Weather and timing, those often problematic little life gnats, have once again gotten into our plans. When we last left off we were going to head to the boat no matter what time of the winter the marina has her all fixed up and shoot down the rivers back to Florida. Well…that’s now not the case.

We have a firm, unmovable date to be in Washington for our granddaughter’s 5th birthday which is the first part of February. Since the repair time frame is getting longer and longer, it is not possible to be out of freezing temperatures on the rivers that would allow us to leave the boat unprotected from freezing for a week or so and since it is already winterized where it is, we have decided to just keep it in Saint Charles, Missouri. That way too the work has a little better chance of not being rushed. Also, when talking with the marina it appears as though they have not had their normal rains so the rivers are really low, which causes a whole other set of issues that I am not too keen on getting mixed up in. So, everyone, pray for rain in the central part of the country so we can get out of those blasted rivers safe and with all the boat pieces and parts in one piece…the Captain too!

Soooo, we are in Florida over the holidays, heading to Washington the first of February for a week, then to So. Cal. for the remainder of February. We will head back to the boat in March and then continue and complete the final leg of this very long journey.

Still haven’t decided what “finished” means. Will we keep the boat and continue to travel the gulf and east coast? Or will be call it done and sell her? Will we stay in Florida or start another adventure somewhere else? Who knows, as Scarlet O’Hara says, “After all, tomorrow is another day!” Megan ought to get that one…

Have a very Happy New Year and wonderful 2024. Love to all, Gina and Mike