We got into Pirates Cove Marina on a windy day. Thankfully the marina owner (Patty) was there to help with lines to keep us out of trouble and from drifting off. Trouble has not really been an issue lately. We are handling marinas, locks and seawalls with expertise, and a couple of the marinas have been pretty whacky.

We are essentially just hanging out as Michael had the family funeral in CA and we are waiting for Bruce and Diane to join us later this week for the remainder of the Western Erie Canal. Before we can navigate the Western Erie Canal we have to remove the bimini (the canvas top) on the boat and lower the mast and antennas due to low bridge heights. We can eek under at 16 feet by just lowering the mast, but we need to get lower than 15 feet for the rest of the Canal, so it all has to come down, then all go back up at the end…oh boy!! not looking forward that that process.

We will be wintering the boat in a heated barn – yes, she’s spoiled – in Macatawa Michigan, west of Grand Rapids. She will be there from late September to about Mayish, depending on the weather. From there we will head back to Florida for a while before heading west to spend Thanksgiving in Washington and Christmas in Southern California.

When we return to Michigan in the Spring we will spend more time exploring the great lakes including Canada this time before heading south into the rivers.

Will keep you updated on our progress. Love to all, Gina and Mike