They finally got here...closer to 7:00 than 5:00 that's for sure. We've never really had trouble with trains running late before...so this was a new one for us. Course even after they made it to Chicago, they had about an hour METRA ride to Winthrop Harbor...but we were waiting...good to have visitors!!!!

Thursday, Aug 4...my daughter Kelli and her husband Lance are headed this way. Their train was due in Chicago at 3:15 PM but since it left Newton almost 3 hours late ...they won't make that stop. They'll then have to transfer to the METRA for another 40 minute ride. We've rented a car to help some with transportation issues this week. We plan to go to Wrigley Field on Friday and Saturday...do some boating and eat at the Weber Grill Restaurant with Mary Ellen Hendricks on Sunday...then Kelli, Lance and I are off to Wichita on Monday. Leaving Floyd here to work work work...hopefully, since this place is in the middle of nowhere, he shouldn't be distracted too much. Oh, and his first mate won't be around to handle those stringy things...I think he's a little worried that I'll get home and decide not to return. Good thing it is soooo frickin' hot in Wichita...that'll help his cause. Plans now are for us to return to cruising end of August and close the loop with Phil and Barb Giovanni aboard and a party on Labor Day weekend at St Charles...less than 400 miles to go. Seems amazing...hey, if you want to join us in St Charles, we'd love to see you!!!! Stay tuned for details about that!!!!

North Point Marina in Winthrop Harbor is the BIGGEST marina on Lake Michigan and certainly one of the biggest we've seen. Yep, count 'em...1500 slips. It is in the middle of a state park facility so getting to the store, etc. is a chore in itself. There is a pretty nice restaurant across the parking lot from us. Laundry and washroom facilities are located on every other dock. Boats boats boats everywhere...and weekends seem crazy with them...though we've not seen more than 7 people total here during the week....mostly just us and the birds!!!! We took a short dinghy ride to a beach on Monday only to be greeted by biting black flies and CCCOOOOLLLLDDD water...seems the prevailing winds blow surface water to the eastern shore...where the water is definitely warmer. We didn't stay long!!!!

Floyd has been busy working on his list of boat chores and I have been making preparations for new crew...and my return to Wichita. Some how we've managed to nap every afternoon and yet stay busy. His big chore was to remove the caulk around the front windows and rub rail...and re-caulk. Yes, in high waves we've been taking on a bit of water. That should solve that problem. The high humidity and temps in the 90s has made that a not-too-pleasant chore. Big rain storm that blew through on Tuesday evening has helped quite a bit...but we are not complaining...our Kansas friends are suffering big time!!!!

FYI...I just added a new gadget to the blog...when you submit your e-mail address, you are then suppose to get a short message letting you know when new posts are made...we'll see how that works for you??? Could be a pain on those days when I post several times...but then again maybe it'll save some time??? Please try it and let me know!!!!

Sunday afternoon Winthrop Harbor was a super busy place...lots of boats...remember there are about 1500 slips here...though they aren't all full there are still more boats in one place than we've ever seen...but by about 8 pm, we were the only folks around. We imagine it will be this way the rest of the week. We've got a list of chores...Kelli and Lance are to arrive on Thursday...and there are a couple of beaches to check out...I need to get organized for going home...so our plan is to work and play every day....we'll keep you posted on how that goes...

Sunday morning while the coffee was still hot, Bobbi brought treats...a Wisconsin delicacy known as Kringle...almond and macaroon!!!! OH, MY!!!! We spent time with them on MIST and they came down to get a closer look at our dinghy arrangement. Compared notes about all sorts of things like supplies and long term boating...and way too soon, it was time for us to head back to Winthrop Harbor...it was truly one of our best boating weekends...short trip, perfect water, great food, fun friends and good boating conversations....a big thank you to BOBBI AND BILL HAAG!!!! Oh, and Peyton...I really had the camera out to take a photo of them waving from the dock....but somehow missed that...so settled for this photo of their MIST!!!!