ROAD TRIP - HOME SWEET HOME

MONDAY, JULY 17, 2016

Luckily, Jackie and I made it as far as Springfield, MO last night, so it was a short drive to Jackie’s home. We drove over to the storage unit where Jackie keeps her boats. I patterned Cowboy Cookies and her AF3, a Jim Michalak design, for cushions.

We had lunch at Jackie's favorite restaurant in Eufaula. My fortune cookie was spot on.

Happiness begins with facing life with a smile and a wink.

Jackie and I spent the evening recounting stories of our youth. When it was time to call it a night, the trash can was sporting 3 empty wine bottles. They weren’t all full when we started… I swear!

TUESDAY, JULY 18, 2016

When I checked in at the airport to fly home, I didn't realize that I was "TSA PRE". Didn't see it on my boarding pass until someone pointed out to me. I suppose I looked harmless. Didn't have to take off my jewelry, pull out my computer, take off my shoes. Another first.

It is nice to get away and see other parts of the country, but it’s alway good to get back home.  Cleaning out the pocket on my bag, I found a collection of room keys and business cards. I wondered why my bag was so heavy. Unpacking it, I found the four rocks I picked up at the Lake Michigan beach. They are not big rocks, but they are heavy… and pretty!

Tomorrow, it is back to work. It's back to a schedule for me.

ROAD TRIP - part 11

DAY 14 - OHIO, INDIANA, ILLINOIS, MISSOURI

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2016

Jackie and I stayed in Mansfield, Ohio last night. We got off a little after 9:00 this morning.

We kept driving until about 3:00 for lunch. There is a little place called Charlie’s Pub & Grub… listed as the #1 place to eat in Terre Haute, IN. I had the Jr. Melt. Either it was the best I had ever eaten, or I was starving.

Today was National Ice Cream Day. In observance, we stopped at a Culver’s and had a treat, because we had to!

We made it to Springfield, MO before we stopped for the night. Cheese, crackers….and wine was my bedtime snack. I’m pooped. Good night!

ROAD TRIP - part 10

DAY 13 - ON THE ROAD AGAIN…

SATURDAY, JULY 16, 2016

After breakfast, Jackie and I headed south on I-90. The weather was clear, a little traffic, not too bad. Poor Dickens was feeling shunned at one of our rest stops.

Another stop we parked next to this guy with a motorcycle. When we came back to the truck he was still sitting on the curb. It wouldn’t start… but it’s pretty!

We left New York and entered Pennsylvania. We saw many vineyards, so Jackie started looking for wineries. We found 6 Mile Cellars. 

Tony, a sailor himself, served us 5 tastes and we got to keep the glass. We left with 6 bottles. That might get us home. :-)

It has become tradition to open a bottle of wine at the end of our day. We couldn't break tradition tonight, so our choice was this lovely Niagara.

ROAD TRIP - part 9

DAY 12 - CICERO, NY

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

Jackie and I have been hold up in Cicero, NY after having problems with the Stella Maris trailer. Al, from Northside Collision, told us the tow truck would pick up Stella Maris at 8:30 this morning. Jackie and I arrived at the parking lot at 8:00 to make sure we didn’t miss them. We turned the corner and Stella was gone. My stomach turned a little bit. Visions of her being taken away by someone other than the planned move, ran through my head. An immediate call was made to Al, and he said the tow company decided it was best to get there before the traffic got heavy. We drove to Northside and there she was. She was being taken off the trailer as we entered the lot.

Northside Collision will have to use parts from the original maker of the trailer for liability reasons. This is unfortunate, because the trailer was built in Canada, and it will take a while to get the parts. It has been discussed, and the conclusion is that the trailer should have tandem axles instead of a single, due to the weight of the boat. So, not only will the repairs be done, another axle will be added. This process will take an estimated 2 or 3 weeks. Stella Maris will be left behind, Jackie and I will continue on to Oklahoma.

I asked Jackie about cushions for Stella Maris. The cockpit will be much more comfortable, and give her a more complete look with cushions. We went to Lowe’s and I purchased materials to pattern the cockpit and in the cabin. The canvas has already been chosen, and I will start on them as soon as I return to my shop in Kemah, TX. She will look snazzy! Jackie’s scamp, Cowboy Cookies, doesn’t have cushions either. A cockpit without cushions is a sin… and uncomfortable! She will get cushions also.  

While Jackie rested, I walked over to the Gander Mountain next door. My keen sandals have seen some better days. I am very thrifty… okay, I’m cheap, not wanting to spend $90 in the store, thinking I can maybe get a better price online. But not sure what size I wanted. The ones I have now are a little big, but when I bought them I needed a pair THAT DAY, and I had to get a pair that was a little big. Gander had them, I tried them on, and now I know what size to look for. Yay!

My dinner, not yours!

ROAD TRIP - part 8

DAY 11 - HEAD FOR THE BORDER

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2016

Jonas Abromaitis hands over the key to s/v Stella Maris.

s/v Stella Maris was ready and waiting on us this morning when we arrived. The truck was loaded with the rudder, outboard and spare tire. The hitch needed a little adjusting, but was an easy fix. Off we went. 

Crossing into the U.S.

We crossed the border at 1000 Islands. The view from the bridge was magnificent. When I get around to making a bucket list, getting out on that water will be on it. The border guard informed us we didn’t have a license tag on the trailer. We ignorantly assumed it had one. We then learned that the boat would have to be imported, but could be done at a later date, but before it can be registered. We again, were asked what our relationship is. He did not ask if we had anything to declare. So, the fresh strawberries, lemons and alcohol were not even mentioned. He was preoccupied with the boat. So, all the warnings from everyone about crossing the border, worried us for nothing.

The weather was good, we were putting the miles behind us, when we decided to stop in Cicero, NY for a break. Stopped at a light, a man comes running to my window and tells me that my wheel is burning. We pull into the bank parking lot, get out, and the left bearing in smoking. Being a stranger in this town, we had no connection here for help. I sent a text to Chuck Weitzel in Key West, FL. I asked him to get on his computer and see if he could find a trailer repair place close. He gave me a number. We called Northside Collision, and talked to AL. AL was getting off work in a little while, and would come by and take a look at the trailer. He helped us move the boat to a better location in the parking lot, and unhook it from the truck. A tow company will be coming tomorrow morning to pick it up on a flatbed and take it to the shop. We were told that parts have to be ordered.That sounds like a long stay here in Cicero, NY, doesn’t it?

Worn out, Jackie and I booked a hotel room, found a place to eat and had a nice meal. Then to this room we went and opened up a bottle of bubbly! It’s time to put this stressful day to bed.

.

ROAD TRIP - part 7

DAY 10 - OTTAWA, ONTARIO area

WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 2016

It was about midnight last night, when we decided to stop driving. There was a little motel with a light on, so I went in to inquire about a room. The first thing I saw was a sign: “SORRY, NO PETS”. I sighed and said, “no pets!” I must have look pitiful, because the man let us have a room anyway. Morning came too quick. We came across the newly discovered wonder… Tim Hortons. Jackie likes the muffins, and I had a delicious breakfast sandwich. Very good.

After our breakfast, we drove on over to see the boat. She is very nice, has a nice cabin. She does need cushions though. Easily taken care of. 

s/v Stella Maris

While Jackie and Jonas took care of business, Dickens and I retired to the backyard of the house. We both took a well deserved nap. After the business side of the trip was finished, Jackie and I had lunch at the neighborhood pub. As we were leaving, the Manager wanted us to taste a Butter Tart. We had seen the sign out front announcing their arrival. I took a bite, and told Jackie it tasted like a pecan pie without the pecans. The manager told us that they had some with pecans. I thought we were going to discover something new, but instead, not.

Next on the agenda was to find a pet friendly room for the night. The internet is very handy. We found one only 20 minutes from the boat. It turned out to be a Bed & Breakfast, without the breakfast… just the bed. That is fine with us, we know where there is a Tim Hortons! When we made the reservation over the phone, we didn't know the particulars of the room we were renting. We get there and it is a very nice place, but there is one king bed and the shower has glass walls. And there is a urinal in the toilet room. I later spoke with the owner of the home, and discovered this room used to be the master bedroom. It all made sense then.

"peek-a-boo"

Never seen one in a home.

Jackie’s Facebook friend, Gary Mussar, lives in the area and invited us to dinner. He and his wife took us to Fatboys in downtown Ottawa. This place has Bar-B-Que, Texas style with a little bit of Canada thrown in. I had the pulled pork poutine. It was very good, the gravy was very rich. I cleaned my plate!

The handle to the door is shaped like a gas pump.

No wine tonight. I’m full from dinner and it’s late. We leave early tomorrow morning with a 22’ boat in tow and long road ahead of us.

ROAD TRIP : part 6

DAY 9 - CANADA

TUESDAY, JULY 12, 2016

This has been a stressful day.

Everyone gave us a lot of advise on what you can and cannot take across the border to Canada. We were told that you cannot take fruit, vegetables, jelly, and limited wine….that they would confiscate it. So we counted our bottles of wine, gathered our fresh fruits together along with our jelly and was ready for the confrontation. At the booth we handed over our passports, driver’s license and the dog’s papers. All she was really interested in, was the relationship of Jackie and I, and how long we were going to be in their country. It was non-eventful. 

We quickly realized that our smart phones are stupid across the border. My phone didn’t work at all… nothing! Jackie’s phone was able to make phone calls, and her map came up, but not all the functions worked. No internet. The Garmin was useless. There was a lot of traffic, then suddenly the traffic stopped. And we stopped for about 2 hours. 

Having nothing else to do, I pulled out the crackers: Penguins and Goldfish. A taste test was conducted, and here are the final results: Penguins are more cheesy. Goldfish are more like a cracker. So, there you go.

We were told to take highway 7 at Toronto. We saw a sign that said 7 with an arrow, so we took the exit. That was a mistake. We ended up in rush hour traffic and a traffic light almost every block. We had a paper map, but it was a little confusing with Toronto at the edge to the page. I was navigating old school, and not doing a very good job of it. How did anyone ever get anywhere before smart phones!

I finally got us on the right road, and it was a scenic road, however, the sun was low in the sky, so we didn’t get to enjoy much of it. It was late, but we did get to Perth, Ontario for the night. Now I just need to figure out those stupid mileage signs!

ROAD TRIP : part 5

DAY 8 - MICHIGAN

MONDAY, JULY 11, 2016

Jackie and I awoke to clouds and rain. Yesterday, we booked a sail on s/v FRIENDS*GOOD*WILL in South Haven, MI and we were not sure if it would be rained out. I ate my pecan pie from the Farmer’s Market in Quincy, IL while I packed my bag. Yes, that was my breakfast! Don't judge! We drove down to South Haven and the sail was still scheduled… so we had a wonderful two hours on Lake Michigan. Captain let me take the tiller for awhile. I guess he was confident in my abilities, because he told me to hold that heading and then went forward for a few minutes. It was the biggest tiller I have ever seen.

That's a big ass tiller!

Okay... the diet and exercise starts the minute I get back home!

We got a late start across Michigan, so we only made it to Romulus, just west of Detroit.

It was late when we got to the hotel, so we had a feast of our crackers, cheese, hummus, flatbreads... and of course I had my glass of wine... or two, or three. Oh, and, we stopped at a roadside stand and bought three slices of pie: cherry, plum and nectarine. And I wonder why my pants are fitting a little tighter!

ROAD TRIP: part 3

Day 5 - Quincy, IL

Friday, July 8, 2016

The day started late. I took Dickens, the Adventure Dog, out for his much needed morning walk. Jackie’s daughter made a delicious Caprese salad and fruit salad for lunch. After lunch, we loaded up in the car and took a tour of the historic district of Quincy, IL. I have never seen so many beautiful historic homes in one town. In order to get to one of the marinas here, you cross a one lane bridge. 

After the tour, we headed to Menards to pick up a couple of chairs for the concert that is held twice a month at the park. Washington Park has a lot of history, and tonight there was “Blues in the District” concert held there. We took our folding camp chairs, cheese and crackers… and the wine. To be honest, I couldn’t even tell the genre of music that was being played, because the sound system was not that good. All I heard was the rhythm and the bass, but I had an awesome time visiting with my new friends complete with background music. 

There are no pictures of me during this event, as I made Jackie delete the pictures of me. I enjoyed a little too much wine this evening and looked hammered. This is a look you will have to experience in person!!!

Day 6 - Quincy, IL

Saturday, July 9, 2016

The farmer’s market was held today at the town square. Jackie and her daughter can’t pass one of these up, so we got dressed and headed downtown. We picked up some peaches and mini pies. Then we had lunch in a little place across the street named Thyme Square. I had a wonderful burger complete with mushrooms and onions. Yummy!

Jackie and I packed up and headed up the road to Holland, Michigan. It was a drive mostly on the interstate, because we needed to make good time. Getting a late start, we arrived at the hotel at 11:00pm. Since we didn’t stop for dinner, we had a feast of sausage, cheese, flat bread, hummus and … wine, of course.

I'm beginning to think I might be a wino!

Being the boyscouts we are, or would it be girl scouts?...anyway, we figured out a way to cut the cheese and sausage without the knife we left in the truck. Take note of the fancy stemware... because we are sophisticated!

ROAD TRIP: part 2

DAY 3 - St. Louis
Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Last night, Jackie and I arrived at the hotel very late. With no alarm set, I slept right through breakfast this morning. We jumped up and went to Bella Milano, a wonderful Italian restaurant just around the corner and had lunch. Jackie raved about the toasted ravioli, so we started with that. And yes, it was delicious.  

Since I still don't have my luggage with all my clothes and toiletries, we stopped at Macy's and I bought a pair of jeans and a couple of shirts. My bag and I will be reunited tomorrow.

Jackie and I decided we needed to find a book that just came out. Barnes and Noble was around the corner, so we stopped in. We didn't find the particular book we were looking for, but Jackie couldn't resist a few others to add to her collection.

I had to see the famous Arch.

Looks like I've already had a few!!!

Everyone had to get out and relieve themselves at Forest Park.

Forest Park was very large and very green. It seems to be used by many, even on a Wednesday afternoon.

After a full day of sight seeing, and after the rowdy kids left the hotel pool, Jackie and I took a dip to wash away the miles.

REFRESHING!

Day 4 - St Louis

Thursday, July 7, 2016

Our day started out with a delicious breakfast and wonderful company. Jim Michalak met Jackie and I for breakfast at the Egg and I. I first met Jim in 2014 at Sail Oklahoma. It was good to see him again.

After breakfast, Dickens and I went back to the hotel to pack, while Jackie took the truck to the Ford place across the street for an oil change and rotate the tires. Once back in the truck, we headed to downtown St Louis. The Missouri History Museum located in the Forest Park had an exhibit on Route 66. We stopped and toured that.

Ted Drew’s concrete. I had never heard of it. Finding out that it was the original frozen custard with added ingredients, much like the Dairy Queen blizzard, I had to try it. It was awesome, and that was my lunch. All of you guys that constantly eat healthy are cringing right now… I see you!

With my mouth full!

Our plan was to make it to Quincy, IL where Jackie’s daughter lives. So, we took off and headed north. We traveled up 79, just west of the Mississippi River. 

We saw some beautiful rolling hills and pretty barns. These back roads take a lot longer to travel, but they are very picturesque. 

In the town of Louisiana, we stopped so I could put my feet in the Mississippi. 

MARK TWAIN STATUE

When we arrived at Jackie’s daughter’s home, there was my long lost bag. Oh how I’ve missed you!