Just when you are ready to pack it in!

Jimmy Buffet blaring on the stereo -- sunshine -- even Chessie is outside soaking it in!!!!

LIFE IS GOOD!!

The Reason Irish Girls ...

Have such beautiful skin is the soft, cool mist that cloaks their beautiful island. BUT, enuff is enuff! It's still raining -- not heavy mind you, just right for soaking through everything except the best of foulies.

Our idea of adventure is to wander down to the Irish Boat main complex -- just across the park -- get a cup of tea and a biscuit for Chessie, then wander back. Exciting no?

No pictures, who wants to see gray?

Am through my third book and just getting ready to settle down and start the next one -- I'll be well read, if not have a beautiful skin!

Rain, wind, cold -- so the only thing to do is

Watch Mom read books, and do email! Heh, it ain't all that bad, we did get our two mile walk in before the rains came!

A Day on Lake Huron with the Gilligs

BD and Rick have made great progress on their home -- the exterior is almost done (just a little trim work and the steps from the deck), and the interior is ready for the finish work (Rick predicts another six weeks since they are doing it all themselves)! But, as you might sense from this picture, they aren't afraid to take a few hours off to enjoy gin and tonics with old friends.

We had a wonderful day exploring by car, came over to Cheboygan (that's Michigan not Wisconsin) for the afternoon, and after a couple of hours looking out across Lake Huron to Bois Blanc Island, a delicious dinner, we went scavenging for drift wood on the beach and conservancy that is right in front of and surrounds their property.

This was all too much for Chessie, who took advantage of the grass and soft shade for one of her naps before we went out on the beach -- where she immediately ate sand, mussels, and heaven only knows what else -- even went wading in the clear water. No ill effects from her gastronomic adventures, thank goodness!

Looking east south east down the beach from the Gillig's house -- later this summer most of this will be wonderful beach grasses and wild flowers, a little bit of fresh water marsh, and all sorts of creatures. We saw coyote prints in the sand, a two foot long snake who was NOT happy that we disturbed his day, and I found at least one piece of drift wood that looked like a contribution to their collection. This picture was taken around 7 p.m. -- we saw the sun set around 9:30 as they drove me back to Sonador.

Like to boots? Hey, they work at keeping out the water and cold, and at least I won't be lost if a fall head first down a hole!

Altogether a great way to spend Sunday if you're not out boating!

A little information

Earlier I asked if any of you could identify this vessel -- she's tied up just down the dock from me.

Well, I met the owner today -- she is a one of a kind 1/4 replica of the America's Cup J boat "Endeavor." He had her commissioned in Toronto many years ago, has been racing her -- PHRF 135 -- outside of Detroit for years, but has decided it's time to just enjoy her. Fitted out inside with mahogany joinery, teak and holly soles, and brass fittings galore. She sure is a beauty -- but her owner says she is a handful in any wind.

See we learn something new everyday!

Memorial Day Weekend -- the beginning of summer!

Early morning as we head out to the Ferry Landing Park where Chessie is allowed to run free as long as it is before 8 a.m. The beach isn't being used much yet -- but, when the water warms up I'm told it can get pretty crowded.

A peak at Round Lake -- the city of Charlevoix surrounds this little basin, note the boat houses in the foreground -- part of the Belvedere Club -- a private association which owns pretty much this end of town, lovely older homes set in a park, surrounded by large trees and "No Trespassing, Please" signs.

Chessie and I walked around town this morning -- and found that black squirrels move just as fast as those grey pests back home. It sure is pretty when it's not too cold.

The view down Lake Charlevoix from Irish Boat Marina where I am staying for the next couple of weeks. There are Wednesday night races just for the viewing, and enough parading of boats to make it interesting.

Today is the first day that the Marina is bustling with boaters -- planning on taking advantage of the three day weekend and the predicted good weather. Sunday night there is a free concert in town, so I'll probably go over for a spell.

Wheeless

Unless the bike counts -- I return the car today and begin to test my resolve to get exercise. It is FINALLY going to warm up -- so life is looking good. Assuming that I actually get out and about exploring on the bike, there may be pictures in the next few days.

Getting Back in the Groove

Sonador is quietly in her slip for the next several weeks -- will be doing mostly day trips from here -- to Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Traverse City and the like.

It took Chessie about ten minutes to remember how to relax and enjoy the "bimbo" cushion on the bow -- and Mom about twelve hours to unload all the stuff from the rental. The water is so clear here, you can see the bottom at 10 feet -- even have fish swimming around.

Some of the nearest neighbors on C dock -- the Chris Craft has been lovingly restored by friends -- they've been out both days waxing and polishing the top-sides -- and helping me get all my stuff on-board.

The other boat is a beauty -- topsides is mahogany, body looks to be fiberglass (but I can't really tell) -- her mast is as tall as any in the marina, and there are some boats 50' or so here. Note there are no lifelines! Does anyone recognize her?

All right, who forgot to order up the spring time!!!

Spent the first night on Sonador last night -- the temperature outside dipped to 30 -- and, although it had to be a little warmer inside, the ice I dumped in the sink around 8:30 was still there this morning at 6:30.

I know that I was warned it could be cold -- but even the natives are complaining about the chill. To top it all off, yesterday it was gusting around 25 knots (large white caps on Lake Charlevoix) -- today is a little quieter, but still blowing. It's currently a balmy 50 degrees in the sun, and protected from any wind!

I've almost everything stowed away -- maybe one more general trip with the dock cart, and then Chessie's ramp and my bicycle (folding) come aboard -- and we're ready!

I've already tuned down the "gotta rush, gotta go" button -- and am settling into this quite nicely thank you.

Pictures of Sonador, Chessie, and the surrounds tomorrow.

Underway at Last

So here we are again ... trying to pack too much stuff into a small (relatively) space. First, the bike, dog food, and other hard bags of food, books, and boat things. Second, the softer "squishable" things like blankets, curtains, clothes. Then FINALLY -- Chessie, who wanted to make sure that she wasn't left behind.

Then, off to the PA Turnpike, and the Ohio Turnpike. Amazing, but the traffic wasn't really all that bad and we are now comfortably in Youngstown, Ohio. I know -- this is supposed to be a boating adventure -- but I gotta get to the boat first. That will be Saturday morning!

Stay tuned!