January Road trip for dingy supplies

After almost a month of Mike and I being sick we finally ventured out today to head our way up to northern Ohio.  We were in need of some marine grade plywood so that Mike can begin building the dingy for the Lady J.  It was cold this morning and it was possible we might run into snow up north but we decided to chance it and head on up early this morning.  So glad that we did.  It was so nice to be able to just get out of the house and "blow the stink off" to quote Mike.  Other than first thing this morning the sun was never able to break through the clouds.  But on we went.  I must say that northern Ohio has had a great deal more snow than what we have had here in Columbus.  We were making our way up to Homestead Hardwoods which is just south west of Sandusky.  After taking several back country roads, some more than once since we got just a little lost, we finally were able to locate them.  It was literally in someones old barn.

For those of you that don't know (which I was one of those)  marine grade plywood is a great deal different than regular plywood that you would purchase at Home Depot.  It has something to do with the type of glue used and no air pockets.  If that's not enough technical jargon, ask Mike.  Anyway we pulled up to the barn and a nice older gentleman came out to help us.  When I first entered the barn I was in awe.  First of all for a girl that loves the smell of sawdust this place was like heaven.  We had come for four 4' x 8' sheets of 1/4 inch marine grade plywood.  Our order was filled immediately.  Now what was a little different than any other "lumber yards" I had been to was there were horses literally in an area next to where the lumber was stored.  (See the photo)   You just never know what you are going to see.  After our order was filled we followed the gentleman into another barn where smaller lumber was kept and where he wrote up our order.  Almost simultaneously Mike and I looked at each other and said "wouldn't nephew Mike just love this place".

Lumber was stacked to the ceiling.

Yes there really were horses right next to the lumber.  It was a barn.

Helping hand never hurts.

The smell of this place was intoxicating.

Look at all that lumber

So after our purchase was complete we piled back into the truck and were off to Sandusky.  Mike treated me to a wonderful lunch at Berardi's of their wonderful house salad and their ciabata grilled cheese.  Which I can tell you is to die for.  Then we high tailed it over to the marina to check on the Lady J.  

We found the Lady J snugged into place and boy do I mean snug there was not 8 inches between our boat and the one next to ours.   Mike had a couple of things he need to get off of her and I needed the two remaining cushions from the settee since we will be having those re-made. (story on that later)  Before Mike could even get to the hatch he had to dig his way through the snow.  What a guy!  We just need to remember this during those summer months when the temperature is 100+ degrees.  We drove through the parking area on our way out which currently is filled with boats.  Always seems strange to see them all on land. 

As I finish this post the saw is buzzing in the garage and Mike is already hard at work on the dingy.  I will be sure to update everyone on the progress of the dingy.  Until then think be safe and think warm thoughts.