According to historians, the idea of connecting the two rivers dates back to the French in the 1800th century. Congress actually approved the project in 1946. In typical governmental fashion, the Army Corps of Engineers was not given approval to begin the project until 1971. The two rivers were not formally joined until 1985. According to the family historian, Brother Bill, a lot of native and early American artifacts lie below the man made lakes created by the TVA including the Joining of the Tennessee and Tombigbee Rivers. One would think that between approval in 1946 and the project kick-off in 1971, something could have been done.
Like everywhere else we have been, the local slip holders at Grand Harbor are all very friendly. They are quick to find out where you are from. Those who have been to Wisconsin have some anecdote to share. No matter where I go, the boating community is one of the friendliest I have ever experienced. Unless you are a zillionaire with your own boat crew to maintain it, you quickly become your own cook, cleaning crew and mechanic. Other than the zillionaire, boating is not for those who are afraid of work, getting dirty or cannot tolerate occasional uncomfortable periods.
Yesterday’s chore was the ever glamorous changing of oil and oil filters on Sleeping Bear’s two engines. As any boater knows, there is no boating version of Jiffy Lube. Moreover, oil is not drained from the engine as is done with an auto. It is pumped out through a fill tube or dipstick. Gravity is an enemy of this process. Once the oil is pumped from the engine, the oil needs to be put into a container so that it can be properly recycled. It is not a matter of, if oil will get on things, but a matter of how much will need to be cleaned up before all tasks have been completed. Diesel engine oil gets particularly dirty in a hurry. An oil stain on a shirt or pants is a near certainty. A good friend advises that the only way to not ruin the clothes you are wearing is, to change oil while naked. Oil changes are all part of the glamour of yachting!!!
It was a treat having Al’s capable assistance as well as having engines that had been warmed up from the 2 hour run from the anchorage to the marina. Warmer oil flows much faster than colder oil. Yesterday, the task was completed in a record hour and a half. With no one to assist, 4 hours was the previous record. It must have been oil change day at Grand Harbor yesterday, as two other boat crews were having as much fun as Al and me. Oh well, it’s completed for now. One more change before Sleeping Bear crosses the gulf next month.
For dinner last night we chose the option of a menu for a change. A shuttle was provided to and from the marina and Freddie’s. This probably becuse the restaurant and bar are owned by the same person who owns the marina. The food was good and the company and conversation delightful.
We shared the shuttle and a dinner table with Phil and Barbara. Phil is a 77 year old retired Naval Officer. Barbra, his travelling companion admitted to being 67. When the couple reaches Mobile on a 35 foot Carver Express cruiser, they will have completed the loop in the normal one years time frame. Phil and Barbra showed up at the shuttle with their unfinished cocktails in hand, but switched to iced tea with dinner. Phil offered to bring a rum and coke back for the shuttle driver when he dropped us off at the marina. Phil and Barbra shared that they have enjoyed the entire trip except for the 11 hours of bobbing like a cork during the Lake Michigan crossing. Phil also swore by the advice of an old salt named Buddy at the Moorings in Carrabelle, Florida. The shuttle driver, Chip, was a live aboard at Grand Harbor claiming over 90 Gulf crossings as a licensed captain. Chip also praised Buddy’s knowledge of Gulf weather patterns, adding that Buddy and his partner routinely made wagers on their predictions. The bottom line is “don’t leave home without it.” That is Buddy's prediction.
Phil purchased the Carver to do the loop. As soon as he returns to Houston, he wants to “get back on his 38 foot Tiana sailboat.” Who could blame him? Barbra’s comment regarding the reaction from many of her friends, “you’re going to spend a year, on a boat, with a man??” was humorous and insightful. Barbra did complain about the lack of storage on a 35 foot express cruiser as well as its ride in lumpy seas. But she, like most of us who get addicted to the boating life style has learned how to look past a few inconveniences. Whether cruising or at the marina, it’s very little about the boat and mostly about the people you meet and then about the places you see.
As a final note, it is too bad that one of the three Lake Michigan Chart books on Sleeping Bear wasn't replaced with a road atlas. We are trying to figure out how to get AL's wife, Kerri's on and off the boat for a week before we go into the Gulf. There may be a plan. Look for an update in the next couple of days.
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