Ed’s co-worker Pete arrived on his way back from Florida this evening. We had a nice dinner at Patti’s in Grand River that included 2 inch thick pork chops and desert. Ed will drive back to Fox Lake with Pete tomorrow. A quieter Sleeping Bear will continue south mid morning tomorrow with a 3 or 4 hour run to an anchorage to be determined south of here. We have less than 300 miles to the Loopers Rendezvous at Joe Wheeler Park and nearly 2 weeks to get there. There is definitely time to smell the roses.
From the reading and networking done over the years while dreaming of this trip, I believed that it only in small part about the boat, and much more about the trip and the wonderful people that you meet along the way. I was right. There have been all kinds of different boats and lots of friendly and helpful folks so far. While ever grateful for hooking up with Al for this part of the loop, he will need to return to his wife, family and business by the time we get to Tampa. Search for another partner to join for the completion of the loop is a top priority.
As to the boats that we have encountered so far, some have been very diverse. In the Alton lock and at Hoppies we travelled for a time with the 80 foot Palmer Johnson, “Captivator”. At Hoppies we met the crew couple who moved and managed the 1964, 63 foot Mahogany (that is all wood) Motor Yacht, “Elegante.” They are married and have been on the boat for 7 years. The boat was on its way to Ft Lauderdale and the Mecum auction on October 30. As we were getting ready to leave Hoppies, a fully enclosed 19 foot pontoon boat pulled up. The Canadian couple on board is headed for Mobile. They were here in Turtle Bay, yesterday. Their craft was able to navigate the turbulent Mississippi. The list goes on.
But it’s not about the boats. It is all about the journey. In 700 miles we have seen the countryside from a totally different perspective. More importantly, we have met some incredible people. Every year in the late summer and fall there is a flurry of boats hibernating to the south for the winter. The people who we have met are all pretty laid back and friendly. The folks at the marina’s and surrounding business appreciate the influx of boaters and business. The travelers, (the loopers), all of us on a part of this fabulous water adventure are friendly and helpful. There is a common objective which for the most part has few time constraints and is easily sidetracked. Slowing down to 6.5 to 7.5 mph for most of us is easy, relaxing and is beginning to become second nature. For Sleeping Bear it has greatly reduced the amount of fuel that has been used so far. And, there is usually time to snap another picture if the camera is available.
10-11-2010
Ed left early this morning. Al and I are going somewhere today. We just need to decide when to leave and where to go. With almost 2 weeks to get to the Rendezvous 300 miles from here, there is no particular hurry; just need to decide what to see next…….
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