June 29, 2004
Holland, MI
Just a quick note:
Stephanie, Sidonia, and Hannah at the birthday party
We are writing again on account of the fact that we may not have wireless access again for a while. So, while we wait for UPS to deliver our last part, another post seems appropriate. Most of the “necessaries” are done on the boat – just waiting for the engine-driven compressor for our refrigerator to arrive.
As soon as we get it, we will be all ready to go. And it is time to get moving – before the Great Lakes freeze over. Long way to go, not much time to do it. The weather looks good for tomorrow, so we’ll head north along Michigan’s west coast.
Mommy and Binga about to blow out the candles
To pass the time, we held an early, impromptu birthday party for Binga. Because of our need to go, this past weekend was our only real opportunity for any kind of celebration with extended family, so Grandma baked a cake and hosted a get-together in Binga’s honor. Steve’s sister, Nancy, and her daughters, Melissa, Hannah, and Stephanie, joined Binga’s Great Grandmother and Great Uncle George at Grandma’s place for dinner, cake, and home-made ice cream. Binga opened presents, played hard, and had a great time. We want to thank everyone for showing up and helping Binga celebrate her big number two!
Feels funny!
Over the weekend, we had the opportunity to finish one last preparatory project before setting sail again – a proper sailors haircut! Vanessa, Melissa, and Stephanie all took their turn with the clippers on Steve’s head. Not having hair to maintain is one less thing to worry about aboard. Plus it feels fun!
The plan is as follows: today (Tuesday 6/29) we wait at Steve’s parents for UPS to deliver the compressor, then get a ride to Holland to load the last of the provisions aboard, install and charge the compressor and get a good nights sleep. Then, tomorrow morning, we’ll set sail, leave Holland and head north for White Lake the first day, Ludington the next, then Manistee/Franfort, and on to Grand Traverse Bay for the Cherry Festival, Binga’s real birthday (7/9) and another West Marine (as needed).
A Proper Sailor’s Trim!
From there, we will make further plans to head to the straights of Mackinaw, Mackinac Island, and the trip down Michigan’s East coast. Unfortunately, we have to cut our our planned trip through Canada’s North Channel, as we won’t have the time.
Sailing Kitty – Jeanie
At the request of our cousin, Jane, to the left is a photo of Jeanie, our shipboard cat. Jeanie has adapted well to life aboard. On cold nights, she is also good at keeping your feet warm. She is known for her wicked attitude and her attack cat abilities, so we feel safe leaving the boat with her standing guard. Any one tries sneaking aboard will get an unpleasant welcome!
Not much else to report. We’ve just been messing around lately. However, that is all about to end as we begin our trek north. I fixed a problem with my wireless card (the antenna wasn’t seated properly, affecting my reception). Hopefully we will have better access, but don’t plan on finding any providers between here and Traverse City as most of the towns we will stop are small. When we get to Traverse City, we should again have reliable wireless internet available and will update there. Until then, thanks for reading.
-Steve