tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089475285887878642024-03-13T10:53:26.827-04:00Hobo SailorChad and LeeAnn Lawiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394873504385990522noreply@blogger.comBlogger177125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208947528588787864.post-72178186397359965842020-04-08T00:43:00.001-04:002020-04-13T20:49:40.752-04:00The Great Loop: Best Parts of Great LakesIf you're heading through the Great Lakes, here are the places I recommend checking out:<br />
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<b><u>1. The North Channel / Georgian Bay</u></b><br />
Really, the best of the best when it comes to the Great Lakes. There are tons of places to anchor, swim, cool islands to hike, wild blueberries to pick, etc. If you're coming through the Great Lakes and don't check out the North Channel, you're wasting your time.<br />
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These photos are from our first long boat trip in 2005:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best blueberries are the hardest to reach.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anchored next to a cliff. Standing on underwater pillar of stone.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Benjamin Islands</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The Benjamin Islands</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fish!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blueberries!</td></tr>
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<b><u>2. Mackinac Island</u></b><br />
An island is frozen in time. With a bustling main street, many gorgeous historic homes, a historic fort, wonderful trails, and NO CARS! Motor vehicles have been banned on this bustling island for over 100 years. It's "horses only" to this day. Which is pretty neat. The water surrounding Mackinaw Island is crystal clear.<br />
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I've never been to another island like it. It's magical. Highly recommended.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swimming in the crystal clear water on the east side of the island.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The harbor below</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A gazebo in the woods. Why not?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mainstreet Mackinac Island</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hobie super excited in the butterfly house</td></tr>
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<b><u>3. Leland Fishtown</u></b><br />
Tourist towns along the Great Loop are a dime a dozen. Leland Fishtown is different. There is a little industrial fishing operation from the dock and the way things are positioned, and as you enter the market area, it just feels like you are walking into an area you're not supposed to be. Then, as if by magic, this little shanty village appears. Everything about feels very authentic, and perhaps that's because in a lot of ways it is. The fishing boats still fish. The shacks are not perfect, and their run by real people, not corporations trying to cash in on tourism.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Less than 20 miles from Leland is the uninhabited South Manitou island. It's half-moon shaped anchorage and sandy beach is idyllic and reminiscent of the Bahamas. Something about it is exotic and Michigan boaters are drawn to it despite the sloping bottom, meaning if you start to drag, your anchor scope is going to shorten and the odds of your anchor catching isn't great. Especially in the middle of the bay where the depths are over 100 feet.</span><br />
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Also, the anchorage is wide open to the east. Not often a problem considering the prevailing westerlies of Lake Michigan.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2xWPfa4ZIM23EOgh2B-cMCIE9L2t1IabJ9k92jKql41xoYyadq3H1LHQW3Zg6joFwM5GVLelDDPbTCp6IZFJMaRFa5oG1a7mNbIXuoMewo7T96eCOdrN2uS7UOpBzIk9q0O45_zMfrso/s1600/Leland0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2xWPfa4ZIM23EOgh2B-cMCIE9L2t1IabJ9k92jKql41xoYyadq3H1LHQW3Zg6joFwM5GVLelDDPbTCp6IZFJMaRFa5oG1a7mNbIXuoMewo7T96eCOdrN2uS7UOpBzIk9q0O45_zMfrso/s320/Leland0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><u>4. Chicago</u></b><br />
Everything on your route South of Manitou Islands is pretty bland, including my hometown of Muskegon. However, I will say that Torresen Marine, located in Muskegon, is a more capable yard than most you find on the US East Coast.<br />
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Once you arrive in Chicago, I recommend picking up a mooring ball in Monroe Harbor. They have a very good water taxi service that is actually a lot of fun and makes being on a mooring ball very easy. Take the money you saved by not getting a dock and enjoy downtown boating at it's best. If you need to wait out a weather window, you can anchor on the north side of the man-made harbor.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz2eP-z0BoZqHCcY2a-nvKyC1uBBueaSZr_gIYoGOQpq-KgxH-fR9lIJp0FJCUo6MqyYeXWXWXQmHLLxu4a-Luu59wcUbbcbO0t45ZE5enub96dAuIzpKFdsYevdEQf_Os9mFOibVI0QA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-03-30+at+11.18.18+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="689" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz2eP-z0BoZqHCcY2a-nvKyC1uBBueaSZr_gIYoGOQpq-KgxH-fR9lIJp0FJCUo6MqyYeXWXWXQmHLLxu4a-Luu59wcUbbcbO0t45ZE5enub96dAuIzpKFdsYevdEQf_Os9mFOibVI0QA/s320/Screen+Shot+2020-03-30+at+11.18.18+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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I highly recommend going through downtown Chicago on a boat. It's a hell of an experience!<br />
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<br />Chad Lawiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247848670033935370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208947528588787864.post-90503588591792048722020-04-07T23:50:00.000-04:002020-04-13T20:50:06.083-04:00The Best Printer on a Boat?LeeAnn (my wife) has been asking me to buy a printer for years. The responsibility falls to me as the more "techy" one in our relationship. I've resisted...because printers are a pain in the butt.<br />
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They work great for a while...then it seems the novelty wears off and you stop using it. When you need it you can't get it to connect, then after investing a bunch of time getting the thing print-ready, you find out the ink has dried up and it's $40 to buy new ink which really seems outrageous since this is the first time you've felt the need to print anything in 6 months.<br />
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Whew. I feel better now that I got that off my chest. And with all that said...we bought a printer and I'm super glad we did. Hobie is home from school due to Covid-19 quarantine, it didn't take long for it to become clear that having a printer for worksheets would be pretty handy.<br />
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So I scanned the options on Amazon, wondering what kind of printer represented me as a person, and then bam. <b>I found the sailor's dream printer. Compact and able to run on AC power or its own internal battery which could also be charged via standard USB port.
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=hobo03-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B01HGD8R5S&asins=B01HGD8R5S&linkId=1ab30af8d557f7a704cc6a0fb33d3ff9&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe>
</div>
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Suddenly I wasn't thinking about our immediate needs, but our first-ever long-term boat trip with a school-aged crew member coming up. It made buying this printer a no-brainer. We could use it at home, and in the future on the boat. I couldn't resist and I'm glad I didn't.<br />
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Things are easily lost today, everything displayed on a digital screen. Having a printed piece of paper is a welcome change.<br />
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The first two things I printed:<br />
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A high-resolution version of "A Comprehensive Guide to Yellow Stripy Things" that I remade because the original was grainy:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLrYQdc4mKBLhCLCFQURuWjPGNgLMq-r6IjFcObwcMCRMsWhXEZPbbLWvrkVWDb1sdw7NfwGj_6JiM_Sa3QmwRhmNShsfhCDxF48fELPIyJcJ3_Y7yaP3sbBtVb5nkl8MLtcOXafCWHHc/s1600/comprehensive+guide+to+yellow+stripy+things.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="839" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLrYQdc4mKBLhCLCFQURuWjPGNgLMq-r6IjFcObwcMCRMsWhXEZPbbLWvrkVWDb1sdw7NfwGj_6JiM_Sa3QmwRhmNShsfhCDxF48fELPIyJcJ3_Y7yaP3sbBtVb5nkl8MLtcOXafCWHHc/s640/comprehensive+guide+to+yellow+stripy+things.jpg" width="335" /></a></div>
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And this thing from Charlie's school that I thought was cool about what a child needs:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrz52iPubWqmM8mbBCsx2LtN7KkZkMAi72Qyyi1SCfgHIkVfFXbdXtvDmdEyOxQa7dTAsehAqHYeF0Se0k1YH_oDyqDlbUPkL4fBza9KLbfMwk_Hpaua2aSm2Fj5dOcaSPLMQqbUO1Fo/s1600/What+Does+Your+Child+Need%253F.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="745" data-original-width="577" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrz52iPubWqmM8mbBCsx2LtN7KkZkMAi72Qyyi1SCfgHIkVfFXbdXtvDmdEyOxQa7dTAsehAqHYeF0Se0k1YH_oDyqDlbUPkL4fBza9KLbfMwk_Hpaua2aSm2Fj5dOcaSPLMQqbUO1Fo/s1600/What+Does+Your+Child+Need%253F.JPG" /></a></div>
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Other Mobile Printers:
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<script type="text/javascript">
amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0";
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amzn_assoc_title = "And...Look they have cases!";
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<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script>
</div>
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<br />Chad Lawiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247848670033935370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208947528588787864.post-55962110984680071602020-03-29T22:38:00.000-04:002020-03-29T22:38:26.095-04:00The Truth About The Great Loop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwZKlgztlgt-wYIR5MrqoJwFcO0hGRW9Y72_-S_XRpdhqNpt6_ktGD837RtZoPs5buhb93b9nQ7A72V3ypKbmH5k7ll6y0y7cdBZI6Njz02T4_7jBZ0rgrn0Eh6w8_cD-42Pdaet4AN4/s1600/Route-Map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="550" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwZKlgztlgt-wYIR5MrqoJwFcO0hGRW9Y72_-S_XRpdhqNpt6_ktGD837RtZoPs5buhb93b9nQ7A72V3ypKbmH5k7ll6y0y7cdBZI6Njz02T4_7jBZ0rgrn0Eh6w8_cD-42Pdaet4AN4/s320/Route-Map.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>
The Great Loop is an <b>awesome</b> idea. If you've never heard of it, it's a series of connected lakes, rivers and man-made canals that allow a boater to travel from the Atlantic ocean, to the Great Lakes, Down the Mississippi back out to the ocean.<br />
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It sounds cool.<br />
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The Erie Canal, The Great Lakes, The Mississippi River. Relax in the Florida Keys. See major cities (New York, Detroit, Chicago) and charming coastal towns (Beaufort, Charleston, Leland).<br />
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For the reluctant boating partner, the Loops offers benefits as well. There is a distinct start and finish, which is the home port where you start from and ultimately come back to. As well as a nice and tidy completion timeline of one year, which is enforced by the seasons.<br />
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It's really no wonder the Great Loop has become so popular. However, it's kinda like a <i>"here hold my beer!"</i> idea. An idea that sounds good in theory, but in reality is just not smart. But before I go any further, let me offer a few disclaimers:<br />
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- There are some people who really enjoy the type of cruising offered by the Great Loop. And that's cool! I am very happy for them.<br />
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- There are some truly beautiful sights and amazing experiences along the Great Loop and perhaps the only way to know what you're not missing out is to complete the loop.<br />
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Okay. Without further introduction. Here's why I think the great loop is a bad idea:<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9nld3H56WNjlCBgkF_AqumRQE5w5vh4dXMqQi65chDqAg2MQrF96UXujJHY-uFBUWpnL-p-1a3FSmDeZsdXSYg1gcR9jvhDI-_X6HdEsQGCFvzUi1Fmlq4hdzpzwWzKnx3O-P99_2q4s/s1600/IMG_9628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="635" data-original-width="477" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9nld3H56WNjlCBgkF_AqumRQE5w5vh4dXMqQi65chDqAg2MQrF96UXujJHY-uFBUWpnL-p-1a3FSmDeZsdXSYg1gcR9jvhDI-_X6HdEsQGCFvzUi1Fmlq4hdzpzwWzKnx3O-P99_2q4s/s320/IMG_9628.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laundry on the Great Loop means <br />walking to a laundromat. Same goes <br />for Groceries.</td></tr>
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<b><u>1. It sets you up to fail</u></b><br />
<i>Traveling</i> on a boat is hard work. If the most you have ever done is the occasional two-week boating vacation, then you've experienced <i>vacation boating</i>. When on vacation...you get to do whatever you want. Relax, explore, travel. It's very different from extended long-distance cruising.<br />
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When you're living and traveling on a boat, you have to find groceries, and laundromats. you have to find a way to the hardware store or boat store, because things break. And all of this must be completed without a car, in a town you've probably never been to before.<br />
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On top of all that...you're traveling all the time. 6 to 8 hours a day. Day after day after day going past mile after mile after mile of the dull....monotonous....shoreline.<br />
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Traveling on a boat is hard work, and the Great Loop is CONSTANT TRAVEL FOR THOUSANDS OF MILES. The Loop is like a road trip where you travel from sun-up to sun-down. You stop for the night, then get up and do it again the next day. Every day, for months.<br />
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Ultimately, it's a poor way to spend your first cruising experience.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-TG5XRB_gN4kCHtEkOs4Q0QKTermGARMbRX8CamL_PxtUai1064HURPJk3dyEGdcZ3r0QcCKKYE0pCvph91cRild__pb0TTzNh7BmwOxQ2kh5NFVOAMw9AsDLB5uCniv3V6amf4n7DSw/s1600/PB110362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="635" data-original-width="847" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-TG5XRB_gN4kCHtEkOs4Q0QKTermGARMbRX8CamL_PxtUai1064HURPJk3dyEGdcZ3r0QcCKKYE0pCvph91cRild__pb0TTzNh7BmwOxQ2kh5NFVOAMw9AsDLB5uCniv3V6amf4n7DSw/s320/PB110362.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What no one tells you is that most of the Great Loop is boring.</td></tr>
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<b><u>2. It's Mostly Boring.</u></b><br />
There are highlights along the Great Loop. However, most of the way is dull scenery. It's like expressway driving. Every now and then you see something cool, but most of the time it's just dull scenery. The same is true for the Loop. Sitting at the wheel traveling at 6-12knts day after day. My wife often tells people "9 out of 10 days will be boring".<br />
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Let's go through it section by section:<br />
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<u>ICW:</u><br />
I don't mean to hate on the ICW. I love that it's there and I've used it a ton. However, it's all low-lying coastal swampland. Dirty water. It's a valuable road to travel upon, not a destination in itself.<br />
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<u>The Hudson River:</u><br />
Some beautiful areas, but mostly boring and dirty water.<br />
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<u>Erie Canal:</u><br />
<i>Very cool</i> for a few days. Really the locks are incredibly well-maintained antiques. But after hanging on to the slimy lines in the locks gets old and you really just want to get it over with.<br />
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<u>The Great Lakes:</u><br />
Arguably the BEST part of the Great Loop. However, most Loopers are fearful of the rough open water which gets progressively worse towards the end of summer. This results in Loops rushing past some of the very best cruising grounds available on the Great Loop.<br />
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<u>Chicago to Mobile:</u><br />
Some highlights for sure, in particular Chicago and Kentucky Lakes. HOWEVER, most of the inland rivers from Chicago to Mobile are industrial waterways. Really not intended for recreational use. There are limited facilities and the scenery is unchanging. Also the water is dirty and not recommended for swimming.<br />
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<u>Gulf of Mexico:</u><br />
Arriving at the Gulf after miles and miles of monotony is magical. Then you get to gear up for the longest stretch of open water on the Loop. This is exciting, especially if you have never spent a night out on the water 100+ miles from shore.<br />
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<u>Florida Keys</u><br />
Once you arrive at the Florida Keys, things are again pretty awesome. It's a good thing too because at this point, you're probably exhausted and beaten down by the relentless traveling schedule. Once you leave the Keys, you are back on the East Coast and again putting along the ICW.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPSUYBHfIPX78icAXabVeqUVSngOLECXxqkY0e2jo4HQB1XH_zpbGydkl7-0a1ZJXrueRR0xEkNMnvja9tv4ulZ6TDxRzhy8S0fsKlefxngQLhBpqcmzipul_J0v720ZjIANTfTRsh2F4/s1600/IMG_0699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="635" data-original-width="847" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPSUYBHfIPX78icAXabVeqUVSngOLECXxqkY0e2jo4HQB1XH_zpbGydkl7-0a1ZJXrueRR0xEkNMnvja9tv4ulZ6TDxRzhy8S0fsKlefxngQLhBpqcmzipul_J0v720ZjIANTfTRsh2F4/s320/IMG_0699.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The chocolaty brown water of the Erie Canal.</td></tr>
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<b><u>3. It's Dirty / Polutted.</u></b><br />
Most of the water on the Great Loop is shallow, muddy, and too polluted to want to go swimming in. For example, you don't really want to swim in: The ICW, Hudson River, Erie Canal, Illinois River, Mississippi, Tom Bigby, Chesapeake, or Delaware bay.<br />
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Really just about anywhere on the Great Loop is not great for swimming except for the Great Lakes and in the Florida Keys.<br />
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<b><u>What I Recommend Instead</u></b><br />
Choose a cruising ground and take the shortest path to get there. That still might be one or two thousand miles. America's waterways are the PATH. You're bound to travel upon them. But to make the into a destination is a mistake.<br />
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The best cruising often involves the LEAST amount of travel. It's counter-intuitive but true.<br />
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The North Channel in Canada is great because there are hundreds of places to anchor, cool islands to check out, and nearby towns with grocery stores and water. The same thing can be said about the Bahamas. Once you are in the Abacos you can travel around from anchorage to anchorage and never be more than a day from a great grocery store in Marsh Harbor.<br />
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Once you ARRIVE at a cruising ground, the FUN begins. That's when you are back in vacation boating mode. The "getting there" part pretty much sucks, and The Great Loop is forever "getting there" and never arriving.<br />
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<b><u>If you are buying a boat to go cruising:</u></b><br />
I recommend buying the boat you want that is as CLOSE to your intended cruising ground as possible. For example, if you want to head to the Bahamas, buy a boat on the southeast coast of the US. If you want to cruise the great lakes and you are going to buy a boat, buy one that is already IN the great lakes.<br />
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<br />Chad Lawiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247848670033935370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208947528588787864.post-91558898573552587492019-03-31T10:09:00.002-04:002019-03-31T11:06:33.536-04:00Family road trip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD8WpIgmNX1j2LW_sTfBCPXhSQJNxh3HdyxDN2cYzow2FpavIk2bal78Iv47ZztFZCLds7lLympzxuHxY-wgwk9bazloPNgqp-01ovBViEOauRu-_dmQm-lzoUorm7kMbRqMTU2XtRyO_p/s1600/902E1150-5F46-4FDD-AE3B-5469EE57B3BC.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD8WpIgmNX1j2LW_sTfBCPXhSQJNxh3HdyxDN2cYzow2FpavIk2bal78Iv47ZztFZCLds7lLympzxuHxY-wgwk9bazloPNgqp-01ovBViEOauRu-_dmQm-lzoUorm7kMbRqMTU2XtRyO_p/s320/902E1150-5F46-4FDD-AE3B-5469EE57B3BC.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Heading south to visit the boat on spring break. Hobie is counting each bridge we cross. So far five. We are loaded up with snacks. Beef jerky. Pretzels. 10 hours to Raleigh!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqdYeL_e6IRG5VVRfsbdVXKQxtUNc9iv42FDxyGNyJQhYSgPCehfvSVoLnyxQVmFeM760UwOLctmT9WAnIR3K9fHhbHMr_qY7_Xl4UiHRCAOSRn2f5Zg72nV-DorDOgLRM238xizbs8ha/s1600/DA5B5987-CAF9-4A62-92E0-F3F5FB25D150.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqdYeL_e6IRG5VVRfsbdVXKQxtUNc9iv42FDxyGNyJQhYSgPCehfvSVoLnyxQVmFeM760UwOLctmT9WAnIR3K9fHhbHMr_qY7_Xl4UiHRCAOSRn2f5Zg72nV-DorDOgLRM238xizbs8ha/s320/DA5B5987-CAF9-4A62-92E0-F3F5FB25D150.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Chad and LeeAnn Lawiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394873504385990522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208947528588787864.post-47465959186417165152018-03-13T23:19:00.002-04:002018-03-14T13:30:18.903-04:00Today was Tuesday.Today I hauled water.<br />
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3 trips. 21 gallons per trip. 40 pounds per jug. I often think to myself "I used to pay to go to a gym"<br />
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It takes 3.8 trips to fill one of our internal water tanks (80 gallons each). The port water tank is now completely full. I was thrilled when it overflowed.<br />
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I'm now working on the starboard tank. It was probably almost empty, but I think I should be able to get it topped off tomorrow.<br />
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Then I think all I will have to do is one load a day to keep up with our daily usage.<br />
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We ran out of gasoline last night. Woke up this morning and worried about charging the batteries. I was relieved to see the sun shining, and the solar panels doing their thing! It's seriously magical.<br />
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Towards the end of the day, I walked to the gas station and filled up 5 gallons of gas, and refilled one of our propane tanks. It did not look anything like a gas station. There were three pumps, one of them identified by a piece of plywood with DIESEL spray painted on it in black.<br />
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I walked into the store and saw a Cuban behind a counter. I was excited for the chance to practice my Spanish.<br />
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<i>"Tu hablo Espanol? Soy estudiante. Poquito. Yo necisito propane."</i><br />
<i><br /></i> She then asked me a bunch of questions I could neither understand or respond to had I understood the questions.<br />
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They also had delicious beef sticks. So, that's a win. I carried the 5 gallons (40 pounds) of gasoline in one hand, and a full tank of propane in the other. Having my hands full made it difficult to eat my beef stick. I passed an old couple, one of them walking with a cane. I thought about my day, hauling water, gas, and propane. While doing physically demanding tasks, I often think about how much more difficult it must be for the older cruisers. This life makes my body hurt <i>now.</i> I can't imagine doing it when I'm 60.<br />
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Pictures from today:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhei814bHX8CoSII6XUBulRr4S7SghjV_VKp7JHXX5JyHl-YhEEVHmBIaGIyzJL7KB_b87GmZr8uhFa3RxSsp5ci5fxPRR4BwoP1UqEVLL_qebGOl155BQnUl5VSzifWDQvkEF5ndmR1cqV/s1600/IMG_9982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhei814bHX8CoSII6XUBulRr4S7SghjV_VKp7JHXX5JyHl-YhEEVHmBIaGIyzJL7KB_b87GmZr8uhFa3RxSsp5ci5fxPRR4BwoP1UqEVLL_qebGOl155BQnUl5VSzifWDQvkEF5ndmR1cqV/s320/IMG_9982.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charging at 6.1 amps!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbClDucLQdiNvR7Ha78EK9sE53bvY3Wp5AZfz7zn_ceAr9mDOUIJ0B1HKbsEJE82EHUxcr0LFdyt-UxRespGZ6hZa4WED5_ty2_BajlutpfgUnhuyMdj3nFEd-KENMUqEepkpgfJkKoyNM/s1600/IMG_9983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbClDucLQdiNvR7Ha78EK9sE53bvY3Wp5AZfz7zn_ceAr9mDOUIJ0B1HKbsEJE82EHUxcr0LFdyt-UxRespGZ6hZa4WED5_ty2_BajlutpfgUnhuyMdj3nFEd-KENMUqEepkpgfJkKoyNM/s320/IMG_9983.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yay solar!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OX6OiatAS7lGUh84_lIg0OZIMCLjnO-FbdSvURU33m6b89tvzTkdZ3j6w7nrLqGz3dYAFLUbCy6RVRpG7_ThI2XlnWduCc7e-cGalFMhsbgrO4lIo5ahOGAJZbfckSaAuOQNjzzKWQDt/s1600/IMG_9984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OX6OiatAS7lGUh84_lIg0OZIMCLjnO-FbdSvURU33m6b89tvzTkdZ3j6w7nrLqGz3dYAFLUbCy6RVRpG7_ThI2XlnWduCc7e-cGalFMhsbgrO4lIo5ahOGAJZbfckSaAuOQNjzzKWQDt/s320/IMG_9984.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jerry jugs of water, gasoline, propane.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntsUmTzbQwK6ZNQnr6zFGnjffLIw-0rkmC0C3JJvJOKSqXCASexGEdo3AhyT00LwemW_4jt96AlalmQsh_hnttm1CvS6xTRvp9gtQ9ac0r7wMEwzd6pilgdQNH9iUV5afmIloWeG6q4fI/s1600/IMG_9985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntsUmTzbQwK6ZNQnr6zFGnjffLIw-0rkmC0C3JJvJOKSqXCASexGEdo3AhyT00LwemW_4jt96AlalmQsh_hnttm1CvS6xTRvp9gtQ9ac0r7wMEwzd6pilgdQNH9iUV5afmIloWeG6q4fI/s320/IMG_9985.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karate!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT2ymRfbTU_pahmEvWyTsAXu-WqOkxYX6VT4my79qLkG2GnTEOSWEaeV2eK1eNual5ScmkOiI5pSD4K4WT-WfsIKl2NXc49WpJWC4gLyoLIte2zC390Tb_p7pO9drymm94Z475_cqvi7is/s1600/IMG_9990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT2ymRfbTU_pahmEvWyTsAXu-WqOkxYX6VT4my79qLkG2GnTEOSWEaeV2eK1eNual5ScmkOiI5pSD4K4WT-WfsIKl2NXc49WpJWC4gLyoLIte2zC390Tb_p7pO9drymm94Z475_cqvi7is/s320/IMG_9990.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL72IblnLQp28mbrXyOWqg1_xVvU5pHG1fZtPeb-bW51s0ky6-IkxQG6iqYKSHZ53IYtmVV86QmDO-_1kcl16etlylJJq8oPx_NeUgI5qfZESR5vqA8YuYb6XMHrW8p42CCy02CXArxnNn/s1600/IMG_9994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL72IblnLQp28mbrXyOWqg1_xVvU5pHG1fZtPeb-bW51s0ky6-IkxQG6iqYKSHZ53IYtmVV86QmDO-_1kcl16etlylJJq8oPx_NeUgI5qfZESR5vqA8YuYb6XMHrW8p42CCy02CXArxnNn/s320/IMG_9994.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LeeAnn, setting off into the sunset, grocery shopping</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDksAgK67lbB7IHhZoi35kYYGxMswMlAtl-AAPtkaA1jk4kgkMQQmw4DluqqpuG1IgP8MkWs81ylt_2tXjxtgyWmpuZXHOq6lL25U6UnBtCeyWGYxRnfMefsUtzMie8kdIGfDjVuxJdOT/s1600/IMG_9998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDksAgK67lbB7IHhZoi35kYYGxMswMlAtl-AAPtkaA1jk4kgkMQQmw4DluqqpuG1IgP8MkWs81ylt_2tXjxtgyWmpuZXHOq6lL25U6UnBtCeyWGYxRnfMefsUtzMie8kdIGfDjVuxJdOT/s320/IMG_9998.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visiting boat kid who set an awesome example with his love for reading.</td></tr>
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<br />Chad and LeeAnn Lawiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394873504385990522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208947528588787864.post-2248634460946233192018-03-05T23:29:00.000-05:002018-03-10T23:31:57.538-05:00Boca Grande KeyA quick sail to Boca Grande Key. Just 15 miles away. A welcome change from long distances. We thought we'd be alone, but found 15 boats instead.<br />
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Locals with lawn chairs and country music blaring from their beached center consoles. We had found the local hangout.<br />
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All the power boats left around sunset. They slowly idled away from the anchored boats before taking off at high speed. I was surprised by that. We visited the beach and found hardly a trace of a human. No trash. As far as power boaters go, these were some of the best I've ever come across.<br />
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Being out of cell range, we read books, spent time on the beach, and oh yeah, PLUNDERED A SHIPWRECK!!<br />
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There was an endeavor 30-something that was washed up on the east side of the island. We left Charlie with Aisling, and along with a bag of tools, took off for the wreck with Hobie.<br />
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It took at least an hour to get there, winding along in a channel that ran the coast of the island. When it got to shallow, we rowed. The mucky mud on the bottom was at least a foot deep. Too creepy to walk in.<br />
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The mangrove coast was exotic. In the clear water, we saw fish, stingrays, and horseshoe crabs. We were no longer Mom, Dad, and Hobie from West Michigan. We were explorers, searching a deserted island for a shipwreck. We sought adventure. We sought treasure.<br />
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We rounded the last corner, and thar she be, looming large, closer'n we expected. Heeled to nearly 45 degrees, walking on the boat was extremely awkward, and dangerous. The mast was still up but the rigging was frayed.<br />
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We had clearly not been the first to visit this boat. It was extremely picked over. We explored a bit, but having apparently arrived too late, left without any souvenirs.<br />
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We spent a few more days hanging around the beach. We <i>really</i> liked it here, and everyone seemed to be in good, happy moods. We even made a meal of mashed potatoes, veggies, and pork and were SHOCKED when they kids not only withheld from complaining but actually liked the food and happily ate it! What is this strange magic!<br />
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After a few more days on the beach, we headed back to Key West where we caught a case of bad attitudes. I kept saying "let's go back to Boca Grande.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1D0GFw2zcARrLa3R8qlo7p2r2MKOg7olEGjnUnkDoOe7RCsgv9StsrI8_75jkoY7DxdVX4TU6pVesuf6-CygZ9mxHSTufuQ-pYBh5AIXMqrvqPOK9ZiShqxVT3Hy3TeDq4LRo8WObm41J/s1600/IMG_9749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1D0GFw2zcARrLa3R8qlo7p2r2MKOg7olEGjnUnkDoOe7RCsgv9StsrI8_75jkoY7DxdVX4TU6pVesuf6-CygZ9mxHSTufuQ-pYBh5AIXMqrvqPOK9ZiShqxVT3Hy3TeDq4LRo8WObm41J/s320/IMG_9749.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh yes! We made a cake! It says "Boca Grande"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCYpLretZAaf_n90ri9zqKa7hSRI3U5CATTrjMI92FFt3HMrjuzWuWfUizizjdQqbDGK2I_znmYd9nIwQ22F7lEF5ws9a0jsyvrFZRjEbZ4SQVcuyIXAzVTL5GGLxNg11kOjbfrYqmHVM/s1600/IMG_9758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCYpLretZAaf_n90ri9zqKa7hSRI3U5CATTrjMI92FFt3HMrjuzWuWfUizizjdQqbDGK2I_znmYd9nIwQ22F7lEF5ws9a0jsyvrFZRjEbZ4SQVcuyIXAzVTL5GGLxNg11kOjbfrYqmHVM/s320/IMG_9758.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Singing songs with Charlie</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWh-ZrYZBBIUEJUGSzK2U6Afa5Z5YCZvfDW4d6ITKcQiFa-mwDkTyrakg2xeJrkez9SDjMpx4J5ipVLYVI2P2d1BbLs2Era-rPSNvKOx7iDdccvF2k-eYrbJsbHxqaedA96RcKwVoKqZwJ/s1600/IMG_9761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWh-ZrYZBBIUEJUGSzK2U6Afa5Z5YCZvfDW4d6ITKcQiFa-mwDkTyrakg2xeJrkez9SDjMpx4J5ipVLYVI2P2d1BbLs2Era-rPSNvKOx7iDdccvF2k-eYrbJsbHxqaedA96RcKwVoKqZwJ/s320/IMG_9761.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beach to ourselves.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrXehtdG1BXn2Uyut5WpmcO5yX-PZnqyR5rRHr3OSy90n5fiVIGjA01CXaSvZCUueQAXFT-ZcJsefpcN-l7NchwLBy-YktCu3jV-78kxFxKw6OljLxZMBf9KFGza-d8GPDsG1UuFuPxl6O/s1600/IMG_9763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrXehtdG1BXn2Uyut5WpmcO5yX-PZnqyR5rRHr3OSy90n5fiVIGjA01CXaSvZCUueQAXFT-ZcJsefpcN-l7NchwLBy-YktCu3jV-78kxFxKw6OljLxZMBf9KFGza-d8GPDsG1UuFuPxl6O/s320/IMG_9763.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots and lots of hermit crabs. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We also "caught" two different kinds of conch! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Be free my little ones!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Um. No comment. </td></tr>
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<br />Chad and LeeAnn Lawiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394873504385990522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208947528588787864.post-32730575411531946412018-03-01T20:20:00.000-05:002018-03-10T23:32:05.002-05:00Key West to MarathonWe had a WONDERFUL time in Marco Island. My Grandma lives within walking distance of the bay where we anchored. We weren't sure what to expect from Grandma. People have lives, and they can't always put them on hold just because we come to town.<br />
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However, Grandma was standing on the shore when we arrived and spent the next several days hanging out with us, feeding us, and helping us complete errands.<br />
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It was such a good time, and she gave us really yummy sugar cookies as a parting gift. They were great snacks on our overnight passage to Key West! Being offshore and remembering "oh yeah! The cookies!" lifted our spirits.<br />
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You don't start a journey on a Friday, so one minute after midnight, Saturday morning, we raised anchor and sailed out into the darkness, leaving the glow of Marco Island in our wake.<br />
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Small waves and calm winds slowly increased as we distanced ourselves from land. We soon killed the engines and continued on sails alone. Crab pots no longer a concern.<br />
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The trip took about 14 hours and we arrived in Key West at 2pm the next day.<br />
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We passed wooden schooners and it felt like we had been transported in time, except for the parasailors, speedboats, and jet skis. Still, it was magical to see these beautiful ships, and easy to imagine what this busy port might have been like 100 years ago.<br />
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On our way to the anchorage, we passed a nice gentleman, sitting sadly on his boat who said: "Don't anchor here, I'm stuck on a sunken ship."<br />
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At the beginning of all this, our goal was to reach Key West, but there was no celebration upon reaching the island. I felt accomplished, proud, but LeeAnn and I knew we knew we would not stay long.<br />
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But we had an empty bank account and nowhere else immediately wanted to go. So we took things day by day, and little by little we started to make friends.<br />
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S/V Temptress<br />
S/V Wayward<br />
Awimar +Family (our Puerto Rican friends)<br />
S/V High Five (The Belgians)<br />
S/V Ohana<br />
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And boats we had parted with started to arrive:<br />
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S/V Aisling<br />
S/V B.ZEN<br />
S/V Brin De Folie<br />
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I started doing web work for a few local clients...and before we knew it more than a month had passed.<br />
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Key West took a little getting used to. It's one of the few places we've had to pay for the dinghy dock. Water is limited to 25 gallons per day and you have to lug it in jerry cans. The anchorage is rather exposed to wind, waves, and a 2-knot tidal current that switches direction every 6 hours. This in addition to unmarked underwater obstructions.<br />
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At one point we hooked an abandoned mooring that took all day and the help of Tim (SV Ohana) and his scuba gear to get free from.<br />
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But as many do, we grew to love Key West. I even came to enjoy jerry jugging water.<br />
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One thing I will never forget is the CONSTANT East wind blowing 20-25 knots. We got very few breaks in the wind during our +month stay, and finally, sadly, we took a weather window and sailed to Bahia Honda. A nice little state park where we snorkeled in clear water. The boys did great swimming. It was one of the first times they really got over their fear of being in the ocean and started swimming around the boat. It probably helped that the water was clear, calm, and 75 degrees on an 80-degree day.<br />
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We stayed an extra day in Bahia Honda when we learned the Belgians (S/V High Five) were on their way. The next day we made our way to Boot Key Harbor. We sailed, close hauled making 4.5 to 5 knots on a 10-15 knot breeze. The water was beautiful shades of blue, and with no particular place to be, and no particular time to be there, and only 11 miles to go...we enjoyed the smooth sailing conditions.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Sailing to Marathon</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">A lazy sail to Marathon.</td></tr>
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We anchored outside the Boot Key inlet and waited for a mooring assignment from the harbormaster. The kids were watching a show, so LeeAnn and I had a rare oppertunity to look at our favorite gif from Arrested Development:<br />
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Then we all went swimming. The kids were even MORE fearless and swam alongside me while I scrubbed the bottom of the boat.<br />
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We're not on our second week in Boot Key Harbor, but that is another blog post!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys playing to the south of the southernmost point buoy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What I think is called a Banyan Tree. Regardless of the name... it's cool!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am their favorite peice of playground equipment.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie LOVES "bucket baths". Not sure why, but it's cute as hell!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFS7xXBy-HDv2P7Zcdz9FibuHfLJsRnwqavcsnh8TXTZrcvsBuST2G_Sv5IEU5plMTQy3BdmPWecu-GjWuvTwa2Vsay0r8D9GYtIHgnFUwpUuy5w2N4LQ9Al6dod7cOCAGIvrVhi457pG/s1600/FullSizeRender+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFS7xXBy-HDv2P7Zcdz9FibuHfLJsRnwqavcsnh8TXTZrcvsBuST2G_Sv5IEU5plMTQy3BdmPWecu-GjWuvTwa2Vsay0r8D9GYtIHgnFUwpUuy5w2N4LQ9Al6dod7cOCAGIvrVhi457pG/s320/FullSizeRender+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aghrrr!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8baoqRKRQ9xwylQXgOtWRS6EdaEripEMssm1CTb6Lq0XfV5W3eiRAIWnN6dMn3EDFmxwahj-UazZYk9FDvmdGzlF0sEOEOQJ2Ki0kWCw7PeJAB7HUX4BtU5GPsrn9W3Z6coNZ-UP8OvK/s1600/IMG_1294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8baoqRKRQ9xwylQXgOtWRS6EdaEripEMssm1CTb6Lq0XfV5W3eiRAIWnN6dMn3EDFmxwahj-UazZYk9FDvmdGzlF0sEOEOQJ2Ki0kWCw7PeJAB7HUX4BtU5GPsrn9W3Z6coNZ-UP8OvK/s320/IMG_1294.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah! LeeAnn excited after our GoPro was miraculously recoved from the seafloor.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DON'T smile. Perfect.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAiQFWC0Wk682yaAGfUpUfPI3KqIJ8VlP_QXlZxDmcojYljEcqr5790Ns7dTDSe1XHzYSAISyeZB9Om6cNWtzk25zy-Kox51d8BP-kaAoQ19llDS3Okxke523hXNyE-2-fG5Zfszkl6UR/s1600/IMG_1237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAiQFWC0Wk682yaAGfUpUfPI3KqIJ8VlP_QXlZxDmcojYljEcqr5790Ns7dTDSe1XHzYSAISyeZB9Om6cNWtzk25zy-Kox51d8BP-kaAoQ19llDS3Okxke523hXNyE-2-fG5Zfszkl6UR/s320/IMG_1237.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Someday our kids will thank us. I hope.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4naozSKpXphoh5VHHD1C9kALce1aVKlhykN_JKXLg7TlLJJT_ka3SwJHrnuMEA6_wMLMxXGHyqt7jIGnYKhpJ6SCkNAPBZRNNbXTpBhEttDV7AswWLGRWETgPhUjhKhPfCANKsrs5YSZ/s1600/IMG_9837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4naozSKpXphoh5VHHD1C9kALce1aVKlhykN_JKXLg7TlLJJT_ka3SwJHrnuMEA6_wMLMxXGHyqt7jIGnYKhpJ6SCkNAPBZRNNbXTpBhEttDV7AswWLGRWETgPhUjhKhPfCANKsrs5YSZ/s320/IMG_9837.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Belgians!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihiqXB9sNhxFhomdVeDCAf-7pXIve178sOsGu9YK9eXhUqI_Yliob2U4PtRFi2K4Dz-ryzqR06TYn9gEiMr_n13lCHoYuJXqilHPkKKGVD92fHR-6IJ6jIKMYQjIR73Sjcgnn_ADSvJJlX/s1600/IMG_9838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihiqXB9sNhxFhomdVeDCAf-7pXIve178sOsGu9YK9eXhUqI_Yliob2U4PtRFi2K4Dz-ryzqR06TYn9gEiMr_n13lCHoYuJXqilHPkKKGVD92fHR-6IJ6jIKMYQjIR73Sjcgnn_ADSvJJlX/s320/IMG_9838.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Belgians!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaJ3-sjS7feZ0GKEaiaV52Ihrn5VHJsg9XDo7lpGk_LlSVDLwRO7eHjh2EtXEsiVMd0a-MJUgO9Gaggcfoxqc5IVLX3CTBrQawcEyrmq06h5aslWVWoEUiET8Hfs_W6jqVab982OuOvzEx/s1600/IMG_9849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaJ3-sjS7feZ0GKEaiaV52Ihrn5VHJsg9XDo7lpGk_LlSVDLwRO7eHjh2EtXEsiVMd0a-MJUgO9Gaggcfoxqc5IVLX3CTBrQawcEyrmq06h5aslWVWoEUiET8Hfs_W6jqVab982OuOvzEx/s320/IMG_9849.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Belgian Birthday! We had Crepes!<br />
We added a spoonfull of sugar then rolled it up...DELICIOUS!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVtykhFAks4Mo5r23ZciKxZ6dQNniCPgfzqGswjMeRVUfkYP1aLOHVCQjyhJ89StTm6Da8hSInh72SOyP6soP5iR2P2wyfwfKq_mNxpZwVbiZz6NLeNMyHDq3XW_9BvpNX_wVHS9RJ5TK7/s1600/IMG_9856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVtykhFAks4Mo5r23ZciKxZ6dQNniCPgfzqGswjMeRVUfkYP1aLOHVCQjyhJ89StTm6Da8hSInh72SOyP6soP5iR2P2wyfwfKq_mNxpZwVbiZz6NLeNMyHDq3XW_9BvpNX_wVHS9RJ5TK7/s320/IMG_9856.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie is one badass sailor kid.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlies firth haircut!! Finally!</td></tr>
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<br />Chad and LeeAnn Lawiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394873504385990522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208947528588787864.post-887975774939134562018-01-27T21:23:00.003-05:002018-03-14T10:30:58.332-04:004 Things I HATE About Living on a BoatThere are a lot of reasons I love living on a boat, and I often focus on the pros of the lifestyle. But like everything in life, there are pros and cons. Here are the ones that irk me the most:<br />
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<b><u>1. It's always, ALWAYS damp </u></b><br />
My cloths are damp when I put them on, my bedsheets feel damp when I get into bed, the cushions at the table feel cold and damp, the floor is sticky. I hate the bed the most. The good news it that by the time it warms up it no longer feels damp.<br />
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To combat the dampness, we keep <a href="http://amzn.to/2DGj4fx">refillable damp-rid canisters</a> in every cabin. We also keep hatches cracked almost all the time to promote airflow and reduce condensation. Also 100% cotton sheets helps. Aside from that, there isn't much else we can do except install and air conditioning unit (which we can't run at anchor).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DampRid canisters help reduce moisture and mildew.</td></tr>
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<b><u>2. Smells</u></b><br />
Boats are stinky. Perticularly in the bathroom. Part of this is due to the flexible hose used in marine plumbing. Eventually sewage the hose permeates the hose and it starts to smell. I've gone through great efforts to reduce the smell, including replacing all old hose, some of it with schedule 40 PVC which won't permeate. The concern with PVC is that is doesn't flex and will crack. To get around this I made all connections using flexible hose.<br />
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Unfortunately, we still have stinky heads. This is a common boat problem and boat forums are full of suggestions and solutions. Whenever I tour someone elses boat, I always sniff the bathroom and thing "oh, your head smells too!"<br />
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Aside from stinky bathrooms, there are wonderful odors the waft up from the bilge from time to time, and the general smell of mildrew coming from storage lockers. Hate it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Replacing flexible hose with Schedule 40 PVC</td></tr>
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<b><u>3. Mildew</u></b><br />
Related to #1, we're constantly fighting off mildrew. With constant 100% humidity, mildew happens. Fortunately we don't have it not too bad. I've seen other cruisers carting gallons of bleach to their boat for wiping down surfaces.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECuEf18Bfir9DIGeCAP88G6o3ST98YcSQzXj1akcK3qQs6VqB0uNAKevF9syITflrIHfTtuv3GGqQvss31BknFkN-xm9-e0SFrfeFFQ6g1CGiiCWnZAkkaQkUa3flANv8tlZX8pHjRSLQ/s1600/IMG_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECuEf18Bfir9DIGeCAP88G6o3ST98YcSQzXj1akcK3qQs6VqB0uNAKevF9syITflrIHfTtuv3GGqQvss31BknFkN-xm9-e0SFrfeFFQ6g1CGiiCWnZAkkaQkUa3flANv8tlZX8pHjRSLQ/s320/IMG_0003.JPG" width="240" /></a>Mildew is worse further north during the spring and summer when tempurates swing dramatically. Cold nights result in condensation. Water literally drips from the ceiling and down the walls.<br />
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I've found turning on a heater and opening a hatch seems to dry a cabin out pretty good. My theory is that the warm moist air rises up and out of the hatch, and is replaced by cold dry air from outside. Not sure if that's really what happens, and I don't have a hygrometer to know for sure, but it seems to work.<br />
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Once mildew forms, it's often easy to remove. A damp paper towel or rag does the trick on smooth surface. I often use a spray cleaner with bleach to kill whatever is on the surface. If it's a rough or porous surface then <a href="http://amzn.to/2GqS4Ti">soft scrub with bleach</a> does the trick. It's has a hand soap consistancy and I can wipe it on vertical or upside down surfaces and let it work.<br />
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Soft scrub also does wonders to remove stains from fiberblass. When our boat got blasted with overspay in a boatyard, softscrub worked easier and faster than 3M rubbing compound. Boating Magazine <a href="https://www.boatingmag.com/gear/boatinglab-tests-deck-cleaners#page-14">tested 9 different boat soaps</a> and included soft scrub. Guess which product was the most effective at removing stains? I have to give creidt to Bill on Kalani for giving me the tip on Soft Scrub. While it is awesome at removing stains, it's abrasive, so I use it as a last resort.<br />
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<b><u>4. Lack of hot water</u></b><br />
Our hot water comes from a 5-gallon electric hot water heater, or from a heat exchanger on the engine. We have hot water when we are at the dock or under way. Otherwise we can run our Honda 2000i generator at high speed for 30-minutes to get hot water.<br />
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Generally, we heat up water for showers. We sometimes heat up hot water in a tea kettle for doing dishes. Or we just wash the dishes in cold water.<br />
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I've recently learned of these on-demand <a href="http://amzn.to/2rIPjc9">propane water heaters</a>, and I'm considering installing one. However, the RV propane water heaters are really <i>not</i> designed for use on a boat. I know people who swear by them, but I don't think it's worth the risk. I've seen a fiberglass boat catch on fire, and it was terrifyingly fast. For my family, if I install a propane water heater, it will be a top of the line marine grade unit like the <a href="https://precisiontemp.com/products/showermate-m-550/">ShowerMate M-550</a>.<br />
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<br />Chad and LeeAnn Lawiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394873504385990522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208947528588787864.post-29919048127284093252018-01-27T20:41:00.000-05:002018-03-10T23:34:33.419-05:00Clearwater to Marco Island - 150 milesIt was weird leaving Clearwater. We never felt super at home there, but it had become familiar all the same.<br />
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We made friends, most notably with "Greenheart" who Hobie calls "Greenheart Dragon Slayer". We watched movies in the park, saw street performers, and I'll always remember when my dad flew in to visit us.<br />
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We took an awesome day trip to Tarpon Springs. It was the first time I had Octopus, and when they brought out the flaming cheese we all yelled "opa!" and the entire restaurant stopped eating and looked at us.<br />
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I asked LeeAnn if she wanted to stay in Clearwater longer, she said: "I don't want to leave, but I don't want to stay here either."<br />
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We considered sailing up to Tarpon Spring, or Duneden, but we've also heard great things about the cruising community down in Boot Key Harbor, so we want to go check that out.<br />
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We left the dock in Clearwater around 10am. We were on the gulf by 11. I was a little nervous to be heading offshore. I always am. I think it's the idea that we're stuck out on the water. If the weather turns bad, or something goes wrong, we could be hours from a safe harbor. I also get seasick. This time I took Dramamine when we left the dock.<br />
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We made our way out to deep water and turned south. The wind and waves pushed us along. At first, it was a little wallowy and even LeeAnn with her invincible stomach started to feel queasy. But after a few hours, the boat found it's groove, and we enjoyed an incredibly smooth sail.<br />
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We had leftovers for dinner and put the boys to bed.<br />
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After dark, the wind increased to 20 knots. We rounded a point and adjusted course to the Southeast. This put the Northeast wind and waves directly on our beam (broadside of the boat).<br />
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The wind started gusting up to 25 knots, nearly 30 mph. It was clearly time to reef the sails.<br />
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LeeAnn was still laying with the boys, so I put on my jacket, harness, lifejacket, headlamp and stepped out on deck.<br />
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It was loud, and dark, and wet. Waves slamming into the side of the boat sent explosions of spray into the air. <b>We were flying on the wind.</b> The boat making a steady 8 knots, with bursts of 11 knots as we surfed down the waves.<br />
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I reefed the jib first. It was easier and faster. I let out some sail, which caused the jib to writhe like it was possessed by a demon trying to rip it's host apart. I rushed to the other side of the boat to haul in the furling line. I repeated this process twice to get the sail down to the size I wanted.<br />
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I then reefed the main to the first reef point, slowly dropping the sail while bringing in the reefing line. With reefed sails, we were still making a steady 7-8 knots.<br />
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We made great time and arrived at Marco Island by 10am the next day, clearing the entire 150 miles in just under 24 hours, considering we didn't actually start making progress southward until 11am the previous day.<br />
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I'm really proud of this passage. It was the first time LeeAnn and I sailed alone overnight since having kids. We dealt with some pretty strong winds but never felt like we needed to head for shore. The Dramamine was wonderful, no seasickness, however, Charlie did puke so we puke Children's Chewable Dramamine on our shopping list for Marco Island.<br />
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We spent almost a week on Marco Island, waiting for weather, and hanging out with my Grandma who lives on the island. She was SUPER awesome and helped us get groceries, bought us dinner, and let us use her pool! It was beyond what we had expected, and we had a great time!<br />
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<br />Chad and LeeAnn Lawiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394873504385990522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208947528588787864.post-90756885259167770762018-01-13T23:34:00.002-05:002018-01-13T23:34:51.386-05:00Sailing to the Florida KeysTomorrow is our last day in Clearwater Beach.<br />
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The weather over the last 48 hours has been cold and wet, and yet we've managed to make it to the playground both days.<br />
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For the most part, the boat is ready to go and I've been super laid back about the upcoming passage. We have a GREAT looking weather window, No thunderstorms forecast with 10-15 knots of wind out of the North East, waves 2-3. This is our forecast every day next week.<br />
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I need to look over the engines tomorrow. I probably should have already done this, but the weather has been crappy. If there is anything wrong, I'll have to get it fixed tomorrow or delay departure.<br />
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We've pretty well provisioned up, but we'll make a run to the grocery store tomorrow to top up. We also need to fill up water and fuel and empty our holding tanks.<br />
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Our route from Clearwater to Key West is about 215 miles and should take us around 41 hours to complete.<br />
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If we get tired or the weather turns we have several options for stopping along the way.<br />
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I have high hopes for a nice relaxing passage with my family. And fingers crossed for seeing dolphins!<br />
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<br />Chad and LeeAnn Lawiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394873504385990522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208947528588787864.post-31305565067005955772018-01-10T23:33:00.000-05:002018-03-10T23:35:02.556-05:00Cruising With Kids: Not Having A Yard<div>
We were fortunate to live in the Midwest where space is plentiful, and most anyone who wants to live in a house with a yard can do so. </div>
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It came in handy to be able to send our kids out the back door to play in the yard while we cooked dinner or cleaned the house.<br />
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When we moved onto the boat, we gave up the yard, but overall, I'd say it doesn't make much difference. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">On this day, our backyard was a beach<br />
where we dug for burried treasure.</td></tr>
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<b>First </b>off<b>, </b>it's not like our kids don't play outside. We go to parks and playgrounds, just like the other <a href="http://www.nmhc.org/Content.aspx?id=4708">36 million</a> families in America who live in apartments or high rises and don't have a backyard.</div>
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<b>Second,</b> it's not like having a yard made <i>that much</i> of a difference. We could send our kids out into the backyard, but they often get bored playing alone and <i>want</i> a parent to come out and play with them. Or they start fighting over the same toy or start hitting each other with sticks, and <i>need</i> a parental referee to provide supervision.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Charlie jumping on the "trampoline" on the bow.</td></tr>
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Setting all that aside, the yard DID provide our kids with some short-term entertainment and us parents with a few minutes of childfree bliss. </div>
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<i>But that is only in the summertime!</i></div>
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In Michigan, the colder months greatly outnumber the warm ones. You can't send the kids out until they have been properly dressed. In the spring and autumn, that means socks, shoes, coats, hats, and mittens. And in the winter it means all the above with the addition of scarves and snowsuits. All of which needs to be put on our kids who—like all kids—<i>hate</i> getting dressed.</div>
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In most cases, I'd say getting the kids dressed and undressed takes more time than they actually spend playing outside. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Playing in a marina lawn.</td></tr>
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<b><i>All that aside, the fact remains that we had a yard, and by moving onto a boat we would be giving it up.</i></b><br />
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A tool was being removed from our "ways to entertain the kids" toolbelt, and we had to wonder how our lives would be different.</div>
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I comforted myself with the thought that for millions of kids living in cities or apartments, not having a yard is a <i>normal</i> way of life. If they can do it, why can't my kids do it?<br />
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I also thought, "<b><i>The world will become our backyard.</i></b>"<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcatvX1h3ygqb4eXexqmEU03tTYNom3aFQogZnnp-VbKyLa8HDPc8uccyuBXBGedLYrSuGDylHXAIoZo6yE0cb6bhj1Tt04Ag9J55UYnWM51jVSdKmLKTLC29k0F9ywHQmNZGiYRfWHlv/s1600/2DB1192E-6992-4CBA-94D7-209F65DB3DE1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcatvX1h3ygqb4eXexqmEU03tTYNom3aFQogZnnp-VbKyLa8HDPc8uccyuBXBGedLYrSuGDylHXAIoZo6yE0cb6bhj1Tt04Ag9J55UYnWM51jVSdKmLKTLC29k0F9ywHQmNZGiYRfWHlv/s320/2DB1192E-6992-4CBA-94D7-209F65DB3DE1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Watching the world as it moves past our home.<br />
The best kids life jacket <a href="http://amzn.to/2AqRa4E" style="background-color: white; color: #33aaff; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10.56px; outline: 0px;">is this one.</a></td></tr>
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<div>
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<div>
We've been living on the boat now for about 6 months, the lack of a yard hasn't made a noticable difference.</div>
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<div>
If you consider how often the kids are out playing in the cockpit, I'd say they spend WAY more time outside on the boat than they ever did at home.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnOCLidNQnYjefF5Gd2hydBCAgmHVOQ6ruyA1K0HPWgL5VtNJ9PBukgWOsq4i3NhjSSqqlhCzy8fdMeP4yf0UJf9vHGfcbHyHXKYVoaiJmZVvPplmTALNt1OPs_PIXNywsOuoZw1Stqjx/s1600/IMG_8563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnOCLidNQnYjefF5Gd2hydBCAgmHVOQ6ruyA1K0HPWgL5VtNJ9PBukgWOsq4i3NhjSSqqlhCzy8fdMeP4yf0UJf9vHGfcbHyHXKYVoaiJmZVvPplmTALNt1OPs_PIXNywsOuoZw1Stqjx/s320/IMG_8563.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The boys enjoying "the view" behind our home for the night.</td></tr>
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<div>
Since we've been in Clearwater, FL (November-January), the short walk to the playground has practically become a daily event.<br />
<br />
It's a fun walk, fishing charters display their morning catch on the dock, pelicans and other seabirds stand nearby waiting for fish scraps. </div>
<div>
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<div>
Tourist stroll the dock weighing their options, fishing charters, jet ski rentals, pontoon rentals, sailboat rides, dolphin tours.<br />
<br />
All of these vendors have their own unique shacks and booths on the water, and many of the employees greet us in the mornings and give the kids candy in the afternoon. </div>
<div>
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<div>
We've seen dolphins, and jellyfish on our walks to the park, and have learned that if you raise your hand while holding a chip, a seagull will swoop down and snatch it from your fingertips. </div>
<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwGjhjTnm_RBjKhPH3qNfGc5J_iwuswjz-85PYVsRwXDIJ8ldDDBaZBBDz03DZQ6S71NnGlUSj4o09fap5YHjb2YiCS9xI7gcpwyV6iNob-OF3deo9w7BnIdDMuybvdCSu8O1Wi394fiA/s1600/fullsizeoutput_3fec.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwGjhjTnm_RBjKhPH3qNfGc5J_iwuswjz-85PYVsRwXDIJ8ldDDBaZBBDz03DZQ6S71NnGlUSj4o09fap5YHjb2YiCS9xI7gcpwyV6iNob-OF3deo9w7BnIdDMuybvdCSu8O1Wi394fiA/s320/fullsizeoutput_3fec.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A huge park in Chicago, across the street from the marina.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDAYngywOi03UF0LK5ojARmQbOe5qMDXCJLyMsSq1HdDuWoquObMvqnJY2L6n1rFOPktgEmnbufjUA7g947aiZ0rBM8D-C0QywSoX2qPYspxxox1zr8WdeqoS7OTsY84h5DA1U-rMlChyphenhyphenG/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4534.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1511" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDAYngywOi03UF0LK5ojARmQbOe5qMDXCJLyMsSq1HdDuWoquObMvqnJY2L6n1rFOPktgEmnbufjUA7g947aiZ0rBM8D-C0QywSoX2qPYspxxox1zr8WdeqoS7OTsY84h5DA1U-rMlChyphenhyphenG/s320/fullsizeoutput_4534.jpeg" width="302" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing in the yard at a marina.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNq9zZJbDRbsnbOb3xPDNqyeMeD_PY5G1vq4SKfW8E9hjIfZptCHb4tauKzvA4GxqywFk4rOkr_OcGdKSgo9cgiIxh0ofp5s55GMkTnCunWxztJxVA_GqvIYZhyy9-eBzOQpiYRgTmLH90/s1600/IMG_4285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNq9zZJbDRbsnbOb3xPDNqyeMeD_PY5G1vq4SKfW8E9hjIfZptCHb4tauKzvA4GxqywFk4rOkr_OcGdKSgo9cgiIxh0ofp5s55GMkTnCunWxztJxVA_GqvIYZhyy9-eBzOQpiYRgTmLH90/s320/IMG_4285.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swinging ropes in the cockpit.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggi2HUkvf4u9kOwupSq9k8EHmLAPC4caAHI41uNkQI6SbP_H-9pofEaPaMw1ZuPefEaF655xYD1CBr3mHoiLIYFvg-b2whRUFXhaNIJcP7WYBB1991QsX0EkLUsyDCuaFL3iyb22bTdC9_/s1600/IMG_4357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggi2HUkvf4u9kOwupSq9k8EHmLAPC4caAHI41uNkQI6SbP_H-9pofEaPaMw1ZuPefEaF655xYD1CBr3mHoiLIYFvg-b2whRUFXhaNIJcP7WYBB1991QsX0EkLUsyDCuaFL3iyb22bTdC9_/s320/IMG_4357.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We found this little park while exploring Mackinaw Island.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovZl3aEINfqRkCkKOAGHARak8RiYlzPPR1qVTej7rPJNe8EbfLTAHUrX08674-78c3LHiFbOQh3bFNLBhQSHRChAk7JTooRK5ZB3mZeA1gn7CpmKEuS_-1tyZg1QSZzxsN7LTKIQQsO9n/s1600/IMG_4389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovZl3aEINfqRkCkKOAGHARak8RiYlzPPR1qVTej7rPJNe8EbfLTAHUrX08674-78c3LHiFbOQh3bFNLBhQSHRChAk7JTooRK5ZB3mZeA1gn7CpmKEuS_-1tyZg1QSZzxsN7LTKIQQsO9n/s320/IMG_4389.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visiting a playgound.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPznfQWgGjNIymysrH-NiSjoNcBuvdPWrFAqB7trjaVY8BMUcR3crW7kierl6GSIWArkgsZOQZ1a50lRDk_gLPIZxGQpBTqBN3dSKKQf4xrtKii4enpSr7JNV8sz4LFVsFXjH_IFc13ox/s1600/IMG_4393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPznfQWgGjNIymysrH-NiSjoNcBuvdPWrFAqB7trjaVY8BMUcR3crW7kierl6GSIWArkgsZOQZ1a50lRDk_gLPIZxGQpBTqBN3dSKKQf4xrtKii4enpSr7JNV8sz4LFVsFXjH_IFc13ox/s320/IMG_4393.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A huge park on Mackinaw Island.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYqqVnsXgIBwDK2B9Ufs4VPbqAcJpAba6YP1gw2fyRaaJoPQqoBk7xof9dRirTPUK0l5VLVlhi-GWb-efMescVodn8a3t_nRWMqmfygOtZFZdXPZ9j588yZ9a_jHRdhCkP1WNeDw2H_4V/s1600/IMG_4443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYqqVnsXgIBwDK2B9Ufs4VPbqAcJpAba6YP1gw2fyRaaJoPQqoBk7xof9dRirTPUK0l5VLVlhi-GWb-efMescVodn8a3t_nRWMqmfygOtZFZdXPZ9j588yZ9a_jHRdhCkP1WNeDw2H_4V/s320/IMG_4443.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPC-pzA_DQaOZ9w2QGwLXxKATBd6cKyC-gWc4mkkEP6WDWVGO6eFi5c_tF2_lGxgqkC26kuUT2LSp7VEWaZU9aLhab_DxuOo9Iueq2vquUuwl-UANagRuDxDhPRqUWPhXn9yXrqeI6SJAr/s1600/IMG_4597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPC-pzA_DQaOZ9w2QGwLXxKATBd6cKyC-gWc4mkkEP6WDWVGO6eFi5c_tF2_lGxgqkC26kuUT2LSp7VEWaZU9aLhab_DxuOo9Iueq2vquUuwl-UANagRuDxDhPRqUWPhXn9yXrqeI6SJAr/s320/IMG_4597.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A playhouse on Beaver Island</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGBMkp3mboQMdfQgOfaAlAmy6s2_E4YRJ2oCcaAk0DA9ifPfaM3YbRvrlE-ewvHMJjHbaWZTWWdJzmNCfsspbquYkKGf6EJEQDhTnPyPxjgUaMnUjc2B-Izq9DVW7BoPzI6d1gwdtgK06/s1600/IMG_4609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGBMkp3mboQMdfQgOfaAlAmy6s2_E4YRJ2oCcaAk0DA9ifPfaM3YbRvrlE-ewvHMJjHbaWZTWWdJzmNCfsspbquYkKGf6EJEQDhTnPyPxjgUaMnUjc2B-Izq9DVW7BoPzI6d1gwdtgK06/s320/IMG_4609.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On this day, our backyard was a<br />
pirate ship that pulled into the harbor.<br />
The Puddle Jumper life jacket that Hobie is wearing is best<br />
for swimming, but not coast guard approved for boating.<br />
Check them out here: <a href="http://amzn.to/2FpKKGw">http://amzn.to/2FpKKGw</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjWcVmAyZ2AAAWki7ndaoVmwYx51EpAbBpyMqyh7oUVtLMQjVGP6QXudrYTkzVqOUmoEGZ9GikHc2wu9WAIljWhfrwJ_C3uhUn0VIMgitRM5thOQSKYfBusniE0WY2eD5dnwSwUDxIM7uS/s1600/IMG_6813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjWcVmAyZ2AAAWki7ndaoVmwYx51EpAbBpyMqyh7oUVtLMQjVGP6QXudrYTkzVqOUmoEGZ9GikHc2wu9WAIljWhfrwJ_C3uhUn0VIMgitRM5thOQSKYfBusniE0WY2eD5dnwSwUDxIM7uS/s320/IMG_6813.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing the bimini supports in the cockpit.<br />
We don't often allow the boys to do this<br />
because they can climb above the lifelines.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTItM0tamVn349zql95srY8PHMC-v70jIKrE5r6qcqwshmIAPWc7z5XXd6RDiATGbktMcJOq-kEMbzYjgV7bYBR4sfEH2qbl438bZ9lArIAsLfJBkEPAhA7u0Hx6hDXzHN3iO-0GD0sZB/s1600/IMG_6992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTItM0tamVn349zql95srY8PHMC-v70jIKrE5r6qcqwshmIAPWc7z5XXd6RDiATGbktMcJOq-kEMbzYjgV7bYBR4sfEH2qbl438bZ9lArIAsLfJBkEPAhA7u0Hx6hDXzHN3iO-0GD0sZB/s320/IMG_6992.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A park we walked to from our boat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHoFje7ytra5su2ZsHRnL2zzXwb19FNtqdSyAmxKcwTJkG1K4FXc3hHQ1y1N7YbbdsY5pBM2j-6LdQY-bAzerKLY0iwMkFteX15IJ-KYLOZ9BDNKyF2mF8Sr7aKDxjW8aEfAPBhqDoGk1B/s1600/IMG_8127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHoFje7ytra5su2ZsHRnL2zzXwb19FNtqdSyAmxKcwTJkG1K4FXc3hHQ1y1N7YbbdsY5pBM2j-6LdQY-bAzerKLY0iwMkFteX15IJ-KYLOZ9BDNKyF2mF8Sr7aKDxjW8aEfAPBhqDoGk1B/s320/IMG_8127.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A civil war park we walked to from the boat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR8z0B3l9HtUrsgRIjzK6-SY-hKxUaML7y9tConuiYntBWhGdTby_d45EEyvu0-v50B8a-5UKoqyz4glnJR8cILspGw_x0niqEbXRzW2gIMPGN2_BRUM3giOT9YHnImXhi1YOYuccVSUPZ/s1600/IMG_8368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR8z0B3l9HtUrsgRIjzK6-SY-hKxUaML7y9tConuiYntBWhGdTby_d45EEyvu0-v50B8a-5UKoqyz4glnJR8cILspGw_x0niqEbXRzW2gIMPGN2_BRUM3giOT9YHnImXhi1YOYuccVSUPZ/s320/IMG_8368.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chasing geese on a marina lawn.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirbtM3FbFR1WYfWiCsQmkYPH9eMYnSHU-g7RDvINOgdvYsZqOU6wt2cI3chmgj9uJAnENZ0Y1pDWa2DGBab0KzQE64h92xDscB0CinXjjQuRT6pZvoeBJ_71kbTDZK1xDxp1DrAvUUFKuW/s1600/IMG_8406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirbtM3FbFR1WYfWiCsQmkYPH9eMYnSHU-g7RDvINOgdvYsZqOU6wt2cI3chmgj9uJAnENZ0Y1pDWa2DGBab0KzQE64h92xDscB0CinXjjQuRT6pZvoeBJ_71kbTDZK1xDxp1DrAvUUFKuW/s320/IMG_8406.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skipping stones off an island we anchored next to.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzlMgRvNPAV08F-F9W9f58l3zucrRF6cJ1laiKj2U2FLiPMxx_-6KPhLyKBH5_dzQom-3S80D3PsZrVzAaXizEFIpgVQeTkiDejjQxwL1RAQb0dImjobA5kvyXHcvuNTi1iKdFpxaUovT/s1600/IMG_8444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzlMgRvNPAV08F-F9W9f58l3zucrRF6cJ1laiKj2U2FLiPMxx_-6KPhLyKBH5_dzQom-3S80D3PsZrVzAaXizEFIpgVQeTkiDejjQxwL1RAQb0dImjobA5kvyXHcvuNTi1iKdFpxaUovT/s320/IMG_8444.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feeding wild goats on an island<br />
that was our "backyard" for the day.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3VcH_pK2soEa3K1fiqrF3XBwfte0XlSeORsjBAoaaZV1HCpwqgGiofSP50aZYcleW8Y9XgDb-EVxGC8k2RnamiOLgfiVKzRl8_7AMGtQPig7WOExR39TwfG-SviPAygafboUu3XVICWjG/s1600/IMG_8725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3VcH_pK2soEa3K1fiqrF3XBwfte0XlSeORsjBAoaaZV1HCpwqgGiofSP50aZYcleW8Y9XgDb-EVxGC8k2RnamiOLgfiVKzRl8_7AMGtQPig7WOExR39TwfG-SviPAygafboUu3XVICWjG/s320/IMG_8725.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing "kings and castles" on the marina lawn.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9PuJhxlnwnHhgt7XndeERAOWiCye8bdUz0JYjz0ZjuDH1Beh3qC8bphaGOsQvEzf5yHkorvD4HwPBYSIF_5SOmdxN1u879Az-6DLv2ZokKjRSXGYtdmhoZXafIhPbVQlR1LH5zFnCrXS/s1600/IMG_8851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9PuJhxlnwnHhgt7XndeERAOWiCye8bdUz0JYjz0ZjuDH1Beh3qC8bphaGOsQvEzf5yHkorvD4HwPBYSIF_5SOmdxN1u879Az-6DLv2ZokKjRSXGYtdmhoZXafIhPbVQlR1LH5zFnCrXS/s320/IMG_8851.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catching minnows in our "backyard".<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The best kids life jacket <a href="http://amzn.to/2AqRa4E" style="background-color: white; color: #33aaff; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10.56px; outline: 0px;">is this one.</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2H9wxnQSXozIJpjUznSV5p3HRIadXZ583nqxWmz343lYaSNm_Lk39vvCbeACip3MY1l4AiIIjt4Nhgz3lYYO_-PkGBCbq46dKOjI1iaSWUpi7VkcFHc9IHETb20AUirenxgGWsayZX0w/s1600/IMG_8891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2H9wxnQSXozIJpjUznSV5p3HRIadXZ583nqxWmz343lYaSNm_Lk39vvCbeACip3MY1l4AiIIjt4Nhgz3lYYO_-PkGBCbq46dKOjI1iaSWUpi7VkcFHc9IHETb20AUirenxgGWsayZX0w/s320/IMG_8891.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beach, a 5-minute walk from our boat.</td></tr>
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Chad and LeeAnn Lawiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394873504385990522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208947528588787864.post-39012258937735229672018-01-04T09:57:00.002-05:002018-03-10T23:35:15.814-05:00Cruising With Kids: Dealing With Limited Space<div>
We hear it all the time: <i style="font-family: times;"><i>"It must be hard living in such a small space with kids! </i><i>How can you do it?"</i></i></div>
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I'm not sure about anyone else's kids, but when it comes to mine, whether we are in a 2,000SF house or an 800SF boat, <b>our kids are where we are</b>.</div>
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If we are cooking, the kids are in the kitchen. Often on the floor, and possibly clinging to our legs. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRj53MTz-ytHCrIDr18YfVysatOoQJlx-bFNDLAoJLA7_Tc4GYRD7edwChX9ei7DxzTPVJU2QyZpVeQ3GTUKk7Oy_pJff-Ljhrq1L6_yR_1xgR8eRMUml81XQVPQrGCCRAiU0wRhrm9uyx/s1600/IMG_8332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRj53MTz-ytHCrIDr18YfVysatOoQJlx-bFNDLAoJLA7_Tc4GYRD7edwChX9ei7DxzTPVJU2QyZpVeQ3GTUKk7Oy_pJff-Ljhrq1L6_yR_1xgR8eRMUml81XQVPQrGCCRAiU0wRhrm9uyx/s320/IMG_8332.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Charlie helping me cook in the kitchen.<br />
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If we are in our bedroom folding laundry, the kids are in our bedroom knocking over the stacks of clean clothes. </div>
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If I am in my office working, there is a kid who wants to sit on my lap or curl up under the desk. </div>
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These statements are applicable to home life or boat life. If on a boat just change out the words "kitchen" for "galley", "bedroom" for "cabin", and "office" for "closet with a stool"!</div>
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So as far as my kids are concerned, living in the small space of the boat isn't much different from the </div>
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large space of a house. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-h9fmhn8Ygi4xSavnT6CJsqILZY1dzmav4JL36ZzKvMUPPpLBkZSdPyKGY4uylFie1z6FaHBs73b6RA5F2OAp-FZG-001K4Rhx5RzxN76bi5h0BjxsRlEu7JJ7rXTLWQPWJFnxw0l0w_S/s1600/IMG_8053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-h9fmhn8Ygi4xSavnT6CJsqILZY1dzmav4JL36ZzKvMUPPpLBkZSdPyKGY4uylFie1z6FaHBs73b6RA5F2OAp-FZG-001K4Rhx5RzxN76bi5h0BjxsRlEu7JJ7rXTLWQPWJFnxw0l0w_S/s320/IMG_8053.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Charlie helping cook.<br />
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<b><u>Where we DO see a difference:</u></b></div>
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There is, of course, a difference between a large space and a small one. When staying overnight with friends or family, it is refreshing to watch our kids run through the wide expanse of a home. </div>
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Nearly any home, no matter how small, is going to be huge compared to a cruising boat. But humans are quick to adapt. A "large" space quickly becomes a "normal" space, and it's not long before a normal space becomes "<i>I've gotta get out of the house, you kids are driving me CRAZY!</i>"</div>
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The best-sized living space for kids is Grandma and Grandpas house!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMAJZkojRpYLuD1G0DM64zYuJq-l_IRXFXKler32OkByksbfM30lE86fG7OzD1eNRDs3GXIaITKOtXSFAFBIjz9Amuy8S4cdvYCu3j06puVpc8q-hYnMbDIPD3YDasRFKRbMgUP9XfkrXa/s1600/IMG_7877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMAJZkojRpYLuD1G0DM64zYuJq-l_IRXFXKler32OkByksbfM30lE86fG7OzD1eNRDs3GXIaITKOtXSFAFBIjz9Amuy8S4cdvYCu3j06puVpc8q-hYnMbDIPD3YDasRFKRbMgUP9XfkrXa/s320/IMG_7877.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">The floor space in the forward cabin.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbV2ExBtQBelFoaeU2_Ct-8XyKaT6ZLo_dByMqMvKj0EiDEsxhEgFa6eZvAAdZ0958p2ZTxhchUglFRGmYENJXTWPYQLOqgvy43yeSgs6m9OAoa3zJM9_S8Y0rgxffUKvVsRadlfN8twE/s1600/IMG_3871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbV2ExBtQBelFoaeU2_Ct-8XyKaT6ZLo_dByMqMvKj0EiDEsxhEgFa6eZvAAdZ0958p2ZTxhchUglFRGmYENJXTWPYQLOqgvy43yeSgs6m9OAoa3zJM9_S8Y0rgxffUKvVsRadlfN8twE/s320/IMG_3871.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Hanging out in the boys' room.<br />
In this picture we are hanging up a glow in<br />
the dark solar system. <a href="http://amzn.to/2ArGNxy">Buy it here</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0y4ATazZXamZbaCUFYYfs1iRrOem9H3QlT_Z8ivsx6MyESg9s9ykXPOg0JCJOVQHUCrQgRqyttV_zVHiQjj0MbAjITs9_NAhQ9tO7ZYPGWoqsXDmxbagMOtSK0ImJ8_WCKGbYkM6rZYg6/s320/IMG_3913.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">Hobie getting some alone time in his room. Reading<br />
Berenstain Bears Pirate Adventure. <a href="http://amzn.to/2CG7e7N">Buy it here</a>!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5hLmZ0RTZeDx8p52Bj4tK4cAyeKuYm_8xIkFsbSJd_DDA6zIAFleJlLeixQ-d3y5mLnE4HG6u8CY5t8G90PpzGQgtdHuhzj19f-4UcC2gWdDbGQwru8x6cIrPJQ19OKJNzONfYAf_-Up_/s1600/IMG_6713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5hLmZ0RTZeDx8p52Bj4tK4cAyeKuYm_8xIkFsbSJd_DDA6zIAFleJlLeixQ-d3y5mLnE4HG6u8CY5t8G90PpzGQgtdHuhzj19f-4UcC2gWdDbGQwru8x6cIrPJQ19OKJNzONfYAf_-Up_/s320/IMG_6713.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie climbing on the boom.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0wJFWCnvlkIzAbvIS3mme5dh8mlxiAMpHWJDEgmmtXL3ORrN-12mXO6k6W4-9prSj17NmZ94kpbJS3rA2Z-A2BZlW95NFWjxe-xhvEqkv4s8kpQaQnjhffMeP27R0kY2EoYr9rWNz7Don/s1600/IMG_6882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0wJFWCnvlkIzAbvIS3mme5dh8mlxiAMpHWJDEgmmtXL3ORrN-12mXO6k6W4-9prSj17NmZ94kpbJS3rA2Z-A2BZlW95NFWjxe-xhvEqkv4s8kpQaQnjhffMeP27R0kY2EoYr9rWNz7Don/s320/IMG_6882.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys climbing the bimini supports.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjlI7WJlZGg2IOi42aBxwitqDQiOkVo5GfTAKeTSg6Wg6kn80B6PF5XpGu-oW9aTuxz5W_VpCvivTzbj6-FCc6cZmVXs640mHxGWcpki-UXf5P7O86nCNhd2cFkpYf2OZ_H07svsK23Bxb/s1600/IMG_7930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjlI7WJlZGg2IOi42aBxwitqDQiOkVo5GfTAKeTSg6Wg6kn80B6PF5XpGu-oW9aTuxz5W_VpCvivTzbj6-FCc6cZmVXs640mHxGWcpki-UXf5P7O86nCNhd2cFkpYf2OZ_H07svsK23Bxb/s320/IMG_7930.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hobie finding his own space, coloring on the cabin top.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHPCzlQg95IBSwl_yW1atnUYRAcSPOlrFMTN9GtxvlxzU_mAaxPMLMPl-PLhxd6JQ4ogSlYk2CfAz7kH0Zw1jAukdEH9ueDYBd4HSmbHtN6tzYsygTVPr1VG-BWXUu44CIINA0adbcrbXv/s1600/IMG_8044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHPCzlQg95IBSwl_yW1atnUYRAcSPOlrFMTN9GtxvlxzU_mAaxPMLMPl-PLhxd6JQ4ogSlYk2CfAz7kH0Zw1jAukdEH9ueDYBd4HSmbHtN6tzYsygTVPr1VG-BWXUu44CIINA0adbcrbXv/s320/IMG_8044.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making of fort out of a sheet at the helm station.<br />
In this picture Hobie is wearing a bulky life jacket that<br />
the kids found uncomfortable for daily use.<br />
Check out Hobie's new life jacket by <a href="http://amzn.to/2AqRa4E">clicking here</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjOycA4F96SR4tYl38x9GwujSA-YWXN5hM9-KEutgQwlEG6vzpdsiNqwa9Hova6huU952Wk3A89bs9b5-diNmgp0wzGsJZ0eYjJsOFVFlTERpmm4-YxtOc09N5brukUwNVHrsdaJXRE56j/s1600/IMG_8237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjOycA4F96SR4tYl38x9GwujSA-YWXN5hM9-KEutgQwlEG6vzpdsiNqwa9Hova6huU952Wk3A89bs9b5-diNmgp0wzGsJZ0eYjJsOFVFlTERpmm4-YxtOc09N5brukUwNVHrsdaJXRE56j/s320/IMG_8237.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hands up!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKKc_BjWdhrLZmKbq-IawoyXaNBmRmqcxKgMwimTmXUW6taJWQU8HpWhQE83m7ap7VEWU7-Wbz6qhly5gv-wJAPmBeZZ8VZQhDpeDtzmSWCtnEbHGyv0dd_odH92XwppkrJixEmSq0WLoh/s1600/IMG_8272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKKc_BjWdhrLZmKbq-IawoyXaNBmRmqcxKgMwimTmXUW6taJWQU8HpWhQE83m7ap7VEWU7-Wbz6qhly5gv-wJAPmBeZZ8VZQhDpeDtzmSWCtnEbHGyv0dd_odH92XwppkrJixEmSq0WLoh/s320/IMG_8272.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys playing with the hammock in the cockpit. <a href="http://amzn.to/2EU1O7j">Buy it here</a>!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOU1mFCQRL8OiB-oJTCKCKgrYIgdvvCHfeltqT5RGI8lmNmAMo0_Ph4VX_ECZ5aH83etN50P7T2iKAexwh0g47nsP6ZpY2FvZcQjKDQnCrjj9s7mkMz6s7orAUg7INjvplULo7iy_aIalI/s1600/IMG_8531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOU1mFCQRL8OiB-oJTCKCKgrYIgdvvCHfeltqT5RGI8lmNmAMo0_Ph4VX_ECZ5aH83etN50P7T2iKAexwh0g47nsP6ZpY2FvZcQjKDQnCrjj9s7mkMz6s7orAUg7INjvplULo7iy_aIalI/s320/IMG_8531.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie playing. On a boat or in a house,<br />
he would be in the middle of all the action.<br />
GoPro Head Strap: <a href="http://amzn.to/2ArBHBl">Buy it here</a>!<br />
Nesting stacking cups: <a href="http://amzn.to/2EYXOCq">But it here</a>! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6SIIHk4F2090lz38dQc-iT0NMHk4MGbG-pgTzwboKU3DMX8PkYABOPF2CnItTjYkriI1yEmq3eeJNA70uqN5BmGOJ0jek-d0SvNb7XXbUFNaPmGvYSd0uw_Rk8BbCevVDb63Yl1QimgfS/s1600/IMG_8646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6SIIHk4F2090lz38dQc-iT0NMHk4MGbG-pgTzwboKU3DMX8PkYABOPF2CnItTjYkriI1yEmq3eeJNA70uqN5BmGOJ0jek-d0SvNb7XXbUFNaPmGvYSd0uw_Rk8BbCevVDb63Yl1QimgfS/s320/IMG_8646.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys goofing off at the table.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPK71Kq7RpkJ3BJTt78PUj9HKsfsYjqv02mi3nelTushXZGnYzON9nXIICfYTo9xc2j9MYwquSeghm_kNB-itR8b11JcXun4vqPKWmju-yY8lrz-HiQi31fEoNh6Z-FOJRtWcDCh2TntTS/s1600/IMG_8685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPK71Kq7RpkJ3BJTt78PUj9HKsfsYjqv02mi3nelTushXZGnYzON9nXIICfYTo9xc2j9MYwquSeghm_kNB-itR8b11JcXun4vqPKWmju-yY8lrz-HiQi31fEoNh6Z-FOJRtWcDCh2TntTS/s320/IMG_8685.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie sitting on the foredeck. <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">The life jacket Charlie </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">is wearing in this picture is a little bulky, </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">and </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">cumbersom for day to day use. We've since </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">switched </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">to the Stohlquist Nemo life jackets that </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">the </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">kids </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">like much better. Buy them here: </span><a href="http://amzn.to/2AqRa4E" style="font-size: 12.8px;">http://amzn.to/2AqRa4E</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSqeSfZTn3laSzv8vyTu987JOqtjZbHApsruAY7Jac0lnbYk1s4PKtkQKsi7htxjz-RPeNZUMoQic-oH8R3EvCMTSgs9OOjtgSZGyR1Ww8nrHFM98Y1ajQEIWWga_a4dx-Ja2Oi7wDWcg/s1600/IMG_8689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSqeSfZTn3laSzv8vyTu987JOqtjZbHApsruAY7Jac0lnbYk1s4PKtkQKsi7htxjz-RPeNZUMoQic-oH8R3EvCMTSgs9OOjtgSZGyR1Ww8nrHFM98Y1ajQEIWWga_a4dx-Ja2Oi7wDWcg/s320/IMG_8689.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching the world go by through the cabin windows.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithHEnQlbXEWGrYQFTE8dnYDZJ9IUqRJ2A9Y09R3tgH9xl0TAdU30srR4h5utA8sMdsj6TeyXod0TGGlIVQQeUzdncTiocu3A1rdFpYSyOdhk_PdV6WS1MqhyphenhyphenEEqNyVKuVwW4Zgu__upB2/s1600/IMG_9112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithHEnQlbXEWGrYQFTE8dnYDZJ9IUqRJ2A9Y09R3tgH9xl0TAdU30srR4h5utA8sMdsj6TeyXod0TGGlIVQQeUzdncTiocu3A1rdFpYSyOdhk_PdV6WS1MqhyphenhyphenEEqNyVKuVwW4Zgu__upB2/s320/IMG_9112.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strategically in the way. Charlie is reading a really<br />
cool book called "<a href="http://amzn.to/2Ctsw5m">You Choose</a>". <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Each page asks a </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">question such as: </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Where would you live? </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Where </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">would you sleep? Who would be your friends? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">With the help of witty illustrations, and a whole range of </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">scenarios </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">to </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">choose from, this highly original </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">book quickly became a favorite for our kids. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">B</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">uy it here: </span><a href="http://amzn.to/2lTRvHI" style="font-size: 12.8px;">http://amzn.to/2lTRvHI</a></td></tr>
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Questions? Comment below or email chad@hobosailor.com<br />
<b><u><br /></u></b> <b><u>A note on the "Buy it here" links:</u></b></div>
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These are affiliate links that will direct you to Amazon. By clicking an affiliate link and making a purchase you are helping support this site!<br />
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As you can see from the pictures, these are the products we use everyday. If you are going to buy one of the products we recommend (or a similar product), it really helps us out of you use our affiliate links!</div>
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Chad and LeeAnn Lawiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394873504385990522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208947528588787864.post-18932846468683549072017-12-12T16:24:00.000-05:002018-03-10T23:35:29.794-05:00350 Miles from Mobile to ClearwaterAfter motoring 1,300 miles of rivers and canals we arrived in Mobile, Alabama where we put up our mast. After all that motoring, the LAST thing I wanted to do was motor a few hundred miles more on the Gulf Coast Intercostal Waterway (GICW).<br />
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I wanted open water sailing! I wanted to be able to hit the autopilot and walk away from the helm for five minutes without having to worry about running into anything. Most of all, I wanted to make my wife happy by arriving in Clearwater in time for us to make it to Thanksgiving dinner with friends! The only way that was happening was to make a straight shot, 350 miles from Mobile to Clearwater.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmyCer-VTeCQWz7Z02DFgbrGx_qSkvP7t67a82n3vY4CRoTfnHxKmKRH9HkzCJs03v7Jf4oz6oXggzf55I9nyG2OIKuhMFK459lYcSG9PhT8yB57uWsHY23xfCKuCaDubpT4oVn4mST9I/s1600/fullsizeoutput_416d.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1334" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmyCer-VTeCQWz7Z02DFgbrGx_qSkvP7t67a82n3vY4CRoTfnHxKmKRH9HkzCJs03v7Jf4oz6oXggzf55I9nyG2OIKuhMFK459lYcSG9PhT8yB57uWsHY23xfCKuCaDubpT4oVn4mST9I/s320/fullsizeoutput_416d.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We've done enough "offshore" sailing to know that it goes a lot better when we have an extra person aboard. It leaves one person for the kids, and two people for the boat. Plus the night watches go from 3 hours on 3 hours off, to 3 hours on, 6 hours off. A <b>much</b> easier schedule<br />
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We started asking around for crew, which is not easy to find even in a place where we know a lot of people. Sailing depends on the weather, so departure and return dates are a moving target that work schedules don't accommodate.<br />
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We asked one of the boatyard guys about potential crew and he gave us the number of some friends of his who had offshore experience. We invited them over for dinner, everything fell into place, and we had one experienced crew member, Devlin, sign on to sail to Clearwater<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMk3g8IDPyyhiJIw8XjFLuXnFG9TuvqtXXp4OYPgIVK748DNgVSxbAWb2XWEkk9FRVBXQd3q_C9f2FSdRDSQKjryDIaJPtbtFbxQTLM_umr5WDrjbWyw8gNvdVssGzwvx8NMr7uO_DckU8/s1600/IMG_8841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMk3g8IDPyyhiJIw8XjFLuXnFG9TuvqtXXp4OYPgIVK748DNgVSxbAWb2XWEkk9FRVBXQd3q_C9f2FSdRDSQKjryDIaJPtbtFbxQTLM_umr5WDrjbWyw8gNvdVssGzwvx8NMr7uO_DckU8/s320/IMG_8841.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Food we threw away :(</td></tr>
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We prepared for the big trip. I changed the engine oil, oil filters, fuel filters. Made sure my engine belts were tight. After 2 months of flat river water, we had gotten a little lazy and some junk had piled up in the cockpit and on deck. Things needed to be put away, or secured. We filled up our propane tanks, stocked up on provisions. Then... our fridge died!!<br />
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Our fridge had developed a refrigerant leak back in Muskegon, so I had bought a new fridge knowing it would eventually die. I spent our last day in Mobile installing the new compressor and evaporator plate. Unfortunately, <b>the new fridge didn't work!!</b><br />
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It first had a resistor problem in the thermostat. Once I got it to turn on, it never got cold. I'm assuming it left the factory without receiving a refrigerant charge, due to the inspection paperwork not being filled out.<br />
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Unfortunately, we had a narrow weather window with no time for a repairman to come out. After a night of our fridge at 55 degrees, all the meat was bad. With no car to get to a grocery store, we called Devlin for help. He grabbed a cooler and went to the grocery store before arriving at our boat for departure.<br />
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The passage to Clearwater was some of the roughest sailing we have ever done. We were beating into 4-6 foot seas and winds gusting over 20 knots. During our first night out I sat at the helm in the small hours of the morning. In the darkness, the most I could see were the shapes of waves sweeping past me. Spray soaked me and the deck. I wanted to record video, but I felt so horrible I couldn't force myself to go get my camera.<br />
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As the wind shifted, we ended up heading nearly due south. With the sunrise, we tacked back to the north to return us to our plotted course. We then turned back Southeast towards Clearwater. We maintained that heading for the rest of the trip.<br />
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The wind and waves continued to moderate for the rest of the passage, but it wasn't until the last day that things really calmed down. I have very few pictures of the passage:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We made it! Pizza and beer to celebrate!</td></tr>
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<br />Chad and LeeAnn Lawiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394873504385990522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208947528588787864.post-57136801331370499602017-12-08T14:47:00.003-05:002017-12-08T14:47:55.438-05:00Day Date in Alton, Il<div style="text-align: center;">
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Going on a "day date" in Alton Il, thanks to our French Canadian cruising friends who offered to watch our kids for the afternoon!</div>
Chad and LeeAnn Lawiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394873504385990522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208947528588787864.post-68964262223173208192017-11-24T20:53:00.001-05:002018-03-10T23:35:56.616-05:00Chicago to Mobile, WE DID IT!Before arriving in Demopolis, we had the depressing realization that we would not make it to Mobile, AL in time for Halloween. A bummer not only because we wouldn't have a neighborhood to trick-or-treat in, but also because Hobie's NinjaGo costume was shipped to Mobile.<br />
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We spent a night going over the options and trying to figure out how we could make it work, but it just didn't look possible. After a day of sadness, we decided to look on the bright side, we would be catching up with our French Canadian friends, so at least we could hang out with them and "trick-or-treat" from boat-to-boat. </div>
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But after our 70 mile run from Demopolis to Bashi Creek, I realized we might actually be able to make it to Mobile in time for Halloween. The current was running with us, and we lucked out with the tide which would also be in our favor after Coffeeville Lock.</div>
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I secretly asked Hobie:<i> "Do you want to play it safe and stay with the French Canadians for Halloween, or take a chance on making it to Mobile for Trick or Treating?"</i> He opted for Mobile, which is what I was hoping for, so that's what we did.</div>
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Each morning we fired up both engines and made our way down the river at top speed. One day we recorded a personal best of 80 miles traveled in a single day on the river. We hauled butt, and made it to Mobile on October 30th. Pretty good considering just a few days earlier we were moping around thinking would wouldn't arrive until November. </div>
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Going through Downtown Mobile was pretty sweet. We passed under a low bridge and were instantly amongst huge ocean going freighters. It was a very busy port. There was also a boatyard building sweet Navy trimarans. It was a super cool area to go through.</div>
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As we left the river for Mobile Bay, I thought about the weather and open water conditions for the first time since leaving Lake Michigan. It was pretty windy, and I started wondering what the waves would be like on the bay. Fortunately they turned out to be pretty small, but with the high winds we got quite a bit of spray.</div>
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We made our way through the bay, then motored up the Dog River. It was REALLY cool. We had a bit of a gulf coast culture shock. There were suddenly palm trees, shrimp boats, just a whole different vibe from the river. It was awesome. I loved it.</div>
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The rivers seemed to last FOREVER. So long that stopped thinking the end would ever come. It took a bit before I realized: We did it! We made it from Chicago to Mobile! </div>
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That had never been a "goal" of mine, so it wasn't really something I thought much about while we were doing it. But after having completed it, I realized it's a hell of a long way, and something to celebrate having accomplished. So we put our dinghy in the water and motored across the river to a waterfront restaurant for dinner. A night of luxury, someone else cooking, and cleaning up!</div>
Chad and LeeAnn Lawiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394873504385990522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208947528588787864.post-49050622906641304432017-11-19T15:44:00.001-05:002018-03-10T23:36:07.803-05:00Demopolis "loop" Think<div>
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We traveled a short distance to Demopolis, I was in full on "travel" mode and didn't really feel like stopping. I was kinda hoping to fuel up, pump out, fill water and head back out... but we have friends here and LeeAnn wanted to hang out for a night. </div>
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It makes sense. This is the last marina for the next 216 miles. It will be 4 or 5 days from here to Mobile. Plus today and tonight was supposed to be stormy.
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Despite all that... I didn't want to stay. I wanted to move on. We were in a groove. On a roll. For days it seemed like we had the river to ourselves. Hardly saw another boat.
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Suddenly we were in boater central. Nearly everyone stops in Demopolis. The place was packed, and there we were in the middle of it.
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Suddenly we <i>couldn't</i> leave. Word got around that the demopolis lock master required everyone to go through the lock together. Through the game of phone, this lock was turned into a big event. It required looper organization so that we could all get through without having to wait.
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A meeting was held, it was a very somber event that began with everyone stating their name. These names were logged in the meeting minutes (not really but that formality was in the air and it wouldn't have surprised me if someone was taking notes).
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It pissed me off that for days we were on our own and doing just fine. Then suddenly we were sucked into this group think.
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We left the meeting before it really started. People were nice, but overall we didn't seem welcome with our rowdy kids. This was a serious meeting after all.
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We returned to our boat where I called the lockmaster myself to see if there was anything special about the lock, or anything special we needed to do. He said there was not. I get what people were trying to do. The locks don't want to deal with one pleasure craft after another. It's better to group. I just like my independence. </div>
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The next day we left with the group at about 7:30. It was around 40 degrees, windy, and raining heavily. Oh yeah and it was foggy. Pretty much horrible conditions. But, I didn't want to stay in Demopolis another night, so I put on my foul weather gear and we left.
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Ironically, it took a good hour to get into the lock due to all the boats and bad weather.
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We were the last ones in and rafted up to a power cat we have been playing hopscotch with for a few hundred miles. In order to lighten the mood, I decided to use a Australian accent during all my radio communication. I was in a very good mood upon entering the lock. Shitty weather and crazy situations have a way of really lighting me up.
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We locked down and then fired up both engines. Its unusual for us to run both engines at the same time. The pickup in speed normally doesn't justify the cost in fuel. But on this day we had 70 miles to cover before the next safest anchorage. So we hauled ass, and had a nice current pushing us along as well. We made it to Bashi creek by our usual stopping of 4pm. I was impressed.</div>
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The creek was very narrow. 40 feet. Half downed trees lay in the creek. Other trees simply had overgrown into the creek. It was a place no respectable looper would enter, so I ventured in.
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We made our way about a quarter mile up the creek. Weaving our way around fallen trees, we had good depth most of the way. When it shallowed to 7 feet, I spun us around and dropped the anchor. I also dropped a pile of chain over the side of the boat to help hold us in the middle of the channel if the wind changed direction overnight, but I didn't expect that and we were so well protected I don't think it would have mattered.
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The sunset and stars came out. I lowered the dinghy into the water and the boys and I went out with a spotlight searching for alligators. We didn't find any.
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After we returned to the boat, we lite our pumpkins and listened to the owls hooting to each other. Then two owls got into a fight and after a moment LeeAnn and I ushered the boys inside the boat, lest they be witnesses to an owl murder. </div>
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I thought about the contrast between staying at a dock the previous night for $53 verses anchoring in Bashi creek for free. Being anchored out on our own, a few other bold cruisers with us, we got so much more value out of anchoring. </div>
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Chad and LeeAnn Lawiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394873504385990522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208947528588787864.post-23783620149435436732017-11-13T00:03:00.000-05:002018-03-10T23:36:43.774-05:004 Reasons NOT to do The Great LoopThe Great Loop has become hugely popular among boaters in recent years. When we first traveled down the US East Coast in 2007 we didn't hear the terms "Great Loop", "Looping", or "Loopers" a single time. These days it seems every boater we meet is flying the AGLCA (America's Great Loop Cruising Association) flag.<br />
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I can understand why. The Great Loop sounds like a great idea. Traveling America's waterways, seeing America by boat, most of it via protected waterways.<br />
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When I meet Loopers who are nearing the completion of their loop, I like to ask "ready to start again?" to which most of them hastily shake their head and say "oh no, not doing it again."<br />
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Why? And if it isn't enjoyable, why don't we hear more about the negatives? Maybe loopers don't want to admit to others or themselves that the trip sucked. Or maybe Loopers feel embarrassed that they aren't the intrepid travelers the thought they were.<br />
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If it's the latter, then it's really too bad, because in my opinion, "Looping" is going about "cruising" all wrong. Which brings me to another point. Loopers are not cruisers. Many cruisers will make a distinct point of that. When asked "are you looping?" The cruiser will reply "cruising, not looping." When I hear this reply, I become so excited that someone else "gets it!"<br />
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Here are 4 reasons not to do <i>The Great Loop</i>:<br />
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<b><u>1. It's toxic</u></b>.<br />
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This actually might be a good reason to do the loop, because if more people were aware of how widespread our toxic waters are, perhaps there would be change. According to <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/26/AR2010072605203.html">this study</a>, Chesapeake Bay is dirtier than an unflushed toilet bowl. <a href="http://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/2016/04/21/pollution-gains-prove-elusive-delaware/83227500/">Deleware Bay</a> struggles with pollution. In the <a href="http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/story/tech/science/environment/2014/07/17/riverkeeper-hudson-swim-report/12813979/">Hudson River</a>, our fun game was to count condoms. Erie canal water, gross. Chicago Sanitation canal? The name says enough, Illinois river? nope. The sad truth is that for the vast majority of the loop, going swimming means risking getting sick.<br />
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<b><u>2. It's not very scenic.</u></b><br />
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This is not to say there aren't gloriously beautiful parts. Kentucky Lake is amazing. Traveling through downtown Chicago is a one of a kind experience. The North Channel in the Great Lakes is exceptional, as are the clear waters and dunes of Lake Michigan. All parts of the Loop have their beauty, but the vast majority of it is just one long boring slog. Sitting at the wheel watching mile after mile of boring, low lying shoreline go by. When you come to a pretty section where you'd like to stay awhile, the weight of distance still to go or cold weather pushes you on.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A typical ICW Shoreline</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A typical Chicago-Mobile Shoreline.</td></tr>
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<b><u>3. There is no destination.</u></b><br />
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The Great Loop takes water highways and turns them into the destination. It's equivalent to saying: 'My wife and I are going to buy an RV and drive I-75 round trip. We are going to spend each night in a parking lot just off the expressway. We will visit roadside attractions and small towns along the way. No one does this because it sounds horrible. And yet, that's exactly what the Great Loop is. A road trip with no destination.<br />
<b><u><br /></u></b> <b><u>4. It burns people out.</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b> Nearly every looper we meet is on their first "cruise". Many of them have even bought their boat specifically for doing the loop. In other words, Loopers are generally inexperienced cruisers. This is not always the case. Some people go around and around the loop. Some people are just made to move. But the rest of them get burnt out, decide boat life isn't for them, sell their boat and move into an RV. Why?<br />
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"Cruising" implies traveling, but I've found the reality to be the exact opposite. My best cruising experiences have been when we hardly travel at all. This is what people mean when they say "cruising grounds" it's an area you hang around in. Traveling on a boat is hard work. The loop is day after day of hard work. It causes wear and tear on the boat which then needs to be repaired. Those repairs are in addition to grocery shopping, laundry, and any other things you want to do while stopped. By the time it's all done, you've been in a marina for a week, have had no time to relax, and it's time to start it all over again.<br />
<b><u><br /></u></b> <b><u>How it should be done:</u></b><br />
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I'm not saying to avoid America's waterways, I'm saying to use them for what they are, water highways to awesome destinations. Pick a place you want to go and go there. I personally love the Bahamas. Perhaps you've always wanted to visit New England or the North Channel. Go for it. Use the waterways as needed. Break from the crowd, set your own course, plot your own route.<br />
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<br />Chad and LeeAnn Lawiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394873504385990522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208947528588787864.post-38566524718210249062017-10-26T16:53:00.001-04:002018-03-10T23:37:16.830-05:00Trouble with Engines and Alligators<div>
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One by one the kids crawled into bed with us. </div>
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We got out of bed. Started a pot of tea. Started making breakfast. </div>
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I checked the engine oil like I do every morning (thanks Eddie) then go to start the engines. Port engine won't start. I try the starboard, nothing. Like there is no electricity to the ignition panel. This has happened before when I forget to turn on the starter battery switch on the starboard engine. </div>
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I check the switches. They are on. Confused, I get out my voltmeter and check for power at the engine starter. It's got power. So I opened up the ignition panel. No obvious problems. </div>
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I went back to the port engine. After several tries, and by giving it extra throttle I was able to get it going. I let it run while I turned my attention back to the starboard engine. </div>
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After several minutes with no progress, I decided to just get us going. It's a little difficult to get a catamaran moving from a dead stop with just one engine. The the boat just wants to spin in a circle like a car with only one rear wheel. </div>
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I've found that turning the wheel in the opposite direction of the propulsion and only giving short bursts of power, I can pick up steerage pretty quick. It only takes about a knot of speed. </div>
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However, on this morning we were anchored in a narrow river anchorage with fallen trees and submerged logs on either shore. </div>
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So I turned the wheel hard over to starboard and gave a lot of power on the port engine to spin us around 180 degrees as sharply as possible. Luckily this was a deep river with steep banks. We turned around without any issue. </div>
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Fortunately the kids were exceptionally well behaved during the whole engine debacle. LeeAnn was a huge help in keeping them entertained. </div>
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The rest of our day proceeded as usual with two notable exceptions: we saw some huge white cliffs, and a huge green alligator!!</div>
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LeeAnn has been telling me over and over there has to be alligators around here. I kept saying "no, no, no... there is not!"</div>
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Well today she wins!</div>
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I glanced at the bank behind us and saw an alligatorish shape. I got out the binoculars and sure enough, it was an alligator of significant size. At least 6 feet. LeeAnn says 8 feet and since she is right about most things... she is probably right about the length. </div>
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We are almost to our anchorage. Once there I will change the fuel filters on the engines. During the trip today I sat at the helm station poking around with a voltmeter. Suddenly the panel came back to life. I think/hope it is just corrosion around the terminals. I'm going to clean them and see if that does the trick! Fingers crossed!</div>
Chad and LeeAnn Lawiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394873504385990522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208947528588787864.post-2686709367419225252017-10-23T15:25:00.001-04:002017-11-05T08:19:08.796-05:00Great loop: downtown Chicago to Ottawa Illinois<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Super excited about this video for a few reasons:<br />
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- I added a "previously on" section to the beginning.<br />
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- I added an "intro reel" that... could be better... but it's better than nothing. I like it, and I'm proud of it.<br />
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- leeann and I had a lot of fun doing a voiceover commentary together.<br />
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- I experimented with detaching audio from clips and added extra "b-roll" to smooth out some edits.<br />
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- I switched to royalty free music. YouTube has been running ads on my videos to pay the royalties on the copyright protected music I was using. Switching to royalty free means this is my first monetized video ever!!<br />
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- I experimented with sound effects in the patreon scene at the end. It's goofy, but I like it and had fun making it. Unfortunately my GoPro was out of commission at the time, so the quality isn't the best during that part.<br />
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- I left in a lot more content than I normally do. Stuff I previously would have cut for being "boring". As a result this video is much longer than others I have done. I'm interested in hearing feedback on the longer format.<br />
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I hope you like it, and would love to hear your thoughts. What did you like? At what points were you bored?<br />
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This video required a lot of extra effort, but I'm proud of the result. I took this video more seriously than others I have done - thank you patrons for the inspiration, encouragement and confidence you give me... just by being patrons!!<br />
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I learned a lot on this one, and I'm already excited to be working on and applying that experience to the next video!<br />
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Thanks for reading, watching, and following along with us!! Here we go!!<br />
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<br />Chad and LeeAnn Lawiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394873504385990522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208947528588787864.post-78619990043630056542017-10-21T09:43:00.002-04:002018-03-10T23:37:34.698-05:00Goats!We were going to make progress today...Then we saw this pretty little island and decided to stop for a picnic. The shore was so steep, we were able to beach the boat. Something we had never done before. That was super cool!<br />
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We skipped stones for a while, Ate lunch, read Tom Sawyer.<br />
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Then it was time to get going. Time to put some miles under the keel! But we spotted a cool island just a mile further on and stopped. Next thing we know some wild goats (?) come walking down the rocky shore.<br />
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We put the dinghy in the water and went over with some carrots. They were friendly enough to be hand fed but timid and jumpy. Very large and a little scary!<br />
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So... now we are just stopped for the day. I think we made it maybe 10 miles. But we had fun!!<br />
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I just realized... we are in Alabama!!<br />
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<br />Chad and LeeAnn Lawiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394873504385990522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208947528588787864.post-18667811129939531382017-10-17T17:40:00.002-04:002017-10-17T17:40:39.552-04:00Fighting against the current<div>
We are 3.6 miles from the pickwick lock and damn. We have both engines running (rare) and are only making 4 knots against the current. Not fun! I'm glad we are almost there!
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Once through the lock we enter the Tennn-Tom waterway and I think from that point on everything will be going with the current. </div>
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I hope we make some killer time on the ten-tom. I'm ready to be off this blasted river. We have around 450 miles to the Gulf. </div>
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LeeAnn was at the helm for most of the day today. I have the kids baths, made lunch, etc. My biggest challenge of today was getting Hobie to wipe his own bum. </div>
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It's very windy and cold today, which is a nice relief from the heat and humidity of the previous few days. </div>
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Chad and LeeAnn Lawiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394873504385990522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208947528588787864.post-299896577093301432017-10-16T15:45:00.000-04:002017-10-16T15:45:56.892-04:00Amazon in the rain<div>
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Last night we anchored behind Kelly island. </div>
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It was supposed to be around 10' deep. Ended up being 25'! Luckily the bottom was clay and provided great holding. </div>
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We stopped around 4. It gave me plenty of time to make dinner. Then we sent the boys to their room to watch a PBS show while leeann and I sat outside and enjoyed our dinner in peace. It was WONDERFUL. We talked while the sun went down. Watched an eagle land on the island next to us. It was great. Hope to do it again soon!</div>
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They boys were very restless last night. I ended up laying down with them to try to get them back asleep around 3 or 4 am. Charlie kept hitting me and trying to lay on me. By 5am I was getting extremely frustrated... then he started to gag like he was going to puke. </div>
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I swept him up and luckily got to the bathroom in time. </div>
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I stayed up with him the rest of the morning, getting small cat naps here and there. </div>
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We got the boat moving around 9 and traveled 4 hours to Clifton marina where I had shipped some packages from Amazon. </div>
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It started pouring so we hung around the marina until there was a break in the rain. </div>
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Now we are traveling up the river to make a little more progress before stopping for the night. </div>
Chad and LeeAnn Lawiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394873504385990522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208947528588787864.post-2936505066251242002017-10-14T14:30:00.002-04:002017-10-14T16:15:48.824-04:00Goodbye Kentucky Lake<div>
We left Kentucky Lake today. I will miss the dramatic landscape and plentiful, well protected anchorages. The landscape reminded me of the North Channel in Canada. Rocky, steep hills. It's been a nice break from the rivers. </div>
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We're now on the Tennessee river and I'm not at all looking forward to the crappy riverside anchorages I assume we will have for the rest of the way to the Gulf of Mexico. </div>
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We have 535 miles to the Gulf. Without taking currents into consideration, and assuming we travel an average of 30 miles a day, we have 17 days before we reach the ocean. We are traveling 40 miles today, so I'm hoping we can make it in 12 days. </div>
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We've been traveling with a group of boats. It's fun to hang out with other people, and we've made some super great friends. But in some weird way it adds pressure and expectations. </div>
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Everyone is rafting up, we will look rude if we don't? Do they hear our kids crying? Is everyone eating together? Will we look rude if we leave before everyone else? The group wants to travel another 10 miles, if we stop now, and then they stop, will we feel guilty for slowing them down?</div>
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The friends we've made are so nice, we want to hang out with them until it's time to put the kids to bed. By the time the kids are asleep, we are tired from a day of traveling and want to go to sleep. The next day we get up and do it all over. Leaving no time for LeeAnn and I to talk with each other and work through the emotional roller coaster of turning our lives upside down. Or to just be alone with our own thoughts. </div>
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After a few weeks of this, we started to slump into a depression</div>
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Traveling on our own has been really nice. We've taken some really easy days and it has made everyone feel better. We can keep to our own schedule rather than the groups, and when we stop for the night we relax and recharge. </div>
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I had also been really stressed about money, and it was making LeeAnn stressed. Then I spoke with a business acquaintance and he asked "if you could do anything for 8 hours a day, what would you do?" </div>
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I thought about it and realized at best all I have is an hour or two for work right now. </div>
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So I don't have time to work for clients or customers, and worrying about money isn't going to solve anything. It's just going to ruin this once in a lifetime experience I'm having.<br />
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As my buddy Jon told me: <i>"Don't worry about money (I know easier said then done). You'll always have the ability to make enough money. You won't always have the ability to sail with you wife and kids to the ocean."</i></div>
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LeeAnn and I discussed this, and both agreed to just not worry about it. When we get to Florida we will find a nice place to dock for the winter and I'll figure it out then. </div>
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Between traveling on our own terms and letting go of our worries about money, our onboard happiness guage has gone from empty, to half full and rising!</div>
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Chad and LeeAnn Lawiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394873504385990522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208947528588787864.post-69556943747320745622017-09-26T10:55:00.000-04:002017-11-19T14:56:40.600-05:00Great Loop: Downtown Chicago<div>
We raised our anchor around 8am and headed the short distance from the <i>Play Pen</i> to the lock.</div>
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I called the locktender several times on the designated channel. He didn't respond. So I called him on the phone. He told me to go in the lock and then he hung up on me. Had the lock been open, I would have done so, but he didn't open it until after I called him. I reviewed everything I had done and concluded he must just be an asshole. </div>
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We went through the two-foot drop with no issues and then proceeded through downtown. </div>
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There is no permit or any kind of registration to use the locks. They just let us in. It's a little weird. The river is very commercial, and it felt like we were in a place we weren't supposed to be. I kept thinking we were going to get caught. It was like we had wandered into the "staff only" area of a theme park.</div>
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So while it was cool to go past all the buildings in Downtown Chicago, I never really relaxed and enjoyed the moment. Before I knew it we were leaving the city behind. It all went much faster than I would have liked. </div>
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The Illinois river system is pretty amazing. The beginning stretch of it is mainly a canal, but unlike the Erie Canal, the Illinois is still a very busy commercial shipping network. The infrastructure along the walls to load and unload barges is totally foreign and captivating. As we moved along, I continued feeling like we had stumbled into a place we weren't supposed to be. </div>
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We made fast progress down the river and made it to Joliet. Our first impression of Joliet was not great. The docks were decent, I mean, they were free and that included the power, so it’s hard to complain (I’m not). But it’s clear that they have not been well maintained by the city. </div>
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There was a broken beer bottle on the concrete pavers and some people who looked like they had made quite a few wrong decisions in life staggered by openly drinking. I questioned our security and looped several of our dock lines back to our boat. We've heard stories of kids untying boats in the night. </div>
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Generally, people won't get on your boat, so looping a line back can be a good deterrent. But on the Erie canal, we met one local couple who actually locked their boat to the dock cleat with a bike lock. Floating in the Erie Canal might result in a scratch boat. Floating down the Illinois could result in being run down by a barge and killed. </div>
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We could see a playground from where we were docked. Across the street was the “Joliet Housing Authority” It looked like a jail and my suspicions were later confirmed. I thought it was funny that they called it the "Housing Authority." At first I wondered if it was a shelter. </div>
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I asked a few of the moms at the park if the area was safe. They gave me an unconvincing “Yeah, it’s ya know, like anywhere.”</div>
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“<i>You mean it’s like anyplace on the outskirts of Chicago?</i> <i>Like any place in Joliet?” </i>I had no point of reference for her “<i>anywhere</i>” but she wasn’t giving anymore clues. </div>
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We headed back to the boat for dinner, then later a long time friend who works in Chicago drove out to see us and bring me to the grocery store. The next morning his family drove out and we all had breakfast. Then we left the dock and headed down the river.</div>
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Chad and LeeAnn Lawiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394873504385990522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208947528588787864.post-4044155993420989942017-09-17T17:31:00.003-04:002017-09-27T00:34:06.869-04:00Hangng out on a boat in Chicago<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXBaMhf3K-ctnK2tH1eJ2-Ego8zzfASrAD_IhK1UaNtITgPBn6lnEwigHacQPrmjb-8JgM5_oetSkQK3Vj3HMUyfUY6fFTD2Q5HRpmIZxEHiECPdmi20qVLggkuDVjwGyqz1PNwk-i0dZ/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="1600" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXBaMhf3K-ctnK2tH1eJ2-Ego8zzfASrAD_IhK1UaNtITgPBn6lnEwigHacQPrmjb-8JgM5_oetSkQK3Vj3HMUyfUY6fFTD2Q5HRpmIZxEHiECPdmi20qVLggkuDVjwGyqz1PNwk-i0dZ/s640/1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We arrived in Chicago in the small hours of the morning and tied up on an end dock. The next day after the staff arrived, I walked to the dock house to pay for several nights. </div>
<div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AA0JFkcE2u8" width="560"></iframe>
<div>
There was one girl in the dock house talking on the phone when I arrived. Two other marina staff members sat outside chatting. Perhaps it was their morning break time. I stood waiting, reading a posting of marina rules. Several more people walked in Two of them walked up to the counter like I wasn’t there. I figured they were “city folk” and didn’t let it bother me, but I stepped up and made it clear the next guy wasn’t going to walk past me. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The girl finally got off the phone and helped the other two customers. When it came to be my turn, I said: “I arrived early this morning and need to reserve a slip.”</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
“Do you have a reservation?” She asked.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I said “no.”</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
She told me “you have to make a reservation using the Dockwa App.”</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I didn’t really want to download a freaking app just to pay for a dock, so I asked “there is no way to just do it here?”</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
“No.”</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
“Is it okay if I leave me boat where it is while I make the reservation?” I didn’t want to steer the boat on a busy holiday weekend while downloading an app and then using it to make a reservation. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWzkeTlFSBSVDyr9HCQJt2HQUJjBf-c1taiq_DeTDOljg0sx2-HyqV9ryO57OYQ4LhCi-dT3JgF2nfk_AkkXm5PK9WDXbyaIdllqhQHUZvJaVD_i-XgQCdRmEiXgdXjIkmKT4EICJL33gX/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWzkeTlFSBSVDyr9HCQJt2HQUJjBf-c1taiq_DeTDOljg0sx2-HyqV9ryO57OYQ4LhCi-dT3JgF2nfk_AkkXm5PK9WDXbyaIdllqhQHUZvJaVD_i-XgQCdRmEiXgdXjIkmKT4EICJL33gX/s320/2.JPG" width="320" /></a>“I don’t know, where are you?” she asked.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
“The end of G dock.”</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
“What slip?”</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
“I don’t know, the only one out of the two available.”</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
“Which one is that?”</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I looked around for a map, she stood with an empty look in her eyes, like a robot waiting for some external input to trigger her next algorithmic response. Finally spotted and 8x10 map on the other side of the dock house. Exasperated, I walked over to it, found G dock, ran my finger down along it to the end, found the empty slip and said G-24 (or whatever it was).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
She said “That’s someone’s slip. You can’t stay there.”</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I’m not a violent person, but at this point I wanted to choke her. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
“okay” I said as I left.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The boys were in the stroller, hitting, kicking, fighting with each other. LeeAnn was anxious about the city, and how impossible it would be with the boys. I suggested we take a walk, find a park away from the water where the boys could run around a bit. </div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmawXblMIg1-Crf0N-9jLmQz306gCS8nM4WhvNIkf3F-uAK4fabJvbWK11bK8lEDddThx-PT_wB_wgX2p-iu1r-nqWV4HrJG42u8eQhIlSv1yPXTFg0xv2IIiwfA5a83jBaa8s4pFv_qQ/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmawXblMIg1-Crf0N-9jLmQz306gCS8nM4WhvNIkf3F-uAK4fabJvbWK11bK8lEDddThx-PT_wB_wgX2p-iu1r-nqWV4HrJG42u8eQhIlSv1yPXTFg0xv2IIiwfA5a83jBaa8s4pFv_qQ/s320/3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
I wasn’t concerned about making a hasty exit from the slip. The dock girl did nothing to help me, and I wasn’t going to feel bad if I inconvenienced her by being in someones slip when they returned. I was prepared to take my time. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We found a park and unbuckled the boys. Hobie refused to get out of the stroller. Charlie found a stick and starting whacking it against the stroller which to his delight caused Hobie to scream and throw a fit. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I searched for “Chicago” at <a href="http://dockwa.com/">Dockwa.com</a>. Although I was reluctant to use it, I must admit, <a href="http://dockwa.com/">Dockwa.com</a> was pretty sweet. It made it fairly easy to see the various places to stay and how much each one cost. I saw that staying in the Monroe mooring field was a fraction of the cost of Burnam. $38 per night verses $100 per night. I made a reservation for two nights and we left Burnam Harbor.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Muhaha! I win dock girl! Screw your stupid fancy marina!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Not that she cared. I imagined she sat behind her desk with a line of code repeating in her robot brain:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
“waiting for external input….”</div>
<div>
“waiting for external input….”</div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4xELA6TNfOCRhroN9WA5N_mEtrdrDCMT8RvcrZJI3WOt1sTffpIzeSa8lstcFetdH5q5wjhEUbGUuBPcxsO80nRlVYfjW2CCD4sWhLi4blFh3GWItjEfMGMmDWkkW-cvzqNL18nCAGyC9/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4xELA6TNfOCRhroN9WA5N_mEtrdrDCMT8RvcrZJI3WOt1sTffpIzeSa8lstcFetdH5q5wjhEUbGUuBPcxsO80nRlVYfjW2CCD4sWhLi4blFh3GWItjEfMGMmDWkkW-cvzqNL18nCAGyC9/s320/4.JPG" width="240" /></a>“no external input…entering sleep mode….”</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We traveled a mile north, closer to downtown and picked up a mooring ball. Way better in my opinion. Our boat would face into the wind so we would catch the breeze, and rather than paying the $10/night electricity fee at the dock, we could run our generator guilt free. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My one worry was having to dinghy to shore, but then I learned that Monroe Harbor runs a sweet tender service. They shuttle boaters back and forth using these awesome taxi boats. We loved using the tender service. It was part of the fun of going to shore. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We spent the next few days exploring the tourist sights right near Monroe harbor. There was PLENTY to do. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- We went to Shed Aquarium</div>
<div>
- The super awesome kids playground across the street from the marina. Hands down the coolest playground we have ever been to. I mean, they had towers and slides that were at least two stories tall. Not to mention the “enchanted forrest”, the interactive fountains, boats, swings, and who knows what else. We definitely didn’t explore the whole playground. </div>
<div>
- The famous “bean” and face fountain.</div>
<div>
- Navy Pier, where we rode the ferris wheel, carousel, then got deep dish pizza (which took a regrettable 45 minutes to cook but ended up being worth the wait). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We didn’t go to the Field Museum which had dinosaur bones that Hobie wanted to see, or the planetarium, which sounded cool. Both of these educational field trips were within visibility and walking distance from the harbor. We also never went to the incredibly cool looking fountain on the edge of the harbor. Who knows what else we missed within easy walking distance. </div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwKSuGiupAV6ajVwFxTrtw1I4vNe4mFIPM-TCnlUpCP1n-_ja4kmV34Xt4DLqUiaTfEm-zKMqUlBzFODIryYn_PEhObUjN_mFy3C5xMKhxYhtRmynVTSUn9ZZWKFLGMMzU2i9yxbsXeY0-/s1600/6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwKSuGiupAV6ajVwFxTrtw1I4vNe4mFIPM-TCnlUpCP1n-_ja4kmV34Xt4DLqUiaTfEm-zKMqUlBzFODIryYn_PEhObUjN_mFy3C5xMKhxYhtRmynVTSUn9ZZWKFLGMMzU2i9yxbsXeY0-/s320/6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
After a few days of playing tourist, we made the 10 mile jaunt down to Calument River to drop the mast at Crowly’s. Those guys were awesome. Expensive, but awesome. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We traveled back up to Chicago the same day, but passed Monroe harbor to anchor in the free “playpen”. This anchorage was a little exposed to the north, which wouldn’t have been a problem except for the northerly cross swell entering the harbor. This is also where the yocal boaters come to… be idiots. Although it was a cold, cloudy, rainy day, there were some college kids swimming from a power boat. This was an attractive sight that didn’t bother me at all 😃</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But the dudes doing the wake surfing, I could do with out them. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Soon the sun set and the anchorage was all ours. The city light up, and we had a beautiful, peaceful night. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We arrived in Chicago in the small hours of the morning and tied up on an end dock. The next day after the staff arrived, I walked to the dock house to pay for several nights. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWyRZsNaVEUKug3ZymxhwmH82T3QTKeYDYkdnMczpa1PY8lymBfU20N0MyMmjV_ekfTOKj3G9lBXYHxlFeAjvBhGKALsBqiW3hzVlrhByCYgnSuvgzMhpqakEdkVj8R6QzuXAJPlMIgtO/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWyRZsNaVEUKug3ZymxhwmH82T3QTKeYDYkdnMczpa1PY8lymBfU20N0MyMmjV_ekfTOKj3G9lBXYHxlFeAjvBhGKALsBqiW3hzVlrhByCYgnSuvgzMhpqakEdkVj8R6QzuXAJPlMIgtO/s320/5.JPG" width="240" /></a>There was one girl in the dock house talking on the phone when I arrived. Two other marina staff members sat outside chatting. Perhaps it was their morning break time. I stood waiting, reading a posting of marina rules. Several more people walked in Two of them walked up to the counter like I wasn’t there. I figured they were “city folk” and didn’t let it bother me, but I stepped up and made it clear the next guy wasn’t going to walk past me. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The girl finally got off the phone and helped the other two customers. When it came to be my turn, I said: “I arrived early this morning and need to reserve a slip.”</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
“Do you have a reservation?” She asked.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I said “no.”</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
She told me “you have to make a reservation using the Dockwa App.”</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I didn’t really want to download a freaking app just to pay for a dock, so I asked “there is no way to just do it here?”</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
“No.”</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
“Is it okay if I leave me boat where it is while I make the reservation?” I didn’t want to steer the boat on a busy holiday weekend while downloading an app and then using it to make a reservation. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
“I don’t know, where are you?” she asked.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
“The end of G dock.”</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
“What slip?”</div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdAhpWdS0j_dA_ny4x2JhDd_8Wa6MElflqoJNQZ1tAtRDDrUhlqSpudr0nHSYHqVdMdpoodcGXhkbHQKHaOjvFCbO1kRp7DRH0MhFuFHIC1iufZdE3N3NyuxZrjZvZpwMUVjQs9mWFERc/s1600/7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdAhpWdS0j_dA_ny4x2JhDd_8Wa6MElflqoJNQZ1tAtRDDrUhlqSpudr0nHSYHqVdMdpoodcGXhkbHQKHaOjvFCbO1kRp7DRH0MhFuFHIC1iufZdE3N3NyuxZrjZvZpwMUVjQs9mWFERc/s320/7.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
“I don’t know, the only one out of the two available.”</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
“Which one is that?”</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I looked around for a map, she stood with an empty look in her eyes, like a robot waiting for some external input to trigger her next algorithmic response. Finally spotted and 8x10 map on the other side of the dock house. Exasperated, I walked over to it, found G dock, ran my finger down along it to the end, found the empty slip and said G-24 (or whatever it was).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
She said “That’s someone’s slip. You can’t stay there.”</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I’m not a violent person, but at this point I wanted to choke her. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
“okay” I said as I left.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The boys were in the stroller, hitting, kicking, fighting with each other. LeeAnn was anxious about the city, and how impossible it would be with the boys. I suggested we take a walk, find a park away from the water where the boys could run around a bit. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I wasn’t concerned about making a hasty exit from the slip. The dock girl did nothing to help me, and I wasn’t going to feel bad if I inconvenienced her by being in someones slip when they returned. I was prepared to take my time. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQ0pEpXdgANHKMludiRu0_GgXoesZTG-_1MTfVnF26t2mAHt_uzu4oLXEviBkQ-Ew0zFrML27CPGBa9-AZmN8WiG3Hr5pEZsw6uxazebzaZ7hguYwyR4fZRoiyx0xNecug-GpmxD_a3AZ/s1600/8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQ0pEpXdgANHKMludiRu0_GgXoesZTG-_1MTfVnF26t2mAHt_uzu4oLXEviBkQ-Ew0zFrML27CPGBa9-AZmN8WiG3Hr5pEZsw6uxazebzaZ7hguYwyR4fZRoiyx0xNecug-GpmxD_a3AZ/s320/8.JPG" width="240" /></a>We found a park and unbuckled the boys. Hobie refused to get out of the stroller. Charlie found a stick and starting whacking it against the stroller which to his delight caused Hobie to scream and throw a fit. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I searched for “Chicago” at <a href="http://dockwa.com/">Dockwa.com</a>. Although I was reluctant to use it, I must admit, <a href="http://dockwa.com/">Dockwa.com</a> was pretty sweet. It made it fairly easy to see the various places to stay and how much each one cost. I saw that staying in the Monroe mooring field was a fraction of the cost of Burnam. $38 per night verses $100 per night. I made a reservation for two nights and we left Burnam Harbor.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Muhaha! I win dock girl! Screw your stupid fancy marina!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Not that she cared. I imagined she sat behind her desk with a line of code repeating in her robot brain:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
“waiting for external input….”</div>
<div>
“waiting for external input….”</div>
<div>
“no external input…entering sleep mode….”</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We traveled a mile north, closer to downtown and picked up a mooring ball. Way better in my opinion. Our boat would face into the wind so we would catch the breeze, and rather than paying the $10/night electricity fee at the dock, we could run our generator guilt free. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My one worry was having to dinghy to shore, but then I learned that Monroe Harbor runs a sweet tender service. They shuttle boaters back and forth using these awesome taxi boats. We loved using the tender service. It was part of the fun of going to shore. </div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidU_K0Wq5Q_BWrOuq787OMIrucXeYrNK2KQDuCbk1_OZ3LlH27nkbhUAnJ-2TrCCNkCPGYXUSywkqTlRCT5GFIxIalt1iXwdcJQNekogXAtlcXRYlv21UX5BmQjy4SDvF9kGqgx-OplWfH/s1600/10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidU_K0Wq5Q_BWrOuq787OMIrucXeYrNK2KQDuCbk1_OZ3LlH27nkbhUAnJ-2TrCCNkCPGYXUSywkqTlRCT5GFIxIalt1iXwdcJQNekogXAtlcXRYlv21UX5BmQjy4SDvF9kGqgx-OplWfH/s320/10.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
We spent the next few days exploring the tourist sights right near Monroe harbor. There was PLENTY to do. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- We went to Shed Aquarium</div>
<div>
- The super awesome kids playground across the street from the marina. Hands down the coolest playground we have ever been to. I mean, they had towers and slides that were at least two stories tall. Not to mention the “enchanted forrest”, the interactive fountains, boats, swings, and who knows what else. We definitely didn’t explore the whole playground. </div>
<div>
- The famous “bean” and face fountain.</div>
<div>
- Navy Pier, where we rode the ferris wheel, carousel, then got deep dish pizza (which took a regrettable 45 minutes to cook but ended up being worth the wait). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We didn’t go to the Field Museum which had dinosaur bones that Hobie wanted to see, or the planetarium, which sounded cool. Both of these educational field trips were within visibility and walking distance from the harbor. We also never went to the incredibly cool looking fountain on the edge of the harbor. Who knows what else we missed within easy walking distance. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After a few days of playing tourist, we made the 10 mile jaunt down to Calument River to drop the mast at Crowly’s. Those guys were awesome. Expensive, but awesome. </div>
<div>
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We traveled back up to Chicago the same day, but passed Monroe harbor to anchor in the free “playpen”. This anchorage was a little exposed to the north, which wouldn’t have been a problem except for the northerly cross swell entering the harbor. This is also where the yocal boaters come to… be idiots. Although it was a cold, cloudy, rainy day, there were some college kids swimming from a power boat. This was an attractive sight that didn’t bother me at all 😃</div>
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But the dudes doing the wake surfing, I could do with out them. </div>
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Soon the sunset and the anchorage was all ours. The city light up, and we had a beautiful, peaceful night. </div>
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Chad and LeeAnn Lawiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06394873504385990522noreply@blogger.com0