZ-4zkKXP2YWfnD/s640/blogger-image-1946900331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdlfc6UbqAIpuCDL2Fbg8Vw8Gp991QVwEl9_zNjCPpEK3cWf7cYAVoqbcdfaZkxm0H6EDRV5RZH4hjXlnR0OkCyRytIZzcel7sODTyRQGGYB0hv16UDfj7KYWTcvD1pZ-4zkKXP2YWfnD/s640/blogger-image-1946900331.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A long choppy ride became thrilling when Jess spotted a whale on our starboard side. Other than this splash I caught on camera as his tail sunk below the surface, I was never looking in the right spot at the right moment. Jess was lucky enough to see him breach twice before he was out of sight.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8d3TG5RQOaa6_QeVSKqohH7ZVYKpoLoNRVtXTKYXj2WQX0svSVPkGqSRzHEDv7Whp9ZX8tFp7Awu1IlvTJmbJ8qrRtzFA8nfW-4WbEqdsDREtCL7DBZtW6cMraekTjvxK3sUkQn9JnYtx/s640/blogger-image--451090483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8d3TG5RQOaa6_QeVSKqohH7ZVYKpoLoNRVtXTKYXj2WQX0svSVPkGqSRzHEDv7Whp9ZX8tFp7Awu1IlvTJmbJ8qrRtzFA8nfW-4WbEqdsDREtCL7DBZtW6cMraekTjvxK3sUkQn9JnYtx/s640/blogger-image--451090483.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We made our anchorage and spent a quite night before entering the busy harbor around the Statue of Liberty. This is the best I could do for a picture of us with this awesome lady. With ferry boats and umpteen tour boats buzzing around, it is best to move on up the river as quickly as possible.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ9Z6YKLfSO3-hX-zkCcAX6KFIl5K7FjbqYVruh29vcL8B-Oby3JsKt1_eoWfPIWJHdBEQTFTTOWVhi8FH_kImJNpSKTJwlhU9OwZfTZGaS6IbrEIoJaNEzHgDJD0C84yO50_st1h-rw4T/s640/blogger-image-1143565530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ9Z6YKLfSO3-hX-zkCcAX6KFIl5K7FjbqYVruh29vcL8B-Oby3JsKt1_eoWfPIWJHdBEQTFTTOWVhi8FH_kImJNpSKTJwlhU9OwZfTZGaS6IbrEIoJaNEzHgDJD0C84yO50_st1h-rw4T/s640/blogger-image-1143565530.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our first up close view of the Manhattan skyline, with the new Freedom Tower taking its rightful place among the many skyscrapers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSgxAdf_NcnJAePk_5ilZuRf0agGheR7udsL1M9emx0xvXsyK2vMWRPDI7NVPWgDlhw6RKqP1CnevBYwp50i8jQNjjdIQtyYEE5V77qckgwXNJXJX-r2xRR48e317gwk9fd9SmmGBV9dhr/s640/blogger-image--596402571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSgxAdf_NcnJAePk_5ilZuRf0agGheR7udsL1M9emx0xvXsyK2vMWRPDI7NVPWgDlhw6RKqP1CnevBYwp50i8jQNjjdIQtyYEE5V77qckgwXNJXJX-r2xRR48e317gwk9fd9SmmGBV9dhr/s640/blogger-image--596402571.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We spent two days anchored at the West 79th St. Boat Basin. The view of Riverside Park and the accessibility to the city made this a great stop. Unfortunately, the rough water and very strong current also made this an extremely uncomfortable stop. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhmbHkgK5redXwey9O8KAVo30GYRbULEaWesWssOO1j93ixG5Kdl_5vySTxKTymOPUh-hw1CiZlD5EHgyay94DtgB5Mxv06PeHjcpbt7CBuPGDmyMp5Ig3bWd-eLrejiLHo-sl8yq4-em/s640/blogger-image--149502993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhmbHkgK5redXwey9O8KAVo30GYRbULEaWesWssOO1j93ixG5Kdl_5vySTxKTymOPUh-hw1CiZlD5EHgyay94DtgB5Mxv06PeHjcpbt7CBuPGDmyMp5Ig3bWd-eLrejiLHo-sl8yq4-em/s640/blogger-image--149502993.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As you can see we haven't totally given up on selfies. How can you go wrong with this view in the background?</div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHFziXuNCxS6DLbthRnySfbRgLQdIGBrE3jgS701iOdai9JVDG0gdhrPTq5NhVBn-mYfOdM2UoJ14-ZJ0WGh5WP5maDUqDX6UWfbEGnBySmUceoncP6QZxGY9UWv1laZ48gbYxkMwRKO5S/s640/blogger-image-1694592240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHFziXuNCxS6DLbthRnySfbRgLQdIGBrE3jgS701iOdai9JVDG0gdhrPTq5NhVBn-mYfOdM2UoJ14-ZJ0WGh5WP5maDUqDX6UWfbEGnBySmUceoncP6QZxGY9UWv1laZ48gbYxkMwRKO5S/s640/blogger-image-1694592240.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our first afternoon was spent in Central Park. We walked and walked and still did not see it all. Of course I had to make a quick stop at FAO Schwarz to pick up a few little things. I still can't believe that this fun place is soon going to close its doors. I am glad I was able to shop there one more time before they are gone.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24c03mokqdi__enbVKDwz4fRnM4ItVoYuo3LO5hlINxcewkKQAiSI3x-ZWYDGSgvd_BvUNv_Q_bKCCjU9vS6U2kktcyXeH749aXf8XUE3e7OnmJ8XjfszrOcaj0JnZkP83olQxmfI0N3j/s640/blogger-image-250662506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24c03mokqdi__enbVKDwz4fRnM4ItVoYuo3LO5hlINxcewkKQAiSI3x-ZWYDGSgvd_BvUNv_Q_bKCCjU9vS6U2kktcyXeH749aXf8XUE3e7OnmJ8XjfszrOcaj0JnZkP83olQxmfI0N3j/s640/blogger-image-250662506.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If we wanted to get back to the boat this evening we had to get some fuel for our dinghy, and this being New York City there is not a gas station on every corner. The closest one to our anchorage was 17 blocks away. It was actually a very nice walk through Riverside Park. Of course when your day's plan consists of visiting as many of the NY landmarks as possible, beginning with a 3 mile hike for a gallon of gasoline is not really such a great idea. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJ3kGQH6d8pAEfYxnFU4aVwNPdzlHIDCKCiA-9rB1cbXWyFJrrFCiA40GWvc1lKs2Pn2yLvflYkDhkemPl2_VMNzBiZQ-qFzr0DccbjIKjlNN25XOoUVlcjcZoPv65gx9-Tb3COsI0wV8/s640/blogger-image--1756844153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJ3kGQH6d8pAEfYxnFU4aVwNPdzlHIDCKCiA-9rB1cbXWyFJrrFCiA40GWvc1lKs2Pn2yLvflYkDhkemPl2_VMNzBiZQ-qFzr0DccbjIKjlNN25XOoUVlcjcZoPv65gx9-Tb3COsI0wV8/s640/blogger-image--1756844153.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our first stop of the day was Ground Zero. The new Freedom Tower is stunning as it dwarfs all of the other skyscrapers nearby. The crowds were hugh here so we didn't take the time for the new 9/11 Museum on this trip.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiimmij6SWkd_cuKypHBjmV662LSjNUU3L_D7tho0-40f1z2KemvItV-Q3MM_O6yyqPwMfEbZeISTng8QSF1gHBtVVOwyltyzfuYxMSZAnWTyWvGdRjyrFJUS73CKQmIU7sE3sqgfPG1laj/s640/blogger-image-1991110263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiimmij6SWkd_cuKypHBjmV662LSjNUU3L_D7tho0-40f1z2KemvItV-Q3MM_O6yyqPwMfEbZeISTng8QSF1gHBtVVOwyltyzfuYxMSZAnWTyWvGdRjyrFJUS73CKQmIU7sE3sqgfPG1laj/s640/blogger-image-1991110263.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In the background the new transportation hub takes shape. Several of the structures planned to replace the World Trade Center complex are still in the construction phase. The 9/11 Memorial area is complete with its museum and pools surrounded by the names of those that perished as a result of the 9/11 attacks. The pools are in the actual footprints of the original towers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3PcNSKldSGdtsKwqqq5IKn19y1HiyYL5XvQmADCI4_UCxFnad9BKJwpWwj5KGBWcyrPOFbbQK-KPcyksqU_NJ9izTdUVlYINEBY3IHd1naQMG8M-TiPbBh8M8KvU1nJuKopU_un1rR-LW/s640/blogger-image-770324712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3PcNSKldSGdtsKwqqq5IKn19y1HiyYL5XvQmADCI4_UCxFnad9BKJwpWwj5KGBWcyrPOFbbQK-KPcyksqU_NJ9izTdUVlYINEBY3IHd1naQMG8M-TiPbBh8M8KvU1nJuKopU_un1rR-LW/s640/blogger-image-770324712.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Financial District, home to the New York Stock Exchange.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7s0FZrvn3o858SF1Tpx2QC504qPDJJZ1KNbJgDoMyJxLQpi2HI0vU7UURhsVx3q2JL66CnNQobUv1PbheOg37VV8HSUdBrCgK1uysZeTvBIcf1tpuAIJg-i3G-DIP4VkqtO990PIriCu0/s640/blogger-image--1984269396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7s0FZrvn3o858SF1Tpx2QC504qPDJJZ1KNbJgDoMyJxLQpi2HI0vU7UURhsVx3q2JL66CnNQobUv1PbheOg37VV8HSUdBrCgK1uysZeTvBIcf1tpuAIJg-i3G-DIP4VkqtO990PIriCu0/s640/blogger-image--1984269396.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">When you stop a random stranger to ask if they mind taking a quick picture for you, you may want to check to see if they have a child that is a camera hog. Oh well, it was just one more memorable moment. We did enjoy our walk on the Brooklyn Bridge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqyFcCkVJnW4UBGFYmHCUbuanni3Hl1etr_JZBMJoD0JrQ1csb6zWY3EmnHtOjx4nTWa647ynzf5XLTigp2TNOmwIRuZbH4p-PIB4amLV68QM900mN1c4bTzvKRoyO1dyisrMAkfinvXpE/s640/blogger-image--532708869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqyFcCkVJnW4UBGFYmHCUbuanni3Hl1etr_JZBMJoD0JrQ1csb6zWY3EmnHtOjx4nTWa647ynzf5XLTigp2TNOmwIRuZbH4p-PIB4amLV68QM900mN1c4bTzvKRoyO1dyisrMAkfinvXpE/s640/blogger-image--532708869.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Back on the subway for a quick trip to Grand Central Station. We did take a short break here for a drink and an ice cream.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQtZChULvxoK57Zi4uK__OSsxGBxdYzbVgi0dZflVWcdGNrSgFNKeO5zFar8wpWiILMLi3R1kxJL5xsJ04k-a2XqFsj4kGRyPQUWEY8wRwU8IHdQl_XsW0i6FV_7EcIorgRDJLbfPR1XA/s640/blogger-image--952631019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQtZChULvxoK57Zi4uK__OSsxGBxdYzbVgi0dZflVWcdGNrSgFNKeO5zFar8wpWiILMLi3R1kxJL5xsJ04k-a2XqFsj4kGRyPQUWEY8wRwU8IHdQl_XsW0i6FV_7EcIorgRDJLbfPR1XA/s640/blogger-image--952631019.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Rockefeller Center, where the famous ice skating rink becomes a restaurant during the summer. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc-Gwmzft9gaGC-FSvzNwHZT9MxIiMqklcod87j7s8N6IvC4vmw5uvT2c9SXqzgctQsPBTBvuRpMOlu9zqd8Y4j_rkkk5UlBhZ7eArY2MUZt3LL9qzaEXo5TSxLb5OhaRPROcnfV8BJwYK/s640/blogger-image--1626637443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc-Gwmzft9gaGC-FSvzNwHZT9MxIiMqklcod87j7s8N6IvC4vmw5uvT2c9SXqzgctQsPBTBvuRpMOlu9zqd8Y4j_rkkk5UlBhZ7eArY2MUZt3LL9qzaEXo5TSxLb5OhaRPROcnfV8BJwYK/s640/blogger-image--1626637443.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Couldn't resist a walk through the huge Lego store at Rockefeller Plaza. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOllLq0FYYUfHMA3J8f9CM5esst4DmTQu0s5KJmb9Icph2R_L0qiWaENrFDtGJhtwJT3g3cjsQmhyhllBvqpS0G-ey_A4mHZ_KBBtKV-PzFynRvUdOPQVhVPzUkOlvEzec3vlLSgYcqWK/s640/blogger-image--609008629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOllLq0FYYUfHMA3J8f9CM5esst4DmTQu0s5KJmb9Icph2R_L0qiWaENrFDtGJhtwJT3g3cjsQmhyhllBvqpS0G-ey_A4mHZ_KBBtKV-PzFynRvUdOPQVhVPzUkOlvEzec3vlLSgYcqWK/s640/blogger-image--609008629.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If you look closely you will find Jess and I in the back of the crowd on Times Square. I have on a light green shirt and we are just in front of the vehicles. </div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkM73u8IS75RKcCJuP_9cMVGu00Xbpc3fqq0QiV_OekhRPgBjL0_Za-scPEAyloZRbm2dwHpErVGJxH54qWyCIgByM4IyB3T5o7w2w21rSbyFbStcKgZrR4H8cT7P-MZJC_PjlWhMyiBhI/s640/blogger-image-1383907706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkM73u8IS75RKcCJuP_9cMVGu00Xbpc3fqq0QiV_OekhRPgBjL0_Za-scPEAyloZRbm2dwHpErVGJxH54qWyCIgByM4IyB3T5o7w2w21rSbyFbStcKgZrR4H8cT7P-MZJC_PjlWhMyiBhI/s640/blogger-image-1383907706.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I must be getting old because I just don't remember the crowds being this large the last time I visited NYC. This was a Tuesday, and just walking down the sidewalk was difficult. It is still an exciting place to visit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmcwoxma0PYwHzohFoe9ky27VXZKjEtgqQ-Ib_jMOT47V8s9tacdJUQ8xxkrPj0HFKCfS3dMpwjfwxpSA4l9vDBgKDPphl0jtrinVsabkF8odjUVgwgYOt83p_E6begPJ5GEaA8HKiH30T/s640/blogger-image--1641295248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmcwoxma0PYwHzohFoe9ky27VXZKjEtgqQ-Ib_jMOT47V8s9tacdJUQ8xxkrPj0HFKCfS3dMpwjfwxpSA4l9vDBgKDPphl0jtrinVsabkF8odjUVgwgYOt83p_E6begPJ5GEaA8HKiH30T/s640/blogger-image--1641295248.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Naked Cowboy (yes, he was on the other street corner) now has some competition. Meet the Naked Cowgirls. Thank goodness even in NYC a bikini is as close as they can get to the real thing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidHLljbJOvlukG5J2k1pXvNnM2f8h2v_vVgCrrKIMrhtlYDhsopRfEE33XmYHMaju8VvzPUvNUeHeeTgMDFyFsccxX6Gw2u3DOiRijFKAOXlY0IMim30uIsKeGox3RoxAGDOeY0NQbRx2R/s640/blogger-image-982591748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidHLljbJOvlukG5J2k1pXvNnM2f8h2v_vVgCrrKIMrhtlYDhsopRfEE33XmYHMaju8VvzPUvNUeHeeTgMDFyFsccxX6Gw2u3DOiRijFKAOXlY0IMim30uIsKeGox3RoxAGDOeY0NQbRx2R/s640/blogger-image-982591748.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We have had enough of the current, so we are heading about 30 miles up the Hudson River to Croton-on-the-Hudson to meet up with our friends on <i>Aunt</i> <i>Aggie</i>. The plan was to travel with them to Albany, but we have decided we are not quite ready to continue north, so we are going to stay here for a few days.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5X_2q6UKJyu8MJUgJsjpIZHxNjiKF1_W647_OHTdvFj3bOIJWILBI9A7wdIg4jShhIutOq8rgYdzs6Tspoo_750a_brgM3epdRe5-Dxv80SPiFjvIRE79DpnjJCvrhYrU3wpDtDhjnxZ8/s640/blogger-image--377895368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5X_2q6UKJyu8MJUgJsjpIZHxNjiKF1_W647_OHTdvFj3bOIJWILBI9A7wdIg4jShhIutOq8rgYdzs6Tspoo_750a_brgM3epdRe5-Dxv80SPiFjvIRE79DpnjJCvrhYrU3wpDtDhjnxZ8/s640/blogger-image--377895368.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We rented a car for a day so that we could visit the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. The campus is beautiful with its stunning green landscape, surrounded by magnificent stone buildings. The land where the academy sits was the site of a fort overlooking the Hudson River at the time of the Revolutionary War.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhAx9Zva_O0wXqZ-ev4KIcAeYvYozcNl7MEppu-rYXLmbQdOG5_gM-GPmj_wWy6XHkEsdf6lebpeQTV7fthfSFiZJqYSFZAvoeXLwV98v3gl6F6fIAj3lvGUT-xYKJJ8ni1Gt8UmerWcYM/s640/blogger-image--949919173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhAx9Zva_O0wXqZ-ev4KIcAeYvYozcNl7MEppu-rYXLmbQdOG5_gM-GPmj_wWy6XHkEsdf6lebpeQTV7fthfSFiZJqYSFZAvoeXLwV98v3gl6F6fIAj3lvGUT-xYKJJ8ni1Gt8UmerWcYM/s640/blogger-image--949919173.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This statue honoring American Soldiers was designed by the same man who created the Iwo Jima Memorial in Washington D.C.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtmPlqrGXHG7kf7oFOIdvQmrRA_nfAXYrXnkU98OlnIvKdoTVAXrUtTzQFhr6Qh6CxZF7SKJtUBVpJjaApyKMnIXz9v-C7XNpKxKzfvW-Su_H0Eb1q-hAptJdT7llg6o8GpMLM2Emmxix/s640/blogger-image--369717167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtmPlqrGXHG7kf7oFOIdvQmrRA_nfAXYrXnkU98OlnIvKdoTVAXrUtTzQFhr6Qh6CxZF7SKJtUBVpJjaApyKMnIXz9v-C7XNpKxKzfvW-Su_H0Eb1q-hAptJdT7llg6o8GpMLM2Emmxix/s640/blogger-image--369717167.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A tour of West Point has to include a view of Michie Stadium where Army goes head to head with their opponents on the playing field.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_P1Ii08MXK6rW7Gs0aTT9G6L90-HgZ-n0TXnLGoIUr9P_JmNJG02JcjgccUClzDuUNqhK_ub0KZWR83yRHm6cjODcO8zUc-ByHio1svCZ7TNWu2WHLClyoP-a0vIeFymZ8yclMrF3MDvc/s640/blogger-image-365917336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_P1Ii08MXK6rW7Gs0aTT9G6L90-HgZ-n0TXnLGoIUr9P_JmNJG02JcjgccUClzDuUNqhK_ub0KZWR83yRHm6cjODcO8zUc-ByHio1svCZ7TNWu2WHLClyoP-a0vIeFymZ8yclMrF3MDvc/s640/blogger-image-365917336.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The inspiring view across campus from in front of the cadet's chapel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavWC9fuEdIsxhvfYyf_yoYm29eToxsMMTD7YQXwiwHPstu6iBJQW9eMvXLtlZ1d-4YgImzU-hxhHhZq5a03WIGgIPAPCBA1IMQvpWYMKLJVgm0hwJRYJicUOl1ue_iPeT0KQODDAKLkfA/s640/blogger-image-777386074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavWC9fuEdIsxhvfYyf_yoYm29eToxsMMTD7YQXwiwHPstu6iBJQW9eMvXLtlZ1d-4YgImzU-hxhHhZq5a03WIGgIPAPCBA1IMQvpWYMKLJVgm0hwJRYJicUOl1ue_iPeT0KQODDAKLkfA/s640/blogger-image-777386074.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is the first chapel that was constructed to provide a place of worship for the cadets, faculty, and staff. Until the 1970's all cadets were required to attend church services of the denomination of their choice. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuRFzVlSW8yXPFqchwCPK35V5mf-LIvkGA7schwPRd7zuR4OoBXr3LXbQGDEK3Wms5YiKyWRbwQjqXxnTHkQetL0TlKNRPRrCrDo95hYj9U30fE9Joe54SO-R2tREvcfkWqMXT1eyGHx-B/s640/blogger-image-710059308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuRFzVlSW8yXPFqchwCPK35V5mf-LIvkGA7schwPRd7zuR4OoBXr3LXbQGDEK3Wms5YiKyWRbwQjqXxnTHkQetL0TlKNRPRrCrDo95hYj9U30fE9Joe54SO-R2tREvcfkWqMXT1eyGHx-B/s640/blogger-image-710059308.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The stained glass windows lining the sanctuary are beautiful. Notice that all of the hymnals are set precisely in their shelves. Even here military precision can be found.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRNXOf1gSw-lTuRX76RVkaqXdcV-Dvx6j3mQjT0M5ORt5swAa4k10pz8OseYBarpgbjM1l1GOfJrtDMAc6AKTfnFcX2PvtxcgnPcRg0tp11vnPnGg041HYYfMFrde4obrx1Ul1VEBq1hL/s640/blogger-image-1492426157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRNXOf1gSw-lTuRX76RVkaqXdcV-Dvx6j3mQjT0M5ORt5swAa4k10pz8OseYBarpgbjM1l1GOfJrtDMAc6AKTfnFcX2PvtxcgnPcRg0tp11vnPnGg041HYYfMFrde4obrx1Ul1VEBq1hL/s640/blogger-image-1492426157.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A view of the chapel from below. </div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyahQAHlEbsQ_wal9OOzgHCmYVnY4nJVo8_mUhylUeVI1MU2BumjXV6_vM28_qYf_aHy8Bz5wyEkrERbb-15Jt2sTd-B7dyC7VCetwD-q2LGlXkmeAee-n-TCLvuWb0lasnwXPZg2Z7bkq/s640/blogger-image-568373707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyahQAHlEbsQ_wal9OOzgHCmYVnY4nJVo8_mUhylUeVI1MU2BumjXV6_vM28_qYf_aHy8Bz5wyEkrERbb-15Jt2sTd-B7dyC7VCetwD-q2LGlXkmeAee-n-TCLvuWb0lasnwXPZg2Z7bkq/s640/blogger-image-568373707.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">George Washington commanding his troups on the lawn in front of the barracks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyDuTCnkbP32aNbagbCD7Q9vZ3BXKusKBxDkTDtlfArhtDlJyd9ClhLaLSf98LTDWZ1UwPqx1L0jtu-lbp-9AcdU1lqYgXLGgHfgaBtMBoRR8YbCvHRhP8plKTk8kI_wMLwjuAKUozBG0/s640/blogger-image--789513915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyDuTCnkbP32aNbagbCD7Q9vZ3BXKusKBxDkTDtlfArhtDlJyd9ClhLaLSf98LTDWZ1UwPqx1L0jtu-lbp-9AcdU1lqYgXLGgHfgaBtMBoRR8YbCvHRhP8plKTk8kI_wMLwjuAKUozBG0/s640/blogger-image--789513915.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The West Point Academy focuses on academics, leadership, athletics, and military principles. Cadets are expected to serve at least 5 years in military service after they graduate. Other than a nominal fee for their uniforms and other necessities the education these cadets receive is free. If they choose not to finish their degree or do not fulfill their military commitment they must pay back the cost of their education. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQVvzqUZbQ4xPUPF58mqGkYI4m6cWZabNYDOzJRqVlRtU8KH2ee-WUzS_xghV0Um1W8rEaKLfsCn8zk6pcDyq4j5YVQts2RhHkLjsHTXjJAfuB4Vr-2ZmJCeRrYsWR0Aqvy_lb1EhOJPHG/s640/blogger-image-1216492028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQVvzqUZbQ4xPUPF58mqGkYI4m6cWZabNYDOzJRqVlRtU8KH2ee-WUzS_xghV0Um1W8rEaKLfsCn8zk6pcDyq4j5YVQts2RhHkLjsHTXjJAfuB4Vr-2ZmJCeRrYsWR0Aqvy_lb1EhOJPHG/s640/blogger-image-1216492028.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Confederate War Memorial stands on the knoll overlooking the Hudson River. This war was traumatic for many reasons, but here at West Point it was especially so. Many of the battles on both sides were lead by West Point graduates who had been close friends while they were here. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLy6082eE9lh_fYzoFHa_rBuCwlzfJ1AdycX833v3l5Jhgkp1ybjJQ5_Tiblr1GDSApHIzxaZ1eKkgkQlwLCb1aWxjK1Z0P0wca2tQtaI5mgfGYiuNPhrOBg7iMjofnojq_a8rxkvyXQad/s640/blogger-image-1642230691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLy6082eE9lh_fYzoFHa_rBuCwlzfJ1AdycX833v3l5Jhgkp1ybjJQ5_Tiblr1GDSApHIzxaZ1eKkgkQlwLCb1aWxjK1Z0P0wca2tQtaI5mgfGYiuNPhrOBg7iMjofnojq_a8rxkvyXQad/s640/blogger-image-1642230691.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Each of the cannons carry the names of major battles between the North and the South. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNtO4Dw21wknLRFOraOd7YZ1PQQ_igN-2MxoAwzoXSQuUdjuPkyEhY_UptMoZlnwwt09Zs0at_hKveMdUjv0yVIqv-cM7VRhrhIJEFksV91D2dumhTzkBbfihZr0Sjn57kWgcc_-YbKvE/s640/blogger-image--2100308727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNtO4Dw21wknLRFOraOd7YZ1PQQ_igN-2MxoAwzoXSQuUdjuPkyEhY_UptMoZlnwwt09Zs0at_hKveMdUjv0yVIqv-cM7VRhrhIJEFksV91D2dumhTzkBbfihZr0Sjn57kWgcc_-YbKvE/s640/blogger-image--2100308727.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was quite hazy across the river when we visited. This is the reason why West Point was so important to the outcome of the Revolutionary War. Whoever controlled this narrow passage was thought to have an advantage because they could control the flow of ships moving on the river. The Americans actually had a huge chain constructed and stretched across this point in the river. This is where Benedict Arnold turned traitor by attempting to allow West Point to be taken by British troops. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTnlKO0IN_BG3JcCVJZYHQl9C_66sYinMfqNa5mAxHwCc9CA1J8Odmgy7K8u3n5Ldt_xvrULfwRTvSfJGf9Favc0F597JWw-wEYOhJevVkxnw64JpQce3v1MLHOSCuGuO3G4OoBORTIP0/s640/blogger-image--366001697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTnlKO0IN_BG3JcCVJZYHQl9C_66sYinMfqNa5mAxHwCc9CA1J8Odmgy7K8u3n5Ldt_xvrULfwRTvSfJGf9Favc0F597JWw-wEYOhJevVkxnw64JpQce3v1MLHOSCuGuO3G4OoBORTIP0/s640/blogger-image--366001697.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Thayer Hall was originally the riding hall where cadets were taught horsemanship. It now houses academic classrooms. I thought it was interesting that a cadet can bring his or her horse to the academy with them as a freshman, but they can't have a car on campus until their third year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5CcGw1jdfIwMuNaTHCrRjwibJMwvWMIsn3JQcan3tl4HOdb__bNhRhmS58RDztr0Z6ChgJXXkeo0T__lnwPngB4Ovf9dLkmQuEeq6EF-wQ1HvPkWzvuhYK-6qXd5zmZS4FESVcJD9WeG4/s640/blogger-image-768899311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5CcGw1jdfIwMuNaTHCrRjwibJMwvWMIsn3JQcan3tl4HOdb__bNhRhmS58RDztr0Z6ChgJXXkeo0T__lnwPngB4Ovf9dLkmQuEeq6EF-wQ1HvPkWzvuhYK-6qXd5zmZS4FESVcJD9WeG4/s640/blogger-image-768899311.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is the new library. The statue in front of the right corner is of General Patton. He is posed looking through binoculars across the parade ground. The story is that when asked why it took him five years to complete his studies, he replied it was because he couldn't find the library. When he died his wife had the statue commissioned to depict him still looking for the library.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKW_0aitsK02iVSiytjsyyIF_yKzjGlkMYohIgeL9Zs8ta7-FYcXPBCxN6QUO33ts8BwSvDAuOQsl-ZuZETKf8aBg71fTWy9MicFudGKXbQi8aqAmmfpQClgy6Vq1fEf4JHWmLOh4f_P_m/s640/blogger-image--510830673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKW_0aitsK02iVSiytjsyyIF_yKzjGlkMYohIgeL9Zs8ta7-FYcXPBCxN6QUO33ts8BwSvDAuOQsl-ZuZETKf8aBg71fTWy9MicFudGKXbQi8aqAmmfpQClgy6Vq1fEf4JHWmLOh4f_P_m/s640/blogger-image--510830673.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A short ride through the hills and back across the Hudson brought us to the village of Sleepy Hollow. After searching through the large historical cemetery we finally found the gravesite of Washington Irving. I swear I could hear the hoofbeats pounding up the gravel road behind me, carrying the Headless Horseman through the night.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNmlSAWd3etSVTqYYiOl-_CAU7gnh9bPR9hvV8EM9Qcb-XXUPvlLugqTKfkB5dd6N42qi5P4Aw65uhRM8-R73EHK_nbsO_aOJzO4dH7k-KyR5KkbtLgIrBsRn3vrtdnZPzSPi00B_40NS/s640/blogger-image--149268825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNmlSAWd3etSVTqYYiOl-_CAU7gnh9bPR9hvV8EM9Qcb-XXUPvlLugqTKfkB5dd6N42qi5P4Aw65uhRM8-R73EHK_nbsO_aOJzO4dH7k-KyR5KkbtLgIrBsRn3vrtdnZPzSPi00B_40NS/s640/blogger-image--149268825.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is the Old Dutch Church of Sleepy Hollow built in 1697. Church services are still held here during the summer months. Many of the very old headstones are no longer able to be read, but it sure turns back the clock as you walk amongst them and think about what their lives must have been like in the early days of our country.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKIIskEns-G0MI8VHpL59fRxFOeAz-MG03iqe-fIqFSpIsRnvBJk7D52N2NV7lb7Xsjm3BtWZwWOqXrmL52pNwQLiT_GE_OWcorRnwg8K1RABPfz9ORBn426FgUTMEmVuk-XidN00O2tC/s640/blogger-image--2097633737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKIIskEns-G0MI8VHpL59fRxFOeAz-MG03iqe-fIqFSpIsRnvBJk7D52N2NV7lb7Xsjm3BtWZwWOqXrmL52pNwQLiT_GE_OWcorRnwg8K1RABPfz9ORBn426FgUTMEmVuk-XidN00O2tC/s640/blogger-image--2097633737.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Finding our way through town led us past this imposing structure. This is Sing Sing prison, a place I have no desire to visit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_FPYozc4n8dUmfguNFWgNPLJ85ZUEMO29aKq0h9gKLDQQWPhkqaHWw9Bmac4h16lGZnpRuARD9mlAavc11tuHWCUNVTopQek8uS6AT6Y3gEtM36r8t6v1G_xM_u9BtmUHA8-q1DROsLw/s640/blogger-image-1915000641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_FPYozc4n8dUmfguNFWgNPLJ85ZUEMO29aKq0h9gKLDQQWPhkqaHWw9Bmac4h16lGZnpRuARD9mlAavc11tuHWCUNVTopQek8uS6AT6Y3gEtM36r8t6v1G_xM_u9BtmUHA8-q1DROsLw/s640/blogger-image-1915000641.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A comfortable train ride back into the city, then a ride on the subway out to Flushing, and it is time for a Braves game.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnsUW5pX2zI8ArH_-C6kbYgCPxGdjPKbSf93zhRvNCQO3jFr_l-pvaF1fNIMjNVH_6szQ25SxPD1hrJc6cMt-jCEAE3lyItWO3m_CT94P2qvlyPeyV8W3uMdZW_fbL8hHOs-mj_oz9gcZt/s640/blogger-image--1190224097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnsUW5pX2zI8ArH_-C6kbYgCPxGdjPKbSf93zhRvNCQO3jFr_l-pvaF1fNIMjNVH_6szQ25SxPD1hrJc6cMt-jCEAE3lyItWO3m_CT94P2qvlyPeyV8W3uMdZW_fbL8hHOs-mj_oz9gcZt/s640/blogger-image--1190224097.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Citi Field is the beautiful new ball field that replaced Shea Stadium in 2009. The subway dropped us off right across the street from Jackie Robinson Rotunda. We have been to several away games to see the Braves play, and we always have a great time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkUWqY363FRk9mzcRHKG-apwmUPPjcVMvv7YZtowZs4KlnnYey26aIsJqGmzC85BiSSUPEadFhcSQN_1y0hWgwklTGvGL54XAfzznd2xyusRXgYUvFQGCiwu_mZGwbYZ838Z3BAXdWvEr/s640/blogger-image--1000228290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkUWqY363FRk9mzcRHKG-apwmUPPjcVMvv7YZtowZs4KlnnYey26aIsJqGmzC85BiSSUPEadFhcSQN_1y0hWgwklTGvGL54XAfzznd2xyusRXgYUvFQGCiwu_mZGwbYZ838Z3BAXdWvEr/s640/blogger-image--1000228290.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The flight path for LaGuardia Airport is directly over the stadium. Every 90 seconds another airliner gives us a flyover. It was a great game that stayed close to the very end. The Braves had their chances, but when the third out was made in the top of the 9th it was all over with the score of 5-3 Mets.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQjlL1GXN1QbZGrji6wDVi9A3Q_3bSet6gk5vbyMIFteowzcIhyphenhyphen7QS7F7qFd0ZJH_R_wrFXYhnW8ixJvzfGQP-IC5qHrxqOuZTTjLNgRB18Hq8o2qXIhsssIrgrhA07b2QU6ok2wJUxafP/s640/blogger-image-374407868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQjlL1GXN1QbZGrji6wDVi9A3Q_3bSet6gk5vbyMIFteowzcIhyphenhyphen7QS7F7qFd0ZJH_R_wrFXYhnW8ixJvzfGQP-IC5qHrxqOuZTTjLNgRB18Hq8o2qXIhsssIrgrhA07b2QU6ok2wJUxafP/s640/blogger-image-374407868.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We had planned to leave the marina this morning, but the wind was blowing rather strongly and we have been joined by about 14 other Loopers. It is time for a docktail party, so we will hang in here one more day. Its a tough life, but we are doing our best to enjoy it.</div>Linda and Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417081628587029110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439761904960438927.post-42127429223342385492015-06-05T03:35:00.001-07:002015-11-02T22:00:12.628-08:00Chesapeake Bay<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">May 15-June 4</span></div><div><br></div><div>Days 185-205</div><div><br></div><div>Our trip through Chesapeake Bay has been interesting to say the least. We have cruised upon some of the smoothest water we have encountered and then been tossed around on the roughest seas of our adventure. Personally, I'll take calm seas any day! The bay is such a huge body of water that in many ways it has the same characteristics of the open ocean. The many small seaport towns we have visited along the way have more than made up for some uncomfortable rides. Our granddaughter, Moira, was graduating high school in Pensacola, FL on June 1, and in order to witness this momentous occasion we had first planned to just quickly get through this area in order to fly out of New York. After doing some flight and dockage research, we discovered it would be more economical to leave our boat at a marina in Baltimore and fly out of D.C. This enabled us to take a couple of weeks to explore a few places along our way to Baltimore. We were not able to stop everywhere we would have liked, but we did visit most of the places that fellow loopers had told us not to miss.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXqhmM-Txkm6FRgrXLcAOo89N9SKdO2QHul5cHjeeejhoO1dnEIaSxDiKc9OEJyod0qsKaorTVpWfe-nkp-aRtoUR9jwl_Q5yZlJY730Z0odiigHtBBizjqwihG5G2MVzX-dtnOcGwZQG/s640/blogger-image-1756245099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXqhmM-Txkm6FRgrXLcAOo89N9SKdO2QHul5cHjeeejhoO1dnEIaSxDiKc9OEJyod0qsKaorTVpWfe-nkp-aRtoUR9jwl_Q5yZlJY730Z0odiigHtBBizjqwihG5G2MVzX-dtnOcGwZQG/s640/blogger-image-1756245099.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our first stop was Deltaville. We anchored back in a small creek that gave us quite a long walk into town. It was actually so far that we basically only made it to West Marine before heading back. Our view of Deltaville ended up being mostly from the water.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpNar6LhEx3P7cmLTTbf9_5DYh3QBavAJucx6ENYe3Vfuj99l9_BP-m-THLIXJieCvl8QHETP1A1eNPSLeAneBgmMvOkcZ0EscKZYr2is3ttYgQ0Z6OXjG83dSVZnyCLgKXY_O6hKy5_E/s640/blogger-image--975073310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpNar6LhEx3P7cmLTTbf9_5DYh3QBavAJucx6ENYe3Vfuj99l9_BP-m-THLIXJieCvl8QHETP1A1eNPSLeAneBgmMvOkcZ0EscKZYr2is3ttYgQ0Z6OXjG83dSVZnyCLgKXY_O6hKy5_E/s640/blogger-image--975073310.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our first beach in a long time. Pulling into Dividing Creek we discovered a state park with a very nice walking trail, combining a walk along the beach, a trek through the woods, and an elevated walkway over a marsh. It is awesome when we find these beautiful places that allow us to get off the boat for a little while, after a long day on the water.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohk83olgC8eILOyChjptbhBrMXf_VIkiPio9s4DDdjmm2bDvUJoXhIvdl6LfoiYrAf3_nYNdtIvvw4OioJA0qKiRMtL-kbRHbATsN0B6_1eINmhQvCj52VlxdW6ersT1LH0OVzsDymiVY/s640/blogger-image--336275909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohk83olgC8eILOyChjptbhBrMXf_VIkiPio9s4DDdjmm2bDvUJoXhIvdl6LfoiYrAf3_nYNdtIvvw4OioJA0qKiRMtL-kbRHbATsN0B6_1eINmhQvCj52VlxdW6ersT1LH0OVzsDymiVY/s640/blogger-image--336275909.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Watching these swans gliding in the marsh with their 5 cygnets trailing along behind was a special moment for us. We also were entertained by osprey and eagles as they tended to their young.</div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4TyxxccGygHN4tWtDuo11m3vWZauC_D0xm_HYvh8EigEyym3Hapv4l56tH8yvtjA-FaNR0aUEiHwEPT1wtRB-dYyiBdB2xK6KM-pNWDD4PB5L_p28_zwV1fL6bhAcp89oiu5QCjWP2lcU/s640/blogger-image-1723003202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4TyxxccGygHN4tWtDuo11m3vWZauC_D0xm_HYvh8EigEyym3Hapv4l56tH8yvtjA-FaNR0aUEiHwEPT1wtRB-dYyiBdB2xK6KM-pNWDD4PB5L_p28_zwV1fL6bhAcp89oiu5QCjWP2lcU/s640/blogger-image-1723003202.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">One of the many lighthouses scattered around the Chesapeeke. Can you guess what the small room that hangs slightly off the edge is for?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo21Zr4trxh3Iw4FLgkzKshfWHl-HifX6H-KBJaxf-XnsMJfnoz7DqaSHpIP3vPJhLYDtVxWw1J4cmlsLCRvQM4qJDZ7BruQAiRXMu579-rhjfS_JDlN-OR0KAXnu9J-0RhIm-zOv001ZD/s640/blogger-image--311210755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo21Zr4trxh3Iw4FLgkzKshfWHl-HifX6H-KBJaxf-XnsMJfnoz7DqaSHpIP3vPJhLYDtVxWw1J4cmlsLCRvQM4qJDZ7BruQAiRXMu579-rhjfS_JDlN-OR0KAXnu9J-0RhIm-zOv001ZD/s640/blogger-image--311210755.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">What a beautiful day on the water. Unfortunately this was our only day like this. Most days were just a little choppy, but some were downright rough.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBgv9lL3EikHqmmpEI6Z8873VK2FSbwCKLouUwjBmufIWbOZJge3AU5Qn_NYU7LFy8bD_nLa7J_GzaK8ZLSsO70Dq7Yz4qJC00jtn4ZFa6KfMq2ZTTS1bPXOk_Mus1nENnOZ0hYQUf3gEe/s640/blogger-image--1685078260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBgv9lL3EikHqmmpEI6Z8873VK2FSbwCKLouUwjBmufIWbOZJge3AU5Qn_NYU7LFy8bD_nLa7J_GzaK8ZLSsO70Dq7Yz4qJC00jtn4ZFa6KfMq2ZTTS1bPXOk_Mus1nENnOZ0hYQUf3gEe/s640/blogger-image--1685078260.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This monument to area fishermen and boat builders is on the waterfront in Solomon's Island. This bay was the sight of several sea battles during the war of 1812.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6e_3z6MwBB-ipWme6MithQmX-r6PlKCF5N7l4-qNDrLS16iOLEVyx87jpLu9R_ROBITVHTC9BnR684aQ-cPeKzeRkt54NpZtL_9B0_y18fWIefUmz96RUcU53WF1SyaT6geppdWnjTKaf/s640/blogger-image-1784857501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6e_3z6MwBB-ipWme6MithQmX-r6PlKCF5N7l4-qNDrLS16iOLEVyx87jpLu9R_ROBITVHTC9BnR684aQ-cPeKzeRkt54NpZtL_9B0_y18fWIefUmz96RUcU53WF1SyaT6geppdWnjTKaf/s640/blogger-image-1784857501.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There were several of these screw type lighthouses around the Chesapeake Bay. Most are no longer in use and have been moved onto shore for preservation. Here at Solomon's Island this lighthouse has become part of a maritime museum.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVFeoneFqugNuNQkd2XWyvkbwoyghigEusTFqouW9tEJOUpEsKE63OaExF-iY_ZEhE7rL384xHzNX1GYUjz39pQRiUKCEyWqshgcMITGDUOclm6tnhs-EHBlKqGSDbiw2NVq0S8j0VAJL/s640/blogger-image-991738830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVFeoneFqugNuNQkd2XWyvkbwoyghigEusTFqouW9tEJOUpEsKE63OaExF-iY_ZEhE7rL384xHzNX1GYUjz39pQRiUKCEyWqshgcMITGDUOclm6tnhs-EHBlKqGSDbiw2NVq0S8j0VAJL/s640/blogger-image-991738830.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On to the small, quite town of Oxford on the east shore. Peonies are enjoying the spring time temperatures. Their lush foliage and stunning blossoms are the center point of many flower beds along our walk. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1nn9hnF6d3F4Q8-Gxm8XVytAsihSVZ6P3kz72IUsY74EPrmkceiACyiUmH1fSiNXFi450nQ3tcB3DNabLQSV26BQM2Z3xGFiMw-LMY4_dye-2aZ2uM_qRgWgqvzA3l52Mjcz7UavxnPi2/s640/blogger-image--1398990088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1nn9hnF6d3F4Q8-Gxm8XVytAsihSVZ6P3kz72IUsY74EPrmkceiACyiUmH1fSiNXFi450nQ3tcB3DNabLQSV26BQM2Z3xGFiMw-LMY4_dye-2aZ2uM_qRgWgqvzA3l52Mjcz7UavxnPi2/s640/blogger-image--1398990088.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">All of the small villages we visit have lovely old churches in beautiful settings. My favorite part is that most towns have at least one church that will chime the hour and some also play music from their bell towers. Hearing the chimes brings back memories from long ago.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9j_thM2nt1twO7BwtOP5SlIpLP-XOoawYbpvnAiEHh9lkTYLyqrhyphenhyphenBt2naQxnfhdtrErjd3mrTzbi36bRRhTdaoO5VH5LJdzKfMBLiEAVR7ZPegE2tSO1S8ua1iy6qcMGT8Rpd5V1-bru/s640/blogger-image-1360294876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9j_thM2nt1twO7BwtOP5SlIpLP-XOoawYbpvnAiEHh9lkTYLyqrhyphenhyphenBt2naQxnfhdtrErjd3mrTzbi36bRRhTdaoO5VH5LJdzKfMBLiEAVR7ZPegE2tSO1S8ua1iy6qcMGT8Rpd5V1-bru/s640/blogger-image-1360294876.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Oxford is famous for its many picket fences. They have actually become a local art form. Short panels of the fences are used by artists as canvases to display their skills.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClIAM906w54gwKKOK4BEdkTp0uETmtjBv-hxJihvQUI0Eyrr00udoPcPjF425dG7lRFWKXiIglfQxfgmDsopebwmRZsvU7oeBqRM4rD_2mMWoqtyWz1KF3ULmuQ4v1Zsk6fvIySOvbBH7/s640/blogger-image--1765714616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClIAM906w54gwKKOK4BEdkTp0uETmtjBv-hxJihvQUI0Eyrr00udoPcPjF425dG7lRFWKXiIglfQxfgmDsopebwmRZsvU7oeBqRM4rD_2mMWoqtyWz1KF3ULmuQ4v1Zsk6fvIySOvbBH7/s640/blogger-image--1765714616.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Oxford Inn with its antique vehicle ready to transport their guests. Not sure if it is still in use since the driver's door is no longer there</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjycQnMsVJ13hQAE1Lthp1k875CJzK2xIXrIe4Ofsk4TPyjXN3RiZ5B5UFYzUonxiq2hv-C1q5uHeIxC5-LXkoY9Vf4YYW0YWkKho10fYZd1MF15gBCbYm8pTLVQ1GpuqcGpUHrnVIpgZuq/s640/blogger-image-449335323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjycQnMsVJ13hQAE1Lthp1k875CJzK2xIXrIe4Ofsk4TPyjXN3RiZ5B5UFYzUonxiq2hv-C1q5uHeIxC5-LXkoY9Vf4YYW0YWkKho10fYZd1MF15gBCbYm8pTLVQ1GpuqcGpUHrnVIpgZuq/s640/blogger-image-449335323.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A stop at the Robert Morris Inn for supper was a delicious experience. Not only was our meal fantastic, but enjoying it while relaxing in this authentic old inn was definitely a treat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSBlTGXd9AN0tLTCoHJziDRzqI8JJUfZ-dyLOn05MwlauhyphenhyphenGQCjJNqFQmaWikRl76rFaQlzi_jXGkO9W8uil3UnbeOw9LFmcQ0sc3szju6_mS-3ZMU-nAvlCSKWjj_p4V-pAFqLGlruBI/s640/blogger-image--1070667442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSBlTGXd9AN0tLTCoHJziDRzqI8JJUfZ-dyLOn05MwlauhyphenhyphenGQCjJNqFQmaWikRl76rFaQlzi_jXGkO9W8uil3UnbeOw9LFmcQ0sc3szju6_mS-3ZMU-nAvlCSKWjj_p4V-pAFqLGlruBI/s640/blogger-image--1070667442.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">No, Jess, this is NOT another fixer upper! This is actually a replica of the shallop style ship that carried Captain John Smith and his crew in 1608 when they explored the Chesapeake Bay. The knowledge gained from Smith's voyage played a key role in opening this area to its first European settlers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1OE2ifjaqIuHJEg7BeuMcWH3LQfcWbnsxdTI_wR2w9Vgy_3hE4nVNdbHAziVegsdk-nYJPoM9PVoTCzdrsvmcPf27pbY95ZhxISMAE6Ptgx5FPYK3TTVTQtrR-p5rvkEesgjnfe-BkWx1/s640/blogger-image--937766465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1OE2ifjaqIuHJEg7BeuMcWH3LQfcWbnsxdTI_wR2w9Vgy_3hE4nVNdbHAziVegsdk-nYJPoM9PVoTCzdrsvmcPf27pbY95ZhxISMAE6Ptgx5FPYK3TTVTQtrR-p5rvkEesgjnfe-BkWx1/s640/blogger-image--937766465.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">While St. Michaels, MD is the most tourist oriented town we have visited here in the Chesapeake, we still found a very nice walking trail just a little way off the beaten track.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijMvGkhcjVtQ6sEalNVpXYbugt0cC4zuIxUpVLWbVCOucjGEF0AeXIaqyZW4yxaI-3TQV8z_5hbfpurx2os64XkNiDNPyRNIgjX4OjKVs6jDGvT1yC5rdy_i97ktqw3maq2SI7V6XbKwZb/s640/blogger-image-1666980929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijMvGkhcjVtQ6sEalNVpXYbugt0cC4zuIxUpVLWbVCOucjGEF0AeXIaqyZW4yxaI-3TQV8z_5hbfpurx2os64XkNiDNPyRNIgjX4OjKVs6jDGvT1yC5rdy_i97ktqw3maq2SI7V6XbKwZb/s640/blogger-image-1666980929.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Christ Church founded in 1672. The phrase on its sign seems to fit so many of the villages we have visited. <i>A</i> <i>vibrant</i> <i>faith</i> <i>community</i>, <i>grounded</i> <i>in</i> <i>history</i>, <i>and</i> <i>open</i> <i>to</i> <i>the</i> <i>future</i>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_EnsTrTnncrwRKf47s8EX6wtnqOpWLcuQRhk3yvvKUZPqDimbSUWdhVtK8lyNw6hpDPteIy6swTuLYqG62q0Bfxkq7YIqFwSfzFrM-DyHlNYzCkyseAChmaeo_IHbE9RajGEjk8XlEOV/s640/blogger-image-1459065075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_EnsTrTnncrwRKf47s8EX6wtnqOpWLcuQRhk3yvvKUZPqDimbSUWdhVtK8lyNw6hpDPteIy6swTuLYqG62q0Bfxkq7YIqFwSfzFrM-DyHlNYzCkyseAChmaeo_IHbE9RajGEjk8XlEOV/s640/blogger-image-1459065075.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If you have been following us since our adventure began you can tell that <i>Bama</i> <i>Dream</i> has had a bath! While we were anchored at Solomons Jess decided it was time to get rid of her mustache.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXc4VW7wYVMFNLAnMP-ENhhhjQ__u6UjkQNeLjWW2R5ryedaNLFExDL8MXViJfaS_IqdnRToiPF9lRdr16xHXYCyNu0atQTcO3mYCAPCKilREIX10rCstJUayIgy57AdfsXempclNCAzMH/s640/blogger-image--1127916332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXc4VW7wYVMFNLAnMP-ENhhhjQ__u6UjkQNeLjWW2R5ryedaNLFExDL8MXViJfaS_IqdnRToiPF9lRdr16xHXYCyNu0atQTcO3mYCAPCKilREIX10rCstJUayIgy57AdfsXempclNCAzMH/s640/blogger-image--1127916332.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Another screw type lighthouse, Hopper Strait Lighthouse, was brought to St. Michaels to become part of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. Our timing was perfect for this stop. We were here for Memorial Day weekend which also coincided with the 50th Anniversary for the museum. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GBdbDy3tT7oGD_N89M79PqtIYJ8LISeWRqFeYXnXVUB68VUfihDCCNeugZyR8HgG1bcI6xfqsijR4mivbjoh0GcPDZ21phz4cgBW2eHu_Vsz3ms7E0IQfY1ReO9NXQNtcdqq3_UnBrk3/s640/blogger-image-1604788027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GBdbDy3tT7oGD_N89M79PqtIYJ8LISeWRqFeYXnXVUB68VUfihDCCNeugZyR8HgG1bcI6xfqsijR4mivbjoh0GcPDZ21phz4cgBW2eHu_Vsz3ms7E0IQfY1ReO9NXQNtcdqq3_UnBrk3/s640/blogger-image-1604788027.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Yes, this is the little room you saw attached to the rail of the privious lighthouse picture. I guess they were not too worried about water pollution.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9fdLbuOM_zEuOyT_RWUQI-ziI2KGOACX7LivuaJJHwZBtGSiIKesRPwdF6HNB0tfwqlYKvnHAT0CC7f_iaiHVVS1tgHiCTNmRs8dGENVI3t6mr_enSBZvJsQCLMVvRwdURZZuHbOh9hb/s640/blogger-image--772419797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9fdLbuOM_zEuOyT_RWUQI-ziI2KGOACX7LivuaJJHwZBtGSiIKesRPwdF6HNB0tfwqlYKvnHAT0CC7f_iaiHVVS1tgHiCTNmRs8dGENVI3t6mr_enSBZvJsQCLMVvRwdURZZuHbOh9hb/s640/blogger-image--772419797.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Each room in the lighthouse contained a cistern for holding rain water. Can't imagine what a lonely life it must have been for the lighthouse keepers in these remote areas.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTKhF3j1FC4oZDTsX9Cu5Go44dBizQ9PDo7nKstOraT6Hc8ScgjdVPQB-Tjjn49fmorWXmExPUR0ajjsCOW7UgfR2n6Y1HgA2GDgJAjge_75c-xKkcILA_z1iy1962gErjXj9nnD60ST-e/s640/blogger-image-942208577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTKhF3j1FC4oZDTsX9Cu5Go44dBizQ9PDo7nKstOraT6Hc8ScgjdVPQB-Tjjn49fmorWXmExPUR0ajjsCOW7UgfR2n6Y1HgA2GDgJAjge_75c-xKkcILA_z1iy1962gErjXj9nnD60ST-e/s640/blogger-image-942208577.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The <i>Party</i> <i>on</i> <i>the</i> <i>Point</i> is getting off to a good start. By noon there were a few thousand people enjoying the special anniversary activities.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjiqUNX0xVCtdkDyGPNV7_J9I-0vok-0fPTsNPdPE5maxQEVicwE-Bmqe4b0Q8GfSZAKA_EZzHRFyLZtXhFTwnIom6I3B_FnvQpmBliAnjQpuGyCsbc4wAWiW7kVhiGmzX4n8xESHLZL5/s640/blogger-image--1582211975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjiqUNX0xVCtdkDyGPNV7_J9I-0vok-0fPTsNPdPE5maxQEVicwE-Bmqe4b0Q8GfSZAKA_EZzHRFyLZtXhFTwnIom6I3B_FnvQpmBliAnjQpuGyCsbc4wAWiW7kVhiGmzX4n8xESHLZL5/s640/blogger-image--1582211975.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is the <i>Edna</i> <i>E</i>. <i>Lockwood</i> a vessel known as a bugeye. It was built in 1889 when the oyster industry was booming. She worked as an oyster dredge until 1967. I learned a very important fact about the naming of ships while reading little tidbits as I wandered about the museum. Ships are usually named after daughters or mothers, because they don't change, not necessarily true of wives.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga07AU84d7123BAZDORUQZs0FroqyQMDMSpszImFUq1MdDSPvmVnF6QcDTJObyyinM7znRCAsAXCyG8xyez1ASm-iv1Mzhlcm0ozJxZRH-AC2PcHyqZbuUCIqTNDmaxkC-52fjLs-0eQPa/s640/blogger-image-1687568129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga07AU84d7123BAZDORUQZs0FroqyQMDMSpszImFUq1MdDSPvmVnF6QcDTJObyyinM7znRCAsAXCyG8xyez1ASm-iv1Mzhlcm0ozJxZRH-AC2PcHyqZbuUCIqTNDmaxkC-52fjLs-0eQPa/s640/blogger-image-1687568129.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Back out in the big water as we head for Baltimore. The Chesapeake is a very important commercial waterway. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho8rnemN9UHiqV37VGo99IiRLqdv-o8lMPphyphenhyphenFGVNdRRjZftIqTyJZ4PrWbDgQKtomaZS_NGXQPsmSwtNHUJMZvv_oG_Ku66fLuZ1Kn98PSuf9YNdcSbmv4o-3rSYqAT8ViYsOufGhnGP4/s640/blogger-image--1962897570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho8rnemN9UHiqV37VGo99IiRLqdv-o8lMPphyphenhyphenFGVNdRRjZftIqTyJZ4PrWbDgQKtomaZS_NGXQPsmSwtNHUJMZvv_oG_Ku66fLuZ1Kn98PSuf9YNdcSbmv4o-3rSYqAT8ViYsOufGhnGP4/s640/blogger-image--1962897570.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Cruising under the Highway 50 bridge, as it crosses the Chesapeake just north of Annapolis.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFJj_WsMG9qotxB8PJfU7CDjh6lQrD7yNGd1VPoWzDHBDtnVZJqvL6jsWr4tKXx2IntWnuJqVMJq1brBlnEW8dqg37EKsi7xOqABC_Xn7dyy6V5DPqePIBD0q7Czkd_dZEJI1YfvLdprU6/s640/blogger-image-870472671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFJj_WsMG9qotxB8PJfU7CDjh6lQrD7yNGd1VPoWzDHBDtnVZJqvL6jsWr4tKXx2IntWnuJqVMJq1brBlnEW8dqg37EKsi7xOqABC_Xn7dyy6V5DPqePIBD0q7Czkd_dZEJI1YfvLdprU6/s640/blogger-image-870472671.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Entering Baltimore harbor. Just under the bridge is where Francis Scott Key was held on board the British ship <i>HMS</i> <i>Tonnant</i> during the bombarding of Ft. McHenry. His view of the battle inspired him to write the poem that would later become <i>The</i> <i>Star</i>-<i>Spangled</i> <i>Banner</i>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV2a6Hpss9zy9l-Pguzb4jr-Ln0Dx33ju3LLrxXWTnXWiOQsvu2pLkY04VLH8_03588nSg1r4_h_4ncizNMVOq3xQzldGLh7YVhm8nkgmkqyC_MtdT7yUISr5_IRY2IPxP61TH51VcllcS/s640/blogger-image-1247448485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV2a6Hpss9zy9l-Pguzb4jr-Ln0Dx33ju3LLrxXWTnXWiOQsvu2pLkY04VLH8_03588nSg1r4_h_4ncizNMVOq3xQzldGLh7YVhm8nkgmkqyC_MtdT7yUISr5_IRY2IPxP61TH51VcllcS/s640/blogger-image-1247448485.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ft. McHenry, as seen from the water, as we make our way to Anchorage Marina.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-DXzKwHNe_rPEIkY2T9wYvAwnIV20QPD8ilyEORDJAtM3_arIkLEEp3I9phpZV_HiDDYuWFNTOiaxAHk64TRgirCe2xMS0Vb7Eb-LgsZVEgAPbbBb_iruSVZtIQsuhNHDNjv_hUOocwl/s640/blogger-image-2103523413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-DXzKwHNe_rPEIkY2T9wYvAwnIV20QPD8ilyEORDJAtM3_arIkLEEp3I9phpZV_HiDDYuWFNTOiaxAHk64TRgirCe2xMS0Vb7Eb-LgsZVEgAPbbBb_iruSVZtIQsuhNHDNjv_hUOocwl/s640/blogger-image-2103523413.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our marina was in a suburb of Baltimore called Canton. A very pretty area of beautiful row houses, parks, and nice restaurants. I had an absolutely awesome sandwich called a seafood melt that one of these days I am going to figure out how to make. Dave Roulier or Clare Leonard (the two cooks in my family) I may need some help.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPjrq0TrB5hwb4zx85fVznwIXzNmD5Spn8q7lA3yeB4ZtdU9z1_P4DL1Dw5-CD7A-xjiphjF3E6tm9JlR9xj7LK9vBHNUHozynYC3q2JgRohK-4_gbtq7HmItewz1LrFPL2QXPP_3Xl2H/s640/blogger-image--1067496863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPjrq0TrB5hwb4zx85fVznwIXzNmD5Spn8q7lA3yeB4ZtdU9z1_P4DL1Dw5-CD7A-xjiphjF3E6tm9JlR9xj7LK9vBHNUHozynYC3q2JgRohK-4_gbtq7HmItewz1LrFPL2QXPP_3Xl2H/s640/blogger-image--1067496863.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A very picturesque church across the street from Patterson Park. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVhWrP928tq5avAP_bNaP4jVbnxgd0uJaUSo_7GLOI1lYEsAQXgLXDZOcv_-laHqActB7fTa6MzmwlCdB5W4MR5yLZ6k5yJAs5wSWm_IOTT8OswNdDHxtEaqQDAjQWSSQ5lPf1SrJiw3x/s640/blogger-image--1505387384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVhWrP928tq5avAP_bNaP4jVbnxgd0uJaUSo_7GLOI1lYEsAQXgLXDZOcv_-laHqActB7fTa6MzmwlCdB5W4MR5yLZ6k5yJAs5wSWm_IOTT8OswNdDHxtEaqQDAjQWSSQ5lPf1SrJiw3x/s640/blogger-image--1505387384.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The ducks seem to be very glad that the ice is finally gone from the pond. Of course all of the kids feeding them was probably enticement enough for them to gather.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfriEjGpGN6rOq0TFFORSAlJ3VjGS4RkMUqP6L5X6nSlMGSv07Y2op8_NmMCdWapEZ-q5-JT_U6vQW-yuRYsKUVGz0Up3kv3zKAXj_TLvnrIsNi3TKvOWBTrsCY-H1JmZ7np7Hdm5qCIW/s640/blogger-image--319908428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfriEjGpGN6rOq0TFFORSAlJ3VjGS4RkMUqP6L5X6nSlMGSv07Y2op8_NmMCdWapEZ-q5-JT_U6vQW-yuRYsKUVGz0Up3kv3zKAXj_TLvnrIsNi3TKvOWBTrsCY-H1JmZ7np7Hdm5qCIW/s640/blogger-image--319908428.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Enjoying lunch on the waterfront with Jess's sister, Hazel, and his brother-in-law, Dave. They graciously offered to pick us up at the marina to share the evening with them at their home in Reston. It was nice getting to visit with them, even if it was very brief. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCKrvH_WNpTZP4vU6zW3amSMhsC0OCIDAPjc5B2upgG6TV6Zg-wlj6fTwBtmnbRbCxSzdYl2eTL2R998kN_GK59N-su2G6VJ-Y3TH5y_pyFwnFnAdXW5gjmLOKNmzKBFpmyxikxDuE1WWJ/s640/blogger-image-2119615853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCKrvH_WNpTZP4vU6zW3amSMhsC0OCIDAPjc5B2upgG6TV6Zg-wlj6fTwBtmnbRbCxSzdYl2eTL2R998kN_GK59N-su2G6VJ-Y3TH5y_pyFwnFnAdXW5gjmLOKNmzKBFpmyxikxDuE1WWJ/s640/blogger-image-2119615853.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This far north the dogwood trees are still in full bloom. I don't believe I have ever seen them this covered with blossoms.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7-0AO-W415G1ESakfY95xBN-dWW4VIhor2qKkkzjZ-5gv45b72d4okpfosjJ8udr9o3dYKedunDa4AXqC0CEf3GZI9b1-8Zjm_F1A0WKUFziDL4FYwxWlaJXgQsiLXAnCtuoU61z2hE2/s640/blogger-image--314404635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7-0AO-W415G1ESakfY95xBN-dWW4VIhor2qKkkzjZ-5gv45b72d4okpfosjJ8udr9o3dYKedunDa4AXqC0CEf3GZI9b1-8Zjm_F1A0WKUFziDL4FYwxWlaJXgQsiLXAnCtuoU61z2hE2/s640/blogger-image--314404635.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Before dropping us off at the airport, we had time to tour the newest monument in D.C. This is the new Air Force Memorial. It is absolutely stunning with its stainless steel spires reaching for the sky. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't manage to get them totally in my picture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKcqIl_S6yew3n5lNDdPzo8pDzKb2Mc2lseUfgZQcDu0qk0acZb8K2Kzx4V-q9DB0lgzOFQEYAfeTZv5pTuLfg-2vnGelCaEtvs51PLvLUY_YaY8aI7kRkKGEz_MgDuJ1zM_R6IZkQrKK/s640/blogger-image--1078095688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKcqIl_S6yew3n5lNDdPzo8pDzKb2Mc2lseUfgZQcDu0qk0acZb8K2Kzx4V-q9DB0lgzOFQEYAfeTZv5pTuLfg-2vnGelCaEtvs51PLvLUY_YaY8aI7kRkKGEz_MgDuJ1zM_R6IZkQrKK/s640/blogger-image--1078095688.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The monument perches on a hilltop beside Arlington Cemetery, providing a majestic view of our nation's capital.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVywEMu0IXaI4_IioqFUqgIcPUeM4pIC_W3murrcVBIqsA-imz5wRvP2Np_DdTyrY2swx3EznzEYEAIlX1kDDrZAepo9cp5ziJHgLHJrSsBbO5c-kCZm0r7BfzFajB8LthGikgu7e9t3lq/s640/blogger-image--1924082685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVywEMu0IXaI4_IioqFUqgIcPUeM4pIC_W3murrcVBIqsA-imz5wRvP2Np_DdTyrY2swx3EznzEYEAIlX1kDDrZAepo9cp5ziJHgLHJrSsBbO5c-kCZm0r7BfzFajB8LthGikgu7e9t3lq/s640/blogger-image--1924082685.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The cotton ball clouds were a perfect background for the spires of the monument, as they reach for the heavens.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2GyK8dBzaJ7H8EF1qDiDHS7p9YMgrR94dCSuLg5C_pdPIZPfOJD-A6aYkEguEAWgyO3N40BesfUD5rhli5sXQlqM59GRP6Cyva0nNR8pDDfJ-t7J7P2nifcG7x5XNJ1FrlEwdlXea2RC/s640/blogger-image-1836868601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2GyK8dBzaJ7H8EF1qDiDHS7p9YMgrR94dCSuLg5C_pdPIZPfOJD-A6aYkEguEAWgyO3N40BesfUD5rhli5sXQlqM59GRP6Cyva0nNR8pDDfJ-t7J7P2nifcG7x5XNJ1FrlEwdlXea2RC/s640/blogger-image-1836868601.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On our way to Pensacola! We hadn't flown in quite awhile, and we had both<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> forgotten how exhausting it can be. Still the only way to cover a long distance in a relatively short period of time.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjkDF9a63QkfwzvfH4UMGA7mqV7wkhKZ3X1fnwA4gZMgV9Zqr_BUNZThCTog9Wu9ovwNpyidXgtGBcaMGA_Xw_u9uJWz3Z_xd65fKc5pWnjRIxlfenoxGJPXgsQF7Achh1TWtHQvpETW0H/s640/blogger-image--514102546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjkDF9a63QkfwzvfH4UMGA7mqV7wkhKZ3X1fnwA4gZMgV9Zqr_BUNZThCTog9Wu9ovwNpyidXgtGBcaMGA_Xw_u9uJWz3Z_xd65fKc5pWnjRIxlfenoxGJPXgsQF7Achh1TWtHQvpETW0H/s640/blogger-image--514102546.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The early morning view from Clare and Noel's condo. Jess took advantage of being back in the warm waters of the Gulf to go for a swim and to try out Seller's boogie board. Even though we live on a boat, and are traveling much of the time in ocean waters, I had not realized that we very seldom ever hear waves crashing against the shore, until listening to the relaxing sounds from the balcony.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAglRRON1ZpfXAfNP_QQrzP7Py2-jw-xiA-JEoChxglWhojg2xQLyCsev5kgD4eZBE4mSXVXmpyvDlOzu_e1_m6SxZb5rUW8aDbIKf9wHwsgGGtjI1gAi-pZoIONir__2PxfrnYFZDwx7m/s640/blogger-image-1473627580.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAglRRON1ZpfXAfNP_QQrzP7Py2-jw-xiA-JEoChxglWhojg2xQLyCsev5kgD4eZBE4mSXVXmpyvDlOzu_e1_m6SxZb5rUW8aDbIKf9wHwsgGGtjI1gAi-pZoIONir__2PxfrnYFZDwx7m/s640/blogger-image-1473627580.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our celebratory dinner the night before graduation. Clare and Noel fixed us a luscious steak dinner with all of the fixings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicigBJ8dMm3JNsnda2oNbC5i63tTSAf9U7D2huW80o-JrdrzQcSBghagpV1cBMVfKuX-gA01Oh_nGA5uQojaWHtWCuFtxzl9xkJAs9E1zJuA721yr5iLnqbDEzqrpYRdx6Z0II_r5KYRpI/s640/blogger-image-903580133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicigBJ8dMm3JNsnda2oNbC5i63tTSAf9U7D2huW80o-JrdrzQcSBghagpV1cBMVfKuX-gA01Oh_nGA5uQojaWHtWCuFtxzl9xkJAs9E1zJuA721yr5iLnqbDEzqrpYRdx6Z0II_r5KYRpI/s640/blogger-image-903580133.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Isn't she a beauty? We are so proud to call this accomplished young woman our grandaughter! She graduated with honors, and is now headed to Florida Atlantic University to continue her education.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbctz1vfmkcZ6Il5NAJR_lDVfFwG7-qwTOfGEQpfZqwuthO1MazmeUFeUY63KzWEbVKCxuESwU07hxQrRoCyauQLSY0Fn90jRzqen4k8Ps_rqcIyTmCIUcoHybD-GaRvmKmckYrGjClBJj/s640/blogger-image-1664333633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbctz1vfmkcZ6Il5NAJR_lDVfFwG7-qwTOfGEQpfZqwuthO1MazmeUFeUY63KzWEbVKCxuESwU07hxQrRoCyauQLSY0Fn90jRzqen4k8Ps_rqcIyTmCIUcoHybD-GaRvmKmckYrGjClBJj/s640/blogger-image-1664333633.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We were so happy that our daughter-in-law, Tammy, was able to join in our celebration. Her timing for a trip to the beach was perfect.</div></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2o7VzCspHNAb7XjDNgn2hJr9yS0D9wnlLc8SuQJlPpB-fIltoZD4w0Nj7uAII2vsUR2fjh4URoqdg8gIuBu6YCE_o_0vYvuK8l-EG3ZUZB9NxY3SONJdYS_q7tuIVaCvdc_DqX-27I4-/s640/blogger-image--174651163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2o7VzCspHNAb7XjDNgn2hJr9yS0D9wnlLc8SuQJlPpB-fIltoZD4w0Nj7uAII2vsUR2fjh4URoqdg8gIuBu6YCE_o_0vYvuK8l-EG3ZUZB9NxY3SONJdYS_q7tuIVaCvdc_DqX-27I4-/s640/blogger-image--174651163.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A very proud family! It doesn't seem possible that it is time for Moira to finish this milestone, and to realize that Sellers will do the same in just 2 more years is unthinkable. How time flies! </div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSS-7Pmz8uF_JsWRiXD1AevgJQ0KirtAhLT7hGSByffaG2bg4OJH9Eoj3rjWm_ry1a_DMIC9cV-_uKxWifFo1_TYbgf1e59e80rCSbb27rkbBagEW7h4dA2VTANZ7C8A6yY8mmxJmPD1oB/s640/blogger-image-657704891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSS-7Pmz8uF_JsWRiXD1AevgJQ0KirtAhLT7hGSByffaG2bg4OJH9Eoj3rjWm_ry1a_DMIC9cV-_uKxWifFo1_TYbgf1e59e80rCSbb27rkbBagEW7h4dA2VTANZ7C8A6yY8mmxJmPD1oB/s640/blogger-image-657704891.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This incredible sunset said good-bye to a perfect day celebrating with our family.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGDUHg7X0Uolag4NX9a5QpDzSWhL2TQ84_FX5jhjhbbFgrbRarzM1TqFj3ueHezFotRRI2edYdROeBfBIHMYITwYGoYMudtFEGAGMzWo-FTyLuDvnfBOLuck5anXf-USwRtbDiMyBZpXV9/s640/blogger-image--1201170619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGDUHg7X0Uolag4NX9a5QpDzSWhL2TQ84_FX5jhjhbbFgrbRarzM1TqFj3ueHezFotRRI2edYdROeBfBIHMYITwYGoYMudtFEGAGMzWo-FTyLuDvnfBOLuck5anXf-USwRtbDiMyBZpXV9/s640/blogger-image--1201170619.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After Moira drove us to the airport, we flew to Miami, then to Washington D.C., took the train to Baltimore and finally arrived at our boat about 10:00 p.m. that night. Yes, we did it all in one day! Trains, planes, automobiles, and of course a boat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlGr5hS87aqNM3MFe1Fl3Tz-Rxs40_6MoM-AzV7wm4ngX64q62WtcH8c8ZKA40SUfdOBpmReEaL0gngeWNH3w9LOuyrRkPqrk2JmNMuR1OAeU8UTw1de_eo3Wh4VJg_Xw1mvWzYBu0Xs83/s640/blogger-image--436130029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlGr5hS87aqNM3MFe1Fl3Tz-Rxs40_6MoM-AzV7wm4ngX64q62WtcH8c8ZKA40SUfdOBpmReEaL0gngeWNH3w9LOuyrRkPqrk2JmNMuR1OAeU8UTw1de_eo3Wh4VJg_Xw1mvWzYBu0Xs83/s640/blogger-image--436130029.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On the water again. We left Baltimore bright and early on Wednesday morning with not too favorable skies. After one more night on anchor in the Chesapeake Bay we took the C and D Canal over to the Delaware River. The Delaware was not nice to us (actually she was downright mean) as we tossed about in rough seas on our way to Cape May, N.J. We planed to spend a day or two in Cape May while waiting for calm seas to make the outside run to Atlantic City. </div>Linda and Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417081628587029110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439761904960438927.post-2727683628292680652015-05-19T14:28:00.001-07:002015-11-02T22:00:22.381-08:00Portsmouth, VAMay 14<div><br></div><div>Day 184</div><div><br></div><div>This has certainly been a trip of opposites. After cruising along the east coast, anchoring in quiet out of the way spots, and visiting a few small seaport towns along the way, the bustling activity of Norfolk and Portsmouth was quite exciting. Due to the extensive military presence here, there are massive naval vessels docked all along the harbor. Some ships are obviously awaiting a final resting place, while others are at various stages of repair. Between an abundance of pleasure craft, military ships, and commercial cargo ships, this is definitely the busiest harbor we have cruised through. Our plan is to spend a few hours enjoying the historical district of Portsmouth, then take a ferry over to Norfolk for some more sightseeing. Then it is on to the Chesapeake Bay for the next couple of weeks.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghx4qVSjA3qRxF-7lmQW2qHi29lI3Pns70ajY3DSoqM-IR4StJxPxn7X-uMsta4K_uBR2JPIU-aAh5OvbT_BQDIU6nykS4s_YNGd3fHpYX7qDO5kiRL9ByGJW79Rh_eLacv_zTLJeUYCo4/s640/blogger-image-1559400984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghx4qVSjA3qRxF-7lmQW2qHi29lI3Pns70ajY3DSoqM-IR4StJxPxn7X-uMsta4K_uBR2JPIU-aAh5OvbT_BQDIU6nykS4s_YNGd3fHpYX7qDO5kiRL9ByGJW79Rh_eLacv_zTLJeUYCo4/s640/blogger-image-1559400984.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The hustle and bustle of waterfront activity requires the captain of our vessel to pay close attention while traversing these congested waterways. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXqDZrnkA3QcBQHk2_Ks5Um8gcxnG-jQA2gFQ1u8wKqvzd6zeDlVZ15jObw_bAgysZHyZ5wtupXDw_gntcQ80GfDuKTnNxNPnwhFSZDKnwvJJwTUeHdolPZm6Dp8gkLA2b8yAs-isv_C_s/s640/blogger-image--1314057088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXqDZrnkA3QcBQHk2_Ks5Um8gcxnG-jQA2gFQ1u8wKqvzd6zeDlVZ15jObw_bAgysZHyZ5wtupXDw_gntcQ80GfDuKTnNxNPnwhFSZDKnwvJJwTUeHdolPZm6Dp8gkLA2b8yAs-isv_C_s/s640/blogger-image--1314057088.jpg"></a></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>It appears, to my less than knowledgeable eye, that many of the old naval ships are being slowly dismantled. At some point even these proud old ships are replaced by new modern members of our fleet.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRTiMHVSjEO_c0ilJUEaz98VchNEi9mP0bX7dlu9daEyyQHffg0AUwbC9MUIqKUnPBfMwWapfXm4pwMRL8BteHSpyHxA1cR2BEeAapQrfUP8L5FtkuE3qywtcj99rR5e6wIAIFAh819jZ_/s640/blogger-image-528169148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRTiMHVSjEO_c0ilJUEaz98VchNEi9mP0bX7dlu9daEyyQHffg0AUwbC9MUIqKUnPBfMwWapfXm4pwMRL8BteHSpyHxA1cR2BEeAapQrfUP8L5FtkuE3qywtcj99rR5e6wIAIFAh819jZ_/s640/blogger-image-528169148.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>With the city skyline coming into view, there is no doubt how important the seaport is to the economy of this area. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8qK0e3a7GJFWeV0GKQ5a21Y_D3OoWESOwrcI9_KSRTIn-tX2Iq_q5N0BXSgX_t5D69DIscqJY5ZkAnq1sFJTyM4cXex4oeR8XYFM_oEFzqfwO4BDQiyRxm2tVFFlgafl9EVn0q19_yYe/s640/blogger-image--1887040310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8qK0e3a7GJFWeV0GKQ5a21Y_D3OoWESOwrcI9_KSRTIn-tX2Iq_q5N0BXSgX_t5D69DIscqJY5ZkAnq1sFJTyM4cXex4oeR8XYFM_oEFzqfwO4BDQiyRxm2tVFFlgafl9EVn0q19_yYe/s640/blogger-image--1887040310.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><i>Bama</i> <i>Dream</i> secured to the town dock at Portsmouth, VA. Thanks to Robert, the lock tender at Deep Creek Lock, we tied up here to enjoy another great day of sightseeing. The historical district of Portsmouth is just across the street. Between that and the walkways along the waterfront this is a perfect stop. The ferry to Norfolk leaves from this dock every 30 minutes, so for $.75 each we were able to visit there as well.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD0QVssR_sRqwB2G9vUxOIqLJOZCLBQ03jfwd_KLeNV7b4hsZ0SGGhvYy-ePTLHYpfXfFJxqPwWnaPCUrSyJw3hDowXmP6_vVoPUbuIDtTH0N_xzkmYKeXyK8qzrfYNf0vXarqzC4ChIa1/s640/blogger-image-1497960888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD0QVssR_sRqwB2G9vUxOIqLJOZCLBQ03jfwd_KLeNV7b4hsZ0SGGhvYy-ePTLHYpfXfFJxqPwWnaPCUrSyJw3hDowXmP6_vVoPUbuIDtTH0N_xzkmYKeXyK8qzrfYNf0vXarqzC4ChIa1/s640/blogger-image-1497960888.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The homeowners take a lot of pride in the historical district here. The homes have been beautifully cared for and the landscaping is gorgeous.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo09GMYLIhcvEueFbrQ-aPdoPjgY3XQMleHu6_bJhV5InF9mg04xiPq2Uw3e8w3COycbXnVNfIj7SMk4beYmDGrkv9P89j2yJ9l5t009AEEUOS8iKv-E5z99iCCMdPT7Z1WpU5YmWPup-i/s640/blogger-image-173787096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo09GMYLIhcvEueFbrQ-aPdoPjgY3XQMleHu6_bJhV5InF9mg04xiPq2Uw3e8w3COycbXnVNfIj7SMk4beYmDGrkv9P89j2yJ9l5t009AEEUOS8iKv-E5z99iCCMdPT7Z1WpU5YmWPup-i/s640/blogger-image-173787096.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Block after block of brick sidewalks and stately homes make this a lovely place for a step back in time. Most of the homes here were built in the early 1800's. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieF4EwN9T8LzlVdPRL1EeVlYhdchJNXYRUPlmnmr_WLfre90ACPiiDLH39PpLogQWnLdV9SaGnO07H4ur0fj4KfT_IWV5ohv5pme8Jf_6svG65NXCfZyL7leba2fyjbJ90-qU9ndvhuX4c/s640/blogger-image-1384481376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieF4EwN9T8LzlVdPRL1EeVlYhdchJNXYRUPlmnmr_WLfre90ACPiiDLH39PpLogQWnLdV9SaGnO07H4ur0fj4KfT_IWV5ohv5pme8Jf_6svG65NXCfZyL7leba2fyjbJ90-qU9ndvhuX4c/s640/blogger-image-1384481376.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>This stately brick home, like many of the larger homes, has been turned into apartments. The cost of caring for these large old homes must be enormous. Partitioning them off into separate apartments is probably the only way that many of them can be saved.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihrhEFnIiPM0wGQye9OL0XuOJIUhEYRK3FQe-5JseOMs-czLgbr4nCHPlwWn3PYOUW7GvEehlUdC6r0F3KyFNDrwVcDsKXbiCmejXXsVJ8ozwGM0XqviWuQBMNbWQmLwHD1hF0J4dytyRT/s640/blogger-image-1391163420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihrhEFnIiPM0wGQye9OL0XuOJIUhEYRK3FQe-5JseOMs-czLgbr4nCHPlwWn3PYOUW7GvEehlUdC6r0F3KyFNDrwVcDsKXbiCmejXXsVJ8ozwGM0XqviWuQBMNbWQmLwHD1hF0J4dytyRT/s640/blogger-image-1391163420.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Loved these beautiful roses as they reached through the old wrought iron fence in front of a church yard. Roses are blooming everywhere, making for an aromatic, colorful landscape.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7J9Z_ql6MCT3Izwwus2USsJHseH713QvGLnhtcAgwSHTse772lHcCHuFyiSsvOhLxrKA-sbzKjt95BAT3Kpk3qYh7QMBdEouMc8U1wWErojFW-cf3fs-TY-UxO3v1fjPkuDOh-q18a7K/s640/blogger-image-1791156729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7J9Z_ql6MCT3Izwwus2USsJHseH713QvGLnhtcAgwSHTse772lHcCHuFyiSsvOhLxrKA-sbzKjt95BAT3Kpk3qYh7QMBdEouMc8U1wWErojFW-cf3fs-TY-UxO3v1fjPkuDOh-q18a7K/s640/blogger-image-1791156729.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>While we have been heading north quite rapidly, for us that is, for the past few weeks, we are most definitley still in the south. This majestic monument in downtown Portsmouth is dedicated to the men who lost their lives during the Civil War.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjppkQlTPz9h1peVaqK7y1LKQGSNkrwnijCoc_tAGNOZsfBCbiYzJJgUjfTIAVmPjASZn6_NS0EAZy7QKgwReA4fRLbKaygmINTxmaIkTEOeOnfNuX9oFvrowzYyoZHquASx5QrtAPJRolw/s640/blogger-image--722912678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjppkQlTPz9h1peVaqK7y1LKQGSNkrwnijCoc_tAGNOZsfBCbiYzJJgUjfTIAVmPjASZn6_NS0EAZy7QKgwReA4fRLbKaygmINTxmaIkTEOeOnfNuX9oFvrowzYyoZHquASx5QrtAPJRolw/s640/blogger-image--722912678.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>While walking through the downtown area, we came across this artist working on a mural that demonstrates the importance of the sea to the people of Portsmouth. Watching him work made me think about the amazing work our niece, Missy, has done on several buildings in the Guin, AL area.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj0zR94Neq4D5LDGSdb3uIxoEIGgAEIyAxbi1pdLYoBAXaTaFD-swzrdIMYf4wKS_-b13Mzdf6ZlEiM2aUqt2KEOz9Rv38KXFfD6H9r4ZVIFBnu6iyjqaidS4xfOEB9hqLL3YilH_rC683/s640/blogger-image-1174402502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj0zR94Neq4D5LDGSdb3uIxoEIGgAEIyAxbi1pdLYoBAXaTaFD-swzrdIMYf4wKS_-b13Mzdf6ZlEiM2aUqt2KEOz9Rv38KXFfD6H9r4ZVIFBnu6iyjqaidS4xfOEB9hqLL3YilH_rC683/s640/blogger-image-1174402502.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The ferry took us over to Norfolk, where the U.S.S. Wisconsin is docked. It has become part of the Nauticus Museum, offering visitors a chance to tour the World War ll battleship. We wandered around the busy downtown shopping district before returning to Portsmouth. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5RMgF6GeA34fSrzycSy5gjEreRhHGsZSsxKbNcjy0EA348V3UKIS8rxZ7QFg-dD-H4DjTRDTWS12A7lJTFSfzdkl3HtycWdDJXfvgJZbIFpL_PPcjGP6rYZgdoVjf47knCd0IdPShDMtQ/s640/blogger-image--571679004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5RMgF6GeA34fSrzycSy5gjEreRhHGsZSsxKbNcjy0EA348V3UKIS8rxZ7QFg-dD-H4DjTRDTWS12A7lJTFSfzdkl3HtycWdDJXfvgJZbIFpL_PPcjGP6rYZgdoVjf47knCd0IdPShDMtQ/s640/blogger-image--571679004.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>What a fun night we had at the Commodore! This theater was originally opened in 1945, showing motion pictures and hosting community stage presentations until it closed in 1975. It was reopened in 1989, after extensive renovations as a first-run movie theater with full-service dining. Recognized as the first such establishment in the United States.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQwjdaKt91vjprRclj9a-8kgwr0hcbkeQkY2kLtnXB9dJiOfpcSA8hwYo2SJDTOrS-I8WJVjncqyO4iCmSX5FxxJ0-OTWK7LBu_Do74q-I5MLtyHBw2XqF9d_xmdfM0_QAW05L25EjH1zp/s640/blogger-image-849855640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQwjdaKt91vjprRclj9a-8kgwr0hcbkeQkY2kLtnXB9dJiOfpcSA8hwYo2SJDTOrS-I8WJVjncqyO4iCmSX5FxxJ0-OTWK7LBu_Do74q-I5MLtyHBw2XqF9d_xmdfM0_QAW05L25EjH1zp/s640/blogger-image-849855640.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>One of the massive murals depicting important events in our Nations history. The theater has been meticulously retored to give the patrons a feeling of nostalgia for more elegant times.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHJiXmFLsMziEKBcX6QN-xmX9sq87QdTsoC77FeNzXzP4AHRBRJt7NwiRe51ov8WmGq2RflOyuSz-gtoebZM_6M5oGrfX87ueh_Xm976zKLO9xdGBl-ENdSL940Isy3Xa0f8ut6_FUTpWn/s640/blogger-image-779682352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHJiXmFLsMziEKBcX6QN-xmX9sq87QdTsoC77FeNzXzP4AHRBRJt7NwiRe51ov8WmGq2RflOyuSz-gtoebZM_6M5oGrfX87ueh_Xm976zKLO9xdGBl-ENdSL940Isy3Xa0f8ut6_FUTpWn/s640/blogger-image-779682352.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The regular theater seating has been removed and replaced by cozy tables for two or four. It is laid out in such a way that everyone can see the screen easily. Let's face it, we were not there for the movie. Although, I think our grandchildren would be pleased to note that we sat through the entire showing of <i>The</i> <i>Avengers</i> and actually managed to keep up with the action. By the way, our meal was pretty good, too!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOMFR9-en7hUwRktEan7RuGHWeSaRBGAmpikKf84s00Z4vfaVusiX2Flnvs8O_jiAdxXx-KTW8qimfwGUYHLIRJS2Gq4cKwFq3fhQ8ZXaFBBkBOyLPdLwE00B07NZ9eHNZWiAdrL1Je6n6/s640/blogger-image--361115086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOMFR9-en7hUwRktEan7RuGHWeSaRBGAmpikKf84s00Z4vfaVusiX2Flnvs8O_jiAdxXx-KTW8qimfwGUYHLIRJS2Gq4cKwFq3fhQ8ZXaFBBkBOyLPdLwE00B07NZ9eHNZWiAdrL1Je6n6/s640/blogger-image--361115086.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Time to pull in the lines and continue our journey. This Navy Police boat pulled up close to us "suggesting" that we should move as far to our port as possible to make room for a ship coming into the dock.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Ul0kx7PDX-KATtk6Nz7jnsxMyn2xUpIdMD9elogVKG-veB5Bt5td9xM56QNMBJSWXjJ9Yo0tzqIfBvi18WVSePEgYc8L9aRgRmHjGg-XE-kkS3hAnfhCXnZ07jTO6A6wop85_DjXfOgL/s640/blogger-image-1340357864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Ul0kx7PDX-KATtk6Nz7jnsxMyn2xUpIdMD9elogVKG-veB5Bt5td9xM56QNMBJSWXjJ9Yo0tzqIfBvi18WVSePEgYc8L9aRgRmHjGg-XE-kkS3hAnfhCXnZ07jTO6A6wop85_DjXfOgL/s640/blogger-image-1340357864.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>No problem. This guy can have all the room he needs!</div><div><br></div>Linda and Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417081628587029110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439761904960438927.post-53489583231044107312015-05-18T18:45:00.001-07:002015-11-02T22:00:31.968-08:00The Dismal SwampMay 12-13<div><br></div><div>Days 182-183</div><div><br></div><div>The AICW actually offers two different ways to get from the Albemarle Sound to Norfolk, VA. The quickest way is to travel closer to the Atlantic by way of Great Bridge and then on to Norfolk. The slightly more adventurous route is through what is known as the Dismal Swamp. Of course we chose the latter of the two options in the hopes that we would see more wildlife along the way. The Dismal Swamp is the oldest operating man made waterway in the United States. The canal was constructed in the early 1800's, mostly with slave labor. In its hay day it was used as a major transportation route for passengers and commercial vehicles. Today, it is mostly used by pleasure crafts as the alternate Intracoastal Waterway. Jess and I quickly decided it was just what we had thought it would be. While a busy highway now runs parallel to the canal most of its 40 plus miles, the feeling of being in a very remote area still exists. Trees and bushes crowd the banks on both sides of the narrow channel, making it necessary to be constantly on the lookout for overhanging branches and deadfall in the canal. This in no way diminished the peacefulness of the trip, as we slowly wound our way through the canal. Wildlife is abundant here, including many of the slithery kind. This little side trip turned into one of our favorite spots along the AICW, at least so far. Who knows what tomorrow may bring?</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLW6L0iLdjQ59EN_LnXke-tZAVOPgG1-hOARG0ScT4gt3ToHFQNmkdwVsF2iIK5wKtLbAIGXz8_7e8ZOQriTjUDI9iiGTAb7jN_LDa5He1WNckR-Gsrs7k7RoX-j0rpVk57j1-0NMuyYb/s640/blogger-image-64785814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLW6L0iLdjQ59EN_LnXke-tZAVOPgG1-hOARG0ScT4gt3ToHFQNmkdwVsF2iIK5wKtLbAIGXz8_7e8ZOQriTjUDI9iiGTAb7jN_LDa5He1WNckR-Gsrs7k7RoX-j0rpVk57j1-0NMuyYb/s640/blogger-image-64785814.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The trip through the swamp was necessarily slow, in order to avoid the many logs and branches floating down stream. We never bumped, and going slow through this beautiful area gave us the opportunity to enjoy all the sights along the way.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhuA6tAa4k7dPtFciTN32RR15yP0VLqNaHtxJK_my8BssifhcUjG6kQYVzDwUT0_CLoBze8OaBuXdklNmt9_QG522NsOK23t1siSeEWrT533stLm5KqreUk4dwFPsoQoJwf2h_RUYWjNy/s640/blogger-image--94481171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhuA6tAa4k7dPtFciTN32RR15yP0VLqNaHtxJK_my8BssifhcUjG6kQYVzDwUT0_CLoBze8OaBuXdklNmt9_QG522NsOK23t1siSeEWrT533stLm5KqreUk4dwFPsoQoJwf2h_RUYWjNy/s640/blogger-image--94481171.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Passing <i>De</i> <i>De</i> on her way down stream was totally unexpected. We had met Henry and Diane on their hand made boat when we stopped in Apalachicola last December. That is one of the great things about this adventure. You never know when you will run across people you have met along the way. <i>De</i> <i>De</i> had mechanical problems that had required her to miss this section of the Loop, so she was traveling the Dismal Swamp to Albemarle Sound and then north to complete her trip. Loopers certainly don't lack perseverance!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjNs5lX6ePLz35E3CmEIm_Edo_7H8WUrkFsjWLcb4wDrHyYMOIMP0XXJdG1TEXZMymzpa4EpbYrjIDAUZ921D67Db-JBdIaMkzDDfVwSjEeb06PafurQdpFRElDppvBp7c-ummuitnUOeT/s640/blogger-image--29896537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjNs5lX6ePLz35E3CmEIm_Edo_7H8WUrkFsjWLcb4wDrHyYMOIMP0XXJdG1TEXZMymzpa4EpbYrjIDAUZ921D67Db-JBdIaMkzDDfVwSjEeb06PafurQdpFRElDppvBp7c-ummuitnUOeT/s640/blogger-image--29896537.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Our first lock since leaving the Tenn-Tom. Might as well get used to it because there are many more coming up. The two locks in the Dismal Swamp are small and the attendants are extremely helpful.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdNIpK81mfgxwKcQb3IZ8ysLTCRNthwp2Iotco-dj1Sm5WFcAAcPB1dniluAAHzgihOgzwZ8zDLy1WO_xnrx7TXwX6QDegNHVfo_MN47EORilT1zEPmQj2DMZrXm-gQgR5kYTxxRv-6P7u/s640/blogger-image--1967005374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdNIpK81mfgxwKcQb3IZ8ysLTCRNthwp2Iotco-dj1Sm5WFcAAcPB1dniluAAHzgihOgzwZ8zDLy1WO_xnrx7TXwX6QDegNHVfo_MN47EORilT1zEPmQj2DMZrXm-gQgR5kYTxxRv-6P7u/s640/blogger-image--1967005374.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>After locking us through, the lockmaster then hops in his truck and sprints down to the bridge to open it for our passage. What an interesting job description!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCKzkT5Rdx2tRSdi2DDrEHxVO7YI1u2pg6lHQiylItvdn9iWlpOZP6J8_a0Zt3uADpn9OMFXks23k8VKx04G8uR7E0duKWlpjmVl-tcaPI5TbXOQudqcz8EYu8PwJUh336YuEn1kCjOJ3/s640/blogger-image--936226493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCKzkT5Rdx2tRSdi2DDrEHxVO7YI1u2pg6lHQiylItvdn9iWlpOZP6J8_a0Zt3uADpn9OMFXks23k8VKx04G8uR7E0duKWlpjmVl-tcaPI5TbXOQudqcz8EYu8PwJUh336YuEn1kCjOJ3/s640/blogger-image--936226493.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The Dismal Swamp Visitor Center is the first highway rest area that I have ever seen that also provides free dockage for boats. This is a very nice facility, with employees that seem to be very happy that you are there. They provided us with everything we needed for our short visit, including a warning about ticks. Which we discovered later was not unfounded.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-cwHRVDcuTbmQWiQWJ2-tdX161tEODAP-tD-Qrom-jhMi_NBEoTTaxAv_8MZ02RZQUOQuSOmEWpFWqbxN5FJ9zxlTUo6jEkquGQgHWKyE8XH-jmQEEdDUFuNcF7Rc3Ic-Bqpc91ky6efR/s640/blogger-image--1635625897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-cwHRVDcuTbmQWiQWJ2-tdX161tEODAP-tD-Qrom-jhMi_NBEoTTaxAv_8MZ02RZQUOQuSOmEWpFWqbxN5FJ9zxlTUo6jEkquGQgHWKyE8XH-jmQEEdDUFuNcF7Rc3Ic-Bqpc91ky6efR/s640/blogger-image--1635625897.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Across the canal is the Dismal Swamp State Park. They have a very informative little museum giving a history and ecological background on the swamp. There are also several hiking and biking trails throughout the park. We found this guy tucked under a log, as we strolled along the boardwalk that takes visitors out into the swamp.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0qBAY6U0tPjfyX325vohmPQqou4vYOurWxxMBlCSjZmjVwDgof5m_y0GiRN2wCagOQXAqbm7ebSKKN4DJYxM6Z9vlDmJgOeM0B3IvtgwG_bm-o18_TSFLOqYJm_c18pZ1MuvawJO9mOl/s640/blogger-image--1661684654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0qBAY6U0tPjfyX325vohmPQqou4vYOurWxxMBlCSjZmjVwDgof5m_y0GiRN2wCagOQXAqbm7ebSKKN4DJYxM6Z9vlDmJgOeM0B3IvtgwG_bm-o18_TSFLOqYJm_c18pZ1MuvawJO9mOl/s640/blogger-image--1661684654.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>What an unexpected moment! As we hiked through the woods, Jess looked over and saw a doe just at the edge of the trees. About that time this little guy spotted us and came over to check us out. He had absolutely no fear and acted like he would have gladly followed us anywhere.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhF9BELP8pBLTkbc3d4cjGWtIzeBk5jQLXSoie86X4oa6gasBlUOzoJQjrm6wmxUjzSqCt7Jd2Gb1EApW2DEg5StVGH76aX7YyBGPMYBBHUVEcL_DZ8sD1npXYZjAajVcYS-va7nDRZFRf/s640/blogger-image-329432676.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhF9BELP8pBLTkbc3d4cjGWtIzeBk5jQLXSoie86X4oa6gasBlUOzoJQjrm6wmxUjzSqCt7Jd2Gb1EApW2DEg5StVGH76aX7YyBGPMYBBHUVEcL_DZ8sD1npXYZjAajVcYS-va7nDRZFRf/s640/blogger-image-329432676.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>This is a little difficult to see, but if you look closely you will see our new friend next to Jess as he tries to continue down the trail. We had to go in opposite directions, so that he couldn't figure out which way to go. Momma finally decided it was time to retrieve her wayward child, coming through the trees to convince him to follow her off into the woods.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBxXJi3oZC7qufbmCB3NiXCR3SykGkDA3hg6vZFYv8hF9JuEyVx6lXDyDkNyITzdYijeKeMh1OPgIC815YExxsPvRMIm0bnc_SIWvb1tJiL-MhOMkW7CjWv0c4z_AY_BUl3gQhdkIjlQN/s640/blogger-image-2055221698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBxXJi3oZC7qufbmCB3NiXCR3SykGkDA3hg6vZFYv8hF9JuEyVx6lXDyDkNyITzdYijeKeMh1OPgIC815YExxsPvRMIm0bnc_SIWvb1tJiL-MhOMkW7CjWv0c4z_AY_BUl3gQhdkIjlQN/s640/blogger-image-2055221698.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Blackberry bushes are in full bloom. It looks like there is going to be a bumper crop this year. Wish I was going to be around when they are ready for picking!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqYC1jgsxVPIIGiP5oH__OtnnD_QGjrjl0MixZfSYlASHfjAmnnqg4F5irR-Xv8eLD5W19dF7L7wQ2VCv_wgGa_1FbUoowuIzsWrdQRJGCcJfvSq6UNCE_hWn2QA_Shq6rhr_IFCBgXK3c/s640/blogger-image-1190087134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqYC1jgsxVPIIGiP5oH__OtnnD_QGjrjl0MixZfSYlASHfjAmnnqg4F5irR-Xv8eLD5W19dF7L7wQ2VCv_wgGa_1FbUoowuIzsWrdQRJGCcJfvSq6UNCE_hWn2QA_Shq6rhr_IFCBgXK3c/s640/blogger-image-1190087134.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>This is a replica of the boats used to transport cedar shingles made from the white cedar trees growing in the swamp. They were a favorite roofing material because of their resistance to moisture and decay. These boats were poled along the towpaths beside the canal. When the canal system was first built it was only about 10 feet wide, making it possible to litterally drag these small vessels to market.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lUA23xc2KagkcaBhu3sYMQhFIUaI4BDlkGOk0XJsAl5Jmw-zoGGqLzvsSzXy8VdmHSOe-H0VU-gj2w3GdPOKrA4Ru3A58nowhozzzarh_ugKjcECsi7FSmo4ukU2xhEF7kjG6OvaGBGI/s640/blogger-image-1487468593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lUA23xc2KagkcaBhu3sYMQhFIUaI4BDlkGOk0XJsAl5Jmw-zoGGqLzvsSzXy8VdmHSOe-H0VU-gj2w3GdPOKrA4Ru3A58nowhozzzarh_ugKjcECsi7FSmo4ukU2xhEF7kjG6OvaGBGI/s640/blogger-image-1487468593.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Obviously the swamp was not just a haven for wildlife. The remoteness of the area provided the perfect location for a variety of money making opportunities. Most legal, but not all.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYcj08NNh_RaAznUMstOauB7XFU_UIS8Wmf0PbjKNNlxv7HVOvEG0N5KMDdJJKJjpvqU2usce4oQulzla94a_NtQIs2ndwJAK3S2qk-JLbmua9Av3O-qcWrGJuWmCGmwLSNQIzeDYYZhj/s640/blogger-image-1883138246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYcj08NNh_RaAznUMstOauB7XFU_UIS8Wmf0PbjKNNlxv7HVOvEG0N5KMDdJJKJjpvqU2usce4oQulzla94a_NtQIs2ndwJAK3S2qk-JLbmua9Av3O-qcWrGJuWmCGmwLSNQIzeDYYZhj/s640/blogger-image-1883138246.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The Superintendent of the canal was provided living quarters. It was probably quite nice in its day.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinMQYjLtwJsId8bqngnsxwaPOHeUFJ0MRLrw_duqhk4oryUdrR0EiHitHgrpm7soEzfXLwa9egbpyHp7_Nm4YmgBFYH6_53l7dgRU54Hqrnjmhu1FiZgBaz8xnHeyK1PGL-W6YgnAcUao7/s640/blogger-image--2057354979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinMQYjLtwJsId8bqngnsxwaPOHeUFJ0MRLrw_duqhk4oryUdrR0EiHitHgrpm7soEzfXLwa9egbpyHp7_Nm4YmgBFYH6_53l7dgRU54Hqrnjmhu1FiZgBaz8xnHeyK1PGL-W6YgnAcUao7/s640/blogger-image--2057354979.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Deep Creek Lock takes us back down to the river level, as we come close to the end of our trip through the swamp.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTodzBZSCLOYMJc5FHdysJlxRnSuJWrS0kzciQBstWbFzx64BGwMhCC1XaqTnr6GLxNog9qaFGpW3vIFOgJnEk0OtoPq1v3zHNwKrfx7FfC8ccq5PIv3-JAG7ycT1P4walG2gJd6F-Zyn/s640/blogger-image-725907194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTodzBZSCLOYMJc5FHdysJlxRnSuJWrS0kzciQBstWbFzx64BGwMhCC1XaqTnr6GLxNog9qaFGpW3vIFOgJnEk0OtoPq1v3zHNwKrfx7FfC8ccq5PIv3-JAG7ycT1P4walG2gJd6F-Zyn/s640/blogger-image-725907194.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The lock tender here is very helpful. He took the time to give us some great tips on what to do when we get to Norfolk. Without his suggestions we would have missed out on a really nice visit to Portsmouth. Robert has worked for the company running these locks for 21 years and his pride in his work certainly shows.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5YQnEG0ENwkl90GQZHSfER33F9_PgAUavjmn8mcdimTQ-qbk1MuUxASHsIy_tPjdiKuyUs8B4c6UfLEYxgnD3XNiI9AdzmN8KI7Z0Akg9ZP3uuhWfpmAxZBcdB8H3sCNJvU0O4n8bV12_/s640/blogger-image-325126142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5YQnEG0ENwkl90GQZHSfER33F9_PgAUavjmn8mcdimTQ-qbk1MuUxASHsIy_tPjdiKuyUs8B4c6UfLEYxgnD3XNiI9AdzmN8KI7Z0Akg9ZP3uuhWfpmAxZBcdB8H3sCNJvU0O4n8bV12_/s640/blogger-image-325126142.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Coming to the end of our voyage back in time. Before heading on to our stop in Portsmouth, we went around the corner to Top Rack Marina for one night. They are famous for the best fuel prices around, and it is time to top off the tanks. They also have a Dock & Dine gimmick that provides boaters a one night free stay if we eat in their restaurant, the Amber Lantern. What a great excuse for dinner out! No regrets, probably the best prepared meal we have had on this trip. I had a seafood pasta that was very good, but Jess had a steak that was absolutely perfection!</div>Linda and Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417081628587029110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439761904960438927.post-86814613430436060662015-05-11T08:24:00.001-07:002015-11-02T22:00:38.491-08:00Trying to Outrun Ana!May 1-11<div><br></div><div>Days 171-181</div><div><br></div><div>A hurricane in May did not figure into our plans when we considered our trip through South and North Carolina. The early arrival of Ana encouraged us to head north as quickly as possible. Luckily she dilly dallied enough in the Atlantic to afford us plenty of time to outdistance most of her fury. As luck would have it, Ana only developed into a tropical storm, and from our stand point, not a very vicious one at that. A short visit in Georgetown was necessary, as we were having a package from home delivered to us at the marina. Planning to put in some long days after leaving Georgetown, we took the opportunity to enjoy this lovely historical town. Our timing was perfect, because just by chance we were able to get tickets to see the local theatrical group perform <i>Driving</i> <i>Miss</i> <i>Daisy</i>. They did an awesome job, and we both enjoyed spending our afternoon in this unexpected manner. On Monday night we tied up to the free dock in North Myrtle Beach. A nice walk to the mall around the corner (well sort of), allowed us to check out a new Bass Pro Shops, pick up a few things in Belk, and have an amazing meal at a nearby restaurant, the Firehouse Bar & Grill. Love it when these unplanned for perks just happen. The next night we anchored just north of Southport near what we soon learned (by the noise) is a bird sanctuary. Don't know how the birds figure out where the sanctuaries are, but I can vouch for the fact that literally thousands of them know where that one is. Not the quietest night we have spent on anchor. The next anchorage proved to be even noisier for a much different reason. We dropped the hook with several other cruisers in a small cove near Camp Lejeune Marine Corp Base. What an entertaining evening. An Osprey was evidently performing some training maneuvers, and we had front row seats. There was also a lot of bombing going on somewhere nearby. Shortly after dark the marines headed back to base and we all enjoyed an uneventful night. Actually, the only part of our speedy (if you can call about 8.5 mph speedy) trip north that was effected by Ana, was our crossing of the Pamlico Sound. The wind was strong enough in this large open water area that we experienced, what I deemed to be, substantial waves. With strong thunderstorms and high winds forecasted, we decided it was time to tie up in a small secure marina, putting our trip up the Dismal Swamp off for a few days.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3Pr5WzgQ6QporERWS1yevzWeohGLOXg3TGZUVSIRt_NdFV87sfUSnh6xzcuAAaGdnl39pFBZzZcA7uTGxZfTlZnB1zyH_X0iOWKGZFs0Fs2Wf9laMV-oZi3BUXvuhRS2PQZtf3t7jcEh/s640/blogger-image-1899941651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3Pr5WzgQ6QporERWS1yevzWeohGLOXg3TGZUVSIRt_NdFV87sfUSnh6xzcuAAaGdnl39pFBZzZcA7uTGxZfTlZnB1zyH_X0iOWKGZFs0Fs2Wf9laMV-oZi3BUXvuhRS2PQZtf3t7jcEh/s640/blogger-image-1899941651.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Not sure if the birds are looking for fish in our wake, or if they just like the way the wind flows around the boat, but we seem to have quite a noisy following as we travel these days.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9MKPQBEXrQlImyCMw4lXA8dcITNS-vQ-dKmXflelMSxI4ZYQrz-3x3VIH95h290LStk3lIp4gvuiRjHuYpzXdURnGH06Ia3e2Y_9OO6RhoTdLkER0IJAKy4FB3SMql1Ue0yxuqEJhb06_/s640/blogger-image-1145570532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9MKPQBEXrQlImyCMw4lXA8dcITNS-vQ-dKmXflelMSxI4ZYQrz-3x3VIH95h290LStk3lIp4gvuiRjHuYpzXdURnGH06Ia3e2Y_9OO6RhoTdLkER0IJAKy4FB3SMql1Ue0yxuqEJhb06_/s640/blogger-image-1145570532.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So far we have had only a few short rain showers, but the clouds have been moving in during the day. Negotiating the hundreds of crab pots in the area has been more of a problem than weather at this anchorage on the Santee River. </div></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoTYiXGSMnGitSqAbrhFuBT5Yiaxeb68zkj0se_pU7-UJGiXINaTq0opKCDlpLuT-nn5DDMAqCyq-tkVi9lnrtUhvUib97EP3aUQer8Sb1GTXOOUpC9feX_JxTcdvAChc0Re-mEhsSA4Jr/s640/blogger-image--1983885751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoTYiXGSMnGitSqAbrhFuBT5Yiaxeb68zkj0se_pU7-UJGiXINaTq0opKCDlpLuT-nn5DDMAqCyq-tkVi9lnrtUhvUib97EP3aUQer8Sb1GTXOOUpC9feX_JxTcdvAChc0Re-mEhsSA4Jr/s640/blogger-image--1983885751.jpg"></a></div><br></div>The scenery along the AICW has not really been what I would call awe inspiring. After miles and mile of saw grass and marshes I am ready for some trees.</div><div> </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8CsYnWSQkynMw36Egz8iF5vxXDX7BFwvaV4tyoli429hF6oye77hvuzmijTh8qJCjFrvPYvUoxuk0ykYmw-03eAjGGaLgGuZDfc2nJp4a8JyZ_ip8lUqv8sHGPgfX-Ql-CVscO_FBP0mS/s640/blogger-image--272989286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8CsYnWSQkynMw36Egz8iF5vxXDX7BFwvaV4tyoli429hF6oye77hvuzmijTh8qJCjFrvPYvUoxuk0ykYmw-03eAjGGaLgGuZDfc2nJp4a8JyZ_ip8lUqv8sHGPgfX-Ql-CVscO_FBP0mS/s640/blogger-image--272989286.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Georgetown is the 3rd oldest town in South Carolina. It was laid out in 1729 and became an important seaport by 1732. The historic waterfront area provides visitors with a look into the history of this area, as well as many fine restaurants and shops. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5D64JY1fpd0rzqCC-QI1YoIILCGOizyfTabLKUTZUX0A-HFYdnYFMsM4btQnfEQ3LVYoDO1V6vElj4myRky94yv0LGRwYc_uvO5cKJPXormhl7omFt3Pjew8VMkkBHT4ncRg4NtwEALkU/s640/blogger-image--140850653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5D64JY1fpd0rzqCC-QI1YoIILCGOizyfTabLKUTZUX0A-HFYdnYFMsM4btQnfEQ3LVYoDO1V6vElj4myRky94yv0LGRwYc_uvO5cKJPXormhl7omFt3Pjew8VMkkBHT4ncRg4NtwEALkU/s640/blogger-image--140850653.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This beautiful fountain is part of the stunning landscape that leads visitors onto the grounds of the Kaminski House Museum.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLj8zRapsUo9C4HTnEDoXyVcAimufHC3hO2ga6IpeaqrMLlZI3Gev15bD0K120hjg91Z4OklPCMPEUCSHSTb8KSJtIkNcwGRVylEQtcDNC_DQnUmIAy-OMd3jFdx-pmqUY1SDeR_08qLWF/s640/blogger-image--636026927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLj8zRapsUo9C4HTnEDoXyVcAimufHC3hO2ga6IpeaqrMLlZI3Gev15bD0K120hjg91Z4OklPCMPEUCSHSTb8KSJtIkNcwGRVylEQtcDNC_DQnUmIAy-OMd3jFdx-pmqUY1SDeR_08qLWF/s640/blogger-image--636026927.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>The Kaminski House predates the Revolutionary War. It was built in 1769, changing hands many times over the years. In 1931 the property was purchased by Harold and Julia Kaminski, and upon her death in 1972 it was bequeathed to the city in hopes that it would be established as a historic museum.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUA-KkipBljRH5jSjLXkZvkvUl6Y4b9h9e1BfCxwh1DLheogLrinl04G2qG_zBBPVWe56yqnIfmbN3NTY7_dySB-m2vHtlRKET_z6KgBWKVKqGPL7YUNhnFnVQ1degZshsD6DGr4SqWTSC/s640/blogger-image-595982190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUA-KkipBljRH5jSjLXkZvkvUl6Y4b9h9e1BfCxwh1DLheogLrinl04G2qG_zBBPVWe56yqnIfmbN3NTY7_dySB-m2vHtlRKET_z6KgBWKVKqGPL7YUNhnFnVQ1degZshsD6DGr4SqWTSC/s640/blogger-image-595982190.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The door you see opens onto a porch leading to the actual entrance of the home. At the time these homes were built taxes were determined by the amount of street frontage the lot had. <font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Therefor homes were built one room wide and several rooms deep. The door provided residents privacy on their porch.</font></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05TQpLipR_AB4Hyx5A1Kug4bOg7UHRM4lThnoPH7lPDbGOsfyyHU171hBvOJELyvapttaTJBZUceI1wSaNT6xzCl_f1_rK48ugoY6v5rFIyv4eNMAg1mRnpIZEHseMuZKiL1Y3yprVAIx/s640/blogger-image-889047913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05TQpLipR_AB4Hyx5A1Kug4bOg7UHRM4lThnoPH7lPDbGOsfyyHU171hBvOJELyvapttaTJBZUceI1wSaNT6xzCl_f1_rK48ugoY6v5rFIyv4eNMAg1mRnpIZEHseMuZKiL1Y3yprVAIx/s640/blogger-image-889047913.jpg"></a></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There are picturesque moments everywhere in Georgetown. </div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0cK7zVwicWKvY8hxU8h1rjHxv4VOYMutCI9sA6evYRObasJR73lBGHb6CGga6MVGoIEIaVnHT2ZR4nUgt0CWenM17FBGTKQGqJQk4SvzTdqeVVbsgyItUWDznIYJPBwZiSx8CzhC1-ktr/s640/blogger-image--365128242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0cK7zVwicWKvY8hxU8h1rjHxv4VOYMutCI9sA6evYRObasJR73lBGHb6CGga6MVGoIEIaVnHT2ZR4nUgt0CWenM17FBGTKQGqJQk4SvzTdqeVVbsgyItUWDznIYJPBwZiSx8CzhC1-ktr/s640/blogger-image--365128242.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is Bethel Church AME (African Methodist Episcopal). It was established in 1863 shortly after the Emancipation Proclamation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOV8u-RIYwLfmg051mE5Ji5fROuxSIUyh695mJravaozkmjZFjYgSLpI71vDggdlVHCrAI3lvB0x9gfue0UjTE2dBp-bFnTWw2EwrkWBKZJue6GwC1kkEJubkHmH7A7OlhUvxPWhmMIUe/s640/blogger-image-892436146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOV8u-RIYwLfmg051mE5Ji5fROuxSIUyh695mJravaozkmjZFjYgSLpI71vDggdlVHCrAI3lvB0x9gfue0UjTE2dBp-bFnTWw2EwrkWBKZJue6GwC1kkEJubkHmH7A7OlhUvxPWhmMIUe/s640/blogger-image-892436146.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>A glance down the historical business district, including the old Strand Theater that is now home to the Swamp Fox Players.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_DzolLONHi9x3cZ9pGaIin0Rr112TX8AbM8nH80-kvnc903fMZP4dL064Vto0jsI1_mBWjyIJg9g5Eq81KZhpZG1pHNAH8MZVz0SBMIGxh2_84k5D9I6xbFCU71sR61IEvHQXI-TLfERk/s640/blogger-image--422781979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_DzolLONHi9x3cZ9pGaIin0Rr112TX8AbM8nH80-kvnc903fMZP4dL064Vto0jsI1_mBWjyIJg9g5Eq81KZhpZG1pHNAH8MZVz0SBMIGxh2_84k5D9I6xbFCU71sR61IEvHQXI-TLfERk/s640/blogger-image--422781979.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>As we continue northward the landscape begins to include trees along the banks. We have seen turtles, eagles, osprey, and snakes, but no more alligators.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3cRKrdg2HyPeypxG7X22IWhWtcZxH3Ovk1mwIHdJGoE3Zi0C6ieEAZfba0pHctrVamJgXrkD3TAz0CSjBt2KLi5ZwjjCmZdYASOco5t49FEpdgHMJRZaN-N0T5GCHL-S6k1ULXxpeVtFo/s640/blogger-image-1650486657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3cRKrdg2HyPeypxG7X22IWhWtcZxH3Ovk1mwIHdJGoE3Zi0C6ieEAZfba0pHctrVamJgXrkD3TAz0CSjBt2KLi5ZwjjCmZdYASOco5t49FEpdgHMJRZaN-N0T5GCHL-S6k1ULXxpeVtFo/s640/blogger-image-1650486657.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Traveling along the AICW means we are inland from the coast, so we don't see many lighthouses. This one was actually alerting cruisers that the Lightkeeper's Marina is located up the channel.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCP_FWa9k9MovZHnspdwi8xib4ThyM95GTCnGlRuZAaPQ8Htf3O16TR391lMSRDRWe5DqF6NfQEm-8psyNK-_R88g6tERrCo-W45eCGDeOyu3rpn5x3H_C4pLc3StSQ0SP7DpQ4u5bcpuK/s640/blogger-image--1713019775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCP_FWa9k9MovZHnspdwi8xib4ThyM95GTCnGlRuZAaPQ8Htf3O16TR391lMSRDRWe5DqF6NfQEm-8psyNK-_R88g6tERrCo-W45eCGDeOyu3rpn5x3H_C4pLc3StSQ0SP7DpQ4u5bcpuK/s640/blogger-image--1713019775.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Talk about a view! If my boat was at the top of this dry storage rack, there is no way I would be able to stand by while it was placed in the water. They looked like a small breeze would send them toppling to the ground.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDW3bGfi-opKaU6rCqSo5ChAoV_7vkQSmjjaKFSIJbLpm4JqpeP5Ok-iu30cZZxkI_MV8kctn_QJDV3FKZb7NVPf1fN3wRQrKjFbtoH2OZAjzGvjddAQ3MHn59Pba6t14S-X_TsCnYs91T/s640/blogger-image--427307892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDW3bGfi-opKaU6rCqSo5ChAoV_7vkQSmjjaKFSIJbLpm4JqpeP5Ok-iu30cZZxkI_MV8kctn_QJDV3FKZb7NVPf1fN3wRQrKjFbtoH2OZAjzGvjddAQ3MHn59Pba6t14S-X_TsCnYs91T/s640/blogger-image--427307892.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I don't know what is in worse shape. The old dock or the boat. Anyone looking for a fixer upper?</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcY3hXO7t45CHq74LUcIlbdQpfYE8LBq-d5pzvQa_50pjL_xZ-GD58xIWcpkdcBMxw1Bs5d_kgDVv7F6K_9qXSgxD4-Phqp2XQsNMjzqoOPGmc6BgKRzkTCZV9ydZ3NKbS1vhPRe7Hwl1/s640/blogger-image--1449748355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcY3hXO7t45CHq74LUcIlbdQpfYE8LBq-d5pzvQa_50pjL_xZ-GD58xIWcpkdcBMxw1Bs5d_kgDVv7F6K_9qXSgxD4-Phqp2XQsNMjzqoOPGmc6BgKRzkTCZV9ydZ3NKbS1vhPRe7Hwl1/s640/blogger-image--1449748355.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>A beautiful sunset over Southport, S.C. This was about the time the birds got going good, and our peaceful anchorage was not so peaceful after all.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhSzhXIseq8TJVNr6P4IFo2AkKwcPzX8kFx4Gc9j41isEMv5UFOdfa7Oi5VcKq0L0evBN-S2TX8n8c3kW8j5tnM9W1GtqK28i3cZyBfcB2zdLv6e7v5zJpbhcIrAldca3-C_KdyrpusVc/s640/blogger-image-1620113132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhSzhXIseq8TJVNr6P4IFo2AkKwcPzX8kFx4Gc9j41isEMv5UFOdfa7Oi5VcKq0L0evBN-S2TX8n8c3kW8j5tnM9W1GtqK28i3cZyBfcB2zdLv6e7v5zJpbhcIrAldca3-C_KdyrpusVc/s640/blogger-image-1620113132.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The bridges along this section of the AICW do not open on demand. Most open on the hour and half hour, with some only opening on the hour. This usually causes a minor traffic jam as we all wait patiently. We would have made it to the previous opening, but a little shallow spot set us back about thirty minutes. An opening in the landscape to our right allowed us a small glimpse of breaking waves on the beach at a moment when we should have been paying better attention to the markers. Being on the wrong side of the green meant we were a foot or so short of enough water to keep our keel from going aground. The fantastic captain that he is, Jess managed to work us off the sandbar and we went merrily (with a huge sigh of relief) on our way.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUPJAabxaDzTzsSsXPS6qmidYIrQ6g58tWuEpqB5IWf5bJUn8R3Go0rN_nXIhckY7Itxlm0t9_oIhyPog_-atblZ-YtM_hMsROywMdtKxbOfiG854YS-877zjzNSpQVTstJcmE7ncdzYlF/s640/blogger-image--1069595937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUPJAabxaDzTzsSsXPS6qmidYIrQ6g58tWuEpqB5IWf5bJUn8R3Go0rN_nXIhckY7Itxlm0t9_oIhyPog_-atblZ-YtM_hMsROywMdtKxbOfiG854YS-877zjzNSpQVTstJcmE7ncdzYlF/s640/blogger-image--1069595937.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The bridge tenders along our route have all done a great job. We even got a "Roll Tide" from one guy. Actually we have been thrilled to receive "Roll Tides" everywhere we have been.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIhFrYFx4eJA9UsoXjUZphTVb_1tCie1tD6cPZjjpsXucPpzPl3pmFpc7t68XLnogWh4TdqQI05LsRBEmMdYfSwWDUgwjsfROIaHLcBLQYO06a3w9_jpfK_FsHWoj7xqDtICYyBHLE66Ez/s640/blogger-image-1228362358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIhFrYFx4eJA9UsoXjUZphTVb_1tCie1tD6cPZjjpsXucPpzPl3pmFpc7t68XLnogWh4TdqQI05LsRBEmMdYfSwWDUgwjsfROIaHLcBLQYO06a3w9_jpfK_FsHWoj7xqDtICYyBHLE66Ez/s640/blogger-image-1228362358.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>This is the first Osprey we had ever seen in action. They were evidently performing some training exercises that kept us all entertained for a couple of hours. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEt_DLsoCbQCzYemRsEGMwYdILi8tiyiOPrZ1rcD2JlumkHz7HL2Pik3yuiId5Qg8cmdz-TdhaJbr4a_m9zu8Lq4JmQD-Umctl5-gf8J2UGoRSNfxZAG90tWBQ2b8_jK20yDx_-TonFfys/s640/blogger-image--1207754032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEt_DLsoCbQCzYemRsEGMwYdILi8tiyiOPrZ1rcD2JlumkHz7HL2Pik3yuiId5Qg8cmdz-TdhaJbr4a_m9zu8Lq4JmQD-Umctl5-gf8J2UGoRSNfxZAG90tWBQ2b8_jK20yDx_-TonFfys/s640/blogger-image--1207754032.jpg"></a></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Another amazing sunset over our anchorage near Camp Lejeune.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCxrOsfhlIovTMC2pFkvsXHcbLq31F2IRkn6aWrP1SG3abMGWsG2fggwPrmvKt9F-WvebtbxpHfuA2AdA4fQhQc8zJ_0tjO_z7IJJy9h6mMDaUTWaDq4s-c9xa5C2xVYqbLW5Dj4lUXKQT/s640/blogger-image-610912281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCxrOsfhlIovTMC2pFkvsXHcbLq31F2IRkn6aWrP1SG3abMGWsG2fggwPrmvKt9F-WvebtbxpHfuA2AdA4fQhQc8zJ_0tjO_z7IJJy9h6mMDaUTWaDq4s-c9xa5C2xVYqbLW5Dj4lUXKQT/s640/blogger-image-610912281.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Our numbers have increased, as we are all<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> trying to get as far north as possible before Ana comes ashore. We prefer traveling around 40 miles a day, but this week we have been cranking out 70 to 80 each day. </span></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nT0sfYm_RyzNqxE9YMWbsWf-XWDrAIL9pwCGk1GpcYoVD1UKMoCwZdixkU82R1Tz4lqiMDpETXKnJmiS4qQwL3pFLS3OA03i7cjgZcEvIFV0qu4hiDUBQT8ut1YIumUuyBHDlOC93O86/s640/blogger-image-1311478733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nT0sfYm_RyzNqxE9YMWbsWf-XWDrAIL9pwCGk1GpcYoVD1UKMoCwZdixkU82R1Tz4lqiMDpETXKnJmiS4qQwL3pFLS3OA03i7cjgZcEvIFV0qu4hiDUBQT8ut1YIumUuyBHDlOC93O86/s640/blogger-image-1311478733.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>While we had been concerned about our crossing of the Albemarle Sound, it turned out to be not even close to as rough as the Pamlico Sound had been. We have decided at this point to take a break for a few days and let what is left of Ana go on by us. This is one of those days that luck was with us. I called a marina in the harbor at Elizabeth City to see if they had any transient dockage available, but they did not answer. Then I called Lamb's Marina just into the Dismal Swamp and luckily they had room for us. When we passed by the first marina we realized that they were open to the rough water and we would have been rocking and rolling our whole stay. Lamb's has been great!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnIRP1p5fdPK35ofVmSKXh_jzx2v_7ZdTSOPVxs5ooxh9hKbFE9GpkvvO5rO14LePmtWyYLqTig-BMCPu5io5bQ8J8cn6xbZ0Gb43e5SoKsGKqn1SJE98Wbs0plL2NytXVcoAFxyK-k28/s640/blogger-image-64822979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnIRP1p5fdPK35ofVmSKXh_jzx2v_7ZdTSOPVxs5ooxh9hKbFE9GpkvvO5rO14LePmtWyYLqTig-BMCPu5io5bQ8J8cn6xbZ0Gb43e5SoKsGKqn1SJE98Wbs0plL2NytXVcoAFxyK-k28/s640/blogger-image-64822979.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>One last bridge opening before entering the Dismal Swamp.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4xK0K_D4mc1EdMqGHdIrJNdDI9VHHY3JVnIhwLVHMeB23IPETXIGWLuQ_M0Vki9RIklAvd2dMIYL4m6ClSWUjoUYCzkSj-Oe_uTdrx96yXG85h2ptDZn5LdCkvI8ss0REqDsEO9cpxf6/s640/blogger-image-161389337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4xK0K_D4mc1EdMqGHdIrJNdDI9VHHY3JVnIhwLVHMeB23IPETXIGWLuQ_M0Vki9RIklAvd2dMIYL4m6ClSWUjoUYCzkSj-Oe_uTdrx96yXG85h2ptDZn5LdCkvI8ss0REqDsEO9cpxf6/s640/blogger-image-161389337.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>When we were in the Bahamas sundown was signaled by the sound of conch shells being blown by a few talented travelers. One of the live a boards here at Lamb's Marina has his own little cannon that he fires off as the sun dips into the west. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjILurRQDGj8b2O4rjrYAdAdd0Wrak3NbuzioEwTD1hjJ8J-d6cdUmWPqb0Tfg0jDrE5UELD_WP0fIpZ_W_EruWIpqYjBbOJZDK7Nw3i7WjkWbkzbEir5wHnwS5V1t-eo1-wXvWlv4yq2AG/s640/blogger-image-1729179130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjILurRQDGj8b2O4rjrYAdAdd0Wrak3NbuzioEwTD1hjJ8J-d6cdUmWPqb0Tfg0jDrE5UELD_WP0fIpZ_W_EruWIpqYjBbOJZDK7Nw3i7WjkWbkzbEir5wHnwS5V1t-eo1-wXvWlv4yq2AG/s640/blogger-image-1729179130.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>These roses were transplanted to Marina Wharf Park after the death of Joe Kramer in 1987. He and a friend, Fred Fearing, began what was to become the<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> Rose Buddies tradition in </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">1983. Joe provided </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">roses and Fred provided refreshments to boaters as they traveled the Intracoastal Waterway. Thus Elizabeth City became known as the Harbor of Hospitality.</span></div><div><br></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSI2WAXqD_kduGXUbQr3qr456E9gfiSnIKzp74Fur7RsBFoOjkyJrVuaVzWAhDdTgHOEtcD_pSCqAzyg-Nje2nYuE9iieRRy4M8egBhY-r5H-C2HPNNxPpP_Q0fl-hwu3ssK8-sHSc4Bg9/s640/blogger-image-168570504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSI2WAXqD_kduGXUbQr3qr456E9gfiSnIKzp74Fur7RsBFoOjkyJrVuaVzWAhDdTgHOEtcD_pSCqAzyg-Nje2nYuE9iieRRy4M8egBhY-r5H-C2HPNNxPpP_Q0fl-hwu3ssK8-sHSc4Bg9/s640/blogger-image-168570504.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div>Using the marina's courtesy car we were able to enjoy a nice walk around the historical district of Elizabeth City. We also made a trip to McDonald's, a grocery store, Walmart, Ace Hardware and Dairy Queen. What more could anyone need (other than possibly West Marine)?</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8nJIlksMEhaOeStA4F0hMq_pYMRP_h-veDi6T_b0U3xuVjUCApLbVBf8oUxnql8kBexKk6bRCkLkT3E_-2FuCIglp-YSTPgSpp62tWzqNCnHw0CBR80FSoCKqCY1qwAJ2_Krn5dHja1Rr/s640/blogger-image-1113329631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8nJIlksMEhaOeStA4F0hMq_pYMRP_h-veDi6T_b0U3xuVjUCApLbVBf8oUxnql8kBexKk6bRCkLkT3E_-2FuCIglp-YSTPgSpp62tWzqNCnHw0CBR80FSoCKqCY1qwAJ2_Krn5dHja1Rr/s640/blogger-image-1113329631.jpg"></a></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As you can see the wind is causing the harbor to get quite choppy. So glad we are back in a little creek where the water is calm.</div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5V3G81_PfzaK5w5U-OdxmoR7nXvx1fJ6B4RoGXqIS06-PTI1CusVDgXV15HuWeLbo2DGoWMa31ITUXb3x9lsbC76hmt5zWWkerPpA5l9kJaf4yPwCELw5US-X9Vk_XLWizC1gYHp0LjIP/s640/blogger-image--956045967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5V3G81_PfzaK5w5U-OdxmoR7nXvx1fJ6B4RoGXqIS06-PTI1CusVDgXV15HuWeLbo2DGoWMa31ITUXb3x9lsbC76hmt5zWWkerPpA5l9kJaf4yPwCELw5US-X9Vk_XLWizC1gYHp0LjIP/s640/blogger-image--956045967.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>So many architecturally interesting old homes. There are many that need some major restoration work, but just as many that have been well cared for or renovated to show their original splendor. Another very charming seaport town along the AICW.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div>Linda and Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417081628587029110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439761904960438927.post-26710713811802750962015-05-03T08:13:00.001-07:002015-11-02T22:00:49.543-08:00Moving North on the AICWApril 23-30<div><br></div><div>Days 163-170</div><div><br></div><div>After spending the past 5 months in Florida (counting the side trip to the Bahamas) it is finally time to leave this beautiful state behind us. The scenery changes rapidly as we move into the sawgrass country of Georgia and South Carolina. It is certainly interesting, even though it can become rather boring after miles and miles of grassland. Everything was going great until we developed a problem with our starboard engine and a horrible racket started coming from the area of our port engine. Not good! Jess finally tracked down the second problem as nothing to do with the engine (thank goodness). Somewhere in our travels we had evidently connected with a crab pot (really!) and the line had tangled in our cutter on the port shaft. With some time in the water he was able to get most of the line loose and the problem corrected itself. The starboard issue was a little more stressful. It actually died on us while we were dropping anchor and would not crank the next morning. Time to creep into a marina to hopefully get us back up and running under full power. Of course the wind was blowing ninety to nothing as we headed to Brunswick and St. Andrew's inlet was raging. We puttered along on one engine, and while we were a little uncomfortable, we made it to safe harbor with no problems. The best part of the day turned out to be seeing a ray leap out of the water twice right in front of us. It is an awesome sight that we have been lucky enough to witness twice so far on this adventure. It was also great to see Roger and Mary on <i>TaTa</i> for a few minutes when we arrived at the marina. They were on their way north and hung around just long enough to help with our lines and say hello. Just like so many other times on this journey, we soon met new friends, Terry and Donna on their Albin 36, <i>Meridian. </i>Terry<i> </i>came right over to help Jess diagnose our engine problems and between these two brilliant minds, and a substantial amount of trial and error, our starboard engine was back in running order. <i>Serenity</i> and <i>Mara</i> <i>Belle, </i>whom we had last seen at the Rendezvous were also here, so we enjoyed catching up with them at docktails. As our goal was to catch up to <i>TaTa</i> as quickly as possible, we put in a couple of long days in order to meet them on anchor at Hilton Head. A nice walk and a stop for Happy Hour left us with enough time for a nice game of Euchre. Our short break must have been good for Mary and I, because for the first time we won back to back matches! It was nice to visit with Roger and Mary again even if it was only for a few days. Hopefully someday we will make it to British Columbia to see their beautiful province.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2BGuZ1yjN1KjCASbgvS_Eb_bLrYh-f0Wl4-jutQvw97_iGg4gJqq1XSa4jkEaczDInKMezY7HSsHx1ePDC1-BUQ97CG9Pp16-dnssE2-MCknzHebIFiSELE-rmQjQkoRj7c44459NTqf/s640/blogger-image-1038998174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2BGuZ1yjN1KjCASbgvS_Eb_bLrYh-f0Wl4-jutQvw97_iGg4gJqq1XSa4jkEaczDInKMezY7HSsHx1ePDC1-BUQ97CG9Pp16-dnssE2-MCknzHebIFiSELE-rmQjQkoRj7c44459NTqf/s640/blogger-image-1038998174.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Back in the ICW headed north. Luckily for us most of the bridges we have to negotiate have enough clearance for us to slip under. Many of the railroad bridges are left open, as this one is, unless there is a train on its way.</div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH7UjHSLJ7n8vWJFIk4z7nykOt6fNEAXUX7lzXpmjMslrmpca4yoxyUgFF2Gvp2CHBSLr0Vz8uq5c2ke5znRqLLJePh4JBNsu_KI_Jyp9KLhjsYSKemluXqFMaZ3nMfvt4_r2s3jYkw79S/s640/blogger-image-532197259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH7UjHSLJ7n8vWJFIk4z7nykOt6fNEAXUX7lzXpmjMslrmpca4yoxyUgFF2Gvp2CHBSLr0Vz8uq5c2ke5znRqLLJePh4JBNsu_KI_Jyp9KLhjsYSKemluXqFMaZ3nMfvt4_r2s3jYkw79S/s640/blogger-image-532197259.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>After spending a few hours struggling with the engine (and having no luck), Jess decided it was time to take a break. We enjoyed a walk around the historical area of Brunswick. This is one of the most unique war memorials we have run across in out travels.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_xi5f_sciiAohNmDUyZ3D6ND3ucaArQmGQ3fM-qpfxuP6aBL6gBp7eC6YkKJEhq7xk4xRssEVn7kHChqNHI-LBZWBEZELIWawthiPxXWtXQZtypNg6BCMA8wRIYcIgs3wp-CxjM7u-kK/s640/blogger-image--806358077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_xi5f_sciiAohNmDUyZ3D6ND3ucaArQmGQ3fM-qpfxuP6aBL6gBp7eC6YkKJEhq7xk4xRssEVn7kHChqNHI-LBZWBEZELIWawthiPxXWtXQZtypNg6BCMA8wRIYcIgs3wp-CxjM7u-kK/s640/blogger-image--806358077.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Shows how smart I am. I had never connected brunswick stew with the town of Brunswick, GA.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Unfortunately the pot was empty. We did enjoy a very nice meal with Terry and Donna at Indigo Coastal Shanty on Saturday night. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQ-naVulAn2jp7V0MSVUIuCEb5ITRGA9XyI1yGedsFr6I-2ecP9zNlUtkM3n8DmZt9upXiOsI_QwmANvZdskaH05WrYESnbzgfdZ8-hHeJasMy9PE8mmtS4aruD1_MXrVkZsG1COLr5pz/s640/blogger-image-1926589435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQ-naVulAn2jp7V0MSVUIuCEb5ITRGA9XyI1yGedsFr6I-2ecP9zNlUtkM3n8DmZt9upXiOsI_QwmANvZdskaH05WrYESnbzgfdZ8-hHeJasMy9PE8mmtS4aruD1_MXrVkZsG1COLr5pz/s640/blogger-image-1926589435.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After resting on the problem Friday night and a quick trip to West Marine on Saturday morning, my mechanic (thank goodness), is back in the engine room. A few hours later, with a minimal amount of frustration and the engine is once again humming. No big deal!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtCx5sk9IpKJ6JQpy-eQY2iUNxGxqTDnVE4hwxHI3Oakz6xU6BwvYMHn4ZDcUCXdx2ntz_oYBeQWcsSlnhon5gKYJiuvXoCtmyc024g8oSnnvPWagmNOmO5FfIkl_TIGM66SQezHDmYtpS/s640/blogger-image-1938928678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtCx5sk9IpKJ6JQpy-eQY2iUNxGxqTDnVE4hwxHI3Oakz6xU6BwvYMHn4ZDcUCXdx2ntz_oYBeQWcsSlnhon5gKYJiuvXoCtmyc024g8oSnnvPWagmNOmO5FfIkl_TIGM66SQezHDmYtpS/s640/blogger-image-1938928678.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The old homes are beautiful, but the trees are absolutely breathtaking! The huge old oak trees that shade the streets are amazing. Thank goodness Asplundh hasn't been here!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4CcRcqyDKmrTvMXcAQybZR7ubMvDnf-VO9f24i_LuwIFHV_FKZMAwx9mN8gGLz3MUPYdnTDnSKpSYJVxtpk0-bNPk12iyqNe97FkfrmidFePFqoBuhxGMHVB3VYMxo4OqlmPcmG9xuMyN/s640/blogger-image-1644317594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4CcRcqyDKmrTvMXcAQybZR7ubMvDnf-VO9f24i_LuwIFHV_FKZMAwx9mN8gGLz3MUPYdnTDnSKpSYJVxtpk0-bNPk12iyqNe97FkfrmidFePFqoBuhxGMHVB3VYMxo4OqlmPcmG9xuMyN/s640/blogger-image-1644317594.jpg"></a></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The grounds that surround the old courthouse are groomed to perfection. This is what the old south looked like, at least as I think of it.</div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMaxbow8MD0TWe0fcmVBHluDJZK1DAJsv32hOzaOX2R3r2M-oyr_z5wUEM_OOGgKE0et-rgDnz_Co7pLACipwIIFc3V7ITgC2cZu5mNF9OeRU03mDgJG1HU-OSX5HK_ZKNKzCrJg4e2ZgG/s640/blogger-image--320455549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMaxbow8MD0TWe0fcmVBHluDJZK1DAJsv32hOzaOX2R3r2M-oyr_z5wUEM_OOGgKE0et-rgDnz_Co7pLACipwIIFc3V7ITgC2cZu5mNF9OeRU03mDgJG1HU-OSX5HK_ZKNKzCrJg4e2ZgG/s640/blogger-image--320455549.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There seems to be no limit to the design of stunning sailing ships. This gorgeous lady was waiting for the finishing touch just north of Savannah.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCi8axzQuLP7mUDDJoLKd1O6_GhAYKkCViqgUG4gA5WbOc0grp6xaufTiznoQV-mAN_FQUt6jRimrNafiemCISEJbYcn4f9P2jg-RpkojNtJcmxAeEU30R7-brS_9oXLC8JEINXi156ux/s640/blogger-image--513969003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCi8axzQuLP7mUDDJoLKd1O6_GhAYKkCViqgUG4gA5WbOc0grp6xaufTiznoQV-mAN_FQUt6jRimrNafiemCISEJbYcn4f9P2jg-RpkojNtJcmxAeEU30R7-brS_9oXLC8JEINXi156ux/s640/blogger-image--513969003.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We never seem to leave crab pots far behind us in our travels. It has just become part of our navigation strategies. Traveling the ICW is a little easier than open water, because they are usually placed just outside of the channel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGDsS-ykWRDqXhCB2283fs2hdICeWjsS8MxExuF-OXNIg9PBwHV0wIzt39_zi1Yz78TZJ4nDSiSuADi_dDTAJBiSviPjWKYUBa07JrWw04RWSB_ieq6Rh8HGqQ-1BzPCHKuTK30lP2KU1/s640/blogger-image-795729513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGDsS-ykWRDqXhCB2283fs2hdICeWjsS8MxExuF-OXNIg9PBwHV0wIzt39_zi1Yz78TZJ4nDSiSuADi_dDTAJBiSviPjWKYUBa07JrWw04RWSB_ieq6Rh8HGqQ-1BzPCHKuTK30lP2KU1/s640/blogger-image-795729513.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Even though the Sam Varnedog Bascule bridge would have had enough clearance for <i>Bama</i> <i>Dream</i>, it had to be opened for the sailboats ahead of us.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJLl0x6QTYx_CpzoL1ga4dGWll-O2WxwUAi64nWDDN-zjjQxO0PwaUj40VMtLPcWEVCkIB2S_dDxGJ41ZLBXE-m-0kRNzwYL9-Aln9vPm4Z0NGvHMpbFlY9jKMsy4sRfAMVZE6x9dXRuv/s640/blogger-image-477855788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJLl0x6QTYx_CpzoL1ga4dGWll-O2WxwUAi64nWDDN-zjjQxO0PwaUj40VMtLPcWEVCkIB2S_dDxGJ41ZLBXE-m-0kRNzwYL9-Aln9vPm4Z0NGvHMpbFlY9jKMsy4sRfAMVZE6x9dXRuv/s640/blogger-image-477855788.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Finally back with our traveling buddies, Roger and Mary on <i>TaTa. </i>We<i> </i>anchored in the harbor at Hilton Head. Then we stretched our legs with a nice walk and found the perfect spot to enjoy Happy Hour. Had a great evening catching up on cruising stories and beating the guys 2 out of 3 at Euchre.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU6pi5tha3PBDiNsti5Ay_VWJnz_F6zsu8Vga87QEqmEa_ZvqGUjyg9MwCpG1PSBW6EvvufItO-KqKaiRblExvd8iJ0QNoo8A_Gc-7MPigob5qMOcxCLpJyd70h6ZUv0KC49jM8NOvI0YV/s640/blogger-image-1292094879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU6pi5tha3PBDiNsti5Ay_VWJnz_F6zsu8Vga87QEqmEa_ZvqGUjyg9MwCpG1PSBW6EvvufItO-KqKaiRblExvd8iJ0QNoo8A_Gc-7MPigob5qMOcxCLpJyd70h6ZUv0KC49jM8NOvI0YV/s640/blogger-image-1292094879.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Sunrise means it is time to pull anchor and continue our journey north. Dolphins greeted us as they swam by our boat in their search for breakfast. Our next stop, Beaufort, SC.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgqfe0qurdz3zq4bOqmRIhEv7BwcFz0bd46qRbOUgnVwO5Q_ojmeOW-Rc1cqTpI9kph34fIfPPmP-vrhXb2lpKIvotSTyVsZJywFQO1TqxI7KOV61kLb2zILg5Vw_iTtaBD-Esn6y1dNC/s640/blogger-image--1225305078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgqfe0qurdz3zq4bOqmRIhEv7BwcFz0bd46qRbOUgnVwO5Q_ojmeOW-Rc1cqTpI9kph34fIfPPmP-vrhXb2lpKIvotSTyVsZJywFQO1TqxI7KOV61kLb2zILg5Vw_iTtaBD-Esn6y1dNC/s640/blogger-image--1225305078.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>If you are ever in Beaufort, make sure you find a place called The Fillin' Station. We were fortunate to be here on a Tuesday night when they serve crab legs for $12.00. They do have a very limited menu, one item each evening, Tuesday through Friday. Don't go there if you are in a hurry. Plan on at least two hours, but with a few drinks and wonderful friends to share stories with, who is in a hurry anyway? Terry and Donna pulled into Lady's Island Marina as we were headed for shore and they invited us to join them.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2oS8m7WLhGqPNd951r6HfKxM8hpyqLmT-pJu6VYuFoBjp96w9KbbWABst0Mpp1H7_q_SKlOapaAyoHZIcL8tTLxVChKf81jWUq5XBh_xTqgWyUMINfif7MCecEptoxxYoaZBY8wPy0mP/s640/blogger-image-771860337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2oS8m7WLhGqPNd951r6HfKxM8hpyqLmT-pJu6VYuFoBjp96w9KbbWABst0Mpp1H7_q_SKlOapaAyoHZIcL8tTLxVChKf81jWUq5XBh_xTqgWyUMINfif7MCecEptoxxYoaZBY8wPy0mP/s640/blogger-image-771860337.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I think Jess has found his new favorite place. Roger and Mary joined us after they had made a quick tour of the historical area of Beaufort. What a wonderful evening!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzEWcXaq0ItFxdfl5MZUsnodVVczqhBRuiqzL1lh6HkC0Sb2pzuUqAM0DS0T3UDb84jKnuNUkKXfvsiZckgPsAj-VZEE-4-G5Dep6bJ43RoQ4GdtFs1c_fWAUQmPGQAZiRZMZoQv_fBXew/s640/blogger-image-2132637664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzEWcXaq0ItFxdfl5MZUsnodVVczqhBRuiqzL1lh6HkC0Sb2pzuUqAM0DS0T3UDb84jKnuNUkKXfvsiZckgPsAj-VZEE-4-G5Dep6bJ43RoQ4GdtFs1c_fWAUQmPGQAZiRZMZoQv_fBXew/s640/blogger-image-2132637664.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Time to put the dinghy up in preparation of a long Dayan the water. We have experienced quite a bit of rain lately, so before we could lift her, Jess had to do a little bailing. We had planned to spend our day touring Beaufort, but the weather prediction was not favorable, so we decided to continue north.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vUuU0gl6eoDa3lZMVuIxTyYVQvXaFqsuXFmbLoLGEGKloQ8Qw7v75q-OEzykRtIMeD-OcvJm9zns9UyEjCeKkfSWnkRZ5nsNXmS8G3rblyHc9FkHwqcfz4GnW01kYeYph7WMe14mrMh2/s640/blogger-image-797857403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vUuU0gl6eoDa3lZMVuIxTyYVQvXaFqsuXFmbLoLGEGKloQ8Qw7v75q-OEzykRtIMeD-OcvJm9zns9UyEjCeKkfSWnkRZ5nsNXmS8G3rblyHc9FkHwqcfz4GnW01kYeYph7WMe14mrMh2/s640/blogger-image-797857403.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The black clouds threatened most of the day. For a short time they did a sight more than threaten, but we persevered and finally put in at a nice anchorage in Church Creek. Around rain storms Jess managed to cook us a great meal and Mary and I won two more games of Euchre. We are on a roll.</div><div> </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1kjchpK8UDF_NYiXMKvQBC1eomKfEqGGQg7LCJnySU0Q-n3XUbFphCF76IJuvdQx84kUw-n4sKH0KG-wWBFqP3QFnw4Y05xPKhF-G4j9LyH6O3585SgJne_s0xjs9a4PXqHlsn0seUFbP/s640/blogger-image-1222239706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1kjchpK8UDF_NYiXMKvQBC1eomKfEqGGQg7LCJnySU0Q-n3XUbFphCF76IJuvdQx84kUw-n4sKH0KG-wWBFqP3QFnw4Y05xPKhF-G4j9LyH6O3585SgJne_s0xjs9a4PXqHlsn0seUFbP/s640/blogger-image-1222239706.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The current was strong in the cut as we were coming into Charleston. Luckily it was going our way. We saw speeds of 11mph! Wow, hold onto your hat!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuwbyiozxQI3pK01pKiBO_22zrBBcWxZ-Kn8yuO3V-5kQhvtKoYFu74zt08JeNQixcl69d67UZzLULR6-n6_2Ohyphenhyphen2FeePjLpKePXy-7HK8VK78FYYSebKeDDqGkRocWmWJ6xObIpeOfsfp/s640/blogger-image--832740370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuwbyiozxQI3pK01pKiBO_22zrBBcWxZ-Kn8yuO3V-5kQhvtKoYFu74zt08JeNQixcl69d67UZzLULR6-n6_2Ohyphenhyphen2FeePjLpKePXy-7HK8VK78FYYSebKeDDqGkRocWmWJ6xObIpeOfsfp/s640/blogger-image--832740370.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The aircraft carrier USS Yorktown is docked in the harbor here for visitors to tour. We saw more commercial traffic here than any of the other ports we have visited. Our choice of marinas was fantastic for our short stay, because of its proximity to downtown Charleston. Can't say that it was the best choice for ease of docking though. We stayed at Charleston Maritime Marina which is great except for the strong current getting in and out of the docks. The story of leaving here will wait for another time.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNtexG5WS08pjRVUClblcyIXblLZpANBB-dPitfJgB9M4KgwVeEFgUsrGF0N4ycZswimT3jarWWaZZ5Nj8kbyI3NkEABCQtCldt4brtwxAspqBsA0PDE7TJWVDwaHzHlx95R8DaUq12Ks6/s640/blogger-image-1347583914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNtexG5WS08pjRVUClblcyIXblLZpANBB-dPitfJgB9M4KgwVeEFgUsrGF0N4ycZswimT3jarWWaZZ5Nj8kbyI3NkEABCQtCldt4brtwxAspqBsA0PDE7TJWVDwaHzHlx95R8DaUq12Ks6/s640/blogger-image-1347583914.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The Second Presbyterian Church founded in 1809. This is just one of the many stately structures we found as we enjoyed walking around Charleston.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxqoRB9m96VoHdtQ3_F6K8F-_tDU6c2-mPDvYrBt45yOy1Ub2uQt90KHzBM9QrVbTUZYyqz-YjZMpSefGpul05vsG_5Qbb1VawdxkHHWKnJkO4SaYEcR8jZFH7kvnSRtf_PflVfj6TbkyK/s640/blogger-image--302281079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxqoRB9m96VoHdtQ3_F6K8F-_tDU6c2-mPDvYrBt45yOy1Ub2uQt90KHzBM9QrVbTUZYyqz-YjZMpSefGpul05vsG_5Qbb1VawdxkHHWKnJkO4SaYEcR8jZFH7kvnSRtf_PflVfj6TbkyK/s640/blogger-image--302281079.jpg"></a></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Charleston City Market provides the perfect spot for local artisans to sell their creations. Making baskets out of seagrass is a craft that has been kept alive by local craftsmen. We also found dried okra that is absolutely amazing! Wish I knew where to get more.</div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglgKS7Z5yZ-EPU0wrXnTiF0Mp_6XGvDH46MEXrjJTgQz4ef9VIhwRu2kSomARlj9wCmx6xYsU94r39rlJ47zs27tbuWA9LMMIOcm9vmVMR2G1p3j0ucg10kLT8yE4ihBh_K0muHgHw7jbX/s640/blogger-image-1597793682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglgKS7Z5yZ-EPU0wrXnTiF0Mp_6XGvDH46MEXrjJTgQz4ef9VIhwRu2kSomARlj9wCmx6xYsU94r39rlJ47zs27tbuWA9LMMIOcm9vmVMR2G1p3j0ucg10kLT8yE4ihBh_K0muHgHw7jbX/s640/blogger-image-1597793682.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Time for a short break to rehydrate. Southern Brewery & Smokehouse provided us with a nice snack and a drink as we sat outside tourist watching.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9ikkMH0cMcHot57ugjLSVVfbUYZts8HG9Bz6ZxU9zRF9goDxso8NS42mlREip66HkB8gEHiQ81iIUQQmBsYQwpElrtf_pLGUDTaibpaSYZptFK6D8gCMu_QJ1NbOStwJZyYzR36ZK187/s640/blogger-image-1427160052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9ikkMH0cMcHot57ugjLSVVfbUYZts8HG9Bz6ZxU9zRF9goDxso8NS42mlREip66HkB8gEHiQ81iIUQQmBsYQwpElrtf_pLGUDTaibpaSYZptFK6D8gCMu_QJ1NbOStwJZyYzR36ZK187/s640/blogger-image-1427160052.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Rainbow Row is a famous spot on the tour of Charleston. Very pretty street close to the waterfront.</div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3z9f9EEXqsMLVDbMZ2iV00V6fO_H3FwVWYW6rVNcOGuK0Ase5yYofKSRkvGVpyqcixzjzzjsBnqDyC2zjb1xbBU6mpYym9caJ9oGaI2wDBf3yF3ITWxD43JPuAOeT46dZzN3otiAfid7n/s640/blogger-image--110788667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3z9f9EEXqsMLVDbMZ2iV00V6fO_H3FwVWYW6rVNcOGuK0Ase5yYofKSRkvGVpyqcixzjzzjsBnqDyC2zjb1xbBU6mpYym9caJ9oGaI2wDBf3yF3ITWxD43JPuAOeT46dZzN3otiAfid7n/s640/blogger-image--110788667.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div>Jess was not behaving while we were trying to get this shot by the fountain on the waterfront.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Need somebody good with photoshop to take out the guy walking by behind us. Oh well, the day was fantastic and the fountain was beautiful.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjz8ihMJmLIgXyPr0ar5LxukAGHqcuDMn86i7boLvBLjLqZX02YuviDoX8tOfg6Xlo_jDLvgxVvNTQ5Wb9fBL2w7l1WbJoyiyPNy3jiIcCwDBsbz8XmnYsoc63wx5To8WpGtYfdFLCm0Eh/s640/blogger-image--1260994661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjz8ihMJmLIgXyPr0ar5LxukAGHqcuDMn86i7boLvBLjLqZX02YuviDoX8tOfg6Xlo_jDLvgxVvNTQ5Wb9fBL2w7l1WbJoyiyPNy3jiIcCwDBsbz8XmnYsoc63wx5To8WpGtYfdFLCm0Eh/s640/blogger-image--1260994661.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Roger and Mary do better with selfies than we do. Neither Jess nor my arms are long enough to get the camera far enough away from our faces.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAytS4NOP7tI6rm5ifVnG8pCV6ly5OU3yy4WGwSVyQo-8CtDkcm7hQb3qYsq2fahpc61T2FFnXTf7AdLOdGfdifGsHKdAy2t3LG-t08-y-Y0GhIuX71y2Cs-C7cATLG0ahNKy608XK7-U8/s640/blogger-image-2098486302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAytS4NOP7tI6rm5ifVnG8pCV6ly5OU3yy4WGwSVyQo-8CtDkcm7hQb3qYsq2fahpc61T2FFnXTf7AdLOdGfdifGsHKdAy2t3LG-t08-y-Y0GhIuX71y2Cs-C7cATLG0ahNKy608XK7-U8/s640/blogger-image-2098486302.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">One more night and it is time to say good-bye to Roger and Mary again. They will finish the loop when they get back to Canada so they are not in any hurry to head north. We still have a long way to go!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div>Linda and Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417081628587029110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439761904960438927.post-19324038148449692882015-04-25T08:43:00.001-07:002015-11-02T22:00:58.967-08:00St. John's River<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>April 14-22<div><br></div><div>Days 154-162</div><div><br></div><div>Our third side trip has certainly had its high and low points. Beginning our trip into the river at Jacksonville, meant that we had at least two days of travel before getting into the smaller waters that we were looking forward to. Jess and I were both hoping to catch a few fish, as well as see some wildlife. Our patience paid off as we continued south. An excursion up Black Creek provided everything we could ask for. There were alligators basking in the sunshine, birds, turtles, and yes even a few of the blackest bass we had ever caught. Life is good! Our trip then took us past some quiet riverside communities as we headed towards Lake George. The lake is famous for its bass fishing, but with just our dinghy to fish out off it proved to be way too much water for us. We did enjoy the crystal clear waters provided by one of the several natural springs that feed into the St. John's. Continuing our journey southward we finally reached our goal of Blue Springs State Park. This spring is the winter home of hundreds of manatees, which, unfortunately, we were too late to see. We were able to see huge gar that are evidently not in as much of a hurry to leave these beautiful warm waters as the manatee were. Our trip down the St. John's was certainly worth the time spent. The sights and sounds along the way have given us many lasting memories; osprey and eagles catching fish for their numerous fledglings, large black turtles, so many alligators we lost count, fish jumping everywhere, the chorus of frogs, bugs, and birds to go to sleep with and wake up with everyday, sunsets and sunrises painting stunning pictures across the water, and absolutely no snakes (at least that we saw).</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9pClPwTm5TgzbU8mUGK7zYBTckw4t2HTKMPPbUPHv1kHalOdgAveBjc4WahgmgAUvFaKSRsVfGrqvSlU4Me302TQn8ixVBw6AjrkkBlVEALbfn03T8SOmaXcamWEoYX_oT52Rg2DgORHW/s640/blogger-image--1094239593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9pClPwTm5TgzbU8mUGK7zYBTckw4t2HTKMPPbUPHv1kHalOdgAveBjc4WahgmgAUvFaKSRsVfGrqvSlU4Me302TQn8ixVBw6AjrkkBlVEALbfn03T8SOmaXcamWEoYX_oT52Rg2DgORHW/s640/blogger-image--1094239593.jpg"></a></div> </div><div>Our first stop was in Julington Creek so that we could take a dinghy ride to Clark's Fish Camp. This is certainly a very unique restaurant in what appears to be the middle of nowhere (at least by boat). The food was excellent, but what makes the place stand out is its decor. I don't know where they all came from, but there are stuffed animals from all over the world hanging from the ceiling and in every corner. It actually was kind of creepy. Sort of like being in a zoo of dead animals.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxacuz5rumU15Hvo9mNU6T_tmXPC6PovXH1m6nBT5pHcy2smusrIQ586RG7CRIzfYhwoy7MiFjIl1WZpKSyUWeg7b9FqdLqjEfxEAct09vnl2VFPJRUN5QNgAvPkCbzvMTyT0QG4gx3Oa/s640/blogger-image-1436764071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxacuz5rumU15Hvo9mNU6T_tmXPC6PovXH1m6nBT5pHcy2smusrIQ586RG7CRIzfYhwoy7MiFjIl1WZpKSyUWeg7b9FqdLqjEfxEAct09vnl2VFPJRUN5QNgAvPkCbzvMTyT0QG4gx3Oa/s640/blogger-image-1436764071.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The ride up Black Creek gave us a taste of what we had hoped to find as we traveled down the St. John's. We spent two days here enjoying the scenery, wildlife and fishing. After spending two months in the Bahamas catching unfamiliar fish, it sure was nice to hook into a bass again.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPHrejDRlH-nPlKEjCnDNdXwzLW3nLuG2Bn_ScwHnGJsK0-M-pXr5_99a3a1-ywikGAOlePgB0NWP5Vb0Zrm7xJsx8Tr96Ne_jo_0fNqmGPXkX2ZijWUeN9Q9zsJSdff5DA3z_UD-9JFhQ/s640/blogger-image-1268489516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPHrejDRlH-nPlKEjCnDNdXwzLW3nLuG2Bn_ScwHnGJsK0-M-pXr5_99a3a1-ywikGAOlePgB0NWP5Vb0Zrm7xJsx8Tr96Ne_jo_0fNqmGPXkX2ZijWUeN9Q9zsJSdff5DA3z_UD-9JFhQ/s640/blogger-image-1268489516.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Jess was thrilled to pull this beauty in. We had had several hits, but were not managing to set our hooks. Guess we were a little out of practice.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aWYTU5feZD_2bdmdcImbKoSUXVZ7lavB3ShFE0dzcHZAwhlMjcU1HkaCSN4ICVh9AF889uZceO3t_OhJtBljSQipY-SsJZRNdhEqG9AFWZXfdIZUOtKDcGrzMO-CRJFKTBP2xBTTxwQI/s640/blogger-image--1585511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aWYTU5feZD_2bdmdcImbKoSUXVZ7lavB3ShFE0dzcHZAwhlMjcU1HkaCSN4ICVh9AF889uZceO3t_OhJtBljSQipY-SsJZRNdhEqG9AFWZXfdIZUOtKDcGrzMO-CRJFKTBP2xBTTxwQI/s640/blogger-image--1585511.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Not a stunning sunset, but <i>Bama</i> <i>Dream</i> sure looks peaceful here on this quiet stretch of Black Creek. Just a short time later it wasn't so quiet when all of the night creatures started making themselves known.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6exCMEBZ5RJ2nwaTcxB_ziM3BTsAAbquEQF-fthwTmqP7gccX0crIduqfOnl7PDCBvgpCXeioWEXLaXdXwyOb9bUONWbQ_Qay04vyLK4l2vl-fXxuGvVHvUGtxc6k2jsUP1UivustCmkv/s640/blogger-image--1640014982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6exCMEBZ5RJ2nwaTcxB_ziM3BTsAAbquEQF-fthwTmqP7gccX0crIduqfOnl7PDCBvgpCXeioWEXLaXdXwyOb9bUONWbQ_Qay04vyLK4l2vl-fXxuGvVHvUGtxc6k2jsUP1UivustCmkv/s640/blogger-image--1640014982.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Great way to celebrate my birthday. It was such a beautiful morning we went fishing early and then Jess cooked our breakfast. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxuk7oJEtwQaontk4JtieXw0eQgTCRY56U8wkiFhEeX4m1GcmJwzlIKSccSrQ4p3AlWtlJo52H-_0xebw8Gqat-WG_Mg1QdIXT6o2dDiVMvqXBiwqxGuvCV-L0HPKVVy9e4wJeD35b4ttQ/s640/blogger-image-96950991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxuk7oJEtwQaontk4JtieXw0eQgTCRY56U8wkiFhEeX4m1GcmJwzlIKSccSrQ4p3AlWtlJo52H-_0xebw8Gqat-WG_Mg1QdIXT6o2dDiVMvqXBiwqxGuvCV-L0HPKVVy9e4wJeD35b4ttQ/s640/blogger-image-96950991.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We dropped anchor at Green Cove Springs to spend a few hours tending to the necessities. Ate breakfast at Hardee's, picked up a few things at Dollar General and Advance Auto Parts. Realized it may be our last chance to get propane for awhile, so Jess went back to the boat for our tanks and the trusty wagon. Then it was a 2 mile walk to Walgreen's to swap tanks, and a 2 mile walk back.</div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPJLkD57Pl7Nr-0sc8UHCOuMDRt72FRv2vhQ3cu_2m5uytmktgL9bktiV1aSRhHrwxiUJLgzDPG7vkiCFZGrIQJtECHzsi5mRDAvmSn-zmYSJiIR8urx_u-5vjxp1hZD3u2aC4dWlyBwU/s640/blogger-image--1058028493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPJLkD57Pl7Nr-0sc8UHCOuMDRt72FRv2vhQ3cu_2m5uytmktgL9bktiV1aSRhHrwxiUJLgzDPG7vkiCFZGrIQJtECHzsi5mRDAvmSn-zmYSJiIR8urx_u-5vjxp1hZD3u2aC4dWlyBwU/s640/blogger-image--1058028493.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Just about every day marker is topped with an osprey nest. These two were just as interested in us, as I was in them. Unfortunately, I couldn't believe how close they let us get, so I forgot to keep taking pictures. Could have gotten a really good shot. These waters must be full of fish to support the number of osprey and eagles that call the St. John's home.</div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ynmb4IDD5uj50F1Jd7AeOR8unzV04tV-j95fxyTgk3RQgmxWPb2EfAv_PKUNi1q8goiFDsgXHnBm98Fund3fQnXJ52A2ZyzApvNTpX3ikN_GGQGbZ4DgC4weWUTbiTW3zSr3fCorsxyK/s640/blogger-image-737987485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ynmb4IDD5uj50F1Jd7AeOR8unzV04tV-j95fxyTgk3RQgmxWPb2EfAv_PKUNi1q8goiFDsgXHnBm98Fund3fQnXJ52A2ZyzApvNTpX3ikN_GGQGbZ4DgC4weWUTbiTW3zSr3fCorsxyK/s640/blogger-image-737987485.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>A breathtaking sunrise over Lake George. Fish were jumping all around us until the sun rose above the horizon. That must have been their signal to calm down for the day.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0h18Yqq-Vy8-AOPme7gZ-ZyYbGe3pS3tOniIkSevZ5fwOMdQdWtM3gLMY_tWRUkJ_IzidYWfRgj2znB_kJqJl0l8c5I6mDj9bwAGNgt5Ib8jrFmzWZR-RzuUuEagszsAY-mrpqngoDoS/s640/blogger-image--1336479781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0h18Yqq-Vy8-AOPme7gZ-ZyYbGe3pS3tOniIkSevZ5fwOMdQdWtM3gLMY_tWRUkJ_IzidYWfRgj2znB_kJqJl0l8c5I6mDj9bwAGNgt5Ib8jrFmzWZR-RzuUuEagszsAY-mrpqngoDoS/s640/blogger-image--1336479781.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>If you look very closely you will see the only alligator I managed to catch in a picture. By the time I spotted them and grabbed my phone they would go under. The dark area just right of middle is his wake, and the white speck just below the tree line is his head. Good luck with that!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJ24VnQNxPaIs8MpAQllBDHAYuFe_jKTnv9O54JgARTxRHDAg_h9GbAFlAuAZ8A-40Z_oNO57hQONsW3UTawLrOD-YStWOu_iBcPaZ1zbpzj6lxBIUIxY5RW-8SuPJnIvnb333ZcTdvcF/s640/blogger-image-874991561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJ24VnQNxPaIs8MpAQllBDHAYuFe_jKTnv9O54JgARTxRHDAg_h9GbAFlAuAZ8A-40Z_oNO57hQONsW3UTawLrOD-YStWOu_iBcPaZ1zbpzj6lxBIUIxY5RW-8SuPJnIvnb333ZcTdvcF/s640/blogger-image-874991561.jpg"></a></div></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Due to the sparkling clear water of Blue Springs the large gar are easy to see. This is a beautiful park, providing a nice setting for kayakers and canoers. During the winter months many manatee come here to enjoy the warm water. They had already departed for their summer homes, so we will have to make a point of returning here another time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87NIE364x-dps80j4JIgm-9oECb0cD2324SOc1uT2zofkAqzcrpTsLq3BhOte_qyd5AL0KGBPaZ4ioX_VBEetexdHwxf8dgTjy5Qr5yFSDt-zo9wGtopQekiy26SaBTA-xvGeb8xr55iT/s640/blogger-image-175200013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87NIE364x-dps80j4JIgm-9oECb0cD2324SOc1uT2zofkAqzcrpTsLq3BhOte_qyd5AL0KGBPaZ4ioX_VBEetexdHwxf8dgTjy5Qr5yFSDt-zo9wGtopQekiy26SaBTA-xvGeb8xr55iT/s640/blogger-image-175200013.jpg"></a></div></div></div></div><br></div>The dark line in the center of the picture is the entrance to the spring. Blue Springs produces over 100 million gallons of clear, fresh, 72 degree water each day. Certified cave divers are allowed to enter the caverns, and swimmers can enjoy the pool when the manatees are no longer in residence.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qTGMoeaGFOJgk8j6kvIE98c-ANl76P2fPZuGpdsF7Xpefl0q6dmVcY8AyLN_0vJf-1GZHUcRhVDdYijuMdMb0zT9At-ieTeivb6aIGnO9b57ZXTy3PT1bA9niHl2f8cWJOchA_jtRO0k/s640/blogger-image-1836027941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qTGMoeaGFOJgk8j6kvIE98c-ANl76P2fPZuGpdsF7Xpefl0q6dmVcY8AyLN_0vJf-1GZHUcRhVDdYijuMdMb0zT9At-ieTeivb6aIGnO9b57ZXTy3PT1bA9niHl2f8cWJOchA_jtRO0k/s640/blogger-image-1836027941.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Those of you who have been following our travels since the beginning, know that we were caught in a fierce storm when we went through Decatur in October. Well, it happened again! Just as we were entering Lake George headed north, the bottom fell out, the wind blew, and the waves slapped against our bow. Seasoned boaters that we have become, we stayed our coarse and finally made it across the lake no worse for wear. We were very happy to tuck in behind Hog Island for a quiet night on anchor.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp1_WW2-B2OwGlmUGjcsocrJD-kVGAUUQUW7nQAl_lS4tPD56q_IzHcizzCqeMzBwD-jeAWQ79tz6FFQDmUh6siqeWXe8FIlLALKAC_kuRTqZQXWNztxCr9EBz9CfL5wHG7yECLzE0-ku6/s640/blogger-image-406418714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp1_WW2-B2OwGlmUGjcsocrJD-kVGAUUQUW7nQAl_lS4tPD56q_IzHcizzCqeMzBwD-jeAWQ79tz6FFQDmUh6siqeWXe8FIlLALKAC_kuRTqZQXWNztxCr9EBz9CfL5wHG7yECLzE0-ku6/s640/blogger-image-406418714.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>After surviving the storm, we felt blessed to enjoy this lovely sunrise. Finding perfect anchorages is definitely not a problem on the St. John's.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX-8wsYEiWdCIbz7VMApMlnW-ot9J-lNH12JuyLpX8zXYvIJ-kHKotfKG_Kiyy_nCYr2-JzkXmcigj2ZioiDIUg7ONCE4_7lWQ0IW2jgY7m9Q7VemhqeVQoPFc71RqnlN1XzNTGxi5oy1C/s640/blogger-image-953391108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX-8wsYEiWdCIbz7VMApMlnW-ot9J-lNH12JuyLpX8zXYvIJ-kHKotfKG_Kiyy_nCYr2-JzkXmcigj2ZioiDIUg7ONCE4_7lWQ0IW2jgY7m9Q7VemhqeVQoPFc71RqnlN1XzNTGxi5oy1C/s640/blogger-image-953391108.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There are several railroad bridges along the river that stay open for boat traffic, unless there is a train coming. We did have a few bridges that we had to have opened, but the guys controlling them were always very nice and quick to accommodate us.</div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP29KwJISHMsa2jQLhTcZA930OeW7IXu6YXSCP_5MUptH7ufSpRkhREvj-Ltpr8qwjP0GwEU2jhfITwoHeJdN_kASiS4rvxlDKV0jzOSHxReU8YQVi5k7jN1laNeRW0dDpYJeYwULUB67c/s640/blogger-image--518665116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP29KwJISHMsa2jQLhTcZA930OeW7IXu6YXSCP_5MUptH7ufSpRkhREvj-Ltpr8qwjP0GwEU2jhfITwoHeJdN_kASiS4rvxlDKV0jzOSHxReU8YQVi5k7jN1laNeRW0dDpYJeYwULUB67c/s640/blogger-image--518665116.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Not sure that I would want to have a nuclear power plant in my back yard, but there are several of them located in this area of Florida. Guess it is kind of like the trash dump. We all need them, but nobody wants them in their neighborhood.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-P6ZlqKZaPJCqTjbdFfCY9kV3zec8CQYlyKj6puvbh55Ii6B9Uv5UWWlilcNeyn2bqOCQvQSkmujifhqIJ0V1jEIftj-SPqR6LLqCBd5aiy0bVZdaA5vwGtAvey0DZ5n8s5DODYfuvGet/s640/blogger-image-2087096203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-P6ZlqKZaPJCqTjbdFfCY9kV3zec8CQYlyKj6puvbh55Ii6B9Uv5UWWlilcNeyn2bqOCQvQSkmujifhqIJ0V1jEIftj-SPqR6LLqCBd5aiy0bVZdaA5vwGtAvey0DZ5n8s5DODYfuvGet/s640/blogger-image-2087096203.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Finally got close enough to a manatee to get a picture. These two big guys were foraging around the dock at Outback Crab Shack. They didn't hang around long, so this was my best shot.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQXiMp2ctlr2xTvgxTm_D-vkfXuR7zvMinr3jLkn7GSU-m_Tdj2magabl6vI2C-k1KvA9_xc3ENi-IwU1hdgCtalHEwFjazgic2_hpMmO-DZH05hWUW2U5qPtbJ-cb-AZo0wS2WT_SiiC/s640/blogger-image--875867438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQXiMp2ctlr2xTvgxTm_D-vkfXuR7zvMinr3jLkn7GSU-m_Tdj2magabl6vI2C-k1KvA9_xc3ENi-IwU1hdgCtalHEwFjazgic2_hpMmO-DZH05hWUW2U5qPtbJ-cb-AZo0wS2WT_SiiC/s640/blogger-image--875867438.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Our final night on the St. John's found us anchored in Six Mile Creek so that we could make the trip up to the Outback Crab Shack. We shared a bar-b-que platter that had so much on it that we took half of it back to the boat. Another interesting, out of the way experience.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmPj-Fj0IhfzH_YitEgfQiX_cKh34fUxqFLOfc9VaQwXyMk_YhwvpVXlXoI5CZWBshoPvpnEZGaXkSJzN4SiCY7GkzX2J9a032KIhU4iZlyNcHmTo6AFAwPvYqkSpWOi34sC2uGL0vkQq/s640/blogger-image--674335234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmPj-Fj0IhfzH_YitEgfQiX_cKh34fUxqFLOfc9VaQwXyMk_YhwvpVXlXoI5CZWBshoPvpnEZGaXkSJzN4SiCY7GkzX2J9a032KIhU4iZlyNcHmTo6AFAwPvYqkSpWOi34sC2uGL0vkQq/s640/blogger-image--674335234.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Had to take the opportunity for one more morning of fishing before heading for Jacksonville. Jess was showing off here. He threw his line into a tree and as it is dangling over the water he says to me, "Watch this". Sure enough this gar grabbed his lure and into the trees we went. Luckily for Jess, the gar fell off just as he was trying to figure out how he was going to get him unhooked (they have teeth).</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdIHQcyvnj_cMPNba1BPqpHP5ppIP8l6CKzbGRSBWVQf9G50_0I9v8Ir70x7pLF3oD_TCDpgnwZCz32_pyfKFZxkQaVCvpBO28L3r8BKZ2vze7j4m9TT_vK28n9qRNjqbmSHtjBc5nNqj/s640/blogger-image-1369519529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdIHQcyvnj_cMPNba1BPqpHP5ppIP8l6CKzbGRSBWVQf9G50_0I9v8Ir70x7pLF3oD_TCDpgnwZCz32_pyfKFZxkQaVCvpBO28L3r8BKZ2vze7j4m9TT_vK28n9qRNjqbmSHtjBc5nNqj/s640/blogger-image-1369519529.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The wind picked up, which makes fishing out of the dinghy rather difficult, so we decided to take nice ride up Trout Creek before weighing anchor. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0WcDYIUazIxB4WRR7hBaQpz0ACwZcLJUZqbbuboODsAHP2cFOQ2vSOxFV2W8Z6Vu0WBaYXrlDcqaboJL5yV4zDRK9DYwtUtI95VcpwCFunfdQxUQtOv5_XRWTqMmQOms2MXkjrasJo4S/s640/blogger-image--1308835877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0WcDYIUazIxB4WRR7hBaQpz0ACwZcLJUZqbbuboODsAHP2cFOQ2vSOxFV2W8Z6Vu0WBaYXrlDcqaboJL5yV4zDRK9DYwtUtI95VcpwCFunfdQxUQtOv5_XRWTqMmQOms2MXkjrasJo4S/s640/blogger-image--1308835877.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>The sun was shining brightly, encouraging the turtles to find their favorite logs. We hated to say good-bye to the St. John's, but it is well past time to start making tracks north.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYK4tBgJaNH51Yvl4SWlU-Jbu3qGXk0ReDUScxXi9b6QU8MmCDWzv25tlbXYchj2bh_wV6jU9c4cYAYItOggveg06OE9AvIuvV8G_V5EVJSnhggy_6nRQr50Qu0f8uu1UIFLkO3vukEt-p/s640/blogger-image--815393727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYK4tBgJaNH51Yvl4SWlU-Jbu3qGXk0ReDUScxXi9b6QU8MmCDWzv25tlbXYchj2bh_wV6jU9c4cYAYItOggveg06OE9AvIuvV8G_V5EVJSnhggy_6nRQr50Qu0f8uu1UIFLkO3vukEt-p/s640/blogger-image--815393727.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Jess did a fantastic job fighting a very strong current as we pulled up to the dock at Jacksonville Landing. We are tied up just past the bridge. It seemed to be a great spot, little did we know that the city had determined that the bridge needed some work. Of course that means they closed it in the evening, and worked on it right outside our bedroom window all night long. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZAYqf3n-V2_0vmFnjSU2J826iDOJ8HKddAGIqZ943jeS4kHvTVNMCPFktDRDVD5-GDyNCeDn3tgdXdBkBeiEu1jjCB-pEXikJNYmvcM1wKsbei6touQYGHjTw4SjRe9XymAmRhJEWpJWN/s640/blogger-image--620438006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZAYqf3n-V2_0vmFnjSU2J826iDOJ8HKddAGIqZ943jeS4kHvTVNMCPFktDRDVD5-GDyNCeDn3tgdXdBkBeiEu1jjCB-pEXikJNYmvcM1wKsbei6touQYGHjTw4SjRe9XymAmRhJEWpJWN/s640/blogger-image--620438006.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The riverfront in Jacksonville is certainly colorful after dark. We went for a nice walk, then checked out the wide variety of restaurants available before settling on Chicago Pizza. The pizza was very good, but the main reason we stopped there was that the Braves were on TV. That was the first time we had been able to watch part of a game.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxSzCsainT9r22X3SvxUH5wLWVF0erpWSeWRuYSfJdB1lJKWZvnc6iYxdvEfeV_sRs1c68povBxBBwxykkkqtC1cexZJ8ekXVdDRFroWssOlSmIj3Ng4h4dATHCPZnIBeVZ4j0AhzlUVzE/s640/blogger-image--1912160425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxSzCsainT9r22X3SvxUH5wLWVF0erpWSeWRuYSfJdB1lJKWZvnc6iYxdvEfeV_sRs1c68povBxBBwxykkkqtC1cexZJ8ekXVdDRFroWssOlSmIj3Ng4h4dATHCPZnIBeVZ4j0AhzlUVzE/s640/blogger-image--1912160425.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The dolphins came out to meet us as we prepared to return to the ICW. I don't think we will ever get to the point that we are not thrilled when they decide to ride our wake.</div>Linda and Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417081628587029110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439761904960438927.post-14275435342971904212015-04-17T18:58:00.001-07:002015-11-02T22:01:05.404-08:00Palm Coast to JacksonvilleApril 10-14<div><br></div><div>Days 150-154</div><div><br></div><div>Our arrival back at Palm Coast Marina early Friday morning means we have just one more day on our car rental, with lots of stuff to get done. Jess needs to get the oil changed in the engines so that he can take the old oil to Advance Auto for proper disposal. We also need to make a trip to Publix for groceries. Everything gets accomplished with time to spare, which means we have time for one last ride up the coast and a nice supper out before we find ourselves back on foot. By Monday morning we are ready to hit the road (water) to continue our trip towards Jacksonville, where we will leave the ICW for another side trip down the St. John's River. The calendar is starting to worry us just a little. Days are flying by and we still have so many places that we want to visit along our way north. Knowing that we need to be cruising by the Statue of Liberty early in June is starting to put a bit of pressure on us. At our top speed it is rather difficult to hurry too much. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFbXpcryu27Fh0F_jh8Q0ryXnZ_ochQnav2nh8Qci9XPqNVacUzIgejqCVDcA3rNMbZlkLvaIsq1UVMkUVJlOsp94KyV3dyoJhiHb6Mihy3o7Hg2pz67IIenDfsg743zLVFRTpYUIyGM0/s640/blogger-image--1262856561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFbXpcryu27Fh0F_jh8Q0ryXnZ_ochQnav2nh8Qci9XPqNVacUzIgejqCVDcA3rNMbZlkLvaIsq1UVMkUVJlOsp94KyV3dyoJhiHb6Mihy3o7Hg2pz67IIenDfsg743zLVFRTpYUIyGM0/s640/blogger-image--1262856561.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>A nice walk along the beach near Marineland, before having a good meal at the Oasis Restaurant in St. Augustine. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYi7E8oRj-RDgsHCt8ywFWyXmQJ9_SDqNWKmbpboX1lXSyntRy96QmsbxdhvmsEdhhP9gcWcmG0FCDbju6v7pImbkZ2rB9342WR6MbWx9Ni4HJ6V3TjGQBsFJ389NAUkZy0jTaGryMKVZq/s640/blogger-image-1749809141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYi7E8oRj-RDgsHCt8ywFWyXmQJ9_SDqNWKmbpboX1lXSyntRy96QmsbxdhvmsEdhhP9gcWcmG0FCDbju6v7pImbkZ2rB9342WR6MbWx9Ni4HJ6V3TjGQBsFJ389NAUkZy0jTaGryMKVZq/s640/blogger-image-1749809141.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>After our trip back to north Alabama last week, I have been a little disappointed in the beauty of springtime in Florida. The many flowering trees that always signal the end of winter in Alabama just don't exist here. Other than the trees getting a little greener there is not a lot happening here to herald the coming spring. I guess the many blooming flowers that we have enjoyed all winter make up for some of this difference.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs98t2O1qbQc7glBKFf_6vZy3bVMmGVQiifrFk2O9DGDLrAS0wF5DAgm1MS72qZ6mikFMaUrTDOR4rRSQ5Cy0k1mxLcYvBAtER3BvLX2YxZt9A-Nc6siRwQtu_O_3egry-PHequRO8hHix/s640/blogger-image-219383576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs98t2O1qbQc7glBKFf_6vZy3bVMmGVQiifrFk2O9DGDLrAS0wF5DAgm1MS72qZ6mikFMaUrTDOR4rRSQ5Cy0k1mxLcYvBAtER3BvLX2YxZt9A-Nc6siRwQtu_O_3egry-PHequRO8hHix/s640/blogger-image-219383576.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>There are miles and miles of walking trails in Palm Coast. We were able to enjoy this beautiful walk along the ICW on Sunday morning. If you look closely you will see one of the many squirrels that live here perched in the crook of the tree branches. He was very entertaining as he tried to get our attention, obviously looking for a handout. The squirrels came out onto the walkway to greet us all along the way, someone is definitely carrying peanuts in their pockets.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOWT5GjtWAUmMrv3TXcEH7bZxsaeH_zlGPxy2gb1xKzNkyQtBapmwZOrIFdAXJvIH5x49fsdFepzSRPJm1rtZHZYv692ad2E1FPELUrXmLb1RIs828D9H3gdIEKuaj-q7tci1WHKejPy8Y/s640/blogger-image--1229956938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOWT5GjtWAUmMrv3TXcEH7bZxsaeH_zlGPxy2gb1xKzNkyQtBapmwZOrIFdAXJvIH5x49fsdFepzSRPJm1rtZHZYv692ad2E1FPELUrXmLb1RIs828D9H3gdIEKuaj-q7tci1WHKejPy8Y/s640/blogger-image--1229956938.jpg"></a></div></div><br></div><div>One of the best things about Florida that we have found, is their concern for providing wonderful walking trails so that everyone can enjoy being outdoors. Getting a little exercise is no problem when we are able to enjoy this beautiful scenery.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbktwEb5irfodhpvpOeRADGt7u47OpqMuUizGRHI77OdkW7cvjcLlHn_IdlE4uf0O38-Mgez6yYo8lIRX4Ynf1uQWYxmoRbIddDrCftG0VMslWn5J1Lg2tj_eoW9WXZT7JuF7zfBSUOUW/s640/blogger-image--557587203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbktwEb5irfodhpvpOeRADGt7u47OpqMuUizGRHI77OdkW7cvjcLlHn_IdlE4uf0O38-Mgez6yYo8lIRX4Ynf1uQWYxmoRbIddDrCftG0VMslWn5J1Lg2tj_eoW9WXZT7JuF7zfBSUOUW/s640/blogger-image--557587203.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>This big guy moored in St. Augustine's harbor makes me realize how lucky I am to be making this trip in the 21st century. I know for a fact I don't want to climb that rigging!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_fHGqi9iRHDxSCgb9MPk_LfNjoCs_9hBehcj6a7OtWpoOZ6t3FWKBG9MD9l8zgOpa3XDazz4n7ynJAGWW6EXasy5OVexoLuu8vI_HpbbSU1eGPaUeMHP_GcSRJ6V08NdKZZuMl6Jysnsg/s640/blogger-image--1583406869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_fHGqi9iRHDxSCgb9MPk_LfNjoCs_9hBehcj6a7OtWpoOZ6t3FWKBG9MD9l8zgOpa3XDazz4n7ynJAGWW6EXasy5OVexoLuu8vI_HpbbSU1eGPaUeMHP_GcSRJ6V08NdKZZuMl6Jysnsg/s640/blogger-image--1583406869.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>This is the stunning Bridge of Lions in St. Augustine. We obviously could not see the lions from our perspective. Sometimes traveling on the water gives us views that landlubbers don't see and sometimes it is the other way around.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE86QmA7DuZxf8GF6rx5yz4zVApQxbZ3YPhaQBTnPVVNlTzPP1p2T-goWh2uMQtzVIfRmC3fDFJEBnV32lQJjGSTHD8qflqYENzkm8udDRBOrhTGBnchtd45Uh0QHeY6PwSIASFgfSTPne/s640/blogger-image--558755366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE86QmA7DuZxf8GF6rx5yz4zVApQxbZ3YPhaQBTnPVVNlTzPP1p2T-goWh2uMQtzVIfRmC3fDFJEBnV32lQJjGSTHD8qflqYENzkm8udDRBOrhTGBnchtd45Uh0QHeY6PwSIASFgfSTPne/s640/blogger-image--558755366.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We were experiencing one of many rain showers as we cruised by the fort at St. Augustine.</div><div>As Jess and I have both visited this area before, and we are anxious to get to the St. John's River, we decided to save another tour of the city for our next trip to Florida.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_T0YZscbcSJKXRQRaMxP9MRNdJJu1LYsdGPYFpokx9tHm2bLzu2RGGCSq0Euhzl4CwUbmywCeKjkzHBmZ2Odn2QRb0_plCZQbzDGcHUVqF3mGtKHaxwRQpNr6eg6tC21bIuxqURJeO7h/s640/blogger-image-1595672426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_T0YZscbcSJKXRQRaMxP9MRNdJJu1LYsdGPYFpokx9tHm2bLzu2RGGCSq0Euhzl4CwUbmywCeKjkzHBmZ2Odn2QRb0_plCZQbzDGcHUVqF3mGtKHaxwRQpNr6eg6tC21bIuxqURJeO7h/s640/blogger-image-1595672426.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>According to our charts this anchorage would provide us with a 4 mile nature walk. If it exists we didn't exactly find it, but we did have a nice walk through the marshes. We found thousands of tiny crabs, a few birds, and lots of bugs. We actually didn't know how many bugs we found until the next day, when Jess started itching! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2d-4JM66pMEfhNaxKlZawoMIDHnmmRU6pzg6l0zkiFCEbHZtxuapbUEdZTdWrLZYX2LYiM-X6pWLlvnxiI5Omh4_vQeAFeIlqeyKilk6Vi4la3a_lbC-zMcYKVxCUnGK7bNm8jEcfMUlf/s640/blogger-image-308444730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2d-4JM66pMEfhNaxKlZawoMIDHnmmRU6pzg6l0zkiFCEbHZtxuapbUEdZTdWrLZYX2LYiM-X6pWLlvnxiI5Omh4_vQeAFeIlqeyKilk6Vi4la3a_lbC-zMcYKVxCUnGK7bNm8jEcfMUlf/s640/blogger-image-308444730.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This mega yacht building facility is located where the ICW enters the St. John's River east of Jacksonville. I don't think they have our next boat ready for us to pick up, so we will just keep trolling along. The St. John's run south to north with quite a bit of current, so we are having a nice opportunity for sightseeing as we are only moving at about 6 mph.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwW7FDb_RYAUsBHU_DkVTAYho_olTKPwqjRyl1GsVdkKRzzOylTM9CYVNkZG2thmMzPaeCI4Zam4VA4tL72HsPSdGEQ2uNQ9dQPYUPGakBwSy5q1nUsyp62ZDK_B7UdT4qeoHx7IQRv9ve/s640/blogger-image-883081505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwW7FDb_RYAUsBHU_DkVTAYho_olTKPwqjRyl1GsVdkKRzzOylTM9CYVNkZG2thmMzPaeCI4Zam4VA4tL72HsPSdGEQ2uNQ9dQPYUPGakBwSy5q1nUsyp62ZDK_B7UdT4qeoHx7IQRv9ve/s640/blogger-image-883081505.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is the Napoleon Bonaparte Bridge, the first of many as we travel past Jacksonville. The only reason I could think of for naming it after him, was its comparison to a the hat that he wore. There is a lot of commercial traffic along the riverfront. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxClIAbA1nud5MPP5EMhwuqXAVm2J6nu5cW7N5TsakFTp1EpAPW2AwBsh6rDlcIRBJPISBCS5bVull3hRSpntVBXrN5ZLbwRND6KDVWT48k4GtuIDaQH0vf_bDD6c8AybibQ3ey_-Nq9F7/s640/blogger-image--2045762060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxClIAbA1nud5MPP5EMhwuqXAVm2J6nu5cW7N5TsakFTp1EpAPW2AwBsh6rDlcIRBJPISBCS5bVull3hRSpntVBXrN5ZLbwRND6KDVWT48k4GtuIDaQH0vf_bDD6c8AybibQ3ey_-Nq9F7/s640/blogger-image--2045762060.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This transport ship was unloading new Toyotas. They must have had at least 30 people driving them down the ramp, as fast as they were unloading them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtovnu9CU7U2Ey5_KJuuytyM_oKSlNUExNe5cQPSvsaa183vhOjAqhvK8h5k1eNGiwsqWRkewyTH6KR2VoLLz8wCDvulKnZU-XeLm14hObpE-M1WyIx2osKzkLDdyEdAilKguGb5alGUPR/s640/blogger-image-405420186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtovnu9CU7U2Ey5_KJuuytyM_oKSlNUExNe5cQPSvsaa183vhOjAqhvK8h5k1eNGiwsqWRkewyTH6KR2VoLLz8wCDvulKnZU-XeLm14hObpE-M1WyIx2osKzkLDdyEdAilKguGb5alGUPR/s640/blogger-image-405420186.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The waterfront area of Jacksonville is very pretty. This picture shows the copper color of the water. The water is actually clear, but it is so dark that you can't see into it.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZgd_dZYFnUInBAMjooluSfQmVYzYI6TTwWwmQuPepwS8k5mA03dv1p9vXqtKFWfTSZT5PkWN1jcmkB4A1lEHS075c4l5Rryev74V5RZYC6nzAJBgRoifZ8O07-8opfv1seYx0U68xsxJ8/s640/blogger-image-452329703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZgd_dZYFnUInBAMjooluSfQmVYzYI6TTwWwmQuPepwS8k5mA03dv1p9vXqtKFWfTSZT5PkWN1jcmkB4A1lEHS075c4l5Rryev74V5RZYC6nzAJBgRoifZ8O07-8opfv1seYx0U68xsxJ8/s640/blogger-image-452329703.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is Jacksonville Landing. They provide a free dock for boaters to enjoy the entertainment along the riverfront. Jess says we are going to stop here on our way back so that we can eat at Hooters. Will let you know how that works out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div>Linda and Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417081628587029110noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439761904960438927.post-49389849319993074852015-04-12T13:16:00.001-07:002015-11-02T22:01:11.409-08:00Family Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">March 29-April 9</span></div><div><br></div><div>Days 138-149</div><div><br></div><div>Jess and I have decided it is time to make a road trip for a visit with our family. Celebrating Easter has always been special for us, so the timing is perfect for a big "get together". We also need to take care of a few things like: making sure we have done what we need to do to get signed up for Medicare (yes, we both turn 65 in April), finalize our taxes (thanks Lori for squeezing us into your extremely busy schedule), and Jess needs to renew his driver's license (didn't realize that would be the most difficult task to accomplish). With our rather small rental car packed and ready to head for our first stop, Acworth, GA, we left <i>Bama</i> <i>Dream</i> in her snug berth at Palm Coast Marina. After spending so much time cruising at top speeds of about 8.5 mph, 70 is flying low. Our plans were to visit a couple of days with our youngest and her family in Georgia, then head on over to Alabama where our sons and their families live. Then on our way back to Palm Coast we planned to take a side trip to Pensacola to see Clare and her family. Everything went as planned until we were traveling by Tallahassee on our trip back to the boat. An emergency appendectomy sent us on the road back to Trussville to help with our youngest grandchild while her mother tended to our son. I am not sure you can call our trip to see everyone a vacation or not, since we seem to be on a permanent vacation, but it sure felt like one. We loved seeing everyone, but are ready to continue our adventures.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRDjynbWvVIjRCv2Jm6p5Sac9yIXXOaBPSoCMdSHXzCArt7UzCvyfUsQyzdtiQdQhHjs_Wvi0s7K_kCWmLLqGZMCXcCzmusSt1gK4z_DYaaBpkN55YRZPg-CgpFsSdn5vJC4WlD_GNFard/s640/blogger-image--845695124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRDjynbWvVIjRCv2Jm6p5Sac9yIXXOaBPSoCMdSHXzCArt7UzCvyfUsQyzdtiQdQhHjs_Wvi0s7K_kCWmLLqGZMCXcCzmusSt1gK4z_DYaaBpkN55YRZPg-CgpFsSdn5vJC4WlD_GNFard/s640/blogger-image--845695124.jpg"></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Giffin may be preparing for a career in highway engineering by the looks of what he has done to the Roulier back yard. Remembering how much his mom enjoyed playing in the mud when she was little just shows that he comes by it naturally.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRDjynbWvVIjRCv2Jm6p5Sac9yIXXOaBPSoCMdSHXzCArt7UzCvyfUsQyzdtiQdQhHjs_Wvi0s7K_kCWmLLqGZMCXcCzmusSt1gK4z_DYaaBpkN55YRZPg-CgpFsSdn5vJC4WlD_GNFard/s640/blogger-image--845695124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE-Dzv6yp7yqheKYG_uIoCRedp1V1l3_OEjXn91ZhZbOhFd6l9FGLrx2NVRVyxgVuAOMwsyVp_5EthPhnGb7WxMoqdT4lagJfLEaYsHXsBDVai4JX4ZkOuTD9JhJT7M5fql-yIoZZyaiUz/s640/blogger-image-1079399009.jpg"></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;">Another Roulier family project. Jess enjoyed giving Dave a hand with the roof rafters, as he continues the process of changing the boys play house into a chicken coop.</div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3glqxpoqyrziJFVXdFwgDDv-AUrB_zbpCw4tyoX7eGjFadtkn02TBF0CKLvikLtQDmwqNGNMHnLCj0sDnJgCW4UTT4XvDxyHmjc1ym9VsORgGnIspjs-hK1h_gwPNDGpd7s_mGHb1EP0G/s640/blogger-image--1125920402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3glqxpoqyrziJFVXdFwgDDv-AUrB_zbpCw4tyoX7eGjFadtkn02TBF0CKLvikLtQDmwqNGNMHnLCj0sDnJgCW4UTT4XvDxyHmjc1ym9VsORgGnIspjs-hK1h_gwPNDGpd7s_mGHb1EP0G/s640/blogger-image--1125920402.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;">Had a wonderful time having lunch with Jordan and Betty Hock, Linda Robertson and my Tammy. Our trip home coincided with Spring Break which meant that only friends that had not planned trips of their own were able to get together for a short visit. </div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjROs98KmzG0NVYotrm7AKN7Y-EXmCSpRUnkU2oUIoQOsEXJGu-6whii0kEJn1fL59pzeH1c_i48xMe58HukbWTG23xD0VDRUvXCMAWAfk_WEYZmmrSk2nUxh47sn1gRjjRFQ0iQx9vHcTC/s640/blogger-image-1846990722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjROs98KmzG0NVYotrm7AKN7Y-EXmCSpRUnkU2oUIoQOsEXJGu-6whii0kEJn1fL59pzeH1c_i48xMe58HukbWTG23xD0VDRUvXCMAWAfk_WEYZmmrSk2nUxh47sn1gRjjRFQ0iQx9vHcTC/s640/blogger-image-1846990722.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Cahaba River flows behind the Trussville Springs development. Seth and Laura have just recently moved into their beautiful new home here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBf3sT6WajqtyqwTpyIfWdNg6hFJ8o4VWAC9MKPSzFRyOo5zTkekG0nKv1d4z3RAw7G-i7fdv6VS2e31ZNkXxDebF7MneKnS4suJ564snD6TXRRgNr5T5tci4uBFn4AMrzFG1Mn_BBWoV/s640/blogger-image--279120400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBf3sT6WajqtyqwTpyIfWdNg6hFJ8o4VWAC9MKPSzFRyOo5zTkekG0nKv1d4z3RAw7G-i7fdv6VS2e31ZNkXxDebF7MneKnS4suJ564snD6TXRRgNr5T5tci4uBFn4AMrzFG1Mn_BBWoV/s640/blogger-image--279120400.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;">The river bank is the perfect spot to enjoy the sunny afternoon. JayCee, Laura, and Seth keep Darci and Aaron from getting too wet as they have fun throwing rocks, just to see how big of a splash they can make.</div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKb48xAa1h4cyR5AZO7ZaqIMBiS_8HvmXc3rITq8BZ9F-LfKMA_wQLIpCofmFbfodbJbe8XAr5NjPt738K8QmwO896ukBdLKElHhf0TQEPDG5wNxMLUUSI1kM68AVIkhpfc_ArQuCdfjk1/s640/blogger-image--994585609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKb48xAa1h4cyR5AZO7ZaqIMBiS_8HvmXc3rITq8BZ9F-LfKMA_wQLIpCofmFbfodbJbe8XAr5NjPt738K8QmwO896ukBdLKElHhf0TQEPDG5wNxMLUUSI1kM68AVIkhpfc_ArQuCdfjk1/s640/blogger-image--994585609.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;">What a handsome couple! Our oldest, Wylie, and his lovely lady, Tammy.</div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMDzPA6UaeRiiU9BSt0tP15cZ5H-k3b19EFHZr_kxJm3siy2rQ2zFyq3eCUm4-iRcHZtrOF9SYtD5VVY4MAgb8mvfBs4OLDi45vWRzl-QwIIRY0dZ0KwtBqJJVHaFXcVdQc3ETZYKylsF9/s640/blogger-image-1086109850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMDzPA6UaeRiiU9BSt0tP15cZ5H-k3b19EFHZr_kxJm3siy2rQ2zFyq3eCUm4-iRcHZtrOF9SYtD5VVY4MAgb8mvfBs4OLDi45vWRzl-QwIIRY0dZ0KwtBqJJVHaFXcVdQc3ETZYKylsF9/s640/blogger-image-1086109850.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;">Everyone had a great time coloring the Easter eggs. Darci didn't have any trouble figuring out the process. Green seemed to be her favorite color, at least that was the color her hands and legs were by the time she was finished.</div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpoBqJYJKCv1hr7eFHlSU1eWp43fDjOhnH6_3AIw6_go14-FG94UDFRge-4MToJy3h6M9S1UNNAOVrM2f_6lw5Qv_RlLR4_hsBlLBeM91lcHLqrA5FLjQlIfdwhhYipCW1h8PSoR8VVh_/s640/blogger-image-2071642718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpoBqJYJKCv1hr7eFHlSU1eWp43fDjOhnH6_3AIw6_go14-FG94UDFRge-4MToJy3h6M9S1UNNAOVrM2f_6lw5Qv_RlLR4_hsBlLBeM91lcHLqrA5FLjQlIfdwhhYipCW1h8PSoR8VVh_/s640/blogger-image-2071642718.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;">It is amazing how tough a raw egg can be. Some of them rolled all the way out to the gravel path and still didn't break. The final results were a tie between the teams of Melinda and Brady and Jess and JayCee.</div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijrNX2juZ54aWmZ940iAy1mQv2SHPCid8wpFhSivJEkPBoa76XaLi9G41IOP3h99RLIrM4nUHxukEbuRLwIB5PYbOTRtB5dw6AOXm8EYmMbtPoUOFs67Eonhb0JqKg5YrQXvwaOl_Fgp-G/s640/blogger-image-499146444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijrNX2juZ54aWmZ940iAy1mQv2SHPCid8wpFhSivJEkPBoa76XaLi9G41IOP3h99RLIrM4nUHxukEbuRLwIB5PYbOTRtB5dw6AOXm8EYmMbtPoUOFs67Eonhb0JqKg5YrQXvwaOl_Fgp-G/s640/blogger-image-499146444.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;">Aaron gets the low down on the correct technique for blowing a dandelion from his Papa. He evidently can use a little more instruction, because he ended up with it stuck to his tongue.</div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWF2sg0WNFocz6uQ0iP4xiqa8W8qiOMPI7ixdMx9b1BbPIbTtyGmLsYWBNJXlIun2tet1V7BM9Gu9n7gFZQqKDXLzYhXuKtcXpQjhmko-AYYBmokBkUPEFeNFTC0R3gGL-gIEbkoK0ebCz/s640/blogger-image-226340277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWF2sg0WNFocz6uQ0iP4xiqa8W8qiOMPI7ixdMx9b1BbPIbTtyGmLsYWBNJXlIun2tet1V7BM9Gu9n7gFZQqKDXLzYhXuKtcXpQjhmko-AYYBmokBkUPEFeNFTC0R3gGL-gIEbkoK0ebCz/s640/blogger-image-226340277.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;">Time to chill in front of the TV for this group of worn out grandkids (including one great grandchild). A big meal, egg coloring, skipping rocks in the river and throwing raw eggs at each other can be very exhausting.</div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTVYVs1eGp9FveS3ZKtmR0qkg91FIIQ2uZMgX3gqIySKwbM12b8f-6SHSH4I7FwIfWwxg8bUGuM1aYnKHIo1dLHLSsPSt9_FKLJcvzrUk4_8VaYlikLTVOsfJx199QycmNJXYL1GGib6Q0/s640/blogger-image--1059313363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTVYVs1eGp9FveS3ZKtmR0qkg91FIIQ2uZMgX3gqIySKwbM12b8f-6SHSH4I7FwIfWwxg8bUGuM1aYnKHIo1dLHLSsPSt9_FKLJcvzrUk4_8VaYlikLTVOsfJx199QycmNJXYL1GGib6Q0/s640/blogger-image--1059313363.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Easter Bunny has arrived! Darci found lots of her favorites stuffed into her basket. Sixlets, Princess Sophia and a new puppy were the best.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZoCl6KDrpS3SdFSmaLTyWrYbPjmPfSRfCZpR0ukNkdXQ4UAN9qKRMxQgiLZ_VIALrV7UiC38g6SJpXGZjSZDcUQDsbZtR0UkE3LneerxkauPXCGDpKTIeYveSoAV_nkgbB29Xk0YETZGJ/s640/blogger-image--868692518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZoCl6KDrpS3SdFSmaLTyWrYbPjmPfSRfCZpR0ukNkdXQ4UAN9qKRMxQgiLZ_VIALrV7UiC38g6SJpXGZjSZDcUQDsbZtR0UkE3LneerxkauPXCGDpKTIeYveSoAV_nkgbB29Xk0YETZGJ/s640/blogger-image--868692518.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;">The Easter Bunny has done his job and now it is time for the race to begin. He is a smart bunny because he hid some just for Darci to find. Brady, Ethan and Griffin had no problem filling their own baskets.</div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIdzcCRE-aWoyjyLwlCmA_3x74dZbV4hlLYaUAvRK6QjzvtZUTBluSqm1K8WgzT7-c1Mlgu2oEz1q1tqMTpo7AKZpPJEEm9vexInNtnHRuHWj48ehFgEV5o0F3-seXvQOz-J8Q4gVxXrt/s640/blogger-image-1233013441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIdzcCRE-aWoyjyLwlCmA_3x74dZbV4hlLYaUAvRK6QjzvtZUTBluSqm1K8WgzT7-c1Mlgu2oEz1q1tqMTpo7AKZpPJEEm9vexInNtnHRuHWj48ehFgEV5o0F3-seXvQOz-J8Q4gVxXrt/s640/blogger-image-1233013441.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;">A bright gold egg for a very special little girl. Darci could have found more eggs, but when she discovered there was candy in some of them, she had to stop to open every one before she looked for more.</div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQR-5uxu1qLFGlFupZVPB5vcLRv1qfwuFu8ci9moPp2tDuo2p04U-KmH3upxAya2nR5OshRpah-tdbPDNVcdVLkzcFDO50RHSzWLnSsASVzH_fEp8nStWMo9iFoFssi0Y1fbc4kLD7Pllq/s640/blogger-image-2090515470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQR-5uxu1qLFGlFupZVPB5vcLRv1qfwuFu8ci9moPp2tDuo2p04U-KmH3upxAya2nR5OshRpah-tdbPDNVcdVLkzcFDO50RHSzWLnSsASVzH_fEp8nStWMo9iFoFssi0Y1fbc4kLD7Pllq/s640/blogger-image-2090515470.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;">Ethan gets his mom to help tally his eggs. Dave took on the all important job of totaling everybody's stash to determine how many eggs were still hidden away.</div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-niSs0XQYVj6DPuvVgNVRSpB6U2NWL8WoyDxyjDJghNB1jc-jl343r0Pg5e-Ke-PAinOCbDvvDzL1Pdp0dNASkpXb8JZhtFdzXrDV6-sZQr4ymqRRNrYv_ndQEzjwb0oYNrtrMkAW7Yh/s640/blogger-image-1117772707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-niSs0XQYVj6DPuvVgNVRSpB6U2NWL8WoyDxyjDJghNB1jc-jl343r0Pg5e-Ke-PAinOCbDvvDzL1Pdp0dNASkpXb8JZhtFdzXrDV6-sZQr4ymqRRNrYv_ndQEzjwb0oYNrtrMkAW7Yh/s640/blogger-image-1117772707.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Uncle Seth makes sure Brady has as much difficulty as possible when it is his turn to take a swing at the piñata. It didn't matter how many times he was spun around or how tightly he kept his eyes closed, his mighty swing destroyed the piñata, sending candy flying through the air.</div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9g5mcF5K_v1c-WKeFe5jZX4bmfYytOzJFU1CTDYZiSs4-I8wl9J_uM-4WZnRrxKBcB4wpLLRV8akrkyndJru1CzyOsTGKbtNMAy3pHpLd8ldHqPohEwP9BtuG-dj91kGQ3QhSEXHRhmS8/s640/blogger-image--544349799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9g5mcF5K_v1c-WKeFe5jZX4bmfYytOzJFU1CTDYZiSs4-I8wl9J_uM-4WZnRrxKBcB4wpLLRV8akrkyndJru1CzyOsTGKbtNMAy3pHpLd8ldHqPohEwP9BtuG-dj91kGQ3QhSEXHRhmS8/s640/blogger-image--544349799.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">What better way to bring a fun filled weekend to a close than a trip to he zoo.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZ7ufQgtkCdHtDURt7lyOhnss6Lgelr4KVmPDiPF8kal2_B0m3DCh7rruzMosEeGg6UFZtVcoYkYCsaiO-bAqm2xleVk1IwJe1o-dg5JfKFOXfi96OsmXT3oTU3QFO05EuI-gBMFNrqWe/s640/blogger-image-510120698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZ7ufQgtkCdHtDURt7lyOhnss6Lgelr4KVmPDiPF8kal2_B0m3DCh7rruzMosEeGg6UFZtVcoYkYCsaiO-bAqm2xleVk1IwJe1o-dg5JfKFOXfi96OsmXT3oTU3QFO05EuI-gBMFNrqWe/s640/blogger-image-510120698.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;">Easter Sunday was also Melinda's 40th birthday, Jess' 65th, and our 46th anniversary, so of course we wanted to top this fantastic day off with a great meal before Melinda and her family headed back to Acworth.</div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpWCtzwhFqSbt3fR6sZ4vSDMDwPQsVKF0x21sMBEC6bbg31Kbd6zyTf5tV2K54tJKZGgCO0MEAHEg3rKMqhEGliOKnZH5YMdGMV-VCP6W3ZmQEpQ15M0hp4huUqjLVm7cC65Rzo62B-Qb/s640/blogger-image--279049480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpWCtzwhFqSbt3fR6sZ4vSDMDwPQsVKF0x21sMBEC6bbg31Kbd6zyTf5tV2K54tJKZGgCO0MEAHEg3rKMqhEGliOKnZH5YMdGMV-VCP6W3ZmQEpQ15M0hp4huUqjLVm7cC65Rzo62B-Qb/s640/blogger-image--279049480.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our next stop was Pensacola, where we spent a wonderful evening with our daughter, Clare and her family, Noel, Moira, and Sellers. Demonstrating her culinary talents, <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Clare treated us to a delicious supper of garlic shrimp pasta with avocado salad.</span></div></div><br></div><br></div></div>Linda and Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417081628587029110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439761904960438927.post-11048847998563123082015-04-12T08:51:00.001-07:002015-11-02T22:01:17.629-08:00Beginning Our Trip North<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>March 22-28<div><br></div><div>Days 131-137</div><div><br></div><div>It may be difficult to believe, but it has taken us awhile to get back into the groove of traveling in the ICW. Life is sure different on the east coast of Florida than it is in the Bahamas. Instead of finding quiet anchorages on secluded beaches, we find ourselves tucking up to shore beside bridges as we stop for the night. Our need to reprovision and notify U.S. Customs of our return, sent us into the municipal marina at Ft. Pierce. What a wonderful facility this is. The city of Ft. Pierce has done an amazing job renovating the waterfront district. The park provides the perfect setting for the many different events scheduled throughout the year. Unfortunately, we were a week late for the Seafood Festival, but we did enjoy some great music during the week long Jazz event. The one problem we had here (getting to a grocery store) was solved by some very nice boaters I met at the laundromat. They very graciously offered us the loan of their car so that we could make a trip to Publix and Walgreen's. Jim and Mimi on <i>Perfect</i> <i>Balance</i> stopped at the marina to fuel up, giving us a chance to catch up on their travels, as we had not heard from them since our crossing to Bimini. They were in a little hurry to move on northward in order to see a NASA launch scheduled for the 25th. What a fantastic opportunity! Time to leave the marina to continue our travels.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ipWmfLli1CUcrtsBPIEEruvCViC-SPsPFYcBnoaUZX3X9BKr1EDhIkKjMbPMUFmAd5Fj5dbPl6SkufSIpmrCFPndL5BV9IjeMT5nsvO9qu-MU49IgsT_P0lipxgfmrmLBCc34ybRKUCT/s640/blogger-image--1344268936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ipWmfLli1CUcrtsBPIEEruvCViC-SPsPFYcBnoaUZX3X9BKr1EDhIkKjMbPMUFmAd5Fj5dbPl6SkufSIpmrCFPndL5BV9IjeMT5nsvO9qu-MU49IgsT_P0lipxgfmrmLBCc34ybRKUCT/s640/blogger-image--1344268936.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Arriving in the very busy Stuart inlet on a Saturday afternoon was probably not the best timing for our entry back in the states. There were fishermen and pleasure boasters zipping all around us as they were making the most of a beautiful day on the water. We hadn't dealt with this many fast moving boats in a very long time.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwa0OEB63MdWSTkhdIVfnG-v5uYoaE_tRrDnKees_A-TxrOoce2NzQ0Y10jwVN3vPtCk5OGaIBHVHEN1bOhyphenhyphennwyaNcjtfq9aSmTfX8vzQKN9jVJe058JMQydM09xM3waOi9bCEW5GTzqNK/s640/blogger-image--1295091710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwa0OEB63MdWSTkhdIVfnG-v5uYoaE_tRrDnKees_A-TxrOoce2NzQ0Y10jwVN3vPtCk5OGaIBHVHEN1bOhyphenhyphennwyaNcjtfq9aSmTfX8vzQKN9jVJe058JMQydM09xM3waOi9bCEW5GTzqNK/s640/blogger-image--1295091710.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Traffic along the ICW is still quite busy as we search for an anchorage after a long day of blue water.</div><div>No quiet sandy beaches here! We spent the night anchored near a park on the north side of the bridge.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTwnDYaTilB9sHCNrZhwfobS7Wod8BRpEQEmVssw24Eu4Pco_xQoJqe_zBydrohYdJCzI0yGV1_uKaz9GOhx8dPdLF351ZGHRIjjJEcnQvNpqa9-3K5i0JXDZTyZswhwsa4TLE-Ov2dEQy/s640/blogger-image-1453495081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTwnDYaTilB9sHCNrZhwfobS7Wod8BRpEQEmVssw24Eu4Pco_xQoJqe_zBydrohYdJCzI0yGV1_uKaz9GOhx8dPdLF351ZGHRIjjJEcnQvNpqa9-3K5i0JXDZTyZswhwsa4TLE-Ov2dEQy/s640/blogger-image-1453495081.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>What a nice way to start the day. The heavy fog kept us socked in until midmorning. A little disconcerting because I had already called in our arrival to Customs and was told we had to appear at the office in Ft. Pierce by this afternoon. Luckily the fog lifted and we were able to arrive in plenty of time.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZI8Korr7wU4nDUGEnbE-pibh0HOeIBeZR2RXfmA-MZLz88BmLN1hCLlJErdqXdndYBwgUpoxuRdKaurNPdHPaaRrYn_xgb39PODcCkIB31oCZ2a9PZyI_wWZ1VkgsfUC_UNPTtMo-KBy/s640/blogger-image-1854845072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZI8Korr7wU4nDUGEnbE-pibh0HOeIBeZR2RXfmA-MZLz88BmLN1hCLlJErdqXdndYBwgUpoxuRdKaurNPdHPaaRrYn_xgb39PODcCkIB31oCZ2a9PZyI_wWZ1VkgsfUC_UNPTtMo-KBy/s640/blogger-image-1854845072.jpg"></a></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">One of the many Jazz bands that entertained huge crowds in the waterfront park during the week.</div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFu-250crqTo3NJYMOnfJYjcJE0JYOSb4WFsFd7yBiHVD9k6aEB-hgT1WDFXozyiLRWKciGY7sgW3I50KfW8CtWZs_3B2jbqPzNK_mZ7i7JWlvZFsEfzFVW0ckO6DSXR56FX2TMORFsUg8/s640/blogger-image-713593718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFu-250crqTo3NJYMOnfJYjcJE0JYOSb4WFsFd7yBiHVD9k6aEB-hgT1WDFXozyiLRWKciGY7sgW3I50KfW8CtWZs_3B2jbqPzNK_mZ7i7JWlvZFsEfzFVW0ckO6DSXR56FX2TMORFsUg8/s640/blogger-image-713593718.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After a hurricane hit Ft. Pierce hard a few years ago, much of the downtown area has been rebuilt. I thought this display was quite interesting. Hope the diver thinks twice before he jumps!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6SMKPt7nhcvzeQdGLM1xvnN28K7xscAAK5JxWdHKIoUA_bMf7L12q9LO_pgWzYvHmrKQQjjpHxuGZmEO76rU_lGyqNsNjRx0kaqo-JyJuOxIB-UjplGUK6dseMpQ1VYFF9db5dx8bocu2/s640/blogger-image--179378157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6SMKPt7nhcvzeQdGLM1xvnN28K7xscAAK5JxWdHKIoUA_bMf7L12q9LO_pgWzYvHmrKQQjjpHxuGZmEO76rU_lGyqNsNjRx0kaqo-JyJuOxIB-UjplGUK6dseMpQ1VYFF9db5dx8bocu2/s640/blogger-image--179378157.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Almost missed this one! This sunset was a painter's delight. Unfortunately the camera does not do it justice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisAeq4wb0GML6_IWMDL890ubvx8MEXUV3LtYLiZ6hmaoEueF_oJOt5zeLuo2L1bN7K1UeMT13aWWgrLvo0x-BXbFF0wcu46b8-9BNoElnI8lXVLLYypEAIbJiFFMyj7G0scbCXvq0EZEb-/s640/blogger-image--1935073427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisAeq4wb0GML6_IWMDL890ubvx8MEXUV3LtYLiZ6hmaoEueF_oJOt5zeLuo2L1bN7K1UeMT13aWWgrLvo0x-BXbFF0wcu46b8-9BNoElnI8lXVLLYypEAIbJiFFMyj7G0scbCXvq0EZEb-/s640/blogger-image--1935073427.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Was thrilled to view this NASA launch as we traveled up the ICW. The rocket was carrying technology that will improve the GPS system for people like us. I can't imagine how much more difficult this journey would be if we did not have GPS.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08L9wOfOGJ5KQo431gX-M2aB7a4OVCHGVcj7eECN7yfgHCkt8Q7Y0WCjBUxmLzvVBzuLR2c6DBLZhsc2BA1R6SkafBgaeABGQa0EkAIYbmGvTzvlvNOI2PhWneGwJX4si1CRYkhPJr06H/s640/blogger-image--1654041204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08L9wOfOGJ5KQo431gX-M2aB7a4OVCHGVcj7eECN7yfgHCkt8Q7Y0WCjBUxmLzvVBzuLR2c6DBLZhsc2BA1R6SkafBgaeABGQa0EkAIYbmGvTzvlvNOI2PhWneGwJX4si1CRYkhPJr06H/s640/blogger-image--1654041204.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This trench through the mangroves is a haven for manatees. Unfortunately, I am not quick enough with the camera to catch one in my lens. They surface so briefly that I only manage to get a picture of where they were.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1u7yuFlR0T3helWers7fKt4zBt5io8yxDsI4qgqDFAZCdqFBSp9V8ZN-5dMYNlxkOBYZj32d7c4zrQBN2Wgg3cCEmtgEFpNdPWp5hkZ0Pa_kKbGQS4W08jjUnEVXl3v2p0D4YCeEhWi2o/s640/blogger-image--1996006983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1u7yuFlR0T3helWers7fKt4zBt5io8yxDsI4qgqDFAZCdqFBSp9V8ZN-5dMYNlxkOBYZj32d7c4zrQBN2Wgg3cCEmtgEFpNdPWp5hkZ0Pa_kKbGQS4W08jjUnEVXl3v2p0D4YCeEhWi2o/s640/blogger-image--1996006983.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So glad to be back with the dolphins. We have had many of them swim with us since we have returned to the ICW.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJvmhJGVTTJPEQ-sBBPqtd9TwOBZPWSNz58vqxakgsREZLbkiVO-QuKukmjb_hBh2g36ddmJ7uDX1FPgRH9IVIfl9dXL-J4rUdBbCVK6-PgYrLi_KS3wdRLFKfNUlAmfjLvbRb2B0QuIGp/s640/blogger-image-1163305646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJvmhJGVTTJPEQ-sBBPqtd9TwOBZPWSNz58vqxakgsREZLbkiVO-QuKukmjb_hBh2g36ddmJ7uDX1FPgRH9IVIfl9dXL-J4rUdBbCVK6-PgYrLi_KS3wdRLFKfNUlAmfjLvbRb2B0QuIGp/s640/blogger-image-1163305646.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The scenery from our anchorages has changed. We hadn't seen a highrise since we left Nassau.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRv2fVVq_xaFy5ZK0fqHv781lp9f-Dv7xiph0PnwUQ1ozE83fimN1-BpRHYGYpj3_zrVT_A-ki2YJlDXvSLhwlbh0b3asCDhi3s_3pJsROcqbpU0t9eRDFEyXwnl_PhVyKUW2a2DgRKr-g/s640/blogger-image-1834822579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRv2fVVq_xaFy5ZK0fqHv781lp9f-Dv7xiph0PnwUQ1ozE83fimN1-BpRHYGYpj3_zrVT_A-ki2YJlDXvSLhwlbh0b3asCDhi3s_3pJsROcqbpU0t9eRDFEyXwnl_PhVyKUW2a2DgRKr-g/s640/blogger-image-1834822579.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I don't think it was really necessary, but obviously the duck in front of us felt like he needed to wait for the bridge to open too. He seriously swam around right in front of us until the bridge opened completely, then he turned and headed up stream.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBbDS-8Q3unGpNTM40thTksMDfLbxPuKYivpzk2LBIfTO53GVneIRelJe1DBuCEFtMWovQH_cW291ge0htNGLrVrMiUG4G1vtzMVKWXu5o4C6_ekBd7w2sI469ig4Zj3_ItAj-q1qijnA/s640/blogger-image--1185127767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBbDS-8Q3unGpNTM40thTksMDfLbxPuKYivpzk2LBIfTO53GVneIRelJe1DBuCEFtMWovQH_cW291ge0htNGLrVrMiUG4G1vtzMVKWXu5o4C6_ekBd7w2sI469ig4Zj3_ItAj-q1qijnA/s640/blogger-image--1185127767.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The European Village is a unique area that provides great opportunities for guests at Palm Coast Marina to enjoy a variety of really good restaurants within walking distance. It may have been just a little too convenient. Jess and I enjoyed dinner here 3 times while we were at Palm Coast. Actually, other than the fact that the grocery store is a little too far from the marina, we really enjoyed our stay here. The city has done a great job providing miles and miles of walking trails.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizITDrdeJ2qUuPOy2Eqol3O8u-dJDTvHsrSEH6R5F8FNb1uMeg7W87ixOHLcUHhsraxqy9qCuRPEPKluNXN5ImfHRFEid69t19fSvYfknBu4Ne73YvljBWpj6LEdZBsDfk_w_q2SlkzMwV/s640/blogger-image-1151602867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizITDrdeJ2qUuPOy2Eqol3O8u-dJDTvHsrSEH6R5F8FNb1uMeg7W87ixOHLcUHhsraxqy9qCuRPEPKluNXN5ImfHRFEid69t19fSvYfknBu4Ne73YvljBWpj6LEdZBsDfk_w_q2SlkzMwV/s640/blogger-image-1151602867.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>So happy to catch up with George and Martha on <i>Aunt</i> <i>Aggie</i>. We first met them at the Rendezvous in October and again for a fun evening in Columbus, MS. Making new friends is the best part of this trip! They hailed us as they passed by our anchorage in the morning, letting us know that they would be stopping at Palm Coast for the night. We pulled in behind them and of course made dinner plans right away.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMLyHz4RV9sXbHMbRg_XbepxC7KQX20jr6s0aMjPuc0zKjhryR1Qo_VK1Qvd7C_acs9iAUb1OEEtSnMU6NcvFWH78_3c2yNIDBzM6ywfVmhuk9jO7sd4qLLeLhnNC682L4LvEtUYc0qd1F/s640/blogger-image-26863589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMLyHz4RV9sXbHMbRg_XbepxC7KQX20jr6s0aMjPuc0zKjhryR1Qo_VK1Qvd7C_acs9iAUb1OEEtSnMU6NcvFWH78_3c2yNIDBzM6ywfVmhuk9jO7sd4qLLeLhnNC682L4LvEtUYc0qd1F/s640/blogger-image-26863589.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Had to share a picture of the best taco salad I have ever had. Loved the sun dried tomato shell.</div><br></div>Linda and Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417081628587029110noreply@blogger.com0