tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-278299312024-03-13T19:06:35.846-04:00Life's2ShortTodd and Brenda Lanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01540907378242980852noreply@blogger.comBlogger175125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27829931.post-87640139210467343782011-12-07T16:42:00.002-05:002012-03-26T22:48:56.013-04:00<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Swallowing the Anchor: The Final Blog Update</span></strong><br />
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The Admiral has informed me that it is my duty to write the final blog update, and it deeply saddens me to put these final words and photos together. :-( After 5+ years, 22,000+ miles, 149 locks, and too many new friends to count we have officially become C.L.O.D.s (“cruisers living on dirt,” for those who don’t know)!<br />
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At the end of our last update we had made it to St Petersburg and were awaiting the arrival of the soon-to-be new owner, Mike Sharp, to deliver the boat to Ft. Myers. Mike arrived around 9:00 on Wednesday, November 9th, and I spent the first hour with him in the engine room showing him how to change the oil in the engines. We also spent time going through systems and maintenance schedules for most of the equipment on “Life’s2Short.”<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0G7jrAfI2Ks/Tt_a8YqlzWI/AAAAAAAAIYQ/33SLxeyEhMY/s512/PB090001%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><img alt="PB090001" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QT0i4tzXBP8/Tt_a_pCuylI/AAAAAAAAIYY/l-qlNPyJpI4/s512/PB090001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="PB090001" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fw_BINvQbjs/Tt_bGXOvk9I/AAAAAAAAIYg/euICfqh16Ks/s512/PB090003%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><img alt="PB090003" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fthzNDyEoCY/Tt_bHkgSeFI/AAAAAAAAIYo/WwKRtjFnYLs/s512/PB090003_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="PB090003" width="244" /></a><br />
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We got away from Cathy’s dock around noon and headed over to Gulfport Marina to pump out the holding tanks. I figured we had moved pretty much all of our stuff off the boat and this was the last thing we needed to do to make sure all our “crap” was out of the boat! ;-)<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">A final picture with the Admiral on the bow of “Life’s2Short” before pulling away from Cathy’s dock.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-n3eWEfpmr7Y/Tt_bI5_QOCI/AAAAAAAAIYw/LmnMTFPhsAw/s1600-h/PB090004%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="PB090004" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Q76zTVTIvX4/Tt_bJccm2mI/AAAAAAAAIY4/r5NT3y2RcDE/s512/PB090004_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="PB090004" width="244" /></a><br />
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Mike and I had a beautiful day on the water. Tampa Bay was smooth and the traffic was very light on the Intracoastal. Our destination for the evening was Robert’s Bay, an anchorage we had never stayed in during the many times we headed south from St. Pete to Ft. Myers Beach. We arrived 40 miles later at Robert’s Bay and, after moving slowly into the anchorage because of “skinny” water, we had the anchor dropped shortly before dusk. The Captain spent some time with Mike showing him how to deploy the dinghy off the sundeck and then grilled steak for dinner for our first night out on the water.<br />
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The next day our plan was to cruise the 70 miles to St. James City. NOAA Weather was predicting some strong winds out of the north starting that evening and we wanted to find a place up against a south-facing shore to anchor. It was another beautiful day on the water with many more cruisers out and about. We arrived St. James City around dusk and found the holding there to be outstanding. I was going to have no problem sleeping when the wind started blowing later that evening.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Mike wears long sleeves and slathers on the sunscreen to protect his skin from the sun’s damaging rays!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uVOldKrRgL4/Tt_bKCEEOKI/AAAAAAAAIZA/BNhpmGCUMvM/s512/PB100006%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><img alt="PB100006" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2bGLReX299o/Tt_bLOYnD_I/AAAAAAAAIZI/byRRRjD2CDs/s512/PB100006_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="PB100006" width="244" /></a><br />
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After eating a dinner of barbecued pork chops and consuming some beer and wine we were treated to a beautiful full moon. I was feeling very nostalgic on this, my final night aboard, so I spent a good hour sitting out on the bow, drinking wine and reminiscing about all the great times we’ve had over the past five-and-a-half years… and Lord knows we have had a bunch of those!!!<br />
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We were up early Friday morning and as predicted the wind was howling out of the north. Since most of our cruise that day was in protected waters the wind didn’t really affect our trip much. Our destination was Owl Creek Boat Works, 25 miles up the Caloosahatchee River. Owl Creek is where Mike had made arrangements to have “Life’s2Short” hauled out of the water for the insurance survey.<br />
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It was an uneventful trip as we cruised through downtown Ft. Myers and we were in the sling at Owl Creek by 12:30. Brenda, who had rented a car in St. Pete to drive down and pick me up, arrived just as we were pulling into the sling so her timing was perfect, as usual. After exchanging a cashier’s check for the documentation to the boat, we bid Mike and “Life’s2Short” goodbye for the last time. It was very emotional for both of us as we drove away and realized that this chapter of our life had come to an end.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Our final view of “Life’s2Short.”</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TtaILWuaVuI/Tt_bMDbK0SI/AAAAAAAAIZQ/23RkxWQPYeU/s512/PB110007%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><img alt="PB110007" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-u5te6b7X-LA/Tt_bMy6Re-I/AAAAAAAAIZY/AkNW9g9ohqg/s512/PB110007_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="PB110007" width="244" /></a><br />
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We arrived back in St. Pete later that afternoon, and after filling the rental car with the last of our worldly possessions, we enjoyed a nice evening with Cathy hanging out and watching TV. A HUGE thanks goes out to Cathy and her “kids” for all she has done for us over the past five years. We started our journey at Cathy’s back in 2006 and ended it there five-and-a-half years later. Thanks for everything, sweetie, especially your friendship!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Our rental was packed to the gills with the remainder of our belongings.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-u1wH-INMTck/Tt_bNhP6mOI/AAAAAAAAIZg/eqzX7nwQnTE/s512/PB120008%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><img alt="PB120008" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aGafrODXkVs/Tt_bOFWDg6I/AAAAAAAAIZo/YOW4AIcaH9U/s512/PB120008_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="PB120008" width="244" /></a><br />
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Our plans for the next few days were to stop and visit friends as we headed north to Springfield, MO. Our first stop was at Lisa & Steve’s who live north of Tampa. We spent both Saturday and Sunday night there playing games, going out to the barn to feed the horses, eating great food and just enjoying their company. Thanks again for the hospitality, we’ll see you in Vegas in 2012!<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yKvh-apvMPs/Tt_bO2KjsMI/AAAAAAAAIZw/lQBMakN8OH8/s512/PB120014%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><img alt="PB120014" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vIbbe14Lci8/Tt_bPeyVa6I/AAAAAAAAIZ4/EUGA8kPiHSY/s512/PB120014_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="PB120014" width="244" /></a><br />
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Monday morning we continued the journey north. Our first stop was Crystal River to spend a little time with our good friends Bob & Phillis. Bob & Phillis, who we met in 2007, have been a tremendous support over the years and we are thankful that Mo turned us on to them! We also got to see Mo’s good friend Joe again while we were there.<br />
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After spending a few hours in Crystal River we were on our way again. We didn’t have a destination for the evening so we just continued in our rental car in a north and easterly direction. We ended up that evening in Mobile, AL with plans the next evening to be in Tunica, MS for a little slots and card action. We arrived Tunica late afternoon the following day and took a room at Harrah’s. That evening we wandered around a few casinos but didn’t do any good with our gambling endeavors.<br />
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The following morning we drove the final six hours back to Missouri. After stopping at Brenda’s niece's home for the night, we finally made it back to our new home in Springfield Thursday afternoon, November 17th.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sitting in front of the fireplace on our beach chairs in our empty living room using a cardboard box for a table. Time to go furniture shopping!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KsNYRW_IZgE/Tt_bTw2ziEI/AAAAAAAAIag/MZAMIkwUbgo/s1600-h/PC030024%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="PC030024" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sMgdlGJ2C3E/Tt_bU2PWxII/AAAAAAAAIao/TDl-XOuWZjw/s512/PC030024_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="PC030024" width="244" /></a><br />
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The evening of November 18th, we got together with some friends and former co-workers at a local establishment in downtown Springfield called Boca Mocha for happy hour. The group meets the fourth Friday of each month but was meeting on the third Friday in November because of Thanksgiving.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-e0mU0gK4XtM/Tt_bVjWmclI/AAAAAAAAIaw/_Y9KLZ6zKDg/s512/PB180022%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><img alt="PB180022" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-G0-wSK7aH0w/Tt_bWKbIA0I/AAAAAAAAIa4/9xzU9NEFy1w/PB180022_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="PB180022" width="244" /></a><br />
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The following week we went back to Brenda’s family’s for Thanksgiving and spent some more time with her niece, Jennifer.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VQiWuGHDlk0/Tt_bXK8KvbI/AAAAAAAAIbA/0_ueQJG0RWE/s512/PB230023%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><img alt="PB230023" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lEgEyUdlcV4/Tt_bX8UiQsI/AAAAAAAAIbI/quQFXoQo-P8/s512/PB230023_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="PB230023" width="244" /></a><br />
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We were invited to a holiday party on the campus of Missouri State University the evening of December 3rd. The Captain hasn’t been this dressed up in a very long time. Where are the flip flops and shorts?<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-URXa7P9jXFo/Tt_bYX-oedI/AAAAAAAAIbQ/Kob0tlL1v2s/s512/PC030027%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><img alt="PC030027" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uIdfXNkb0JE/Tt_bZEG3FVI/AAAAAAAAIbY/C6WU3oaCtlo/PC030027_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="PC030027" width="244" /></a><br />
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It is now mid December, the butter has hardened, there is snow on the ground, and today is the first day we’ve seen the sun in the last five days. Needless to say we (at least one of us) are missing that warm Florida sunshine! The Admiral is happy to be in her new home and to be able to go to the store and run errands any time she wants. We have about half of the new home put together with furniture and accessories and hopefully we’ll be ready for guests after the first of the year.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">What’s wrong with this picture?</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MHcrC07uwcc/Tt_bbmlNxOI/AAAAAAAAIbw/lx4N2CNU2p0/s1600-h/PC060030%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="PC060030" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-K1LF__0ir6k/Tt_bcW4HFjI/AAAAAAAAIb4/1KdI04cXG_8/s512/PC060030_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="PC060030" width="244" /></a><br />
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Brenda has interviewed for a position with Missouri State University and we hope to hear back from them within the next week. The Captain has yet to put together a resumé but will get on that project by the end of the month. He has no idea what he’s going to do but feels confident that the right job will come along.<br />
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It’s still hard to believe that this chapter in our life is over. I find myself still thinking we are on a “vacation” from “Life’s2Short.” We’ve had a great run over the past five-and-a-half years and we feel very blessed to have been able to have this adventure so early in our lives. A BIG thanks goes out to all of our friends and blog followers. We’ve enjoyed meeting so many of you and hearing from others via comments on our blog.<br />
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And to those of you we’ve become very close to, we want each of you to know how much you have enriched our lives while on the water and how thankful we are for your close friendships. Please, please, please, keep in touch and let us know how your lives are going… both on and off the waterways. And if you happen to see “Calypso Poet” out on the water tell Mike you used to know her as “Life’s2Short.” Happy Holidays to ALL of you and may peace and good health follow you throughout your time on this earth!Todd and Brenda Lanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01540907378242980852noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27829931.post-71305092655611393872011-11-08T14:57:00.001-05:002011-11-09T22:36:23.586-05:00<strong><span style="font-size: large;">The Final Countdown</span></strong><br />
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On Sunday, October 30th, we decided to make a trip to Demopolis to see Rick’s widow, Peggy. We left St. Andrews Marina early Sunday afternoon and went to Watson Bayou to tie up at Greg & Carl’s dock for a few days. Todd and I met Greg briefly in the fall of 2007 at the Panama City Marina but had never met Carl. We have several mutual boating friends/acquaintances, including Mo on “MOTU" who was probably the first one to tell us about Greg & Carl having a dock in the Panama City area. At any rate, Greg prepared some nice appetizers for us that evening as we chatted and got acquainted. Very nice people!<br />
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We treated Greg & Carl to lunch at Tom’s Hot Dogs on Monday before going to pick up our rental car. Tom’s is a small but well-known and very popular local establishment in downtown Panama City with some killer hot dogs and other offerings as well if hot dogs are not your thing.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Thanks for the hospitality, guys. You’ve been more than gracious!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5n1ZMB9NmQw/TrmIXTwBVcI/AAAAAAAAISQ/4XzDPfb-7X8/s1600-h/PA310002%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="PA310002" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-x2pF2s_58_Y/TrmIYLEn4AI/AAAAAAAAISY/K5HDnbbEP10/PA310002_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA310002" width="244" /></a><br />
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By 1:30 p.m. we were on our way to Demopolis. We arrived at Peggy’s house about 7:00 p.m. and spent a couple of hours with her before going to the Yacht Basin where Fred generously offered the use of a small apartment on the second floor of the Boater’s Lounge. Before retiring for the evening, we stopped in at the New Orleans Bar & Grill to say hello and have a few drinks.<br />
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We saw Peggy again Tuesday morning at the Yacht Basin and then headed back to Panama City about 11:30 a.m. with Todd driving the rental and me driving my car. We decided it would be easier in the long run to have my car in Panama City versus Demopolis so we took advantage of the opportunity and moved it to Panama City. We turned in the rental and were back at Greg & Carl’s by 6:00 p.m.<br />
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Greg came down to see us off Wednesday morning at 6:30 (Central Time) and we were on our way. We stopped at Miller Marine in Apalachicola to top off with fuel (235 gallons @ $3.95/gallon) and then it was on to the east end of St. George Island where we dropped the anchor at 5:30 p.m. (Eastern Time), ten hours later. By 6:30 p.m. we had pulled up the anchor and joined Dennis & Julie on “Sea Fox” to check out conditions in the Gulf.<br />
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We actually left Demopolis with “Sea Fox” on October 23rd but didn’t travel with them as they were moving faster than us. However, Dennis radioed us while we were at anchor and asked about our plans to cross the Gulf. Todd told him we were planning to go early the next morning to Cedar Key but when Dennis said he was thinking about going to Tarpon Springs that evening, if conditions were favorable, Todd decided to tag along.<br />
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The first few hours were pretty calm and we thought we were good to go. Then the wind picked up and the seas started to build and it went downhill from there! By about 9:30 p.m. it was all we could do to stay in our chairs. It seemed that waves were coming from all directions. We were nose-diving into some, slamming down on some, surfing some, some were rocking us side-to-side and sheets of spray were smashing into the front of the flybridge canvas. And, of course, we couldn’t see anything.<br />
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Todd and I both got seasick for the first time and ended up lying down on the flybridge floor. There really wasn’t anywhere else to go anyway. We couldn’t move without being thrown into whatever was around us and we couldn’t sit without bracing ourselves on all sides and hanging on to whatever we could grab. Everything on the sundeck and downstairs that wasn’t nailed or tied down was being tossed or knocked around but there was nothing to be done about it.<br />
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Dennis on “Sea Fox” was truly our guardian angel. He had all the electronic bells and whistles (state-of-the-art radar and chartplotter, AIS, high-powered radio antennae, etc.) and was able to alert us when other vessels were in the vicinity. Our navigation software wasn’t even working, not that it would have made a huge difference under the circumstances. But Dennis watched over us and kept us out of harm’s way as we spent most of the night on the flybridge floor. Definitely our worst boating experience ever!<br />
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By daylight the seas started to calm and continued calming throughout the morning. We finally reached Anclote Key and had dropped the anchor by 2:30 p.m. “Sea Fox” headed on up the Anclote River to Tarpon Springs so we never did get to meet our escort. But we radioed and told him how grateful we were that he stuck with us through the night. We have no idea how we would have made it without him!<br />
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Within a half-hour of anchoring we were asleep. We’d just gone through a 20-hour crossing from hell after a 10-hour day traveling from Panama City to St. George Island. Overall, 32 hours without any meaningful sleep. So we took a three-hour nap, had grilled cheese and soup for dinner and went back to bed!<br />
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It was very windy again by Friday morning and we experienced some pretty good swells for the first few miles as we left Anclote Key. But we were soon in protected water and the remainder of the five-hour trip to St. Petersburg was uneventful. Cathy and neighbor Ted met us at the dock and we were safely tied up by 3:00 p.m. What a relief to finally be home!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Cathy with Hunter, the most recent doggy addition to her home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Hanging on Cathy’s new leather sectional. Very nice, Ms. Davis!</span><br />
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Friends Don & Patty came over that evening with homemade macaroni & cheese and fresh baked cookies. Plus Cathy boiled some sizeable fresh Gulf shrimp. What a treat!<br />
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Saturday we started cleaning and packing. That evening we watched the Alabama/LSU football game which was being touted as the “Game of the Century.” LSU was ranked #1 and Alabama was #2. As you might imagine, it was quite the defensive battle. Sadly, Alabama lost to LSU 9-6 in overtime after missing three field goal opportunities during the game. Sorry, Rick, we really wanted a win for you!<br />
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Sunday was more cleaning and packing. Todd’s sister Jennifer and a friend stopped by for a brief visit on their way to Siesta Key. That afternoon Todd went to the dog park with Cathy and the kids – Lana, Hunter and Jack while I cleaned out and defrosted the chest freezer. Patty made meatloaf with mashed potatoes & gravy for dinner so Todd ran over to pick up our “takeout order” from Patty’s restaurant. Patty just got a new oven (after not having one for a very long time) so she has been cooking/baking up a storm. Thanks, Patty, we enjoyed it!<br />
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Todd washed the salt off the boat Monday morning and then cleaned the flybridge and sundeck from top to bottom while I tackled the wood floors in the cabin and vacuumed the rugs. Then he changed the oil in the starboard engine while I continued to pack.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BeV594reIMQ/TrmIck3O-xI/AAAAAAAAITY/cLML1iUP1Yw/s1600-h/PB070012%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="PB070012" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--VeQS7IdrRo/TrmIdAvS5WI/AAAAAAAAITg/YcSVftNaENI/PB070012_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="PB070012" width="244" /></a><br />
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Monday afternoon I made spinach lasagna to share with Don & Patty while Todd went to get new tires put on Cathy’s car. All-in-all, a busy day. We were tired puppies by that evening!<br />
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Today is Tuesday, November 8th, and we are just about completely moved off “Life’s2Short.” The refrigerator has been cleaned out and defrosted and once the laundry is finished, sorted and packed, our chores will be done.<br />
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Mike, the new owner, is due to arrive tomorrow morning and the first order of business is for him to assist Todd in changing the oil in the port engine. Mike will then head out with Todd to deliver the boat to Ft. Myers where Mike will officially take ownership. Friday I will rent a car, drive to Ft. Myers to pick up Todd and we will begin the trek north.<br />
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So this is my final day aboard “Life’s2Short.” It’s been a memorable 5-1/2 years but I’m ready for the next chapter. Thanks for the memories and especially for the many unforgettable friends we’ve met along the way! They, above all else, are what have truly made this journey special. But we’re not quite finished yet. There will be at least one more blog post before we conclude this chapter of our lives and begin the next one in Springfield, Missouri.Todd and Brenda Lanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01540907378242980852noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27829931.post-62933071662779229622011-10-30T11:09:00.001-04:002011-10-30T11:47:10.039-04:00<strong><span style="font-size: large;">First North, Then South</span></strong><br />
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On Friday, October 14th, we left Demopolis about noon with the U-Haul trailer in tow. Oddly enough, the trailer seemed to have less in it than it did when we moved onboard “Life’s2Short” in May of 2006!<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yS7wk_xJPE0/Tq1jnLagf1I/AAAAAAAAIBI/VjRQnXXiZ3s/s1600-h/PA1400042.jpg"><img alt="PA140004" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ynD2J3Q2jWU/Tq1jpbLSd5I/AAAAAAAAIBQ/cQbLctc3Fmk/PA140004_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA140004" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">We joined the gang at The Wall Thursday evening for happy hour. </span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gTbssV7qjHQ/Tq1js2HyxeI/AAAAAAAAIBY/oqYlbBJiFvs/s1600-h/PA1300012.jpg"><img alt="PA130001" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uj-Rajbr_Pk/Tq1juKOK3HI/AAAAAAAAIBg/CxzHLYbaVFQ/PA130001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA130001" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">And then went to the New Orleans Bar & Grill.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ke2fdH5yeRA/Tq1jvPw3vLI/AAAAAAAAIBo/IEiNbmgNq00/s1600-h/PA1300032.jpg"><img alt="PA130003" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cznHi_JO7vY/Tq1jwJlGlyI/AAAAAAAAIBw/243_rF7ZtZE/PA130003_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA130003" width="244" /></a><br />
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Along the way we stopped at Aqua Yacht on Pickwick to have a few drinks with Norm & Vicki on “Tide Hiker.” Notice the “For Sale” sign in the background. Anyone looking to buy an extremely nice, very well-maintained 49-foot Defever should check out their web site at: <a href="http://tidehikerforsale.blogspot.com/">http://tidehikerforsale.blogspot.com/</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nipfiVQQjL8/Tq1jxNKaX1I/AAAAAAAAIB4/S92IO78bSFw/s1600-h/PA1400072.jpg"><img alt="PA140007" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7vjIbSLYf_M/Tq1jx8tnOkI/AAAAAAAAICA/5pWw0Ut0VfI/PA140007_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA140007" width="244" /></a><br />
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Then it was on to Bud’s house for a few nights. Jay Stone who sang with the band “Say It Aint So” at Bud’s party in July asked Bud if he could film a music video on Bud’s property. Bud agreed and was asked to get a number of people together to stage a party as part of the video. So we invited Norm & Vicki and Wayne & Lynn (former full-time cruisers on “Skinwalker” now living on the dirt in Michie, TN, near Pickwick) to participate. It took a while to get things up and going, but overall a good time was had by all!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Having a bite to eat with Norm & Vicki and Wayne & Lynn.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-htCQjYlDZTo/Tq1jyVp6rMI/AAAAAAAAICI/lCp8VDERzmY/s1600-h/PA1500092.jpg"><img alt="PA150009" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qBThAEqsZxo/Tq1jy8XntrI/AAAAAAAAICQ/0X6Piz_stiE/PA150009_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA150009" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Fiddle player Brian Arrowood, on break from touring with Travis Tritt, agreed to participate in the music video.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1p3eGH09yoI/Tq1jzhaK8mI/AAAAAAAAICY/tszyVlqY3m0/s1600-h/PA1500112.jpg"><img alt="PA150011" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Vbjo8sN7e30/Tq1j0GF1rDI/AAAAAAAAICg/W0-67Ugi2hQ/PA150011_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA150011" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Everyone certainly seems to be having a good time!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-raMfrNee0lA/Tq1j003i0bI/AAAAAAAAICo/O36hlOTkP9M/s1600-h/PA1500252.jpg"><img alt="PA150025" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zwrNBUT9jVc/Tq1j1kPhhPI/AAAAAAAAICw/n8QoO4jbqEg/PA150025_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA150025" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-p5Pglh_CDKM/Tq1j2PQ2API/AAAAAAAAIC4/IzPIfBnfK8g/s1600-h/PA1500262.jpg"><img alt="PA150026" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tukE8Ot3NPA/Tq1j2yxaJgI/AAAAAAAAIDA/xoxpANDK_50/PA150026_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA150026" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bSgyUEPIzbQ/Tq1j3V3CfeI/AAAAAAAAIDI/D56aB2dm184/s1600-h/PA1500302.jpg"><img alt="PA150030" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oYRUbXqaOU8/Tq1j35OYRqI/AAAAAAAAIDQ/yPV68LmRDZ4/PA150030_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA150030" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vGcf3XO7ViI/Tq1j45yPifI/AAAAAAAAIDY/UTx7vDO1RYs/s1600-h/PA1500312.jpg"><img alt="PA150031" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rGnarSgPUaA/Tq1j5fOtTwI/AAAAAAAAIDg/GIZB75utp94/PA150031_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA150031" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GnpxVZye5TY/Tq1j6LT6viI/AAAAAAAAIDo/dMCGzK7pU_Y/s1600-h/PA1500332.jpg"><img alt="PA150033" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-s1ELh9Oy-vY/Tq1j6wWJBBI/AAAAAAAAIDw/mVlZFCzVYQE/PA150033_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA150033" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3NcSF-wakjc/Tq1j7nK-3wI/AAAAAAAAID4/3XSkWK5iwCk/s1600-h/PA1500422.jpg"><img alt="PA150042" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Fc5yiINDYls/Tq1j8FQlZnI/AAAAAAAAIEA/ewPXFCJtFgc/PA150042_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA150042" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mAkam2zEHxQ/Tq1j8zy62AI/AAAAAAAAIEI/X4VwWsybAWM/s1600-h/PA1500462.jpg"><img alt="PA150046" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Pnd_zJ-6cHY/Tq1j-RuuvAI/AAAAAAAAIEQ/312HuKgnhvE/PA150046_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA150046" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uqrTqDn5ogo/Tq1kAB9afyI/AAAAAAAAIEY/Kez072efM80/s1600-h/PA1500472.jpg"><img alt="PA150047" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5PmQ6jGQXRk/Tq1kAra8S1I/AAAAAAAAIEg/3l7NMu7XKXI/PA150047_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA150047" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qCgymyuP6Aw/Tq1kBYAzLRI/AAAAAAAAIEo/a0o0e5NEpXw/s1600-h/PA1500562.jpg"><img alt="PA150056" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pzy95SPoAR0/Tq1kCB6lEhI/AAAAAAAAIEw/ICluDu5kegg/PA150056_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA150056" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Vicki liked Brian’s music so much she bought one of his CD’s!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BAWPRsIV4hA/Tq1kGC2q6oI/AAAAAAAAIE4/376n3_6Dp6o/s1600-h/PA1500592.jpg"><img alt="PA150059" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_Yg-5rEPxNs/Tq1kGwjQrMI/AAAAAAAAIFA/33Y_VIcbSVM/PA150059_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA150059" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Loading up the bus to head back to Memphis.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vct5mFXMztU/Tq1kHzqpt3I/AAAAAAAAIFI/ULTo4v4LclI/s1600-h/PA1500612.jpg"><img alt="PA150061" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aio-pGW6-i0/Tq1kIqGu1zI/AAAAAAAAIFQ/1F5GJypX4II/PA150061_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA150061" width="244" /></a><br />
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Sunday we were on our way north before 9:00 a.m. We arrived in Springfield late afternoon and began unloading the U-Haul, setting up the bedroom furniture, unpacking, etc.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Wiping out my “new” 26 (versus 7 on the boat) cubic foot refrigerator!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wEU7PzN2-8o/Tq1kMNk5MzI/AAAAAAAAIFY/SjJfOmVpDK4/s1600-h/PA1600632.jpg"><img alt="PA160063" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-N1E5csjZ7zg/Tq1kMrVgpOI/AAAAAAAAIFg/v7ExP89d1Vg/PA160063_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA160063" width="244" /></a><br />
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We had a late breakfast Monday morning at Village Inn and then went to empty out our little 5’ x 5’ storage unit while we still had the U-Haul. We unloaded back at the house, did some shopping for a few essentials, dropped off the U-Haul and got back to the business of unpacking.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Arranging things in the bathroom Monday morning.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bEfwxQDkcHE/Tq1kNbV39-I/AAAAAAAAIFo/h4LMWoeIyG8/s1600-h/PA1700652.jpg"><img alt="PA170065" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YMI_UJldz6M/Tq1kN9K3ehI/AAAAAAAAIFw/0x-PzUayzIc/PA170065_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA170065" width="244" /></a><br />
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Todd ran some errands Tuesday while I worked on getting the kitchen organized and did a couple of loads of laundry (yes, I actually have my very own washer & dryer again!). Then we got cleaned up and went to dinner at Zio’s where we were met by Nila & Everett and Dale & Glena (Dale is our realtor and Glena and I used to work together) as a birthday surprise for me, courtesy of the Captain. Thanks to all for a great birthday dinner!<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8gcQ1Z2JHfA/Tq1kOrmGj5I/AAAAAAAAIF4/HaU4KvEthQE/s1600-h/PA1800662.jpg"><img alt="PA180066" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bFX-zZwfaB4/Tq1kRmPRbjI/AAAAAAAAIGA/fP4xu6kMj78/PA180066_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA180066" width="244" /></a><br />
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Wednesday we were off to Houston to see my family for a few days. We stopped at mom’s to have chili for lunch and then went on to Bucyrus to stay with my niece Jennifer. It turned very cold Thursday evening and we left early Friday morning for the 500-mile trip back to Demopolis in 27-degree weather!<br />
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Saturday morning we toured the new Kingfisher Bay Marina with Fred. We had seen it earlier this year (in May) but Fred wanted to show us how the new boater’s lounge, laundry and bathrooms were coming along. What a nice facility!<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3rdOOxu8YNo/Tq1kTZoTa8I/AAAAAAAAIGI/zyCqM5QfjAs/s1600-h/PA2200722.jpg"><img alt="PA220072" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EIVI1xvP-04/Tq1kUAibI5I/AAAAAAAAIGQ/-w60AW13bts/PA220072_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA220072" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Rv3sSTsy5QI/Tq1kVOywjJI/AAAAAAAAIGY/DsVOzQlScAA/s1600-h/PA2200702.jpg"><img alt="PA220070" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BnReLhl4o0k/Tq1kWMojlQI/AAAAAAAAIGg/-2_YG9xo_9U/PA220070_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA220070" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-djzKka2UpOI/Tq1kW_7YuKI/AAAAAAAAIGo/5YmsYJF3rMU/s1600-h/PA2200682.jpg"><img alt="PA220068" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-THgErYEAA0M/Tq1kXjDOYjI/AAAAAAAAIGw/Bnw9CFErP1A/PA220068_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA220068" width="244" /></a><br />
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That afternoon I made a final Wal-Mart run and did laundry while Todd gave the boat a bath. We then pulled over to the fuel dock to pump out the holding tanks and fill up with fuel (312 gallons @ 3.69 per gallon). “Tide Hiker” arrived about 4:30 p.m. and met us at The Wall a short time later. The four of us then went to dinner at Las Fuentes for some yummy Mexican and margaritas.<br />
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We had planned to head south early Sunday morning but woke up to thick fog and had to stay put for a few extra hours. Shortly after 9:00 a.m. we locked down the Demopolis Lock with four other boats, including “Tide Hiker.”<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Stsfng5PMYE/Tq1kYdA5_3I/AAAAAAAAIG4/i7dkEPNTXj4/s1600-h/PA2300012.jpg"><img alt="PA230001" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MsyNOgyAxG4/Tq1kZNytQtI/AAAAAAAAIHA/dxyu8Zvta24/PA230001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA230001" width="244" /></a><br />
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Within the first two hours we passed four northbound tows and saw a total of nine over the course of nine hours. That’s a lot of tows in one day! We also saw one bald eagle, two wild turkeys and a deer along the way. Eighty-one miles later we were anchored at Mile 135 and it was dark within a half-hour. “Tide Hiker” anchored across from Bashi Creek ten miles above us.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Almost to our anchorage.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BB2Yd2Ez1q0/Tq1kZgaPzYI/AAAAAAAAIHI/wV4eGc4KVnw/s1600-h/PA2300032.jpg"><img alt="PA230003" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-o2lC57wcWHk/Tq1kaOav_NI/AAAAAAAAIHQ/jnqM78Z76Ww/PA230003_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA230003" width="244" /></a><br />
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Monday we didn’t have any fog and were off at 7:40 a.m. We arrived at the Coffeeville Lock two hours later behind a southbound tow with two northbound tows waiting to lock up. So we dropped the anchor and waited for our turn. Two hours later we were through the lock and on our way.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">A beautiful morning on the river.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-e_hZ4djZoWQ/Tq1kbAXuQTI/AAAAAAAAIHY/5jbeqn1RdlE/s1600-h/PA2400042.jpg"><img alt="PA240004" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Z6TQhGmJGwU/Tq1kbnGgN9I/AAAAAAAAIHg/ASONse6qBGc/PA240004_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA240004" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Exiting Coffeeville Lock, the final lock on the Tenn-Tom - yay! While we were locking down, we added up all the locks we’ve gone through over the past 5-1/2 years. This was our 148thlock!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-krtSViHZiG0/Tq1kcrwbSlI/AAAAAAAAIHo/byyR4vquHo4/s1600-h/PA2400082.jpg"><img alt="PA240008" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kY9oTUVY2m8/Tq1kdBvsxGI/AAAAAAAAIHw/T2uYaBpqEa4/PA240008_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA240008" width="244" /></a><br />
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We ended up seeing a total of five northbound and two southbound tows Monday. Ten hours and 71 miles later we were anchored in Three Rivers Lake. And I have to mention that the Captain was very disappointed at not being able to spot an alligator either of the past two days and he has been watching diligently!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">We passed “Heron” just above Mile 100. Bob & Susie are friends with Mo & Gale on “Blue Heron.” We were introduced to them at Waterfall Cove in early September.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PChogIBSbHs/Tq1keKbZ2EI/AAAAAAAAIH4/cZNWZWlONcU/s1600-h/PA2400112.jpg"><img alt="PA240011" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gziCg5DMdEQ/Tq1keiPLZLI/AAAAAAAAIIA/-RaDs7UQOgk/PA240011_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA240011" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">One of several northbound tows.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Zmaoq5wnhVU/Tq1kfI_AAuI/AAAAAAAAIII/GSbe3rMwGd8/s1600-h/PA2400122.jpg"><img alt="PA240012" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gtR2NG1trA8/Tq1kfoRwxTI/AAAAAAAAIIQ/1cvnipFMRWU/PA240012_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA240012" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Entering Three Rivers Lake.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CMwIP7OnHms/Tq1kf7HuETI/AAAAAAAAIIY/vQ0RSoRCQ4w/s1600-h/PA2400152.jpg"><img alt="PA240015" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tWbloa-Tz6Q/Tq1kgbE2IjI/AAAAAAAAIIg/5mghy_YOpR0/PA240015_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA240015" width="244" /></a><br />
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Tuesday we tried to leave at 8:00 a.m. but we got into the river and found thick fog. So we nosed up on the sand at the mouth of Three Rivers Lake and waited about 45 minutes for the fog to clear.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oJ7lM0zC5HY/Tq1khMyk2pI/AAAAAAAAIIo/RBWFBgzX_Ec/s1600-h/PA2500182.jpg"><img alt="PA250018" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eY3IpsqDKbQ/Tq1khkiKb6I/AAAAAAAAIIw/6i0MrEMu63U/PA250018_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA250018" width="244" /></a><br />
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Then it was a short 52-mile day (with five more northbound and two southbound tows) to the Tensaw Cut-off at Mile 12.2 where we met up with Mo & Joe (and Honey) on “MOTU.”<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Preparing to move the new railroad lift bridge eight miles downriver.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bkQAyPwiL-g/Tq1ki6Gm8II/AAAAAAAAII4/OhZehrBdQYE/s1600-h/PA2500232.jpg"><img alt="PA250023" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZuKBUMP5ZK4/Tq1kjTuqdHI/AAAAAAAAIJA/cBU5eDbzcHA/PA250023_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA250023" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The new lift bridge will be installed here and the old 14-mile railroad swing bridge will be demolished.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-n4y8ply9fxg/Tq1kkIGB6tI/AAAAAAAAIJI/oyZXaJ-BxfM/s1600-h/PA2500242.jpg"><img alt="PA250024" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EUdJpbK_Ov0/Tq1kkrHzKpI/AAAAAAAAIJQ/0KadNYWoH8g/PA250024_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA250024" width="244" /></a><br />
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Mo & Joe taxied us over to her friend’s hunting cabin where we had happy hour and then treated us to dinner on “MOTU.” They were off to Grand Mariner in Mobile on Wednesday to deal with some boat issues.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LcA3xgFReAg/Tq1klcbDVgI/AAAAAAAAIJY/z60F8Z6F5o8/s1600-h/PA2500352.jpg"><img alt="PA250035" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-u6elFISLHMs/Tq1kly2vnwI/AAAAAAAAIJg/L4FZHSsVxTs/PA250035_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA250035" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8fj4qIvNNCY/Tq1kmrlMgbI/AAAAAAAAIJo/lADhrwn75ZU/s1600-h/PA2500292.jpg"><img alt="PA250029" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LT9y0m0oato/Tq1knLn6dJI/AAAAAAAAIJw/6kkNvRNgngg/PA250029_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA250029" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Anchored in Big Briar Creek off the Tensaw Cut-off.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MQZBmxzvgrs/Tq1kny2qMRI/AAAAAAAAIJ4/gUbbupVlBg4/s1600-h/PA2500322.jpg"><img alt="PA250032" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lIIWbAaiC-0/Tq1kocdyHqI/AAAAAAAAIKA/u3DGewwu40s/PA250032_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA250032" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DTQfWjs4R7g/Tq1kqPZbEmI/AAAAAAAAIKI/nlGkD0nD1a0/s1600-h/PA2500342.jpg"><img alt="PA250034" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fookKf98zm4/Tq1kqpGAQMI/AAAAAAAAIKQ/7hhaLveGKYQ/PA250034_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA250034" width="244" /></a><br />
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There was more morning fog on Wednesday but we were underway by 7:45 a.m. The trip across Mobile Bay was perfect and we saw our first pelicans and porpoises. We continued on to Pensacola and anchored east of the Pensacola Bay bridge ten hours and about 85 miles later. The Captain put the dinghy down and took me to Bamboo Willie’s for a frozen drink and then we ordered dinner from Hooter’s, which is located next door, and ate at Bamboo Willie’s bar. A nice ending to a long day on the water.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Anchored at what Skipper Bob calls Quiet Water Beach on Pensacola Bay.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HGEWsMRkvcY/Tq1krAjf3wI/AAAAAAAAIKY/VR2kYKa1c0M/s1600-h/PA2600362.jpg"><img alt="PA260036" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AEUncXjpy8c/Tq1krr6AfQI/AAAAAAAAIKg/7mb7kpqyKcw/PA260036_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA260036" width="244" /></a><br />
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Thursday was a quiet day on the water. We traveled 7-1/2 hours, covering another 60 miles, and anchored on the southeast side of the Chocktawhatchee Bay Bridge. The porpoises were out in force and the Captain managed to capture a few shots of them swimming and playing alongside the boat.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-b-YSbPKWkx4/Tq1ksVuUkWI/AAAAAAAAIKo/kgyxsVAcVHo/s1600-h/PA2700422.jpg"><img alt="PA270042" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aNzWOim0FKo/Tq1ks7aNVkI/AAAAAAAAIKw/1EomJpbVe-Y/PA270042_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA270042" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-C4L6KWZaAy8/Tq1ktac1WRI/AAAAAAAAIK4/YleaJYHdt78/s1600-h/PA2700392.jpg"><img alt="PA270039" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-onT0-jAipgU/Tq1kuCwCHmI/AAAAAAAAILA/auazO_zc_ho/PA270039_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA270039" width="244" /></a><br />
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By 9:00 a.m. Friday we had entered the 20-mile ditch between Chocktawhatchee Bay and Panama City. The total distance to Panama City was about 37 miles, and with good current we were tied up at the St. Andrews Marina four hours later. Strong north winds were forecast to hit beginning late Friday evening and the Captain didn’t want to be anchored out so we decided to go to a marina.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Coming in to the Panama City area.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PN0N4HCda90/Tq1kx-343YI/AAAAAAAAILI/P1M1ixzonLY/s1600-h/PA280001%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="PA280001" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wuqp29ille4/Tq1kyegSstI/AAAAAAAAILQ/BokAoOZLLpo/PA280001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA280001" width="244" /></a><br />
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Friday evening we walked over to the TimeOut Sports Bar for happy hour and raw oysters for Todd. We then meandered over to The Shrimp Boat where we had a nice dinner and watched the St. Louis Cardinals win the World Series. Way to go, Cards!!!<br />
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As predicted, the north wind hit overnight and we were thankful to be tied to a dock! Unfortunately, we received some shocking news early Saturday morning. Our good friend Rick in Demopolis suddenly and unexpectedly passed away late Friday evening at the age of 58. Rick and his wife Peggy had walked down to the fuel dock last Sunday morning to see us off when we left Demopolis. It just doesn’t seem possible that this could have happened!<br />
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Even though we’ve only known Rick & Peggy for about four years, Rick and Todd were very close. They talked on the phone almost daily, sometimes several times a day. Todd jokingly referred to Rick as “his brother from a different mother.” And they were like brothers. They fished together whenever they could and talked fishing, sports, weather, whatever, all the time. Rick was a diehard Alabama fan and we’ve watched a number of football games with he & Peggy over the years. Rest in peace, Rick, you will be missed!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This photo was taken less than a month ago at Rick & Peggy’s home.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WUbulkDs_o8/Tq1kyzwLGdI/AAAAAAAAILY/9MiDV9uf_FA/s1600-h/PA0100102.jpg"><img alt="PA010010" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dg4pUhqsOsU/Tq1kz4UGPDI/AAAAAAAAILg/mD2tXb13Qzs/PA010010_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA010010" width="244" /></a><br />
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The wind continued to howl all day Saturday but we braved it to browse through the St. Andrews Waterfront Farmers’ Market. Our friends Tena & Keith and daughter Sidney who live a few blocks away walked down to meet us and visit for a while.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TL4U8AUCEfw/Tq1k0uIPz3I/AAAAAAAAILo/XAeemX_CZPA/s1600-h/PA290002%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="PA290002" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5lg9JPw5a00/Tq1k00khgFI/AAAAAAAAILw/jAH5oAzLxs8/PA290002_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA290002" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-X250hR58dt4/Tq1k1mRaxtI/AAAAAAAAIL4/V7mN_HuO4yY/s1600-h/PA290003%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="PA290003" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NgIB5Mfg3M8/Tq1k2Mei_sI/AAAAAAAAIMA/8GFEDYLPdxo/PA290003_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA290003" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1gSVY3DIANQ/Tq1k2tb6L_I/AAAAAAAAIMI/CoPMw1vI1Oo/s1600-h/PA290004%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="PA290004" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-usRbkpBkoXY/Tq1k3mBafQI/AAAAAAAAIMQ/zKzvRvcE57M/PA290004_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA290004" width="244" /></a><br />
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Around mid-afternoon we walked to Tena & Keith’s house and took a load of dirty laundry with us. Tena brought out her tasty homemade ceviche for a happy hour snack and Keith grilled some wonderful chicken for dinner. Thanks for a fun evening, guys, we enjoyed it!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Keith got the outdoor heater working so we could sit comfortably outside.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-q6ciqRQMsUE/Tq1k57Rh5KI/AAAAAAAAIMY/nj26jUN8UyM/s1600-h/PA290006%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="PA290006" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5lmfy4sFQlE/Tq1k6TyqVgI/AAAAAAAAIMg/8R4QtrxUcAo/PA290006_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA290006" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DlD9-etxLgk/Tq1k61j4j2I/AAAAAAAAIMo/6PUV-ZcuaLk/s1600-h/PA290010%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="PA290010" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kWVqy8HjH7A/Tq1k7buH8TI/AAAAAAAAIMw/LinbFCKg7p4/PA290010_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA290010" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sidney got dressed up in her “Wicked” Alice in Wonderland outfit and was off to a birthday party that evening.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jMaw_xAYUMA/Tq1k9k8VLVI/AAAAAAAAIM4/90uPnRD9sV4/s1600-h/PA290015%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="PA290015" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5VSJAADOH-g/Tq1k_Y-3qyI/AAAAAAAAINA/PLANKkgmx3o/PA290015_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA290015" width="184" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-e1Tyh6n7JuU/Tq1k_0fdigI/AAAAAAAAINI/C_GK2Iv5__c/s1600-h/PA290012%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="PA290012" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SlGQBDYwgpw/Tq1lEaC3cFI/AAAAAAAAINQ/BbwzfSz4KGU/PA290012_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA290012" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YrMJGDqMMQw/Tq1lFHrw0dI/AAAAAAAAINY/vSIjPciEiIo/s1600-h/PA290014%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="PA290014" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-G8IXlTeBHrs/Tq1lIDdCviI/AAAAAAAAINg/x1LYaMV9xmA/PA290014_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA290014" width="244" /></a><br />
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Today is Sunday, October 30th, and the north wind is still blowing strong. The weather doesn’t look good for the Gulf crossing until late next week, at the earliest, so we are in wait mode for now. We will probably leave the marina early this afternoon, find a protected anchorage nearby and gradually make our way east to the Apalachicola area over the course of the next week. Or we may rent a car and go to Demopolis for a few days to see Rick’s widow, Peggy. At this point we’re not sure, but we’ll figure it out!Todd and Brenda Lanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01540907378242980852noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27829931.post-16808477892451014722011-10-13T23:38:00.001-04:002011-10-14T09:04:30.428-04:00<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Packing It Up at the Demopolis Yacht Basin</span></strong><br />
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On the morning of our last update (Friday, September 30th), unbeknownst to us at the time, our friend David’s boat, “Moonstruck,” a 44-foot Defever, turned on its side after passing a barge and sunk in the Tenn-Tom at Mile 317, 100 miles upriver from Demopolis. David had left Columbus, Mississippi, just a few hours earlier, southbound for Demopolis.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This was David’s boat just a few weeks ago as he pulled out of Waterfall Cove on Pickwick Lake.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gy1EUGY41E4/TperMd10XWI/AAAAAAAAH54/5SABB9fB8nQ/s1600-h/P91200522.jpg"><img alt="P9120052" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gx2LQhyrCn8/TperNJUabxI/AAAAAAAAH6A/YlOHjfCJcTo/P9120052_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9120052" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">It’s hard to believe that this is all that was visible in a matter of minutes.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5J-ebujBe_k/TperN-zd0vI/AAAAAAAAH6I/PhP1cTKQRQE/s1600-h/Demopolisandmoonstruck0112.jpg"><img alt="Demopolisandmoonstruck011" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Q8xAD2Scb5s/TperOjMWXfI/AAAAAAAAH6Q/lpemXmJqgHA/Demopolisandmoonstruck011_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="Demopolisandmoonstruck011" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FMSndYUHFeM/TperPcakoxI/AAAAAAAAH6Y/_9LhI-YfNiI/s1600-h/Demopolisandmoonstruck0122.jpg"><img alt="Demopolisandmoonstruck012" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cmGG89FHL1s/TperP0VpY8I/AAAAAAAAH6g/nQ2Lk3okK5E/Demopolisandmoonstruck012_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="Demopolisandmoonstruck012" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xQe5NiKIbEA/TperQjCdBbI/AAAAAAAAH6o/1QkoQwDrkRo/s1600-h/Demopolisandmoonstruck0082.jpg"><img alt="Demopolisandmoonstruck008" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-r43KLOY85_k/TperRMurMpI/AAAAAAAAH6w/ZNt-Uiw3Qdc/Demopolisandmoonstruck008_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="Demopolisandmoonstruck008" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Bul6iiUp8jU/TperSJC1euI/AAAAAAAAH64/R5eL7v4xu60/s1600-h/watertrip20042.jpg"><img alt="watertrip2004" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-l4x45gkrNT8/TperSk94fgI/AAAAAAAAH7A/WhzFdQCxqP8/watertrip2004_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="watertrip2004" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">David leaving the wheelhouse of th</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">e northbound tow that stopped when the tow captain saw what had happened.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0BdII3PRGow/TperTf65q6I/AAAAAAAAH7I/wbir6--m72s/s1600-h/Demopolisandmoonstruck0032.jpg"><img alt="Demopolisandmoonstruck003" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nE9TAipBU58/TperT7OtSuI/AAAAAAAAH7Q/vTqujRi1A2Y/Demopolisandmoonstruck003_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="Demopolisandmoonstruck003" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">What a heartbreaking sight!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lKFCFRF_60Q/TperUSi39hI/AAAAAAAAH7Y/XPU6TfczB3s/s1600-h/_Preview_.jpg"><img alt="_Preview_" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-X1mxuEt0iHY/TperVF5Y0XI/AAAAAAAAH7g/ihcHUN5W-rk/_Preview__thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="_Preview_" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-M14c8cdN0lU/TperV6tP_TI/AAAAAAAAH7o/4QlWoubkTIo/s1600-h/IMG20111002000222.jpg"><img alt="IMG-20111002-00022" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-56yN6WRadq0/TperWcHNfOI/AAAAAAAAH7w/90tY3eX8XAE/IMG2011100200022_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG-20111002-00022" width="244" /></a><br />
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We saw David and his crew late Friday afternoon at the Yacht Basin after they returned from Wal-Mart where they bought some clothing and personal care items since everything they had went down with the boat. What an unfathomable tragedy for all concerned, but at least everyone got off safely and without injury and we are incredibly thankful for that!<br />
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Saturday we began boxing up our personal belongings on “Life’s2Short.” Late that afternoon we said goodbye to John and Sandy on “Thats Me” who were continuing south the next morning. We had plans to go over to Rick & Peggy’s that evening to watch the Alabama football game . We thought the Gators would present a challenge for the Crimson Tide but as it turned out, Alabama kicked their butts. Roll Tide Roll!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Safe travels, John & Sandy! We sure enjoyed spending time and traveling with you these past few weeks!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NYD5NwS_UVY/TperXRLONWI/AAAAAAAAH74/MwLebQWgZe0/s1600-h/PA0100032.jpg"><img alt="PA010003" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-F8-F88cjrSs/TperX6GQjgI/AAAAAAAAH8A/f9KRbbmko6c/PA010003_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA010003" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">“Rick Chris” works his magic on the grill.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TViq79qLGTE/TperYtdDiTI/AAAAAAAAH8I/2Q5S6WXBW0I/s1600-h/PA0100102.jpg"><img alt="PA010010" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_Lb-mKHqJg8/TperZKbI2CI/AAAAAAAAH8Q/KZqIBiU2weM/PA010010_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA010010" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Peggy playfully grabs some butt of her own!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oip8NdMdtJo/TperZw4L3yI/AAAAAAAAH8Y/KlP8E8x_CgI/s1600-h/PA0100062.jpg"><img alt="PA010006" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-C0tKH0Msfx4/TperaYKGDbI/AAAAAAAAH8g/OsIJsLf6p3U/PA010006_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA010006" width="244" /></a><br />
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Sunday was also spent packing and then Todd went fishing with Rick Monday morning. After he returned we made a run to get more boxes so we could continue packing.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_eyQSWM89TY/TperbJgisuI/AAAAAAAAH8o/T0FPom0VApk/s1600-h/PA0400122.jpg"><img alt="PA040012" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-houuLqwrn0U/TperbtRNDPI/AAAAAAAAH8w/rVhHq4XWcnc/PA040012_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA040012" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_XD6SYQ9YfU/TpercVj-SEI/AAAAAAAAH84/DD06f-KqYx0/s1600-h/PA0400132.jpg"><img alt="PA040013" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IMiw2stfJ3c/TpercyI_bXI/AAAAAAAAH9A/Q_R8Ug4oqS4/PA040013_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA040013" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gnqqIdj0NTA/Tperdh3gZWI/AAAAAAAAH9I/0sFS8bbOrkE/s1600-h/PA0400142.jpg"><img alt="PA040014" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0fSzhKUWxoU/TpereGwGRKI/AAAAAAAAH9Q/NOHxDW8i-70/PA040014_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA040014" width="244" /></a><br />
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By late afternoon, it was time for a break so Todd joined our dock neighbor Buell for a cold beverage on the deck of the “Dale B.”<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kZ6l-EDsPX0/Tpere6jvv9I/AAAAAAAAH9Y/ptVHYCZBYYQ/s1600-h/PA0100012.jpg"><img alt="PA010001" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZxdHtJnw09U/TperfWoD4tI/AAAAAAAAH9g/JbbWzYhOS1k/PA010001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA010001" width="244" /></a><br />
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Tuesday was another day of sorting and packing and by Wednesday it was time to tackle four loads of laundry. The Captain took time out to get a haircut and then continued boxing things up and moving them to our staging area in a locked section of the Boaters’ Lounge.<br />
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On Thursday Todd helped Rick put the water tanks back in his boat, “Rollin Tide,” and then went with Buell to pump out his holding tanks. While they were out they decided to take a short cruise on the Tenn-Tom to get the engines up to temperature. Buell is 88 years old and doesn’t get to do much cruising these days, so he appreciated getting the “Dale B” away from the dock for a brief run.<br />
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Todd then started repairing the fiberglass damage on the port side rub rail that occurred last fall when we were tied up to a free wall in Rock Hall, Maryland. The wind came up while we were away from the boat and beat the port side against the pilings that line the wall.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Not a pretty sight!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Rvzt_qUijIA/TpergK3iiJI/AAAAAAAAH9o/6J8T6XMbhBA/s1600-h/P91700082.jpg"><img alt="P9170008" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Rtx4-bd1tmM/TperggBpsnI/AAAAAAAAH9w/NAKUFsaIZVE/P9170008_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9170008" width="244" /></a><br />
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While he busied himself with that task, I continued packing and sorting through more “stuff.” That evening we met John & Gloria (“Bombay Lady”) at the New Orleans Bar & Grill for dinner. We originally met John & Gloria in Demopolis in 2009 and saw them again in Marathon, Florida, in early 2010. They just arrived in Demopolis Thursday afternoon on their way south and wanted to get together.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Gloria & John off “Bombay Lady.”</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1CIuhwdIItA/TperhZ491NI/AAAAAAAAH94/tErpG7MBLfM/s1600-h/PA060004%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="PA060004" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-g4VZ6YC7RC0/TperhzRThRI/AAAAAAAAH-A/T7kshEc7OkU/PA060004_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA060004" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Joyce and Tara who work at the New Orleans Bar & Grill.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-us337JUk2dM/TperiYFlh1I/AAAAAAAAH-I/ZOa6R8B8aMk/s1600-h/PA060003%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="PA060003" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YeygsbuefTs/TperjBqocBI/AAAAAAAAH-Q/m2fiJGMcBR4/PA060003_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA060003" width="244" /></a><br />
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After three discouraging and stressful days of unsuccessfully trying to get “Moonstruck” afloat using some locals, a crew came in from Huntsville on Thursday. They didn’t begin until mid-afternoon, but within approximately twelve hours they had her afloat. They towed her to Pirates Cove Marina, about ten miles downriver, just above Bevil Lock, to begin the cleaning up and cleaning out process. What an ordeal!<br />
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Todd and I took off from the Yacht Basin with Buell at 8:15 a.m. Friday morning, destination Dayton, Tennessee. Buell was going on to Ashland, Kentucky, to visit family but wanted to split the trip up into two days and spend the night in Dayton with friends Pete & Geneva. As it so happens, Todd left his truck with Pete & Geneva when we returned from Missouri in late August and we needed to get it back, so we took advantage of the opportunity to catch a ride with Buell.<br />
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We arrived shortly after 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time and were joined a few hours later by Wayne & Sandy who drove over from Knoxville. We hadn’t seen Wayne in probably four years and had never met Sandy so it was good to catch up. Neighbors Bill & Sandy, who we’d met on a previous trip to Dayton, also came over and we all enjoyed a nice dinner before retiring creek-side for a cozy campfire.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Neighbor Sandy chatting with Buell.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BdBjm_MK2x4/TperjkPNNBI/AAAAAAAAH-Y/wANYPhVPFb4/s1600-h/PA070005%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="PA070005" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3xvCx2wGKrs/TperkW0X-cI/AAAAAAAAH-g/VWHGpcOm0x0/PA070005_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA070005" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Bill with our hosts, Pete & Geneva.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fMvQJRqjsvQ/TperlGNV9XI/AAAAAAAAH-o/SaYOdcUZixM/s1600-h/PA070008%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="PA070008" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-g8RTROdKsbY/Tperl93EgNI/AAAAAAAAH-w/xfwrffdL6Dc/PA070008_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA070008" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Doesn’t the Captain look cool?</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ddy8h8a8n60/Tpermckj6sI/AAAAAAAAH-4/RoubckqHPNY/s1600-h/PA070010%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="PA070010" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rDXCtkComL0/Tperm6GCBCI/AAAAAAAAH_A/TpTVuIl2UIs/PA070010_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA070010" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Wayne arrives from Knoxville. Long time, no see!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--iY4bwAoq3U/TpernqCAXXI/AAAAAAAAH_I/9H-wDVjBcZU/s1600-h/PA070011%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="PA070011" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6ferf22HHOM/TperoQ2OasI/AAAAAAAAH_Q/YIikWDGiD3A/PA070011_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA070011" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Good times on the patio.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iVn1IIpi-fU/Tpero6Z1yPI/AAAAAAAAH_Y/QRz6W8UZuYg/s1600-h/PA070013%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="PA070013" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bk6SM1jsjgI/TperpkggmdI/AAAAAAAAH_g/n_olWouBZfM/PA070013_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA070013" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Qw4FQlv_nhU/TperqZGBlMI/AAAAAAAAH_o/pZqt2dk_gJ8/s1600-h/PA070014%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="PA070014" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-L0SHYg_v2W8/Tperq2OcAYI/AAAAAAAAH_w/jGXq5KFnsJQ/PA070014_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA070014" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Wayne’s fiancé, Sandy, is on the far right.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HyKFvo9PQJs/TperrnFzS1I/AAAAAAAAH_4/crrTmbJHdEA/s1600-h/PA070015%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="PA070015" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fSE14WRRzM8/TpertBOW5wI/AAAAAAAAIAA/YWbdJnTgwfE/PA070015_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA070015" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">We somehow managed to get all nine of us around the kitchen table for dinner!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dxOb6Uw-Jq4/Tpert2NhIYI/AAAAAAAAIAI/FH6YtCegVYs/s1600-h/PA070016%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="PA070016" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hKt9qhymtQQ/TperuREnnQI/AAAAAAAAIAQ/N-MiN4cduRg/PA070016_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA070016" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">What a nice campfire!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ee6-kTsX2bI/TpervFDG3oI/AAAAAAAAIAY/HBfgJyuYBg0/s1600-h/PA070017%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="PA070017" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ybD4Ny8LLWI/TpervsvuzrI/AAAAAAAAIAg/m1SJloDA3qA/PA070017_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA070017" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6X8upqS32-s/TperwEXwx0I/AAAAAAAAIAo/eodeueUrdwg/s1600-h/PA070018%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="PA070018" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vh7LJq_q_OU/TperwqBVCII/AAAAAAAAIAw/Avnqt56SgOs/PA070018_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA070018" width="244" /></a><br />
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Saturday it was back to the Yacht Basin with a stop at The Cheesecake Factory (our first time) in Birmingham for lunch. Buell was telling us on the way to Dayton what an extensive menu they had so we decided to check it out for ourselves. And he was not exaggerating! It took us forever to decide what to order but we had a good waiter, the food was good and it was a fun experience.<br />
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That evening we went over to Rick & Peggy’s for more Alabama football. We didn’t expect much of a challenge from Vanderbilt and we weren’t disappointed. Alabama beat them up badly with a final score of 34-0 . The Crimson Tide was on its game!<br />
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Sunday was a mellow day aboard “Life’s2Short.” Todd did some sanding on his fiberglass repair job, but we were at something of a stand-still in terms of what to pack since we still need enough stuff on board to function on a day-to-day basis. So we spent the day relaxing, reading, packing a few more things and taking care of some minor chores.<br />
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By Monday I decided to tackle the food and cookware, leaving just enough to get us through until we get the boat to Fort Myers. After making another box run and a brief Wal-Mart run, it was back to sorting, packing and cleaning for me. Todd spent most of the day working on fiberglass and he was definitely not having fun!<br />
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Tuesday was cool and cloudy so Todd wasn’t able to do much with the fiberglass. Instead, he and Rick went fishing for a while and I spent the day cleaning the bathrooms and shower and packing a few more boxes. Tuesday afternoon we joined Dale & Joy and two other couples at The Wall for happy hour, our first visit there since the day we arrived at the Yacht Basin.<br />
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Wednesday was laundry day again, but only two loads this time! Things are really winding down in the packing department. Not much left to sort through or pack so I defrosted the fridge and cleaned the stove while Todd continued working on the fiberglass. Matt, who runs the shop at the Demopolis Yacht Basin, is helping Todd repair/rebuild the damaged engine vent, a very time-consuming task!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Matt and Fred, hard at work in the shop.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cEzU5nR3A-0/TperxUtdT1I/AAAAAAAAIA4/fgWQGQaFNGQ/s1600-h/PA130020%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="PA130020" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iDwfUg7Xb_w/TperyAfv8_I/AAAAAAAAIBA/mGoUIYOlqng/PA130020_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="PA130020" width="244" /></a><br />
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Wednesday afternoon we again joined Dale & Joy and a few other couples at The Wall. Earlier in the afternoon several transient vessels had arrived at the Yacht Basin for fuel and/or overnight dockage. After fueling, the larger ones were sent to the new marina, Kingfisher Bay, and the others were scattered around the Yacht Basin wherever they would fit. Must be time for the fall migration south!<br />
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Today is Thursday, October 13th, and we are making final preparations for our trip to Missouri. Todd is picking up the U-Haul trailer mid-morning tomorrow and we plan to load up and pull out a few hours later. We are going to stop and see some friends along the way so we probably won’t arrive in Springfield until Sunday afternoon. At this point, we are looking to return to the Yacht Basin late next week with plans to begin the long trek south to Fort Myers no later than October 24th. Our final journey aboard “Life’s2Short!”Todd and Brenda Lanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01540907378242980852noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27829931.post-2727400740754932092011-09-30T14:58:00.002-04:002011-10-01T11:17:49.896-04:00<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Bay Springs Lake and Our Final Run to Demopolis</span></strong><br />
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We pulled away from the dock at Aqua Yacht Harbor about noon on Thursday, September 15th, and were anchored in Five Fingers Cove on Bay Springs Lake by 4:30 p.m. John on “Thats Me” was also anchored in the Five Fingers area so he came over for a while and then joined us for dinner. The weather had turned quite cool so a big pot of chili was in order!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Our anchorages on Bay Springs.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PtPo54o75vs/TocpgpacqnI/AAAAAAAAH0I/uqEhis7iS7M/s1600-h/P92000042.jpg"><img alt="P9200004" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_r8ldPzGyng/TocphfZ112I/AAAAAAAAH0M/d9FToMf89gY/P9200004_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9200004" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0B2OpZiMzx8/TocpiPGaNUI/AAAAAAAAH0Q/TONPh4mLF1s/s1600-h/P92000052.jpg"><img alt="P9200005" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fmIJHmsrrfQ/TocpjF8CJSI/AAAAAAAAH0U/6b6YUbpNL0I/P9200005_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9200005" width="244" /></a><br />
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Todd and John went fishing mid-morning Friday and again Friday afternoon but didn’t have much luck. Todd found a nice place nearby for a campfire and got it set up to light after dinner. After stuffing ourselves on chicken pot pie, John retired to his boat and we dinghied over to the beach to spend a couple of hours fireside.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The fishermen did manage to catch one nice bass while they were out.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hS879i0-lj0/Tocpjx9W74I/AAAAAAAAH0Y/qGUEnIGWtCY/s1600-h/P91600012.jpg"><img alt="P9160001" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RijwGFwo6wA/TocpkpiaSiI/AAAAAAAAH0c/lVutSPQ-sWQ/P9160001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9160001" width="244" /></a><br />
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John took “Thats Me” to the marina Saturday morning to use the courtesy car to drive to Tupelo to pick up his friend Sandy who is joining him on the boat for the long trek down the Tenn-Tom to the Gulf Coast. Todd did a little late morning fishing in John’s center console, then relaxed for a few hours. John returned mid-afternoon and Todd took John’s boat over to help him tie a stern line to a tree on shore. A short time later Todd and John went fishing and didn’t return until it was almost dark.<br />
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The fishermen were off again about 9:00 a.m. Sunday. Even though they haven’t been doing much catching, it isn’t for lack of trying! Todd went out again that afternoon to gather wood for a fire and fish some more. John & Sandy came over for dinner Sunday evening and then we went to the beach and built a very nice fire. It was so nice, in fact, that we didn’t manage to tear ourselves away until 1:30 a.m.!<br />
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Monday was a rainy, gloomy day and we were all feeling the effects of our late night on the beach. John & Sandy came over for breakfast enchiladas about 11:00 a.m. and the rest of the day was spent reading, relaxing and watching movies. In general, not doing much of anything.<br />
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Our friends Nila & Everett from Springfield called Monday evening to let us know they were on their way back from Florida where they had been visiting family. Since they were passing fairly close to Bay Springs on the return trip, they decided to spend a few days with us on the boat.<br />
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John and Todd went fishing Tuesday morning for a few hours and then Todd took John’s center console over to Bay Springs Marina Tuesday afternoon to pick up Nila & Everett. They made it back to the boat by 4:00 p.m., just in time for happy hour! After chatting and snacking a bit, we had green chili chicken enchiladas with Margaritas for dinner. Then we got into a game of Rummikub that Nila & Everett brought with them and Nila emerged as the winner.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Hayes’ have arrived!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GLznE6wHAPk/TocplQHuT5I/AAAAAAAAH0g/Va6eeZ70dvs/s1600-h/P92000022.jpg"><img alt="P9200002" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8xr5nQmwruQ/TocpmAGzKoI/AAAAAAAAH0k/MmXgAUSRQIQ/P9200002_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9200002" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Todd and Everett enjoying a nice evening on the bow.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IhcjUEcQzAw/TocpmkFpMJI/AAAAAAAAH0o/40Di77Yq7zI/s1600-h/P92000092.jpg"><img alt="P9200009" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JU3a-MThSvk/TocpnW8uyQI/AAAAAAAAH0s/Lkoi1nEVEO4/P9200009_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9200009" width="244" /></a><br />
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John & Sandy came over Wednesday morning to share in the two (yes, two!) boxes of pastries Nila & Everett brought with them from Panera Bread. After that, Nila & Everett spent a good part of the day relaxing and napping, Todd went fishing and I messed around in the kitchen. About mid-afternoon we borrowed John’s boat again and took a tour around Five Fingers Cove.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Hanging on “Life’s2Short.”</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Q28TUTpS8ds/TocpoOTz1-I/AAAAAAAAH0w/t5TYM2glTI0/s1600-h/P92100132.jpg"><img alt="P9210013" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZgTBM2J8jG4/Tocpo2ohGnI/AAAAAAAAH00/QdBa0vNUyO8/P9210013_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9210013" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Everett tries his hand at fishing and ends up with a big rat’s nest on one of Todd’s bait casters!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5pl4J9XNXGA/TocpprHfLgI/AAAAAAAAH04/5k-IeEwNyEg/s1600-h/P92100102.jpg"><img alt="P9210010" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gImHP8-RkGc/Tocpqwa1wRI/AAAAAAAAH08/IFkGo8JROew/P9210010_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9210010" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Todd returned from fishing and forgot to tie his dinghy up, so he had to swim for it! First time that’s ever happened!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xN1oujDDnJM/TocprTMlssI/AAAAAAAAH1A/S5yoxgJzSdo/s1600-h/P92100112.jpg"><img alt="P9210011" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kV_e8sHZxi8/TocpsDc3xUI/AAAAAAAAH1E/5aRyjFUOaiU/P9210011_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9210011" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Cruising the lake on John’s center console.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qjVEUJJnc34/Tocps0bLZaI/AAAAAAAAH1I/_kGvwhHeJ1o/s1600-h/P92100162.jpg"><img alt="P9210016" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qOhJCQ5E7gM/TocptiPSr7I/AAAAAAAAH1M/8m5KqReTMNo/P9210016_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9210016" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bx4bfDuxCj0/TocpuSUkfgI/AAAAAAAAH1Q/ZPEzhpBa4i8/s1600-h/P92100172.jpg"><img alt="P9210017" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1tk-vhhJpao/Tocpu8JMErI/AAAAAAAAH1U/a674NgFUdSg/P9210017_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9210017" width="244" /></a> <br />
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When we returned to “Life’s2Short,” I started on dinner for the six of us. Since we really don’t have any place to seat six people on “Life’s2Short,” I asked John if we could eat on his back deck and he was more than happy to oblige. So once dinner was under control, we went over to “Thats Me” for appetizers and then Todd came back to “Life’s2Short” to get dinner out of the oven and shuttle it to “Thats Me.”<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">That’s our campfire beach in the background.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZZF9xhnIl3c/TocpvqZWJJI/AAAAAAAAH1Y/zVIMTHl1wbU/s1600-h/P92100202.jpg"><img alt="P9210020" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rP1isYFqDGE/TocpwZlLmYI/AAAAAAAAH1c/Ko5qkYgxoJc/P9210020_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9210020" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Appetizers on the deck of “Thats Me.”</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VPBmgy6_sD4/Tocpw4UXNbI/AAAAAAAAH1g/lMzjTXLTuJs/s1600-h/P92100232.jpg"><img alt="P9210023" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-i3nvidY6PZ8/TocpxpRb0_I/AAAAAAAAH1k/Xl027U8riu0/P9210023_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9210023" width="244" /></a><br />
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By this time Sandy wasn’t feeling well so she skipped dinner and went inside. After dinner the rest of us made our way to the beach for a campfire. John & Sandy and Todd had gathered a bunch of firewood when they were out and about earlier in the day so we had a nice pile. As always, it was a fun and eventful evening fireside and Sandy even came out to join us for a little while before we called it an evening.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KCC7b_0xr8A/TocpyTRYsuI/AAAAAAAAH1o/gomxeaSUXHM/s1600-h/P92100262.jpg"><img alt="P9210026" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-29mgKrTf5cQ/Tocpy8QQ66I/AAAAAAAAH1s/Lic_ZCuXQC0/P9210026_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9210026" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Y637jDVvUug/TocpztMX8NI/AAAAAAAAH1w/2H7BWdpnUys/s1600-h/P92100272.jpg"><img alt="P9210027" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-y0YVtuJZc28/Tocp0uATNfI/AAAAAAAAH10/sY94-TAVzt8/P9210027_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9210027" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nC-FIf-B7LQ/Tocp1WOPEVI/AAAAAAAAH14/V3zPq6GFIwo/s1600-h/P92100302.jpg"><img alt="P9210030" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--41oAY3_q_U/Tocp2BB1RMI/AAAAAAAAH18/aV6C8QRUBOA/P9210030_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9210030" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Captain giving John a lap dance!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VmVQngd8eQQ/Tocp2hwd8nI/AAAAAAAAH2A/hy5RFN5UNnw/s1600-h/P92100332.jpg"><img alt="P9210033" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qn8fCHtzX5k/Tocp3V67-TI/AAAAAAAAH2E/4n4FrXpnCu4/P9210033_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9210033" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-s0YsJPJYuGg/Tocp3-67geI/AAAAAAAAH2I/_h6eyPm1MWY/s1600-h/P92100352.jpg"><img alt="P9210035" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7YE3X_3nGHA/Tocp4l_r47I/AAAAAAAAH2M/ugjnaf_6wuI/P9210035_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9210035" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Nila and Todd cutting a rug on the sandy beach.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wuhM0JnpBZk/Tocp5SCQmsI/AAAAAAAAH2Q/cu4Opk_cpiI/s1600-h/P92100422.jpg"><img alt="P9210042" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Qznn8Ogi6l8/Tocp55s0UkI/AAAAAAAAH2U/LSzJrKSN3a4/P9210042_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9210042" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Approaching midnight and the fire is still going strong!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Tw20_9RaAy0/Tocp6mv1ptI/AAAAAAAAH2Y/bnEu0iUj_GY/s1600-h/P92200432.jpg"><img alt="P9220043" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HfTiNqXTxRk/Tocp7VkaGOI/AAAAAAAAH2c/jnMl5dVy5sA/P9220043_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9220043" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sandy got to feeling a little better and decided to join the fun.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9APQqX3xP_A/Tocp78isgOI/AAAAAAAAH2g/eFN3CEdT6zg/s1600-h/P92200462.jpg"><img alt="P9220046" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nfKFH4fgV5Q/Tocp8tFv0_I/AAAAAAAAH2k/ClKez_VeRac/P9220046_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9220046" width="244" /></a><br />
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Needless to say, we all slept in Thursday morning. John called on the VHF about 10:00 a.m. and said he was going to have to take Sandy to a doctor. Whatever she had was getting worse and she had red streaks starting to creep up her arm! They originally thought she had been bitten by a spider, and maybe she was, but with the growing red streaks it was time to have it looked at. John made arrangements to borrow the courtesy car at Bay Springs Marina so Nila & Everett got their things together and caught a ride with John & Sandy as they were heading that way. <em>Thanks for joining us on “Lifes2Short,” Nila & Everett; we’ll see you again soon in Springfield!</em><br />
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The rest of Thursday was pretty mellow aboard “Life’s2Short.” John & Sandy returned around 4:00 p.m. with a couple of antibiotic prescriptions and some kind of cream to put on her arm – and our ice, of course! The doctor seemed to think it was some type of staph infection so it’s good that they had it checked out. John mentioned going fishing in a little while but after an hour or so he hadn’t reappeared so Todd gave up and went fishing in his dinghy. Come to find out, John went back to his boat and fell asleep!<br />
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Thursday overnight turned fairly cool with a few light showers so John and Todd weren’t too excited about going out fishing early Friday. In fact, John’s comment when he called Todd on the VHF about 8:30 was: <em>“Someone’s done gone and left the refrigerator door open!” </em>But they did finally head out about 9:30, just as the sun was making a feeble attempt to break through the clouds. I say feeble because the sun still hadn’t broken through three hours later!<br />
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Todd finally returned about 2:30 and rested for a while. David on “Moonstruck” left Aqua Yacht around 3:00 and made good time getting to Bay Springs, arriving by 7:00 p.m. Frank & Joyce on “Daphne” had also boated down from Aqua earlier in the day so we all headed to the beach for another campfire. This time we surpassed our previous late night and didn’t make it back to the boat until 2:30 a.m.!<br />
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Saturday was a quiet day for most of us. Todd and David went over to “Daphne” late afternoon to catch part of the Alabama football game and Todd also helped Frank retrieve his catfish jugs. John & Sandy and Frank & Joyce put together a wonderful fish fry for all of us that evening on “Thats Me” and we were joined by our friend Terri Pruitt who we love spending time with on Pickwick. Then it was back to the beach for another fire, although no one was interested in staying up quite as late that night – go figure!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Frank and John were in charge of frying the fish, potatoes and hush puppies. Nice job, guys!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1bG8x8UfoUE/Tocp9rA4TYI/AAAAAAAAH2o/2tq6IZ9EVP4/s1600-h/P92400572.jpg"><img alt="P9240057" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XzVd8l6vquM/Tocp-HiFiOI/AAAAAAAAH2s/rsN8bBRBSi0/P9240057_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9240057" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hHTrnMSCwLM/Tocp-_7XLTI/AAAAAAAAH2w/HxzzEIG1EpY/s1600-h/P92400552.jpg"><img alt="P9240055" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LFhSlfq2K1Y/Tocp_h42-DI/AAAAAAAAH20/2T0BkaBY1D8/P9240055_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9240055" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Looks like someone is having a party!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RGlQJN5x-NE/TocqAY4jG_I/AAAAAAAAH24/M-4h3AGiPjs/s1600-h/P92400712.jpg"><img alt="P9240071" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Z337wSz9tEA/TocqBKsIixI/AAAAAAAAH28/-BKN9Eoycmk/P9240071_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9240071" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sandy and Joyce.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qkjreAXqTYM/TocqBrVdnGI/AAAAAAAAH3A/NVjIRBg6Iik/s1600-h/P92400582.jpg"><img alt="P9240058" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-r_Cv2f7oIhA/TocqCUU8YgI/AAAAAAAAH3E/9I2n7TlkkMw/P9240058_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9240058" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The lovely Terri Pruitt. So glad you could join us!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-h_uHXPV4Wk0/TocqDKWpUtI/AAAAAAAAH3I/rQh0DOHQTPQ/s1600-h/P92400642.jpg"><img alt="P9240064" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PtvLGZVRYmk/TocqDgEU5QI/AAAAAAAAH3M/9rG1QO7uDXQ/P9240064_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9240064" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EPssofIbvco/TocqEfs-DgI/AAAAAAAAH3Q/InMiphPvD3Y/s1600-h/P92400602.jpg"><img alt="P9240060" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vuFHzhPyS6A/TocqFEAcaBI/AAAAAAAAH3U/PcWjE6dCUr0/P9240060_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9240060" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">David on “Moonstruck.”</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xr3bmHcfLXs/TocqFzVw9lI/AAAAAAAAH3Y/avatUXq7DzE/s1600-h/P92400652.jpg"><img alt="P9240065" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4oyXkqcTIwA/TocqGTyM0fI/AAAAAAAAH3c/KfXP7GeuoYA/P9240065_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9240065" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-d9Qe_-apGJI/TocqHXkMpGI/AAAAAAAAH3g/qgDvwyC5aXE/s1600-h/P92400622.jpg"><img alt="P9240062" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XIGq8yXXDa0/TocqH2eqQXI/AAAAAAAAH3k/99NvxapoqW8/P9240062_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9240062" width="244" /></a><br />
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Sunday we invited “Moonstruck” over for brunch with mimosas. That afternoon “Moonstruck” and “Thats Me” went in to Bay Springs Marina. We also moved to anchor near the marina so we could see Chuck & Pip on “Miss Pip” before we head down the Tenn-Tom. Friends Roger & Dixie on “Bubbles,” who are moving their boat from the marina in Columbus to Prizer Point on the Cumberland River, also joined us late afternoon and we had a fun gathering on the dock.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iGRkxKP2u9k/TocqI3izPxI/AAAAAAAAH3o/aOhR7b71gPc/s1600-h/P92500802.jpg"><img alt="P9250080" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wsISP8QEI_s/TocqJfUJASI/AAAAAAAAH3s/BL4LjDZQ92s/P9250080_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9250080" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Roger & Dixie on “Bubbles.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0oSSg4paF24/TocqKOA3_7I/AAAAAAAAH3w/R2CCUBrHmH4/s1600-h/P92500762.jpg"><img alt="P9250076" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NLUyefDhARI/TocqLPIGk3I/AAAAAAAAH30/PGWJ7KH7YAA/P9250076_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9250076" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QysZGs5AoKI/TocqLy-MVgI/AAAAAAAAH34/Ukv8aErD3DA/s1600-h/P92500742.jpg"><img alt="P9250074" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ErfbruGp6QE/TocqMgZxilI/AAAAAAAAH38/vMiVkjhGRIg/P9250074_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9250074" width="244" /></a><br />
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Later that evening Todd got nervous about storms and tornado warnings in the area so we moved “Life’s2Short” over to the marina for the night. We had put out a stern anchor because the cut we were anchored in was fairly narrow and it was very windy. However, when Todd went to pull the stern anchor up, it was stuck fast and he wasn’t able to get it with his dinghy. So he left it with the rope sitting on a floating cushion, and he and John took John’s skiff over there early Monday morning to retrieve it.<br />
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We headed for Whitten Lock before 8:00 a.m. on a cloudy, dreary, drizzly Monday morning. “Thats Me” joined us and we spent the next ten hours covering 48 miles and going through six locks – our first time doing six locks in one day. Most of them went very well but we had to wait 1-1/2 hours at Wilkins Lock while the Corps of Engineers barge and crane went in to do some work. But at least the weather finally cleared up by early afternoon. We anchored at the Canal Section Cut-off at Mile 366.3 at 6:00 p.m. and had John & Sandy over for dinner.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Isn’t <em>that</em> a lovely photo?!!! Nothing like locking through in the rain.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZDgZkfUVBtA/TocqNO35gWI/AAAAAAAAH4A/lNBHONYuXRU/s1600-h/P92600822.jpg"><img alt="P9260082" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-shu8FbSxZpA/TocqNxSq0uI/AAAAAAAAH4E/4u6RScCXDeA/P9260082_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9260082" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Heading down the Tenn-Tom late Monday afternoon.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IgGuppY9RCc/TocqPCdoi9I/AAAAAAAAH4I/K19TsEgnmek/s1600-h/P92600842.jpg"><img alt="P9260084" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-L79KtI6bds4/TocqPxdThcI/AAAAAAAAH4M/n4JWITiLZzs/P9260084_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9260084" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Our anchorage at the Canal Section Cut-off with a tow and barges going by in the background.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_fgK7tQhTS0/TocqQnD6ZqI/AAAAAAAAH4Q/cHRI-8PPCfs/s1600-h/P92600862.jpg"><img alt="P9260086" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-x-2lNsHZzOM/TocqRamvhEI/AAAAAAAAH4U/J1AEm50sU-g/P9260086_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9260086" width="244" /></a><br />
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Tuesday we were off again by 8:00 a.m. And again it was cool and cloudy through mid-day but we experienced very little rain. There was a tow with several fuel barges a short distance in front of us as we left the anchorage, and we were only eight miles from the Aberdeen Lock. The tow captain was very nice and let us go around him so we could get to the lock first and lock down. We continued on through Stennis Lock at Columbus and ended up anchoring at Mile 309.3 a few miles above Bevil Lock. With only two locks to get through and no real delays, we put 57 more miles behind us and were anchored before 4:00 p.m.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">A beautiful morning shot.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Z-c3VJuSgPc/TocqR-wingI/AAAAAAAAH4Y/Tb-pRPT2ZYo/s1600-h/P92700872.jpg"><img alt="P9270087" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iQmJtTsOvBI/TocqSibCTsI/AAAAAAAAH4c/YsO2VcT40jA/P9270087_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9270087" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Captain John, master of his domain!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-v4LyeUtkR_M/TocqTY4pyFI/AAAAAAAAH4g/fbfGFs8P_Fg/s1600-h/P92700912.jpg"><img alt="P9270091" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5L1UdzZoD6A/TocqUKlVTRI/AAAAAAAAH4k/gOprBq41cEo/P9270091_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9270091" width="244" /></a><br />
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Once anchored, John and Todd promptly took off to go fishing for a few hours, only to return empty-handed. That evening John picked us up on his skiff and took us to “Thats Me” for a tasty meal of grilled chicken, vegetables and baked sweet potatoes. We were all tired after two relatively long days of cruising so we made it an early night.<br />
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Thick fog had set in by morning so we had to wait until 9:00 to haul anchor Wednesday. By the time we got to Bevil Lock, the fog had cleared nicely and we could tell it was going to be a very warm day. It was only about 40 miles to our next anchorage at Sumter Landing, and by the time we dropped the hook the temperature had reached 86 degrees. Haven’t seen that in a while!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Following “Thats Me” to the lock.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WlBjA01ZpTM/TocqUyxa0EI/AAAAAAAAH4o/NyYmgWX8Hoc/s1600-h/P92800932.jpg"><img alt="P9280093" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gLfHYCDQvLA/TocqVVTOkTI/AAAAAAAAH4s/uZMsr_rfdvU/P9280093_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9280093" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">One of several tows we saw along the way.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EqxUdJ4eeTI/TocqWO6HZ1I/AAAAAAAAH4w/lkb9QnjvjXg/s1600-h/P92800962.jpg"><img alt="P9280096" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NWOiZF0Ion8/TocqX6KAVvI/AAAAAAAAH40/QpXpLuSUYi4/P9280096_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9280096" width="244" /></a><br />
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Todd and John went fishing about 4:00 p.m. The plan was for Todd to radio me to let me know whether they were catching fish for our supper, or whether I needed to make alternate arrangements. And while they did catch some fish, they were all small so I made Cajun shrimp linguine for the four of us.<br />
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We awoke to thick fog again Friday morning but the Captain wanted to get underway, so we eased out into the river about 8:30 and slowly made our way to Heflin Lock. Visibility was good by the time we locked down, and with a nice push from the current we averaged nine miles per hour covering the final 54 miles to the Demopolis Yacht Basin.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">“Thats Me” at the last of the ten locks between Bay Springs and Demopolis.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GfLb7OpD2zE/TocqYgd-8vI/AAAAAAAAH44/aKQjPG9PsjU/s1600-h/P92900972.jpg"><img alt="P9290097" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-irKY5DTxIK8/TocqZZt9pGI/AAAAAAAAH48/R5CsmGbGwlU/P9290097_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9290097" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">We had to skirt around this dredge operation at Mile 249.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-adHtHQb5dLI/TocqZwrgXtI/AAAAAAAAH5A/Bwiw1N1cxYs/s1600-h/P92901002.jpg"><img alt="P9290100" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jH44rVopHks/TocqaUAe0DI/AAAAAAAAH5E/pBWZpMRvQg8/P9290100_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9290100" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">“Thats Me” with the White Cliffs of Epes in the background.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1WTkJrhEtiI/TocqbDUzgiI/AAAAAAAAH5I/9SpPjA4E61k/s1600-h/P92901032.jpg"><img alt="P9290103" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7C7PXijwvf8/TocqbpN9lVI/AAAAAAAAH5M/Zzgxh7hu0lg/P9290103_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9290103" width="244" /></a><br />
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We reached the Yacht Basin shortly after 3:00 p.m. and the first order of business was to pump out the holding tanks. Then we headed to our slip on B dock, got situated and joined the crew at “The Wall” to say our good-byes to Mike & Harriet on “Dual Dreams.” Mike & Harriet have spent the better part of two years at the Yacht Basin and this was their final night. Friday morning they will begin the journey south with plans to spend the holidays in Marathon and then make their way to the Abacos. <em>Safe travels, Mike & Harriet, you will be missed at the Yacht Basin!</em><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Harriet and Brenda enjoying a final night together.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VLt368jpD_I/TocqcPLyVFI/AAAAAAAAH5Q/0YzZKFtfhP8/s1600-h/P92901082.jpg"><img alt="P9290108" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-k1-zVkCBG8s/Tocqc4UXxPI/AAAAAAAAH5U/XVLb2h_cx5w/P9290108_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9290108" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Mike in the center with Buell (left) and Dale (right).</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nlnvao6220U/TocqdXmFCFI/AAAAAAAAH5Y/c_ozcWnU2lw/s1600-h/P92901092.jpg"><img alt="P9290109" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8WRBmPH4l8g/TocqeA7GaUI/AAAAAAAAH5c/dyW6vcjhb2g/P9290109_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9290109" width="244" /></a><br />
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Mo & Joe aboard “MOTU” were anchored a few miles down the river at Foscue Creek, which is where John & Sandy on “Thats Me” went to anchor. So the four of them got in John’s center console and came to the marina Thursday evening. Mo & Joe stopped by the Boater’s Lounge to say hello and we all ended up joining them at the New Orleans Bar & Grill for a few drinks. What a fun group!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Left to right: Dale, Mo, Harriet, Joe and Joy.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tVxRoXLAtVQ/Tocqe4u4DcI/AAAAAAAAH5g/IJ_wDqVRoTg/s1600-h/P92901112.jpg"><img alt="P9290111" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-i52mBma0lVg/TocqfQwAjRI/AAAAAAAAH5k/IfVEbSZ51-Y/P9290111_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9290111" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Admiral with Sandy & John.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6Aymm9URmiw/TocqgPAb0fI/AAAAAAAAH5o/Jbxt2wjn-xM/s1600-h/P92901122.jpg"><img alt="P9290112" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jJ7RXA7IeLI/TocqglSZnmI/AAAAAAAAH5s/XYBSBKDI37Q/P9290112_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9290112" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Just one big happy family!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BX40w-T0_j0/TocqhXaNqEI/AAAAAAAAH5w/inlKlIdVUHc/s1600-h/P92901152.jpg"><img alt="P9290115" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KFTVDDDMtWM/TocqiGaWOoI/AAAAAAAAH50/BngQiMrYvq0/P9290115_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9290115" width="244" /></a><br />
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Today is Friday, September 30th, and we have much to accomplish in the next few weeks as we begin packing up and moving off “Life’s2Short.” We believe we have a buyer in Fort Myers and if that is the case, we will move most of our “stuff” to Springfield mid- to late October. Todd will then come back to Demopolis and deliver the boat to Fort Myers. Since I need to be available for job postings and/or interviews in Springfield during that time, Todd will probably ask someone else to crew with him from Demopolis to Fort Myers. So this will likely be my last few weeks aboard “Life’s2Short.” It’s hard to believe this chapter in our lives is almost over. No longer will we be full-time cruisers; we will be CLODs (cruisers living on dirt)!Todd and Brenda Lanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01540907378242980852noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27829931.post-16881999948365833172011-09-15T12:23:00.001-04:002011-09-15T12:27:05.873-04:00<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Two Weeks at the Waterfall</span></strong><br />
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On Monday, August 29th, we left Ditto Landing and covered about 60 miles over a seven-hour period to anchor in Second Creek. Tuesday we made it through Wheeler Lock without much delay and then had to wait an hour at Wilson Lock. But we made it to the Waterfall by 5:00 p.m. and got situated in our spot.<br />
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On our way downriver we had been in touch with Mo & Gale on “Blue Heron” who were at Aqua Yacht Harbor. They pulled up about an hour after us, followed by Bud (a.k.a. the Iceman), and we all sat on his pontoon chatting and catching up.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UXdfUI3DqTQ/TnIjzj3vriI/AAAAAAAAHwI/mRrAGaTPST8/s1600-h/IMG_1980%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_1980" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YJkbmdE881Y/TnIj4PZRWCI/AAAAAAAAHwM/Ji83JcJzbQs/IMG_1980_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_1980" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LKVmJSkHXv8/TnIkDYvDHKI/AAAAAAAAHwQ/8edaFD4QDYk/s1600-h/IMG_1981%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_1981" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xlE7O3jrPtU/TnIkGcrmLII/AAAAAAAAHwU/r71_SRM7r-k/IMG_1981_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_1981" width="244" /></a><br />
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Wednesday was a quiet, hot day spent fishing, reading and struggling to put a resume together. It’s been a while since I’ve had to worry about that! Bud came out around 5:00 and Mo & Gale introduced us to Bob & Susie, new full-time cruisers on a sailboat from Wisconsin.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">I’m not sure which day Gale caught these bass but he was very proud of them!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lRh1F1upao0/TnIkHAszw5I/AAAAAAAAHwY/h3qI_c3eMqU/s1600-h/Gale%252527s%252520Bass.jpg"><img alt="Gale's Bass" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-w9G6VlPcFg8/TnIkH6WlqFI/AAAAAAAAHwc/bQbJwQt-ZJM/Gale%252527s%252520Bass_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="Gale's Bass" width="139" /></a><br />
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Thursday was another hot one! Kelly showed up about 2:00 and David on “Moonstruck” pulled in a few hours later after having made it downriver from Island Cove above Chattanooga in a few very long days. We all floated in the water to cool off, grabbed a bite of dinner and then built a nice campfire on the gravel bar. Gale had made a run to the marina in his dinghy earlier in the day and brought back some firewood.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UutYUoTP8s4/TnIkJRxXabI/AAAAAAAAHwg/hTMGFtG_Bak/s1600-h/IMG_1979%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_1979" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-alzcpNX-kKI/TnIkJ7nk5XI/AAAAAAAAHwk/CCX132P5qX8/IMG_1979_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_1979" width="244" /></a><br />
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David took his dinghy to J.P. Coleman State Park Friday morning and learned that three big houseboats were on their way to the Waterfall for the Labor Day weekend. Bud showed up on the pontoon in time to secure a spot next to “Life’s2Short” and enjoy a few Bloody Mary’s with Todd. Kelly & Michelle also came out with Frank, Tank and crew and we all floated in the water to stay cool.<br />
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After hot dogs and baked beans for dinner, we (Mo & Gale, David, me and Todd) decided to take Bud home in the pontoon so we could continue to use it as our patio. As we pulled in to Bud’s boat house, his neighbor’s wife came over saying that she couldn’t find her husband, J.C. Apparently he had left the house hours earlier to go check on their pontoon and hadn’t returned. In the meantime, she had fallen asleep and didn’t realize he’d been gone so long.<br />
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By this time it was dark, so Todd, David and I backed the pontoon out, turned the headlights on and headed up a small canal where we could see the pontoon floating. Mo & Gale and Bud got in his golf cart and headed the same direction by land. When we reached the pontoon Todd stepped on board and began looking for J.C. David got in the water and was searching alongside the boat and saw him floating face-down in the canal a short distance away!<br />
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We don’t know what happened or how long he had actually been in the water but the thinking is that he probably had a stroke and fell overboard. In the meantime, I was trying to hold the two pontoons together with one leg on each and managed to fall in the water right between the two boats! Anyway, after dealing with the Sheriff’s Office and other authorities, we finally left Bud’s house and cruised back to the Waterfall where we ended the evening with another campfire. What a day!<br />
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Ben & Terri came out late Saturday morning in her Tahoe and Bud rode out on the Sea Doo a few hours later. Jim & Liz arrived about 3:30 with the requested bags of ice; unfortunately, they had a sick passenger and had to leave after about 30 minutes. Later that afternoon, Ben, David and Todd all swam over to the Waterfall and jumped off. We finally convinced Ben & Terri to spend the night and enjoyed another campfire on the gravel bar that evening.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sU9B3-XP6Po/TnIkK3vIMGI/AAAAAAAAHwo/W1N9R-TwycM/s1600-h/IMG_1996%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_1996" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HiMv4phvNCA/TnIkLgpH4lI/AAAAAAAAHws/adMlY0jq-is/IMG_1996_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_1996" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8_KRSMiUw08/TnIkMtn5_zI/AAAAAAAAHww/v31xDsT94fc/s1600-h/IMG_1997%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_1997" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-E0_UQATxPJQ/TnIkNLFcOhI/AAAAAAAAHw0/24PP8E_B4bo/IMG_1997_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_1997" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-j9C2I56RFfw/TnIkODFjxAI/AAAAAAAAHw4/60k6chP10D8/s1600-h/IMG_2000%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2000" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tKwuJ6gX1GQ/TnIkO_c9yiI/AAAAAAAAHw8/oGC0TCayblU/IMG_2000_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_2000" width="244" /></a><br />
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It was a crazy, fun day and we had some great photos (not just of Saturday but since our arrival at the Waterfall) and all of them got “lost” when Todd was loading them on the computer. Big-time bummer! So we had to beg and scrounge for what few we have up to this point.<br />
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Sunday we awoke to threatening rain so Ben & Terri took off about 9:30. “Blue Heron” took off around noon to go back to Aqua Yacht for another day or two before heading south on the Tenn-Tom. Several boats were in and out early in the day but then the rain moved in and didn’t stop until Monday evening sometime so we all stayed hunkered down in our boats for the most part. Todd cleaned all the wet leaves off our boat and the patio on Tuesday and then we sat on the patio and enjoyed a rain-free evening chatting with David.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HM1fxDEby4o/TnIkPhtGX8I/AAAAAAAAHxA/8339TV_0AXY/s1600-h/P9060004%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P9060004" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-R7Bp0C2XO08/TnIkQXy3oEI/AAAAAAAAHxE/FYm9KtkSUqY/P9060004_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9060004" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0DAO2MXPDd8/TnIkRUw352I/AAAAAAAAHxI/wUqErDA1TcU/s1600-h/P9050002%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P9050002" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-D22yvC4jWQc/TnIkR_xfWxI/AAAAAAAAHxM/pzCVr7LdcAc/P9050002_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9050002" width="244" /></a><br />
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The sun finally reappeared on Wednesday. Todd discovered that the bilge on the patio wasn’t working so he spent the morning dealing with that. David made a dinghy run to J.P. Coleman to dispose of trash and get some ice and got soaked coming back in the choppy water. That afternoon David took a hike on some of the trails around the Waterfall while we visited with Don who showed up on his pontoon. Bud also made an appearance on the Sea Doo just as Don was leaving.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">How many boats do you see with motorcycles sitting on top of them?!!!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WUgaVH1ZhpQ/TnIkTZ3-b_I/AAAAAAAAHxQ/VCeJEfoSqCA/s1600-h/P9070005%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P9070005" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pIfVzUEE1qg/TnIkUHBGEsI/AAAAAAAAHxU/X4DwFfLrhwA/P9070005_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9070005" width="244" /></a><br />
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Thursday morning we took the patio to pick up Wayne & Lynn at Aqua Yacht. We met and got to know Wayne & Lynn in Baltimore last year. At the time they were living on their boat “Skinwalker” but they have since swallowed the anchor and purchased a small farm in Michie, not far from Pickwick. At any rate, we thought they might enjoy a day on the water again and we wanted to see them while we were in the area.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Wayne & Lynn chatting with the Captain.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NVz-Zk2awVQ/TnIkU31JAdI/AAAAAAAAHxY/MorDpyIf_4Q/s1600-h/P9080013%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P9080013" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FCVbbmuaj5c/TnIkVmA8c1I/AAAAAAAAHxc/0D_2noygBFg/P9080013_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9080013" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Bo arrives on his boat called “The Office.”</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6GojzPP2Kgo/TnIkWeHftGI/AAAAAAAAHxg/N3XYwpRicA8/s1600-h/P9080008%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P9080008" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JI1BvXpk5nk/TnIkW2FIMSI/AAAAAAAAHxk/zK3FdrSwISw/P9080008_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9080008" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Ronnie and Kelly.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TE3QQWEuceQ/TnIkYI-Ak3I/AAAAAAAAHxo/-xejnDrUH0o/s1600-h/P9080009%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P9080009" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Fzo3TsT1saQ/TnIkY3B7WNI/AAAAAAAAHxs/DP410bqOa5A/P9080009_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9080009" width="244" /></a><br />
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Bud came out on the Sea Doo and then John on “Thats Me” showed up. We hadn’t seen John since Chattanooga in 2009 so we were happy to finally reconnect! Todd ran Wayne & Lynn back to Aqua Yacht late afternoon while we got John secured next to “Moonstruck” and then the party continued! To simplify things, Bud decided to spend the night on “Life’s2Short.”<br />
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Friday was a fairly quiet day. Bud went home for a while and returned about 5:00 p.m. Kelly came out with Ronnie that afternoon to visit for a while. John and Todd did a little fishing but John wasn’t feeling well at all so we didn’t see much more of him that evening. Bud ended up staying over again.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">David returns from a chilly early-morning run in John’s center console.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vn4esX8Lv6o/TnIkZyqaHSI/AAAAAAAAHxw/KYoNV3Tj59A/s1600-h/P9090015%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P9090015" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ha_v75D4z3A/TnIkavI6ULI/AAAAAAAAHx0/g_V3NP8t_eM/P9090015_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9090015" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">John on </span>“<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Thats Me” on the left and David on “Moonstruck” on the right.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HEj1nie2BA8/TnIkbr0ugdI/AAAAAAAAHx4/gvV8-5gsWaY/s1600-h/P9090017%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P9090017" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SrYxl6875Tw/TnIkcVBIu8I/AAAAAAAAHx8/uHrXOVRYWyU/P9090017_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9090017" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Captain reviewing East Coast charts with the Iceman in preparation for his upcoming trip to Cocoa Beach.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EsOuZi3RoYQ/TnIkc6z4ETI/AAAAAAAAHyA/g51YnsiIcXE/s1600-h/IMG_2019%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2019" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lCJD5B5h7QM/TnIkdltWvDI/AAAAAAAAHyE/Gtv1nmsdSoI/IMG_2019_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_2019" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Todd took this picture from the top of Bo’s sundeck.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tVefg2P5UR4/TnIkeUhs0gI/AAAAAAAAHyI/dsDEweqSk4Q/s1600-h/P9090019%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P9090019" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8z42p2ctAbM/TnIke9NsVAI/AAAAAAAAHyM/eDFP_BfLPEs/P9090019_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9090019" width="244" /></a><br />
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Bud went home Saturday morning to get a few things he’d forgotten on his previous trip and Terri came out in her Tahoe. Jim arrived solo about 3:30 and then several of us went for a ride in Terri’s boat. When we returned we had dinner (thanks, Jim!) and then proceeded to build another fire on shore with John playing taxi between the patio and the shore in his center console. Late that evening more rowdy boaters pulled in to the gravel bar. Some spent the night, others didn’t. Jim elected to spend the night with us.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Our little cluster of boats all alone at the Waterfall.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KEyRVD4sL0A/TnIkfoBC0mI/AAAAAAAAHyQ/ANQ6_LIrEVA/s1600-h/P9120043%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P9120043" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-n9R7QxVKxpA/TnIkgauojXI/AAAAAAAAHyU/eOESjZDn0mY/P9120043_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9120043" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">By mid-afternoon we had a pretty good crowd going!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Todd and the Iceman having some fun.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gxKrP0H01-E/TnIkpVSKsRI/AAAAAAAAHyo/25ANuasHTyc/s1600-h/P9100021%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P9100021" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-N9Hhdi35vJo/TnIkpyQyRJI/AAAAAAAAHys/PenseAJvmJ8/P9100021_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9100021" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Captain Terri in her Tahoe.</span><br />
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Jim took off mid-morning Sunday in a few light sprinkles that didn’t last long. Todd did some fishing and gathered more wood so we could have another fire that evening while the rest of us spent a mellow day on the patio. Bud was out for a little while but it looked like more rain was threatening so he boogied home on the Sea Doo. There were a number of boats on shore all day but they all pulled out by the time we had dinner and got the fire going. It was a beautiful full-moon evening on shore!<br />
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Monday morning David took “Moonstruck” to Aqua Yacht to have some work done so “Thats Me” pulled up to the gravel bar and Todd took the patio back to Bud. The rest of the day was fairly quiet for us although several boats showed up to enjoy another wonderfully warm, sunny day. Todd and John went fishing about 4:30 so I busied myself catching up on a long overdue blog update and preparing dinner for them.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Our untying process wasn’t very well planned. “Moonstruck” started floating away while David was on our boat!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iZ1c227G6AY/TnIkwK26F9I/AAAAAAAAHzI/Cd_MEKp8kvk/s1600-h/P9120047%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P9120047" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ICj7cPRYbBU/TnIkxShFa9I/AAAAAAAAHzM/Z2ZdxrtLZL0/P9120047_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9120047" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">But Todd shuttled him over in the dinghy and everything turned out fine.</span><br />
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We left the Waterfall Tuesday morning and moved to Aqua Yacht to pump out the holding tanks, take on water, take care of some home-buying paperwork, do laundry, re-provision, upload the blog, etc., before heading to Bay Springs Lake. “Thats Me” also pulled out and went on down to Bay Springs. David helped us get tied up to the dock after we pumped out and then let us use his truck to run some of our errands.<br />
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“<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Thats Me” heading to Bay Springs Lake.</span><br />
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That evening we again used David’s truck and drove to Michie to have dinner with Wayne & Lynn and see their new home in the country. We had a very nice time and really enjoyed touring their 20-acre farm, looking in on the baby chickens, playing with their 11-week-old rat terrier puppy (Sheena) and feeding the catfish in one of their four ponds. They appear to have adjusted well to life on the dirt and are happy in their new home.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Wayne & Lynn at their new home, Paradise Flatts.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-b0p6vpd-61g/TnIk2tZOxPI/AAAAAAAAHzo/uX3mQ3Bc4tw/s1600-h/P9130057%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P9130057" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-axaHIruH4z8/TnIk3ewxCtI/AAAAAAAAHzs/JwaQ_xEWeQg/P9130057_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9130057" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Wayne at his writing desk on the front porch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">What an inspirational view!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FQxKrM2KtJs/TnIk6K6MsUI/AAAAAAAAHz4/3WB288wn4D0/s1600-h/P9130060%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P9130060" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RUjvxhkN8Yk/TnIk6qzwkcI/AAAAAAAAHz8/phmlv3g62-Q/P9130060_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9130060" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Feeding the catfish.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ziWhbN3x-Xw/TnIk7kDCzfI/AAAAAAAAH0A/QPL6l0_H_Qk/s1600-h/P9130063%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P9130063" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6NRJKhR3-4s/TnIk8_OGMdI/AAAAAAAAH0E/RAtUQK8iShg/P9130063_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P9130063" width="244" /></a><br />
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On Wednesday David chauffeured us to Savannah to re-provision after stopping at Cactus Jack’s for lunch and at Bud’s house to repair a few carpet snaps and install a new bilge pump in his pontoon (a.k.a. our patio at the Waterfall). After a busy couple of days at the dock, I think we have accomplished what we needed to and are ready to head down the ditch to Bay Springs Lake.<br />
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Today is Thursday, September 15th, and the Captain is in the process of changing the generator oil before we head out. Two of the locks on the Tenn-Tom are scheduled to be closed for maintenance until September 24th, so we still have several days to spend on Bay Springs before we can begin the journey to Demopolis. Hopefully we will be able to find some exposed beaches to build campfires on. The weather is perfect for it!Todd and Brenda Lanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01540907378242980852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27829931.post-40626536993369567462011-08-28T14:06:00.001-04:002011-08-28T14:09:27.236-04:00<strong><span style="font-size: large;">On the Dirt in Missouri and Colorado</span></strong><br />
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It has been a busy month since we last updated the blog. On Tuesday, July 26th, Pete & Geneva took us to Chattanooga to rent a car which we then drove to Springfield, Missouri. Our friend Nila was retiring from Missouri State University after more than 32 years and her retirement reception was the afternoon of July 27th. Naturally, we wanted to be there.<br />
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After the on-campus reception, Nila hosted several friends and business associates at Bruno’s downtown where we continued the celebration.<br />
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The next day Todd & I met with a realtor and looked at about 16 houses. Having found one we were interested in, we took a second look at it Friday morning and made an offer. After a little haggling back and forth, we had ourselves a contract.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Beautiful Rose of Sharon bushes border the back deck.</span><br />
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Friday afternoon, July 29th, Nila & Everett took off for Lake Tahoe and we headed to Bucyrus in Nila’s car to see my niece Jennifer. We stayed with Jennifer until the following Wednesday when we drove back to Springfield (Branson, actually) to fly to Colorado to attend a 35-year get-together of several of Todd’s high school friends. One of the planned activities was a golf game on Friday, so Todd and Rodney, one of his oldest friends, practiced a few shots in Todd’s parents back yard Thursday afternoon.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-P-TH26ZjAs8/Tlp9ys2NWyI/AAAAAAAAHpg/4fxqbCjqnpw/s1600-h/P8040018%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P8040018" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TV2v9z8E7Ss/Tlp9zF7y9hI/AAAAAAAAHpk/52BP5AdvTfg/P8040018_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P8040018" width="244" /></a><br />
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Then Rodney took charge of dinner and grilled fresh corn, chicken and salmon for us.<br />
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Early Friday morning, Todd and Rodney were off to the golf course.<br />
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Later that afternoon the group met at The Millennium Harvest House Beer Garden where Todd reconnected with a number of old friends and a good time was had by all.<br />
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Saturday afternoon a few people joined us at Todd’s parents for more socializing and games.<br />
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The final event of the weekend was Saturday evening at the St. Julien Hotel Terrace.<br />
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Then on Sunday morning, August 7th, we took off for Gunnison, Colorado, with Todd’s parents and saw some beautiful scenery along the way. We also spent some time mushrooming and found enough to have with dinner one night at the ranch!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">We enjoyed a nice lunch at Mango’s in Red Cliff, Colorado.</span><br />
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That evening we arrived at the Gunnison River Ranch, our home for the next several days. The ranch is owned by Lanning family friends who generously allowed us to stay in their home there.<br />
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The next morning we went exploring in the high desert country on four wheelers – a first for me!<br />
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And then there’s the <em>real </em>reason for coming to the Gunnison River Ranch – trout fishing!<br />
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But I can’t complain since we had a wonderful fire next to the river every night we were there.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jQAZ_qranR0/TlqB66aHdRI/AAAAAAAAHuA/orbPPSbo1rk/s1600-h/P8080082%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P8080082" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ryoQBaw3FMw/TlqB7Zz8TZI/AAAAAAAAHuE/utPHJOGHrU0/P8080082_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P8080082" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7dikjDnwkSM/TlqB8TcGLeI/AAAAAAAAHuI/46xDq77yS5c/s1600-h/P8080083%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P8080083" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_Yza66bFAXc/TlqB85HAoxI/AAAAAAAAHuM/S0_wVuQyY4c/P8080083_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P8080083" width="244" /></a><br />
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Tuesday evening owners Billy & Annie stopped by for happy hour to say hello to the Lannings and finally meet the Admiral . What a nice young couple!<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6D19nuR9p1I/TlqB9kJSA-I/AAAAAAAAHuQ/8ycrRUupLd8/s1600-h/P8090085%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P8090085" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QfEI-iWJ26U/TlqB-NVBaEI/AAAAAAAAHuU/iu5pOM4plSQ/P8090085_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P8090085" width="244" /></a><br />
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The next afternoon Todd did some trout fishing a short distance downstream from the house so I went along to watch and take some pictures.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-j_UHxxPvNhQ/TlqB_MYPi9I/AAAAAAAAHuY/nIi0BAyV_4M/s1600-h/P8100087%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P8100087" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZQ2zb7alI3k/TlqB_xbSiFI/AAAAAAAAHuc/JCzgQUpPEkk/P8100087_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P8100087" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-L6PAhLNGISk/TlqCAi951WI/AAAAAAAAHug/RRiQyjWGmuM/s1600-h/P8100091%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P8100091" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-r4ciA8IE1G8/TlqCBS5mSKI/AAAAAAAAHuk/B5vxnDjtre8/P8100091_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P8100091" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-i1xDh7vrJlk/TlqCCDdi2_I/AAAAAAAAHuo/qaAOoXXxoxg/s1600-h/P8100094%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P8100094" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-y_zjV7fOu7o/TlqCCkXRIWI/AAAAAAAAHus/Hfq-E2hsqUc/P8100094_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P8100094" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2pqfX3_SptY/TlqCDeC6a6I/AAAAAAAAHuw/CDZ8AY4BWR0/s1600-h/P8100095%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P8100095" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fMTEEYRdJ8A/TlqCEL_z_QI/AAAAAAAAHu0/SZUaE9XaRfY/P8100095_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P8100095" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-utidKHyM-YM/TlqCE5vwkkI/AAAAAAAAHu4/8jV-20k3Ip4/s1600-h/P8100096%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P8100096" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KAiQd08gcos/TlqCFSwSTRI/AAAAAAAAHu8/HFDzAi6-U-o/P8100096_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P8100096" width="244" /></a><br />
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On Thursday, August 11th, we left the Gunnison River Ranch and headed back to Boulder via a different route with more beautiful mountainous scenery.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-t1E5pqwgWoU/TlqCGM_92rI/AAAAAAAAHvA/HE8FY24VSTg/s1600-h/P8110101%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P8110101" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6Slb8ILtclY/TlqCGx2vW1I/AAAAAAAAHvE/OWSKeAFsW5A/P8110101_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P8110101" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DovEOdHs0Ac/TlqCH01jC4I/AAAAAAAAHvI/VoRNgoZ_J6w/s1600-h/P8110097%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P8110097" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FTsgruD3Hts/TlqCIVnIAoI/AAAAAAAAHvM/FaD6SRWrBbE/P8110097_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P8110097" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PixhvA9dQeY/TlqCJPN-spI/AAAAAAAAHvQ/zOuGn84vy4I/s1600-h/P8110098%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P8110098" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7LxPlFj1yEo/TlqCJ4299II/AAAAAAAAHvU/2KzQK6bgVp8/P8110098_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P8110098" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uzYjNDrrM6E/TlqCKjYQdlI/AAAAAAAAHvY/utx4Pvh5gmM/s1600-h/P8110099%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P8110099" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jTnyyyjkBwY/TlqCLOLk49I/AAAAAAAAHvc/gC-JXEta8zY/P8110099_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P8110099" width="244" /></a><br />
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Saturday afternoon Todd’s sister Cindy and husband Ken came down from Steamboat Springs to see us and we had a wonderful cookout by the creek. Family friend Kim Dewey also joined us and her husband Mark stopped by later on his way back from a fishing trip.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sBq4S2CfHaI/TlqCMAbQiGI/AAAAAAAAHvg/Rgk4sTf46LE/s1600-h/P8120103%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P8120103" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2QjocDUC07k/TlqCMhlqXXI/AAAAAAAAHvk/GpEhjCq5jSw/P8120103_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P8120103" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Shucking fresh corn by the creek.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Bsh7vhNOWuo/TlqCNkqaoMI/AAAAAAAAHvo/NJmku421INk/s1600-h/P8120105%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P8120105" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ry1FNfiR0eI/TlqCORYGizI/AAAAAAAAHvs/XpzI-lOiRJw/P8120105_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P8120105" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pyKxZ0J3y1U/TlqCPNZSJ_I/AAAAAAAAHvw/bsWyFY55Ts4/s1600-h/P8120108%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P8120108" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lNZGFHft69c/TlqCPx3sstI/AAAAAAAAHv0/QZTFhoTIBD0/P8120108_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P8120108" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uIlYq0XE_jE/TlqCQmWz_PI/AAAAAAAAHv4/eLh9oD3ZKSU/s1600-h/P8120109%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P8120109" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FozHiw89RhQ/TlqCRFsk16I/AAAAAAAAHv8/uI8PELw3UYg/P8120109_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P8120109" width="244" /></a><br />
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Then it was back to Missouri on Saturday. We spent the next ten days with my niece and had hoped to get her out and about to do some fun things, but between the hot weather and various other circumstances, that didn’t pan out. The one day we attempted to take her to the zoo in Springfield, we ended up broken down on the side of the road with a blown radiator hose. By the time my dad came to our rescue and got the hose replaced, it was too late to make it to the zoo and still have any time to spend there. So we don’t have any pictures of that part of our trip to share.<br />
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We did, however, manage to purchase two vehicles while we were there. We bought a nice 2007 Chevrolet Impala for me and a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado Z71 for the Captain. On Wednesday, August 24th, we drove the pickup back to Sale Creek and left the car at Jennifer’s. Pete & Geneva came to Sale Creek Thursday morning to see us off and take the truck back to their house in Dayton, TN. We plan to pick it up after we get to Demopolis, AL.<br />
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Thursday afternoon we anchored at Dog Leg Slough and dinghied over to Island Cove Marina to have dinner with Dave on “Moonstruck.” We went to Las Margaritas again for some great Mexican food and a killer pitcher of top shelf margaritas!<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bw34x6u-RFk/TlqCR9fWP3I/AAAAAAAAHwA/H3BpzpMOFIA/s1600-h/P8250112%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P8250112" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hYc7spPKSH8/TlqCSqMpsFI/AAAAAAAAHwE/M0c1Q3DweYQ/P8250112_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P8250112" width="244" /></a><br />
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Friday we headed downriver, through Chattanooga, to anchor at Little Cedar Mountain, just above the Nickajack Lock. Saturday it was on to an anchorage near Goose Pond, just up from the marina, and today (Sunday, August 28th) we plan to make it to Ditto Landing on the upper part of Wheeler Lake.<br />
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Our goal is to be in our spot at Waterfall Cove on Pickwick Lake no later than Thursday in preparation for the Labor Day weekend. If all goes well, we may even get there on Wednesday. We are looking forward to seeing all of our Pickwick friends again and catching up with Mo & Gale on “Blue Heron!”Todd and Brenda Lanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01540907378242980852noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27829931.post-34141368017185420512011-07-27T10:19:00.000-04:002011-07-27T10:19:52.322-04:00<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Chattanooga and Chickamauga</span></strong><br />
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On Thursday, July 14th, we left our anchorage at Little Cedar Mountain about 11:00 a.m. and arrived at Williams Island four hours later. The water behind the island was generally in the vicinity of 30 feet deep but we finally found a spot with 15 feet at the upper end of the island, dropped the hook and promptly got in the water to cool off.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">We caught this deer swimming across the lake shortly after leaving the anchorage.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3iZrmJMNRMA/TjAb4noImfI/AAAAAAAAHiI/g0orhAyA8v8/s1600-h/P71400012.jpg"><img alt="P7140001" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iL2KlV8QDWA/TjAb5I4kkRI/AAAAAAAAHiM/bVZhMKt2roQ/P7140001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7140001" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This is TVA’s Raccoon Mountain pumped storage project. Water from the river is pumped into a 520-acre lake on top of the 1,100-foot mountain. Then, during times of peak demand, electricity is generated by allowing water to flow down the mountain through giant tubes and turbines.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mD5hiXizYYY/TjAb5liq2VI/AAAAAAAAHiQ/EG1mBNJO6HQ/s1600-h/P71400042.jpg"><img alt="P7140004" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-K_PX9fHPCzk/TjAb5_TR3aI/AAAAAAAAHiU/G0BxbNbfllw/P7140004_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7140004" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This area is known as the “Grand Canyon of the Tennessee.” In one section, the water is in excess of 135 feet deep as a result of an ancient fault line.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JKNx5Iy0QHE/TjAb6ebTWLI/AAAAAAAAHiY/rHP_MuZBsgo/s1600-h/P71400052.jpg"><img alt="P7140005" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-skJ5yRc5OLU/TjAb6rmU5cI/AAAAAAAAHic/fjjqgQmalks/P7140005_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7140005" width="244" /></a><br />
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Shortly after we got in the water, a small flat-bottomed boat with three people in it started paddling upriver toward us, against a very strong current. When they finally reached us, they asked if we had seen any activity along the shore as we were coming up behind the island to anchor. Turns out they work for a local television station out of Chattanooga and had received a tip that the authorities were in the area searching for bodies that may have been buried there several years ago. But we weren’t able to see any action from the river.<br />
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As I mentioned, it was very hot so we offered each of them a cold beer and chatted with them briefly before they headed back downriver in search of their story. The Captain was kind of hoping they would do a personal interest story on “Life’s2Short” since their crime scene story wasn’t looking very promising, but no such luck!<br />
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Friday we took off at 10:00 a.m. (now in the Eastern Time Zone) for our final hour into Chattanooga. It was a cloudy morning and turned out to be a very pleasant day with temperatures staying below 90 degrees for a change. We had a nice lunch at Big River Grille and then walked around for a while before going to see a late afternoon movie (<em>Larry Crowne </em>starring Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts) at the downtown theater, the Majestic.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Approaching downtown Chattanooga – our favorite riverfront city!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-A0Fa47wUCHg/TjAb60R97JI/AAAAAAAAHig/BQpb-QQx34M/s1600-h/P71500062.jpg"><img alt="P7150006" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cei5-ceMi3w/TjAb7XtYLfI/AAAAAAAAHik/fP0PrIl5Wi4/P7150006_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7150006" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">These are the two aquariums, one saltwater and one freshwater.</span><br />
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<img alt="P7150008" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Rc52LMcOh9k/TjAb7tSVZhI/AAAAAAAAHio/MWnY3zsfpyg/P7150008_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7150008" width="244" /><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uXUp3ys8P9A/TjAb8MwQyJI/AAAAAAAAHis/TjhjVRUn5lk/s1600-h/P71500092.jpg"><img alt="P7150009" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ub3EuIJKtUQ/TjAb8aImxmI/AAAAAAAAHiw/oAe0eKZCSds/P7150009_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7150009" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The baseball stadium for the Chattanooga Outlooks.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rx--pAtGL_0/TjAb9OYLvGI/AAAAAAAAHi0/NR-I4npy6Dk/s1600-h/P71500072.jpg"><img alt="P7150007" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2epfGP3F1GU/TjAb9b730iI/AAAAAAAAHi4/8Ss-0x5zuwQ/P7150007_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7150007" width="244" /></a><br />
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After the movie, we made our way back to “Life’s2Short" where Todd met a local guy named Ken who was fishing off the dock near the boat. So naturally they went off fishing together. A few hours later, Todd came running back to the boat to get his camera. Ken caught one of the biggest bass Todd has ever seen – and that’s saying something!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Very nice, Ken!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-z6lrgtrQU70/TjAb97jtH4I/AAAAAAAAHi8/hsxqG-VC5Mg/s1600-h/P71500112.jpg"><img alt="P7150011" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rzZxgaqvCHA/TjAb-NRB0bI/AAAAAAAAHjA/2Mh-YK-kMGA/P7150011_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7150011" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Notice the “No Fishing” sign in the background?</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lkUtogEsmZk/TjAb-rRXzSI/AAAAAAAAHjE/IgIAG3egCmQ/s1600-h/P71500122.jpg"><img alt="P7150012" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HquPZIQ5Q3w/TjAb-zaLVAI/AAAAAAAAHjI/8VbZpQ9pGAk/P7150012_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7150012" width="244" /></a><br />
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Saturday morning we had a late breakfast at the Hilton Garden Inn, walked around town some more, cruised through the Farmers Market, stopped back by the boat to take care of some business, and then walked across the Market Street bridge to the north side of the river where we browsed in a few of the touristy shops and toured Coolidge Park.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Scenes from the beautiful riverfront park area below the aquariums.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ydnymtJiaDg/TjAb_TpAiAI/AAAAAAAAHjM/YvPQNAgL_Mw/s1600-h/P71600022.jpg"><img alt="P7160002" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-V1ScN-5yVH8/TjAb_kYSqWI/AAAAAAAAHjQ/1nXZ3HEqS7w/P7160002_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7160002" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This is called the Trail of Tears.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-q1nawN9u5Xg/TjAcAaA1zII/AAAAAAAAHjU/Vczz-HsUy70/s1600-h/P71600032.jpg"><img alt="P7160003" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-er9PkZbGziw/TjAcA6oo_1I/AAAAAAAAHjY/EDl7YInV2Uw/P7160003_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7160003" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-apRaMrTAv7U/TjAcBRzi_GI/AAAAAAAAHjc/8kpbM1VQoEc/s1600-h/P71600042.jpg"><img alt="P7160004" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bXKrooHGBaI/TjAcBhJCIyI/AAAAAAAAHjg/AY5bZza5I8U/P7160004_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7160004" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-55LR1sciUxw/TjAcCPLKKpI/AAAAAAAAHjk/tfuuHqJb28c/s1600-h/P71600052.jpg"><img alt="P7160005" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FYWRtHl3pbA/TjAcCfgMdUI/AAAAAAAAHjo/pzE4T9syQNg/P7160005_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7160005" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Looking back toward the aquariums from the Market Street bridge. “Life’s2Short” is at the far right of the concrete pillars on the waterfront.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3B65raVRbDQ/TjAcC9WwGmI/AAAAAAAAHjs/0y-9T_wfYJU/s1600-h/P71600062.jpg"><img alt="P7160006" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vsF_2LtAM3E/TjAcDFOiYhI/AAAAAAAAHjw/zf199rtRWys/P7160006_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7160006" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Southern Belle does tours and dinner cruises on the river.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1bqxQCFUREA/TjAcD-FXpeI/AAAAAAAAHj0/c6NimQd7Tnc/s1600-h/P71600072.jpg"><img alt="P7160007" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vXTU9ik73T8/TjAcESxeOiI/AAAAAAAAHj4/d6zWkxyoZ3k/P7160007_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7160007" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This is Coolidge Park.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RAQy3VnMHLk/TjAcE4zS1iI/AAAAAAAAHj8/LHO-IhlmSWk/s1600-h/P71600142.jpg"><img alt="P7160014" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hp32YZA_374/TjAcFH7DYLI/AAAAAAAAHkA/lYIPkpk-nDM/P7160014_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7160014" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">What a beautiful carousel!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vNATv3L6Kls/TjAcF2Nw0jI/AAAAAAAAHkE/vKEdU5pjpoA/s1600-h/P71600152.jpg"><img alt="P7160015" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bWA6JgF78hY/TjAcGLqY8xI/AAAAAAAAHkI/bSFe0ZB1hKQ/P7160015_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7160015" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zj2BEv-ydc4/TjAcGqDwZ1I/AAAAAAAAHkM/hTadf9w5LGs/s1600-h/P71600172.jpg"><img alt="P7160017" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-taXVrEOCiek/TjAcG2pp9EI/AAAAAAAAHkQ/0k8yZjw7B8o/P7160017_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7160017" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YXNA1_M1YJA/TjAcHQ0vKCI/AAAAAAAAHkU/9qUwGRgObik/s1600-h/P71600182.jpg"><img alt="P7160018" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QZJeWVgfy-E/TjAcHkU2MzI/AAAAAAAAHkY/Zr0We91xOGE/P7160018_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7160018" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Delta Queen riverboat is now permanently docked on the north side of the river and has been turned into a floating hotel. Should be an interesting place to stay!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ty9Emu3eWf4/TjAcIajMN2I/AAAAAAAAHkc/lRdk2fycOZA/s1600-h/P71600202.jpg"><img alt="P7160020" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-l8Ll1U4TmgY/TjAcIqSHhwI/AAAAAAAAHkg/4bXn5KOfSpk/P7160020_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7160020" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Looking back across the river at the Hunter Museum of American Art.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MkvmLVP9HVM/TjAcJRuZ3LI/AAAAAAAAHkk/UCeW5vU8KcA/s1600-h/P71600242.jpg"><img alt="P7160024" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zuJvZGaUd9I/TjAcJkRF6rI/AAAAAAAAHko/yqoHD8_PGfE/P7160024_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7160024" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The ducks are a big tourist attraction.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Sj9JZpnrxf4/TjAcKJtIFJI/AAAAAAAAHks/MyypfOcfA6Q/s1600-h/P71600252.jpg"><img alt="P7160025" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RN_c7Y90eTU/TjAcKcgYfaI/AAAAAAAAHkw/E5hVRDjoR7o/P7160025_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7160025" width="244" /></a><br />
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We took the Walnut Street pedestrian bridge on the return trip and spent a couple of hours relaxing on “Life’s2Short” before walking up to The Blue Plate for a few drinks. Then it was off to Sticky Fingers for dinner. When we were taking our leftovers back to the boat, we saw Ken fishing off the dock again. We said hello and then headed for the Outlooks stadium to watch the remainder of the ballgame. As it turned out, we only caught the last couple of innings, but that was okay. And there were fireworks after the game, which we always enjoy!<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DvDDS5ODLn0/TjAcLC7otmI/AAAAAAAAHk0/dEB2tlmZWzE/s1600-h/P71600272.jpg"><img alt="P7160027" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eo8850lhe78/TjAcLVIkUlI/AAAAAAAAHk4/SgkppHuHDxU/P7160027_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7160027" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xJkE2kaC708/TjAcL8hHt2I/AAAAAAAAHk8/zn0Tbm7DHmQ/s1600-h/P71600322.jpg"><img alt="P7160032" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ot7HCl22q0U/TjAcMC56tKI/AAAAAAAAHlA/reD-bm9lJ0w/P7160032_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7160032" width="244" /></a><br />
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When we returned to the boat, we found Argil & Robin looking for us. They had been out to dinner across the river and stopped by on their way home to say hello. And Ken was still there fishing off the dock! We met Argil & Robin by accident, literally, in the fall of 2006 when we first boated to Chattanooga. Argil had recently purchased a 42-foot Sea Ray and had some difficultly trying to dock it and in the process, managed to ram into the side of “Life’s2Short!” But everything turned out fine and we have maintained contact ever since.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">It was great to see you guys, again!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-w0JcY_zZSAk/TjAcMS_3AfI/AAAAAAAAHlE/vm63uxtu5cU/s1600-h/P71600412.jpg"><img alt="P7160041" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kpFMH13nBqA/TjAcMm1ZqsI/AAAAAAAAHlI/YL_fzI4ByKQ/P7160041_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7160041" width="244" /></a><br />
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Pete & Geneva drove over from Dayton late Sunday morning to pay us a visit. After a mediocre lunch at Rio Picante, we went to the IMAX which was showing <em>The Ultimate Wave – Tahiti</em> in 3D<em>.</em><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kpvRZKjDBVo/TjAcNOq5KxI/AAAAAAAAHlM/JNr7fB8wNok/s1600-h/P71700422.jpg"><img alt="P7170042" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-l90KzVfd8C4/TjAcNaWm9rI/AAAAAAAAHlQ/QMa6_iSENtM/P7170042_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7170042" width="244" /></a><br />
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We then had a cold one at The Blue Plate before getting into the car and taking a drive up Lookout Mountain, past Ruby Falls and Rock City, and then we stopped at the Incline Railway and Point Park, a Civil War memorial park.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The view from Lookout Mountain. This is actually someone’s backyard view.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bag-L10VMZs/TjAcOP58jfI/AAAAAAAAHlU/GJJIHgi5ZaI/s1600-h/P71700452.jpg"><img alt="P7170045" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Gmrew8BhDY4/TjAcOR6QChI/AAAAAAAAHlY/zDCQ_mD0MtE/P7170045_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7170045" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2e1cEEBB9X8/TjAcO5eQISI/AAAAAAAAHlc/HiNHHWUXCSw/s1600-h/P71700462.jpg"><img alt="P7170046" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gMKGQLKanvU/TjAcPL7cWgI/AAAAAAAAHlg/0Q3-FqF6gvo/P7170046_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7170046" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This is the Incline Railway that takes you from the base of Lookout Mountain to its top. Would be fun to ride sometime!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fSAocd5dWpU/TjAcPyha8yI/AAAAAAAAHlk/n3eKOcGKyQM/s1600-h/P71700492.jpg"><img alt="P7170049" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--qmYZigk9eU/TjAcQA9Th0I/AAAAAAAAHlo/flcT1eBKfXc/P7170049_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7170049" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The entrance to Point Park.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DWNMlvOssdI/TjAcQ-XBLTI/AAAAAAAAHls/cwghed8fYxg/s1600-h/P71700562.jpg"><img alt="P7170056" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pMt7bi6KizU/TjAcRE1JGMI/AAAAAAAAHlw/Kw282BzaPNY/P7170056_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7170056" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The canon is pointed toward the Tennessee River.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XZfGhzThnzk/TjAcR5uVS0I/AAAAAAAAHl0/WDM0AVz1n7A/s1600-h/P71700512.jpg"><img alt="P7170051" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CigJbZtmYiw/TjAcSZ6egoI/AAAAAAAAHl4/zbzS4yi4QWA/P7170051_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7170051" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-W1TkSdHiBRI/TjAcS-ewOII/AAAAAAAAHl8/7o8AZXP_ZF8/s1600-h/P71700532.jpg"><img alt="P7170053" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zemlgmOKZLY/TjAcTDsDbkI/AAAAAAAAHmA/YnkYJSQHrps/P7170053_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7170053" width="244" /></a><br />
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When we got back to Chattanooga, Pete & Geneva came down to the boat and had a few beers with us before heading back to Dayton. We decided to stay on board that evening and Todd walked into town to get a “take & bake” pizza from a local place called Lupi’s for dinner.<br />
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Monday we left Chattanooga about noon, went through the Chickamauga Lock and continued another hour upriver to Harrison Bay where we anchored in Dog Leg Slough by 3:00 p.m. Two hours later we dinghied over to Island Cove Marina to meet Norm & Vicki on “Tide Hiker.” They had just returned from a quick weekend trip to Columbus, Ohio, and were both tired but this was our only chance to see them again, at least until later this fall since we weren’t able to get a slip at Island Cove as we had planned.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qUme072iCpw/TjAcUKY7BFI/AAAAAAAAHmE/C7teoiQ8Qo8/s1600-h/P71800582.jpg"><img alt="P7180058" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lFVQhbpbHWI/TjAcUo3ZQ9I/AAAAAAAAHmI/XJ_Y1maYnfM/P7180058_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7180058" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ntqEoyRrbj0/TjAcVO3j5hI/AAAAAAAAHmM/IfOxfPwlHQo/s1600-h/P71800592.jpg"><img alt="P7180059" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jbAzsC7P6_s/TjAcVRXchXI/AAAAAAAAHmQ/d3stlrazjI0/P7180059_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7180059" width="244" /></a><br />
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After catching up over a few drinks on “Tide Hiker,” we got in their rental car and went to nearby Las Margaritas where we had some really good Mexican food and a couple of pitchers of exceptionally good top shelf margaritas. Yummy!<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HiaGbFF1yBI/TjAcVzL2WjI/AAAAAAAAHmU/HNffCsdkWFk/s1600-h/P71800612.jpg"><img alt="P7180061" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UUaI4-Q56z0/TjAcWPkizkI/AAAAAAAAHmY/YKLqIyBu_dI/P7180061_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7180061" width="244" /></a><br />
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We left Dog Leg Slough around 10:00 a.m. Tuesday and it was already hot! We only had about 27 miles to go to the Bluewater Campground & Marina at Mile 504.5 but we needed to make a couple of stops along the way. The first stop was at Shady Grove Harbor Marina to pump out the holding tanks and the second stop was at Sale Creek Marina (no pump out) to check out a possible slip for “Life’s2Short” while we go back to Missouri and Colorado.<br />
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So with all that, we didn’t get to Bluewater until almost 3:00 p.m. And I need to clarify that Bluewater is not a marina, at least not yet. They have plans to put one in but at this time they really just have a fuel dock with no power or water. Nonetheless, Todd, the manager, who we became acquainted with in 2009, lets us tie up on the fuel dock and it works well for us because Pete & Geneva’s house is just a few miles away.<br />
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At any rate, Todd had arranged to fish a bass tournament that evening with Pete’s neighbor Matt. So Matt picked Todd up at 5:30 and I stayed on the boat, reading and relaxing after another hot day of traveling. Todd made it back about 1:30 a.m. after a very slow night of fishing and was more than ready to hit the sack!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Pete’s neighbor Matt and his fishing companion Pudge.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xNNX-KxLfcM/TjAcWqz_yWI/AAAAAAAAHmc/N7jRGPAlM3U/s1600-h/P71900632.jpg"><img alt="P7190063" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tIj-HYGzGRM/TjAcW9rToFI/AAAAAAAAHmg/HPoZS9f6heg/P7190063_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7190063" width="244" /></a><br />
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Wednesday was another scorcher from the time we got out of bed. Pete picked us up at 1:30 to do a little shopping and then took us to the house where I did a couple of loads of laundry while we visited. And Geneva arranged for Todd to get his hair cut that afternoon by a neighbor down the road a short distance. Later we sat down to a nice dinner of deviled eggs, chicken pasta salad and cantaloupe with fresh blueberries.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">A perfect meal on a hot day. Nice job, Geneva!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5gsf5pxRXC4/TjAcXrV6RaI/AAAAAAAAHmk/c7CFFvswuBE/s1600-h/P72000642.jpg"><img alt="P7200064" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ilMfe77hAOs/TjAcX84sKUI/AAAAAAAAHmo/hOfuhCJiWeM/P7200064_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7200064" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Pete showing off his piano playing skills.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-71Fw1T2Ph3I/TjAcYZRv49I/AAAAAAAAHms/G7rNV6uhWoY/s1600-h/P72000662.jpg"><img alt="P7200066" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AM3uM2PJs8Y/TjAcY85OP_I/AAAAAAAAHmw/Vu5wSgt6bqw/P7200066_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7200066" width="244" /></a><br />
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Pete & Geneva picked us up early Thursday afternoon and we went to Jacob Myers Deli for lunch. Then we toured around Dayton for a little while before going back to Pete & Geneva’s. Parts of the Dayton area experienced some rain, but even in the areas where it didn’t rain, the cloud cover helped to keep the temperature somewhat in check. So we were able to comfortably sit on the back deck and enjoy the evening, especially after Pete brought out the box fan to generate a breeze.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Pete & Geneva and their kitty Jackson.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Qv-gf8cFPP4/TjAcZbEs_aI/AAAAAAAAHm0/DevJGIqEL0U/s1600-h/P72100672.jpg"><img alt="P7210067" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LM3ocvnCZhw/TjAcZsoErSI/AAAAAAAAHm4/xLZSU9wZBnY/P7210067_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7210067" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Nice flowers, Geneva!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8XNG3UxiGDk/TjAcaQ7-KuI/AAAAAAAAHm8/eDRcs0p6OhE/s1600-h/P72100692.jpg"><img alt="P7210069" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1a6759zsmQg/TjAca_Y1oLI/AAAAAAAAHnA/3B_F6slE5mo/P7210069_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7210069" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Jackson, king of his domain!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XYXx8MELgfA/TjAcbk1II8I/AAAAAAAAHnE/0ftflu2FV_g/s1600-h/P72100722.jpg"><img alt="P7210072" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8GGQteB5Ojw/TjAcb0h52jI/AAAAAAAAHnI/71g5dFvs-cc/P7210072_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7210072" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Pete loves his kitty.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_MRHMMuHukc/TjAccmrsTgI/AAAAAAAAHnM/9cmwzBqraCY/s1600-h/P72100732.jpg"><img alt="P7210073" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--XnAeNJ-rfs/TjAcc7lrrbI/AAAAAAAAHnQ/ztCpq8Ibasc/P7210073_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7210073" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Pete is grilling brats for dinner in one of his favorite and obviously well-seasoned shirts.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JOE7_XCJjBw/TjAcdTXxNjI/AAAAAAAAHnU/nvgoGg_HhqE/s1600-h/P72100762.jpg"><img alt="P7210076" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ddF5CJ5wtvc/TjAcdrXu6xI/AAAAAAAAHnY/13RsT8XXyUg/P7210076_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7210076" width="244" /></a><br />
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Friday was a quiet morning aboard “Life’s2Short.” We finally pulled away from Bluewater about 1:30 with the assistance of campground manager Todd and Pete who came by to see us off. Thanks for everything, guys, we really appreciate it!<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7hE__x-nJuo/TjAceKCWDcI/AAAAAAAAHnc/oGehEacn8YU/s1600-h/P72200772.jpg"><img alt="P7220077" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RIQg-nFU-1s/TjAcec9qZNI/AAAAAAAAHng/AOhNLUYuiOA/P7220077_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7220077" width="244" /></a><br />
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We only had about seven downriver miles to go to our anchorage in a small cove at Mile 498. It was hot again but we had a decent breeze, which always helps. Todd did some late afternoon fishing in the shady part of the cove and then we spent some time in the water cooling off before dinner.<br />
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Todd went fishing again early Saturday morning but that was the extent of our activity for the day. It was too hot to do anything other than try to stay out of the sun. About 4:30 we decided to move the boat downriver a few miles to the travel lift dock at Sale Creek Marina so Todd could have access to water to wash the boat. The dock where we will be leaving “Life’s2Short” has power but no water and Todd wanted to give the boat a bath because we have an interested couple stopping by on Monday to look at it.<br />
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After we got tied up to the dock and figured out where the water spigot was, we sat on the bow in the shade for a while and then had to get in the water to cool off. We are really getting tired of this stifling heat!<br />
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Sunday morning Todd got the boat washed before the sun made its way over the top of the trees and started heating things up. We then moved over to the dock where “Life’s2Short” will be tied up for the next month and promptly plugged into power so we could turn the AC on. Ah, finally some refuge from the heat!<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eC2tedQ5Rjw/TjAcfOEP44I/AAAAAAAAHnk/FJt0Na7KBVM/s1600-h/P72400792.jpg"><img alt="P7240079" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qwGvns78fWE/TjAcfy8a2II/AAAAAAAAHno/wvDR18N7szM/P7240079_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7240079" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cRJeHy-OOnA/TjAcgdcD0oI/AAAAAAAAHns/Raqn7KTypgo/s1600-h/P72400782.jpg"><img alt="P7240078" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7FRbq-pYYEk/TjAcgjTlQxI/AAAAAAAAHnw/SJF5yaBrVCA/P7240078_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7240078" width="244" /></a><br />
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Late Sunday afternoon Pete & Geneva and Buell drove over to Sale Creek Marina to pick us up and we all went to dinner at Steve’s Landing Restaurant overlooking Pine Harbor Marina, about seven miles downriver from Sale Creek. Buell is a fellow boater who we met in Demopolis in the fall of 2006, which is also where and when we met Pete & Geneva. Buell is passing through Dayton on his way to North Carolina to visit family. We also invited fellow boater David on “Moonstruck.” David, who we haven’t seen since we were in Demopolis a few months ago, is currently at Island Cove and said he would love to join us. The more, the merrier – right?!!!<br />
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When we arrived at the restaurant, it was very crowded and there was a long waiting list with virtually no place to wait. So, we grabbed a cold beer and waited out on the patio.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-S3WYnSBy5ns/TjAchctEzPI/AAAAAAAAHn0/-WJ8q1bi24M/s1600-h/P72400812.jpg"><img alt="P7240081" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-c5xriCrochQ/TjAch8pT9qI/AAAAAAAAHn4/oULU1SMWd9M/P7240081_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7240081" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Oh my, that poor motorcycle!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0VdWRMPXK60/TjAcidkeqTI/AAAAAAAAHn8/32M-1lIsrI0/s1600-h/P72400822.jpg"><img alt="P7240082" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-K4-2cLlt-Ag/TjAcigzPRjI/AAAAAAAAHoA/VYGbY4_hCJE/P7240082_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7240082" width="244" /></a><br />
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After an hour or more, we were finally seated. Our orders ranged from ribs to fried seafood to blackened chicken and everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy their selection. No wonder it’s such a popular place!<br />
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<img alt="P7240083" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZLGbOlyjN-o/TjAcjBo5_JI/AAAAAAAAHoE/AzJnQYpwaU0/P7240083_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7240083" width="244" /><br />
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Today is Monday, July 25th, and even though I don’t have a good enough Internet signal at Sale Creek to post this update, this is where I am going to end it. Later this afternoon, we have an interested couple coming by to look at “Life’s2Short” and we have much to do to prepare for our trips back to Missouri and Colorado. The plan is to post this update at some point during our road trip back to Missouri.Todd and Brenda Lanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01540907378242980852noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27829931.post-59524937625448972372011-07-14T18:56:00.001-04:002011-07-14T18:59:56.564-04:00<strong><span style="font-size: large;">From Wheeler Lake to Nickajack Lake</span></strong><br />
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On Sunday, July 3rd, we left our anchorage at Mile 276 near Joe Wheeler State Park about 8:15 a.m. It was another hot, still day but we covered 57 miles to reach Ditto Landing Marina (and air conditioning!) about seven hours later.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The new transient and fuel docks at Ditto Landing are very nice!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DRzSj217ipY/Th9yKHBUbII/AAAAAAAAHfo/6nAWj0hz1UY/s1600-h/P70400072.jpg"><img alt="P7040007" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tm9RNYs4PbI/Th9yLI2ETFI/AAAAAAAAHfs/Pstv5s3Fabs/P7040007_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7040007" width="244" /></a><br />
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Later that afternoon we noticed a flurry of activity surrounding a bass boat that had pulled in to the slip next to us. The Captain went to investigate and saw that the boat was in the process of sinking! Todd grabbed his hand pump and I threw them a bucket and they started bailing.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FlnaeXD_sdY/Th9yMKI0r-I/AAAAAAAAHfw/r1hclyacfr0/s1600-h/P70300032.jpg"><img alt="P7030003" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--UR66d5ClE4/Th9yNDrAhUI/AAAAAAAAHf0/1nF8-a2jmIg/P7030003_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7030003" width="244" /></a><br />
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Todd finally gave up pumping and went to the source of the problem – a missing boat plug. Once he got his finger in the hole where the plug should have been, they were able to make some progress. We then provided a wooden plug to substitute for Todd’s finger until they could troll over to the loading ramp and get the boat up on its trailer.<br />
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Todd ran in to Ron Monday morning at the marina. Ron has a boat at Ditto Landing and we originally met him in 2009 through our friends Don & Rosie on “Just Rosie.” Anyway, Ron generously gave Todd the keys to his Prius for the day so Todd went in to Huntsville to run a few errands. When he returned he got really industrious and changed the oil in the generator and both engines.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Ron’s Prius – looks like a toy. Thanks for letting us borrow it!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_dCU2JXCUok/Th9yN6EW9VI/AAAAAAAAHf4/jgJdiZjIvnA/s1600-h/P70400042.jpg"><img alt="P7040004" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Pn38KQjqOAg/Th9yOzuZeWI/AAAAAAAAHf8/Rry45a2eJOg/P7040004_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7040004" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Lots of ducks to feed around the docks at Ditto Landing.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eRIQVYflpHc/Th9yPl4SjoI/AAAAAAAAHgA/xmUJT1FGSMY/s1600-h/P70400062.jpg"><img alt="P7040006" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--fnPhXv5xRg/Th9yQmGp6TI/AAAAAAAAHgE/N42bk86bPRw/P7040006_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7040006" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">A colorful July 4th sunset. Happy 75th birthday, mom!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-05pMKK1ZCeE/Th9yRnjDKJI/AAAAAAAAHgI/gsQZFCDsyTo/s1600-h/P70400082.jpg"><img alt="P7040008" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uCAeNZgmAWE/Th9ySVT1koI/AAAAAAAAHgM/vhP467I8ixw/P7040008_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7040008" width="244" /></a><br />
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Tuesday was a cloudy morning with drizzle and light rain through about 1:00 p.m. When it finally stopped we pulled over to the fuel dock to pump out and take on some fuel. The fuel was $4.00 per gallon but we got a free night of dockage for taking on 100 gallons, so that reduced the cost to $3.60 per gallon. Not a bad deal these days.<br />
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It was sixteen miles from Ditto Landing to the Guntersville Lock where we had to wait about 30 minutes for a lift. Once we were up into Guntersville Lake, we anchored in a cove on the port side just past the lock and Todd promptly took off fishing. Guntersville is a great bass fishing lake and the Captain didn’t waste any time!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Painted Bluff, with its yellow and brown rock, is more than 350 feet high. It is located about four miles below the Guntersville Lock.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RKgc_aBF7wU/Th9yTV2uGgI/AAAAAAAAHgQ/quugdYmL9UE/s1600-h/P70500122.jpg"><img alt="P7050012" border="0" height="181" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-S2x5wofIsIo/Th9yUBUKVbI/AAAAAAAAHgU/5NY-Dp80_A0/P7050012_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7050012" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Captain’s first Guntersville bass – for 2011, that is.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JdQWxrf037g/Th9yVKU5U4I/AAAAAAAAHgY/po8EBuam_AE/s1600-h/P70500132.jpg"><img alt="P7050013" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-D3usCqGwC4g/Th9yVsY_I-I/AAAAAAAAHgc/cPuU07vNiig/P7050013_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7050013" width="244" /></a><br />
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Wednesday Todd was out fishing at daybreak and came back with a mess to give to Norm & Vicki on “Tide Hiker” when we catch up with them in Chattanooga. After some reading and napping, there was more fishing and we even had fried bass for dinner.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Captain got a morning shot of “Life’s2Short” while he was out fishing.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UalXV7AW2sQ/Th9yWdOE12I/AAAAAAAAHgg/UF5FoomHl08/s1600-h/P70600142.jpg"><img alt="P7060014" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4jFiMcAmkdo/Th9yXPYi0LI/AAAAAAAAHgk/3U75KzXizuA/P7060014_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7060014" width="244" /></a><br />
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Just before dusk we took the dinghy around the corner to the bat cave on the main lake. We had done this once before, in 2009, with friends Wade & Sue Sadler who live nearby on Guntersville Lake, but we’d never been there in the dinghy. The cave is a sanctuary for the federally endangered gray bats and anywhere from 20,000 to 45,000 gray bats live in the cave between April and September. At dusk, thousands of bats fly from the cave to feed on insects. It is a known local attraction, so to speak, and several other boats had gathered to watch.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">It is very difficult to catch the bats in a photo.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ltOf7Hqmbvg/Th9yXmwj81I/AAAAAAAAHgo/IhgUa5mYEGw/s1600-h/P70600302.jpg"><img alt="P7060030" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-j3y0HeHc2No/Th9yYXPnUxI/AAAAAAAAHgs/AkiRq2oRIj8/P7060030_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7060030" width="244" /></a><br />
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Thursday, July 7th, was my lovely niece’s 28th birthday and, unfortunately, she had to celebrate it in the hospital. Jennifer was paralyzed in a diving accident on July 18th of last year and has had a rough first year. She’s been through so much but she remains strong and is determined to make the best of her situation. Keep hanging in there, Jennifer. You know we’re cheering for you!<br />
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We left our anchorage at Mile 350 at 9:00 a.m. and traveled 30 miles to anchor about a mile upriver from Goose Pond Colony Marina, passing through the town of Guntersville along the way.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Apparently, parts of Guntersville suffered tornado damage along the river during Alabama’s severe outbreaks earlier this year.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GhWe7ze9w9o/Th9yZW4J8uI/AAAAAAAAHgw/5Fzc_d84jJA/s1600-h/P70700362.jpg"><img alt="P7070036" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BG5C3olxkDw/Th9yaTAuwbI/AAAAAAAAHg0/iGAsvI-gJTk/P7070036_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7070036" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gsnRFLTXAYQ/Th9ybGDw91I/AAAAAAAAHg4/gpfWUogBx0M/s1600-h/P70700382.jpg"><img alt="P7070038" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-a1sjXpzEzbQ/Th9ycNS6_oI/AAAAAAAAHg8/wP3PHXeGv10/P7070038_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7070038" width="244" /></a><br />
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Todd promptly dinghied over to the marina to get some ice as thunder rumbled to the north. However, the rain bypassed us and Todd was off fishing again. Late that afternoon he caught a big catfish but didn’t want to get it too close to the dinghy for fear its barbs would puncture it, so he got the attention of a couple in a bass boat and offered it to them. He thought they were going to keep it but they ended up letting it go after freeing it from Todd’s rod and taking a few photos.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Now <em>that’s</em> a fish!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fMMn-ISB19g/Th9ydTTWeQI/AAAAAAAAHhA/IPo9JP6FTgk/s1600-h/DSC002342.jpg"><img alt="DSC00234" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-A4xMobFq07g/Th9yeaNJYoI/AAAAAAAAHhE/fJrtPUJrCXM/DSC00234_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC00234" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Thanks for your help, Jeff & Rheba! Hope you made it safely back to Louisiana!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3aYNYaMgaB0/Th9yffvF6FI/AAAAAAAAHhI/LfxjV2_IZws/s1600-h/DSC002362.jpg"><img alt="DSC00236" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hIwPKOWAhyU/Th9ygsByMMI/AAAAAAAAHhM/X3kNydyUoB4/DSC00236_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC00236" width="244" /></a><br />
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Friday was cloudy and humid again. Todd spent most the day fishing while I hung on the boat and read. It never did rain during the day but a line of storms moved through overnight.<br />
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Todd was out fishing at 5:30 Saturday morning and back by 8:00. We headed to Goose Pond a few hours later and spent a quiet day on the boat in the air conditioning.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Coming in to Goose Pond Colony Marina.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Am1GBIcnl2A/Th9yhiibA_I/AAAAAAAAHhQ/t8VASYcc2QQ/s1600-h/P70900402.jpg"><img alt="P7090040" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yPsmbMCLHPQ/Th9yinr5c1I/AAAAAAAAHhU/nm1mvPxBE7Y/P7090040_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7090040" width="244" /></a><br />
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That evening we walked over to The Docks, an on-site restaurant, where we had an early birthday dinner for the Captain, followed by some local live music. Quite an enjoyable evening!<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vTv9ixKlID4/Th9yjt-FcLI/AAAAAAAAHhY/qSMTfC9HuZE/s1600-h/P71000422.jpg"><img alt="P7100042" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eAaOXtnRVTA/Th9ykruYDxI/AAAAAAAAHhc/By88rk9a_mQ/P7100042_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7100042" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Even if you don’t stay at the marina, you can tie up to restaurant’s dock and have a meal. The house specialty is shrimp & grits, one of the Captain’s favorites!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Flx5QxNhceM/Th9ylnCGM3I/AAAAAAAAHhg/SKP8ufrAjww/s1600-h/P71000412.jpg"><img alt="P7100041" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aVTjjgq6m3g/Th9ymt3StBI/AAAAAAAAHhk/G-vqUWjNlGo/P7100041_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7100041" width="244" /></a><br />
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Sunday was the Captain’s 53rd birthday – Happy Birthday, honey! I started the day off by getting caught up on laundry and then we borrowed the courtesy car and went in to Scottsboro to do a little shopping. While we were in Wal-Mart, the skies opened up and we had quite a downpour, which at least cooled things off. So, the Captain took off fishing again when we got back and “had a ball” catching several bass.<br />
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We planned to leave Goose Pond mid-morning on Monday but discovered a nasty mess when we got into our stash of Keystone Light 30-packs. Several of the cans were leaking, and apparently had been for a while, and all six 30-packs were a moldy, wet mess. So we spent a couple of hours cleaning, drying and repacking 180 beers, less the many leaking ones. What a way to start the morning!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Keystone ordeal aside, it was a beautiful morning at Goose Pond.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OR3ZqkpbDGc/Th9ynegDJyI/AAAAAAAAHho/FW1fFmVz53o/s1600-h/P71100442.jpg"><img alt="P7110044" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QAJiko65Yd4/Th9yoLHhDTI/AAAAAAAAHhs/VNwQJxDUNBI/P7110044_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7110044" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Keystone will definitely hear about this!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6Oj6Yy_YM7M/Th9ypE5Vx3I/AAAAAAAAHhw/cUJBxmaAqCE/s1600-h/P71100452.jpg"><img alt="P7110045" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-L1Tv-U4_5M4/Th9yp-nJFUI/AAAAAAAAHh0/HzCgptLPHDI/P7110045_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7110045" width="244" /></a><br />
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After pumping out the holding tanks, we finally got away from the marina shortly after 11:00 and traveled 46 miles to Nickajack Lock where the lockmaster was ready and waiting for us. It was another stifling day and we stopped for periodic swims along the way. The water was generally a very pleasant 83 degrees but as we approached the Widows Creek power plant, the temperature increased dramatically, topping out at 91.6 degrees!<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8pjR2-0nHdU/Th9yrLEjuxI/AAAAAAAAHh4/wby8JfChzhM/s1600-h/P71100472.jpg"><img alt="P7110047" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nZFrABNKWo4/Th9ysITx-FI/AAAAAAAAHh8/htWh5IjGUdw/P7110047_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7110047" width="244" /></a><br />
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About eight miles below the Nickajack Lock we left Alabama and crossed into Tennessee for the first time this year, although we were very close to Counce, Tennessee, when we were at Aqua Yacht Harbor on Pickwick. At any rate, by 6:00 p.m. we were anchored at Little Cedar Mountain, about two miles upriver from the lock, where we promptly got in the water and floated on our noodles for a good long time.<br />
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Tuesday was another quiet day at anchor with Todd fishing and me reading. It was an extremely hot, muggy morning but the thunder started rumbling shortly after noon. And even though we didn’t see much in the way of rain at the anchorage, it rained nearby which cooled things off nicely for the remainder of the day. Unfortunately, the Captain hasn’t been having much luck finding the bass in this area and is becoming very frustrated!<br />
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While Todd was out fishing Wednesday morning, he dinghied over to the Shellmound Recreation Area, less than a mile above the lock, to get some ice. A few years ago we discovered a campground near Shellmound that sells ice and, as hot as it’s been lately, ice doesn’t last more than a couple of days at best. After dropping the ice off at the boat, Todd fished in the back of the cove where we were anchored and managed to snag a couple of nice ones, so his frustration level decreased significantly!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Looks like we’re having bass for dinner!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YuuGch79SqE/Th9yvZ-HDWI/AAAAAAAAHiA/4S9LiVT1GSE/s1600-h/P71300482.jpg"><img alt="P7130048" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PUYUf7iEEn4/Th9ywBUbr-I/AAAAAAAAHiE/ZxdifWiFobs/P7130048_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7130048" width="244" /></a><br />
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The remainder of Wednesday was spent relaxing and reading and trying to stay cool. By late afternoon we were back in the water, floating on our noodles in the shade.<br />
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Today is Thursday, July 14th, and we plan to cover at least part of the 38 remaining miles to Chattanooga. There is an anchorage about ten miles below Chattanooga at Williams Island that we’ve never tried so we’re going to check it out. If it isn’t suitable, we will continue on to Chattanooga and pay for an extra night of dockage at Ross Landing. We’ve already tried anchoring in and around downtown Chattanooga and weren’t even able to get a tentative hold, so that isn’t an option.<br />
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Regardless, our plan is to spend the weekend in Chattanooga revisiting some of our favorite venues and to also get together with Norm & Vicki (“Tide Hiker”) on Saturday. “Tide Hiker” is at Island Cove Marina on Chickamauga Lake, which is where we will head after we leave Chattanooga. And by next weekend, we should be on our way to Missouri and then to Colorado in early August before returning to Island Cove to continue this summer’s boating adventure. Maybe it will have cooled off some by then!Todd and Brenda Lanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01540907378242980852noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27829931.post-86161005262455099152011-07-02T14:10:00.000-04:002011-07-02T14:10:05.069-04:00<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Another Week on Pickwick</span></strong><br />
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We had rain Wednesday afternoon, June 22nd, until about 4:00 p.m. Then Don came out on his pontoon and brought his adorable little Pomeranian, Precious. Bud showed up about 5:30 to visit for a couple of hours but they both headed home before dark.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">With her funky summer haircut, Precious looks a lot like Buddy, our Pom who died in January of 2007.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8zyP2BhW8zM/Tg9bZZ7rNGI/AAAAAAAAHdA/fI0nN53X-8g/s1600-h/P6220004%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6220004" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pQEmD_dFyYk/Tg9bawx0jnI/AAAAAAAAHdE/msFyNwInprs/P6220004_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6220004" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Todd and Precious bonding on the gravel bar.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8o3GupqFQMk/Tg9bc1MGLMI/AAAAAAAAHdI/b9Fm8GK9I9w/s1600-h/P6220002%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6220002" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-q_CWbnQU5eg/Tg9bec1DyeI/AAAAAAAAHdM/3-iPNi7zXic/P6220002_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6220002" width="244" /></a><br />
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Thursday was hot and sunny and several boats were out. It was like family day at the Waterfall and there were lots of young kids. We spent a quiet day on the boat, reading, and then visited with Bud for a couple of hours when he came out around 5:30.<br />
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Friday was also a fairly mellow day. We used Bud’s outdoor patio and ice barge to make a quick trip to Grand Harbor for ice. We have certainly enjoyed having Bud’s pontoon rafted to “Life’s2Short” this past week! Thanks again, Iceman!<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-V2MtYwDlACA/Tg9bgOixo4I/AAAAAAAAHdQ/11ZqvjopQNw/s1600-h/P6250015%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6250015" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hUPpgfOnAMY/Tg9bhvxFfdI/AAAAAAAAHdU/7RuGc_YqA9A/P6250015_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6250015" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-F-C01HBna20/Tg9bjH8G4uI/AAAAAAAAHdY/LDgyHPVanzI/s1600-h/P6240008%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6240008" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eb2x1S2HCFQ/Tg9bk8GWNXI/AAAAAAAAHdc/L37QFj_OQCM/P6240008_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6240008" width="244" /></a><br />
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There were several boats in and out all day but they were all gone by early evening. Bud came out mid-afternoon and spent some time visiting with a nearby boat before moving over to the outdoor patio.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Iceman making new friends.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-m_eWir79XQw/Tg9bmYpQevI/AAAAAAAAHdg/ENBsenP7Q0o/s1600-h/P6240010%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6240010" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Q0d3LS8IquE/Tg9bnoq2ZTI/AAAAAAAAHdk/SGeHXmkYVW8/P6240010_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6240010" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Hqhz3a6JnVs/Tg9bptgCT2I/AAAAAAAAHdo/ATjcM0fM4pk/s1600-h/P6240013%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6240013" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iVomDKZ9NIQ/Tg9bq9uCCwI/AAAAAAAAHds/18XgiJdtHnA/P6240013_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6240013" width="244" /></a><br />
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Saturday was another busy day at the ‘fall. Bud arrived early afternoon carrying two bags of ice, chilled shrimp and other goodies on his Sea Doo and we proceeded to spend the afternoon visiting and observing.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_NRoWDhjnkU/Tg9bsqdEV7I/AAAAAAAAHdw/CbDjTCTiLl8/s1600-h/P6250018%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6250018" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-acbTtBxDEKE/Tg9btxruF7I/AAAAAAAAHd0/dEpP6hF8-tY/P6250018_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6250018" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8EyseIrDAjI/Tg9bvb_xOrI/AAAAAAAAHd4/XOU0cp5qsjU/s1600-h/P6250020%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6250020" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Du64h-f4GWc/Tg9bwyv4hEI/AAAAAAAAHd8/iX7SQtddjRk/P6250020_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6250020" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TO5PCUUETL4/Tg9bzGtd0SI/AAAAAAAAHeA/HrWQ1tIT6ss/s1600-h/P6250022%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6250022" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qkKW0HC8psI/Tg9b0pm6b4I/AAAAAAAAHeE/ridcsG5urq4/P6250022_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6250022" width="244" /></a><br />
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Sunday morning Todd took the dinghy to collect firewood so we could have a fire that evening. By noon we had a fairly good crowd of people and boats, both on the gravel bar an in the cove behind us. About 1:30 a strong northeast wind hit and caused all kinds of chaos with boats blowing off the gravel bar and all over the cove. We were very well protected in our corner but we were about the only ones! It was crazy for about 30 minutes and then it settled down again. Fortunately no one got hurt. And the storms that followed ended up not amounting to much, even though they looked bad on radar.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RUrejottZDQ/Tg9b2CTpxwI/AAAAAAAAHeI/mEAl0n0lyGg/s1600-h/P6260023%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6260023" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uFSiLPiE-NE/Tg9b4N6uQJI/AAAAAAAAHeM/VB-SbDa_M5Y/P6260023_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6260023" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-77Kj9-Ec8rE/Tg9b6TnR0WI/AAAAAAAAHeQ/Eh5xNisuRk0/s1600-h/P6260028%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6260028" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HwNr6YSUH_0/Tg9b7ifbw2I/AAAAAAAAHeU/_rb3UZm8P6c/P6260028_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6260028" width="244" /></a><br />
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After the storms passed, Bud caught a ride out with friends Chuck & Patty so he could take his pontoon home that evening since we were planning to leave the next day. That evening we enjoyed a very nice fire on the gravel bar. It was even pleasantly cool after the storm front passed.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RA_iDsUqUR4/Tg9b9ruw7sI/AAAAAAAAHeY/CTaXM6g7v2o/s1600-h/P6260029%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6260029" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FGZphEE0_qI/Tg9cAPZ-3dI/AAAAAAAAHec/BCktp0bYSBc/P6260029_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6260029" width="244" /></a><br />
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Monday was another mellow day with several boats in and out. We had planned to move a couple of hours upriver to anchor at Ross Branch that evening but needed to have cell phone access due to a family situation and there is no cell coverage at Ross Branch. So, we hung at the Waterfall another day and Todd played washers on the gravel bar with some of the locals.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Trktdt1kB5I/Tg9cIIHYECI/AAAAAAAAHeo/9s1_hMpJxDA/s1600-h/P6270034%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6270034" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FrjfWA4JsqA/Tg9cMfdvp_I/AAAAAAAAHes/cVciwau60kI/P6270034_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6270034" width="244" /></a><br />
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Bud came out on the pontoon about 5:30 and took us for a nice evening ride before heading back to Our Sunset Point of View. I don’t know if we’ve mentioned this before, but Bud’s beautiful home is now for sale. If you know of anyone who is in the market for high-end lakefront property, you would be hard-pressed to find anything more spectacular. Check out <a href="http://www.pickwicksunsetpoint.com/">http://www.pickwicksunsetpoint.com/</a> for pictures and additional information.<br />
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We knew it was supposed to rain Tuesday afternoon and had planned to leave the Waterfall before it moved in; however, it was raining by 7:30 a.m. We still weren’t sure what was going on with our family situation, so we made a break for Aqua Yacht Harbor about 8:15 so we could get pumped out and in a slip before the really big stuff hit. And we made it! Not long after we got situated, it started pouring and continued to pour for about four hours. That evening we met Bud at Nuevo Vallarta for some great margaritas and Mexican food and said our goodbyes – for now.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PoJ_ukU8gXM/Tg9cOC7-qyI/AAAAAAAAHew/S2UHP5Gy3rY/s1600-h/P6280037%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6280037" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bj8MWOYRbtI/Tg9cQxWMbvI/AAAAAAAAHe0/yZZUoDbyXDY/P6280037_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6280037" width="244" /></a><br />
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On the way back to the marina, we picked up a copy of <em>VIP Magazine</em>, a local publication featuring Pickwick Lake and the surrounding area. One of the articles in this issue is entitled “You Might Be a Pickwickian…” (a spin-off of Jeff Foxworthy’s famous “You Might Be a Redneck…”). And one of the lines says: “If you know who ‘Ice Man’ is, you might be a Pickwickian.” Todd and I have decided that we must be Pickwickians since we are familiar with almost everything listed in the article!<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qsUsyjWpYxY/Tg9cUD_B-HI/AAAAAAAAHe4/23ETfjmIyw4/s1600-h/P7020002%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P7020002" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EkHXirQzNec/Tg9cWrlVUzI/AAAAAAAAHe8/xyS0Zt4JEbA/P7020002_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7020002" width="184" /></a><br />
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Late Tuesday afternoon we learned that the family situation was stable (for now), so we spent Wednesday morning getting caught up on laundry and doing some shopping before pulling out of Aqua Yacht shortly after 2:00 p.m. We were only going about sixteen miles upriver to Ross Branch for the evening so we weren’t in a big hurry to leave.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Saying goodbye to our friend Jason at the Aqua Yacht fuel dock. See you this fall, Jason!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VzGYXeVASLY/Tg9cYuXWwkI/AAAAAAAAHfA/p2qDctojuqU/s1600-h/P6290044%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6290044" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Q9MbEVq8SKA/Tg9caGA8T8I/AAAAAAAAHfE/DJQxUji5myI/P6290044_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6290044" width="244" /></a><br />
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Thursday we covered about forty miles and went through two locks, Wilson and Wheeler, to anchor about a mile upriver from Wheeler Lock with our stern tied to a tree on shore for afternoon shade. After not traveling much for a few weeks, it seemed like a very long seven-hour day!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Lots of herons along the lakes.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ag1aeNeQhS4/Tg9cfeA-CsI/AAAAAAAAHfI/VEQBbmG9XNk/s1600-h/P6300047%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6300047" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-h6R_HbXpB0s/Tg9chPzAoQI/AAAAAAAAHfM/qs0jgu3BexM/P6300047_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6300047" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Approaching Wilson Lock. With its 93-foot lift, it is the highest lock on the Tennessee River and the sixth highest single lift lock in the United States.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vEAVXkC65dc/Tg9ckSkStEI/AAAAAAAAHfQ/N_qcKVaei7s/s1600-h/P6300050%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6300050" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9cdrVH_kRFc/Tg9clgxceaI/AAAAAAAAHfU/UJ6b8GnbIIU/P6300050_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6300050" width="244" /></a><br />
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Todd went fishing Friday morning for a few hours but returned late morning as the mercury continued to climb. That afternoon we took a dinghy ride about a mile upriver to Joe Wheeler State Park to get some ice and had a late lunch in the resort’s dining room. We’ve never spent any time at Joe Wheeler but found it to be a very nice place, complete with a busy swimming pool on this holiday weekend.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1pHI3ZFPLIs/Tg9cqa6gCgI/AAAAAAAAHfY/HYd4tFYXsZ8/s1600-h/P7010051%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P7010051" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1t5cE5Hndag/Tg9cr47QhRI/AAAAAAAAHfc/h5uNUqf8f_g/P7010051_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7010051" width="244" /></a><br />
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Friday evening we decided to take the dinghy into Second Creek, just above the lock, to do a little exploring. We found several nice coves that remind us of some of the coves we saw in the Five Fingers area of Bay Springs Lake.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lWBWHBhKb5M/Tg9ctuG5GvI/AAAAAAAAHfg/IXiMxMs1ShM/s1600-h/P7010053%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P7010053" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ele8fyLDLb4/Tg9cvHML0QI/AAAAAAAAHfk/9mZl1iVL3bs/P7010053_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P7010053" width="244" /></a><br />
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Today is Saturday, July 2nd, and we are still hanging in our spot about a mile above Wheeler Lock. This end of the lake has been very quiet so far, which is nice, but it’s also very hot with almost no breeze. And the water is much warmer than it was at the Waterfall so it doesn’t help much in terms of cooling one off. But it’s still nice to take a dip once in a while.<br />
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We don’t really have a plan right now and may stay here through the July 4th weekend. We’re still kicking around the idea of making a trip back to Missouri and if we do that, we will leave the boat at Ditto Landing near Huntsville, about sixty miles upriver. But we’re in a holding pattern for now and will just take each day as it comes. In the meantime, we hope everyone has a safe and happy 4th of July weekend!Todd and Brenda Lanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01540907378242980852noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27829931.post-75881518687709533742011-06-22T14:04:00.000-04:002011-06-22T14:04:41.964-04:00<strong><span style="font-size: large;">A Crazy Weekend at the Waterfall</span></strong><br />
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On Tuesday, June 14th, the Captain continued his boat cleaning projects while I got caught up on laundry. Late that afternoon we met with George & Rebecca to discuss boating and they took us to a new place called Cactus Jack’s for a few drinks and appetizers. George is an acquaintance of Bud’s who wanted to chat with us about some of our experiences over the past five years as he & Rebecca are hoping to do some extended cruising. Thanks for the drinks and apps, guys, and good luck with your future cruising plans!<br />
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Wednesday morning we left the covered slip at Aqua Yacht, pumped out again and moved to the transient dock. We drove to Corinth at noon, took our friend Terri Pruitt to lunch and got a few provisions before returning to Aqua Yacht mid-afternoon.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Terri and the Admiral in front of Terri’s workplace.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--Dr7tT3x04U/TgIr0VuWxDI/AAAAAAAAHXM/If3VVRjX5NE/s1600-h/P6150001%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6150001" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3lSy9OjdL_4/TgIr1UMWM_I/AAAAAAAAHXQ/9tDoVxdt0V4/P6150001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6150001" width="244" /></a><br />
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It was another muggy, hot day with afternoon storms to the north that just missed us. But we had a nice storm roll through about 7:00 p.m. that cooled things down quickly and produced this pretty rainbow.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-igcv5Cn6NOI/TgIr1_QR_QI/AAAAAAAAHXU/1eWxY86yh6Q/s1600-h/P6150007%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6150007" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GltRuDS2yXE/TgIr2vvLutI/AAAAAAAAHXY/gtiujdwi0og/P6150007_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6150007" width="244" /></a><br />
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Mike, a potential buyer from Ft. Myers Beach, arrived Thursday morning about 9:00 p.m. He flew into Memphis on Wednesday and spent the night in Corinth so he didn’t have far to drive to reach us Thursday morning. At any rate, Mike spent nearly seven hours thoroughly inspecting “Life’s2Short” and its systems. Now we are waiting on the results of a variety of fluid analyses from the engines, transmissions and generator. So we’ll see what those produce and go from there.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uBR_iyvd-kM/TgIr3VjZdcI/AAAAAAAAHXc/PcUyH1YyK60/s1600-h/P6160011%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6160011" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9Wvp0s4u0Vc/TgIr4Tq73TI/AAAAAAAAHXg/DoTpOJAYnAY/P6160011_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6160011" width="244" /></a><br />
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While Todd and Mike were tearing “Life’s2Short” apart, Norm & Vicki on “Tide Hiker” pulled in to the transient dock. They had planned to visit the Shiloah National Battlefield that afternoon but an electrical issue on the boat kept them at the dock.<br />
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Bud pulled up on his Sea Doo about 4:00 p.m. to visit for a while and then we went to dinner at Hagy’s Catfish Hotel with Norm & Vicki where we had a wonderful meal and ate WAY too much!<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1MGXs8luvfI/TgIr5PK2EYI/AAAAAAAAHXk/dYiYYrLPiq4/s1600-h/P6160013%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6160013" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-p0sGBHYiHVo/TgIr5wFdugI/AAAAAAAAHXo/UKWqGXnaRqc/P6160013_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6160013" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Now <em>that’s</em> a plate of cole slaw!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-E-pVJ1pGJnY/TgIr6UaaD0I/AAAAAAAAHXs/DbeyeYI7Wt4/s1600-h/P6160014%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6160014" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0DrsFHodFzw/TgIr7HQfTLI/AAAAAAAAHXw/Qtz95G9LwlM/P6160014_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6160014" width="184" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Hagy’s overlooks the Tennessee River a few miles below the Pickwick Lock & Dam.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-q243iXdlEFc/TgIr8jq-8WI/AAAAAAAAHX0/Nso5Di9QZ3g/s1600-h/P6160016%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6160016" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ao2K8tr8Ff4/TgIr9a3wZ0I/AAAAAAAAHX4/fWERTMcNjKc/P6160016_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6160016" width="244" /></a><br />
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Friday morning we awoke to rain and were hoping it would stop long enough to make a run to the Waterfall. But it didn’t and the Captain got restless so we left the marina in light rain about 10:30 and were secure in “our spot” at the Waterfall an hour later – soaked, but secure.<br />
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The rain finally stopped early afternoon and the boaters started flocking to Waterfall Cove. Bud came out in his pontoon and rafted to us and then friends of his, Jim & Liz, came by in another pontoon and rafted to Bud. It was a beautiful evening with incredibly pleasant temperatures. Ah, it’s good to be back at the ‘fall!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">A beautiful morning shot of the infamous Pickwick Waterfall.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5p_yP3RTOzw/TgIr-QDzg0I/AAAAAAAAHX8/Muy_7Y1OxnQ/s1600-h/P6200082%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6200082" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--hHDn9vKPLU/TgIr_GMHORI/AAAAAAAAHYA/6rTM7lFdC5w/P6200082_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6200082" width="244" /></a><br />
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Saturday morning “Tide Hiker” made a pass through the cove on their way to Florence. They had purchased some two-cycle oil for Todd and he had caught a mess of bass for them so they made an exchange. Good to see you again, Norm & Vicki! We’ll catch up with you somewhere upriver!<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9Vx1aQgkA9E/TgIsAEnjD9I/AAAAAAAAHYE/vzdOLIFpiKg/s1600-h/P6180018%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6180018" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OIUN-LrutPY/TgIsAwV8ccI/AAAAAAAAHYI/wAp2R3397ts/P6180018_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6180018" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3R7kmTQ9Yyk/TgIsBj-X3gI/AAAAAAAAHYM/wRJl3kM1_2E/s1600-h/P6180017%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6180017" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jowa0DZfaok/TgIsCbdJQCI/AAAAAAAAHYQ/qT6ZCxqRI6o/P6180017_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6180017" width="244" /></a><br />
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Then it got busy. Jim & Liz brought us a bag of ice about noon and visited for a short while before taking off to see other friends elsewhere on the lake. There were storms moving through the area all afternoon but we only experienced some wind and light rain. Bud showed up in the pontoon about 3:00 and then Jim & Liz came back – this time with Connie & Phil – so we all rafted up again. It was a wild and crazy day, as you can tell from the photos!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Check out the guy in the water with the antler hard hat!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1ppP6yf7zqs/TgIsDe-xYgI/AAAAAAAAHYU/VpU0JzuwF7g/s1600-h/P6180024%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6180024" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zcu3lKWK4WU/TgIsEYYP43I/AAAAAAAAHYc/49obf0AvgKE/P6180024_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6180024" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ivrxHLOAVb0/TgIsFRQHJvI/AAAAAAAAHYg/DBV2jfF6IwQ/s1600-h/P6180027%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6180027" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_7wEGMZzcTg/TgIsFzABfbI/AAAAAAAAHYk/ebv5RJy6zZ0/P6180027_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6180027" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-s9ZqzThDoCc/TgIsGlRuyRI/AAAAAAAAHYo/PGkMG4VYF2c/s1600-h/P6180028%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6180028" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZthELF2T-Gs/TgIsHF2G8rI/AAAAAAAAHYs/vfBWELxFv6s/P6180028_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6180028" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">As the day wears on, the antlers are being decorated with beer cans!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WfXmI5MkWcY/TgIsIHFHdxI/AAAAAAAAHYw/E7eiruxAqxc/s1600-h/P6180030%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6180030" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jRVtaM14nqQ/TgIsI0oQpyI/AAAAAAAAHY0/y0KvhZ9hdqI/P6180030_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6180030" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Hangin’ on Bud’s pontoon.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QyqRpnlU0iA/TgIsJyAW3cI/AAAAAAAAHY4/PcH7NBZ43SA/s1600-h/P6180032%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6180032" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-41hpsDhuMMw/TgIsKl1KOII/AAAAAAAAHY8/MO1_imSXnYg/P6180032_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6180032" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Meet our new friends, Jim & Liz. Great couple!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-V_qe2So9wi8/TgIsLVFDTTI/AAAAAAAAHZA/VrCwvMPqpWc/s1600-h/P6180033%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6180033" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-v3zC2CkseNY/TgIsMG5wB9I/AAAAAAAAHZE/Ex84xIIWGMA/P6180033_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6180033" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Antler-man’s ornaments are multiplying!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JzxHT2H_l9A/TgIsNQPYzRI/AAAAAAAAHZI/V1KRQjiD8-c/s1600-h/P6180035%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6180035" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YHzkaWfPPjw/TgIsOC5QeTI/AAAAAAAAHZM/2RlD2vQOIVs/P6180035_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6180035" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Liz on the back of their pontoon chatting with Connie & Phil.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FP0e5Cblh-Q/TgIsOws9nLI/AAAAAAAAHZQ/Uo75GnhpUSI/s1600-h/P6180037%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6180037" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bhg2tgzqjfY/TgIsPnp7xdI/AAAAAAAAHZU/Ffet3VhT0GA/P6180037_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6180037" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QwwiVzhRG5A/TgIsQpYSveI/AAAAAAAAHZY/bQDRY09VQzY/s1600-h/P6180039%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6180039" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--JdZNg8ukIo/TgIsRZMLf4I/AAAAAAAAHZc/ygDhk8X2rYc/P6180039_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6180039" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Liz and Connie have been friends since the third grade.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yCPBu-EyT0k/TgIsSHspg4I/AAAAAAAAHZg/q29UBnWp9Fg/s1600-h/P6180040%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6180040" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ABZjBnSlENQ/TgIsS_7ya-I/AAAAAAAAHZk/XEayKCXWwwU/P6180040_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6180040" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Boats stacked up at the gravel bar, or what’s left of it after the spring flooding.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-APX0QXPTYfg/TgIsTjC2NHI/AAAAAAAAHZo/L35XxYYzU-E/s1600-h/P6180042%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6180042" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XKVLwMq3yIs/TgIsUTA7t-I/AAAAAAAAHZs/0_aqOrbGMfM/P6180042_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6180042" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QJgsRo73HHw/TgIsVDziGzI/AAAAAAAAHZw/r6cwMbo1T3g/s1600-h/P6180044%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6180044" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YEk_jYs1umg/TgIsV-BOdHI/AAAAAAAAHZ0/CpsArcWz9Mg/P6180044_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6180044" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Is that Hulk Hogan?</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KmOcxn_S0HU/TgIsW5CKjFI/AAAAAAAAHZ4/JkCq1pyt8w0/s1600-h/P6180045%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6180045" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-a21PgQ94BnQ/TgIsYCZGWYI/AAAAAAAAHZ8/1SdavRbcNuY/P6180045_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6180045" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Just general craziness at the Waterfall.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JF9p6dCeXWk/TgIsZBMrIzI/AAAAAAAAHaA/V9mIkZ9bsx8/s1600-h/P6180047%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6180047" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-op4tR2WuEk8/TgIsaTc9rEI/AAAAAAAAHaE/4hpUspMC0D0/P6180047_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6180047" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WXKaW1BUjek/TgIsbSgcdUI/AAAAAAAAHaI/LMoZSyHSxw8/s1600-h/P6180048%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6180048" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ivtwXWjQfDw/TgIscPonBtI/AAAAAAAAHaM/jNTPBB3q0Yg/P6180048_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6180048" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-amf0gfPSGns/TgIsdHuTPJI/AAAAAAAAHaQ/sOfuaS8_LDc/s1600-h/P6180049%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6180049" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yPSDdVFY-Fo/TgIsdpY5IhI/AAAAAAAAHaU/bET5orqohuU/P6180049_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6180049" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-T_7lvqds1RA/TgIseozjIcI/AAAAAAAAHaY/AS2bz-R1ehA/s1600-h/P6180050%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6180050" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uvqkATNEzxY/TgIsfeUoRMI/AAAAAAAAHac/45RX_CdeNQk/P6180050_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6180050" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-djDymsZRr8Q/TgIsgh6cWHI/AAAAAAAAHag/mpAT8xXurTA/s1600-h/P6180051%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6180051" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Q6uXKB2cpZA/TgIshajS0MI/AAAAAAAAHak/qrrv6HXoTEg/P6180051_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6180051" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oBCrHDSNvxs/TgIsiXLR6II/AAAAAAAAHao/-8aQjrB1FY0/s1600-h/P6180052%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6180052" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oiBVKAgtpuY/TgIsi0c8MXI/AAAAAAAAHas/orVwowfrL1I/P6180052_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6180052" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1e2LElJgPYU/TgIsj2vOEiI/AAAAAAAAHaw/lWhM-Kz2BWU/s1600-h/P6180054%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6180054" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dxlElDYDVO8/TgIsknp-6-I/AAAAAAAAHa0/US2xx3mBLdI/P6180054_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6180054" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-M0KXkB7gNnk/TgIsl_sgcZI/AAAAAAAAHa4/jkye8e2B5b0/s1600-h/P6180056%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6180056" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JCEPRg33KH0/TgIsmk4rhOI/AAAAAAAAHa8/NL23BUHlA_g/P6180056_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6180056" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cLOcJciAsRQ/TgIsn_Z_2hI/AAAAAAAAHbA/mM82MsLX0Tw/s1600-h/P6180058%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6180058" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oIEf1BpYLts/TgIso2ErODI/AAAAAAAAHbE/kMuhEHQ1wVI/P6180058_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6180058" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zw91I4QXZLo/TgIsp2uDh3I/AAAAAAAAHbI/BEhllVvZCfY/s1600-h/P6180062%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6180062" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6GY0o1ws81U/TgIsqkRXAzI/AAAAAAAAHbM/2NFeAinSE8s/P6180062_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6180062" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NkRdEDgMjj4/TgIsrnLABZI/AAAAAAAAHbQ/PVmKFRR6HiU/s1600-h/P6180063%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6180063" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pqgpqtt9PEM/TgIssY05qAI/AAAAAAAAHbU/Ob2_xbhlptU/P6180063_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6180063" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Connie & Phil have been putting a serious dent in the Jagermeister today!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-83rw9p2hhgY/TgIstL4xeBI/AAAAAAAAHbY/RdRXkEeEgZI/s1600-h/P6180065%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6180065" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-K6s_6kCa6_k/TgIstxpNquI/AAAAAAAAHbc/hwqbQZO6F1A/P6180065_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6180065" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9muP-gjHAhk/TgIsuhIShRI/AAAAAAAAHbg/ZhplJfBiJMw/s1600-h/P6180066%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6180066" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kaKPBB8l5FM/TgIsvXd-bSI/AAAAAAAAHbk/dCHQsbAS1e0/P6180066_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6180066" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lqZ5i4bYUKk/TgIswjUEsjI/AAAAAAAAHbo/2AL0TV5i9lo/s1600-h/P6180067%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6180067" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-R7KsdEmMu3Y/TgIsxWVQupI/AAAAAAAAHbs/L6ojjcsAj2w/P6180067_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6180067" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">As I was saying… perhaps the lady has had a bit too much Jager!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-puLccGwRxi8/TgIsyFwfKWI/AAAAAAAAHbw/hxIR-QAbLZU/s1600-h/P6180068%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6180068" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MiW-Vfihl0w/TgIsy-NgDPI/AAAAAAAAHb0/ZE_ir6aBqx4/P6180068_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6180068" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Are you talking to me?</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JpiHnfxPfO4/TgIs0ie1w6I/AAAAAAAAHb4/lAJVnEAVfNE/s1600-h/P6180069%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6180069" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ziKs6CyQvpg/TgIs1cgxMvI/AAAAAAAAHb8/8pbGH72U65g/P6180069_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6180069" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Jim & Liz’s dog Rocky tolerating all the craziness!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dg6AbG29us8/TgIs2UTyVfI/AAAAAAAAHcA/boBK4i5hppk/s1600-h/P6180071%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6180071" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--4mgt6NalyQ/TgIs3WvtZlI/AAAAAAAAHcE/eCJ3Z7dGScY/P6180071_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6180071" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">A very large boat full of partiers cruises into the cove.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DFtJ5s_cSqU/TgIs4tkDRuI/AAAAAAAAHcI/yqKGAXFBIRQ/s1600-h/P6180072%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6180072" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-T4e3B71MugY/TgIs5XRjP1I/AAAAAAAAHcM/jmMcp2FIOuA/P6180072_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6180072" width="244" /></a><br />
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And after all that, we left “Life’s2Short” around 8:00 p.m. to go with Bud on the pontoon back to his house where we got in his truck and drove to Jim & Liz’s place in a nearby gated community called Points of Pickwick for dinner. And what a marvelous dinner it was featuring grilled tuna steaks, gorgeous fillet mignon and a wonderful Vidalia onion side dish. Thanks for including us, guys, we had a great time!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Heading to Bud’s house on the pontoon. Look out Jim & Liz, here we come!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-a1SB2htSbNo/TgIs6H2o0xI/AAAAAAAAHcQ/JtU1rA0wcyk/s1600-h/P6180073%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6180073" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Tg4oEce1L-w/TgIs7LLgOEI/AAAAAAAAHcU/XkV7sh7hckI/P6180073_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6180073" width="244" /></a><br />
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We finally made our way back to Bud’s house and returned to the Waterfall in his pontoon around midnight. Thank God for GPS! What a wild and crazy day!<br />
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Other than ice deliveries from two different boaters we met on Saturday, we spent a quiet Sunday morning on “Life’s2Short.” Jim & Liz and Connie & Phil made an appearance about 2:30 and Bud finally showed up on his Sea Doo a few hours later. Of course, he <em>had</em> to come on his Sea Doo since we confiscated his pontoon Saturday night!<br />
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Even though there were still a lot of boaters out, Sunday was much mellower than Saturday. Jim & Liz’s two boys, Davis and Sam, who were out in their ski boat wakeboarding with friends, also joined us for a while, rafted to Jim & Liz. So now we have a line of four rafted boats!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Liz hanging on the swim platform with her boys (Davis, 16, next to her and Sam, 12, in the water).</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QM-6OUPOrNw/TgIs8IPiBEI/AAAAAAAAHcY/DDc8tzTP2Qg/s1600-h/P6190077%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6190077" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eMe3Y2E756k/TgIs85R7PUI/AAAAAAAAHcc/_YTOofuC4so/P6190077_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6190077" width="244" /></a><br />
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Terri & Ben made a surprise appearance about 6:30 just as Jim & Liz and Bud were getting ready to leave. Terri & Ben took off about 7:30 to get her boat back to dry storage before it closed so we were all alone after that. A busy and fun weekend with old and new friends!<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CO6cYcina6M/TgIs-IfQtkI/AAAAAAAAHcg/kaDLERwgpL4/s1600-h/P6190079%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6190079" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZnIEpSqLGF8/TgIs_EK4O5I/AAAAAAAAHck/JH2LYJ75CCc/P6190079_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6190079" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Terri & Ben. Happy Birthday (on Monday), Terri!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bKYrkUtN97E/TgItAfGEl8I/AAAAAAAAHco/Ncr0k-z6xks/s1600-h/P6190081%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6190081" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-B8o4KrBFWOE/TgItBImvOZI/AAAAAAAAHcs/uQEGaNfdjgU/P6190081_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6190081" width="244" /></a><br />
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Kelly came out in his boat about noon on Monday to spend the day. We hadn’t seen Kelly since we first arrived at Aqua Yacht so we were overdue for a visit! It was another beautiful, sunny day and there was a surprisingly large number of boats out.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Another beautiful morning shot.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CbRNCLjPfOk/TgItCtcbA3I/AAAAAAAAHcw/Arr9wHGN57I/s1600-h/P6200083%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6200083" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-l4IBJYgR6mI/TgItHYsQ_VI/AAAAAAAAHc0/vsTxEmVbegA/P6200083_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6200083" width="184" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Kelly and his dog Spanky.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9Y9ZMdNFYDc/TgItJfS_yZI/AAAAAAAAHc4/qj4P3SEj3Lc/s1600-h/P6200001%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6200001" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qAv74GTla8M/TgItKA8qFUI/AAAAAAAAHc8/3KiYNtKyFaY/P6200001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6200001" width="244" /></a><br />
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Just as Bud showed up, around 4:00 p.m., a sailboater named George who had been hanging on the gravel bar a good part of the afternoon with his golden retriever, Mick, came back in saying that his dog had fallen overboard and he couldn’t find him! So Bud got immediately back on his Sea Doo, another guy named Don also got on his Sea Doo, Todd got in his dinghy and they all took off to look for Mick. Unfortunately, George had no idea where Mick had fallen off the boat and it’s a big lake out there!<br />
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Someone finally spotted Mick desperately swimming toward shore but still a good distance out in the lake so Don buzzed over, loaded Mick on his Sea Doo and brought him back to the gravel bar. Poor Mick had been swimming almost nonstop for hours at the gravel bar and was already worn out when he fell off the sailboat. It’s a good thing he’s such a strong swimmer or he never would have survived long enough to be rescued!<br />
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Bud took off for home around 7:30, leaving his pontoon with us, and Kelly ended up spending the night on his boat. Bud’s pontoon has become our outdoor patio and we have loved having it rafted to us!<br />
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Tuesday was a quiet day at the Waterfall with steady rain all afternoon. We did, however, make a run to Grand Harbor in Bud’s pontoon Tuesday morning to put in some fuel, get ice and dump trash. Other than that, we enjoyed a much-needed peaceful, relaxing day aboard “Life’s2Short.”<br />
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Today is Wednesday, June 22nd, and Todd has been out fishing since early this morning. The weather has been pleasantly cool since yesterday’s rain and the sky is still overcast. And it has remained quiet at the Waterfall with virtually no boat traffic – so far. Storm chances remain in the forecast through today, although the sky appears to be getting lighter as the day progresses.<br />
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Our plan is to remain in “our spot” at the Waterfall through the upcoming weekend before beginning the trek upriver toward Chattanooga. Word has it that temperatures in this area are supposed to be below normal from July through September. Given the extreme heat we’ve been dealing with for the past month or so, we are definitely looking forward to that!Todd and Brenda Lanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01540907378242980852noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27829931.post-36980693446614368002011-06-13T19:30:00.000-04:002011-06-13T19:30:09.155-04:00<strong><span style="font-size: large;">A Week with the Parents</span></strong><br />
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Todd went fishing the morning of June 6th while I busied myself in the kitchen. Todd’s parents, Bill & Marilyn, arrived early Monday afternoon and we adjourned to the dock to visit. Later that afternoon we were joined by Mo and Chuck & Pip for cocktails before retiring to the boat for dinner.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Hanging at the dock enjoying the shade and good company.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OS7MQBYx64s/TfaVSIWaLRI/AAAAAAAAHTc/S8Kpt5JuMGY/s1600-h/P6060114%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6060114" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--bcEqny1N9k/TfaVTDOP_KI/AAAAAAAAHTg/TUQ4cKb-bDQ/P6060114_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6060114" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Marilyn, Chuck and Brenda.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aIbh13y31jY/TfaVfLU9tYI/AAAAAAAAHTk/6z71Q05OkNY/s1600-h/P6060117%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6060117" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ETTbQ0V3Nwc/TfaV1lZK7MI/AAAAAAAAHTo/H5mJD7020Ss/P6060117_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6060117" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Bill, Mo and Pip.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kABr9e-4pFI/TfaWES41hXI/AAAAAAAAHTs/JA5oGkI441Y/s1600-h/P6060118%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6060118" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_wAyfZWw7Po/TfaWM-DFVUI/AAAAAAAAHTw/1hEKLnpj3Hg/P6060118_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6060118" width="244" /></a><br />
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Late Tuesday morning Todd and Bill shuffled the Jeep to Pickwick Lake while I again played in the kitchen and Marilyn read on the sundeck. Then I spent a few hours Tuesday afternoon writing and posting the blog through Monday morning, June 6th.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Working on the blog for the previous week.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KdkPcfWeme4/TfaWwsV2-mI/AAAAAAAAHT0/lQHClF-I6yo/s1600-h/P6070126%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6070126" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Q_3nI8tZkRY/TfaYNSfax_I/AAAAAAAAHT4/kPQHfZqJrBk/P6070126_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6070126" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Momma goose and her goslings visit the dock.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6tYDcD6Sqog/TfaYaNh4sxI/AAAAAAAAHT8/vHBYABSsx5Q/s1600-h/P6070122%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6070122" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-epF5nPuwlUk/TfaYkLFFA8I/AAAAAAAAHUA/i5mhlfOuf1o/P6070122_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6070122" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Our shady slip at Bay Springs Marina.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mALlZ-pv86A/TfaYo86IqzI/AAAAAAAAHUE/IpZRkLSCfBk/s1600-h/P6090026%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6090026" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fm6EceYROTo/TfaYsMIkjeI/AAAAAAAAHUI/THoiFT1lDeM/P6090026_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6090026" width="244" /></a><br />
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After an early dinner we took a sunset cruise on a borrowed pontoon owned by dock friends of Chuck & Pip’s. Thanks to Chuck for asking permission for us to use it and to Bill & Belinda for granting permission. We certainly enjoyed it!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Enjoying a sunset cruise on Bay Springs Lake.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8T3YBXG7H0g/TfaYt3wBSdI/AAAAAAAAHUM/-oe1IoRDlkc/s1600-h/P6070001%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P6070001" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FQKNVrWDW4Q/TfaZWwDjpWI/AAAAAAAAHUQ/iSZsTJYXUwY/P6070001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6070001" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8oCwen30caI/TfaZeOzIi3I/AAAAAAAAHUU/RW8cmdxeG3I/s1600-h/P60700042.jpg"><img alt="P6070004" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pjQeKkjZt5I/TfaZfyU7MHI/AAAAAAAAHUY/EssLMcAXTXI/P6070004_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6070004" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--B8J-fid4sg/TfaZi54IxNI/AAAAAAAAHUc/O_rh2gdmRc8/s1600-h/P60700082.jpg"><img alt="P6070008" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8zmNFY7ba70/TfaZlyyVPfI/AAAAAAAAHUg/mJr6D8e3QZY/P6070008_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6070008" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Still in love after 57 years of marriage. Aren’t they cute?</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-G0ta7iI6SnU/TfaZpZmKJQI/AAAAAAAAHUk/I-gdq5Rs7Yk/s1600-h/P60700112.jpg"><img alt="P6070011" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TfHixNZ5g40/TfaZqeAzTMI/AAAAAAAAHUo/XogdQOjgQG8/P6070011_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6070011" width="244" /></a><br />
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We spent a quiet day on the boat on Wednesday and then got together on the dock for cocktails and appetizers supplied by Mo, followed by a fish fry that evening. Todd contributed bass and Chuck contributed crappie. And we had Chuck & Pip’s wonderful hush puppies along with my cole slaw and pasta salad and Pip’s mini key lime pies for dessert. It was all very good!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Enjoying happy hour on the dock.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IBHMxb3d6Cc/TfaZ9IiO8FI/AAAAAAAAHUs/qW1zZRKIQ2Q/s1600-h/P60800152.jpg"><img alt="P6080015" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-igm-jw69h38/TfaaTg3sPQI/AAAAAAAAHUw/NfpaILnTwzg/P6080015_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6080015" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Gearing up to fry fish.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3udRTOzCNmU/Tfaam5knE0I/AAAAAAAAHU0/IKEe3zjLZgk/s1600-h/P60800172.jpg"><img alt="P6080017" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DCSjWNlScOE/Tfaavz2r27I/AAAAAAAAHU4/Dl5xM2TijTU/P6080017_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6080017" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Dinner is served!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hCL5heCtL00/Tfaax_ggVOI/AAAAAAAAHU8/R-9eY5zqdxw/s1600-h/P60800202.jpg"><img alt="P6080020" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-65FWNs1AUnw/TfaazGtbdZI/AAAAAAAAHVA/C5AiCoRsUkQ/P6080020_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6080020" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QpUmpfXWHDI/Tfaa0aexAoI/AAAAAAAAHVE/PsGHaAzh_3E/s1600-h/P60800212.jpg"><img alt="P6080021" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QRXqrmObndE/Tfaa1Gxyk8I/AAAAAAAAHVI/g1O5AR6WN5M/P6080021_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6080021" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Diane, Mo and Marilyn sitting down to eat.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sXhrBVW8ZKg/Tfaa2ZvvIUI/AAAAAAAAHVM/iDLQWwaRr_4/s1600-h/P60800222.jpg"><img alt="P6080022" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ppZe5G_vN4A/Tfaa3YGKORI/AAAAAAAAHVQ/OrlS0bjkwU0/P6080022_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6080022" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">One more picture before we all dig in!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XtrmRrPMEr4/TfabJI-XWZI/AAAAAAAAHVU/jqojIxyhs3I/s1600-h/P60800252.jpg"><img alt="P6080025" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-F3YTD2GmdN0/TfabKFzDIdI/AAAAAAAAHVY/NW0s5cziZ5Y/P6080025_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6080025" width="244" /></a><br />
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We left Bay Springs Marina shortly after 9:00 a.m. Thursday and made our way to Aqua Yacht Harbor on Pickwick Lake where we pumped out the holding tanks before pulling into another covered slip about five hours later.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Bill captains “Life’s2Short” as Marilyn enjoys the view.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Todd and Bill on the flybridge.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pgjw-KHmnh0/TfabSpnPlhI/AAAAAAAAHVk/itO0VDUs-9Q/s1600-h/P60900292.jpg"><img alt="P6090029" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-s0mGrDnLjIU/TfabX66MrgI/AAAAAAAAHVo/cIjmcVq0aYs/P6090029_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6090029" width="244" /></a><br />
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Since the motor home was only about ten minutes from Aqua Yacht, Bill & Marilyn decided to move their personal belongings back to the motor home at Pickwick Landing State Park so that Todd & I could have our bedroom back. While they were doing that, we visited with our friend Kelly who had stopped by in his Bayliner to say hello.<br />
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Bill & Marilyn returned about 6:00 p.m. to take us out to dinner. Unfortunately, we chose Freddy T’s and had a very disappointing, yet pricey, meal. After dinner we went back to the motor home to play a couple of games of Skip-Bo before taking the Jeep back to Aqua Yacht that evening.<br />
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Friday morning we picked Bill & Marilyn up at the motor home and drove to Corinth, MS to get Bill’s dog Ginger who had been in a kennel there since Monday. After a little shopping we returned to the boat and Bill & Marilyn took Ginger back to the motor home, returning at 5:00 p.m. for cocktails and dinner. A short time later, our friend Bud, a.k.a. the Iceman, stopped by on his Sea Doo to say hello.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Greetings, Iceman! Some things never change!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GWLRPMRN_UY/TfabZoRRj5I/AAAAAAAAHVs/FAuXf9ZRFL0/s1600-h/P61000312.jpg"><img alt="P6100031" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mVkgpJlQlIs/Tfabac10OvI/AAAAAAAAHVw/lwegHMQ-7Jo/P6100031_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6100031" width="244" /></a><br />
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After dinner we played two more games of Skip-Bo and were now tied 2-2, guys versus gals.<br />
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Bill & Marilyn came over at 10:00 a.m. Saturday for a late breakfast and then we drove over to Bud’s house to borrow his pontoon so we could spend the afternoon touring the lake. One of the places we went is called Whetstone which has a grotto that Todd, Marilyn and Ginger swam and hiked in to see while Bill and I manned the pontoon.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Marilyn and Ginger hiking up to the grotto.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NcjBHacg2Lk/TfabcBjEmcI/AAAAAAAAHV0/HZoic7rOQ1k/s1600-h/P61100322.jpg"><img alt="P6110032" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-P-rIbZweZhM/TfabdMoSD0I/AAAAAAAAHV4/uWbo4_1P3qU/P6110032_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6110032" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-L-4b1CGil3U/TfabfkcDuQI/AAAAAAAAHV8/K8yxBZtx8zQ/s1600-h/P61100342.jpg"><img alt="P6110034" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-24ANfA1Tj2c/Tfabj5jvT6I/AAAAAAAAHWA/T0DUe0IaccM/P6110034_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6110034" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Looking back toward the pontoon from the grotto.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-csPs2ZE-EPo/TfablusLVgI/AAAAAAAAHWE/z4TjsMU1NvQ/s1600-h/P61100382.jpg"><img alt="P6110038" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CN7_ZlUaWts/TfabmTSAKsI/AAAAAAAAHWI/PX6TuNEFcyA/P6110038_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6110038" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Marilyn and Ginger posing behind the waterfall.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-A9u-nVYa0C0/TfabpGjjNlI/AAAAAAAAHWM/g5OwM1DqW3k/s1600-h/P61100372.jpg"><img alt="P6110037" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xJjr-gwwyKo/Tfabp4NN1RI/AAAAAAAAHWQ/r9VWJm8BOTs/P6110037_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6110037" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Not bad for a 79-year-old, huh?</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5bnAhrMvCrM/TfabsKp3N2I/AAAAAAAAHWU/TCaxYp1xDhg/s1600-h/P61100392.jpg"><img alt="P6110039" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Yf9KsNreQ-s/TfabtCAuGuI/AAAAAAAAHWY/uXFfw27_uTY/P6110039_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6110039" width="244" /></a><br />
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What a fun day on the water! Thanks Bud-man for so generously offering the use of your pontoon. We very much appreciate it!<br />
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After returning the pontoon to Bud’s boat house, we stopped back at the motor home to change clothes and then went to a Mexican restaurant called Nuevo Vallarta’s for a very good dinner and a round of margaritas.<br />
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On Sunday Todd cleaned on the boat all morning while I made potato salad and banana cream pie to take to Bud’s that evening. Bill cooked up a mess of ribs before leaving Colorado and we wanted to share them with Bud at his home Sunday evening, accompanied by Marilyn’s famous Texas baked beans, one of Todd’s favorites.<br />
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Bill & Marilyn came over about 2:00 p.m. and we played the Skip-Bo rubber match, which the girls won hands-down thanks to a run of bad luck that the guys just couldn’t overcome. Then we headed to Bud’s for a wonderful meal and a fun evening at Bud’s beautiful home, aptly named “Our Sunset Point of View.”<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Ribs, anyone?</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-k1RflrQGuO4/TfabvDnAD2I/AAAAAAAAHWc/WdHb-vZ2Wso/s1600-h/P61200012.jpg"><img alt="P6120001" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sJEMcGtJlaA/Tfaby0HYKiI/AAAAAAAAHWg/LYcS9yUNkFU/P6120001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6120001" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Having a nice visit with Bud.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HSB9ARczidM/Tfab2Kr6RPI/AAAAAAAAHWk/6f9VPLj4h7s/s1600-h/P61200042.jpg"><img alt="P6120004" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6Yn2hNHIEVQ/Tfab4sMZX0I/AAAAAAAAHWo/yNqibQ2rx84/P6120004_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6120004" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Hv0j-rTfRCc/Tfab7PNgy_I/AAAAAAAAHWs/w9dFIw18JMI/s1600-h/P61200052.jpg"><img alt="P6120005" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6TnoJgmBHUU/Tfab-fw6EXI/AAAAAAAAHWw/bo_wZIveZmg/P6120005_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6120005" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-l4NmJPACJU4/TfacB0i5kzI/AAAAAAAAHW0/0HnfX7Svhx0/s1600-h/P61200072.jpg"><img alt="P6120007" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hqByeWYuNzw/TfacFGFScQI/AAAAAAAAHW4/_Sddtjl1RkA/P6120007_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6120007" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-51kbgSvyoC0/TfacHsHXWII/AAAAAAAAHW8/G-GDeSU193M/s1600-h/P61200102.jpg"><img alt="P6120010" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vunCShI0ru0/TfacJvW4V0I/AAAAAAAAHXA/KS8n-Aqmkus/P6120010_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6120010" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Looking across the lake at sunset from “Our Sunset Point of View.”</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--OQsfjn0dU8/TfacNDYse1I/AAAAAAAAHXE/IrwyY_Pe8Ic/s1600-h/P61200092.jpg"><img alt="P6120009" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gvVv0y8x4Cg/TfacR_eCbsI/AAAAAAAAHXI/gilpGownqJE/P6120009_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6120009" width="244" /></a><br />
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We said our good-byes to Bill & Marilyn Sunday evening when they dropped us off at Aqua Yacht Harbor before heading back to the motor home. They will work their way back to Colorado over the next several days, visiting friends along the way.<br />
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Today is Monday, June 13th, and Todd is working diligently to get the boat ready for a potential buyer who is flying up from Ft. Myers Beach on Thursday. Unfortunately, that means we are essentially dock-bound until after his visit. But if all goes as planned, we should be in our place at the Waterfall by next weekend. And we are both very much looking forward to that!Todd and Brenda Lanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01540907378242980852noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27829931.post-25604823101745529102011-06-07T22:15:00.000-04:002011-06-07T22:15:01.029-04:00<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Demopolis to Bay Springs Lake</span></strong><br />
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On Sunday, May 29th, we left the Demopolis Yacht Basin and traveled seven hours (55 miles and one lock) to Sumter Landing where we were anchored by 5:30 p.m. It was another hot day but that isn’t going to change anytime soon according to the forecast.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Beautiful chalk cliffs line this section of the Waterway.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SiMeVve-ZGE/Te7YyK8rZGI/AAAAAAAAHRM/GAMa7ZOeRUw/s1600-h/P52900652.jpg"><img alt="P5290065" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lvv_aCoTjLI/Te7Yyxcfb7I/AAAAAAAAHRQ/03fbuMgFeZg/P5290065_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5290065" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Nothing like a sand volleyball game on Memorial weekend.</span><br />
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<img alt="P5290067" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-APrQFxtQw4k/Te7YzpjT5VI/AAAAAAAAHRU/xvFsFej1NrY/P5290067_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5290067" width="244" /><br />
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Todd went fishing early Tuesday morning, returning about 10:30. Fred from the Yacht Basin called about 30 minutes later to ask if we wanted to take “Life’s2Short” downriver a few miles to assist a grounded boat. We were a bit leery about attempting that but we said we’d go down in the dinghy to assess the situation.<br />
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When we arrived, a very large trawler named “Nauti Time” was already in the process of pulling a very large go-fast boat (a Lazzara) named “Lovin’ Life” off the mud. They had apparently been running quite fast when they missed a red daymark, failed to turn to port and ran straight ahead into some very shallow water. And you could tell they were hard aground based on how high the stern of the boat was in the water. Bet they weren't "Lovin' Life" much at that point!<br />
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To complicate matters further, the boat is equipped with four pods which allow the operator to easily maneuver it in any direction using what is essentially a joystick. As a result, they didn’t want to pull the boat backward for fear of damaging the pods so they were trying to pull it free using lines tied to the bow rather than the stern, a much more difficult task.<br />
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One of the crew of “Lovin’ Life” was in the water and had been swimming lines between the boats, which was a good, long distance. During the first attempt to loosen the boat from the mud, one of the lines snapped and had to be replaced with a heavier line. So we assisted the two boats by ferrying lines between them. After applying a <em>huge</em> amount of horsepower to the task, “Nauti Time” was able to pull the Lazzara around and back into deeper water. There’s no way we could’ve done that with “Life’s2Short” and I wouldn’t even have attempted it!<br />
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We hung around to make sure there was no major damage to the Lazzara, and our efforts were rewarded with a nice bottle of Moet & Chandon Imperial champagne. Everything on “Lovin’ Life” seemed to be functioning properly so off they went, throwing a wake the size of a healthy ocean roller! Unfortunately, the Captain didn’t have his camera with him to document any of this but it was quite a spectacle to witness!<br />
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About 2:00 that afternoon a Defever named “Just Us II” came into the anchorage. Todd had briefly met the couple at the Yacht Basin in Demopolis and knew they were planning to anchor at Sumter for the night. A couple of hours later we dinghied over to the courtesy dock by the launch ramp in search of shade as it was too hot to stay on the boat any longer.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Another tow and barges heading up the Tenn-Tom.</span><br />
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<img alt="P5300070" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6YdASTIWQ68/Te7Y0bAzJpI/AAAAAAAAHRY/FIyjRmdJ1Ok/P5300070_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5300070" width="244" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Our anchorage at Sumter Landing.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--TJvqgQH5pc/Te7Y1t7Kp6I/AAAAAAAAHRc/7CQI-XAArnU/s1600-h/P53000732.jpg"><img alt="P5300073" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-L09YbC46LOg/Te7Y2X8Q4tI/AAAAAAAAHRg/6gUZEouZBrc/P5300073_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5300073" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Todd went fishing again early Tuesday and caught enough bass for dinner.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5cFsvBgrNNg/Te7Y3TQg4BI/AAAAAAAAHRk/8BtjFa1Loms/s1600-h/P53100752.jpg"><img alt="P5310075" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WxAts_mtrXI/Te7Y4Z9fL0I/AAAAAAAAHRo/JGlz6fVxrE0/P5310075_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5310075" width="244" /></a><br />
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We left the anchorage before 10:00 a.m. and covered 48 miles with one lock to stop at the Hairston Bend Cut-Off for the evening. Even though it was still quite warm, we at least had a light north breeze while traveling. After a quiet day on the water, we were anchored by 4:00 p.m. and again took the dinghy out in search of shade.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">I know you can’t really see them, but this mimosa tree was covered with butterflies!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MX-IxT_cIRE/Te7Y513uzdI/AAAAAAAAHRs/lRyLGXWHc5Q/s1600-h/P53100792.jpg"><img alt="P5310079" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-y9u1YSt_b4E/Te7Y6hFG0_I/AAAAAAAAHRw/bSAVA29CiGk/P5310079_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5310079" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Todd thinks maybe this is about the size of the stump we hit below the Demopolis lock a few weeks ago. I think not!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Bj-FeDm5pDI/Te7Y7h6ks8I/AAAAAAAAHR0/uqqZ6rGUinA/s1600-h/P53100812.jpg"><img alt="P5310081" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-e4RB1GQq8Xk/Te7Y8TKwZcI/AAAAAAAAHR4/jJRrRLBOgYg/P5310081_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5310081" width="244" /></a><br />
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On Wednesday, June 1st, we were off by 9:00 a.m. with another 48 miles to cover, plus two locks and a stop at Columbus Marina for some ice. Fortunately, we had the north breeze again and found afternoon and evening shade at our anchorage at the Canal Section Cut-Off at mile 366.3.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This dredge was operating at mile 366, just south of our anchorage.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kavaicGvbNs/Te7Y9sVj-MI/AAAAAAAAHR8/CEUZIKXQaXQ/s1600-h/P60100832.jpg"><img alt="P6010083" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-M7q3Ph2_3w4/Te7Y-ED-NPI/AAAAAAAAHSA/STKxAMcIYNw/P6010083_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6010083" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1LL34Zve5oo/Te7Y_qqCqEI/AAAAAAAAHSE/tyUZjMKiWNY/s1600-h/P60100852.jpg"><img alt="P6010085" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Cu0d4wpbWnk/Te7ZAXyv1BI/AAAAAAAAHSI/n_DrD4XMaW8/P6010085_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6010085" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">We love finding a sandy beach to pull up on for the evening!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VOvIdQz2EEQ/Te7ZBVlq_qI/AAAAAAAAHSM/9DTlUZc3bIE/s1600-h/P60100862.jpg"><img alt="P6010086" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qqA8Z1Wzva8/Te7ZCV693sI/AAAAAAAAHSQ/2XFwDRZShKo/P6010086_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6010086" width="244" /></a><br />
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By Thursday we’d had enough of the heat and decided to go to a marina for the evening. We took off about 8:00 a.m. with 28 miles and three locks to go to reach Midway Marina at mile 394. We arrived at 12:30, pumped out the holding tanks and attempted to relax in the air conditioning all afternoon. However, with the intense heat and lack of shade at the marina, the A/C could only do so much. But it was still much nicer than being outside! That evening we ate at the marina restaurant and took the courtesy van to the Wal-Mart in nearby Fulton to get a few supplies.<br />
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Friday we were underway by 9:30 a.m. and were through the final three locks and 18 miles of the Tenn-Tom within three hours.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Approaching the final lock on the Tenn-Tom.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TBemJJtbiBs/Te7ZDbPYJ6I/AAAAAAAAHSU/XWy5roiBOx8/s1600-h/P60300922.jpg"><img alt="P6030092" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kfmkZ4HHkYE/Te7ZEOkqXqI/AAAAAAAAHSY/etPT6BS6e_c/P6030092_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6030092" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">There were hundreds of swallow’s nests beneath the stairs outside the lock chamber.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PLofwbeZZX8/Te7ZFEJkzpI/AAAAAAAAHSc/5xsafRcDehY/s1600-h/P60300972.jpg"><img alt="P6030097" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QqDqbL_tax4/Te7ZFz3c-DI/AAAAAAAAHSg/S1Hwcy7VknU/P6030097_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6030097" width="244" /></a><br />
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Just as we were entering Whitten Lock for the 84-foot lift to Bay Springs Lake, a tow arrived to be locked down. We’re assuming the lockmaster must have been in a hurry to lock us up because he had that thing in full gear when it was filling, which caused our bow to slam into the lock wall so hard that the ball fenders were flattened and the stainless steel rail on the bow actually hit the lock wall! Plus Todd & I were both on the bow pushing against the lock wall as hard as we could and we weren’t able to budge it. After this happened a couple of times, Todd got on the radio and told the lockmaster he was killing us and to please slow it down! Not a good way to end our seventh time completing the twelve locks on the Tenn-Tom, often referred to as “the dirty dozen.”<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The last of the dirty dozen.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fz8KRHHZqHw/Te7ZGjSWUQI/AAAAAAAAHSk/JrAMt34KXOw/s1600-h/P60300992.jpg"><img alt="P6030099" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UCBrrt84Xdk/Te7ZHRN92RI/AAAAAAAAHSo/NwGkQiQG8BM/P6030099_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6030099" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HMlqpswsUOE/Te7ZIaPlxfI/AAAAAAAAHSs/jdVXWoiLmE8/s1600-h/P60300982.jpg"><img alt="P6030098" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kueFU3Sfe60/Te7ZI8s-47I/AAAAAAAAHSw/1JFUG7GvnDQ/P6030098_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6030098" width="184" /></a><br />
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We made our way up the lake a few miles to Five Fingers Cove where we found a nice place to get out of the afternoon sun and spend time in the clear (if not cool) water of Bay Springs. We were hoping the water would be cooler once we reached Bay Springs but it was still nearly 90 degrees!<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7Pla4WWh_5g/Te7ZKBsThnI/AAAAAAAAHS0/MJpmi67OndI/s1600-h/P60401092.jpg"><img alt="P6040109" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-o9huFiJUaJU/Te7ZLP9sPbI/AAAAAAAAHS4/aZfG1Sn-kQw/P6040109_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6040109" width="244" /></a><br />
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That evening we joined Hank & Nancy on “Last Laugh” for dinner. They had already spent a few days exploring Bay Springs and were heading to Pickwick the next morning to have some work done on one of their generators. While we were talking that evening, Hank told Todd they would love another mess of bass so Todd got up early Saturday morning and caught them enough for another meal.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RYYY4ueB4F4/Te7ZMnzd9II/AAAAAAAAHS8/_99XtvfWMto/s1600-h/P60301012.jpg"><img alt="P6030101" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Fki-Hs1aEdI/Te7ZNWlFveI/AAAAAAAAHTA/bCRtpKmKFTg/P6030101_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6030101" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Nancy has a knack for growing the most amazing orchids I’ve ever seen!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Us8IBLNAsS4/Te7ZOgJdaBI/AAAAAAAAHTE/1UZ95WO2lH4/s1600-h/P60301022.jpg"><img alt="P6030102" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wBH_lzw4Fmg/Te7ZPbr1tCI/AAAAAAAAHTI/RpEjlXap9TQ/P6030102_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6030102" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zc_wig9QkI0/Te7ZQsRyRDI/AAAAAAAAHTM/s6jQA1rRx4I/s1600-h/P60301082.jpg"><img alt="P6030108" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3WZ0bu7WyaA/Te7ZRQZ8AuI/AAAAAAAAHTQ/SyLESgCaY5o/P6030108_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6030108" width="244" /></a><br />
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We spent a hot, but quiet, day on the boat Saturday and then took the dinghy out exploring around 6:00 p.m. It’s amazing how many nice, shady, private coves there are in the Five Fingers area. And we saw the biggest bald eagle we’ve ever seen anywhere. What a wonderful place!<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wxzy__NnMp8/Te7ZSDGwZ5I/AAAAAAAAHTU/-kSNKWCCmAY/s1600-h/P60401112.jpg"><img alt="P6040111" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8LfZFhOHCIU/Te7ZSzTSVQI/AAAAAAAAHTY/xRZPUqSsas0/P6040111_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P6040111" width="244" /></a><br />
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After another early morning fishing trip which netted three more bass to fillet, we headed to Bay Springs Marina where we pulled into a covered slip and proceeded to do some much-needed cleaning. Even though the boat had been washed a few days before we left Demopolis, you couldn’t tell it by the time we reached Bay Springs!<br />
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Our long-time friend Mo, off the motor vessel “MOTU,” stopped by to visit and, as she said, supervise our cleaning efforts! Then she and Todd sat on the dock and had a couple of Bloody Mary’s while I had a few cold beers on the bow. After resting in the air conditioning the remainder of the afternoon, we got together on the dock that evening with Mo, Chuck & Pip (off “Miss Pip”) and some other dock friends we hadn’t met before.<br />
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I am ending this blog update the morning of June 6th. Todd’s parents arrived early Monday afternoon and will be on the boat with us for a week. Plans are to spend a few more days at Bay Springs before making the trek to Pickwick where we hope to find another covered slip waiting for us at Aqua Yacht Harbor. In this heat, anchoring out is just not a viable option with company on board.Todd and Brenda Lanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01540907378242980852noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27829931.post-32586684442334512722011-05-29T10:58:00.001-04:002011-05-29T11:00:25.301-04:00<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Hanging at the Demopolis Yacht Basin</span></strong><br />
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On Monday, May 16th, Todd had “Life’s2Short” hauled out of the water after lunch to try to determine why water was leaking into the bilge. We hit a waterlogged tree a few hours south of Demopolis Friday morning but everything continued to sound good and run fine so we didn’t think too much about it. Then over the weekend Todd discovered water in the bilge, and even though he kept vacuuming it out, it continued to slowly accumulate. After searching the bottom of the boat, we finally found small chunk of fiberglass missing from the bottom of the keel and decided that must be the cause. But it wasn’t.<br />
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Tuesday morning water was still leaking into the bilge – and we were on the hard so it couldn’t be seeping in from the keel! Todd began exploring other possibilities and finally found a drip coming from the bottom of one of the water tanks under the aft stateroom bed. We drained the tank, lifted it out and found a tiny gash in the stainless steel. We’re guessing it must have been an imperfection in the stainless steel. But whatever the cause, Todd repaired the gash, got the tank put back in and had the aft stateroom put back together before 5:00 p.m., which made the Admiral happy!<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_M1g8rovNc0/TeJc9O9I_6I/AAAAAAAAHNM/BaJ6PS-TpLA/s1600-h/P51700032.jpg"><img alt="P5170003" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-60NmcwMsOlA/TeJc9eNGiZI/AAAAAAAAHNQ/878uL0e2eRQ/P5170003_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5170003" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">All that trouble for a tiny little gash!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tluiHJMEXVg/TeJc98ewDDI/AAAAAAAAHNU/j7JuTSzbbnA/s1600-h/P51700012.jpg"><img alt="P5170001" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JBKUuWS3vD4/TeJc-ZXWMRI/AAAAAAAAHNY/QR9MTFnk_ik/P5170001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5170001" width="244" /></a><br />
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By Wednesday the fiberglass on the keel was repaired and it was time to start applying coats of barrier and bottom paint. Thursday was Mike’s (“Dual Dreams”) birthday so nine of us from the Yacht Basin went to a Mexican restaurant called Las Fuentes for a celebratory lunch.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TTMQemA5Ths/TeJc-zhsl9I/AAAAAAAAHNc/YWY3O9EhDuk/s1600-h/P51900042.jpg"><img alt="P5190004" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-g6mgc8WUNMo/TeJc_ZEG3wI/AAAAAAAAHNg/d3bbh4l2pdM/P5190004_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5190004" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Cheers, Mike & Harriet!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yW-M6YARFZQ/TeJc_z69DjI/AAAAAAAAHNk/dQlehnpO-wU/s1600-h/P51900062.jpg"><img alt="P5190006" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-D_SbHXLF9k0/TeJdAL3-vWI/AAAAAAAAHNo/62_EIQa-Q5Q/P5190006_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5190006" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The birthday boy got hit in the mouth with a mound of whipped cream!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XguPYEbRoP8/TeJdBYqtylI/AAAAAAAAHNs/S0UwH0dW5a8/s1600-h/P51900072.jpg"><img alt="P5190007" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QfKvJzXQV4U/TeJdBkmUU8I/AAAAAAAAHNw/xwGUlOzwKKw/P5190007_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5190007" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">And Maria was the culprit.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ol0r2vyhFbc/TeJdCO_SnFI/AAAAAAAAHN0/WNgrLBx3U6M/s1600-h/P51900102.jpg"><img alt="P5190010" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ol7NfaWXVcY/TeJdCXwMvjI/AAAAAAAAHN4/zqzJc7oQcJE/P5190010_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5190010" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Happy birthday, Mike!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-W4RFhyrPqa0/TeJdCyiYCpI/AAAAAAAAHN8/Av42AudwH3Q/s1600-h/P51900122.jpg"><img alt="P5190012" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Q6f-dy0npGo/TeJdDCcriUI/AAAAAAAAHOA/HUEKPRI5R3I/P5190012_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5190012" width="244" /></a><br />
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That evening we met at The Wall and continued the celebration by playing the dice game Left Center Right for several hours, starting with quarters and graduating to dollars. Todd & I did not fare well and ended up indebted to both “Blue Heron” and “Dual Dreams!”<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HcSrJuLb-VY/TeJdDht6sKI/AAAAAAAAHOE/b59pfbvAua8/s1600-h/P51900152.jpg"><img alt="P5190015" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-T91rSpxZe3c/TeJdENB7TKI/AAAAAAAAHOI/_mgDSR5jTJ0/P5190015_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5190015" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Our I.O.U. sheet detailing our indebtedness.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iAWd_jwWLcw/TeJdEpC3m4I/AAAAAAAAHOM/kGo9lPoxCac/s1600-h/P51900192.jpg"><img alt="P5190019" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7Y_A39BwbUg/TeJdFJZkKRI/AAAAAAAAHOQ/NP-pBWTNQkc/P5190019_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5190019" width="244" /></a><br />
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The final coats of bottom paint were applied Friday morning and “Life’s2Short” was put back in the water Friday afternoon just as Hank & Nancy on “Last Laugh” pulled in to the Yacht Basin. You may recall our last encounter with “Last Laugh” was in Apalachicola eating oysters after the Gulf crossing. At any rate, after a stop at the fuel dock to pump out the holding tanks and take on $1,200 of fuel – ouch! – we went out for a short test run to make sure everything was operating properly, and it was. We then returned to our slip on B dock where Mike was again waiting to catch a line. A trip to The Wall was in order to celebrate being back in the water!<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8hmc6eJP4jg/TeJdFpH2y5I/AAAAAAAAHOU/oPVSJuRsn0M/s1600-h/P52000212.jpg"><img alt="P5200021" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-V8EhXiZ1yR0/TeJdGBw6zWI/AAAAAAAAHOY/GP-1p2wxy04/P5200021_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5200021" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GXkxLy6HsxQ/TeJdG9n_HqI/AAAAAAAAHOc/KCh_sftDDS4/s1600-h/P52000202.jpg"><img alt="P5200020" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-r2w1waWp-c0/TeJdHB_u5CI/AAAAAAAAHOg/bWZyEzPfIVU/P5200020_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5200020" width="244" /></a><br />
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Saturday we had plans to show the boat to a couple from nearby Prattville, AL. Guy & Vickie arrived shortly after 11:00 a.m. and we spent several hours showing them “Life’s2Short” and talking about the live-aboard lifestyle in general. Guy & Vickie plan to become full-time cruisers soon and they had a lot of questions, which we were more than happy to answer. Then they treated us to lunch at the New Orleans Bar & Grill. Thanks, Guy & Vickie, and good luck with your upcoming adventure! Let us know if you decide you want “Life’s2Short” to be your home on the water. She will make you a good one!<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wqpNvaOlh9c/TeJdH2HGHxI/AAAAAAAAHOk/Eo88qH6TwTY/s1600-h/P52100222.jpg"><img alt="P5210022" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-maQvrNBe3zU/TeJdIAaaSFI/AAAAAAAAHOo/RdJzV-fHZgY/P5210022_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5210022" width="244" /></a><br />
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We made a quick run to town to get steaks, potatoes, salad, etc., for a cookout at Rick & Peggy’s Sunday evening and then met up with Hank & Nancy who had invited us to celebrate Nancy’s birthday over dinner Saturday evening. Nancy had her heart set on margaritas so we went back to Las Fuentes where we celebrated Mike’s birthday on Thursday.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Happy birthday, Nancy!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ySUMB6mbIW0/TeJdI1tcwbI/AAAAAAAAHOs/tq0bcn_zr_o/s1600-h/P52100252.jpg"><img alt="P5210025" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aoJP8s44VyA/TeJdJDLlboI/AAAAAAAAHOw/kmR3IxAUeyg/P5210025_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5210025" width="244" /></a><br />
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Early Sunday morning Todd went over to help Rick cut wood for a campfire by the river that evening and also to do some bass fishing. Hank & Nancy had expressed an interest in having some fresh bass so Todd told them he would catch them some, and he did.<br />
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We spent a quiet afternoon on the boat before going over to Rick & Peggy’s to grill steaks Sunday evening. We had picked up ribeye for the guys and filet mignon for the girls at the meat market in town which is known for its quality beef. And Rick grilled it to perfection! Most people have seen the Ruth Chris posters and billboards featuring the thick, perfectly cooked filet mignon. Well, that’s how our steaks looked and they practically melted in our mouths. Truly excellent, Rick! Or is it Mr. Chris?<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-umKsXjQgeOc/TeJdJ_-CfTI/AAAAAAAAHO0/i26RHKgJhUY/s1600-h/P52200272.jpg"><img alt="P5220027" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kMj-dxOQhgQ/TeJdKNK4g4I/AAAAAAAAHO4/S_JvgkHzQUw/P5220027_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5220027" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">What a beautiful view!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hZz62-rhk3U/TeJdK_I0GnI/AAAAAAAAHO8/SlhXhE4rio0/s1600-h/P52200262.jpg"><img alt="P5220026" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mf3X05tm9Wo/TeJdLL7En3I/AAAAAAAAHPA/cyHSt77SAtM/P5220026_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5220026" width="244" /></a><br />
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After dinner Rick lit the campfire and we sat down by the river. Once our meal had settled a bit, Peggy brought out all the fixings for s’mores. Thanks for a great evening, guys, we really enjoyed it!<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Gmt2xKDx_nc/TeJdLqgeMiI/AAAAAAAAHPE/rkLUbOS9eHs/s1600-h/P52200282.jpg"><img alt="P5220028" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KYIU5x6k6tE/TeJdL_4zCaI/AAAAAAAAHPI/rKDZHR_Dz5w/P5220028_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5220028" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qrPioRc3hWQ/TeJdMoLSHXI/AAAAAAAAHPM/7S5jb8Jkz5w/s1600-h/P52200342.jpg"><img alt="P5220034" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LZQfk3rZDW8/TeJdM2YkKUI/AAAAAAAAHPQ/2KxlvMhjEE8/P5220034_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5220034" width="244" /></a><br />
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Todd and Rick went fishing again early Monday morning. Can you tell that the Captain has missed bass fishing? But he hasn’t lost his touch. He caught a limit of keepers and sent them home with Rick.<br />
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The rest of Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday were pretty much the same. The Captain went fishing each morning while I did various things around the boat. Then he would tackle a few boat projects before kicking back to enjoy the air conditioning. With temperatures consistently in the 90’s, we haven’t been spending much time outdoors in the afternoons.<br />
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Wednesday afternoon Fred took us on a tour of the soon-to-be-open Kingfisher Bay Marina. Fred manages the Demopolis Yacht Basin for the Marengo County Port Authority and is in charge of designing and building the new marina, which he will own and run. He has been a very busy man, but soon his efforts will begin to pay off.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The view of the new marina from the back of the dry storage lot.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-62_AKlXlQlo/TeJdNZaTZFI/AAAAAAAAHPU/R5pBS80VVdg/s1600-h/P5250039%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P5250039" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lDCsy9lWkko/TeJdNn961dI/AAAAAAAAHPY/PilNJ9AnD3Q/P5250039_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5250039" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Boating over to the docks with Dale & Joy (left) and Fred & Kim (right).</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-a_UEGwP3vK0/TeJdOLCIGUI/AAAAAAAAHPc/RqHj6q-PTjU/s1600-h/P5250040%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P5250040" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lNaR9rCbarw/TeJdOSS5t5I/AAAAAAAAHPg/JWtKtKbHvpQ/P5250040_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5250040" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Fred shows off his state of the art dockside pump-out system.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FhFrUgrsH2E/TeJdPLC26RI/AAAAAAAAHPk/B3hca1axfGY/s1600-h/P5250042%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P5250042" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VcCiUhuZ1Uo/TeJdPci1NUI/AAAAAAAAHPo/U-uZXYHSmPY/P5250042_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5250042" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Nice docks!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8jUFAV5B-Us/TeJdPx2SWwI/AAAAAAAAHPs/o-afOW1nD7g/s1600-h/P5250044%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P5250044" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8OnRLLQwtyA/TeJdQEz09PI/AAAAAAAAHPw/DKwtxKu7B7o/P5250044_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5250044" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pnRr2rrVlLo/TeJdQgLD59I/AAAAAAAAHP0/Rza-4XW81gA/s1600-h/P5250047%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P5250047" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-K4UQTIA7Sso/TeJdQ1NDxZI/AAAAAAAAHP4/zHaG8Ze5mqE/P5250047_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5250047" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8ZVxGsPO8eQ/TeJdRnz5hzI/AAAAAAAAHP8/j4SX4dFpplA/s1600-h/P5250045%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P5250045" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6HZNf2rMbsQ/TeJdR2MaWcI/AAAAAAAAHQA/sFSG3ApW5eg/P5250045_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5250045" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This will be the marina entrance from the Tenn-Tom.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zfNN6U_643U/TeJdSaBBSpI/AAAAAAAAHQE/-6kKlPrV3xU/s1600-h/P5250046%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P5250046" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SErdh_hJbNA/TeJdSvXqi7I/AAAAAAAAHQI/sE1SEmf_6O0/P5250046_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5250046" width="244" /></a><br />
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Thursday morning we borrowed Mike & Harriet’s van to do some shopping and run other errands. That afternoon a line of storms passed through and we finally got some rain. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to wash Wednesday night’s mayfly hatch off the boat! Thursday evening we joined Mike & Harriet at the New Orleans Bar & Grill for happy hour and dinner. And we got to see several of our favorite locals.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Look at all the mayflies on the New Orleans Bar & Grill!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ccYXXTQErUc/TeJdTPgK-EI/AAAAAAAAHQM/AmoLjNk2NQw/s1600-h/P5260049%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P5260049" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yOwsSMfcqWc/TeJdTUG_yvI/AAAAAAAAHQQ/wn52tW6G4IU/P5260049_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5260049" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Hanging at the bar.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8QsDjOAPrA0/TeJdUP-fxrI/AAAAAAAAHQU/slNjlO7mi0c/s1600-h/P5260051%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P5260051" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ruQ73oDAfeY/TeJdUdimD5I/AAAAAAAAHQY/U_OWUK4tqsg/P5260051_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5260051" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Admiral with Ed (left) and Cliff (right).</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6GNmItNSgaw/TeJdVEswXDI/AAAAAAAAHQc/llWupKXvKLY/s1600-h/P5260053%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P5260053" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-S2pHy_tYb6g/TeJdVTHdp2I/AAAAAAAAHQg/zhV-XQaf-v0/P5260053_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5260053" width="244" /></a><br />
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Friday afternoon we had a fish fry at the Boater’s Lounge for a group of us on B dock. Several bags of crappie were contributed and the Captain volunteered to fry the fish. Since we appeared to have plenty of fish, Todd also invited Jimmy and John, a couple of fishermen from Hattiesburg, MS, who were in town for a bass tournament on Saturday. Todd did a great job cooking the fish and everyone really enjoyed it.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2n9GUIZirU4/TeJdV8IQmBI/AAAAAAAAHQk/fW5Ula9jGxU/s1600-h/P5270056%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P5270056" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5HDIT0IKOyg/TeJdWLRDuVI/AAAAAAAAHQo/jFZRNZ74RLA/P5270056_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5270056" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eW9aQbwzdME/TeJdW8O7HrI/AAAAAAAAHQs/RHduOGegemE/s1600-h/P5270057%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P5270057" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hgfztcnBGJ4/TeJdXGh0UeI/AAAAAAAAHQw/bVdFoLThJ6k/P5270057_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5270057" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZShqZkBfuSk/TeJdXl5vLtI/AAAAAAAAHQ0/AVfYuZWBQng/s1600-h/P5270060%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P5270060" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2McBcgpAQ-I/TeJdYDY3KHI/AAAAAAAAHQ4/GGcbdHF6x-I/P5270060_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5270060" width="244" /></a><br />
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Saturday was our final day at the Yacht Basin and it was time to do laundry again. Oddly enough, we dirtied more clothes in the past two weeks than we did in the previous four weeks between St. Petersburg and Demopolis!<br />
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That afternoon Todd went to the weigh-in to see how Jimmy and John did in the bass tournament but they went home empty-handed.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Jimmy loaded up and ready to head back to Mississippi.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CnFmRHtHSnI/TeJdYlvx9bI/AAAAAAAAHQ8/kSywytMQarM/s1600-h/P5280061%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P5280061" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wegWlDGtkVs/TeJdY-UlFyI/AAAAAAAAHRA/4ykE9L4NbnE/P5280061_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5280061" width="244" /></a><br />
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We then wrapped up our day at The Wall with the crew from B dock. Have a great summer, guys, we’ll probably see you again this fall!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Jess with his cute little sidekick, Shark Bait.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dInCFB6IzXI/TeJdZfeiigI/AAAAAAAAHRE/ourbaL8ZEdA/s1600-h/P5290063%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P5290063" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wc-IsPG_vrk/TeJdZrtAqlI/AAAAAAAAHRI/FIZpsX2tQUQ/P5290063_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5290063" width="244" /></a><br />
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Today is Sunday, May 29th, and we are getting ready to pull away from the dock. Our destination this evening is Sumter Landing, just above the Gainesville/Heflin Lock, a 55-mile day. And it’s going to be another hot one with temperatures in the mid-90’s. Goodbye, air conditioning, we’re gonna miss you!Todd and Brenda Lanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01540907378242980852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27829931.post-49162770741499804942011-05-16T13:09:00.000-04:002011-05-16T13:09:32.367-04:00<strong><span style="font-size: large;">From Saltwater to Freshwater - One More Time!</span></strong><br />
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On Saturday, May 7th, we left Little Sabine Bay at 10:30 a.m. and were anchored at Ingram Bayou by 2:00 p.m. After several days of virtually no boat traffic, we encountered considerable boat traffic along the way – and in Ingram Bayou. The locals were buzzing in and out, skiing, etc., with no concern for their wakes. Oh well, no harm done. After all, it is the weekend!<br />
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Late that afternoon we did a little dinghy exploring as far back in the bayou as we could go, which wasn’t very far! But it was interesting. We also dinghied along each side of the bayou, to the mouth and back, in search of a piece of beach big enough to build a fire on. But the only one we found didn’t have any wood on it or near it so we gave up and went back to the boat.<br />
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Sunday (Mother’s Day) we took the day off from traveling. Todd fished that morning and brought back enough sea trout for a nice meal. Other than the locals buzzing around again, we had a quiet, relaxing day on the the boat. Meanwhile, back in Missouri my younger brother has been busy mushroom-hunting. And he found quite a prize! We learned that his picture had been featured on the local news so we looked it up online and copied the photos.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Nice one, Jimmy! Way to go!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFSaNGlrrI/AAAAAAAAHJs/nPsrjIUx4yM/s1600-h/Jimmy22.jpg"><img alt="Jimmy2" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFSj5s01XI/AAAAAAAAHJw/5dld_OnRskA/Jimmy2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="Jimmy2" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFTJUh45MI/AAAAAAAAHJ0/r8StZh3zIhU/s1600-h/Jimmy2.jpg"><img alt="Jimmy" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFT2qNnZhI/AAAAAAAAHJ4/sqC3lM2fWNM/Jimmy_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="Jimmy" width="244" /></a><br />
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We were off by 8:00 Monday morning for a 60-mile day through Mobile Bay to the Tensaw River Cut-off. Along the way we stopped at The Wharf Marina to pump out the holding tanks, get ice and rinse some of the saltwater off the boat. We are SO looking forward to being in fresh water again!<br />
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It was very calm in Mobile Bay for the first few hours. Then the waves started to build. By the time we re-entered the ship channel, we had two- to three-foot rollers pushing us from behind! It was also very busy with commercial traffic around the downtown area, plus there was considerable debris in the water. Plenty to keep you on your toes!<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFUBzoeJfI/AAAAAAAAHJ8/PYm-I7cQnOg/s1600-h/P50900012.jpg"><img alt="P5090001" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFU95tlmpI/AAAAAAAAHKA/g-_3k8SB8s0/P5090001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5090001" width="244" /></a><br />
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By 4:30 we were happy to be anchored at the Tensaw River Cut-off with a nice breeze. Temperatures are definitely warming up. That evening we made the mistake of leaving our doors and windows open and ended up with several bloodthirsty visitors in the aft stateroom. Time to start shutting things up at dusk!<br />
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Tuesday morning was very foggy so we weren’t able to leave the anchorage until after 9:00. With the current against us, it took more than seven hours to cover 52 miles but we were anchored at Three Rivers Lake by 4:30. There was also a lot of barge traffic, mostly southbound. Did I mention it is warming up? Near 90 degrees with virtually no breeze.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This is the 14-mile railroad bridge. Looks like they are finally going to replace the old swing bridge with a new lift bridge.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFVM3uD9WI/AAAAAAAAHKE/QYhkBbP02cM/s1600-h/P51000022.jpg"><img alt="P5100002" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFVgjfcNMI/AAAAAAAAHKI/_x_CRhfnnQs/P5100002_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5100002" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">One of eight tows we saw on Tuesday.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFXvWFbBvI/AAAAAAAAHKM/udsQ4WeZpjo/s1600-h/P51000032.jpg"><img alt="P5100003" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFXwGd6yVI/AAAAAAAAHKQ/R2vd4IkaEwI/P5100003_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5100003" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This is the new railroad lift bridge, ap</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">parently being built six miles upriver at the I-65 bridge.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFXxNuMwOI/AAAAAAAAHKU/d6FeZrek3gw/s1600-h/P51000072.jpg"><img alt="P5100007" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFXx8i6qPI/AAAAAAAAHKY/ggZ0N2Xs9VA/P5100007_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5100007" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">I’ve always wondered how they inspect the underside of these tall bridges. Now I know!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFXyavnMwI/AAAAAAAAHKc/XjiOFxgR2d4/s1600-h/P51000092.jpg"><img alt="P5100009" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFXzbqYeVI/AAAAAAAAHKg/Slc_3cM5Zh4/P5100009_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5100009" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This is the Barry Steam Plant with its colorful red and white striped stacks.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFX05A6NYI/AAAAAAAAHKk/4S5_adVZQCg/s1600-h/P51000122.jpg"><img alt="P5100012" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFX1bToK8I/AAAAAAAAHKo/v2J1W5NPmjQ/P5100012_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5100012" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">After the recent flooding, washed-up buoys are a common sight along the shoreline.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFX2tqdhEI/AAAAAAAAHKs/VU5Gk07tyrc/s1600-h/P51000142.jpg"><img alt="P5100014" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFX3FVvp4I/AAAAAAAAHKw/dzDCBK2wiRo/P5100014_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5100014" width="244" /></a><br />
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We had more thick fog Wednesday morning but most of it had burned off by 8:30 so we headed out. We weren’t sure where we were going to anchor that evening but we decided to at least get through the Coffeeville Lock. It was a very quiet day on the water – no pleasure craft and only one tow – and we were able to lock through without delay.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFX3XTu2rI/AAAAAAAAHK0/6YG7lxXoka8/s1600-h/P51100152.jpg"><img alt="P5110015" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFX3_BWkNI/AAAAAAAAHK4/xwUTdniuHsg/P5110015_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5110015" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Lots of sandy beaches along this part of the waterway.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFX4oRO_WI/AAAAAAAAHK8/FZwZjlpqJeE/s1600-h/P51100172.jpg"><img alt="P5110017" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFX4wo2WbI/AAAAAAAAHLA/fEaN7Jr1b_E/P5110017_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5110017" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFX5vnOWnI/AAAAAAAAHLE/prb-5jrEXOc/s1600-h/P51100202.jpg"><img alt="P5110020" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFX6LUHiOI/AAAAAAAAHLI/wpiPCc_O8LE/P5110020_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5110020" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This is the only tow we saw on Wednesday.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFX6w1c-QI/AAAAAAAAHLM/cRfObFRKVGI/s1600-h/P51100182.jpg"><img alt="P5110018" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFX7WIJ5kI/AAAAAAAAHLQ/GcPQImjgcJg/P5110018_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5110018" width="244" /></a><br />
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At 4:30 we checked out the area just south of Bobby’s Fish Camp as a possible anchorage and found more than 30 feet of water 20 feet from shore! We also looked at Turkey Creek but decided against it. Okatuppa Creek was another possibility but by then we had decided to go as far as Bashi Creek, another 25 miles. We figured we could make it by 8:00 p.m. at the latest, which would give us just enough light (we hoped!).<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Beautiful scenery above the Coffeeville Lock.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFX8aLQyqI/AAAAAAAAHLU/R6smPeg7Kvs/s1600-h/P51100212.jpg"><img alt="P5110021" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFX9ENlUuI/AAAAAAAAHLY/BugJqEPTqnE/P5110021_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5110021" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFX-PhxNkI/AAAAAAAAHLc/uJ-mFAo4MkM/s1600-h/P51100262.jpg"><img alt="P5110026" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFX-zRI0HI/AAAAAAAAHLg/HUKvaYou0OI/P5110026_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5110026" width="244" /></a><br />
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In the end, though, after 71 miles and a lock over a ten-hour period, we stopped ten miles shy of Bashi Creek at Mile 135. As we rounded the bend at White’s Bluff, we saw a beautiful sandy area on the port side that was just too nice to pass up. So we turned around and came back to check it out and decided it would be perfect! We nosed in to the steep sandy bank, put the bow anchor in the sand, tossed a stern anchor off the swim platform and called it good!<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFYAAdCYPI/AAAAAAAAHLk/iQIeMAC5Bb4/s1600-h/P51200362.jpg"><img alt="P5120036" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFYBLgJIgI/AAAAAAAAHLo/miL-pJXdBoA/P5120036_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5120036" width="244" /></a><br />
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Within about 30 minutes, we heard “Final Fantasy” making its way up the river toward us. “Final Fantasy” is an 80+ foot houseboat that pulled in to Three Rivers Lake to anchor Tuesday evening. Todd hailed them on the radio and told them this was a great spot if they were interested. So they pulled in as well and we dinghied over to meet the four-man crew. As it turns out three of the guys are helping the owner, a builder for Fantasy Yachts, move the boat to Chattanooga.<br />
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After two mornings of dense fog, Thursday morning was clear and “Final Fantasy” left at first light, determined to reach Demopolis (81 miles and a lock) by evening. Todd heard them preparing to leave and went over to see them off. Unfortunately, he did not take a photo of the boat to share on the blog.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Another destroyed buoy. Very few are still in the river.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFYCLJ2uVI/AAAAAAAAHLs/yUaRsFiyPGw/s1600-h/P51200332.jpg"><img alt="P5120033" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFYDO-aOrI/AAAAAAAAHLw/4ujjnJo0ulM/P5120033_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5120033" width="244" /></a><br />
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We had planned to take the day off from traveling so we could enjoy the beautiful sand beach and have a nice fire that evening; however, Todd listened to the NOAA weather forecast just before noon and learned there was a chance of severe thunderstorms Thursday evening and Friday. So we decided it would be in our best interests to put some miles under the keel and try to get to Demopolis as soon as possible on Friday.<br />
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We traveled 53 miles between noon and 6:30 to drop the hook just off the waterway outside Chickasaw Bogue about Mile 188. It was an interesting anchorage and not one we would necessarily recommend, but our options were limited and we were out of the way of the tows, which is all that really matters!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Approaching Chickasaw Bogue in about five feet of water!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFYD5lZSTI/AAAAAAAAHL0/0Nf96frGUnM/s1600-h/P51200062.jpg"><img alt="P5120006" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFYFVXaf7I/AAAAAAAAHL4/AeYz71WzyvQ/P5120006_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5120006" width="244" /></a><br />
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Before we reached Chickasaw Bogue, we passed through an area where you could clearly see evidence of at least one of the many tornadoes that devastated parts of Alabama in late April. This swath is pretty minor compared to the destruction in many areas and especially around Tuscaloosa.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFYGZO5IgI/AAAAAAAAHL8/uaxGpEali3c/s1600-h/P51200012.jpg"><img alt="P5120001" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFYG8HEbKI/AAAAAAAAHMA/EF3bgyo-baY/P5120001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5120001" width="244" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFYIYuqKfI/AAAAAAAAHME/WBeNq6RNE5A/s1600-h/P51200022.jpg"><img alt="P5120002" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFYJeMfl2I/AAAAAAAAHMI/0ajlHidM9qE/P5120002_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5120002" width="244" /></a><br />
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Thursday night remained storm-free. Friday we were underway by 7:45 a.m. with 25 miles to go to reach the Demopolis Lock and another three to reach the Demopolis Yacht Basin. While we were in the lock waiting to be lifted, the lockmaster told Todd that it takes an amazing <em>21 million</em> gallons of water to fill the lock. And it only lifts 40 feet as compared to Whitten Lock at Bay Springs Lake which lifts 84 feet!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Approaching the Demopolis Lock & Dam.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFYKT2rU_I/AAAAAAAAHMM/1-LGfkq3P1I/s1600-h/P51300092.jpg"><img alt="P5130009" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFYLiWf5pI/AAAAAAAAHMQ/cHYRuJUibPE/P5130009_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5130009" width="244" /></a><br />
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We arrived at the Yacht Basin just before noon and found Mike & Harriet off “Dual Dreams” ready to catch a line for us. As Todd said to Trenilla on the fuel dock: “Sweet Home Alabama – Demopolis, that is!” It always feels like home when we pull in here, partly because we became intimately familiar with the marina in June of 2006 when we spent seven weeks here after blowing a transmission two days into our live-aboard journey!<br />
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That afternoon the “gang” started happy hour at the wall early. And it wasn’t long before the storms that had been forecast materialized. They were relatively short-lived but still packed quite a punch. Mike & Harriet had friends in town for the evening so when they retired to their boat for dinner, David on “Moonstruck” joined us at the New Orleans Bar & Grill for dinner.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This is “The Wall” at the Boater’s Lounge. The colorful graphics are courtesy of Goldie, a long-time boater who spent a lot of time at the Demopolis Yacht Basin.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFYMwwzOfI/AAAAAAAAHMU/UYnGreaYOvc/s1600-h/P51500022.jpg"><img alt="P5150002" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFYNrBS1sI/AAAAAAAAHMY/LMT6xJUgMSU/P5150002_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5150002" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFYO6idSNI/AAAAAAAAHMc/gGCQDkK1ktk/s1600-h/P51500032.jpg"><img alt="P5150003" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFYP4iPlTI/AAAAAAAAHMg/7R0cskrctCs/P5150003_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5150003" width="244" /></a><br />
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Saturday was spent defrosting the freezer, catching up on laundry, changing the generator oil and doing a little shopping before making our way to the wall between 4:30 and 5:00 p.m. The front that pushed through Friday afternoon brought considerably cooler air with it and we actually had to move inside the Boater’s Lounge in search of a little warmth!<br />
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Sunday was also cool and the cool weather is forecast to remain with us for several more days, although Monday is supposed to be the coldest with a high of 58 degrees and a low of 45. Hard to believe it was 90 degrees just a few days ago! But the 80’s should return by Thursday, which is much more typical for May in Alabama.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The cool weather didn’t keep the Captain from his bass fishing. Very nice!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFYQl4wN5I/AAAAAAAAHMk/G32Nk-3F9go/s1600-h/P51500012.jpg"><img alt="P5150001" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFYRT6dlfI/AAAAAAAAHMo/P0n8sFmlhhg/P5150001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5150001" width="244" /></a><br />
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Sunday evening we had dinner with good friends Rick & Peggy who we originally met at the marina in 2007. They have since moved off their boat and built a very nice home bordering the Black Warrior River. Rick & Peggy have done much of the work themselves and even though it is still a work in progress, they have done an impressive job and it looks wonderful!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This is the downstairs kitchen, complete with a hammock and a bathroom. You could just about enclose it and have fully functional living quarters.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFYSJHEYzI/AAAAAAAAHMs/pxMteCKA5zs/s1600-h/P5150004%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="P5150004" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFYSxgNBdI/AAAAAAAAHMw/98ZHmiVXQ9o/P5150004_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5150004" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This beautiful lot is next to Rick & Peggy’s house and is “For Sale By Owner.” Spread the word if you know of anyone who might be interested.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFYUFNrZ5I/AAAAAAAAHM0/Dv27dZMICkA/s1600-h/P5150005%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="P5150005" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFYVPNUlxI/AAAAAAAAHM4/94AHFjXgxgo/P5150005_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5150005" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Enjoying another of Peggy’s wonderful home-cooked meals.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFYWhgMPaI/AAAAAAAAHM8/OOICTFnEPnQ/s1600-h/P5150006%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="P5150006" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFYXkvi6SI/AAAAAAAAHNA/JHkC9YAYLLg/P5150006_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5150006" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">And her famous pecan pie, the Captain’s favorite!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFYYXSotvI/AAAAAAAAHNE/ydPe5VkRF7s/s1600-h/P5150007%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="P5150007" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TdFYY2MNa-I/AAAAAAAAHNI/EbZiis-76Uk/P5150007_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5150007" width="244" /></a><br />
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Today is Monday, May 16th, and our plan is to spend a couple of weeks in Demopolis doing some boat maintenance and cleaning. Even though everything was in pretty good shape when we left St. Petersburg less than four weeks ago, it doesn’t stay that way very long. And we have company coming (Todd’s parents) in early June so there is much to be done!Todd and Brenda Lanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01540907378242980852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27829931.post-12246104461377891802011-05-07T11:03:00.000-04:002011-05-07T11:03:25.977-04:00<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Crooked Island, Panama City & Pensacola</span></strong><br />
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Late Friday afternoon, April 29th, we dinghied over to walk on the beach after the wind finally settled down some. Then we watched the sun as it disappeared below the horizon.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVc_coMYsI/AAAAAAAAHGc/khDJNav1Ark/s1600-h/P42900022.jpg"><img alt="P4290002" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVc_1EysII/AAAAAAAAHGg/KsXIao6yEGI/P4290002_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P4290002" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Todd had fun “stalking” this fiddler crab to get a few close-ups!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdAjiSv3I/AAAAAAAAHGk/IE6AUTW4ltc/s1600-h/P42900092.jpg"><img alt="P4290009" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdBDh55CI/AAAAAAAAHGo/SH8SczW6TZk/P4290009_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P4290009" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdCOxwVOI/AAAAAAAAHGs/-b0TbG_EOCk/s1600-h/P42900082.jpg"><img alt="P4290008" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdClZa3EI/AAAAAAAAHGw/Mzs91E3Gp9k/P4290008_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P4290008" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Another nice sunset over the Gulf.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdDMhE6qI/AAAAAAAAHG0/7YpNDrklbh8/s1600-h/P42900162.jpg"><img alt="P4290016" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdDiBx-hI/AAAAAAAAHG4/jQW9_5cx8vA/P4290016_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P4290016" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdEE_tonI/AAAAAAAAHG8/5CUCrpvAR10/s1600-h/P42900312.jpg"><img alt="P4290031" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdEsIJH5I/AAAAAAAAHHA/cUQWhkI1WI4/P4290031_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P4290031" width="244" /></a><br />
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Other than a mid-afternoon trip to the beach to gather wood for a fire, Saturday was a lazy day on the boat. The wind was still blowing pretty hard out of the southeast so we found a nice protected spot on the sand for our fire that evening.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdFE2vHLI/AAAAAAAAHHE/i0UccafilqU/s1600-h/P43000342.jpg"><img alt="P4300034" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdFqs2a8I/AAAAAAAAHHI/lXcp-r0mjNA/P4300034_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P4300034" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Our first beach fire since Blackbeard Island in late October.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdGFXzg7I/AAAAAAAAHHM/WNiSF_VAjbM/s1600-h/P43000372.jpg"><img alt="P4300037" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdGq_gX6I/AAAAAAAAHHQ/j7Y3p2NQx6Y/P4300037_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P4300037" width="244" /></a><br />
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We pretty much stayed on the boat all day Sunday, other than an early evening trip to beach to get our chairs and other paraphernalia from our fire the previous evening. It was still quite windy but we stayed to watch another sunset before returning to the boat and, naturally, the Captain took several more photos.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdHX-AybI/AAAAAAAAHHU/Vt8PW96QrOs/s1600-h/P50100415.jpg"><img alt="P5010041" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdH3RqT0I/AAAAAAAAHHY/z-7Y6CipJpM/P5010041_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5010041" width="244" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdIeKJGfI/AAAAAAAAHHc/_QQFDhqazVs/s1600-h/P50100452.jpg"><img alt="P5010045" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdJK8YscI/AAAAAAAAHHg/6v_lichCS4E/P5010045_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5010045" width="244" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdJ8jwv-I/AAAAAAAAHHk/T9WQW7oFDHw/s1600-h/P50100472.jpg"><img alt="P5010047" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdKVvGhGI/AAAAAAAAHHo/tE29olKXqOY/P5010047_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5010047" width="244" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdKxk7xzI/AAAAAAAAHHs/Lh1qc2NtCv0/s1600-h/P50100512.jpg"><img alt="P5010051" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdLZ-Ob0I/AAAAAAAAHHw/v0jdyPrxvi8/P5010051_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5010051" width="244" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdL0acbrI/AAAAAAAAHH0/R9DGmQw5X7s/s1600-h/P50100482.jpg"><img alt="P5010048" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdMSCh_PI/AAAAAAAAHH4/bTvnEJU4O_4/P5010048_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5010048" width="244" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdNProJYI/AAAAAAAAHH8/12ZTqVw12FY/s1600-h/P50100602.jpg"><img alt="P5010060" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdNpIsE3I/AAAAAAAAHIA/f-ET9jitusM/P5010060_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5010060" width="244" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdOHhldrI/AAAAAAAAHIE/Ygh2UTL4fys/s1600-h/P50100612.jpg"><img alt="P5010061" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdOlJmmYI/AAAAAAAAHII/4oHbPVsL7OA/P5010061_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5010061" width="244" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdPAbHofI/AAAAAAAAHIM/q68_PjFW8j0/s1600-h/P50100632.jpg"><img alt="P5010063" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdPow7O3I/AAAAAAAAHIQ/2VTtsyFxJk0/P5010063_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5010063" width="244" /></a><br />
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We finally decided to brave the wind Monday and were underway by noon. It was rough getting out of the Crooked Island pass with waves pushing in and tide running out. And the Gulf was messy, much like our recent crossing, so we had a couple of uncomfortable hours before we reached the calm waters of St. Andrews Bay. By 2:45 we had dropped the hook in Massalina Bayou, just east of the Panama City Marina, and made plans to have dinner with Tena & Keith, friends from Pickwick Lake who now live in Panama City.<br />
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We dinghied over to nearby Bayou Joe’s where Tena picked us up around 5:00 p.m. to take us to their house for a wonderful meal of fresh grilled fish and shrimp, steamed vegetables and rice. Then we all went for a walk around the neighborhood and down the street to the St. Andrews Marina. Really a nice area!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Bayou Joe’s, a funky old-time Florida restaurant overlooking Massalina Bayou.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdQJc3MiI/AAAAAAAAHIU/kYcJHasMk2w/s1600-h/P50300722.jpg"><img alt="P5030072" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdQiARhgI/AAAAAAAAHIY/riEkXYWvb5o/P5030072_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5030072" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Kevin, the owner of Bayou Joe’s, is feeding bread to the small fish so that Harold, their resident egret, can snatch them out of the water for dinner!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdRGjwihI/AAAAAAAAHIc/vl4ebj0SBVs/s1600-h/P50200682.jpg"><img alt="P5020068" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdR_Ued9I/AAAAAAAAHIg/jSs4ClfTSac/P5020068_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5020068" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Tena with daughter Sidney dishing up plates in the kitchen.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdSURaNmI/AAAAAAAAHIk/kf-d-hAKHdc/s1600-h/P50200702.jpg"><img alt="P5020070" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdS-4skII/AAAAAAAAHIo/P-wykoKIb-0/P5020070_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5020070" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Tena’s husband Keith posing with the Admiral.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdTZYQynI/AAAAAAAAHIs/zIQPnsEhZy8/s1600-h/P50200712.jpg"><img alt="P5020071" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdT8PaNlI/AAAAAAAAHIw/NTOFfPBnPIM/P5020071_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5020071" width="244" /></a><br />
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Late Tuesday morning we met Tena & Keith at Bayou Joe’s for a late breakfast/early lunch. As you can see, Harold was making himself at home inside the restaurant!<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdUSL6d9I/AAAAAAAAHI0/rYJV1u_a5Wg/s1600-h/P50300742.jpg"><img alt="P5030074" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdU9UP2YI/AAAAAAAAHI4/VVAous9sLzY/P5030074_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5030074" width="244" /></a><br />
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After lunch we dropped Keith off at the house where he was doing some yard work with a rented backhoe and Tena took us to run a few errands. We then dropped Tena off and went back to the boat for the afternoon. That evening we drove back over for another great meal. I prepared spinach artichoke dip as an appetizer and Tena put together a beautiful salad to accompany her baked ziti. Thanks for the wonderful meals and hospitality, guys. It was great to see you again and we hope to see you on Pickwick this summer!<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdVrVE0CI/AAAAAAAAHI8/ZW9lx6CMUBM/s1600-h/P50300792.jpg"><img alt="P5030079" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdWNscsXI/AAAAAAAAHJA/T9BSS0_8DoY/P5030079_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5030079" width="244" /></a><br />
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Strong north winds pushed in overnight and continued to howl throughout Wednesday morning. We considered staying in the anchorage another day but finally decided make a move. We headed out into a bumpy St. Andrew Bay at 1:00 p.m. and slogged our way through West Bay before entering the Grand Canyon where it was very calm. The Grand Canyon connects West Bay to Chocktawhatchee Bay and is essentially a manmade canal with high banks on both sides. Five hours later we were anchored at the northeast end of the first Chocktawhatchee Bay bridge, again seeking protection from the somewhat diminished north wind.<br />
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We decided to bypass Destin on Thursday to anchor at Santa Rosa Island, about ten miles further west. Along the way, the Captain captured a nice shot of a momma and baby dolphin swimming off the bow of the boat in the clear Destin water.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdW1yBHjI/AAAAAAAAHJE/q4s7CwLtEQI/s1600-h/P5050002%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="P5050002" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdXZWIITI/AAAAAAAAHJI/R5VUIFf2OEo/P5050002_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5050002" width="244" /></a><br />
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Since it was May 5th, we had planned to go to the beach for a boater-style Cinco de Mayo celebration in the sand in honor of my niece, Jennifer, who is currently at a rehabilitation center in Columbia, Missouri, following a couple of surgeries. But we didn’t make it to the beach so we set up this tribute to her on the boat.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Happy Cinco de Mayo, Jen! Wish you could have been here with us to celebrate!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdYODUGBI/AAAAAAAAHJM/I_EHsvwPyF0/s1600-h/P5050005%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="P5050005" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdYlQnp2I/AAAAAAAAHJQ/R74YMLeZLss/P5050005_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5050005" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">A Cinco de Mayo sunset from the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdZJo9XtI/AAAAAAAAHJU/7rCcqQIyQlw/s1600-h/P5050010%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="P5050010" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdZqvM4YI/AAAAAAAAHJY/Laxk-KpetEk/P5050010_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5050010" width="244" /></a><br />
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Friday was another short day (less than 30 miles) to Little Sabine Bay in Pensacola. We arrived around 2:00 p.m. and dropped the hook. But, as luck would have it, the wind was picking up and the holding in the bay is not very good. The Captain was convinced we were dragging, so we finally pulled the anchor and re-set it before going to town to meet Dave Henderson that evening. We originally met Dave in Demopolis the fall of 2006 and have kept in touch ever since.<br />
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As we were waiting to cross the road, we spotted a place called Bamboo Willie’s and decided to check it out. After all, it’s been a long time since the Admiral has had a fruity frozen drink!<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdaeaqSmI/AAAAAAAAHJc/FoaYvDv2mjo/s1600-h/P5060025%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="P5060025" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVda9gkfFI/AAAAAAAAHJg/F1dA_z1og3k/P5060025_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5060025" width="244" /></a><br />
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After a few drinks at Bamboo Willie’s, we went next door to Hooter’s where Dave treated us to dinner. Thanks, Dave! It was good seeing you again! Now get out there and buy yourself a boat so you can do some cruising. Life is too short, buddy! Have we taught you nothing after all this time?<br />
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Today is Saturday, May 7th, and we are headed to an anchorage called Ingram Bayou for the next couple of days. After that we will travel through Mobile Bay to begin the 200+ mile journey up the Tenn-Tom to Demopolis, Alabama, where we will spend several days before continuing the trek to Bay Springs Lake.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Some locals doing their morning yoga on paddle boards in Little Sabine Bay.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdbSggFWI/AAAAAAAAHJk/aJwFvjeBVHs/s1600-h/P5070028%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="P5070028" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TcVdcPFIOVI/AAAAAAAAHJo/vWBNOFkAzZg/P5070028_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P5070028" width="244" /></a><br />
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We plan to be on Bay Springs Lake the first week of June where we will meet up with Todd’s parents. They will be joining us on the boat for about a week as we enjoy Bay Springs, Pickwick and about 100 miles of the Tennessee River going downriver toward Kentucky Lake.Todd and Brenda Lanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01540907378242980852noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27829931.post-10587534392526322962011-04-29T19:30:00.002-04:002011-04-29T19:35:46.823-04:00<strong><span style="font-size: large;">From Florida's West Coast to the Panhandle</span></strong><br />
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Cathy helped us untie from her dock in St. Petersburg at 11:30 Wednesday morning, April 20th, and we were anchored at Anclote Key five hours later. It was a beautiful, sunny day so we put the dinghy down and went over to the beach to do a little shelling but mostly we just enjoyed the sand and scenery.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This osprey wasn’t about to share his hard-won meal with a seagull!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Tbs6qYB1f0I/AAAAAAAAHC8/gkAE2PJ0WlI/s1600-h/P42000212.jpg"><img alt="P4200021" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Tbs6rHVClYI/AAAAAAAAHDA/rtDpfo7Tb_o/P4200021_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P4200021" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Tbs6rrrHfYI/AAAAAAAAHDE/70dqC_GCW4Q/s1600-h/P42000232.jpg"><img alt="P4200023" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Tbs6sHqHFbI/AAAAAAAAHDI/w30EuT04RqI/P4200023_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P4200023" width="244" /></a><br />
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We had planned to stay at Anclote for a couple of days, but when we saw that Thursday was Bob’s birthday we decided to make tracks for Crystal River to celebrate the 29th anniversary of his 44th birthday (Bob’s reply when we asked how old he was!). So, eight hours later we were anchored in Kings Bay.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Passing through Crystal River on the way to Kings Bay.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Tbs6ssm5LTI/AAAAAAAAHDM/FJgR5A7s2rg/s1600-h/P42100322.jpg"><img alt="P4210032" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Tbs6tXPtIyI/AAAAAAAAHDQ/e7XhFIfIsGY/P4210032_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P4210032" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Tbs6t7qLR2I/AAAAAAAAHDU/jD6En6rcPpQ/s1600-h/P42100332.jpg"><img alt="P4210033" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Tbs6uXul1GI/AAAAAAAAHDY/-0AxuA6-AKo/P4210033_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P4210033" width="244" /></a><br />
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That evening we dinghied over to Bob & Phillis’ house to join them and friend Joe for Bob’s birthday dinner at Neon Leon’s Zydeco Steakhouse in Homosassa.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The canal leading to Bob & Phillis’ house.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Tbs6uxOKnnI/AAAAAAAAHDc/E3MDWMK_0s0/s1600-h/P42100342.jpg"><img alt="P4210034" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Tbs6vdcTa1I/AAAAAAAAHDg/vjIEDW9TFFI/P4210034_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P4210034" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Our venue for Bob’s birthday dinner.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Tbs6wPXk4wI/AAAAAAAAHDk/OSCErTPv2NI/s1600-h/P42100362.jpg"><img alt="P4210036" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Tbs6wpwXS7I/AAAAAAAAHDo/7HinHKps-aA/P4210036_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P4210036" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Nice bikes! I want the hot pink one!!!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Tbs6xQaDakI/AAAAAAAAHDs/MNu0ve4eaSk/s1600-h/P42100372.jpg"><img alt="P4210037" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Tbs6xzGRMtI/AAAAAAAAHDw/46_m_IKz0oo/P4210037_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P4210037" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Tbs6yu4IGnI/AAAAAAAAHD0/P9-s1oSB1gQ/s1600-h/P42100392.jpg"><img alt="P4210039" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Tbs6zIpdcHI/AAAAAAAAHD4/uT37RMHe--4/P4210039_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P4210039" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">As you can see, we had front row seats for the band.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Tbs6zpCUWPI/AAAAAAAAHD8/_v2YLU30TlM/s1600-h/P42100422.jpg"><img alt="P4210042" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Tbs60ZfCvMI/AAAAAAAAHEA/1XlNw7RkrE8/P4210042_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P4210042" width="244" /></a><br />
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Friday morning Todd went over to help Bob move some storage boxes to Joe’s garage and we made plans to get together at Bob and Phillis’ that evening for dinner and games. Army and Marion, who recently bought a house in Crystal River, were also invited. Their boat is still in Trinidad but they are in the process of making Crystal River their permanent home.<br />
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After everyone had their fill of my enchilada lasagna, we taught the group to play Left Center Right and Drink While You Think before moving on to Mexican Train, a dominoes game, which we only got three rounds into before calling it a night.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Everyone is intently arranging their dominoes, trying to make a workable train.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Tbs60zrx_hI/AAAAAAAAHEE/p_B5E2lA2Jk/s1600-h/P42200022.jpg"><img alt="P4220002" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Tbs61cQ1SkI/AAAAAAAAHEI/38DDZ9tA7Pc/P4220002_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P4220002" width="244" /></a><br />
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Bob came by in his Bayliner about 12:30 Saturday afternoon and took Todd for a boat tour of the bay, including a stop at a local gathering spot called The Shallows. That evening we went back to Bob & Phillis’ for a wonderful smoked pork loin dinner (Bob truly is the grill master!), complete with my homemade scalloped potatoes and Marion’s Caprese salad. Simply marvelous! And then we finished our dominoes game, which Bob won by a wide margin – no surprise there!<br />
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Todd went back over to help Bob with a few things Easter morning before hauling anchor at noon and heading to Cedar Keys. The first couple of hours were pretty nice but then the waves started hitting us on the port beam, making for a long final three hours. Fortunately, the waves were only about two-footers so it was only mildly nauseating!<br />
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We anchored south of the channel about three miles east of the Northwest Channel marker/light to make for easier access to the Gulf of Mexico in the dark hours of the early morning and then settled in for a quiet (and early to bed) evening.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">A nice sunset from our anchorage at Cedar Keys.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Tbs610ZBFZI/AAAAAAAAHEM/9lrBticsxZ4/s1600-h/P42400052.jpg"><img alt="P4240005" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Tbs62bS2DqI/AAAAAAAAHEQ/8LuSXKKwSZs/P4240005_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P4240005" width="244" /></a><br />
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Around midnight a storm rolled through so our sleep was not quite as restful after that, and 4:00 a.m. came very early. But we got up and were underway an hour later for the 110-mile crossing. Waves were supposed to be two- to four-footers from the southeast, calming to two in the afternoon. We briefly debated going on up to Steinhatchee and crossing from there on Tuesday but decided to bite the bullet and go for it.<br />
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Well, the waves were probably more like three- to five-footers with the all-too-frequent appearance of six-footers. The swells were hitting us on the rear quarter, pushing under us and leaving a big trough for us to rock and roll in! Neither of us got sick but we both felt queasy and took turns lying down in brief intervals throughout the day.<br />
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Todd originally laid down on the port side bench seat next to the Captain’s chair but the side-to-side rocking motion following a big swell soon rolled him off, so he moved the bench seat cushion to the flybridge floor and that was our “sick pad” for the day.<br />
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The seas did calm slightly in the afternoon, but only slightly. We were still being pushed through East Pass by swells at 5:00 Monday afternoon on our way to the anchorage at Gap Point on St. George Island. But we made it across safely and without incident and were very happy to have it behind us. Needless to say, it was another early-to-bed night!<br />
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Our good friend Everett from Springfield, who has actually made the Gulf crossing with Todd twice now, sent us the following e-mail after our last blog update:<br />
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<em>As you make the crossing think how different it is from the first one you made and lets see if you can get past Demopolis before the end of the summer. Reflect and enjoy, think what started the voyage</em><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><em> and how all our lives have changed since September 05. Buddy retired in Florida and spends his time under a palm tree like so many other retiree's. You are preparing</em><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><em> to reenter the work force and Nila</em><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><em> is preparing</em><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><em> to leave it. You have seen and done things that most people only dream about, you have friends in places you had never heard of 10 years ago and still have a big chunk of life to be lived.</em><br />
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<em>Travel safely, travel happily</em><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><em>.</em><br />
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What a GREAT note, Everett! Thanks for the wonderful thoughts and memories.<br />
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After a leisurely and restful Tuesday morning, we made our way to Apalachicola Marine (formerly Miller Marine) to take on some fuel at the bargain price of $4.23 per gallon and ended up spending the night on the fuel dock.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Tonging for oysters in Apalachicola Bay.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Tbs623tkG3I/AAAAAAAAHEU/McnjdUmoLuY/s1600-h/P42600102.jpg"><img alt="P4260010" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Tbs63m2Ny1I/AAAAAAAAHEY/1bdYupx3fR4/P4260010_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P4260010" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Tbs64EdnTOI/AAAAAAAAHEc/AXyPXnEILNM/s1600-h/P42600122.jpg"><img alt="P4260012" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Tbs65AKjEKI/AAAAAAAAHEg/sj8BexrGp6M/P4260012_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P4260012" width="244" /></a><br />
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That evening we walked through charming downtown Apalachicola for the first time to meet Hank & Nancy on “Last Laugh,” a very nice 52-foot Defever. As it turns out, they were at the Defever rendezvous in Sarasota when we were there visiting our many Defever friends but apparently our paths didn’t cross.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Tbs65qnn1yI/AAAAAAAAHEk/kF2SbNLTg3k/s1600-h/P42600152.jpg"><img alt="P4260015" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Tbs68I2v50I/AAAAAAAAHEo/FJnP5o5Y7X0/P4260015_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P4260015" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This sign was stuck on a piling near Hank & Nancy’s boat.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Tbs68ssr70I/AAAAAAAAHEs/HFUozuKuaRA/s1600-h/P42600142.jpg"><img alt="P4260014" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Tbs69PdHsCI/AAAAAAAAHEw/bqzf3mn_EJU/P4260014_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P4260014" width="244" /></a><br />
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Todd originally spoke with Hank & Nancy on the VHF last Thursday when they passed by our anchorage at Anclote Key on their way to Cedar Keys to do the crossing. And he spoke with them again from our anchorage at Gap Point on St. George Island as they were heading to a marina in Scipio Creek. When we decided to spend the night at Apalachicola Marine, Todd called Hank to make plans to get together for dinner at Papa Joe’s for some authentic Apalachicola oysters.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Tbs69vVoJlI/AAAAAAAAHE0/Bv-ya3QbHeY/s1600-h/P42600172.jpg"><img alt="P4260017" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Tbs6-5mKBpI/AAAAAAAAHE4/zHgIIA-7hOQ/P4260017_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P4260017" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Apalachicola oysters fresh from the bay.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Tbs6_cTOXDI/AAAAAAAAHE8/_xBld2OnFf0/s1600-h/P42600192.jpg"><img alt="P4260019" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Tbs6_4PyJsI/AAAAAAAAHFA/Oxg8XrOS8HE/P4260019_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P4260019" width="184" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Captain managed to consume two dozen of them all by himself!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Tbs7AdJmtxI/AAAAAAAAHFE/wvx7bbxPOdI/s1600-h/P42600202.jpg"><img alt="P4260020" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Tbs7A16MgqI/AAAAAAAAHFI/RgSTmjw8840/P4260020_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P4260020" width="184" /></a><br />
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We left the fuel dock at 9:00 Wednesday morning to anchor in Saul Creek, about five miles north. Early that afternoon, “Last Laugh” made a pass through Saul Creek on its way to White City for the evening.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Tbs7Bhx-4pI/AAAAAAAAHFM/iGvpKpbonJI/s1600-h/P42700232.jpg"><img alt="P4270023" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Tbs7B8SucGI/AAAAAAAAHFQ/9rd72-N6Rfs/P4270023_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P4270023" width="244" /></a><br />
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Around 4:30 we went for a long dinghy ride and saw some interesting and beautiful scenery. Having never stayed in Saul Creek before, we are both impressed and highly recommend it, both for its protection and natural beauty. And as an added bonus, it is a freshwater creek within sight of the Intracoastal!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">I think we saw four sunken boats and an abandoned sailboat on our dinghy trip.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Tbs7Co2nBZI/AAAAAAAAHFU/czLbWomT1x0/s1600-h/P42700272.jpg"><img alt="P4270027" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Tbs7DK0Nt7I/AAAAAAAAHFY/PK3C2wfXNAU/P4270027_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P4270027" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">These exotic-looking flowers were found in numerous shady locations along the bank. Aren’t they lovely?</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Tbs7D9_8GOI/AAAAAAAAHFc/07fIv1lqtG0/s1600-h/P42700312.jpg"><img alt="P4270031" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Tbs7GcKSwxI/AAAAAAAAHFg/uVzxQUrL6JI/P4270031_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P4270031" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Tbs7Hh-AgdI/AAAAAAAAHFk/MU4VHgaWojA/s1600-h/P42700302.jpg"><img alt="P4270030" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TbtGuz7ebsI/AAAAAAAAHFo/SH37Y3BIGNw/P4270030_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P4270030" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Gorgeous and serene.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TbtGvuDq13I/AAAAAAAAHFs/-HeltughrHw/s1600-h/P42700342.jpg"><img alt="P4270034" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TbtGwRj2OnI/AAAAAAAAHFw/aHmfHxrV-cM/P4270034_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P4270034" width="244" /></a><br />
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We expected some potentially strong storms to pass through overnight but they either dissipated or went north of us. Thursday morning we had some light rain that passed quickly followed by pleasant temperatures and cloud cover. While it was cool, the Captain worked his way around the side of the boat in the dinghy cleaning the hull before taking off to go fishing for a while. When he returned, we took another dinghy ride, this time around the Saul Creek Cut-off and a short distance up the Apalachicola River.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This old ship was on the Saul Creek Cut-off, just off the Intracoastal.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TbtHPJezOGI/AAAAAAAAHF0/6cGxu1JOD3g/s1600-h/P42800012.jpg"><img alt="P4280001" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TbtHPz_KghI/AAAAAAAAHF4/S-VdcAaUGWk/P4280001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P4280001" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">There is a donation box affixed to the side and the web address on the sign is: <a href="http://www.saveourpirates.com/">http://www.saveourpirates.com/</a>. Guess someone is hoping to save the “Arabella Nickole” with donations!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TbtHQZxwVGI/AAAAAAAAHF8/RwVuxJnyHNc/s1600-h/P42800022.jpg"><img alt="P4280002" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TbtHQ6BOS5I/AAAAAAAAHGA/NdMKuI-dYV4/P4280002_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P4280002" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">We found this little hole in the shoreline near where we were anchored. The photo looks out on Saul Creek and there is actually a small lake behind us.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TbtHRobYdxI/AAAAAAAAHGE/QHonptGRnys/s1600-h/P42800062.jpg"><img alt="P4280006" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TbtHSHJQoxI/AAAAAAAAHGI/GriFlkLfKXA/P4280006_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P4280006" width="244" /></a><br />
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Today is Friday, April 29th, and we left Saul Creek about 9:30 a.m. to make our way to Crooked Island, a wonderful barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico southeast of Panama City. We stopped just outside the Port St. Joe Marina around 12:30, dropped the anchor and dinghied over to the marina to get a few supplies and were back underway by 2:00 p.m. Three hours later we were anchored at Crooked Island and are looking forward to spending the next several days here. Thankfully, the Gulf was much calmer today than it was for our crossing!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Passing by White City.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TbtHdV7qHjI/AAAAAAAAHGM/KNfQHH9ocxg/s1600-h/P42900102.jpg"><img alt="P4290010" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TbtHd-0AvmI/AAAAAAAAHGQ/TBUvMDU89MM/P4290010_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P4290010" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Entering Crooked Island from the Gulf.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TbtHeROORxI/AAAAAAAAHGU/-osOkfwrTh4/s1600-h/P42900122.jpg"><img alt="P4290012" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TbtHe3f9_LI/AAAAAAAAHGY/MzefpNhWoBY/P4290012_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P4290012" width="244" /></a><br />
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With all the rain the Midwest has experienced recently, not to mention the severe storms that passed through Tennessee and Alabama two days ago, the Tenn-Tom is raging. In fact, our friends Mo & Gale on “Blue Heron” are holed up at Three Rivers Lake (Mile 64 on the Tenn-Tom) waiting for it to settle down so they can continue their trip north. In the meantime, we will leisurely make our way along the Gulf coast between Panama City and Mobile and hope that the spring storms have blown and rained themselves out!Todd and Brenda Lanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01540907378242980852noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27829931.post-14589290572267733152011-04-19T12:32:00.000-04:002011-04-19T12:32:10.106-04:00<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Time to Head North</span></strong><br />
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On Sunday, April 3rd, Todd & I flew back to Missouri to spend some time with my niece, Jennifer, who was tragically paralyzed from the chest down in a diving accident last July. We arrived in Springfield Sunday afternoon and were met at the airport by our good friend Everett. Nila & Everett were on their way to Phoenix for a week so they essentially turned their home over to us and even gave us a car to use for the week. What great and generous friends!<br />
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After taking care of some business on the campus of Missouri State University on Monday, we headed to Jennifer’s place in Bucyrus late Tuesday morning. Our plan was to get Jennifer out and about doing things she enjoys since her opportunities for that are limited. Unfortunately, she had a bad episode with autonomic dysreflexia coming back from some medical appointments in Columbia Wednesday evening and ended up spending the night in the Emergency Room. She was also totally wiped out on Thursday, but we managed to get in a trip to Springfield on Friday.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">We had a nice lunch at Macaroni Grill.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Ta234EQ7XoI/AAAAAAAAHCU/TSP8KAGGI-0/s1600-h/P40800012.jpg"><img alt="P4080001" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Ta2356iDOvI/AAAAAAAAHCY/8nDeGtRSuWY/P4080001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P4080001" width="244" /></a><br />
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On Sunday Todd flew to Colorado to spend some time with his parents. Todd’s dad, Bill, celebrated his 80th birthday on Tuesday, April 12th, and was scheduled for breast cancer surgery the following day. Bill discovered a small lump on his right breast several weeks ago and when it was biopsied, he learned it was malignant. Most men probably don’t realize that they are susceptible to breast cancer but they are, especially men who have had testicular cancer. So please check yourself, men. None of us are immune!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Happy 80th, Bill!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Ta2371DS1xI/AAAAAAAAHCc/EYty62RDg6k/s1600-h/P41200042.jpg"><img alt="P4120004" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Ta238gMgN6I/AAAAAAAAHCg/yHt-_1ug7GQ/P4120004_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P4120004" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Does anyone recognize Todd with no hair? He is no longer allowed to get his hair cut without supervision!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Ta239qyV4QI/AAAAAAAAHCk/v1jUf46nF7A/s1600-h/P41200062.jpg"><img alt="P4120006" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Ta23-VQ_xZI/AAAAAAAAHCo/WMjEv_oMud4/P4120006_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P4120006" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">While Todd was in Colorado, it actually snowed!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Ta23_LNJYXI/AAAAAAAAHCs/IJiVLRUlvHI/s1600-h/P41400072.jpg"><img alt="P4140007" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Ta23_48FCDI/AAAAAAAAHCw/sjvfJLs1cUY/P4140007_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P4140007" width="244" /></a><br />
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After taking Jennifer around to some of her favorite shopping haunts early the next week, I returned to Florida Thursday, April 14th, and Cathy picked me up at the airport. Todd’s father was doing very well after his surgery so Todd returned to Florida Saturday afternoon. That evening we took Cathy out for a yummy seafood dinner at P J’s Oyster Bar on St. Pete Beach.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Ta24BT5b_pI/AAAAAAAAHC0/0tphK9h4OOY/s1600-h/P41600092.jpg"><img alt="P4160009" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/Ta24BzvUUzI/AAAAAAAAHC4/LNezZnyeL4M/P4160009_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P4160009" width="244" /></a><br />
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Today is Tuesday, April 19th, and we are gearing up to head north. First stop will be Anclote Key (outside Tarpon Springs), followed by Easter weekend in Crystal River with Bob & Phillis. The weekend of April 30th should find us in the Destin area (or somewhere along the Gulf coast), the weekend of May 7th in the Mobile area and the weekend of May 14th in Demopolis, Alabama, where we will spend a week or two in our "home port" on the rivers.<br />
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Toward the end of May we will continue heading north on the Tenn-Tom, spending time on beautiful Bay Springs Lake before hitting Pickwick Lake around the first weekend of June. But, as always, our plans are in Jell-O and are subject to change. Hopefully, Mother Nature will cooperate and we will have a nice weather window for the Gulf crossing in late April. As unbelievable as it seems, this will be my first Gulf crossing since December of 2007! And who knows, it may be my last if “Life’s2Short” has new owners by this fall. Pass the word: <a href="http://l2s4sale.blogspot.com/">http://l2s4sale.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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In closing I want to note that Thursday, April 21st, is the five year anniversary of the day we took ownership of “Life’s2Short” right here at Cathy’s dock in St. Petersburg. What an adventure it’s been and it isn’t over yet!Todd and Brenda Lanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01540907378242980852noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27829931.post-22843896681007644692011-04-03T08:24:00.001-04:002011-04-03T08:28:38.327-04:00<strong><span style="font-size: large;">More Fun in Ft. Myers Beach</span></strong><br />
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We arrived at Bonita Bill’s about 3:30 on Wednesday, March 23rd, after taking on 310 gallons of fuel at Ballard Oil for $3.85 per gallon, including tax. Mark, Jim and Bob were all on the dock ready to catch a line and Jim had a pitcher of beer ready to share. In fact, he was pouring us a drink before we even got all our lines situated!<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhjp-x1NBI/AAAAAAAAG-g/FiZ-GBB129A/s1600-h/P32400062.jpg"><img alt="P3240006" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhjqbOALaI/AAAAAAAAG-k/6YRqj1mRo_M/P3240006_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P3240006" width="244" /></a><br />
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Thursday was a quiet day. We met Kerby at the bar when he got off work and had a few drinks there before going to Doc Ford’s for a few more. Then it was back to the boat for an early evening.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhjq2mS2NI/AAAAAAAAG-o/c5StK4N1CFM/s1600-h/P32400012.jpg"><img alt="P3240001" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhjrbHCcYI/AAAAAAAAG-s/SFyR_OHs3Ts/P3240001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P3240001" width="244" /></a><br />
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Friday morning we had to move the boat to free up space at the dinghy dock for the weekend. Anyone who knows me very well knows how much I hate docking! But other than one engine crapping out on us just as we got out in the bay next to “Miss Cher,” it went fine. Todd had changed the fuel filter on the port engine the previous day and forgot to turn the fuel valve back on. Thankfully it was a calm morning at slack tide! And, once again, we had Jim and Bob and even Kerby on the dock to assist.<br />
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Later that morning we met up with Tom & Colletta who were visiting family in the area. Tom & Colletta live in Chicago and Tom has been following our blog for several years. They recently purchased an Ocean Alexander and are in the process of moving it to their home waters on Lake Michigan. After chatting aboard “Life’s2Short” for a while, they graciously treated us to lunch at Bonita Bill’s.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">It was nice to finally meet you guys. Thanks for lunch!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhjr_bgsrI/AAAAAAAAG-w/HUAJykDEtOs/s1600-h/P32500072.jpg"><img alt="P3250007" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhjuGhUeHI/AAAAAAAAG-0/KMd9sB-q1pA/P3250007_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P3250007" width="244" /></a><br />
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Later that afternoon we joined Jim on the patio for a while and then Mo & Gale stopped by in their dinghy. Their boat, “Blue Heron” is currently at Snook Bight Marina awaiting a new transmission. When they left we joined Steve & Diane (“Aurora”) and their group at Bonita Bill’s for a crazy evening of karaoke. If you saw the last blog update, you will recognize Steve & Diane from our many fun evenings in Sarasota.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhjvKaNpxI/AAAAAAAAG-4/Awa1N62umb8/s1600-h/P32500112.jpg"><img alt="P3250011" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhjvdK_9gI/AAAAAAAAG_A/ocqJc5NbwRY/P3250011_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P3250011" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Diane and the girls singing <em>Girls Just Want to Have Fun</em> by Cyndi Lauper.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhjwjO6xwI/AAAAAAAAG_E/etRUgAwoRw8/s1600-h/P32500162.jpg"><img alt="P3250016" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhjw2NeFoI/AAAAAAAAG_I/r5IxzDKQSP8/P3250016_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P3250016" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhjxc67kbI/AAAAAAAAG_M/Fy8SQH0ag5g/s1600-h/P32500122.jpg"><img alt="P3250012" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhjx2Np6PI/AAAAAAAAG_Q/eKGLOS3lWCI/P3250012_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P3250012" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Then Brenda and The Rockettes took the stage. My first (and hopefully last) live karaoke attempt! Thanks for backing me up, girls!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhjyXRE12I/AAAAAAAAG_U/OW1VCRXVBWU/s1600-h/P32500232.jpg"><img alt="P3250023" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhjyya5FwI/AAAAAAAAG_Y/1KRe3jqqt-g/P3250023_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P3250023" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhjzU0AsDI/AAAAAAAAG_c/Ih26UK8CNLY/s1600-h/P32500252.jpg"><img alt="P3250025" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhjz-0VWvI/AAAAAAAAG_g/iOky4wglLiE/P3250025_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P3250025" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Getting geared up for the Blues Brothers!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhj0eVe_1I/AAAAAAAAG_k/xXWMuYkhyqM/s1600-h/P32500212.jpg"><img alt="P3250021" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhj02q3OtI/AAAAAAAAG_o/HC35vw3m034/P3250021_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P3250021" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhj1me2OFI/AAAAAAAAG_s/DbJWHtoPATs/s1600-h/GypsyReunion0762.jpg"><img alt="GypsyReunion076" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhj2ACxqfI/AAAAAAAAG_w/1-CS1ogN1JM/GypsyReunion076_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GypsyReunion076" width="182" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">And here they are, complete with backup dancers!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhj2l0jIUI/AAAAAAAAG_0/NMhF_Gjj-2M/s1600-h/GypsyReunion0892.jpg"><img alt="GypsyReunion089" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhj3KzZ--I/AAAAAAAAG_4/RUihjG3KpRA/GypsyReunion089_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GypsyReunion089" width="224" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhj3iQMqRI/AAAAAAAAG_8/5JiJtBJjwoo/s1600-h/P32500442.jpg"><img alt="P3250044" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhj4LXP7QI/AAAAAAAAHAA/imYbFfdHn0U/P3250044_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P3250044" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhj42e48ZI/AAAAAAAAHAE/erht-btWlcQ/s1600-h/P32500372.jpg"><img alt="P3250037" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhj5YdGdII/AAAAAAAAHAI/4ytN_E2SI7A/P3250037_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P3250037" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Looks like the girls are having fun!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhj57Rew0I/AAAAAAAAHAM/FUNDByil0nQ/s1600-h/P32500462.jpg"><img alt="P3250046" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhj6fKZ24I/AAAAAAAAHAQ/csRnBqg2zc4/P3250046_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P3250046" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Dancing with the Captain.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhj6zY7q9I/AAAAAAAAHAU/xf4C7RwTS5U/s1600-h/GypsyReunion1002.jpg"><img alt="GypsyReunion100" border="0" height="211" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhj7Rl79KI/AAAAAAAAHAY/w6iG9j-_Log/GypsyReunion100_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GypsyReunion100" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Winding down the evening with a final song by Kerby.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhj8LBuFwI/AAAAAAAAHAc/YN0M7W3DVbk/s1600-h/P32500492.jpg"><img alt="P3250049" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhj8a6wzMI/AAAAAAAAHAg/STLjs694Jbs/P3250049_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P3250049" width="244" /></a><br />
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Todd got industrious Saturday morning and washed the boat. But other than that, we spent a quiet day aboard. Sunday was also quiet until about 4:00 when we joined Kerby, Shelly and Tony at the bar and then meandered next door to Doc Ford’s for a few drinks. Todd & I decided to walk over the bridge and ended up at The Lighthouse Tiki Bar where we found Jim sitting at a table with several people. We joined him for a while, grabbed a quick bite to eat and headed back to “Life’s2Short.”<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The “Sea Trek” fishing charter always draws a crowd when it returns from a trip.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhj9Sts6EI/AAAAAAAAHAk/o-qASWBqiIA/s1600-h/P32600012.jpg"><img alt="P3260001" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhj96cQK_I/AAAAAAAAHAo/tAWXPQwRjNQ/P3260001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P3260001" width="244" /></a><br />
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We awoke Monday to thunderstorms with strong, gusty winds and pelting rain. A good time to be tied to the dock! Other than going to the bar to have Kerby’s locally renowned meatloaf for lunch, we spent a quiet day on board putting together our blog site advertising “Life’s2Short” for sale: <a href="http://l2s4sale.blogspot.com/">http://l2s4sale.blogspot.com/</a>. We then went up to the bar about 6:00 p.m. to help Tony and Shelly who were swamped and short-handed. After the crowds died down we stayed for a while and visited with Jim and a few of the other patrons before calling it a night.<br />
There is always always a lot of bird life on the docks at Bonita Bill’s.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Great Blue Heron</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhj-qp68SI/AAAAAAAAHAs/twASpWekQwI/s1600-h/P32900102.jpg"><img alt="P3290010" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhj_EdgaPI/AAAAAAAAHAw/aua1pa-Edp4/P3290010_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P3290010" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Great American Egret </span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhj_kuyV2I/AAAAAAAAHA0/Catp2N3YL2Y/s1600-h/P32800062.jpg"><img alt="P3280006" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhkAHp00FI/AAAAAAAAHA4/E-13C8m4dnQ/P3280006_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P3280006" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Snowy Egret, note the yellow feet</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhkArsYXVI/AAAAAAAAHA8/OydLwIcey9w/s1600-h/P33100012.jpg"><img alt="P3310001" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhkBCgU8HI/AAAAAAAAHBA/iq5ejTZBvF8/P3310001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P3310001" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">And then there’s Splash, who has a history. Splash was thrown off the Matanzas Pass bridge (65’) as a kitten, was rescued by Bonita Bill’s and has been a “family member” ever since!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhkBsZTmBI/AAAAAAAAHBE/N9WpIRiZRwo/s1600-h/P33100062.jpg"><img alt="P3310006" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhkCLM5KjI/AAAAAAAAHBI/9vsOtx2vN_k/P3310006_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P3310006" width="244" /></a><br />
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Tuesday morning Jim gave Todd a ride to the store to pick up a few things. We planned to pull out Wednesday morning, so about 4:30 Tuesday afternoon we went up to the bar to say goodbye to Shelly when she got off work. Then we had Kenny (off the shrimp boat “Miss Cher”) and Jim over for a nice dinner. Kenny reciprocated by bringing us a two-pound bag of beautiful, fresh jumbo shrimp. What a deal! Then it was back to the bar to say our goodbyes to Kerby since Wednesday is his day off.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">An evening view of Bonita Bill’s from "Life’s2Short."</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhkCg8UiOI/AAAAAAAAHBM/gpWcHE7_BNU/s1600-h/P32900132.jpg"><img alt="P3290013" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhkDVR0DcI/AAAAAAAAHBQ/cgN0TZ-sax4/P3290013_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P3290013" width="244" /></a><br />
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It got very windy Wednesday morning and there was a huge line of storms with tornado watches and warnings to the north, so we decided not to leave. Greg & Sandy off “Latitude Dancer” stopped by late that morning and invited us to join them at the Moose Lodge for dinner and dancing, but we ended up running into Larry & Sheryl later that evening at Bonita Bill’s and didn’t make it. We originally met Larry & Sheryl at Bonita Bill’s on St. Patrick’s Day in 2008 and saw them again last March when we were here. What a sweet couple!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This photo is from 2010 but it’s worth posting again.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhkDx4xa4I/AAAAAAAAHBU/55UWlYNlSwo/s1600-h/P32200082.jpg"><img alt="P3220008" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhkEUeCocI/AAAAAAAAHBY/1KCF-ER-4Vc/P3220008_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P3220008" width="244" /></a><br />
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Thursday remained very windy and the storms were still raging to the north, very slowly working their way south, so we spent another day tied to the dock. As the Captain likes to say: “Cruisers don’t have plans, just intentions!” We then joined the gang at the Bonita Bill’s Tiki Bar for a final evening of fun and camaraderie.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Hanging at the Tiki Bar with “the gang.”</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhkFKDCSVI/AAAAAAAAHBc/S1soTtdIx7I/s1600-h/P33100102.jpg"><img alt="P3310010" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhkFh88kSI/AAAAAAAAHBg/lsUQfBALuZA/P3310010_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P3310010" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhkGTxE7gI/AAAAAAAAHBk/gCNxuXD5sE8/s1600-h/P33100082.jpg"><img alt="P3310008" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhkG_cD4fI/AAAAAAAAHBo/lqYv7FJoauo/P3310008_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P3310008" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Shelly and Aaron, who both work at Bonita Bill’s.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhkHXgOWfI/AAAAAAAAHBs/z3zG04B0WRg/s1600-h/P33100192.jpg"><img alt="P3310019" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhkIJT5agI/AAAAAAAAHBw/Vmnsi2cFVJU/P3310019_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P3310019" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Tony being silly in the kitchen.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhkIxCgY3I/AAAAAAAAHB0/XlrhipdAegE/s1600-h/P33100252.jpg"><img alt="P3310025" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhkMIFrzVI/AAAAAAAAHB4/KnZlO3HPqKI/P3310025_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P3310025" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">A final hug for Shelly. Thanks for the good times, girl!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhkPZzPcdI/AAAAAAAAHB8/3QTR5kvphWQ/s1600-h/P33100272.jpg"><img alt="P3310027" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhkPxmr7hI/AAAAAAAAHCA/HsCkOLqIQeI/P3310027_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P3310027" width="244" /></a><br />
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What remained of the storm front (which wasn’t much) finally moved through in the wee hours of Friday morning so we untied the dock lines and were underway before 8:00 a.m. April 1st. Our faithful dock hands, Jim and Bob, helped us get off the dock without any major incidents and we proceeded to cover about 85 miles – a very long day for us! Eleven-and-a-half hours later we dropped anchor at the northwest end of Sarasota Bay near Whale Key. The northwest wind was still blowing pretty hard and the Gulf was a mess, so we weren’t able to run offshore.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Leaving Ft. Myers Beach with a shrimp boat in front of us.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhkQuBb3lI/AAAAAAAAHCE/TjAcG1i7Vus/s1600-h/P40100312.jpg"><img alt="P4010031" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhkRI4JUWI/AAAAAAAAHCI/JhjmsJ2qHSY/P4010031_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P4010031" width="244" /></a><br />
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Saturday morning we continued north the final four hours to Cathy’s house in St. Petersburg where Cathy and neighbors Ted & Linda were waiting at the dock to help us tie up. On our way through Tampa Bay, however, we ran into all sorts of activity, dodging sailboats and steering clear of several huge cigarette boats!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">A busy morning in Tampa Bay!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhkR9TX4LI/AAAAAAAAHCM/pUUkYsyfPG0/s1600-h/P40200352.jpg"><img alt="P4020035" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TZhkSfvCOhI/AAAAAAAAHCQ/pOnydD_8Qf0/P4020035_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="P4020035" width="244" /></a><br />
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Friday evening another one of Cathy’s neighbors, Bob, dropped by when he was walking the dogs so Cathy invited him to stay for a while, called his wife Marilyn and asked her to come up, then she invited the neighbors on either side of her (Ted & Linda and Joe & Jackie) to join us as well. So the nine of us spent the next few hours sitting around the table on the lanai playing the dice game Left Center Right. If you’ve never tried it, it’s very simple and a lot of fun. And if you’re lucky you might even win a few bucks!<br />
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Today is Sunday, April 3rd, and we are busy making preparations to fly back to Missouri to spend some time with my niece, Jennifer, and the rest of the family. We should arrive back in St. Petersburg on April 14th and will continue the trek north on or about the 18th with plans to stop at Anclote Key (outside Tarpon Springs) and Crystal River. While in Crystal River we will visit Bob & Phillis, old-time boaters from way back, who have made Crystal River their permanent home. Looking forward to seeing you again, guys!Todd and Brenda Lanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01540907378242980852noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27829931.post-29999075206627162262011-03-23T10:34:00.002-04:002011-03-23T10:41:09.550-04:00<p><strong>Sarasota Shenanigans</strong></p><p>On March 16th we left St. Petersburg for Sarasota, covering about forty miles over a five-hour period on a beautiful, sunny Wednesday. Several of our boating friends had gathered in Sarasota for a Defever rendezvous being held at Marina Jack’s the upcoming weekend so the plan was to meet them there for some St. Patty’s Day fun.</p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Posing by our newly mounted “For Sale” sign as we say goodbye to Cathy.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoDub4WiXI/AAAAAAAAGyA/h0tP4dF0tuU/s1600-h/March20110022.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="March2011002" border="0" alt="March2011002" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoDvBxT2hI/AAAAAAAAGyE/gE6zuw5Ewak/March2011002_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="139" /></a></p><p>That evening Bob & Stephanie invited the gang to “September Song” for cocktails before heading over to Marina Jack’s for dinner. It was great seeing everyone again and meeting Paul & Helen, Steve’s cousin and wife.</p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoDwe-IZ_I/AAAAAAAAGyI/CyF0nUU3Ntg/s1600-h/P31600072.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3160007" border="0" alt="P3160007" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoDw5Nln0I/AAAAAAAAGyM/6RPd8_kIMoQ/P3160007_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoDyFQMGqI/AAAAAAAAGyQ/0DHCYMZ-eqo/s1600-h/P31600252.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3160025" border="0" alt="P3160025" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoDy73aE8I/AAAAAAAAGyU/Fwo9rYq-71U/P3160025_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>On St. Patrick’s Day we walked into the downtown area to have a burger at Patricks (how apropos is that?) before going in search of the Shamrock Irish Pub where a big block party was supposed to be going on.</p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Stephanie loaned us these cool beer goggles to wear for St. Patty’s Day!</span></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoD0PyMszI/AAAAAAAAGyY/sUPSVKqfa0M/s1600-h/P31700082.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3170008" border="0" alt="P3170008" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoD0xBXY3I/AAAAAAAAGyc/2Lm4kkeMKWg/P3170008_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">A couple of shots of downtown Sarasota.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoD1gRcGVI/AAAAAAAAGyg/vYruGM_Gm2o/s1600-h/P31700092.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3170009" border="0" alt="P3170009" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoD2b5m3uI/AAAAAAAAGyk/3RZsygsh6cs/P3170009_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoD30KFA_I/AAAAAAAAGyo/-66D9Wxt8NQ/s1600-h/P31700102.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3170010" border="0" alt="P3170010" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoD4rJui9I/AAAAAAAAGys/SQOqcqx7epw/P3170010_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p>The Shamrock ended up being a <em>very</em> long hike away from the marina and it was <em>not</em> the happening place to be! So we let the rest of the gang know and headed back to the main part of the downtown area where, lo and behold, we ran into Norm & Vicki (“Tide Hiker”) having a drink at The Gator Club.</p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoD6ihzu8I/AAAAAAAAGyw/mqLhJkjbUV0/s1600-h/P31700122.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3170012" border="0" alt="P3170012" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoD7UZA3JI/AAAAAAAAGy0/DWr-CKaxJyU/P3170012_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p><p></p><p>Before long the rest of the gang joined us and it was all downhill from there!</p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoD81jdzJI/AAAAAAAAGy4/hUYu5ywIMPg/s1600-h/P31700502.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3170050" border="0" alt="P3170050" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoD9nFeXnI/AAAAAAAAGy8/b_bH0XTJcxk/P3170050_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoD_PruIYI/AAAAAAAAGzA/sZJNw6MpjlI/s1600-h/P31700442.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3170044" border="0" alt="P3170044" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEADWsrbI/AAAAAAAAGzE/4SjVGnxTXok/P3170044_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEDAglPvI/AAAAAAAAGzI/eIrl8sojxu8/s1600-h/P31700202.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3170020" border="0" alt="P3170020" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEEh0U34I/AAAAAAAAGzM/gfUDkZTMI3g/P3170020_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEFrww-eI/AAAAAAAAGzQ/K4VSPfThTdM/s1600-h/P31700482.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3170048" border="0" alt="P3170048" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEGOURz_I/AAAAAAAAGzU/OFEL7CMj4jM/P3170048_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEHOTqHQI/AAAAAAAAGzY/3k8so2Rj8J4/s1600-h/P31700552.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3170055" border="0" alt="P3170055" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEH-_jKCI/AAAAAAAAGzc/i96r20Bs-Gs/P3170055_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEIkoS7AI/AAAAAAAAGzg/Wr8mQJaNkps/s1600-h/P31700582.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3170058" border="0" alt="P3170058" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEJYNeNPI/AAAAAAAAGzk/TC5qZa270vM/P3170058_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p>Then it was back to Patricks for dinner where we were pleasantly surprised to find Don & Barbara having dinner with Steve & Diane, Paul & Helen and another couple. We first met Don & Barbara on their boat “Cavara” in Cambridge, Maryland and also spent time with them in Oxford, Maryland, both on the Chesapeake, in late August. We had <em>no</em> idea they were planning to attend the rendezvous. So after dinner we went back to the “real” block party being held in the street next to The Gator Club to finish off the evening.</p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Dinner at Patricks where they had some great Irish specials!</span></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEKCJUZpI/AAAAAAAAGzo/6atFRpLDv0U/s1600-h/P31700662.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3170066" border="0" alt="P3170066" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEK_kNODI/AAAAAAAAGzs/_Gg6ghWIk7M/P3170066_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Getting reacquainted with Barbara & Don.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoELrcAwII/AAAAAAAAGzw/NbdZtK-Gnpk/s1600-h/P31700672.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3170067" border="0" alt="P3170067" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEMmqUOqI/AAAAAAAAGz0/BDSqYVw852Q/P3170067_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Now <em>this</em> is a block party!</span></p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoENTd42gI/AAAAAAAAGz4/3UT5PNwEoo4/s1600-h/P31700282.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3170028" border="0" alt="P3170028" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEOF935dI/AAAAAAAAGz8/tBOFH74znms/P3170028_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Shots anyone?</span></p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEO7Ny4oI/AAAAAAAAG0A/RSaKHusHpxY/s1600-h/P31700712.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3170071" border="0" alt="P3170071" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEPRW976I/AAAAAAAAG0E/ILjFpW-PZcQ/P3170071_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEQDhnJ4I/AAAAAAAAG0I/7j1LUQh7fcE/s1600-h/P31700722.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3170072" border="0" alt="P3170072" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoERPZ5IWI/AAAAAAAAG0M/FwjJXNVvrJE/P3170072_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p>Late Friday morning Todd dinghied over to the marina to pick up George & Mary, a couple from Wisconsin who are interested in buying a trawler. George has been following our blog and he and Todd have been conversing via e-mail and on the telephone. At any rate, they were in the area and decided to drive down to Sarasota to look at “Life’s2Short.” We think they really liked her but since we’re not quite ready to become “dirt dwellers” again, we didn’t push it. But we were asked not to sell “Life’s2Short” to anyone else without first notifying them so I view that as a positive sign of their interest.</p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoER-t6LBI/AAAAAAAAG0Q/U3s1BZVAEn8/s1600-h/P31800022.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3180002" border="0" alt="P3180002" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoESuSPB9I/AAAAAAAAG0U/NgYA3l-x9x4/P3180002_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p>After treating us to a late lunch at Marina Jack’s, George & Mary hit the road and we went to find Don & Barbara. We dinghied them out to “Life’s2Short” to spend some time catching up and then dinghied back to “September Song” for the arrival of Doug & Tammy whose boat, “Gypsies in the Palace,” is docked at Harbortown Marina on Merritt Island. And then it was off to the Defever dock party.</p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">The fearless foursome: Doug, Tammy, Stephanie and Bob. These guys are party animals!</span></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEUrWmYJI/AAAAAAAAG0Y/tRkpM3jxjZI/s1600-h/P31800032.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3180003" border="0" alt="P3180003" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEVkZsQjI/AAAAAAAAG0c/TLQszu-7fvQ/P3180003_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEXRO6W2I/AAAAAAAAG0g/EqjfYMQrywM/s1600-h/P31800062.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3180006" border="0" alt="P3180006" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEYYkUbqI/AAAAAAAAG0k/5fHv4uN2upc/P3180006_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">These are Helen’s three babies. Aren’t they adorable in their little outfits! Paul & Helen’s boat is named “Lucky Dogs” and has a picture of the dogs next to the name.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEZPqzkrI/AAAAAAAAG0o/BUHhrf3fazc/s1600-h/P31800082.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3180008" border="0" alt="P3180008" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEZ8_vIuI/AAAAAAAAG0s/c_O175PIPT4/P3180008_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Diane & Steve (“Aurora”) with Helen in the background.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEaTvsVeI/AAAAAAAAG0w/KWHBMOrXxmU/s1600-h/P31800122.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3180012" border="0" alt="P3180012" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEa1JqdjI/AAAAAAAAG00/St2bGD5DRZo/P3180012_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Bob (“September Song”) and Joe (“Sea Pearl”) looking like the cool dudes they are!</span></p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEb0tWBmI/AAAAAAAAG04/K-s12kgQAKw/s1600-h/P31800162.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3180016" border="0" alt="P3180016" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEclUgsrI/AAAAAAAAG08/2Jg8hSdySQc/P3180016_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEdc9OX1I/AAAAAAAAG1A/rAjebh-VSy0/s1600-h/P31800132.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3180013" border="0" alt="P3180013" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEd99ps9I/AAAAAAAAG1E/HW7xq1Y8_Qw/P3180013_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p>And it was back to “September Song” before hitting Marina Jack’s for live music and dancing.</p><p><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3180011" border="0" alt="P3180011" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEeogBm8I/AAAAAAAAG1I/K2hGwa7J7_Y/P31800115.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEfcBs6GI/AAAAAAAAG1M/dNrlwlYOtp0/s1600-h/P31800125.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3180012" border="0" alt="P3180012" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEgDQ0DyI/AAAAAAAAG1Q/cTHOdhyM3Wg/P3180012_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Julia and Todd tearing up the dance floor!</span></p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEg1nrgLI/AAAAAAAAG1U/p_5pM6AYr1A/s1600-h/P31800142.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3180014" border="0" alt="P3180014" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEhSS4d-I/AAAAAAAAG1Y/__6EKfazhcg/P3180014_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Is that a man or a woman with Bob?</span></p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEiakSjtI/AAAAAAAAG1c/gixlrVeibTA/s1600-h/P31800202.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3180020" border="0" alt="P3180020" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEi_2MKWI/AAAAAAAAG1g/3kuPv9c7mUk/P3180020_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p>Late Saturday morning we walked downtown to Whole Foods (since we had never been to one) and it was quite a place. The displays in the produce section were amazing!</p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEjlo_wCI/AAAAAAAAG1k/t6G8z29Kul8/s1600-h/P31900022.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3190002" border="0" alt="P3190002" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEkXcYsgI/AAAAAAAAG1o/sjH0i8BugYM/P3190002_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoElDcbLQI/AAAAAAAAG1s/YGmLuT72g58/s1600-h/P31900032.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3190003" border="0" alt="P3190003" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEl9lPLdI/AAAAAAAAG1w/es0xJCb31Xk/P3190003_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p>As we were leaving Whole Foods we stumbled upon the Saturday Farmer’s Market covering several blocks and spent some time touring it. Then it was back to “Life’s2Short” for a much-needed quiet afternoon.</p><p>By early evening we were ready for another adventure so we went to O’Learys Tiki Bar for drinks and an appetizer while the rest of the group attended a rendezvous dinner event.</p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEmp9vSxI/AAAAAAAAG10/qGQYGCBBua8/s1600-h/P31900072.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3190007" border="0" alt="P3190007" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEnGAhR4I/AAAAAAAAG14/c0vs17JuigY/P3190007_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p>We met up with the group at Marina Jack’s around 8:30 for more live music and dancing on our final evening in Sarasota.</p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">A gorgeous moonrise over Sarasota. According to the news, this is the brightest the moon has been, and the closest to the earth it’s been, in eighteen years!</span></p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEnvxHLNI/AAAAAAAAG18/CS-quiWcI-4/s1600-h/P31900112.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3190011" border="0" alt="P3190011" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEoCGsiJI/AAAAAAAAG2A/tVIWcwlcJEU/P3190011_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p>Let the party begin!</p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEoodKQ2I/AAAAAAAAG2E/pA4bluD4sPs/s1600-h/P31900132.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3190013" border="0" alt="P3190013" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEpSN581I/AAAAAAAAG2I/aVp5TXGfmm8/P3190013_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEqJ3caeI/AAAAAAAAG2M/8ZAB-klyfW4/s1600-h/P31900142.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3190014" border="0" alt="P3190014" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEqqGJiLI/AAAAAAAAG2Q/TAChT_zANiw/P3190014_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Greetings from the Cambridge crew to Bill & Ana on “Knot Tide Down.” We miss you!</span></p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoErR8uviI/AAAAAAAAG2U/QZdnbGZhOAg/s1600-h/P31900172.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3190017" border="0" alt="P3190017" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoErya_VUI/AAAAAAAAG2Y/EFK900tayNc/P3190017_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEs7Jcc8I/AAAAAAAAG2c/gy09GlPl2g4/s1600-h/P31900162.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3190016" border="0" alt="P3190016" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEt2fkzQI/AAAAAAAAG2g/69powIZ5E5k/P3190016_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEvE10mCI/AAAAAAAAG2k/7d4lJ-ENUeg/s1600-h/P31900182.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3190018" border="0" alt="P3190018" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoExEiIpGI/AAAAAAAAG2o/c1aD_L1nwEY/P3190018_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoEyhYjyfI/AAAAAAAAG2s/L5uOAbBgubw/s1600-h/P31900202.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3190020" border="0" alt="P3190020" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoE0rIaQsI/AAAAAAAAG2w/BTvRK3CD-fQ/P3190020_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoE10jrdjI/AAAAAAAAG20/NdDWGnG3woI/s1600-h/P31900242.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3190024" border="0" alt="P3190024" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoE2d5WaBI/AAAAAAAAG24/ZphGti6k4_M/P3190024_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoE3DryzII/AAAAAAAAG28/RzE9SASa1xI/s1600-h/P31900272.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3190027" border="0" alt="P3190027" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoE3qvBUYI/AAAAAAAAG3A/zjlX17cm3K0/P3190027_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>After our fourth night of shenanigans in Sarasota, it was time to head south. We hauled anchor about 9:30 a.m. and had a nice offshore run to Charlotte Harbor. Seven hours later we were anchored at Punta Blanca where we spent a mellow afternoon and evening. We were both so worn out from our late nights in Sarasota that we were in bed by 9:00 p.m.!</p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Sunset from our anchorage.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoE4Q9C97I/AAAAAAAAG3E/WqaxE6dWlTs/s1600-h/P3200001%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="P3200001" border="0" alt="P3200001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoE5J-14LI/AAAAAAAAG3I/Bl3fqxxlBIg/P3200001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p><p>Monday morning Todd went out fishing and came back with a couple of flounder and a nice sea trout. He tried again early afternoon and snagged several more sea trout before returning to the boat. Since we didn’t need any more fish for dinner, Todd cleaned them and gave them to our cove-mates on “SouthernFlite.” That evening we enjoyed grilled flounder and lemon pepper sea trout accompanied by mushroom & broccoli stuffed shells and cheese. Nice meal, Captain!</p><p>Todd fished again Tuesday morning for a while and just as he was returning, we received a text from Cathy in St. Petersburg letting us know that her beloved Rhodesian Ridgeback, Taz, had gone to heaven. A sad day for all who knew and loved Taz. Cathy, our hearts go out to you!</p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoE58DyjxI/AAAAAAAAG3M/ZooIHX13DwE/s1600-h/P30501422.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3050142" border="0" alt="P3050142" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoE6ZnrZSI/AAAAAAAAG3Q/l8PfYO7_AVw/P3050142_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p>That afternoon we took a dinghy ride in search of the Tunnel of Love on Cayo Costa. We had unsuccessfully searched for it when we were anchored at Punta Blanca last year and no one we asked knew anything about it. I have since read that the hurricanes of 2005 made it impassible but we searched anyway. If what we found was truly the Tunnel of Love, and we believe it is, it is now impassable after a short distance. Perhaps that’s why no one knows where it is anymore!</p><p>We still wanted to see the beach on Cayo Costa, though, so we continued in search of a path and finally found one. After a short hike across the island we were rewarded with a beautiful, isolated beach.</p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoE7qUBBII/AAAAAAAAG3U/xrnpmk1aZrg/s1600-h/P3220005%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="P3220005" border="0" alt="P3220005" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoE8h0BuSI/AAAAAAAAG3Y/P_Ifo9PPcVc/P3220005_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoE9cBOncI/AAAAAAAAG3c/ExLkx2-sX0M/s1600-h/P3220007%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="P3220007" border="0" alt="P3220007" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoE-ZEHUkI/AAAAAAAAG3g/XxSdBMZIAWM/P3220007_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">The Captain is chillin’ with a cold one.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoE_WvGoXI/AAAAAAAAG3k/sq1fKMYOinM/s1600-h/P3220008%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="P3220008" border="0" alt="P3220008" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYoFAW8fHGI/AAAAAAAAG3o/QgN-JaJ_Wi4/P3220008_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p>Today is Wednesday, March 23rd, and after another mellow evening aboard “Life’s2Short,” it is time to make our way to Ft. Myers Beach where we will fuel up and spend a few days at Bonita Bill’s before continuing south to the Ten Thousand Islands.</p>Todd and Brenda Lanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01540907378242980852noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27829931.post-86940847240645153912011-03-16T09:52:00.003-04:002011-03-16T12:58:15.053-04:00<p><strong>Our Final Weeks in St. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Petersburg</span></strong></p><p>Since our last update we have been working hard to cross projects off the Captain’s long list. After Todd got the engines put back together, he tore into the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">VacuFlush</span> toilet in the aft stateroom. Although frustrating at times, it was a successful experience and we have a fully functional head again and <em>that’s</em> a beautiful thing!</p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Staining the inside of the front hatch.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC-_aSsH7I/AAAAAAAAGtU/1RFR1z8lbwQ/s1600-h/P21700342.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P2170034" border="0" alt="P2170034" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC-_4hKRqI/AAAAAAAAGtY/JOq3FQJWOAQ/P2170034_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Todd also spent a couple of days decorating Cathy’s dock with colorful floats he found and brought back from the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Exumas</span> in 2009.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_AqAIaCI/AAAAAAAAGtc/uO6w6EBw8dM/s1600-h/P30501392.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3050139" border="0" alt="P3050139" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_BQtyudI/AAAAAAAAGtg/voms0tIHS-c/P3050139_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p><p>The weekend of February 19<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>, longtime boaters Mike & Mary Hall paid Cathy a visit on their way to the Keys to visit friends. Their boat, “<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">WhatDazeIt</span>?,” is currently docked at Eagle Cove Marina in Alabama on the Black Warrior River so this was a road trip for them. Lisa & Steve also came over to join the festivities.</p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">It was a beautiful weekend to hang by the pool.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_B75OO7I/AAAAAAAAGtk/3FcoX3vTFcc/s1600-h/P21900482.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P2190048" border="0" alt="P2190048" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_CYWz0oI/AAAAAAAAGto/v3GuoO-4r0Q/P2190048_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Steve, Todd & Mike relaxing in what Cathy calls her Key West area.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_DFGzzOI/AAAAAAAAGts/_t3dnc6jI8o/s1600-h/P21900562.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P2190056" border="0" alt="P2190056" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_EvvpwzI/AAAAAAAAGtw/E9ALOoXQuvQ/P2190056_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Lisa wraps her 17-year-old dog Lucky up in a towel after he took an unexpected dip in the pool – twice. Poor Lucky’s eyesight <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">isn</span>’t what it used to be!</span></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_FTx5OSI/AAAAAAAAGt0/TxuHTuBHHEg/s1600-h/P21900512.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P2190051" border="0" alt="P2190051" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_F-UvsYI/AAAAAAAAGt4/hvUU9ixGlpA/P2190051_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Lisa, Mary and Cathy chatting poolside.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_G2HebaI/AAAAAAAAGuA/0v4rEV9rRPk/s1600-h/P21900572.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P2190057" border="0" alt="P2190057" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_HaRurEI/AAAAAAAAGuE/ZOMltB7ApYM/P2190057_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Todd and Lisa partnering in a game of bags. Not sure why they’re both on the ground?</span></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_IaAxNhI/AAAAAAAAGuI/UvtJ07AOlwQ/s1600-h/P21900662.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P2190066" border="0" alt="P2190066" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_I5T-tLI/AAAAAAAAGuM/3FXZqP5LIXA/P2190066_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">I’m rich, I’m rich!!!</span></p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_JoTvQvI/AAAAAAAAGuQ/j9bdyL9xiZ4/s1600-h/P21900892.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P2190089" border="0" alt="P2190089" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_KRKza9I/AAAAAAAAGuU/_G6klYM2x3Y/P2190089_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Ms. Davis sacked out on us – again!</span></p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_K-Q2uoI/AAAAAAAAGuY/p5N1oKCD438/s1600-h/P22000992.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P2200099" border="0" alt="P2200099" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_LZRkNPI/AAAAAAAAGuc/XfVEGxv46WI/P2200099_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p>After our weekend of fun, we forced ourselves to start on the sundeck wing doors. Cathy’s next door neighbor, Ted, helped Todd scrape off the old varnish and sand the doors while I started scraping the varnish off the door frames. What an extremely time-consuming and labor intensive project that turned out to be! </p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Don’t let this picture fool you, the Captain did most of the work!</span></p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_MQR_qdI/AAAAAAAAGug/Tw2FEEqvZ-E/s1600-h/P22501012.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P2250101" border="0" alt="P2250101" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_M5KyEPI/AAAAAAAAGuk/yyT3dTexEsM/P2250101_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p>On Sunday, February 27<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>, Don (another neighbor and friend of Cathy’s) invited Todd to go fishing with him. They were hoping to catch <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">sheepshead</span> but only came back with one nice sea trout.</p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Captain Don at the helm.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_NWzP-mI/AAAAAAAAGuo/vCILyN9RAWI/s1600-h/P22701042.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P2270104" border="0" alt="P2270104" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_NwTkCDI/AAAAAAAAGus/kiiQIC7X5IA/P2270104_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Don & Patty join us for fish tacos featuring Todd’s sea trout.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_Oa5gEMI/AAAAAAAAGuw/81mZfCV6ZoU/s1600-h/P30301052.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3030105" border="0" alt="P3030105" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_OwPgXsI/AAAAAAAAGu0/tcmYQY80SQA/P3030105_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">A familiar position for Cathy. When she <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">isn</span>’t at the office or meeting with clients, she’s working at the couch.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_PcbyNXI/AAAAAAAAGu4/1lzGiXTTz0M/s1600-h/P30401082.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3040108" border="0" alt="P3040108" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_P5lDr8I/AAAAAAAAGu8/yJclSq32HNc/P3040108_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p>For Cathy’s birthday, we hired a tree service to trim five of her palm trees. An interesting process to watch, especially on a windy day!</p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Notice how the guy’s feet are no longer on the ladder in the second photo? Yikes!</span></p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_QQrSNhI/AAAAAAAAGvA/aTL01lC8U_E/s1600-h/P30401142.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3040114" border="0" alt="P3040114" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_Q2L2IjI/AAAAAAAAGvE/q7AiJaJL-40/P3040114_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_RbRg0fI/AAAAAAAAGvI/QVXq8jFaaGA/s1600-h/P30401212.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3040121" border="0" alt="P3040121" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_R0lEmbI/AAAAAAAAGvM/lUF0uYcm4QU/P3040121_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_SYZUlUI/AAAAAAAAGvQ/9CVmoNsjc1w/s1600-h/P30401222.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3040122" border="0" alt="P3040122" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_SxI53lI/AAAAAAAAGvU/Y1fvLx2NlTM/P3040122_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p>The weekend of March 5<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>, also Cathy’s birthday weekend, Cathy invited Jim & <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">MaryAnn</span>, friends from Apollo Beach, and Don & Patty over for more poolside fun. Todd’s sister Jennifer also came over from Orlando for the party.</p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Sampling Jello shots in the kitchen.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_TsBE_8I/AAAAAAAAGvY/6mWAON2K_74/s1600-h/P30501232.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3050123" border="0" alt="P3050123" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_UF2pJ1I/AAAAAAAAGvc/wrfEwFdLHhA/P3050123_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Cathy shares Jello shots with the young studs across the street who were also having a party.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_UhPQmyI/AAAAAAAAGvg/H5In8CoVFCc/s1600-h/P30501252.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3050125" border="0" alt="P3050125" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_U9vpS6I/AAAAAAAAGvk/DAUC2WKTFPk/P3050125_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">And Todd shares Jello shots with the cute coeds!</span></p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_VgLR5VI/AAAAAAAAGvo/8tEBBp52Wvk/s1600-h/P30501282.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3050128" border="0" alt="P3050128" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_WDnTbtI/AAAAAAAAGvs/2QbyxEtIoRY/P3050128_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Speaking of shots, here’s one for the guys!</span></p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_WwGC5_I/AAAAAAAAGvw/Au5abX3CMmE/s1600-h/P30501312.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3050131" border="0" alt="P3050131" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_Xs56wEI/AAAAAAAAGv0/rYsrTNsfF8I/P3050131_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Jennifer and Todd poolside. Can you tell they’re related?</span></p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_YjULy_I/AAAAAAAAGv4/J4Yczv6DSCc/s1600-h/P30501322.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3050132" border="0" alt="P3050132" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_ZWEwZwI/AAAAAAAAGv8/_EmRF4Qq7zU/P3050132_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Everyone enjoying another beautiful sunny day.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_b7x3ayI/AAAAAAAAGwA/DbLFEF3P3mE/s1600-h/P30501342.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3050134" border="0" alt="P3050134" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_cgSIqtI/AAAAAAAAGwE/dlYjL4otDk0/P3050134_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_dTrMCoI/AAAAAAAAGwI/jYwWEuJa1F0/s1600-h/P30501362.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3050136" border="0" alt="P3050136" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_d0YyTmI/AAAAAAAAGwM/00XYXg-GPsM/P3050136_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">MaryAnn</span> & Jim (front) sitting next to Patty & Don.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_eZ67s4I/AAAAAAAAGwQ/u1R2vZjqypU/s1600-h/P30501372.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3050137" border="0" alt="P3050137" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_e2_jRDI/AAAAAAAAGwU/l4qufNOvlxA/P3050137_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Cathy getting ready to refill her <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">tiki</span> torches.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_fVH26gI/AAAAAAAAGwY/tsvTu7fYzpA/s1600-h/P30501442.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3050144" border="0" alt="P3050144" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_fzj1A1I/AAAAAAAAGwc/Ln1UKI6mXmk/P3050144_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Cathy blows out the candles on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">MaryAnn</span>’s famous Kahlua cake.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_gkbfyaI/AAAAAAAAGwg/HgS2FU9-KyE/s1600-h/P30501492.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3050149" border="0" alt="P3050149" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_hKZC-sI/AAAAAAAAGwk/7z21DwQOnPY/P3050149_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Another night of fun and games on the lanai.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_hpgb33I/AAAAAAAAGwo/GTZVP29OZFg/s1600-h/P30501502.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3050150" border="0" alt="P3050150" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_iXQY5dI/AAAAAAAAGws/QU50DY_jmRM/P3050150_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p>Then it was back to work. We finally finished the wing doors and frames and hung the doors, and even though they were a TON of hard work, they really do look beautiful.</p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_i4-21VI/AAAAAAAAGww/dS0pC1w4oJE/s1600-h/P31100052.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3110005" border="0" alt="P3110005" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_jcdQb1I/AAAAAAAAGw0/ggaoW9AyAbY/P3110005_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_jym8v3I/AAAAAAAAGw4/1OZ4q3d-pO4/s1600-h/P31100062.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3110006" border="0" alt="P3110006" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_kYXeiMI/AAAAAAAAGw8/44Y5pcepGkU/P3110006_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Stocking up in preparation of our upcoming departure from land.</span></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_lPptMTI/AAAAAAAAGxA/XXHKFli8v4w/s1600-h/P30701532.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3070153" border="0" alt="P3070153" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_lqC6-TI/AAAAAAAAGxE/p7oVmtC-Oww/P3070153_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p><p>We also took “Life’s2Short” out for a spin to make sure everything was in proper working order with the new heat exchangers, transmission coolers and oil coolers. When we came back to the dock, we pointed the boat in the opposite direction so the Captain could wax the other side. He then spent most of a day giving the boat a thorough bath while I tackled the dreaded cleaning of the inside of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">flybridge</span> canvas.</p><p>Over the next several days, Todd spent countless hours waxing the top side of the boat. We’<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">ve</span> both commented that “Life’s2Short” probably looks as good now as she has since we’<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">ve</span> owned her!</p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_mf9OSbI/AAAAAAAAGxI/uvpw7g3rq-0/s1600-h/P31100032.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3110003" border="0" alt="P3110003" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_mj1t--I/AAAAAAAAGxM/d8CLuzy9WSo/P3110003_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p><p>Patty came over early Saturday morning to get things set up for the annual neighborhood garage sale. Even though Cathy <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">wasn</span>’t keen on participating, Patty more or less roped her into it by bringing her garage sale goodies to Cathy’s house to sell.</p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_neYmy3I/AAAAAAAAGxQ/5LgrBw9J2mA/s1600-h/P31200072.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3120007" border="0" alt="P3120007" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_oKPVVOI/AAAAAAAAGxU/Gx6qiLqT_tg/P3120007_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Cathy with next door neighbor and wing door assistant, Ted.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_o3dnc8I/AAAAAAAAGxY/eei0g7c3n_w/s1600-h/P31200095.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3120009" border="0" alt="P3120009" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_pf0rVcI/AAAAAAAAGxc/kBKtU9Sdwus/P3120009_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p>On Sunday, March 13<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>, we borrowed Cathy’s car and drove to Tampa Bay Downs for a final day at the horse track with Lisa & Steve. It was a gorgeous day to be outside, even though the ponies <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">weren</span>’t very good to us.</p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">And they’re off!</span></p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_qEuE2OI/AAAAAAAAGxg/vPT38GH5Gug/s1600-h/P31300102.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3130010" border="0" alt="P3130010" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_qkVa8uI/AAAAAAAAGxk/V9cCH9YlNYg/P3130010_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYC_rBSe1II/AAAAAAAAGxo/Plh8gGtUy0Y/s1600-h/P31300112.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3130011" border="0" alt="P3130011" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYDAdyOa1rI/AAAAAAAAGxs/SIpjlq__j_w/P3130011_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">No napping, Lisa!</span></p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYDAeUWsWhI/AAAAAAAAGxw/JAc3lO8BDY8/s1600-h/P31300142.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3130014" border="0" alt="P3130014" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYDAfOxrlUI/AAAAAAAAGx0/fbPrpt01oV8/P3130014_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p>We have been busy these past few days making final preparations to leave the dock for points south. Our first stop will be Sarasota where we plan to meet up with several boating friends to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Among them will be Bob & Stephanie on “September Song,” Steve & Diane on "Aurora," Norm & Vicki on “Tide Hiker,” and Joe & Julia on “Sea Pearl,” all of whom have been on the blog several times over the years.</p><p>Having been at the dock now since November 26th, the Captain is more than ready to do some cruising! After Sarasota we will continue south to Ft. Myers Beach for a few days and then on to the Ten Thousand Islands in the Everglades before turning back north. We had kicked around the idea of going to the Exumas one last time before putting “Life’s2Short” on the market but have decided to stay closer to home.</p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Yes, “Life’s2Short” is now officially for sale, boo-hoo. She’s not listed with a broker yet as we would like to save both us and a potential buyer broker fees.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYDAfaKnq9I/AAAAAAAAGx4/bI4ZjAv56tM/s1600-h/P31500032.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="P3150003" border="0" alt="P3150003" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TYDAgPvH1uI/AAAAAAAAGx8/9fQl22U1Vg0/P3150003_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p><p>Our plans beyond the Ten Thousand Islands are fairly loose but we will probably be back in the St. Petersburg area for a brief visit around the middle of April before continuing a leisurely cruise north along the west coast of Florida and then west along the Florida panhandle to Mobile, Alabama. After that we will head north on the Tenn-Tom Waterway with a stop in Demopolis, Alabama, to visit friends before continuing north to the Tennessee River for the summer – IF “Life’s2Short” doesn’t sell between now and then!</p>Todd and Brenda Lanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01540907378242980852noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27829931.post-54036437547970298182011-02-10T13:30:00.004-05:002011-02-10T13:52:08.916-05:00<p><strong>Dock Life</strong></p><p>As we continue our annual “vacation” from boating, it appears I am also taking a vacation from blogging. But the dockside days go by quickly and life isn’t quite as eventful on a day-to-day basis as when we are traveling.</p><p>Todd and I finally recovered from the nasty colds we were nursing at the time of our last update (January 14th) and have been tackling a long list of boat projects in our spare time. On Tuesday, January 25th, we took the boat over to Gulfport Marina to pump out the holding tanks so Todd could begin several projects that would require the engines to be out of commission for an extended period of time.</p><p>On Friday, January 28th, we headed to Lutz, north of Tampa, to spend the weekend with Lisa & Steve. That afternoon we did a little horseback riding before returning to their house for a marathon of games that lasted until 3:00 a.m.!</p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Saddled up and ready to go for a ride on Ireland.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TVQuLWU0_hI/AAAAAAAAGqY/N-E2xa8fF80/s1600-h/P1280006%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="P1280006" border="0" alt="P1280006" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TVQuMEC86BI/AAAAAAAAGqc/cKbGzEdbKG8/P1280006_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">The games started with Bop-It. Nothing like repeatedly banging yourself in the head with a hard piece of plastic!</span></p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TVQuMhxZ6LI/AAAAAAAAGqg/ZYvYw2XIobs/s1600-h/P1280008%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="P1280008" border="0" alt="P1280008" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TVQuNdnEtXI/AAAAAAAAGqk/p3ZsSQpNysk/P1280008_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TVQuN-7jB4I/AAAAAAAAGqo/lhOFexMVAPY/s1600-h/P1280009%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="P1280009" border="0" alt="P1280009" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TVQuOXrZ0jI/AAAAAAAAGqs/uYHnDjh9KPc/P1280009_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TVQuPLgohMI/AAAAAAAAGqw/f6BeqNWDbDo/s1600-h/P1280007%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="P1280007" border="0" alt="P1280007" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TVQuPtMekhI/AAAAAAAAGq0/WG0zNM9QZXM/P1280007_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">And moved on to Quelf, which is always a bizarre game, as evidenced by the activities captured in the following photos.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TVQuQOdtdvI/AAAAAAAAGq4/_T9VzITynm8/s1600-h/DSC041002.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="DSC04100" border="0" alt="DSC04100" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TVQuQiQWZDI/AAAAAAAAGq8/U7TtwsMEaPo/DSC04100_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TVQuRTLZSQI/AAAAAAAAGrA/Cwx0Vxpotdk/s1600-h/P1290018%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="P1290018" border="0" alt="P1290018" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TVQuSJX5DwI/AAAAAAAAGrE/Xcu_rAz_gdY/P1290018_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TVQuS7qZV2I/AAAAAAAAGrI/Htdpi8f4T_E/s1600-h/P1290015%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="P1290015" border="0" alt="P1290015" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TVQuTZYMeFI/AAAAAAAAGrM/WzULOXXR_P0/P1290015_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TVQuUMtAZkI/AAAAAAAAGrQ/9Lec6Xp7Dqk/s1600-h/P1290013%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="P1290013" border="0" alt="P1290013" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TVQuUqbC6iI/AAAAAAAAGrU/hEADKpgTn2I/P1290013_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TVQuVboFlEI/AAAAAAAAGrY/mtVrvJto-y4/s1600-h/P1290012%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="P1290012" border="0" alt="P1290012" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TVQuV7YlZSI/AAAAAAAAGrc/bkBT2WYEF9c/P1290012_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TVQuWd7_5jI/AAAAAAAAGrg/tHNFNM7mSAo/s1600-h/DSC040982.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="DSC04098" border="0" alt="DSC04098" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TVQuWpJygOI/AAAAAAAAGrk/3VYWMsYj4y0/DSC04098_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">This tie was part of the game, too. As I recall, Lisa was required to tie a Windsor knot in it and failed, so the Captain showed her how it was done! He had lots of experience in his “former” life.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TVQuXPaZojI/AAAAAAAAGro/_xITeplNMmk/s1600-h/DSC041032.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="DSC04103" border="0" alt="DSC04103" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TVQuXj2u1hI/AAAAAAAAGrs/2uOX0xN6Opw/DSC04103_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Don’t they make a cute couple?</span></p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TVQuYYfuHeI/AAAAAAAAGrw/E1hf-ADWCtw/s1600-h/DSC040962.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="DSC04096" border="0" alt="DSC04096" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TVQuYqtA5mI/AAAAAAAAGr0/jrjKcl6LNKk/DSC04096_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p>Late Saturday morning we headed to the horse races at Tampa Bay Downs, and it turned out to be an absolutely beautiful day to enjoy an outside activity.</p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">A gorgeous day at the horse track.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TVQuZWIGkvI/AAAAAAAAGr4/6SAEbDYdK2c/s1600-h/DSC041102.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="DSC04110" border="0" alt="DSC04110" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TVQuZ-YgC-I/AAAAAAAAGr8/r6-uKoRwFc8/DSC04110_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p>But after having had such a late night Friday, none of us were very energetic that evening!</p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TVQuagdYxoI/AAAAAAAAGsA/3rxcBStsoRA/s1600-h/DSC041152.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="DSC04115" border="0" alt="DSC04115" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TVQubIu_lII/AAAAAAAAGsE/Nyy5zA4EkJE/DSC04115_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TVQubgR5-vI/AAAAAAAAGsI/NHfSMAZrLjo/s1600-h/DSC041202.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="DSC04120" border="0" alt="DSC04120" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TVQucFGKs0I/AAAAAAAAGsM/dRkr5bTUKnk/DSC04120_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p>We all went back to the barn Sunday afternoon to spend some time with Ireland and Dakota. While we were there, Steve and Todd played horseshoes with a couple of the other barn people.</p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TVQudNavk3I/AAAAAAAAGsQ/MasXYy98S6c/s1600-h/P1300021%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="P1300021" border="0" alt="P1300021" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TVQudpOwzJI/AAAAAAAAGsU/S0XZY7hTk-I/P1300021_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TVQuetDlTyI/AAAAAAAAGsY/IauHPFdIo3E/s1600-h/P1300023%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="P1300023" border="0" alt="P1300023" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TVQufAC-VJI/AAAAAAAAGsc/0YnrFD5pQLc/P1300023_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Have you ever seen a fatter pig in your life… seriously?!!!</span></p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TVQuiWyyJPI/AAAAAAAAGsg/Q99SDXt0P1g/s1600-h/P1300026%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="P1300026" border="0" alt="P1300026" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TVQujDU-adI/AAAAAAAAGsk/9WcZvxGvoCo/P1300026_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Sweet Ireland.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TVQujuX_mKI/AAAAAAAAGso/o91188xkF38/s1600-h/P1300028%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="P1300028" border="0" alt="P1300028" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TVQukogL6lI/AAAAAAAAGss/VdcO6dYZlKA/P1300028_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">And gentle Dakota.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TVQulNulgJI/AAAAAAAAGsw/9oFTMjxdp6U/s1600-h/P1300029%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="P1300029" border="0" alt="P1300029" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TVQulnXr6nI/AAAAAAAAGs0/h55sip82xRg/P1300029_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Lisa goes for a ride on one of the other horses – Gypsy, I believe.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TVQumufTKuI/AAAAAAAAGs4/U_Dtt3UqcXI/s1600-h/P1300030%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="P1300030" border="0" alt="P1300030" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TVQunGb2zBI/AAAAAAAAGs8/XRN93rEssLk/P1300030_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p>Then it was off to Vallarta’s for some yummy Mexican food and margaritas and back to the house to watch “Secretariat.” Well, three of us watched the movie. About thirty minutes into it, Lisa was sound asleep on the couch!</p><p>Monday we made our way back to St. Petersburg where our boat projects awaited. Todd has spent a good deal of time in “the holy place” taking the transmission coolers, oil coolers and heat exchanges off both engines, cleaning out the bilge and the sump pump, replacing fuel filters, etc. He has painted his two new oil coolers and two new heat exchangers and is currently in the process of putting the engines back together.</p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">The Captain paints his new heat exchangers in Cathy’s garage.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TVQunxIYjnI/AAAAAAAAGtA/w_7IKJ7vrkY/s1600-h/P2080033%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="P2080033" border="0" alt="P2080033" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TVQuojd9sGI/AAAAAAAAGtE/azFfozMbDq4/P2080033_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p>On the home front, Todd has been working on various “honey-do” projects for Cathy, the most time-consuming of which was cleaning out and reorganizing her garage. But as you can see in the above photo, he did an amazing job and it looks wonderful!</p><p>We have also been tackling a number of projects in other parts of the boat: sanding and repainting the dinghy davit pole on the sundeck, sanding the remaining stain off the exterior teak, sanding and staining the inside of the front hatch, cleaning the rust off the stainless steel, etc.</p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Sanding the wood on the inside of the front hatch.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TVQupOfKONI/AAAAAAAAGtI/JMi3-T9kzIE/s1600-h/P2040032%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="P2040032" border="0" alt="P2040032" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TVQup1eyeQI/AAAAAAAAGtM/kKOto32pd84/P2040032_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p>And, of course, there are still projects to be done: replacing worn parts on the VacuFlush toilet in the aft stateroom, sealing leaks around the radar arch on the flybridge, waxing the topside of the boat, applying gloss to the handrails, polishing the stainless steel, etc., etc., etc. The list goes on and on and on…. After all, it is a boat; need I say more? (I <em>know</em> our boater friends can relate!)</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Today is Thursday, February 10th, and after a few hours of light rain this morning, it appears we are going to have a sunny afternoon. So, back to the boat projects we go as another week of our “vacation” from boating slips away.</p>Todd and Brenda Lanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01540907378242980852noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27829931.post-15296225299595568052011-01-14T16:03:00.002-05:002011-01-14T16:06:16.260-05:00<p><strong>Back in St. Petersburg: An Overdue Update</strong></p><p>On the date of our last blog post (December 13th), Todd dropped me off at the St. Petersburg-Clearwater International airport around noon to catch a flight to Missouri.</p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TTC5xwaUhdI/AAAAAAAAGnw/0ck8NIV3X9c/s1600-h/PC130002%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="PC130002" border="0" alt="PC130002" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TTC5yhzE5RI/AAAAAAAAGn0/T1nMIIBpOmE/PC130002_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p><p>After waiting more than eight hours at the airport for a “rescue” flight crew to arrive (ours was stranded elsewhere), we finally got underway and landed in Springfield shortly before midnight. Thankfully, our faithful friend Everett was there to provide transportation, food and lodging after a very long day!</p><p>Tuesday morning Everett drove me to Mansfield where my nephew Greg and his wife Crystal met us and took me the rest of the way to Bucyrus, a very small town about five miles west of Houston (also a small town) where my niece, Jennifer, lives.</p><p>The primary purpose of my extended visit to Missouri was to help my recently paralyzed niece adjust to life at her trailer after having spent the better part of the past five months in the hospital and in various rehabilitation centers undergoing therapy.</p><p>Jennifer had just returned home Monday afternoon and had a number of medical appointments lined up. So our first week was spent traveling to various appointments in Houston, Springfield and Columbia; dealing with the new healthcare aids and their schedules; and learning to cope with the many issues associated with Jennifer’s paralysis. All in all, it was extremely time-consuming and totally exhausting!</p><p>Todd, on the other hand, took off from St. Petersburg on Wednesday, December 15th, to surprise his parents with an early Christmas visit to Colorado. While there he spent time with nieces Shannon, Sara and Kirsten, as well as older sister Cindy who celebrated a birthday on December 16th.</p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Lunch with Todd’s dad, Bill (on the left), and “the guys,” a weekly event for Bill.</span></p><p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TTC5zYwk1dI/AAAAAAAAGn4/vIuwZ5j296k/s1600-h/PC160006%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="PC160006" border="0" alt="PC160006" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TTC5zzeH-DI/AAAAAAAAGn8/InZXHPHr6BA/PC160006_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">From left to right: Nieces Sara, Shannon and Kirsten.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TTC50tpy6wI/AAAAAAAAGoA/CdE22CY9IrE/s1600-h/PC180009%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="PC180009" border="0" alt="PC180009" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TTC51QNmzFI/AAAAAAAAGoE/9Ta7LflwTDs/PC180009_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Kirsten and Bill.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TTC52CaAZdI/AAAAAAAAGoI/x7RpW_BhOvI/s1600-h/PC180013%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="PC180013" border="0" alt="PC180013" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TTC52uk52II/AAAAAAAAGoM/xmJxVyqm1p0/PC180013_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Todd’s sister Cindy and mom Marilyn.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TTC53J-6bVI/AAAAAAAAGoQ/BpxlAUxo8BQ/s1600-h/PC180015%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="PC180015" border="0" alt="PC180015" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TTC53gEPh_I/AAAAAAAAGoU/U3mNvymS0Gs/PC180015_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Celebrating Cindy’s birthday.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TTC54fc61UI/AAAAAAAAGoY/HE-hUx_nfsw/s1600-h/PC180021%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="PC180021" border="0" alt="PC180021" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TTC546wF7WI/AAAAAAAAGoc/CnxtXt4cIjE/PC180021_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TTC56JMr_vI/AAAAAAAAGog/E3AlC0GGiyg/s1600-h/PC180022%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="PC180022" border="0" alt="PC180022" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TTC56rRK_JI/AAAAAAAAGok/9qJPQ9Z8Y4M/PC180022_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Kirsten and Cindy going through storage bins in the basement.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TTC57jOijPI/AAAAAAAAGoo/nBuQtBZTiuo/s1600-h/PC190029%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="PC190029" border="0" alt="PC190029" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TTC58BWfEiI/AAAAAAAAGos/bU8ctgdOhHk/PC190029_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p>On December 22nd, Todd joined me in Missouri. Everett picked him up at the airport and then I drove to Springfield to meet them for a Missouri State Bears basketball game. Everett’s wife Nila got a couple of extra tickets to the President’s suite and invited us to join her. While there we enjoyed seeing and visiting with several former University co-workers. Among them were Bob & Linda Eckels who took this photo with Bob’s iPhone and sent it to us.</p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Posing with the Bears mascots. Growl and Boomer. A lovely shot – NOT!</span></p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TTC58122NGI/AAAAAAAAGow/1An_ICaYmow/s1600-h/photo%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="photo" border="0" alt="photo" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TTC59YmOcJI/AAAAAAAAGo0/y-FsV5HxZKo/photo_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p>After a short reprieve, it was back to Bucyrus the next day to help Jennifer get things organized in her trailer. On Christmas Day we all met at my brother’s house (Dewayne) where his wife, Pennie, prepared a wonderful holiday meal.</p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TTC5-NOp2OI/AAAAAAAAGo4/iR2rzsp-3a8/s1600-h/PC250045%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="PC250045" border="0" alt="PC250045" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TTC5-1jtI9I/AAAAAAAAGo8/NYZ_UIr0EcM/PC250045_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">From left to right: Greg’s wife Crystal, sister-in-law Pennie, niece Jennifer, and my mom.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TTC5_4B07lI/AAAAAAAAGpA/st9ydxmDFuk/s1600-h/PC250033%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="PC250033" border="0" alt="PC250033" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TTC6AYNhJ1I/AAAAAAAAGpE/LeUl_0IazR0/PC250033_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Time to open gifts! </span></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TTC6BSZJYTI/AAAAAAAAGpI/u9qVcaobX18/s1600-h/PC250034%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="PC250034" border="0" alt="PC250034" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TTC6BxTu9JI/AAAAAAAAGpM/tny3FiQGfqw/PC250034_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TTC6CuSeMyI/AAAAAAAAGpQ/IAGcAxUE2co/s1600-h/PC250035%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="PC250035" border="0" alt="PC250035" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TTC6DAC6nUI/AAAAAAAAGpY/N1ACtDNKdGw/PC250035_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Nephew Greg on the left with his two girls, Lily and Emily; and Pennie’s daughter, Nikki, with her boyfriend Derrick on the right.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TTC6Dx-h4YI/AAAAAAAAGpc/yNQO1DuFbQk/s1600-h/PC250037%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="PC250037" border="0" alt="PC250037" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TTC6EZlIvKI/AAAAAAAAGpg/HOKHRhsKW50/PC250037_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Two-year-old Emily.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TTC6FNT58QI/AAAAAAAAGpk/psoiRkFRej4/s1600-h/PC250038%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="PC250038" border="0" alt="PC250038" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TTC6Fv9mxYI/AAAAAAAAGpo/oqKvzz5Kyn4/PC250038_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">And four-year-old Lily.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TTC6GIt2RcI/AAAAAAAAGps/7u-aRjvSe94/s1600-h/PC250039%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="PC250039" border="0" alt="PC250039" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TTC6GpNzx6I/AAAAAAAAGpw/pXNxYtFFp1s/PC250039_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Crystal helps Jennifer open her gifts.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TTC6HVOPaaI/AAAAAAAAGp0/_9r2ysFwp98/s1600-h/PC250040%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="PC250040" border="0" alt="PC250040" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TTC6H_g_EII/AAAAAAAAGp4/60lPIAEoqOo/PC250040_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">My dad and Greg.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TTC6IS-cGoI/AAAAAAAAGp8/gRT-iUMZ8Jg/s1600-h/PC250042%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="PC250042" border="0" alt="PC250042" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TTC6JAKhUgI/AAAAAAAAGqA/gqp0_M9Gvi4/PC250042_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">And my mom.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TTC6JnishaI/AAAAAAAAGqE/phJ-JlbGx8U/s1600-h/PC250047%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="PC250047" border="0" alt="PC250047" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TTC6KJmfKbI/AAAAAAAAGqI/R00elOuwcYw/PC250047_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p>On Wednesday the 29th, the weather warmed up so my dad and Todd took off to spend a few days at Lake of the Ozarks where they ended up catching over a hundred crappie! But by Friday the weather turned cold again and it was time to come home.</p><p>Jennifer wanted to go out on New Year’s Eve so we went to the Eagles Lodge with my younger brother Jimmy and his friend Mike. Like Jennifer, Mike was paralyzed in a diving accident when he was twenty-seven, twenty years ago, and has learned to manage quite well on his own. Hopefully he will be able to offer Jennifer some guidance.</p><p>We were also joined at the Eagles by Dewayne & Pennie on their way home from a gathering at a friend’s house. Unfortunately, midnight came and went with no countdown, no announcement, no champagne, nothing. Pretty lame venue overall but it was nice spending the evening with family.</p><p>On Thursday, January 6th, we decided to say our good-byes. We had pretty much done all we could do for Jennifer and it was time to see if she could manage on her own, with the assistance of the healthcare aids who come in a couple of times a day. It will be a challenging, on-going learning process for Jennifer and only time will tell how well she will be able to cope.</p><p>Greg & Crystal drove us to Mountain Grove that afternoon where Everett met us and took us on to Springfield. We then met Nila and friend Kelli Teale for drinks at Marinades followed by dinner at Big Whiskey.</p><p>We spent some time on campus Friday, visiting and putting out feelers for job opportunities, and then went to another Bears basketball game that evening. After the game we met up with the Hayes, the Eckels and the Marty’s (also former co-workers) at nearby Ebbets Field for food, drinks and conversation.</p><p>Saturday afternoon Kelli Teale joined us at the Hayes’ residence for a fish fry featuring some of the crappie dad and Todd caught at Lake of the Ozarks the previous week, accompanied by fried potatoes, cole slaw and Nila’s homemade garlic-cheese biscuits. And to top it all off, we had strawberries and Everett’s freshly made piecrust for dessert. Mmm Mmm Good!</p><p>On Sunday we picked Kelli up on our way to Avanzare, a local Italian restaurant, to meet up with another friend, Greg, who was hosting a private gathering to watch the Kansas City Chiefs Wild Card game against the Ravens. Unfortunately, the Chiefs did not prevail but it was good to see Greg again. Greg used to be the University’s Vice President for Administration & Finance and is now the City Manager for the City of Springfield.</p><p>And then came Monday, January 10th, time to return to Florida. After a four-hour flight delay, including de-icing the plane before take-off, we made it back to St. Petersburg about 10:45 p.m. Cathy was gracious enough to pick us up at the airport and bring us home to “Life’s2Short.”</p><p>Today is Friday, January 14th, and both Todd and I have spent the week nursing colds and trying to stay warm. The day after we returned to Florida, a cold front moved in and it has been unseasonably cold since. But the forecast is looking up for the weekend with sunshine and daytime highs in the mid- to upper 60’s, which we are very much looking forward to!</p>Todd and Brenda Lanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01540907378242980852noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27829931.post-8700412655428780792010-12-13T10:45:00.003-05:002010-12-13T10:48:23.989-05:00<p><strong>A Chilly Start to December in St. Petersburg</strong></p><p>Wednesday, December 1st, turned cold and windy with morning temperatures on Thursday in the low to mid-40’s. And, of course, the heater in the boat decided it didn’t want to work! But we dressed warm, plugged in the space heater and survived just fine.</p><p>On Friday we rode to Tampa with Cathy, who was on her way to work, and were then picked up by Lisa who took us to her & Steve’s home in Lutz, north of Tampa, to spend the weekend.</p><p>Late that afternoon we drove to the ranch where Steve & Lisa board their two horses, Dakota and Ireland, for a brief ride. Todd grew up around horses and was quite comfortable on his horse, Derby (on loan from another boarder). I, on the other hand, was never really around horses and haven’t been near one in something like 35 years, so Lisa put me on Ireland who was very well behaved.</p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Getting Derby saddled up and ready to ride.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TQY_FDYmfbI/AAAAAAAAGk0/SbmMEmwGLgU/s1600-h/PC0300012.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="PC030001" border="0" alt="PC030001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TQY_Fklc51I/AAAAAAAAGk4/HGqnatbdSwg/PC030001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TQY_GTiqNtI/AAAAAAAAGk8/MUoFyN4q054/s1600-h/PC0300042.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="PC030004" border="0" alt="PC030004" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TQY_G3ol3lI/AAAAAAAAGlA/t1mvdi6zhXw/PC030004_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Doesn’t he look like a natural?</span></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TQY_Ia4ziOI/AAAAAAAAGlE/CiHpHA9E7Bw/s1600-h/PC0300052.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="PC030005" border="0" alt="PC030005" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TQY_I-YWA9I/AAAAAAAAGlI/sNivCL8v4ps/PC030005_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Ireland patiently waits while the novice climbs aboard.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TQY_JjWamtI/AAAAAAAAGlM/1kxVjjP89UQ/s1600-h/PC0300072.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="PC030007" border="0" alt="PC030007" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TQY_KAsH11I/AAAAAAAAGlQ/LfzMZDN5U8c/PC030007_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TQY_LElZelI/AAAAAAAAGlU/-NS-UKeVtWc/s1600-h/PC0300092.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="PC030009" border="0" alt="PC030009" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TQY_L0pH9XI/AAAAAAAAGlY/wZe2eDFtDcA/PC030009_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p>After the horses had been fed and put to pasture, we stopped at Vallarta’s for some great Mexican food and margaritas. Then it was back to the house for several games of Catch Phrase where the girls definitely ruled!</p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TQY_MdQ95DI/AAAAAAAAGlc/yTK5VGM8d1Q/s1600-h/PC0300132.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="PC030013" border="0" alt="PC030013" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TQY_N2kuY8I/AAAAAAAAGlg/v2-Pil4lBsw/PC030013_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">The Captain wraps up to try and stay warm.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TQY_PxCFl6I/AAAAAAAAGlk/9xN1NTax9Ew/s1600-h/PC0300102.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="PC030010" border="0" alt="PC030010" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TQY_QW_isxI/AAAAAAAAGlo/akI31U0xgF0/PC030010_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p>Saturday it was back to the ranch for more horseback riding. Lisa is on Sara (also on loan), Steve is on Dakota, Todd is on Derby and I am on Ireland.</p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Mounted and ready to go.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TQY_REwEgHI/AAAAAAAAGls/wK4vNG59B_A/s1600-h/PC0400162.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="PC040016" border="0" alt="PC040016" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TQY_RpTd2EI/AAAAAAAAGlw/QnE913m1YqU/PC040016_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Out into the field.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TQY_SsSDoyI/AAAAAAAAGl0/3fNU5EkLONk/s1600-h/PC0400232.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="PC040023" border="0" alt="PC040023" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TQY_TMA1toI/AAAAAAAAGl4/BTE5gpBvvso/PC040023_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TQY_TwjcreI/AAAAAAAAGl8/_K1vIN4dMTA/s1600-h/PC0400242.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="PC040024" border="0" alt="PC040024" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TQY_UufcluI/AAAAAAAAGmA/G_TnJJX7YLA/PC040024_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TQY_VEDwibI/AAAAAAAAGmE/2DDWYOYw9zM/s1600-h/PC0400252.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="PC040025" border="0" alt="PC040025" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TQY_V_OK3ZI/AAAAAAAAGmI/Rnj3JPmbjZY/PC040025_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">First they eat…</span></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TQY_WkdSr5I/AAAAAAAAGmM/JtOYfqGDNHQ/s1600-h/PC0400262.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="PC040026" border="0" alt="PC040026" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TQY_XRBFUfI/AAAAAAAAGmQ/Byu9d-L2zgY/PC040026_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">…and then they poop!</span></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TQY_X01lLtI/AAAAAAAAGmU/N0fxfXkTve8/s1600-h/PC0400302.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="PC040030" border="0" alt="PC040030" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TQY_YUM-l6I/AAAAAAAAGmY/-A1n6Eb3ipE/PC040030_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Into the ravine we go!</span></p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TQY_ZFDNWyI/AAAAAAAAGmc/xh5Hqdb8dwA/s1600-h/PC0400332.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="PC040033" border="0" alt="PC040033" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TQY_Z_EINzI/AAAAAAAAGmg/JUNhFcd39yU/PC040033_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Steve catching up on e-mail while Dakota eats her dinner. Is this what they call a “Modern Day Cowboy?”</span></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TQY_bMgAXvI/AAAAAAAAGmk/PftEFqXqFRo/s1600-h/PC0400352.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="PC040035" border="0" alt="PC040035" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TQY_bhkaR7I/AAAAAAAAGmo/nSLkrH94EbM/PC040035_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p>Lisa prepared chili for dinner Saturday evening and then Todd proceeded to kick all our butts in a game of Uno.</p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Can you tell that Alabama fans live here? Roll Tide Roll!!!</span></p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TQY_cUc4ONI/AAAAAAAAGms/1qN_9N4QMZw/s1600-h/PC0400382.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="PC040038" border="0" alt="PC040038" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TQY_c0wFeuI/AAAAAAAAGmw/9wr3Lq--9E8/PC040038_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p>Sunday I rode back to the ranch with Lisa while Todd and Steve hung out at the house, working (Steve) and napping (Todd). That evening Steve ordered pizza for dinner, followed by another game of Uno.</p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">The happy couple relaxing on the couch.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TQY_dU9LeuI/AAAAAAAAGm0/UctkYqceiwA/s1600-h/PC0500412.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="PC050041" border="0" alt="PC050041" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TQY_d3EDChI/AAAAAAAAGm4/emeUp4fVKkE/PC050041_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p><p>Steve took off Monday morning to catch a flight to frigid Chicago and Lisa brought us back to Cathy’s on her way to conduct a store visit in the area.</p><p>Even though it had warmed up over the weekend, a cold front hit Sunday night, bringing with it more north wind and cold temps. So we spent the remainder of the week hanging on the boat, working on a variety of projects, and trying to stay warm.</p><p>On Saturday Cathy and I went out to do a little shopping and she treated me to my first ever manicure and pedicure. What an unexpected treat – thank you, Cathy! That evening the three of us went over to Gulfport to watch the boat parade. The parade didn’t amount to much but we had a fun evening and some great food at O’Maddy’s.</p><p>While we were there, we were serenaded with Christmas songs by several foursomes who were passing through as part of a scavenger hunt. If nothing else, they were definitely entertaining!</p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TQY_eomiZTI/AAAAAAAAGm8/MvMqxy1lufI/s1600-h/PC1100012.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="PC110001" border="0" alt="PC110001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TQY_fBAEuSI/AAAAAAAAGnA/bu6unLSk2sE/PC110001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TQY_frevmWI/AAAAAAAAGnE/TR_vIZhO8y0/s1600-h/PC1100052.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="PC110005" border="0" alt="PC110005" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TQY_gc40U7I/AAAAAAAAGnI/Lo0yDihZC5s/PC110005_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TQY_hqyWnTI/AAAAAAAAGnM/sIeVKHonifo/s1600-h/PC1100062.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="PC110006" border="0" alt="PC110006" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TQY_iGfpDKI/AAAAAAAAGnQ/xykbwvxU7nE/PC110006_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TQY_ivvluXI/AAAAAAAAGnU/v8pqfhTsaqY/s1600-h/PC1100072.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="PC110007" border="0" alt="PC110007" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TQY_jBhQteI/AAAAAAAAGnY/5MUh_59HVpo/PC110007_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TQY_jgV5G-I/AAAAAAAAGnc/f2P209K25r8/s1600-h/PC1100092.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="PC110009" border="0" alt="PC110009" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TQY_kSubDXI/AAAAAAAAGng/UIYQPiZ160Q/PC110009_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p>Sunday brought rain, strong winds and progressively colder temperatures throughout the day. A good day to stay at home and knock out a few chores.</p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Brenda and Cathy doing a little mending and ironing!</span></p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TQY_kxLHfAI/AAAAAAAAGnk/Q61pJJtX_v0/s1600-h/PC120001%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="PC120001" border="0" alt="PC120001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TQY_lUGd3sI/AAAAAAAAGno/fl9P5VaA2oA/PC120001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p>Today is Monday, December 13th, and the high in St. Pete will struggle to reach 50. But it’s off to Missouri where the over night low was six degrees with a wind chill of minus six and a balmy daytime high of 20. Now that’s just brutal!!!</p><p>As we conclude this blog update, we want to wish all our friends and family safe travels and a very Merry Christmas! We hope to post our final blog update of 2010 after Christmas and prior to the beginning of the New Year. Happy Holidays everyone!!!</p>Todd and Brenda Lanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01540907378242980852noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27829931.post-2721933268920849602010-11-29T18:53:00.004-05:002010-11-29T19:32:02.799-05:00<p><strong>Okeechobee to St. Petersburg</strong></p><p>On Tuesday, November 23rd, we left our anchorage at 4 Rivers Loop, west of Stuart, and traveled as far as Moore Haven, covering 67 miles and going through two locks. The first lock, St. Lucie, was 15 feet, but the Port Mayaca lock was only one foot and I don’t think the water even moved! Seemed like a huge waste of time and manpower to me.</p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Approaching the St. Lucie Lock.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ8LhylXfI/AAAAAAAAGho/8l_PgHppJh4/s1600-h/PB230008%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="PB230008" border="0" alt="PB230008" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ8NKlHBuI/AAAAAAAAGhs/vJMSl_oTAFg/PB230008_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ8P4sePRI/AAAAAAAAGhw/Ugm6Ns_x8FI/s1600-h/PB230009%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="PB230009" border="0" alt="PB230009" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ8Qgd5EEI/AAAAAAAAGh0/cIpQgUOVXro/PB230009_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">The other side of the lock, entering the canal.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ8RfVVmSI/AAAAAAAAGh4/tVSUh3ctgys/s1600-h/PB230010%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="PB230010" border="0" alt="PB230010" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ8S44kL1I/AAAAAAAAGh8/_l8uywyjp70/PB230010_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p>We had a nice, uneventful trip going across Lake Okeechobee on a calm, beautiful day. There were a few other boats crossing the lake at the same time, but I doubt we saw more than six boats all day. We anchored in the old canal just past the Moore Haven Lock and saw a couple of rather large alligators trolling for dinner!</p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Sites along the way on the Okeechobee.</span></p><p> </p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ8VnKUhUI/AAAAAAAAGiA/ylUcO0cRaJM/s1600-h/PB230012%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="PB230012" border="0" alt="PB230012" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ8XjAsytI/AAAAAAAAGiE/pLNuRwUMhDs/PB230012_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ8YmDhpUI/AAAAAAAAGiI/-Z6j_RCyt0I/s1600-h/PB230013%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="PB230013" border="0" alt="PB230013" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ8ZQnK7NI/AAAAAAAAGiM/68BCGZmVbc8/PB230013_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ8aABSwDI/AAAAAAAAGiQ/dxP_nGybGqI/s1600-h/PB230014%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="PB230014" border="0" alt="PB230014" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ8a5jJN_I/AAAAAAAAGiU/IIn-Hrf9GRI/PB230014_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>We were through the Moore Haven Lock by 9:00 a.m. Wednesday and continued 57 miles, through two more locks, to anchor in North Fort Myers in front of the Legacy Harbor Marina by 4:30 p.m.</p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">The Captain thought this was too hilarious to bypass without taking a photo!</span></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ8byaDCkI/AAAAAAAAGiY/TpR-9RhYSDU/s1600-h/PB240015%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="PB240015" border="0" alt="PB240015" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ8cY85u8I/AAAAAAAAGic/4oYNNjllFb8/PB240015_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Exiting the Moore Haven Lock.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ8dOpluAI/AAAAAAAAGig/4Yofb95wAYs/s1600-h/PB240019%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="PB240019" border="0" alt="PB240019" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ8dsg6P-I/AAAAAAAAGik/tf0KYXBcdl4/PB240019_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Our good friends Jack & Susan used to have a sailboat named “Freyja,” so this one’s for them!</span></p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ8euKdzPI/AAAAAAAAGio/gooS5dD51aU/s1600-h/PB240020%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="PB240020" border="0" alt="PB240020" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ8fIwqqLI/AAAAAAAAGis/zmQc6F-5bno/PB240020_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Approaching the Ortona Lock.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ8f4iBlqI/AAAAAAAAGiw/LKrnu0JZsfg/s1600-h/PB240021%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="PB240021" border="0" alt="PB240021" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ8gVs_iUI/AAAAAAAAGi0/Ic1EZT3zq3Q/PB240021_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">A beautiful sunset in North Fort Myers.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ8g6pXvpI/AAAAAAAAGi4/ExJ9ZQq5duI/s1600-h/PB240024%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="PB240024" border="0" alt="PB240024" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ8hzjBiqI/AAAAAAAAGi8/k_NKkeF4FsM/PB240024_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p>That evening we dinghied over to Joe’s Crab Shack for a fun dinner.</p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ8kx5aBeI/AAAAAAAAGjA/5X3zbRFM0Bo/s1600-h/PB240029%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="PB240029" border="0" alt="PB240029" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ8lvcpOPI/AAAAAAAAGjE/MUJgE3dIeN4/PB240029_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p>Thanksgiving Day we were up early again and spent the next seven hours getting to Englewood Beach (58 miles), leaving the Okeechobee Waterway behind and entering the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway.</p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">The porpoises were very active as we were leaving North Fort Myers Thanksgiving morning.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ8mKDSnMI/AAAAAAAAGjI/sMKjtydVDHE/s1600-h/PB250035%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="PB250035" border="0" alt="PB250035" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ8mqJZxBI/AAAAAAAAGjM/0DQxXZlS5vI/PB250035_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ8na2cL1I/AAAAAAAAGjQ/13T-b2paJfU/s1600-h/PB250040%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="PB250040" border="0" alt="PB250040" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ8nnKi8FI/AAAAAAAAGjU/JwuNiGnZjtE/PB250040_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ8oVnlhCI/AAAAAAAAGjY/JtYDo3wEMjc/s1600-h/PB250046%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="PB250046" border="0" alt="PB250046" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ8pc2OpII/AAAAAAAAGjc/miijArfTD20/PB250046_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Approaching Mile 0 of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway in San Carlos Bay.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ8p4DdyDI/AAAAAAAAGjg/2U6va2geO-Y/s1600-h/PB250048%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="PB250048" border="0" alt="PB250048" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ8qdcFJWI/AAAAAAAAGjk/Fd2z2JaE4BQ/PB250048_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">White pelicans on their own private sandbar at low tide.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ8rJR9DzI/AAAAAAAAGjo/WjPJzYMQgsY/s1600-h/PB250049%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="PB250049" border="0" alt="PB250049" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ8r5MgfVI/AAAAAAAAGjs/2WEJQCt1B80/PB250049_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p>Once the anchor was dropped, we dinghied over to the Crawford Cove Marina to visit Wayne (a.k.a. Bones) & Lynn on “Skinwalker.” We last saw Wayne & Lynn at Henderson’s Wharf Marina in Baltimore and had hoped to be able to stop and see them on our way to St. Petersburg.</p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ8soBuumI/AAAAAAAAGjw/qasWz02sMnE/s1600-h/PB250053%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="PB250053" border="0" alt="PB250053" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ8us32K8I/AAAAAAAAGj0/YL5V6JjX7pQ/PB250053_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p>Lynn prepared a wonderful Thanksgiving meal, which we stuffed ourselves on, before walking over to the beach to look for shark’s teeth.</p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Thanks so much, guys! What an unexpected treat!!!</span></p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ8w9qAzrI/AAAAAAAAGj4/XRXC5SMUckA/s1600-h/PB250054%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="PB250054" border="0" alt="PB250054" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ8xY83-VI/AAAAAAAAGj8/rPxdvowHzrw/PB250054_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">A couple at the marina tied the knot Thursday afternoon as we were on our way to the beach.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ8yOkpXTI/AAAAAAAAGkA/e9o6eHDREAQ/s1600-h/PB250057%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="PB250057" border="0" alt="PB250057" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ8zDrma1I/AAAAAAAAGkE/u12dZThUg7w/PB250057_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ8zllMqHI/AAAAAAAAGkI/yw-SFBlZIE4/s1600-h/PB250058%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="PB250058" border="0" alt="PB250058" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ80SRlT6I/AAAAAAAAGkM/L6gW7BK8Daw/PB250058_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Bones and the Captain search diligently for shark’s teeth in the surf. And they found several small ones!</span></p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ81B-sNeI/AAAAAAAAGkQ/rRq1A9UNFOo/s1600-h/PB250060%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="PB250060" border="0" alt="PB250060" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ81gS5AZI/AAAAAAAAGkU/KpaBluYC29A/PB250060_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ82EbOuXI/AAAAAAAAGkY/-1g0IufRbBk/s1600-h/PB250062%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="PB250062" border="0" alt="PB250062" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ822vdQTI/AAAAAAAAGkc/-QnNSgnPW8A/PB250062_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">A picturesque sunset on Englewood Beach.</span></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ83WLx9kI/AAAAAAAAGkg/mhOH8_FNTWg/s1600-h/PB250066%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="PB250066" border="0" alt="PB250066" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ83wo6nAI/AAAAAAAAGko/GBpOzlqF9FU/PB250066_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p>Friday started with rain at the anchorage and turned into another long day of about 67 miles. Originally we had planned to split that distance into two days of travel but decided to suck it up and cover the entire distance to St. Petersburg in one day.</p><p>There were a lot of boaters out enjoying the holiday weekend, even though conditions were less than perfect with a strong southwest wind. Then a line of storms passed through just as we entered Tampa Bay, temporarily blinding us, but it moved on quickly.</p><p>By 4:30 p.m. we were tied up at Cathy’s dock and the Captain was stretched out on the couch watching Alabama football on the big-screen television!</p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Hanging in St. Petersburg. It’s good to be “home” again!</span></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ84mHsFCI/AAAAAAAAGks/x5WyYryQSKI/s1600-h/P1010015%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="P1010015" border="0" alt="P1010015" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mhAOuF872Mg/TPQ85a69faI/AAAAAAAAGkw/R3pnOUiNzjU/P1010015_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p><p>The weekend was spent catching up with Cathy and enjoying being stationary for a change. Now it’s time to start on the Captain’s list of boat projects!</p><p>Today is Monday, November 29th, and at this point it appears that the Admiral won’t be flying to Missouri for another few weeks. In the interim, we will try to find time for some fun between boat projects!</p>Todd and Brenda Lanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01540907378242980852noreply@blogger.com1