17 hours in 2 days

Yes that is a huge log in the middle of the river.

Wow have we been making up for lost time.  Thursday we left Vermillion on a fast current out the river to the lake.  Because of all the storms the current was still pretty fast and the debris in the river was crazy.  Logs and branches everywhere.  We thought cruising that morning would be pretty good, huh what do we know.  While there was no rain and the weather seemed pretty good we didn't take into consideration that what wind we were getting was coming from the north.  Not a good thing.  It put us in the troughs of the waves while we were heading east and rolled our boat relentlessly.  I (the first mate) was nauseated the whole 5 hours we were out.  Thank God Mike took pity on me and we pulled into Edgewater Yacht Club in Cleveland.  Which turned out to be a wonderful place.

Jr. Sailors

But before I get to that. When you approach Cleveland there is a large breakwater (about 5 miles actually) we came around into the breakwater by the marina a saw about 2 dozen Jr. Sailors.  I must admit they looked like a bunch of little bugs (so cute).  At that point we decided to skirt around the kids and take a cruise down the break water to view downtown from the water.  There is something about the view of a town from the water that is like nothing else.

Downtown Cleveland, Ohio

After cruising through the breakwater we checked in at Edgewater Marina.  It really was a nice place.  While we were relaxing on the back deck after getting settled in came the Jr. Sailors all sizes and ages both boys and girls.  They were literally feet away from us and a good hours worth of entertainment.

They were all so stinkin cute!

Jr Sailors all lined up to haul out.

After a quick dinner we went for a walk at the park next door.  Soon came to find out that there was a weekly event going on and would soon be joined by about 5,000 people (yes 5,000) I guess it was there summer concert/party series.  We walked around for a while, but didn't stay long.

Weekly summer event at Edgewater park. 5,000 people expected.

We retreated back to the Marina where we found some dads and there kids playing with remote control boats.  This was more our speed.

Lady J just resting after a rough cruise.

Leaving Cleveland Friday morning.

Friday morning I got up early and checked the weather.  Much better news specially since I now knew what to look for.  The winds were going to be light and out of the east.  So I got the Captain up early and we set off for the East.  Our original plan that morning was to stop at Geneva on the Lake, but after reaching this location we decided the weather was to good and cruising had been perfect so we continued on.  12 hours after leaving Cleveland we pulled into Presque Isle PA.  Exhausted but so glad that we took advantage of the beautiful cruising weather.  This morning we are off to Dunkirk, NY which we have been told is a great place to spend the night.  We may end up there a couple of days since some rain is on it way.  Still we are out here finally living the adventure we have planned for and thanking God every day for what we are given.

This was the only other cruising vessel we saw while out on the Lake Friday.  Good to know we were not alone

Approaching Presqe Isle

Cruising the Bay at Presque Isle

Enjoying the evening.

Our view from the stern last night.  beautiful hotel, but the sunset was spectacular.

The lines have been cast

Our little stowaway friend.

Hallelujah!!!! at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday we were finally able to cast our lines and begin our journey to the Erie Canal.  Our fuel pump arrived yesterday around 9:30 and by 2:30 it was installed and we were going to be able to leave.  We did some last minute preparations and were underway by 4:00 p.m.  We decided since the weather was so nice yesterday afternoon we would leave and get as far as Vermillion.  Where we are right now.  Parked next to the Quaker Steak and Lube, behind us is a bridge with and then beyond that an active railroad tracks.  It's not a quiet docking but lots to watch around here.  Last night was Bike Night here at the restaurant.  If you are not aware of this weekly event in the summer, this place is deluged with motorcycles and music.

Sailor the Dock Dog!

Upon arrival here in Vermillion we were greeted by Bill the dock hand and Sailor the dock dog.  Bill was a very enjoyable man, but Sailor stole the show.  Sailor has been the dock dog since he was born.  He quietly comes up to you with a friendly greeting and will stand next to you to see if he can get a little extra attention and boy did he get some from me.  What a cutie!  So today we are off to our next location and not real sure where that will be depending on the weather.  We are just so thankful to get going and are enjoying the Journey.

Docked at McGarvey's Landing in Vermillion.  So happy to be here.

So happy to have begun our journey!!!

Downtown Sandusky

Well it has been over two weeks now that we were supposed to leave on our journey.  We still currently await the arrival of our new fuel pump.  After several days of just hanging out on the boat we decided today it was time to get out and do something different to pass the time.  So we headed out to walk around downtown Sandusky.  We stopped at Hot Dog Tony's for some lunch and then walked around town enjoying the sites.  We made a wonderful stop at the Merry-Go-Round Museum which is located in the old post office.  What a wonderful place that is.  We even took a ride on the Merry-Go-Round they have on site.  You can help but smile while you are going round and round listening to the organ music.  It made us feel like kids again.  We spent over an hour there and it was just what we needed.  Will definitely have to bring the grandkids back for a visit here someday.

Downtown Sandusky

This is amazing how they change this everyday.

Painted lighthouses everywhere.

Fountain with the little boy and the boot.

The animals on the Merry-Go-Round where breathtaking.

This was Jana's favorite horse, wonder why?  Maybe all the bright colors.

Riding this was like being a kid again.

So much fun.

In motion

Pretty much says it all.

Early morning reflections

When the first mate is experiencing some insomnia you get an early morning post on the blog.  I woke up at 4:00 a.m. my thoughts as I lie in bed not able to sleep were "I wonder what this week will bring?".  We kept pretty busy this weekend while we await our refurbished fuel pump.  We completed the painting of the deck and it looks great. It's amazing how a coat of great paint covers up the imperfections made over the last 40 years.  Before we finished the painting we had to do a little repair work to one of the stanchions, but this took no time at all considering two years ago we re-bed most of the main stanchions.

Sunday brought us such beautiful weather, clear, in the mid to high 70's and a nice breeze.  So after doing our morning work and a good shower Mike headed off for an afternoon of sailing with our friend Bob.  As much as Mike loves boating, sailing is his first love and he really enjoyed his time out on the water.  It's amazing how much you can miss being out on the water when you are stranded at the dock.

One thing about being on the water the sunsets are amazing.  Each one a little different from the last.  As most everyone knows I have taken hundreds of sunset photos and I can't seem to get enough.  It's amazing how one little change in the clouds or the horizon can change the look to the end of your day.  Also as an amateur photographer I love to play with the looks of different sunsets.  I am always reminded of God's blessings every day, but specially at night when I look to the horizon.

One of the other things I thought of this morning when I arose so early was that today would have been my parents 63 anniversary.  They are always in my thoughts but needless to say some days more than others.  I was blessed to have amazing parents.  I wonder what they would think of their "little girl" going on this amazing adventure.

Well as we patiently await leaving the docks to finally get this journey started we are thankful for all our family and friends that love and support us on our way.

Work and Play on a Saturday

Yesterday was the "official" first day of summer and oh what a beautiful day it was.  Even though we are still "stuck" here at the marina we made the best of the good weather.  Mike was originally supposed to join Bob a friend of ours here at the marina for an outing on his sailboat, but because of engine problems (his, not ours this time) they had to postpone the trip.  So Mike came back and we ended up working on putting down a top coat of paint on the main deck.  Can I say for two people over the age of 50 it was a little back breaking, thank God for the tylenol.  We were able to finish half of the deck and hope to do the rest today. We are using a non skid paint to cover up all the 40+ years of imperfections on the deck.  It really has made a huge difference.  The trick is though to be patient because it really does need a good 3 days to cure completely.  We know from experience on this one, when we painted the fly bridge we put one of the deck chairs down to early and it messed it up. (technical term)  So since we are going to be around for a couple of days waiting on the fuel pump we figured it would have plenty enough time to cure completely.

After an afternoon of painting we had our good friend Bob over for some dinner and great conversation.  I (the first mate) just love cooking for these two Captains.  I know how much they appreciate a good meal.  Later in the evening some friends of ours Jeff and Leslie from Dear Prudence came for a late night visit. It was good to spend some time with them catching up.

Rainy Days and Mondays.....hey wait isn't it Friday

 It's Friday but seems like a rainy Monday.  I have actually had time to do 2 count them 2 posts here in our blog.  So much happening in the past 24 hours it wouldn't all fit.  So the latest update in the fuel pump saga.  Mike spoke with the diesel place and they told him they "hope" to be out Monday to install the new and improved fuel pump. They also told him how much it was going to cost and well let's just say Holy S _ _ T.  It didn't cost that much to outfit our soon be grandsons room.  But as everyone keeps reminding me it's all part of owning a boat.  Personally I think the boat owns us.  Anyway back to rainy Fridays.

So what do you do on a rainy day in a boat.  Well Mike practices his guitar, surfs the net, plays his pirate game and search for the daily crossword on line.











I (the first mate) on the other hand COOKS.  Since the temperature was cool I decided to heat up the boat a little and put my oven to use.  As a boater you are always looking for some kind of "snacky' thing to share with others.  Whether you have been invited for a meal or getting together for movie night or just having friends stop by for a visit.  I always like to have things on hand to offer folks to snack on.  Well today I tried my hand at making Ranch Oyster Crackers.  My Mom used to make these all the time around the holidays.  (Not sure why she didn't make them any other time).  So I thought why not try making them in my galley.  (Recipe to follow).  I made them in small batches as my oven is small.  They turned out "really good" to quote the Captain. Hopefully they will keep for a while in a zip lock bag.  That is if I can keep the Captain out of them.


Ranch Oyster Crackers

1 package of Oyster Crackers
1 package of dried Ranch Dressing Mix (I used the store brand)
3/4 cup oil (canola or vegetable)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder or salt
1/4 teaspoon of dill (I didn't have this on hand at the time and they tasted fine with out it)

Mix all ingredients together except for the crackers.  Then pour the liquid over the crackers and mix well so that crackers are coated evenly.  Spread out on a pan and put in the oven at 300 degrees.  I cooked mine for about 20 minutes but had to watch them closely since I was using a toaster oven.  Take out of oven when golden brown and spread out on a paper towel till cooled.  Then put into an airtight container or plastic bag.  Great snack and low cost.

What do you do when the boat is broke?

 So what do you do when you have a broken boat?  You find something else to do.

Ore Boat at Museum

Yesterday we went for a road trip (thank God the truck is still up here with us) to Toledo.  Mike wanted to see the new home of the National Great Lakes Museum and I was just happy to get off the boat and have an opportunity to take some photos.  So we climbed in the truck and off we went.  Luckily yesterday it wasn't raining like it is today.  We visited the new museum, toured the ore boat docked there.  Mike was in heaven.  While there we were joined by a dozen or so FBI agents that were doing some tactical training.  Nothing like walking through a door to see these guys all in gear with machine guns.  Nice guys though. (see more below)

Kind of artsy don't ya think?

Glad we don't have to cast off those lines.

Still smiling...

Engine Room

The Captain was oh so happy.

Yes those are FBI agents "practicing" 

After the museum we went to Tony Packo's.  Oh YUM!!! then off to to Isaac Ludwig Mill and Canal Boat.  We had been there before like 12 years ago.  Ironic to think we road on a canal boat, when hopefully soon we will be taking our own boat across a canal.

Loved this overpass by the Toledo Zoo

The canal boat we rode.

Maybe this is what we need to move our boat.

I would have these young ladies crew out boat in a minute.