Our thoughts on the trip

Having spent the day cleaning the boat and working on laundry, here are some thoughts on our trip- and advice to anyone taking this part of it.
-The most beautiful part of the trip was the Trent- Severn waterway. While parts of it were undeveloped, it was just beautiful. Georgian Bay was lovely as well. If we had more time, we would have loved to have spent more time there. The locks were not that bad, and the locktenders (male and female) were very friendly. They would ask how far you were going, and either call ahead and notify the next lock you were coming, or even call the next marina to see if they had a spot for you to spend the night. You could also spend the night at most of the locks if you wanted to, although they had no power. We had no problem finding fuel, food, marinas or places to eat on this part of the trip.
-After Georgian Bay we headed for Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. Again, we found many places to stay and shop. It was fun to read ahead in the Ports book and decide where to go next. We spent a long weekend in Chicago. The marina was more expensive than we had paid other places, but there was plenty to do so we didn't mind.
-One of the big problems Fran found was finding somewhere to get her hair done. There just aren't many hair salons near the waterfront. I finally found one at Grand Haven, Michigan. I found other women in the same situation- wanting a simple haircut, and unable to find a salon.
-Almost every marina we stayed at offered a courtesy car that you could use to go get supplies. If you needed a part for your boat shipped in, or other packages such as your mail from home you could do that at a marina. We did not anchor as often as others did, mostly because our son Ray in the wheelchair gets bored and wants to get off the boat after a long ride. When we did anchor, it was fine. We used an invertor to keep the fridge running, and used the generator as needed.
-The river part of the trip is another matter altogether. There are so few marinas that unlike the earlier part of the trip, where you had your choice of where to stay- you now wonder IF you will ever find somewhere to stay! Plan this part carefully- it can be well over 200 miles between marinas-fuel-food-towns etc. There are places to anchor, but make sure you pay attention to the various books advice on anchoring spots. We know of at least on boat that had anchored for the night and then had to move for a towboat that was putting barges together. The rivers are without a doubt the least attractive part of the trip. The locktenders were very nice, as were the towboat operators, but you the pleasure boater are low man on the totem pole! The whirlpools and debris in the water will mean someone needs to be watching at all times while you are moving.
-As far as the computer goes, we chose to use the marinas internet service rather than buy a card. It probably depends how important the internet is to you. We were able to connect most days, one way or another. A few times we simply walked to the local library and used their free wifi. I will tell you, when you are anchored in "no mans land", there's a good chance you may have no cell service- at least if you are verizon, I can't speak for the other services.
-Probably of the best part of the trip was meeting people from different parts of the country. Besides just talking to the "locals", and getting their take on the economy, their town and it's history, we also met up with plenty of other "loopers". We went out to eat many times with these fellow boaters, and it was just great. We also tried to sample foods from the different parts of the country: from Chicago deep dish pizza to Fried Catfish and oysters in the South. Sometimes we joked about eating our way around the loop! We went to an annual BBQ in Paducah, Kentucky, and an Octoberfest in Panama City, Florida.
-We had a great time, and look forward to completing the trip in the Spring- going up the East coast, back to New York. If we can help answer any questions if you are planning the trip, please feel free to email us at lissowd@earthlink.net.

New Port Richey, Florida

Today is Frans' birthday, and Bud took her on a cruise! We went 180 miles, and crossed the Gulf of Mexico. We started out from Apalachicola at 8am, and tied up at our dock in New Port Richey at 5:15pm. We got off the boat, cleaned up and went out to dinner with friends to celebrate. Tomorrow We will attempt to wrap up this first half of our trip with our thoughts on what it was like. Glad to be home! Bud, Fran and Ray

Apalachicola, Florida

Ok- getting close now! We went 63 miles today, made it to Millers Marina in Apalachicola. Fueled up, and we are so ready to head for home. Weather forecast isn't promising for tomorrow- we'll see. May have to wait for Tuesday. Bud's antsy, but Fran would rather be safe. Went to an Oyster bar for an early dinner, and tries oysters for the first time. Not bad. Ray stuck with his tried and true Grilled cheese sandwich. He did try a lil bite of Dads oyster, but says he doesn't like it! Hope to see you all soon- miss you! Bud, Fran and Ray

Panama City, Florida

Woke up this morning in Alabama with a Mikey Wannabe on our swim platform! Today we went 120 miles and made it to Panama City. Rays wish has finally come true- we made it to Florida. We stayed on the Intercoastal Waterway today, and probably will tomorrow too. Plan to be home Monday, weather permitting. Miss you all- Bud, Fran and Ray

Orange Beach, Alabama

Hey everyone! We made it to the Gulf of Mexico. Since I was last able to write, we have traveled 363 miles. We spent last night at a nice anchor, but no tv or internet. The bottom pic is what the Tombigbee river was like- so much debris! The top picture is an oil rig we passed, the next is a fishing boar surroundede by birds. The picture of the ship is a Navy ship coming into port woth escorts. All the Sailors were on deck at attention- it was something to see! We left Mobile bay and came into the Gulf for just a short time before turning into the Intercoastal waterway. We are headed for Pensacola, Florida and are tied up tonite at a marina in Alabama, just a few miles from Florida. The end is in sight for this part of the trip! Love to you all- Bud, Fran and Ray