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!