Another week

So far, we've had days where it is almost ninety and days where it's below fifty in the morning, warming to a balmy sixty by noon. Last weekend was rained out -- just as well -- I've still been puttering around the boat -- and more importantly the marina had forgotten to clear the boat through customs, and I didn't want to venture out without that official task done (got the paper work this morning).

Today would have been good, but I got distracted and here it is almost six p.m. -- how time does fly when you doddle along.

Tomorrow, assuming the weather is fine, I plan to venture over to Beausoliel Island, just to see what's happening -- that's the national park where I managed to break an ankle last year. Not planning on going ashore, just a test of my navigating skills and maybe playing with the anchor (haven't set the anchor on my own since I was on the Chesapeake.

Then back here to get the dinghy and the outboard ready for the weekend of the 20th when I will be following some fellow cruisers to another remote anchorage for the weekend.

I'm reading -- finished my fourth book -- doing jig saw puzzles -- and generally only catching the news when I see people in town. My blood pressure has to be down!

No photos -- sorry, just pictures of Chessie in varying stages of repose and you've seen that before.

So, a week has gone by

...and Chessie has assumed her rightful place. We go for half hour strolls about three times a day -- staying on marina property -- sometimes visiting with people, sometimes playing with other dogs.

Think we are just about the only "live aboards" although others arrive on Thursday nites for long weekends.

It has been raining the last few days -- so ventures are limited. Today, I took Sonador out for a high speed run into the Bay just to let her feel the water beneath her hull -- and to have the volvo guy listen to the slipping belts! Even got to put her into two separate slips before we agreed that I had the right one.

Three books down -- and half way through a fourth -- I'll have to slow down or will run out of reading material.

If I get out more, then there will be pictures later. Right now, the slow pace is just right.

Midland -- day 3

Today -- after an early morning walk with Chessie -- I scrubbed the top sides of Sonador. Those who boat will understand when I say "I am getting too old for this" -- if you aren't a boater, think of washing a thirty seven foot car that has been in a construction zone for many months!

But, I think it was worth it.

These are the ADM Milling Company (lumber/wood pulp) elevators at the end of the Midland Harbor -- the colorful mural represents the French Canadian priests and the First Nation peoples. This is right across from the marina.

And, here is Sonador with her new cover nestled in a temporary slip -- I'll move on Monday or Tuesday to make room for the permanent slip occupant.

Midland, Ontario

We are here!!

Actually arrived yesterday around noon -- and spent the afternoon moving most of the stuff on-board -- collapsed by 9 p.m. It was hot and muggy -- mid 80's and not a breeze stirring.

Today, up at 6 a.m. -- hey, the sun comes up and the dog and I can no longer stay hiding from the day. It's sunny, with a nice breeze, and more moving stuff. I'm almost done -- if it stays this warm, I won't need half the things I brought with me.

Tomorrow, I have to scrub the decks and finish unpacking the car -- only Chessie's extra food remains.

I will take pictures, and begin to post them. The new enclosure is great -- gives me a lot more living space no matter what the weather.

I'm already into boating time -- reading all afternoon -- getting ready for a quiet evening -- and seldom thinking profound thoughts!

It's Almost that Time Again!

Plans are afoot to pull the plug, pack the dog, and head out on the water later in the month of May. Probably staying in the Georgian Bay and North Channel throughout the summer and returning to US waters of the Great Lakes around Labor Day.

A girl can dream can't she?

Getting Around in Alexandria

A little bird reminded me that I haven't been keeping up with the blog, so here 'tis.

Am home -- have been for almost two weeks -- and am bumbling around Alexandria in a "soft brace" meant for sports injuries (I guess clambering on rocks is a sport). Can even drive the car, and walk the dog!

The real test will be the Annapolis Sailboat Show next weekend, when I plan to join the throngs who poke and prod at all the latest in boating and sailing at prices that just can't be matched.

I should be declared totally fit by the end of the month -- maybe even a little before. Then I have to start to bone up on the Canadian Boaters' License test which I will have to pass before I can take the boat out next summer (and yes, I will be returning to the fateful Beausoleil Island among other venues as I try to milk as much out of the Georgian Bay and North Channel as is possible).

In the interim, they've started work on the enclosure for the back of Sonador and are working to refinish the teak doors. She's been winterized and I suppose the shrink wrap will go on in the next week or so -- won't be quite the plush arrangement of last year, but almost every boat in Midland get's stored outside and there are some very expensive, very large boats at the marina so I'm not worried.

The "verdict"

So, the Doctor in Arlington confirms "broken ankle" and has manipulated the bones into the perfect position, given me a purple cast, and asked that I come back in two weeks for more xrays. Should be able to put "some weight" on the foot by this time next week, probably four to six weeks before the cast comes off. And, then I'm good to go for next boating season!

That should mean that I can get around the docks at the Sailboat Show and the Powerboat Show in Annapolis in early October.

Am staying with friends in Annapolis, will move back to Alexandria when I can manage the stairs and getting around -- for their sake, hopefully after the two week re-xray!