Feel like I've been trapped in a whirlwind for the last few days.... We finished the loop and pulled into Polestar...where my pleas for shade and being close to laundry were met with staunch resistance. It was hot hotter hottest on that long wall...gravel and asphalt every where...not good for puppy paws... so plans were made!

I rented a car...Dakota got groomed...Floyd did serious grocery shopping! Workers showed up and started those boat projects...and I headed back to Kansas. We think this is a pretty smart move..once projects are completed, Floyd and Dakota will move the boat to Grafton where they will have shade(!!!), grass, pool, laundry and restaurant ....slip rental is much cheaper in Grafton than in Chicago (which was my original planned point of departure)....plus we are thinking river traffic will ramp up over Fourth of July week...so why fight it?? For now, I'm planning to return on Thursday, June 30th...spend the weekend hanging in Grafton...then we'll head north on the 5th..

Things have worked well so far!! After several miscues, I finally got out of St Charles and arrived safe and sound at Mom's...after she finishes her bridge session this afternoon, we'll head to Wichita. We plan to camp at my daughter's to maximize time with those little ones...and my list of things to accomplish just keeps getting longer! Major issue is for me to find suitable attire for that September wedding...mother of the groom is probably least important. In the whole wedding party..but requires some new items!! And I'll sleep better knowing it is under control!!

Boat projects were completed...and Floyd and Dakota somehow managed to get to Grafton yesterday without my assistance (there goes my job security...I've been temporarily outsourced)....Floyd announced that laundry was done...so now I'm a bit worried about him staying out of trouble...but he assures me that without my influence he'll be just fine!!

Sunday..June 19...

Without shades, that sun comes up and wakes you pretty darn early...dog ashore...anchor up...we are underway before 6.... It's much cooler then...and today is gonna be another hot one. We thought we'd escape the heat of the Midwest ...HA!! That didn't work so well.

In an almost magical moment, we passed a tow pushing 15 barges...WAYNE P. LAGRANGE... The same tow we had encountered in 2011 as we headed from Polestar to Green Turtle Bay....he was behind us most of that day and was quite chatty...we pulled off to anchor for the night ...then the next morning as we pulled back into the Mississippi channel, there he was again...loaded and heading the other direction. His comment then was, " didn't think you'd ever get up"... Obviously he'd been busy...anyway, today's Captain was just as chatty...and ,of course , had no recall of that incident...very well was a different Captain....but Floyd and I were amazed that on the day we would "close our loop" , we would encounter him again....gave me goosebumps!!

It's Sunday...and Father's Day...lots of boats on the water....the last four miles on the Illinois River and the turn up the Mississippi was almost as rocky rolly as NYC harbor. Boaters, jet skis, tows, ferry and fisherman...seems all area dads had but one request for the day...be on the boat!!!

1:45 PM....on that rocky rolly Mississippi...someone ventured out to the fore deck... Straddled the bow pulpit and anchor to install our new platinum looper flag....we didn't have our crew/photographer this time...and Internet coverage here is just a step above crappy...so photos are few....maybe later....but glory hallelujah WHAT A TRIP!!  And that platinum flag is georgeous ....you sure don't see many of those. We know lots of loopers and wanna-be loopers....and several gold loopers (folks who've actually finished a loop). Floyd and I have only met three platinum loopers...folks who've finished more than one loop.... Anyway...TUMBLEWEED has been great to us...and we've certainly enjoyed this lifestyle...we look forward to more fun time cruising....more about all that later...

For now, we have made a couple of grand decisions...slip rental is cheaper here than in Chicago...and I have the itch to get home....so Floyd and Dakota will stay in St Charles (really close to St. Louis) to supervise those boat repairs and do a few maintainance chores... I'm renting a car and headed home to check on Mom and play with grand kids. Oh, and find something suitable to wear to that September Wedding....

All  those worries for naught!!  Saturday June 18....Floyd was up and called the Lagrange lock at 4AM... And wonder of wonders, they answered...were most helpful and friendly ...yes, there's a great anchorage with sandy beach just a mile down stream. So Dakota and I slept in...and quick walk to the Dollar General  for bread and a few groceries...we left Tall Timbers right on schedule....and hot four hour ride to that lock. Guess what?? It was open...wickets down...we drove right through...and sure enough, about a mi let down stream , just off the channel was a little beach. We had no trouble setting anchor...dinghy worked just like it should and Dakota worked just like he should. A couple of tows went by and assured us that we'd be fine anchoring there. Leftovers for supper ...and we were done in. We did fire up the generator and run air conditioners to cool things off a bit. But it was windows open and fans spinning. It was warm but certainly not uncomfortable. If any other tows went by in the night, you couldn't prove it by us, we slept like rocks! We knew Mother Nature would wake us early...and we had 80 miles to get to Grafton...then turn up the Mississippi a couple of miles to reach Polestar Marina. It's gonna be the best Father's Day ....we'll finish this loop!

IVY to Tall Timbers...Friday, June 17...

Left around 7 AM... First and only lock today was ten miles out....waited two hours for our lock down! What the Heck?? It was only a three foot drop...took them forever to move folks through! We made great time after that....river current is pushing so we got an extra couple of MPH...we thought we be at Havana around 3 and we got here at 1:30... Even with that delay! It's a quaint little marina...Floyd and I opted to have a quick cheeseburger and beer ...then Dakota and I walked to town...seems someone (me) forgot to bring birthday cards...and young son number one is having one of those. So up hill...both ways...to get a card in the mail but he is worth it! A Small group of boaters from Peoria pulled in around 2:30....very nice. Of course, they fell in love with Dakota...so we were up past our bedtime chatting with them. (No drinking was involved...right??) we are all drinkers with a boating problem.

We are worried about the next 120 miles to a marina at Grafton...one lock...no marinas...and we are struggling to find a place to anchor where we can get Dakota to shore....and you know, dog's gotta do their business!! We don't think we can make Grafton in one day....but the thought is we should try...the key to us making it before dark is the lock. Say prayers!! We depart at 5ish....

The other fear is the trip back...120 miles with current helping vs 120 against a current...Floyd is thinking we may have to board the dog at a kennel and rent a car to retrieve him after we get back to Havana....geesh! We've got all sort of boater friends who have made the trip...we have asked for suggestions...we'll see!!

Starved Rock to Peoria...Illinois Valley Yacht Club
June 16
Left at o' dark thirty...no gas or pump out...weather is getting warmer than warm...and this waiting for locks makes us more than a little nervous. First and only lock was within the first mile...and no barges in sight...so minimal wait but even though we called ahead, they weren't exactly ready for us. Next 5 hours were nothing to shout about...pulled into the IVY club...and who was sitting there??? Our new looper friends, Kurt and Jim....and what a great stop!! Gas, pump out, pool, restaurant and dog beach!! Dakota had a blast running on that shady "unkept" beach...but what a mess he was! Wet and full of sand! We cleaned him up with a power rinse and then headed to the pool for a little cool off ourselves. Supper at the restaurant with the boys...(Sorry, Becky Bauman, dollar tacos are on Tuesday night ) ....a little meet and greet of Yacht club folks. Tomorrow is another travel day...and it is hot! We seem to be traveling with the wind...so not even that to help! Thank god for shade!

Harbor Side to Starved Rock...
AND THE RAINS CAME...we had it all yesterday...cool and cloudy...sunny and hot...sprinkles..we kept a close eye on radar. Big storms kept missing where we were....but last night it let loose. How Floyd slept though all that I don't know.  In the middle of the night...bright lightning, loud thunder and pouring rain. Blew open our hatch doors and filled the small aft deck trash with water. Didn't last long but dumped a lot of water.  But did it cool things off??? NO!!!

Forty miles today and 2 locks. We started less than a mile from lock #4...didn't wait long as no barges were around. Hopeful that we could just zip though the rest of the day...almost.  Lock 5 had a tow and barges coming up...that were broken apart...so we waited about an hour for them to finish their lift and get reassembled. Another hour and we arrived at Starved Rock marina just as they were closing (What marina closes at 4 o'clock???) ...so we are parked at the gas dock...with the promise that workers will arrive at 730 AM. We had planned to get gas and a pump out before heading out in the morning...Maybe...Maybe not!!!.

Supper tonight is at Captain's Cove Restaurant and Bar..overlooking the Illinois River....it's night two and no one wants to cook. We'd rather nap and shower. Seems reasonable!!!

HOT HOT HOT...we sure thought we'd be getting into St Charles before the summer heat kicked in...HA!!! We have gone straight from winter to summer...skipped right over those cooler nights where you didn't need to run the AC...temp today was 92. Floyd says tomorrow will be cooler...only 86. Double HA.

Another interesting fact...Starved Rock is close to the town of Utica Ill...according to my google maps...1 hour and 34 minutes driving time from Chicago...but not near as much fun as the 18 and a half hours we've spent boating here. hehehehe  Our new friends, Kurt and Jim had a bit of bad luck today...did some prop damage on a floating log. They stopped in Ottawa ...made a switch and then blew on past us...they are trying to get their newly purchased boat back to Louisville...in a bigger hurry and they travel at a faster speed...so who knows if we'll see them again or not. That's the way this stuff works.

Tomorrow is another long day...to Peoria ...Illinois Valley Yacht Club...one lock but 62 miles...as long as we are moving the heat is bearable. Slather on the sunscreen and drink lots of water...we think we'll be in St Charles on Sunday...what a great Father's Day!!!!

Chicago to Harborside Marina...Tuesday, June 14...can I start by mentioning how smooth the water is??? After the day Dakota and I had crossing yesterday, we were delighted. And warmth!!! Finally it is feeling like summer is close. Yesterday in our long sleeves and winter rain gear...today in shorts, sleeveless tops and flip flops. The goal was 55 miles...3 locks...and 70 bridges. The ride through downtown Chicago at 830 AM was delightful. Plus we didn't have to aggravate those worker bees...we were short enough to go under all bridges without requesting them to open. Lots of water taxis and working barges around a couple of construction sights ...and people people people...several took our photos...I LOVE CHICAGO!!!!

Dakota was more interested in supervising my work...and he did manage to "bark" hi to several folks...we were having some fun!!!

and then came the shipping canal...WOW!!! narrow is putting it mildly. Barges parked on one side with just enough room for another barge to get by on the other...at one point we had to stop and back between two parked barges to let a tow and barges get by. Pretty exciting stuff!!!

and then the locks...Tow SAM FLEMING carrying chemicals and pushing 6 barges was in front of us. He was so big he had to break apart, use two passes and then reassemble. Takes more than a little while. We arrived at lock #2 to find two other boats waiting (they told the story) . We waited for an hour and then locked though attached to another tow SYDNEY REESE and 4 barges. We had experienced this before but hadn't had to attach to the barges...so new experience for us.

And now we are all backed up...next lock was a two hour wait. Luckily we found a wall in Joliet just down from lock 3 to tie off and wait. It was an interesting experience. We got to meet the other two boat folks...a mother and 7 very inquisitive young kids...but most important, Dakota could get off the boat and do his business. We walked and played...but it was warm!!!

Finally we locked though and pulled into our marina stop for the night...it was 7:20 pm...we had thought we'd be there around 3....LONG day...we dashed to the restaurant because we were told they closed at 8...no one wanted to cook! Amazingly, they didn't close until 9...and we were joined by Kurt and Jim, future loopers that were part of our crowd in the locks. Service was fast, food was good and overall a delightful experience...but we were hot and tired. And tomorrow is another long travel day...I think they all are for awhile. 

Probably forgot to post the SS BADGER...we watched her come and go from Ludington where it was cool and windy for 5 days...that horn can wake the dead!!!

 This tiny 110 footer joined us on the docks in South Haven at 11pm Saturday ...blocked our view of the Sunday parade actually...3 men...2 crew and 7 children under 10...they played with all the toys. Sunday evening all but the crew  took off for a camping experience. Shoulda seen the pile of sleeping bags. Anyway, Captain Josh had dinghy troubles and Floyd came to the rescue...our reward was a quick tour of the inside and a bottle of Chardonnay. It was nice...but I wouldn't have it...Set up to be party city but with white carpet!!! Even though it was pretty new, it is already showing wear...and stains and chaos from all those children, geesh. I think sometimes my friends think this is the style I'm boating in...NOT !!! We are way more low maintenance and practical.

Up and at 'em... Ready to go...but then oops! That low Amtrak bridge four miles in doesn't open during rush hour traffic...probably should have read that last night before going to bed. Dakota and I could have slept a bit longer...oh well ...such is the life of this first mate....and looks like we are going to get a little wet today...sprinkles in the forecast...rain this afternoon. But we're on the river! Shouldn't be an issue...though the barges, bridges, current and locks will step in to take over!!
Last time we did this leg of the journey, we had crew aboard! Becky Bauman, I'm missing your assistance and humor!! Dakota is not much help...more of a supervisor type...watching watching watching your every move!

Good bye South Haven....everything seemed to say go and so we did! It wasn't the worst day we've spent on the water...but it wasn't the best by a long shot. Wind was behind us...so waves made us wallow more than usual...I had the worst time ever...tough morning! Dakota was my cuddle partner and I'm sure Floyd felt like he was doing this crossing all by himself.  Once I finally lost my meager breakfast and had a nap, I began to improve.

And then we arrived in Chicago...and even though the marina advertised gasoline...it was at a totally different marina. But it all worked out...200 gallons of regular and a quick pump out....then off to find E-1 at Dusable Harbor...we are right next Navy Pier and the lock that leads into the Chicago river...right next to the sidewalk...gate...grass. Floyd has to attend his condo board meeting tonight (via speaker phone)... Then we'll make a quick trip to our favorite Chicago restaurant...Weber Grill.

Plan for tomorrow is to go 55 miles...70 bridges through downtown Chicago...last time we did this on Sunday morning...it'll be interesting to see how it works during the week. Most bridges we can sneak under but we will have to remember to drop our antennas. Should be exciting! Photos at 11!!

Ludington to Muskegon...just over six hours...piece of cake. Marina in Muskegon was a pice of work...close to the maritime museum that Floyd wanted to visit...but not much there. Worker bees were scarce...we had to hunt one down to pay our bill.  Lots of grounds for Dakota...but the Yacht Club next door had gone under and was very neglected! Not many people around ....

We waited in Friday morning for a big thunderstorm to pass and then headed out to South Haven...another six and a half hours...relatively smooth water...we got this.

South Haven is a thriving boating community...river banks are packed with docks....mostly full. In fact, it's the busiest marina we've seen so far.....we are right along the main drag between town and the beaches...boat traffic on one side...people traffic on the other... Friday we hiked up to Black River Tavern for cheeseburgers, fries and beer....once Floyd pulled the paper wrapper off the cheese, he was happier...lol...good help is so hard to find. Waiter was helpful and it ended with a dish of Kilwins ice cream...Saturday morning Farmer's Market was a delightful experience. Decadent Dog store visit for sweet Dakota...more girls to love! Then we spent the windy afternoon on the aft deck watching  boats come and go...and people come and go...a lazy Saturday afternoon. Reminded us of Ft Lauderdale ...but the boats are more practical!

We'll probably not leave here until Monday...west wind and waves predicted to be over 4 feet...we need to cross Lake Michigan to Chicago...we figure 8 hours...and this first mate wants smooth water...probably hit St Charles sometime the week of the 20th. Marina there is already on notice to do repairs on front head, leaking bow window and dinghy stand off. We have parts ...so shouldn't be a big deal! Yeah, right...nothing around here is easy...or goes according to plan. But you learn to adjust...or get really frustrated! We prefer attitude adjustment!! Our hair is already gray!!

Floyd is off visiting another maritime museum...he thinks there's a marina store and maybe a small grocery over there as well. Dakota and I are just hanging out...enjoying "home alone" time. Then the Sunday parade will begin.

And we are outta here...pulled in for a day or two...held hostage for five! But, hey, coulda been worse!...

Woke to clear skies and a limp flag...yeah! We are headed to Muskegon...at just over 9 mph it'll take us a little over six hours. We are hoping this weather holds and we can scoot out to South Haven tomorrow and then into Chicago on Saturday. But, you know, we hardly ever get to go with Plan A....it is good to have a plan...just don't count on it really happening.

Chicago is one of my favorite towns...Cubs, Navy Pier, Million dollar mile, Second City, Weber Grill Restaurant...spent many good times here visiting my brother Stan...he'd have loved our boating life...miss him! Anyway, we will pass through again in a couple of weeks so not really planning to spend time there this time. Besides, Cubs are away! Hehehe ...we've got to work on our timing!

Last time we came this way we were able to leave Chicago on a Sunday morning which we thought worked really well. Tour boats and downtown traffic was non- existant. So we are hopeful that we can do that again...yah, right! Looks possible...but the wind needs to hold it down....oh, right...Windy City!  So as they say, stay tuned for further developments! For now, we are toasty warm inside where Dakota is napping, Floyd is supervising "George" (the trusty auto pilot), and I'm blogging!! Be in Muskegon around 2ish!!

Pulled into Ludington on Saturday thinking we'd be here just a couple of days...and now it's Wednesday. Weather predicters keep teasing us ...predicting a wind shift and calmer waves in the evening. But by morning, they've changed their minds. Thursday, Friday and Saturday are looking really good...and once we get to Chicago (3 travel days) we won't have to worry so much about wind direction and waves...6 days on the river to St Charles to finish our second Great American Loop. I'm afraid once we do start moving, we'll be unstoppable. So it's another day of watching the BADGER ferry people to and from Michigan /Wisconsin.

Oh, those home style haircuts that were on the list still haven't happened...too cold to be sitting in a t shirt while someone figures out the clippers.

In the meantime, we've managed to generate some laundry...and find new books to read. And there's always someone who wants to play "squeaky ball". Bundle up! Baby, it's cold outside!!

Weather here has gone from bad to worse...small craft advisory for Lake Michigan means we won't be leaving anytime soon....it's why we call this "long hours of pleasant boredom"... Not much to do except watch the SS BADGER come and go...read books..play games and work puzzles...oh, and eat fudge!! It's a tough life!!

Winds out of the west ...waves predicted 2-4... Captain said no go again today. We googled a grocery store that was close...only to discover it was closed for remodeling. Our trip next door to the visitors center resulted in the discovery of a " dial a ride" bus service...for a one dollar fare ( we are senior citizens, you know) we rode to an auto parts store ( stuff for Floyd's projects) and a really top drawer grocery...rainy afternoon nap and Mexican food Monday...a little Rummikub lesson and it's almost bedtime. This is a nice little town ...and the marinas and car ferry terminal surround the neatest park area. Dakota, Floyd and I explored all the sculptures, historical markers and even playground equipment this evening. Tomorrow will hold us captive again...when they predict 4-5 foot waves, we stay put. Besides, we bought a pound and a half of fudge at Kilwins...we're good for a couple more days!!

We have yet to meet anyone who can explain the siren...noon and 10PM....loud and long...every day....seems weird. .?? Wonder who started all that and why?? We did have one local tell us one was the signal to get the restaurant and the other was time to go to bed...though I doubt that was the original intent. Mystery to be solved....

Looked "iffy" early this morning so we elected to stay put...no need to get in a big hurry.  Weather for the next couple of days could get worse, so we may be here for awhile. It's not a bad place to be. It's fun to watch the SS BADGER come and go...and a great space for Mr Dakota to play ball....when he wakes up, that is. We are getting the impression that boating is hard work for him....???

We still have front head toilet issues...sometimes it works...sometimes not so much. Floyd has taken it apart again this morning and has vowed to have the folks at Polestar Marina work on it when we are there at St Charles. For now, we are okay...but if the captain quarters head goes south, we are in BIG trouble.

Hair cuts (home style) are on tap for today...oh, and finding the camera battery recharger...yes, I'm a mess with that camera stuff! It is always something around here...

Saturday ...June 4...skipped our usual special Saturday breakfast to get under way earlier...just a little more wind today...waves were 1-2 feet...mostly at the bow...we can handle that. Off we go...about 50 miles today to Ludington. A barge is just ahead of us and 5 miles out all day...but really, other than a couple of fishing boats and a sail boat, we are the only other boat on the lake. Wouldn't you know it, he turned and headed into Ludington...we beat him in the breakwater by minutes...

We are in long sleeves, weather gear...driving from below...and yet we see people in swimsuits enjoying the sandy beaches...really, what's up with that??? We've come to the conclusion that locals are similar to the Canadians we met last summer...it's such a long cold winter that as soon as they see sunshine they break out the shorts and flip flops. We aren't that desperate!! All girl crew at the gas dock fell in love with sweet Dakota...so far, he's got girls in every port!!!(doesn't he look handsome in his new harness collar???)  We walked to a local brewing company/bar for a burger and fries in the middle of the afternoon. Interesting taste of blueberry beer...sort of reminded me of some moonshine I had once in Soddy Daisy, Tennessee...though must say this beer is better!!!.

Guess what was for dessert???? Kilwin's ice cream...our next favorite. (Nothing beats Kawartha!!!)..so much for that diet thing.....Sprinkles of rain all the way back to the boat...serious rain is coming...my trusty weather man says we might get a down day tomorrow....my turn to fix breakfast... Either way we could be in Chicago by Thursday...just zippin' right along!!!

Friday morning...we are outta here. And it was truly a gorgeous day!! a bit longer than we'd like...but absolutely perfect...water was glass smooth coming out of Traverse Bay. Silting issues made Leland impossible for us...so we went 70 miles into Frankfort. Lovely little town...not yet in full gear for the tourist season...but busy enough. Boat ran and handled well...we were amazed that we didn't even have to re-calibrate "George", the auto pilot. Ran at 10 mph...which seemed pretty speedy when we have been running for years at 7.5....but shaved off some time and used just 14 more gallons. Dakota fell in love with a golden lab, Curby Girl, on the sailboat next to us. Lots of play time made him a happy camper. Floyd and I walked into town (2 blocks maybe) for a fine dining experience at FUSION, a little sushi, maki, and seaweed salad with his Jack...now he's a happy camper. I should have followed his lead...but no...I had to venture out...my Kung Pao chicken had way too much PAO...I know it is spicy but this was over the top ...melt the fork...spicy. I tried everything I knew and had to admit defeat!!! They couldn't have been nicer about it...and I ended up with some decent Lettuce wraps...but not the fine dining experience I had hoped for. A trip down Main Street...a little t shirt shopping...and ice cream made it all better. We had trouble staying awake til the sun went down...Tomorrow we move on...

Thursday...today is the day...i distracted Floyd with major grocery shopping in the tiniest grocery store ever...but he was waiting when the UPS man came into the parking lot...final (we hope) toilet piece delivered. Let the work begin. ......Wish I could say it is back to normal...but we just aren't sure. Things seem to be ....yet...sounds off and maybe not. It's dicey...but weather for tomorrow is looking good so we plan to head out in the morning. Word is that Leland Marina is not an option because of shoaling and since we can't seem to get anyone to answer the phone...we'll head on the Frankfort. Thatwill put us out of the Traverse Bay into true Lake Michigan... 70 miles on our first day is a bit more than we wanted to chew. But no locks...and I'm sure there won't be any traffic to slow us down. Floyd is even talking about increasing our speed from 7 to 10 miles per hour. Where's my seat belt???? hehehe...stay tuned...it's an adventure!!!

Wednesday...June 1, 2016...Toilet fiasco part two....yep, you got that. Re-build kit arrived but the one other part that we knew we needed didn't. Seems as though some UPS type in South Carolina decided that the address was incomplete...so sent us an email to get more info! at 1 o'clock in the morning!!!!Priority shipping isn't going to help that situation....and really it is a village north of nowhere...of 527 people...the marina is in the heart of the place...and everyone knows it...including the UPS man!!!! It's cold and rainy...and no repairs are going to happen today...might as well do laundry. Sheets, Towels...any thing and everything that we can...three dollars total!!!

Tuesday...This was not to be Dakota's best day ever!!!  yep, it's ear trouble. Short night for Dakota and I as he scratched and flopped around...I called the local vet/ animal hospital in Sutton Bay...and they could see him at 11...but the real trip was when Floyd went to take him for his morning business...he fell into cold cold Lake Michigan. Yes, new harness collar worked well. But now it's almost 10AM, wet ...cold...dog...mom's still in pjs and we need to leave in time to get there. Some how it did all work out...yes, he's on ear meds...even thought he'd hurt his back so chiropractic adjustment and laser treatment. He's good. Floyd was anxious to get back to take delivery of parts.

We were sitting on the aft deck when the UPS truck drove by...and didn't even stop...panic!!!! Floyd immediately got on the phone with West Marine...they couldn't even find the order. Nice nice customer service lady(we'll be visiting her in St Charles) fixed him right up...priority delivery tomorrow ...so one more day of waiting.  and then the confirmation e-mail shows that the parts are being sent to Wichita!!! panic again...30 minutes on hold and get that straightened out...but we are beginning to wonder about this whole toilet part fiasco....

Memorial Day Monday...Floyd flew our state flag collection...it is quite impressive all strung together from bow pulpit to fly bridge and a little beyond. I convinced him to fix his spicy jerk chicken wings and we watched all sorts of coming and going from the boats around the marina. Spent the afternoon visiting with two retired teachers who are going to start their loop from here in September...good times. Floyd is anxious to get his toilet re-build kit tomorrow so we can "get a Move on". Dakota is a little off today...think we're getting an ear infection.

Sunday we made a quick trip into Traverse City...hit West Marine, Wal Mart, Pet Smart, Bed, Bath & Beyond, and even managed to find an open Thrift store that would take our "stuff". We had a long list of things and some how managed to find them all. Some were things we wanted for the RV for our trip home in August. Dakota enjoyed the trip...he likes visiting new areas. We bought a new harness type collar for him...we'll see how that works.

Wedding and car show....lovely, just lovely!!!

Here's how things normally look...Dakota has great fun playing ball and greeting everyone as though they are his new favorite friend.

Dinghy floor replacement photos!!! and we took a test ride!!! Dakota was one happy camper!!!