Last Mango in Paris...

Tonight is different from the other "last nights at home before the big trip"...I'm not sure what it is, but we are calmer...more organized...not as concerned about how things will be back home while we're away. We've done this now a couple of times and it is definitely easier this time...I'm a List Maker and my lists are coming in very handy! My mom will be here in the morning to drive us to the airport...all our storm shutters are in place...(feels like we're sleeping in a tin can)...we said our "good-byes" at the office...'fridge is nearly empty...the kids and grandkids were here for Chinese...the laptop is packed, the movie camera and the the baggie jeans...and I've got my favorite dancing shoes ready: a comfortable pair of hot pink flip flops...and so for our last mango in paradise we are doing "La Vie Dansante"...The Dance of Life!

...'de ja vu, to you'...

Carp-e Diem

Carpe Diem: "Cease the Day": make the most of present opportunities...OK, ok, I just came up with a new translation...how about "Cease The Carp"...literally! --as in , "GET those nets out of our way so we can proceed down the rivers...PRETTY PLEASE"!! It's obvious that the Asian Carp population is a serious problem...and netting them as they swim upstream prior to entering Lake Michigan is necessary, but I am not sure why the corps didn't wait until after the Labor Day holiday (peak boating season in this area) to begin this operation. Hmmmmm.

Last year, due to a certain hurricane that dumped 10 acres of rain for every acre of land, the river cruisers were dubbed "The River Rats"...Floods were prevalent and no one was going anywhere till the water subsided and the locks reopened...It took weeks. Now, as in RIGHT NOW, THIS YEAR...the pleasure boats are backing up into Lake Michigan awaiting the thumbs up from the authorities. -and We are being called 'The Carp Captives'! It seems the powers that be decided that it would be a good time to test out these new electronic carp nets just below Chicago...It's a long fish tale, but if you are interested click on this LINK for details...

As we get closer to our D-day...it's not looking too good for us if we want to venture south of Chi-town...Only 7/10's of a mile is closed off from pleasure boaters locking through, however, that's all it takes to bottle-neck us loopers up for days and maybe weeks...Soooo..for now, we are still planning on coming up later this week & getting provisioned and sitting tight till the Illinois River reopens. Sha and Art are on board [pun intended] no matter what happens. Yeah, we have fun when we are floating regardless of where we are...if it takes 2 weeks instead of one, or 4 instead of two...who cares...Carp-e Diem I say! Carp-e Diem!

It's A Wrap!

For months I have been collecting all the books I want to take with me on this 3rd and final leg of the loop...perhaps one of the things that I look forward to the most whenever Chip and I are away together is the quiet time spent reading a good book. Life is hectic at home...happy, but hectic. I seldom get the luxury of just lounging around with my nose buried into a good book...only 17 more days...

Tonight we wrapped up our packing...Of course, I know I am bringing too much stuff...I bought two big boxes from UPS the other day, but by the time I packed all the books I want to read; and all the DVDs that I've bought to watch, all the art supplies and Cd's packed --and oh yes, CHARTS (yeah, guess that was a good idea: charts...ha ha), there wasn't much room left to fit all the clothes! This is not as bad as it sounds...normally we wear the same 4 or 5 things over and over again...flip flops, baggie shorts, t-shirts, jeans...Ah, my favorite wardrobe. On a boat it is better to be comfortable than fashionable! Last year when we came home I made a list of everything we left on board, so if I don't bring anymore clothes at all, I know we'll be just fine! Less is best! --and, After all, a good book doesn't really care what you're wearing!

We are shipping the boxes up to Michigan to Chip's brother's house because that is where we are starting our trip...From there we rented a car and we'll drive to Chicago to pick up the boat and provision it. My cousins, Art & Sharon, are flying into Chicago a week later to spend a few days with us where we will begin the journey down the river system. We've been to Chicago before and we've taken the Architectural Tour. The thought of actually cruising through downtown Chicago on our own boat is unbelievable! We made reservations tonight online for Gibson's Steakhouse! --and, the Chicago Jazz Festival is happening the weekend we're in town...I just love when a plan comes together!

It's A Wrap!

23 More Days!

I can't believe it's already August! We are really getting excited now...the reality of leaving for the last leg of our journey is much more tangible now than months ago...or even weeks ago. I'm actually getting butterflies just thinking about it! Now, the lists are being prepared...the packing has commenced...plans are being implemented, charts are being scanned and highlighted...marinas selected...reservations confirmed! --and it is definite...Art & Sharon ARE flying to Chicago on September 6th to join us for the cruise through Chicago! Whoo Hoo! We will cruise together, through the 40' Lockport lock to Peoria on the Illinois River! --the beginning of the river system! They have never been to Chicago before...I am so happy they will be joining us for part of this trip. Looks like we will be staying at DuSable Harbor, right in the heart of downtown Chicago!

Everything at the office is falling into place, too! We are so blessed to have Krista, Meagan and Sam holding the fort down in our absence...Our plan for now is to get as far as Joe Wheeler State park by the end of October, then rent a car & drive home...work our butts off again in November then return to ITHAKA by the 1st of December to bring her home by the first of the year! What a great way to begin a new decade...a new chapter...ending a 7000 mile journey with my sweet Chip! That's the plan for now, but as anybody knows who has ever boated, plans are subject to change on a moments notice...the weather or a whim can set the course in a totally different direction...and that's the part I love the best! Everyone who knows me knows what a planner and organizer I am...being on Ithaka sets me free! 23 more days to no make-up, no cable and no appointments! Ready or knot...here I come!