Playing around with this iPad...trying to load photos to the blog from it instead of camera...not quite there yet... This Photo is from our Route 66 trip last April...still waiting on current photos to download...testing, testing, testing....1,2,3!

Had a great time at Crystal Lake cabin with Shana, her daughter Bailey and boyfriend Alex...extended family and neighbors...adults and children everywhere...fun, food, and beverages. Was so special hearing about her life since high school...and the impact NEM had on her...she's just down the road in Edmond, Oklahoma...and family still in Wichita...so maybe our paths will cross again. Though it is pretty darn amazing that we crossed paths here...if Alex hadn't needed the post office, if I hadn't been walking the dog, if she hadn't gotten out of the car to let the girls play in the park....so many if's came together...serendipitous! Makes my heart happy!

On the boating note, we woke to temperature of 58... and howling wind blowing across the lake...so on June 26 we are running the heater and searching out sweaters/sweatshirts...hats and jackets. Floyd says still looks good to cross the lake tomorrow but I'm more than skeptical....winds gonna have to die off so waves can settle down...local folks keep telling us how great this town is on the Fourth of July...maybe we'll find out??

It's a good thing that Frankfort is one of our favorite port towns...looks like we'll be here a long while! Winds and weather are conspiring to make a rough crossing...so we elect not to go anywhere. Dakota got groomed on Thursday..Floyd and I got haircuts yesterday. Farmer's market and Kids Fishing free kept us entertained. We've got restaurants, Kilwin's ice cream, grocery and laundry facilities close...Marina is surrounded by the town park facilities...Dakota has easy access to grass and play! Not many boats around...and certainly no one moving...including us. Looks to be at least a week of waiting.

Wonder of wonders...small word...you can't take me anywhere...as I was walking Dakota Thursday morning, a strange voice called my name...really, in Frankfort, Michigan...miles and miles from home...yep, former student Shana Reeves McCosh...vacationing with friends at Crystal Lake. We plan to get together with them Sunday night.

Yesterday was a good day to boat nowhere...winds were whipping and even locals were complaining about the cold...we played tourist in Leland! I scored lime green flip flops...not cheap! And a couple of visors...still searching for the perfect hat!

Winds died down last night so we left right on schedule for Frankfort. Dakota has a grooming appointment tomorrow...we've got a sushi restaurant on tap for tonight to celebrate Dennis Hoobler's birthday! It's a delightful, if somewhat chilly, day to be on the lake!

So long, Northport...love ya' but gotta go! Hello, Leland!

Was a cool and cloudy day...but the water was smooth smooth...just the way we like it!  Last year Leland was busy busy busy...this time...not so much... we'll hang out here ...suppose to rain...hope to leave for Frankfort on Wednesday...weather looks good for that!

Between rain showers, we made that big grocery run this afternoon. Then a lovely meal this evening at Tucker's to celebrate Father's Day. Last year we were arriving in St Charles in the heat to finish our second loop...this year we haven't even left the harbor yet and the temps a cool 72...we're still in jeans and sweatshirts.

Water tank is full...winds are calm...looks like all systems are go for departure tomorrow morning...Leland, here we come!

Totally forgot to mention that after the Farmer's Market yesterday, we finally made the short drive to Sutton's Bay. Spent a lovely afternoon walking the street, touring the quaint shops and enjoying a leisurely lunch.  Found a few interesting things...so I'd say we did our bit for their local economy. Looking forward to a return visit in September!