Well here I am sitting in our kitchen in Evansville after a dream-come-true of a retirement vacation! What a way to begin the retired life, right?!
We pulled into Muskegon on Sept. 23 in the early afternoon. We motored all the way that day from Frankfort. There was no wind to speak of, well not going our way anyway!
Once we got tied up and shore-power hooked up, we bagan the process of packing. We decided to only take the clothes on Friday, knowing we had the weekend to strip the boat of everything else. We loaded the car and headed to Grand Haven to spend the weekend with Kathe and Doug. It was sooo nice to sleep in a bed and take a shower without having to keep pulling a chain or pushing a button to keep the water running! I get that it's a conservation measure, but holy cow what a pain. The water just gets hot enough and it goes off!
On Saturday we went back to the boat and began off-loading everything else... cushions, charts, food, sails, everything. That took the better part of Saturday. Boy were we tired by the time we got home that day!
On Sunday, we winterized the boat. What a fun time that was!! By the end of the day, Jonah was ready to be placed in her cradle for the winter.
When we got to Torrensen's on Monday, the had already winterized the engine and had her in the "well" to be pulled. We didn't hang around for that process but I did take a couple of pictures and have attached them for you.
Monday afternoon found us heading for Chicago and a visit with Skip's Mom. She always has a honey-do list for him and this visit was no exception. He cleaned gutters and did a few other things for her while we were there. It was so good to see her.
We left Chicago Wednesday afternoon and were finally heading for home. We were excited to be driving South, knowing that our destination would be our home. The house looked so good when we got there. The dogs were even glad to see us! Well, Millie was excited at first then gave us the cold shoulder for a while. But she soon warmed up.
Well since we've been home, we have been going non-stop! Cooper had a soccer game on Thursday afternoon and Saturday morning; Austin had a football game (he plays tight-end for Boonville) Friday night; we went to a play at UofE on Saturday night with Ed and JoAnne and Sunday all the kids were here for dinner. What a wonderful day it was! We were back in our home church and Sunday school class and the family was all here to visit.
As good as it is to be home, we can not replace the amazing summer we had. The blueness of the Lakes; the red sandstone and pink beach we saw; the pristine-ness of the UP and the Wisconsin coastline. All wonderful gifts from God's creation. The Painted Rocks; Devils Island in the Apostles; wonderful people we met (Neils and Vicki; Jeanne and Micheal; the list is endless); the incredible meals we ate. Every bit of the trip was such a blessing for us.
We are wintering the boat in Michigan because we want to make a similar trip next year. There was so much we didn't see and do.
Thanks to all of you for your prayers, visits and support this summer. And thanks for keeping up with us on our blog. I hope you enjoyed reading our story as we sailed around this summer.
Lon, I pasted the last page back in the book for you! Hope you enjoy it!!
Love and Blessings,
Skip and Margo
