Tuesday...june 4
Figured I’d better start dating these things before I get lost in the flurry!
We boated to Elk Rapids...new chart plotter worked (almost)....lol, something with the depth sounder won’t register after we got in past 100 feet. But really, that’s plenty deep enough.
The Bay was delightfully smooth...though just a bit cooler than we like. Captain Floyd bundled up but Dakota and I were fine ....it’s was a most pleasant couple of hours. Then during the last 5 minutes, the bugs arrived. Tiny, mosquito like insects swarmed everywhere and then some...covering us, the boat and any surface...everywhere everywhere...and then those that didn’t die onboard disappeared. It was truly weird.
But even weirder, is this new and improved electrical system that seems to be anti-TUMBLEWEED. This is our second encounter with this issue...we don’t like it...and I guess not boating last year we are behind the curve on getting our boat up to snuff. We were planning to visit a guy in Boyne City to get a fix on “boat voltage leakage” but when we heard he’d left the country, we thought we could probably get to Kentucky without a fix. Now we’re rethinking that. The folks that put in our new chart plotter seem to think they can get us fixed...so we’re heading back to Northport later today....and they’ll be onboard Thursday anyway...
So...heading out to play tourist for a bit...then a two hour run back...but we really like Northport!
Tuesday, June 4, 2019
Friday, May 31, 2019
Where did this day go? Poof...that pump out, a little laundry, free lunch in the park, a nap...cocktails with friends on B-Dock....which lead to supper at Tucker’s with those B-Dock friends. Amid those showers and cooler temps....every one is ready for warmer weather...at least sunshine!
Tomorrow is special breakfast day....otherwise, how do you know it’s the weekend? And we’re heading back to Traverse City for a new iPad for the Captain....happy birthday to him...hopefully that will solve all the issues with the new chart plotter system. The guys were on board today hooking up the new short antennas....they return on Monday to finish the lessons...and then we plan to head to Elk Rapids for a little shake down cruise.
Water here has been a bit freaky today...we’ve never seen it this high...and it’s changing levels (tide like swings) up and down a foot or two in just minutes. Up over the docks and then back down almost before you can get your lines adjusted. Even the parking lot and boat ramp were flooded at one point today.
And we found the folks with the dock sign we want...and while the sign is not out or available their teenager (of course) knew exactly what it said: Dock forecast: Sunny, occasional boating and swimming, chance of drinking, drinking may be heavy at times!
We are on it!!
Life is good!
Tomorrow is special breakfast day....otherwise, how do you know it’s the weekend? And we’re heading back to Traverse City for a new iPad for the Captain....happy birthday to him...hopefully that will solve all the issues with the new chart plotter system. The guys were on board today hooking up the new short antennas....they return on Monday to finish the lessons...and then we plan to head to Elk Rapids for a little shake down cruise.
Water here has been a bit freaky today...we’ve never seen it this high...and it’s changing levels (tide like swings) up and down a foot or two in just minutes. Up over the docks and then back down almost before you can get your lines adjusted. Even the parking lot and boat ramp were flooded at one point today.
And we found the folks with the dock sign we want...and while the sign is not out or available their teenager (of course) knew exactly what it said: Dock forecast: Sunny, occasional boating and swimming, chance of drinking, drinking may be heavy at times!
We are on it!!
Life is good!
Thursday, May 30, 2019
Our idea of a sea trial is evidently way different than their idea...we never left the marina. And while we learned a few things, most of what we learned is that Floyd’s iPad is not compatible with the new chart plotter. So the cleaning and organizing continues while we decide whether to purchase a new iPad, try to use mine, or do without. My bet is on buying a new one.
Temps remain cool but the sun is shining ...we’re just sure it’ll warm up. Til then we’re tinkering and planning...looking at crossing Traverse Bay to visit Elk Rapids as a shake down cruise. Probably Sunday or Monday...weather permitting!
Temps remain cool but the sun is shining ...we’re just sure it’ll warm up. Til then we’re tinkering and planning...looking at crossing Traverse Bay to visit Elk Rapids as a shake down cruise. Probably Sunday or Monday...weather permitting!
Wednesday, May 29, 2019
Hello friends....it’s been a good looooong while! But we are back to the boating life.
Last year became a series of tangled complicated life changing events. Two weeks prior to leaving, my mom was diagnosed with oral cancer....requiring a second more serious surgery. In the ultimate act of kindness, Floyd instantly decided to call off our summer plans. He knew I needed to stay with Mom...and he needed to stay with me. It was a wild summer...followed by six weeks of radiation in the fall. I’ve been full time caregiver...four tube feedings and administered drugs daily. We have had some help but more like a babysitter...just coming occasionally. She turned 90 in December, has maintained her weight and continues to show daily improvement! My brothers insisted that we get outta town....sooooo here we are!
We left Wichita on Thursday afternoon....made a brief stop in KC to visit Dennis and Jessi at their new house...then booked it to Columbia, then South Bend, then Northport. TUMBLEWEED was in slip C-24....and while she looked good...she was a mess inside. Two years is too long to let sit. Every surface needing cleaning...and the musty smell was overwhelming. We had hours of prep work before we could even think about making the bed! And schlepping...good lord almighty....we had the truck totally loaded.
Three days later and we are amazed at how much better everything looks and smells! We went to Traverse City yesterday...found my favorite bakery and did major damage at the local Wally World...when you have to buy one of everything, sticker shock!! But we are finally locked and loaded.
Electronics guys are on board this morning.. giving Floyd lessons on the new chart plotter, etc...it’s a beautiful day for a sea trial....clear and sunny...60 degrees..so it’ll be a little cool on the water but we’re use to that.
Our plan includes visiting places in the north for awhile...we’ve got a list...need to make sure all this works. Then we’ll leave the area forever. We have reserved a slip (and been paying for it since March 2018) at Green Turtle Bay....on the Land Between the Lakes in Kentucky. It’s closer to home so hopefully kids and grandsons and friends will visit...season is longer ...water is warmer! It’s a great full service marina with a Yacht Club on site. We think we’re gonna love having a home port. The down side for me is that in the heat of summer we’ll be moving in the skanky river again! Floyd doesn’t see that as a bad thing....
So now that I’ve retrieved the password and made this blog active again...I just have to remember how to post photos ....and we’re good to go!! That is if any one is still out there in blogger land...
Last year became a series of tangled complicated life changing events. Two weeks prior to leaving, my mom was diagnosed with oral cancer....requiring a second more serious surgery. In the ultimate act of kindness, Floyd instantly decided to call off our summer plans. He knew I needed to stay with Mom...and he needed to stay with me. It was a wild summer...followed by six weeks of radiation in the fall. I’ve been full time caregiver...four tube feedings and administered drugs daily. We have had some help but more like a babysitter...just coming occasionally. She turned 90 in December, has maintained her weight and continues to show daily improvement! My brothers insisted that we get outta town....sooooo here we are!
We left Wichita on Thursday afternoon....made a brief stop in KC to visit Dennis and Jessi at their new house...then booked it to Columbia, then South Bend, then Northport. TUMBLEWEED was in slip C-24....and while she looked good...she was a mess inside. Two years is too long to let sit. Every surface needing cleaning...and the musty smell was overwhelming. We had hours of prep work before we could even think about making the bed! And schlepping...good lord almighty....we had the truck totally loaded.
Three days later and we are amazed at how much better everything looks and smells! We went to Traverse City yesterday...found my favorite bakery and did major damage at the local Wally World...when you have to buy one of everything, sticker shock!! But we are finally locked and loaded.
Electronics guys are on board this morning.. giving Floyd lessons on the new chart plotter, etc...it’s a beautiful day for a sea trial....clear and sunny...60 degrees..so it’ll be a little cool on the water but we’re use to that.
Our plan includes visiting places in the north for awhile...we’ve got a list...need to make sure all this works. Then we’ll leave the area forever. We have reserved a slip (and been paying for it since March 2018) at Green Turtle Bay....on the Land Between the Lakes in Kentucky. It’s closer to home so hopefully kids and grandsons and friends will visit...season is longer ...water is warmer! It’s a great full service marina with a Yacht Club on site. We think we’re gonna love having a home port. The down side for me is that in the heat of summer we’ll be moving in the skanky river again! Floyd doesn’t see that as a bad thing....
So now that I’ve retrieved the password and made this blog active again...I just have to remember how to post photos ....and we’re good to go!! That is if any one is still out there in blogger land...
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
HIGHLIGHTS of our summer...
- Serendipitous meeting with Shana Reeves (former student) in Frankfort...of all places!
- Museums in Sturgeon Bay, Oconto area, Green Bay, Fish Creek and Washington Island
- Great Lake Cruising Club Rendezvous
- Laundry facility in Little Sturgeon Bay
- Rain on the roller coaster and green slime in Green Bay
- USS WICHITA in Marinette/Menominee
- Penny covered bar in Egg Harbor
- Lightning/thunderstorm and sailboat fire in Fish Creek
- Lobster rolls in Sister Bay
- Ghost town in Fayette
- Lavender farms and joining the Bitters Club on Washington Island
- Bemis reunion in Charlevoix
- ....and all the great folks we met along the way...from dog groomers to strangers walking the docks to locals hanging out on boats on the docks at marinas to folks eating next to us and sharing their leftovers! And can't forget the Captain's great weather/wind/wave predictions...
It's been an awesome summer!! Glad we spent time on the other side!!
Summer SUMMARY...
Left Northport June 19th ... returned on August 29th
Gone a total of 71 days
Traveled 17 days
Went 497 miles....averaged 29 miles a day
Bought 600 gallons of gasoline...( no diesel this time!)
18 ports of call....Leland, Frankfort, Sturgeon Bay (2 marinas there), Little Sturgeon Bay, Oconto, Green Bay, Menominee, Egg Harbor, Fish Creek, Ephraim, Sister Bay, Escanaba, Fayette, Washington Island, Leland, Charlevoix and Northport.
Left Northport June 19th ... returned on August 29th
Gone a total of 71 days
Traveled 17 days
Went 497 miles....averaged 29 miles a day
Bought 600 gallons of gasoline...( no diesel this time!)
18 ports of call....Leland, Frankfort, Sturgeon Bay (2 marinas there), Little Sturgeon Bay, Oconto, Green Bay, Menominee, Egg Harbor, Fish Creek, Ephraim, Sister Bay, Escanaba, Fayette, Washington Island, Leland, Charlevoix and Northport.
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
Okay, so here's the plan...we've got boat chores and food to take us to Sept 6... so the plan is to head out on the 7th to Ludington....on the 8th take the SS Badger across to Wisconsin and drive to Davenport...on the 9th land in Des Moines in time to tour the Salisbury House...and arrive in Wichita on the 10th.
We're thinking next spring we'll return to TUMBLEWEED ...head north to visit Georgian Bay and North Chanel...attend the GLCC rendezvous in Killarney and then head south...as much as I don't want to do that skanky river again, we do want to position the boat a little closer to home...so we think Green Turtle Bay, Grand Rivers, Kentucky is the spot. Warmer weather and water, looper friends in the area, plenty of places to visit, restaurants...and they've upgraded the liquor laws...finally!!....no worries about Mississippi flooding or canals opening...hoping children and grands and others will come visit! There is a resort feel...condos for rent...beach, pool, water toy rentals...sounds like it could work....and it's a long day drive from Wichita...as opposed to three days to northern Michigan. Anyway, that's the current plan!! Stay tuned to see how that works!!
We're thinking next spring we'll return to TUMBLEWEED ...head north to visit Georgian Bay and North Chanel...attend the GLCC rendezvous in Killarney and then head south...as much as I don't want to do that skanky river again, we do want to position the boat a little closer to home...so we think Green Turtle Bay, Grand Rivers, Kentucky is the spot. Warmer weather and water, looper friends in the area, plenty of places to visit, restaurants...and they've upgraded the liquor laws...finally!!....no worries about Mississippi flooding or canals opening...hoping children and grands and others will come visit! There is a resort feel...condos for rent...beach, pool, water toy rentals...sounds like it could work....and it's a long day drive from Wichita...as opposed to three days to northern Michigan. Anyway, that's the current plan!! Stay tuned to see how that works!!
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