Day 365: Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Port to Port: Grand Haven, Michigan
Underway: 0:00 am Motor Off: 0:00 pm Miles Traveled: 0 Stayed At: Marina
First Things First: First “pool-tails – cocktails by the pool.
Mile to Mile: Yesterday after noon we did not have any specific plans for today. Docktails was a probability and a little shopping was a certainty. Before breakfast was over, our calendar was full and we were going to be busy.
Jim showed up promptly at 9 am to shuttle us around on our shopping errands. Kathie from Tour De Loop joined us as we stopped to get gas, a couple pieces of wood at Home Depot (for a small temporary mast support) and groceries at Walmart. As usual, we only had four or five items we really needed at Walmart but, by the time we finished walking through the store, the total bill was over $100. No wonder the founding families are billionaires. But at least we are well stock for the next couple weeks – we should be almost done with the Illinois River before we need to restock.
Our errands took most of the morning and, by the time we stowed everything, had a quick lunch and cleaned up it was afternoon. We made plans to join Jim and Sharon at her brother’s house (where they are staying) for happy hour by the pool (I know, it’s a rough life on the Loop). Some good friends of theirs that they met in their cruising – Bill and Mary from on Harbor Reach – happened to be driving through town this weekend (their boat is waiting for them down by the Tennessee/Tom Bigbee) and we had a wonderful time meeting them and sharing stories. Jim and Sharon are Platinum Looper – they have Looped twice over the last decade of cruising and hope to do it again. Bill and Mary are Gold Loopers planning their second trip around. No shortage of stories and experience at this party.
After pool-tails, we all headed to the American Legion for their Thursday fish fry (excellent) and some more together time. Sharon’ brother and sister-in law – Paul and Jill – also joined us. We finished a great evening ice cream from the Dairy Crème right in front of our boat and said our goodbyes (as we shivered in the suddenly cool night air). We hope to cross paths again on our respective adventures. Sooner rather than later, we hope. We are thinking about you guys.
PS: Big news back home – Sarah and Jake just adopted their first puppy – Snooter. Isn’t he cute? We can’t wait to puppy sit some day. He looks like a perfect boat dog doesn’t he?
