I guess we "bailed" right in the nick of time (pun intended). All our friends with whom we travelled all summer have been stuck in marinas along the Illinois River for 2 to 3 weeks. As far as I know they are all trying to coordinate the commencement of about 40 or so loopers once the rivers are open again to recreational boats. We've been reading their blog entries (and teasing a bit about them being "bog" entries)...but seriously, it is a blessing that they are all safe and sound...This could have had a much worse outcome than just getting delayed in marinas for a few weeks. Chip and I are sending them all our good thoughts and prayers and certainly hope they will all stop by and visit us in Naples this winter when they are passing through.
God Speed dear friends. You are the Champion Loopers of 2008!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
A "Duck" Out Of Water
Ithaka came out of the water at Skyway Yacht Works last Wednesday...she'll be in storage for a year before we head back up to Chicago next fall to begin Leg III of "Discovering Ithaka". We have been watching the weather closely and our prayers are with all our looper buddies south of Chicago entering the river system.
The folks at Skyway were great. It was sad to leave knowing that a whole year will go by before we are back onboard. We spent a couple of days in a beautiful, brand-new hotel (Ah! Amazing king-size bed and the longest hot shower I've had in over 2 months) before we flew home on Friday. My mom picked us up at the airport with an armful of yellow daisies! We missed her so much! She treated us to lunch then dropped us off at home where we began the process of getting settled in...We really did land running. Security Shutters came down, yard work, grocery shopping...Our little house felt huge to us! It's good to be home. We had all our family over yesterday for a big Sunday dinner...the hugs felt wonderful...the laughter filled our home...and the love filled our hearts. We are so blessed!
Today we are back at the office and I didn't want to wait too long to post a few pix of Ithaka coming out of the water...Once I get rolling here at the office there's no telling when I'll be blogging again. Our boss, our daughters, our assistant, and all our colleagues have made us feel so missed and welcomed us back with open arms...
We will continue to check out the location of our friends on The Looper Locator site...Thank you for all the good information that you are posting on the AGCLA website, too. We are hoping to make it to the fall rendezvous in Alabama next month!
The folks at Skyway were great. It was sad to leave knowing that a whole year will go by before we are back onboard. We spent a couple of days in a beautiful, brand-new hotel (Ah! Amazing king-size bed and the longest hot shower I've had in over 2 months) before we flew home on Friday. My mom picked us up at the airport with an armful of yellow daisies! We missed her so much! She treated us to lunch then dropped us off at home where we began the process of getting settled in...We really did land running. Security Shutters came down, yard work, grocery shopping...Our little house felt huge to us! It's good to be home. We had all our family over yesterday for a big Sunday dinner...the hugs felt wonderful...the laughter filled our home...and the love filled our hearts. We are so blessed!
Today we are back at the office and I didn't want to wait too long to post a few pix of Ithaka coming out of the water...Once I get rolling here at the office there's no telling when I'll be blogging again. Our boss, our daughters, our assistant, and all our colleagues have made us feel so missed and welcomed us back with open arms...
We will continue to check out the location of our friends on The Looper Locator site...Thank you for all the good information that you are posting on the AGCLA website, too. We are hoping to make it to the fall rendezvous in Alabama next month!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Lest We Forget
We must never forget,
"On a day when buildings fell, heroes rose."
Please take a quiet moment today, and everyday, to count your blessings...
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
NUMB3RS
Here are a few interesting statistics...
We travelled approximately 1,800 nautical miles in 71 days. That is an average of 23.35 miles per day. Some days we went 40 or 50nm, others only 15 to 20...(and somedays we didn't move at all)! Our shortest day travelling was from South Benjamin Island to Hotham Bay...Our longest day, distance wise, was probably Pentwater to Grand Haven, but I will need to double check that when we get home (we shipped the charts back to Naples yesterday)...other long runs include Oswego to Picton, Lakefield to Bobcaygeon and Kirkfield to Orillia. But the longest day was Trenton to Campbellford where we went through 12 locks in one day ! Each lock takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes from start to finish. All total we went through 42 locks on the Trent Severn canal system and 7 on the Oswego.
We topped off the gas tank 4 times, which averaged out to $1,500 total spent on fuel...and we have more now than when we started in Brewerton. That calculates out to approximately .83 cents per mile. We cruised at an average speed of 7.2 knots; although when we were going through the locks, narrow channels, back waters and such that average was closer to 6 knots. We kicked it up to 10 knots a few times just to let her run warmer...
The deepest water we were in: Lake Michigan, 660 feet...the shallowest about 2 feet under the keel going back into the pool at Baia Fine.
During the 71 days on Ithaka, taking into consideration the nights we spent "on the wall", "on the hook" or at marinas, we averaged a little over $28. per night for accomodations.
We ate out a total of 5 nights, which does not include nights that we were treated to a home cooked meal by other loopers or the Labor Day Cook-out which cost us a whopping $4 bucks apiece! I did not tabulate groceries because I figure if we were home we'd have to eat, right? One thing is for certain, it is likely we would have eaten out more often if we had been home all summer....I will consider this a savings. Okay? We weighed ourselves yesterday for the first time since leaving home and let's just say our "score" is 15-love. Yes, for those of you who figured that one out, I've gained 15 pounds and Chip stayed the same! No excuses, but I must add that living within 5 steps in any direction of a refrigerator is not the best set up for me...Also, the old saying of, "it's 5 o'clock somewhere" has also taken on new meaning.
Last but not least, boat insurance. When Ithaka is in her homeport of Naples Florida, where there is a 6 month hurricane season, her insurance runs about $5,000 per year. For the 3 years it will take us to complete the loop, Ithaka's insurance is only $900. per year. I have determined that with the insurance savings plus the fact that the girls have done an extraordinary job running our business while we are away, it actually makes sense for us to stay away every summer! That's my story, and I'm sticking to it! Guess it's not so loopy to be a looper afterall!
**********************************************************************************
We travelled approximately 1,800 nautical miles in 71 days. That is an average of 23.35 miles per day. Some days we went 40 or 50nm, others only 15 to 20...(and somedays we didn't move at all)! Our shortest day travelling was from South Benjamin Island to Hotham Bay...Our longest day, distance wise, was probably Pentwater to Grand Haven, but I will need to double check that when we get home (we shipped the charts back to Naples yesterday)...other long runs include Oswego to Picton, Lakefield to Bobcaygeon and Kirkfield to Orillia. But the longest day was Trenton to Campbellford where we went through 12 locks in one day ! Each lock takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes from start to finish. All total we went through 42 locks on the Trent Severn canal system and 7 on the Oswego.
We topped off the gas tank 4 times, which averaged out to $1,500 total spent on fuel...and we have more now than when we started in Brewerton. That calculates out to approximately .83 cents per mile. We cruised at an average speed of 7.2 knots; although when we were going through the locks, narrow channels, back waters and such that average was closer to 6 knots. We kicked it up to 10 knots a few times just to let her run warmer...
The deepest water we were in: Lake Michigan, 660 feet...the shallowest about 2 feet under the keel going back into the pool at Baia Fine.
During the 71 days on Ithaka, taking into consideration the nights we spent "on the wall", "on the hook" or at marinas, we averaged a little over $28. per night for accomodations.
We ate out a total of 5 nights, which does not include nights that we were treated to a home cooked meal by other loopers or the Labor Day Cook-out which cost us a whopping $4 bucks apiece! I did not tabulate groceries because I figure if we were home we'd have to eat, right? One thing is for certain, it is likely we would have eaten out more often if we had been home all summer....I will consider this a savings. Okay? We weighed ourselves yesterday for the first time since leaving home and let's just say our "score" is 15-love. Yes, for those of you who figured that one out, I've gained 15 pounds and Chip stayed the same! No excuses, but I must add that living within 5 steps in any direction of a refrigerator is not the best set up for me...Also, the old saying of, "it's 5 o'clock somewhere" has also taken on new meaning.
Last but not least, boat insurance. When Ithaka is in her homeport of Naples Florida, where there is a 6 month hurricane season, her insurance runs about $5,000 per year. For the 3 years it will take us to complete the loop, Ithaka's insurance is only $900. per year. I have determined that with the insurance savings plus the fact that the girls have done an extraordinary job running our business while we are away, it actually makes sense for us to stay away every summer! That's my story, and I'm sticking to it! Guess it's not so loopy to be a looper afterall!
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Ending Leg II
We've spent these last few days of Leg II enjoying our time together before heading back to Naples where we will jump right back into work and all the other activities that fill our lives. I've already planned a BBQ at our house for Sunday...and we can't wait to see our loved ones!
We rented a car and drove up to the towns on Lake Michigan that we skipped because of the weather last week. We thoroughly enjoyed Saugatauk and South Haven. We recommend both to anyone looping through...and for those of you that have never visited the east coast of Lake Michigan; it is a destination unto itself with wonderful little towns and villages along the way, beautiful beaches with magnificent dunes and crystal clear water.
We also drove into Chicago twice. The first time we spent an entire day at The Field Museum (photo of Chip standing on the steps of the museum) The 2nd time we went to The Chicago Art Institute. That day we were invited to dinner at a private home in Chicago along with about 10 other looper couples who are in the area. Those in attendance are either in the process of doing the loop, hope to someday do it or have already completed it. We actually met another couple who I remembered meeting last year in Little Falls New York! Woody and Ellen were gracious hosts who generously treated all of us to a Chicago feast including Deep dish Chicago style pizza! Their home is on the 15th floor of a beautiful new highrise building overlooking Soldier Field and Lake Michigan...It was a fun night!
Last Friday evening Chip & I went to see Chris Botti along with Bill, Eileen and Clarissa from Blue Max. He was performing right next door to the marina here in Hammond at The Horseshoe Casino! We had great seats. It was a thrill to hear him in person and his ensemble was magnificent. Lucia Micarelli was one of the artists that accompanied Chris. The audience was moved to tears...
We will be taking Ithaka out of the water and putting her into storage tomorrow. She will be here for about a year until we come back in '09 to complete the circle.
...more news and photos to follow soon!
We rented a car and drove up to the towns on Lake Michigan that we skipped because of the weather last week. We thoroughly enjoyed Saugatauk and South Haven. We recommend both to anyone looping through...and for those of you that have never visited the east coast of Lake Michigan; it is a destination unto itself with wonderful little towns and villages along the way, beautiful beaches with magnificent dunes and crystal clear water.
We also drove into Chicago twice. The first time we spent an entire day at The Field Museum (photo of Chip standing on the steps of the museum) The 2nd time we went to The Chicago Art Institute. That day we were invited to dinner at a private home in Chicago along with about 10 other looper couples who are in the area. Those in attendance are either in the process of doing the loop, hope to someday do it or have already completed it. We actually met another couple who I remembered meeting last year in Little Falls New York! Woody and Ellen were gracious hosts who generously treated all of us to a Chicago feast including Deep dish Chicago style pizza! Their home is on the 15th floor of a beautiful new highrise building overlooking Soldier Field and Lake Michigan...It was a fun night!
Last Friday evening Chip & I went to see Chris Botti along with Bill, Eileen and Clarissa from Blue Max. He was performing right next door to the marina here in Hammond at The Horseshoe Casino! We had great seats. It was a thrill to hear him in person and his ensemble was magnificent. Lucia Micarelli was one of the artists that accompanied Chris. The audience was moved to tears...
We will be taking Ithaka out of the water and putting her into storage tomorrow. She will be here for about a year until we come back in '09 to complete the circle.
...more news and photos to follow soon!
Sunday, September 7, 2008
People, Places and Things
Today we began the task of "breaking down" the boat...defrosting, cleaning & scrubbing...making lists, re categorizing, compacting, putting away, packing...organizing cupboards & closets...Deciding what to keep, what to give away, what to ship home...what we couldn't live without and what we have just too much of...Throughout the day we have reminisced about the people, places and things we have experienced these past two months...Asking Chip, "What is your favorite memory?" opened up so many conversations about Discovering Ithaka...
First of all, the People...hmmmm...we've met so many nice people this summer...and who would say that they have favorites? But, there are a few who may have pulled at the ol' heart strings a little tighter than others...Shelly Sunshine, of course, and her mom & dad, too! The whole crew from Blue Max, we love you...and Peggy & Guy from Southern Comfort...We four boats crossed each others' wakes throughout the summer and we feel very blessed to have met kind-hearted, like-minded people, all sharing a similar dream. -In addition to new friends, it was wonderful to see Bill in Picton, Brandy in Mackinac Island and Gil & Pam in Charlevoix...Thank you all for being a part of this trip. I believe that people are innately good, and this was proven time and time again this summer.
It was even tougher to try to pick some of our favorite Places...The scenery in the North Channel, especially South Benjamin Island, hiking to the top of the overlook at The Pool in Baia Fine and gazing out over the topaz-colored water, what a view; How about going over The Big Chute? -and the Kirkfield Lock...Bobcaygeon, Leland, Saugatauk...amazing, beautiful, friendly, breathtaking, unforgettable...The lesson here however is, no matter where you are there is beauty...if you open your heart and eyes and look for it...I can't wait to sit on the dock in my backyard and watch a sunset...I believe that the best place to be, is to just be.
Lastly, Things...this can refer to so many things...Flea markets and wild flowers, swans and Canada geese, waterfalls, rainbows...How about all the fish Chip caught? (fish are things :-)...the smoore's party on the rocks (thanks Peggy)...the dock party in Killarney (hey Bud's buns!)...Some new things: New bikes (and they fold up so small for storing)...a new electric frying pan (one of the things I wouldn't want to live on board without), Chip's new inflatable dinghy (with a 2hp air-cooled motor-oh yeah, now we're talking), a new lamp in the salon (nice, soft lighting), a new storage trunk which doubles as a coffee table (to use next year as a pantry instead of the ugly blue rubbermaid bin), a new habit of grocery shopping with reusable bags (Meagan will be proud of us)...Of course, some old favorites from last year: My camera (never leave home without it-over 3,000 photos this summer), Navnet and paper charts (couldn't leave home without them), DVD player (thank you for Amber for the videos), laptop (for when we did have a connection), rechargeable fan, flyswatter, zip-lock bags, good books to read...The best things were: holding hands while watching gorgeous sunsets, observing the monarch butterfly migration, watching a meteor shower in the middle of the night on the top of Ithaka, finding rocks shaped like hearts, hearing from friends and family from home and seeing the grand babies on our webcam...Yes, I believe some things are meant to make your life easier...and some things aren't really things at all...so I'll be watching sunsets and looking for that monarch in Naples, too...and I can't wait to hug my loved ones!
First of all, the People...hmmmm...we've met so many nice people this summer...and who would say that they have favorites? But, there are a few who may have pulled at the ol' heart strings a little tighter than others...Shelly Sunshine, of course, and her mom & dad, too! The whole crew from Blue Max, we love you...and Peggy & Guy from Southern Comfort...We four boats crossed each others' wakes throughout the summer and we feel very blessed to have met kind-hearted, like-minded people, all sharing a similar dream. -In addition to new friends, it was wonderful to see Bill in Picton, Brandy in Mackinac Island and Gil & Pam in Charlevoix...Thank you all for being a part of this trip. I believe that people are innately good, and this was proven time and time again this summer.
It was even tougher to try to pick some of our favorite Places...The scenery in the North Channel, especially South Benjamin Island, hiking to the top of the overlook at The Pool in Baia Fine and gazing out over the topaz-colored water, what a view; How about going over The Big Chute? -and the Kirkfield Lock...Bobcaygeon, Leland, Saugatauk...amazing, beautiful, friendly, breathtaking, unforgettable...The lesson here however is, no matter where you are there is beauty...if you open your heart and eyes and look for it...I can't wait to sit on the dock in my backyard and watch a sunset...I believe that the best place to be, is to just be.
Lastly, Things...this can refer to so many things...Flea markets and wild flowers, swans and Canada geese, waterfalls, rainbows...How about all the fish Chip caught? (fish are things :-)...the smoore's party on the rocks (thanks Peggy)...the dock party in Killarney (hey Bud's buns!)...Some new things: New bikes (and they fold up so small for storing)...a new electric frying pan (one of the things I wouldn't want to live on board without), Chip's new inflatable dinghy (with a 2hp air-cooled motor-oh yeah, now we're talking), a new lamp in the salon (nice, soft lighting), a new storage trunk which doubles as a coffee table (to use next year as a pantry instead of the ugly blue rubbermaid bin), a new habit of grocery shopping with reusable bags (Meagan will be proud of us)...Of course, some old favorites from last year: My camera (never leave home without it-over 3,000 photos this summer), Navnet and paper charts (couldn't leave home without them), DVD player (thank you for Amber for the videos), laptop (for when we did have a connection), rechargeable fan, flyswatter, zip-lock bags, good books to read...The best things were: holding hands while watching gorgeous sunsets, observing the monarch butterfly migration, watching a meteor shower in the middle of the night on the top of Ithaka, finding rocks shaped like hearts, hearing from friends and family from home and seeing the grand babies on our webcam...Yes, I believe some things are meant to make your life easier...and some things aren't really things at all...so I'll be watching sunsets and looking for that monarch in Naples, too...and I can't wait to hug my loved ones!
Friday, September 5, 2008
Colorful Markets
One of our most favorite things to do this summer has been to visit the many farmer's markets along the way...Whether it was a big town or a tiny village-in many cases, the markets were the highlight of our stay. The Grand Haven market was probably our favorite of all!
We found a neat website that will help you to find where and when the markets are in some of the towns along Lake Michigan: http://www.localdifference.org/ In addition to the freshly baked breads, the jams and the jellies, of course the wonderfully delicious locally grown fruit and vegetables; it was the colors of the markets that impressed me the most. Don't get me wrong, the Dutch Love corn was possibly the best I have ever tasted in my life...but the colors...ah the colors...well they defy description. You'll just have to see for yourself. I hope the photos portray the palette as vibrantly as they appeared...Imagine purple cabbage!--and tomatoes so red the sight of them makes your mouth water...I will never forget the dahlias and sunflowers... Ah yes, like the poem...we 'entered harbors for the first time and stopped at markets to buy fine things'...Discovering Ithaka every step of the way, knowing it is truly the little things that makes our hearts sing.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Changes In Lattitudes
We changed our course 3 times in as many days-such is the life of a boater...long term plans are loose at best, short term plans can change with the winds, as is the case today...
Yesterday we set out to South Haven where we intended to try again to rent a car for a day or two to visit a couple of the towns we by-passed: Holland and Saugatauk. But, half-way down the lake, after looking at the weather predictions for later in the week we decided it best to move along a little further south. A few phone calls later, cancelling one reservation and trying to find a slip for the night, we found ourselves on our way to the St. Joe-Benton Harbor area. It was an aggressive day, 73 nautical miles in all and the first 35 were in rolling seas...We checked the weather again before we went to sleep and again first thing this morning and considered all scenarios-Chip made the final call and by 9 a.m. we were heading (St Joe lighthouse in photo) back into Lake Michigan and across the big, blue water to Hammond Indiana. This will be the last stop of Discovering Ithaka Leg II. It's a bit overcast today; not cloudy, just a hazey grey across the horizon with the sun trying with all its might to shine through...the waves are choppy but only 1 to 2 feet-easy. This is the last wide open water we will experience until we get to the Gulf of Mexico next year.
Last night we said "so long" to Sunshine-They are heading to Chicago...It's been great travelling with them and we will look forward to seeing them in Naples when they pass through..
We've decided to forgo Chicago this year and just stay put in Hammond-get Ithaka ready for her year-long hibernation...the marina where she'll be stored is only a couple of miles away...It just made sense, rather than going to Chicago now then having to back track with uncertain weather approaching. Besides, it will be so much fun to start Leg III in the windy city next year!
More photos and updates to follow in future blog entries...but for now, this is Captain Chip's Best Mate signing out...there's no land in sight, however a lovely monarch butterfly is delicately dancing around on the breeze...now, that's what I call discovering ithaka.
Yesterday we set out to South Haven where we intended to try again to rent a car for a day or two to visit a couple of the towns we by-passed: Holland and Saugatauk. But, half-way down the lake, after looking at the weather predictions for later in the week we decided it best to move along a little further south. A few phone calls later, cancelling one reservation and trying to find a slip for the night, we found ourselves on our way to the St. Joe-Benton Harbor area. It was an aggressive day, 73 nautical miles in all and the first 35 were in rolling seas...We checked the weather again before we went to sleep and again first thing this morning and considered all scenarios-Chip made the final call and by 9 a.m. we were heading (St Joe lighthouse in photo) back into Lake Michigan and across the big, blue water to Hammond Indiana. This will be the last stop of Discovering Ithaka Leg II. It's a bit overcast today; not cloudy, just a hazey grey across the horizon with the sun trying with all its might to shine through...the waves are choppy but only 1 to 2 feet-easy. This is the last wide open water we will experience until we get to the Gulf of Mexico next year.
Last night we said "so long" to Sunshine-They are heading to Chicago...It's been great travelling with them and we will look forward to seeing them in Naples when they pass through..
We've decided to forgo Chicago this year and just stay put in Hammond-get Ithaka ready for her year-long hibernation...the marina where she'll be stored is only a couple of miles away...It just made sense, rather than going to Chicago now then having to back track with uncertain weather approaching. Besides, it will be so much fun to start Leg III in the windy city next year!
More photos and updates to follow in future blog entries...but for now, this is Captain Chip's Best Mate signing out...there's no land in sight, however a lovely monarch butterfly is delicately dancing around on the breeze...now, that's what I call discovering ithaka.
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