A New Day On the River

Day 4: Saturday, September 8, 2012

Underway: 7:38 am        Motor Off: 5:45 pm        Miles Traveled: 39         Stayed At: Marina

First Things First: First time for Cindy to be at the helm while locking through (Lock 5a) – a little stressful (her) but it went just fine. First bag of Honeycrisp apples bought at the farmers market in Winona – plus one free apple each! First test of the boats new shorepower system (nothing blew up). First dockside BBQ. First use of the blender for making margaritas (we’re roughing it).

Another beautiful day on the river.  After a fun but stressful day yesterday, we are a little more relaxed today. It amazing how different two days can be. The sunset last night was beautiful and, after the clouds cleared, the stars were amazing. Getting used to all the noises on the boat – especially when your ears are about six inches from the river next the hull – is a challenge.

We spent a little less than two hours in Winona this morning getting gas, parts at the hardware store (x 3 trips), ice, coffee and fresh produce at the farmers market. So far we have lucked out on locking through – we have been the only boat in the lock and (except for the exciting two hour adventure yesterday) we have only had to wait less than 10 minutes to enter.

We officially named our trusty little motor “Boris” short for Borealis (our boat name is Aurora). Except for a few coughs and sputters on the first morning, Boris has been an amazing little workhorse (8 horses?) so far, knock on wood.

Tried to find a reasonable place to anchor near LaCrosse but the choices proved too shallow so we decided to stay at the Pettibone Marina (also dark clouds were approaching fast so a secure place to stay way seemed wise after our excitement yesterday). Nice evening with live music, a great meal on the boat, free wifi, shore power to charge all of our technology, bathrooms that don’t rock back and forth and hot showers.  What more is there to life?

Wild Things: Eagles – lots of eagles.

Lessons Learned: (1) Always carry some money with when you leave the boat unless you want to get extra mileage walking. (2) Don’t assume products you buy are actually well designed for their purpose. (3) Margaritas taste better with free ice.

3 thoughts on “A New Day On the River

  1. Just looking at the Blog for the first time. Makes us smile (and envious). Your photos are amazing!
    Take care and may the wind stay at your back!
    Love, Carolyn and Cliff

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