surviving locks

Made it through 3 locks today,always anxiety learning new tasks and manuvering around mast on deck but arrived in 1 piece here in Medina,N.Y. We were very upset with the acclaimed Wardells boatyard-saw the diesel sign and pulled up to the pumps where Mr. Wardell said in nasty voice that his diesel is only for sailboats that he takes the mast down, sure glad that we did not use his services, made worse by the next place that advertised the last fuel for 60 miles-all guidebooks listed diesel but he has no fuel so we used the 2 5 gallon tanks we brought.The bridge masters have been very helpful-even tonights dinner suggestions.Love the scenery and the adventure but not the heat.    chris

We are now a motorboat for the Erie Canal. Had the mast dropped at RCR Buffalo, cost was $265 and we supplied the mast supports. They charge to make the supports and for the lumber if you do not bring your own. This is more than what I was expecting but we were here and they did everything and we did not have to help. On to the Canal tomorrow!

Buffalo

Rested in Erie yesterday and headed off today for Buffalo,N.Y. We had over 3 hours of real sailing followed by motorsailing and roller waves.I managed to bake bbq ribs for supper and only wore a little sauce.Still finding that I have too much stuff in here-hard to fit a 4 bedroom house into 31 feet.I feel that more would fit if it weren`t for all the tools,he would say too many clothes of course.Enjoyed a clean long airconditioned shower even though this is a work yard for boats-maybe Geneva Marina should figure out how to make ladies happy.bye for now-Chris

First leg of our trip

Well the first leg of our trip is over and we are at the dock at Bayfront Marina, Erie PA. Had a nice sail for the first half of the trip until the winds swung straight out of the East so we motor sailed the remaining way to Erie. This is the nicest marina we have ever stayed at, very clean, all new docks (composit boards) new airconditioned restrooms and showers. Our next planned stop is to be Buffalo where we will have our mast dropped and go into motorboat mode for the Erie Canal.

Bon Voyage

Fabulous night at Harpersfield Vineyards hosted by Patti and Adolph Ribic our great friends, they threw a Bon Voyage party for us as we are about to leave this weekend. We will miss all of our friends at the Best Winery in all of Ohio, and promise to return for a visit next summer. We loved the wine,food and music by The Four Kings- what great friends we have.

mrs missing link-almost ready

Less than one week to departure-the house is updated and almost empty,ready for the realtor to help us lose this baggage.I retired june 4th and spent a wonderful 2 1/2 weeks with the kids and grandkids while Mike juggled contractor work on the house. My daughter in law Katie let me hold newborn Vivien and play grandma stuff with 2 yr old Evangeline-thank you so much for the hospitality! We spent this month shedding tons of accumulated belongings via mail to kids in Seattle,a one day garage sale,Goodwill,church rummage sale, I feel free and unburdened and no sadness, of course I still somehow have too many clothes to fit here in 31 feet. We had a wonderful farewell bonfire at our marina saturday night- I will miss all the amazing friends we have made here at Geneva Marina.    Bye for now-Chris

Departure fast approaching!

Less than 2 weeks until our departure from Geneva State Park Marina. Busy with preparing the house for sale and the boat for the trip. We hope to leave about August first weather permitting. Our first planned stops are Erie and Buffalo, with a possible stop in Ashtabula to say goodbye to some friends. We will have the mast taken down in Buffalo at RCR Yachts and then head to the Erie canal. The boaters here at Geneva are having a bonfire on the beach this Sat the 24th and it will be our Bon Voyage Bonfire.