Okay, I lied -- it is now September!!!

I have no idea where August went -- last thing I remember was arriving at Duncan Bay -- and then found that illusive weather window late in the month for travelling to Charlevoix.

I can report that:  we had happy hour on shore almost every night at Duncan Bay -- except those days when we'd pile into as many cars as it took to go out to dinner.  Participated in two Duncan Bay parties -- one a wine tasting and the other a birthday party.  Managed to see BD and Ric just once, but at least we had a nice visit and got sorta caught up.  Sophie and I strolled around the grounds visiting with fellow boaters.  Did some shopping in Cheboygan, and visited the farmers' market on two rainy days but still managed to get some wonderful ripe tomatoes and other local produce.  With the help of Mel and Sue, moved my car to Charlevoix in anticipation of the boat trip later that week.

And, then -- managed the 65 plus nautical miles through the Straits, past the abandoned light house, into some choppy and confused seas, and into Charlevoix's Round Lake and the City Marina on Saturday last (August 27th).  For you non-boaters, that's seven plus hours of travel and when you are the only human on the boat, pretty exhausting staying at attention the whole time -- these are, in fact, major shipping channels for the Great Lakes freighters.  Now, it is Labor Day weekend, and I'm staying at a beautiful and very big house on Walloon Lake for the holiday -- friends Susan and Gina are also here (along with Sophie and Peaches).  Then, back to the boat and beginning to get organized to depart here probably on the 23rd of September.

In the interim, I'll continue to see friends around the area (I hope) and to visit with other boaters before calling this season to a halt.

And, I don't even have any decent pictures to post that were taken this year -- I've lots that I could pretend were taken this year, but I'd know and someone out there would say "I've seen that shot before" so I won't even try to cheat.

I'll look around and see if there isn't something to post -- but don't hold your breath.

Back in Michigan -- but not done yet

As planned, we motored to Beef Island for a couple of nights.  The ride over was pretty easy, but there were large swells from the east that made a direct route into Beef less than desirable, so instead of an eleven mile journey I clocked a little over 15.  Sophie was happy.

The high waters of the Great Lakes make for some interesting changes to our favorite anchorages.  Beef has always had a nice sandy beach on the south east side of the island -- not this year!  In fact, there was no shore line at all conducive to walking dogs.  So, we learned to dinghy around to the other side of the island where there was a remnant of the beach and an area where Sophie could run a little.  First evening we had happy hour on BASIC BOAT with Ann and Jorma -- second evening we had dinner on CLASS ACT.

On the second afternoon, we took a long dinghy ride to Milford Haven -- at least two miles each way.  Up a long bay and onto the river that feeds the bay, weaving among the reeds and ducking beneath low branches to a landing place which had (we don't think it functions any more) a dedicated phone for clearing Canadian Customs -- in the middle of no where mind you!

On the 31st, I left Beef to head to Detour, Michigan for supplies, fuel, and pump-out.  Cleared US Customs using my NEXUS card -- but it took two attempts since the agent lost all the information just as he was about to give me my number.  Very apologetic that we had to repeat it all, but in the end I was admitted back.  YEAH!!!

SPIRIT OF ALOHA and HOME FREE were at Detour.  So we all walked to the grocery store to provision for eight days at anchor and the "Wilderness Rally" at Harbor Island.  By 1:45 p.m. I had an anchor down in Harbor Island, and soon had Sophie to shore.  SPIRIT OF ALOHA came in also, HOME FREE the next day.

By the evening of August 1st, there were enough (not that it takes all that many) of our GLCC (Great Lakes Cruising Club) boats in the harbor to allow for happy hour on shore.  And, although the Rally wasn't scheduled to begin until Wednesday the 3rd, more boats arrived each day.

Wilderness Rallies are really camp for adults.  Over the period of five nights, more than forty boats joined in -- from sail boats (30 feet to 50 feet) and power boats (28 feet to 70 feet).  From all walks of life, drawn together by a common love of the water and the beauty of the North Channel.  We had a welcoming happy hour on the 3rd. 

The next morning two of our leaders (Mel from CLASS ACT and Bill from SPIRIT OF ALOHA) cooked pancakes on shore (generators are a great invention) and everyone brought meats or fruit to share.  A local from Drummond Island came to speak to us about the history of the area, and about life on Drummond (and it's many surrounding islands) year round.  It freezes solid up here, so winter travel is on ice (even to formal celebrations like New Years).  We followed that with every boater posting their total years boating on index cards which were hung on several of the evergreens.  Turns out many participants have been boating more than 50 years!  The total for those who participated (and not everyone did) was over 2800 years!!!  That afternoon I organized a blind fold dinghy race (the rower was blind folded, the spotter gave directions) which attracted six boats.  They all seemed to enjoy themselves, but there were some real challenges to communicating -- one boat even just went in circles the whole time.  Evening saw a hot dog roast on shore again cooked by our very own chefs.

The next morning, after coffee on shore, we had a book exchange -- one does well if you leave with fewer books than you brought.  And, I succeeded --- only came back with four new books to read.  Then, Ann from BASIC BOAT led a discussion on an "Obituary of the English Language" -- a course she teaches in Montreal to aspiring poets.  Great fun.  After noon, the owners of Drummond Island Yacht Haven brought their launch over and shuttled us in three boat loads to their facility where we had our own picnic lunch followed by ice cream (now that is a real treat for boaters)  We had time to explore a little, visiting the local museum and purchasing some local produce from a farm stand.  Then, back to our boats and a later happy hour on shore.

Saturday, after coffee on shore we (and in this case, only the ladies participated) created frames for the pictures that had been taken earlier in conjunction with the "experience tree."  After lunch, Jim from HOME FREE made a very interesting presentation on computer security (passwords, security systems, etc) using a computer and TV monitor (again that generator proved very useful).  Before the potluck dinner on shore, Susan (CLASS ACT) and Ann (BASIC BOAT) piled into my dinghy with Sophie and I to explore a "trail" on the other side of the harbor.  Trail was a little bit of an exaggeration, but with another of the boaters we tromped through the woods to the other side of the island and walked the beach for a while before returning.  

Sunday morning and boats were leaving -- another good week with friends -- but time for hot showers and dockside services.  I went to Detour with HOME FREE.

Yesterday, Monday the 8th it was flat calm -- a good day for crossing Lake Huron (almost 40 miles).  So, I left Detour around 7:30 and pulled into Duncan Bay well before noon.  That's the type of weather I'd like to see this time next week as I make the longer journey around to Charlevoix.

Pictures will come -- promise!

Another week has flown by

Gore Bay was fun!  Alison and Rod (LEADING EDGE) did arrive, as did several other boats so on Thursday afternoon they all piled onto SONADOR for happy hour.  Then, Alison, Rod and I went to see Kinderkids at the local theater -- a very powerful play about the German children who were evacuated before WWII to England, and the impact it had on their lives -- well done by the local talent.

Friday, the farmers' market and more fresh veggies and baked goods -- a beautiful morning with gusty winds and bright blue sky.  CLASS ACT and LEADING EDGE leave for anchorages east.  After the market, I trundled over to the local art gallery building and visited my favorite Gore Bay artist, purchasing two prints from her larger originals.  Then back to the boat.  

Early afternoon, we had some excitement as a float plane crashed on take off in the outer harbor.  The pilot was unhurt, but for several minutes no one knew exactly what was going on.  Prompt response from the boating community, several dinghies roared out of the harbor and soon we could see them returning dragging an upside down float plane with them.  Fascinating to watch, and so happy that no one was hurt -- although I imagine the pilot has some explaining to do to his insurance company.

Saturday dawned as another bright day -- I was considering staying at Gore Bay for a few more days but the forecast of high winds beginning later that afternoon and continuing for several more days changed my mind.  So by noon, I was over at the fuel dock and ready to head out.  

CLASS ACT was moving to Eagle, so that became my destination.  It was a bit rocky, but not as bad as it has been, so I was anchor down in Eagle by 3 p.m.  In addition to CLASS ACT, OKAGA (Ann and Bruce), TEAM ZOOMA (Chuck and Linda), and GANESHA (Scott and Nancy) were anchored there.  We, of course, gathered for happy hour each of the three nights we were there -- watching the winds swirl around us -- and the anchorage fill as more boats sought refuge.  In fact, on Monday the 25th it was so windy that I was doubtful about leaving SONADOR for fear she would drag -- but the desire for good company beat out my fears -- and she didn't move an inch.

Tuesday, the 26th, CLASS ACT and I depart heading west a little before 8 a.m.  TOO MUCH EXCITEMENT!!  As I was heading up to the McBean Channel through the Boyds Island mark, ms Sophie cuddled between my legs with the rolling seas only to have my coffee -- luckily not hot -- spill on her.  Panic!  Then real PANIC on my part as I see her on the rolling, pitching bow of the boat.  If she went over in those seas I'd never get her back.  So, boat into idle and I crawl forward, grab her harness and drag her -- literally kicking and screaming back into the boat (actually there was no screaming except the pounding of my heart)  Pour girl, didn't like the coffee, but really didn't like the motion of the boat for the next fifteen minutes until we were able to turn into the wind and progress through Little Detroit and into the Whalesback Channel.  Around the end, and into Long Point Cove with anchor down by 11 a.m.

When we arrived there were only three other boats there -- but by late afternoon a total of fourteen boats had sought refuge from the winds and waves.  Two quiet evenings in the protection of that great harbor, a couple of short dinghy explorations, and even a swim (shower and hair wash) in the water.

Yesterday, the 28th we left early again heading west with our destination being the town of Thessalon -- normally my point of arrival in Canada.  The winds were out of the north east so I was literally pushed along the full forty one nautical miles -- CLASS ACT sailed most of the way.  Laundry, shopping, showers, etc. and a quiet dinner on board CLASS ACT.

Today, after breakfast in town we plan on heading over to Beef Island -- at the south east end of St. Joseph's Island and still in Canadian waters.  We'll meet up with Ann and Jarma on BASIC BOAT.  Planning on spending two days there before heading back into US waters and to Harbor Island for the Wilderness Rally.

Pictures from Sturgeon and McTavish

La Cloche Mountains on the North Shore of the Channel

White caps and waves crashing on the reefs outside Sturgeon Cove

A great place for a picnic and a safe view of the tormented waters of the North Channel

Rod, Alison and Sophie on top of McTavish

Pictures from Eagle Island

Sonador at anchor in Eagle -- July 12

Sophie's personal taxi

Blueberry picking among the rocks at Eagle

Two Weeks of Sun, Seas, and Wind

Enjoyed two days in Gore Bay -- reuniting with Alan and Margo on ENCORE for happy hour on Sunday evening, had breakfast with Erica and Graham on LADY ERICA before they left on Monday, and then happy hour Monday evening with Nicki and Hugh on MISCHIEF.

You'd think all we do is party!

Tuesday (the 12th) departed Gore Bay for the run up to Eagle, where we teamed up with Alison and Rod on LEADING EDGE and Jim and Linda on HOME FREE for a day that included blueberry picking.  The berries are sweet, just very small.  On Wednesday two boats from Duncan Bay came into the harbor, so more berry picking and happy hour for all on LEADING EDGE.  Thursday, puttered around and planned on happy hour on SONADOR, but very strong winds came up around 3:30 forcing a cancellation of that event and encouraging all the boats to put out additional scope.  Even yours truly succeeded in getting another thirty feet of chain in the water before trying to settle in for the night.

Friday, set off for Gore Bay in a light rain and fog.  This turned into a very rough ride for Sophie and her mom -- I keep promising her that we won't do this again, and then we do.  Into Gore Bay -- met by a dock full of helpers -- thank goodness my one attempt worked and wasn't too shabby.  Nothing like an audience to make the captain nervous.  After a quick run through the farmers' market, I stopped by INGOMAR (Jim and Bonnie) for a hearty oatmeal breakfast and catching up since I hadn't seen them this year at all.  LEADING EDGE and HOPSCOTCH (Georgia and Chuck) arrived later that morning.

Went to the local theater Friday evening to see "Old Love" -- a light comedy that was rather well done by two Canadian actors.  Saturday, dinner at Buoys with all, before planning on leaving Sunday.

Sunday morning, had a nice motor to Sturgeon Cove -- about 25 miles north east of Gore Bay.  A tricky entrance, but I had left a track on my chart plotter last year, and followed that in very easily.  Anchor down and feeling rather smug about my choice of location.  HAH!!  That night the winds came howling out of the north west right into the cove, making for a very uncomfortable ride rolling from side to side, while also tossing up and down.  Sophie was so frightened, she joined me in bed (she never does this) and wrapped herself around my head (this is an eighty five pound dog mind you) for about three hours.

Finally, it was sunlight and the winds were only picking up more.  LEADING EDGE moved to a more sheltered position and offered to help me relocate also.  No dummy I -- we immediately began looking for quieter waters -- and found them in a corner of the cove where NADURRA (another boater from my past travels) was raising anchor to head into Little Current (Paul had to go pick up his wife, otherwise he would have wisely stayed put.)

By mid- afternoon on Monday (18th), the waves were crashing on the outside of the cove -- and we (Alison, Rod, Sophie and I) made a picnic of sitting on the rocks and watching the North Channel like we've never seen it before.  Happy hour (never let a little wind upset your social calendar) was on Sonador.

Tuesday we motored to McTavish, where there is a sandy beach and more protection from the south west winds.  For the most part the protection worked, although the rough water outside our anchorage discouraged dinghy explorations.  We did hike the spine of the island, only to find tall brown grasses, broken trees and shattered granite, and some of the most bitter blueberries ever.  Rod made pizza on the grill and we chattered about moving back to Eagle the next morning.

This morning, Wednesday the 20th, Rod correctly suggested that I might want to take advantage of the relative quiet of the winds (they are supposed to pick up tomorrow) and head into Gore Bay.  A split second of pondering that, and I accelerated to 3000 RPM covering the 20 plus miles in under two hours!

And, here I sit -- showered and clean -- relaxing and planning on attending theater tomorrow night, farmers' market on Friday, and who knows on Saturday.  I expect to see LEADING EDGE tomorrow (but maybe not) and certainly CLASS ACT (Mel and Sue) will be here.  Then we'll talk about heading west.

Around the Benjamin's -- take two

Our first stop during the dinghy ride around South Benjamin -- happy people/happy dogs

Maybe that's where the bear lives in winter

Now, who in their right mind would do this?  Not Sonador!

In the Benjamins -- one round

Yes, you can be a little crazy celebrating the 4th at anchor with friends

Some get a laugh out of my dealy boppers, others not so much

From the top of the pink granite hill looking out over the South Benjamin anchorage

Looking back at that same hill from out doggie island

Some Pictures from the Start

Turnbull Anchorage at sunset

Long Point Cove

Sophie has found a cool spot in the shade

Another view of Long Point Cove looking east

And, now it is the tenth of July

We left Gore Bay on Monday, and motored smoothly to the  Benjamin Islands -- a cluster of granite islands about fifteen miles north east of Gore Bay.  Followed friends, Alan and Margo on Encore, into the main anchorage in South Benjamin -- through rock formations called the Sows and Pigs -- leaving a track so that I could get back out the same way.

Found SPIRIT OF ALOHA and HOME FREE anchored in a small bay -- I never would have gone in there on my own -- tucked away from the main anchorage.  Anchor down, dinghy launched and a great rock island just to our north for dogs to run.  What could be better.

This was the Fourth of July, so we decided to celebrate with a pot luck dinner on SPIRIT -- salad, brats and sauerkraut, and skewers of veggies and meat -- yum!

The next day was pleasant and clear, so we decided to dinghy around South Benjamin -- the only problem with that plan was the winds and waves in the open water to the west.  A little wet, a lot lumpy, and wondering if this was such a good idea.  But within thirty minutes, we had tucked into a small bay with a sandy beach on the south side of the island.  People and dogs ashore to stretch -- and do what dogs do.  Some pretty wild roses under the canopy of trees.  Sandy found bear scat and paw prints -- recent and evidence that you are never alone up here.

Back into the boats, and finished circling the island exploring the many cuts between the many rocks, where very brave boats tie to shore in well protected -- but nerve racking surroundings (the bottom is never more than a foot below your boat, it is all rocks, and there really isn't much room to turn around)  Won't ever be yours truly.

Then back to the main anchorage, and the most photographed feature of South Benjamin -- a steep rock of  pink granite rising a couple hundred feet above the water.  Able to walk up, with several stops along the way for a pause -- and then the view to die for.  Coming down, a little more exciting -- but worth every minute of the detour.

A chilly swim -- more like a dip -- in 68 degree waters just to get a little of the grime off.  Repeated one more time the next evening.  I'd say it was refreshing, but cold is a better description!!

That night, happy hour on HOME, the next day just lounging around interspersed with doggy trips to shore and happy hour on SONADOR.  Then next day, SPIRIT headed west, and HOME and SONADOR agreed to stay put.  A short dinghy over to North Benjamin, but Sophie didn't like the sandy beach (very rough on the paws) so we came back for happy hour on HOME.  Friday there was considerable winds, and an honest to goodness squall where the winds, rain, and waves picked up to the point of uncomfortable.  Saturday, the weather calmed a bit -- but we had a drenching rain just as we left to pick blueberries.  A second try and we found lots -- returning to the dinghies, Siesta (mine) had gone walking into the reeds by the force of the winds.  She was rescued -- as were Sophie and I -- by Jim and Linda from HOME.  Later, at happy hour on HOME we experienced another small squall.

This morning, it is calm and bright.  A short trip back to Gore Bay where I'll stay at least a couple of nights.  I plan to be back here on Thursday for local theater, Friday's farmers market, and a different play on Friday night.  

Oh, and in the interim, hot showers!!!

Many Days Later...

One thing you learn about international travel on a boat -- access to the internet isn't easy.

So, today is the 2nd of July -- I've been in Canadian waters since last Saturday, and today is the first day at a marina -- so now I have internet!!  Before blogging, I've paid bills (thank goodness) and read well over two hundred emails (mostly from sites I need to unsubscribe to) and frankly tried to catch up on a little news from my friends.

Back to the beginning.  As planned, I took off on Friday the 24th for Harbor Island, Michigan --- the entry to the North Channel.  After an uneventful crossing of Lake Huron, I set anchor mid afternoon and waited for my travelling companions to catch up.  By early evening, there were four of us anchored, dogs had been taken ashore, and everyone agreed that we should leave bright and early the next morning.  Sophie was good with that idea -- we are way above the 45th parallel here and the mornings begin around 5 a.m. with a bright sunrise!

Raised anchor and followed SPIRIT OF ALOHA out of Harbor Island, tucking around a back route that I had never taken before and isn't marked for hazards.  Then on into the open waters of the North Channel -- heading mostly due east to try to reach Turnbull Island for the evening.  That's about 53 nautical miles of open water -- with a stop toward the end to clear Canadian customs.  The two countries have devised a way to just call in and all your information will make the clearance easier -- HAH!  After answering the series of questions about guns, alcohol, cash, etc. Canadian customs asked that I divert and come into the harbor at Blind River.  I did just that -- they didn't.  Found out after waiting forty five minutes, that if the Customs agents don't show up at the appointed hour you are free to leave.  Which I did, catching up with SPIRIT just south of Blind River in increasingly bouncy seas.  But, we motored into Turnbull without incident and set anchor.

Winds for the next three days were from the west -- gusting at one point into the low 30's -- and Turnbull is open to the west.  There were some very wet dinghy rides to shore, but the surroundings made it all worth while.  On Tuesday, the 28th the winds died during the middle of the day and we set out for an exploration (which we've all done before) of the Turnbull group of islands.  For over an hour, we slipped through the waters hoping to see wild life (gulls, cormorants, and one loon were our reward).  

Each evening we had happy hour on one of the boats -- and didn't need dinner after since the food offerings were so great!

On Wednesday, we raised anchor and went the considerable distance to Long Point Cove -- a total of 5 nautical miles :)

While Long Point is closer to the north shore, it stills seems to be the wilderness.  A perfectly protected anchorage with a great little island in the middle -- the three dogs (that's right both SPIRIT and HOME FREE have dogs aboard) got to run off leash several times a day.  On Thursday, we explored nearby bays and islands.  Friday, we had rain in the morning -- a cold, wet rain that should have convinced ms Sophie that she could hold off on her morning trip to shore but undaunted we motored to the island for a little dog free time.  Friday night I hosted happy hour on SONADOR and we all planned on an early departure for Saturday.

Today, we left Long Point at around 8 a.m. -- trip to shore was at 6:30 -- and started to head to Gore Bay.  The distance is only 20 miles -- but the seas were horrible with waves coming from the west and north, tossing SONADOR, her captain and the terrified Sophie around for almost the whole journey.   At 10 a.m., I called the marina at Gore Bay and talked to the Harbor Master (Lee) who welcomed me back and had a hand standing by to help me get into my slip.  

Now, after a day of showers (YEAH!!!!!!) and cleaning the boat, tossing out garbage, and simply sitting still -- we've all been to a nice white fish dinner and settled back on our boats.  I'll stay here another day and then head back out to more adventure.

Pictures on blog posts before I leave here.

At Last, a Boat on the Water!

Yesterday, Wednesday the 22nd, I finally cut (not literally mind you) the lines at Charlevoix Marina and set out for the 70 mile journey to Cheboygan, MI.  Just about 30 miles north up to the abandoned Light House at Grey's Reef, then turn east until you pass under the Mackinaw Bridge. Then south east for almost 20 miles into Duncan Bay Boat Club.

For the most part, it was a very smooth passage.  Leaving Charlevoix wasn't, however, as we got tossed around by competing seas and winds.  Things went flying and Sophie decided that curling around mom's legs at the helm was the only answer.  But, half an hour later, the seas had turned flat and the rest of the trip was beautiful.  Sophie, therefore, spent that whole time curled up on the pillows of the bed!

My friend Ric Gillig joined me for the trip -- his wife brought him over for the voyage and assured me that this is one of the highlights of his travels on the water (they used to be live aboards down in Annapolis and the Caribbean).  

This time, both because of the smooth and high (about four feet above chart datum) water, I accelerated to 11 plus knots for almost the whole journey.  And, didn't have to weave through the rocks at Grey's Reef.  Cut off an hour of travel and almost ten miles.

Today is a final day for provisioning, and retrieving my car from Charlevoix.  Tomorrow, I'll set off in the company of two sail boats -- SPIRIT OF ALOHA and HOME FREE.  Plans are to cross Lake Huron (about 35 miles) and spend one last evening in US waters before entering Canadian waters on Saturday.  Destination is eventually Turnbull Island and the Whalesback Channel, but we may stop in Blind River on the way.

First Week in Charlevoix

As planned, moved to the City Marina last Saturday -- an uneventful short trip, with a smooth docking at the end!  Always the best way to finish any excursion.

The City surrounds Round Lake, with magnificent homes and boat houses evidence of the wealth that calls this home, for the summer or the full year.  The community welcomes all visitors -- and, I find each year that it feels like I'm coming home to see friends and acquaintances I've met during my stays here.  It is hard to believe that this is my ninth summer in Charlevoix!


Also known as "Charlevoix the Beautiful", the city takes great pride in the parks and grounds of public buildings.  The Library, which is just a couple of long blocks from the marina, is surrounded by sculpture and "fancies" such as this giant butterfly.  Part of Sophie and my early morning walks each day -- in addition to the art work, there are apparently great smells all around since our walk turns into a one step forward, pause, maybe go back a step, okay we can move on now.

The first couple of days it was warm and sunny, by mid-week it had turned cold and wet, and now as the weekend approaches another bright blue sky and temperatures in the 80s during the day.  It's much cooler at night, great sleeping weather!

Boating friends are also beginning to show up.  Oat and Rosemarie from Denver are just down the dock from me, Dave and Kathy pulled in yesterday, and I've had a chance to visit with Fish and Sue (who have just sold their boat and have plans to travel by rail around the country).  On Wednesday, I met Chuck and Joann in Petoskey for a trip to West Marine -- it wouldn't be boating if you weren't spending money on "stuff."  It absolutely poured the whole time we were there, so didn't get to help the Michigan economy as much as normal.

Yesterday was the farmers' market in Charlevoix -- I selected a pint of delicious strawberries and a couple of fresh out of the oven scones.  Today is laundry day, and tomorrow I'll drive over to Cheboygan to join JoEllen and Ron at the Duncan Bay party.  Sunday, there is a boat show in Petoskey.  And, I've plenty of books to read.  Who has time for all this relaxation?

Getting Ready to Move On Board

Sonador was waiting for us when we arrived in Charlevoix late Wednesday afternoon -- a total of 2400 miles and some pretty stiff muscles, but ready to clean and get settled in.

Over the winter, Irish Boat Shop did their usual great job of maintenance and some special work on the teak and polishing the sides -- so Sonador looks like new!

I stayed with good friends, Donna and Lou at their home in Boyne City (at the southern end of Charlevoix Lake) and took advantage of the opportunity to slowly move all the stuff out of the car and into appropriate places on the boat.  And, it all fits!!!!

Sophie is -- was -- little help in all this.  But, she certainly made herself comfortable as soon as I had the bed made.  She has visited all her friends in the yard, begged for treats each morning, and is back to being the great boat dog and companion for adventures.

Today, Saturday the 11th, I think I will move down to the City Marina -- assuming there is room at the docks.  I've arrived in the midst of a fishing tournament, so the town docks may be filled with men seeking their fame in the pursuit of Lake Michigan fish!

A Little Detour to Kansas

So, on the way to Michigan I managed a slight detour to the west to visit family in Pomona, Kansas.  Actually, more than a slight detour, but well worth the time and travel.  We had a family reunion on Saturday the fourth of June -- 35 descendants of the Jessop clan gathered for talk, catching up, and eating wonderful homemade goodies.

And, I got to stay with Terry and Ed Altic at their place in Pomona -- in the rolling hills of eastern Kansas -- on their farm.  Ed says he is slowing down, but you couldn't tell by all the activity of cutting and bailing hay.  The mornings were cool and beautiful, the afternoons bright and warm.

Sophie was intrigued by the three barn cats who greeted us every morning -- they were waiting for Ed to feed them -- and wouldn't back down.  She has seen cats before.  I was surprised she didn't make more of the cows that were hanging out by the house.

We attended a local baseball game -- the guys weren't any older than 8 or 9 years, small in stature but ambitious in approach to the ball.  Saw some very special catches, a couple of home runs, and a lot of fun had by all.

Time flew by, and then it was time to get back in the ole car and head north.  

Time to Pack the Car

Sophie really isn't sure that all that stuff will fit and still leave room for her!

But, what she forgets is that she gets to ride in the back seat surrounded by her toys.

Leaving in two days, so the only things left to do are laundry, finishing packing -- oh, yeah, there are two more bags to go in the car -- and one final cleaning of the house.

Then, we start our summer!!!!

Heading North -- or almost

Here it is, almost time to pile into the car and head north for the summer.  And, every year I swear that I am going to be much more efficient, that I am not going to take everything I own, that Sophie and I can purchase things up north (and even in Canada if necessary!) -- and, still the pile grows bigger.

But, I don't even have to begin to put things into the car until this time next week -- that is Sunday the 29th of May -- so, I'll just keep working on the sorting and shedding exercises.

This year, I'm taking a slight detour on the way to Charlevoix.  My mom's family is from the Topeka area of Kansas -- and so, I am driving out to Pomona, Kansas for a family reunion and catching up with cousins and their children, grandchildren, and even great grand children.  Should be an adventure -- I haven't seen them in forever.

The eight months in Florida have literally flown by.  I've been busy at SMART, worked on the Gala for Circus Sarasota, went to see the Sarasota Ballet in three performances (and will get season tickets for this next year), saw two plays at the Osolo Repertory Theater, and generally have enjoyed this new phase of my life.  The only complaint that was registered this year was by Sophie, who took offense to the amount of time I've spent as Volunteer Coordinator at SMART and ate/tore apart several volunteer applications that I had left on the floor.  She showed some remorse, or at least put on a good front.

We have reconciled our differences, and now I just make sure that nothing is left on the floor.  I am a well trained dog mom!