tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42945437693240562202024-03-19T08:50:30.715-04:00M.V. Blue Yonder - Nantucket MAIn may of 2010 Anna and Pete embarked on a great adventure to complete The Great Loop a circumnavigation of North Americas waterways in the 32' Nordic Tug "Blue Yonder".Peter Gulickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07329857002315262843noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294543769324056220.post-79503511392167627822011-05-03T21:18:00.000-04:002011-05-03T21:18:59.343-04:00There She BlowsWhat a Great Year and what a Great Trip. As we pulled into Nantucket on a foggy night our minds were filled with memories. This little video will give you a little taste of what we where thinking. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxZ2LCQErSkgoOBpZ8_UbfHOYFohLmYxdhDnysaW0QoN3DLE6F2CuQDImvl7BT7S_9qIGsvJREhwtepl_wR1g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Peter Gulickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07329857002315262843noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294543769324056220.post-70111669325185147062011-04-19T09:59:00.000-04:002011-04-19T09:59:13.312-04:00Boldly going where few loopers have gone before gives us the Gold.<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">My god is it Cold! Early in the morning Anna and I pushed off from Cape May, NJ. The weather for the next five three days is calling for heavy winds and seas off the Jersey coast. If we are going to cross our wake this week and start our run back to Nantucket, we are going to have to do something drastic. As I have mentioned in the past there are a few major hurdles that must be crossed in order to complete the Great Loop. The most obvious would be crossing the Gulf from Carrabelle to Clearwater Fl. Others would be navigating the Mississippi with it heavy current and barge traffic or being mindful of the heavy winds and seas in Lake Michigan. One of the less popular with regards to loop conversation is the trek from the bottom of NJ to Sandy Hook. Having grown up off Sandy Hook, I know all to well the dangers of running offshore this time of year. The water is cold and the winds can be relentless. At a temperature of 40 degrees, a healthy man is thought to be able to swim 40 yards before he begins to cramp and feel the effects of Hypothermia. These are not conditions anyone wants to find themselves in if there is an emergency. If you run on the outside this time of year odds are you will be alone. On occasion you will see a fishing trawler making way for Barnegat bay or the Manasquan inlet but for the most part you have got the coast to your self. If Anna and I were to make a decision to run on the outside the conditions would have to be perfect. As luck would have it no such conditions lay on our predictable horizon. That left us with two options, wait or run the old ICW of NJ. The old intercoastal waterway of NJ was abandoned by the core of engineers some years ago. People still use it, but it's navigated with a large amount of local knowledge do to the constant shoaling. With our boat drawing a smidge less than four feet Anna and I believed that if we run on a rising tide we just might be able to pull it off. What the hell we thought. We got sea tow and Boat US at the start of this trip and we have never had to use it. Lets give it a go. Our run from Cape May seemed to be going according to plan until we got about 3 miles from Atlantic City. As we rounded a bend in the channel we encountered a bridge that was covered with tarps. I checked the charts and verified that there was a 6 foot vertical clearance making it impossible to get under even if we waited till low tide. The bridge tender radioed us and confirmed that fact that the bridge would not be in operation for another two weeks. I asked him why it was not listed in the notice to mariners and he responded that he didn't think the contractor wanted to advertise that he was so overdue. This presented a major problem. We would have to backtrack five miles and run on the outside till the safety of Atlantic city's inlet. Anna readied the boat and with white knuckles off we went. The swells were huge, but Blue pushed us through and in an hour and a half we had made it safely back in. Anna and I tied up in AC that night feeling as if we had dodged a huge bullet. After a rough nights sleep Anna and I woke about 5 am and decided today is the day. The winds in the afternoon were forcasted to turn to the south east giving us a few hours of good weather on the outside to run from Manasquan to Sandy Hook. We pushed off and kept our eye's pealed to the depth sounder as if alarmed constantly as Blue's bottom came inches from the bottom as we ran up the inside. I was so thankful to have Anna helping me through those channels, she would watch the paper charts and keep an eye on the upcoming buoys as I tried my best to keep us in the middle of the winding channels. Our arrival to the Manasquan inlet left Blue bumping the bottom as we pushed through. At one point I was sure we would ground but Blue slipped over the shoals as if she was determined not to fail us now. Leaving the Manasquan inlet we ran up the engine and made a dash for Sandy Hook. Coming round the point we could see the hills of Highlands off in the distance and with a sigh of relief and a long hug Anna and I crossed our wake completing the Great Loop portion of our cruise. Our emotions were strange, of course we were happy but we were also sad. The great loop was a dream for so long, and now with it done it is hard to know how to feel. There is no question this trip has changed us. We are different people than we were a year ago, our horizons are broader and our minds are filled with wonderful people places and memories. As my father cracked a bottle of Champagne on the dock in Red Bank, we toasted our success. The first completion is done, now we will be off for Nantucket where in our minds our trip will truly be complete. I feel we miss our family and friends more now than ever. It will be nice to cruise New England's waters back to Nantucket we hope to have a few weeks to catch up before we will pack up and head south to our new life in Florida. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna thought it was funny to take this picture as I looked at the charts and contemplated our decision to run the inside of NJ. Man I hope this works I thought.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running the outside to Sandy Hook. If all goes well this will be the last time a white AGLCA burgee will fly on Blue's Bow.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At this point off Sandy Hook 5:09 PM Anna and I crossed our wake completing the Great Loop. Seeing Long Island off in the distance we wished it was Nantucket. We can't wait to get back. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have seen these lights my whole life, but never before has it meant so much to see them off in the distance.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not nearly as many boats in the water this time of year, nice to know we will have no problem getting a slip.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As we crossed under the Oceanic Bridge on our way up the Navasink, we called our families and told them the good news.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After a long day we pulled in to the dock in downtown Red Bank.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Dad had no problem popping a bottle of Campaign to toast our completion. It was so nice to see my family, it had been to long.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After three days we pushed off to Connecticut, their has been a new addition to the family and we want to meet her.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A short car drive and we got to meet Maeve, our new niece born six weeks ago. She looked good with her Grandma, Grandpa and big brother Jeffrey.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have to tell you we missed Chris and Deirdre so much this past year, we can't wait till they all come down and visit us in our new home in Florida.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good thing we had the gold looper flag. Our old Bergee ripped in the wind off NJ.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKEU_CeJTfjq3IvHuAPBIdLL1xw4v7lZgYD1gspZIqlxoc-_G-igG5KWHCCPQmAmYq3np5WgqGQGi7CfyweK_ua-3kVQ7QmzHhk4deWTfYy2FrffiERbjyn1mtD1VtKeO2EXpEyuVbMLIe/s1600/DSC_0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKEU_CeJTfjq3IvHuAPBIdLL1xw4v7lZgYD1gspZIqlxoc-_G-igG5KWHCCPQmAmYq3np5WgqGQGi7CfyweK_ua-3kVQ7QmzHhk4deWTfYy2FrffiERbjyn1mtD1VtKeO2EXpEyuVbMLIe/s320/DSC_0021.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a great feeling!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Peter Gulickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07329857002315262843noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294543769324056220.post-32611546623971191822011-04-18T10:49:00.000-04:002011-04-18T10:49:59.383-04:00To the Chesapeake and BeyondIt was an early start as we pushed out of Norfolk. The sun has been cresting over the horizon a bit earlier each day and with another patch of heavy winds coming in we need all the daylight we can get. As we made our way up Hampton Roads, we were once again overwhelmed by the scale of the Naval operations around us. The night before we had enjoyed a nice quite dinner in an Irish Pub in downtown. I was surprised that the pub was so quiet, it was thirsty Thursday after all. The Barkeep laughed at my comment and said payday wasn't till tomorrow. She explained that about 75 percent of the people in the Norfolk area are on a government payroll, you can always tell when payday is about to happen because one night the bars are empty and the next they are packed. Lucky us I thought, it was a sure treat to have the Bar to ourselves. Our run up the Chesapeake was one of the more beautiful days we have had on the water in some time. The winds were calm as could be and the sun was shinning allowing us to be nice and toasty in Blue's wheelhouse. Towards the end of the day Anna and I decided that with high winds forcasted for the next four days, we would rather make tracks today and push on to Annapolis. In hindsight, this was one of the more foolish decisions Anna and I have made in some time. Our plan would leave us arriving in Annapolis at night. The final two hours of our trip were a bit hair raising as we had a lightning storm form on the horizon and a number of large Freighters to contend with. With Anna and I both keeping watch and the radar tracking six targets we finally made it into port. Looking back on the situation, I am glad we pushed to get to Annapolis but the risk of navigating through the freighter traffic was extremely stressful. In the future I would not advise anyone to navigate through those waters at night. As soon as we pulled into Annapolis the heavens opened and Anna and I joked how nice it was to not have to wash the boat. Over the next two days we enjoyed a nice visit from my old college buddy Lou and Anna's childhood friend Alissa. What a treat it was to spend some time with them both. Anna and I absolutely loved Annapolis, we took an afternoon to walk through the Naval College and enjoy the quaint homes and State House. As soon as the weather cleared we pushed on up to the C & D Canal. Once through we quickly realized that our trip was about to take a major turn. None of the marina's are set up for dockage yet, we quickly found that finding water to fill Blue's tanks was going to be a major issue. With temperatures still hovering around freezing during the night, many of the marinas have not yet run water on their dock or to their restrooms. From here on out we will be making long jumps until we reach Sandy Hook. We have decided to do something many other boaters would never try. We will run the inside of NJ up the old ICW. I have asked many boaters if they have done this and never met anyone that has. Loopers usually opt to wait for good weather and run NJ on the outside off shore. With heavy winds forcasted every day and water temperatures hovering in the low 40's Anna and I decided to give it a go. Should be interesting to say the least. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSarg4zRRnX9Mn_1otMtDDX8u2V05Qba1joDVK1nIp22gmEDv958nsxLTPok9FcRaILy69q9A8GyRQIzUMsf1Ioussws_6SsEBqY3LkxVtnsIJWX3Mf2S6JA4hXzdSWnKC12VnDfjdMRvS/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSarg4zRRnX9Mn_1otMtDDX8u2V05Qba1joDVK1nIp22gmEDv958nsxLTPok9FcRaILy69q9A8GyRQIzUMsf1Ioussws_6SsEBqY3LkxVtnsIJWX3Mf2S6JA4hXzdSWnKC12VnDfjdMRvS/s320/DSC_0001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was lifted out of the water in this floating dry dock. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcw3B39ptM5snUpnKxNL3-rlOdORB5ZelfOeQmJolpBoUPGytk6deaSnhBeP9NXM4TEi562nQ0BwVG4BHiMbZgNUBI1SmS4aPxzCx7bJw_Hm9MsTVtVa9TgXcF9A8yTMpt2eMPa9lU0vVG/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcw3B39ptM5snUpnKxNL3-rlOdORB5ZelfOeQmJolpBoUPGytk6deaSnhBeP9NXM4TEi562nQ0BwVG4BHiMbZgNUBI1SmS4aPxzCx7bJw_Hm9MsTVtVa9TgXcF9A8yTMpt2eMPa9lU0vVG/s320/DSC_0006.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I tell you these new stealth ships sure look strange when docked next to the older destroyers.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUVLugIg5f_fWZo1uaOqorX_f8WLtIU_XT257bUox_xRo8o5V7Y-whZWYUSJOw-DGL7OnPIO_ppgRSwG51WM1XBe0GUyunKeiiYQlIUUMphCMljvXxDPi-XKjd_MMLg9I-koTlhyGxg_w/s1600/DSC_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUVLugIg5f_fWZo1uaOqorX_f8WLtIU_XT257bUox_xRo8o5V7Y-whZWYUSJOw-DGL7OnPIO_ppgRSwG51WM1XBe0GUyunKeiiYQlIUUMphCMljvXxDPi-XKjd_MMLg9I-koTlhyGxg_w/s320/DSC_0011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hampton Roads is a channel which runs between the two major Naval Docks in Norfolk. Once again it is advised that you don't stray from the channel unless you want to have a conversation with a nations Navy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2YhEgdhktNMR3I-B_nNvP9grhBJAZ7Q0uCReZEUWmlLwR_HNFeCNDOUMZvYQd3hPE7Sppmc3i9glNXS5AdtgP7Vu7eUC6yY7XXvK4QizbKpauXHkYG3_q5YSQd63YKzHRpz3Dfxii_4Et/s1600/DSC_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2YhEgdhktNMR3I-B_nNvP9grhBJAZ7Q0uCReZEUWmlLwR_HNFeCNDOUMZvYQd3hPE7Sppmc3i9glNXS5AdtgP7Vu7eUC6yY7XXvK4QizbKpauXHkYG3_q5YSQd63YKzHRpz3Dfxii_4Et/s320/DSC_0014.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once in the Chesapeake bay we started to see sights that reminded us of home. It has been a long time since we saw a lighthouse that looked like this. It was a good feeling.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We have been told this tavern has the best Crab Cakes in Annapolis. I have to tell you Anna and I really enjoyed the the crab pretzel. A huge soft pretzel with crab dip and cheese baked on top of it. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwMz2CuwTWDNRybZtEtwTWYKHzbHTbpcYdRqWt7VhL6QkhEiybyxv37jrBE_E21klJjr3dGO6Br5Lf_TChxm_5jq-sEYy-2ClP4GlrmNTPUWdKShncG3KKH4LaOwz5sTkUSY02PpwVo6A/s1600/DSC_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwMz2CuwTWDNRybZtEtwTWYKHzbHTbpcYdRqWt7VhL6QkhEiybyxv37jrBE_E21klJjr3dGO6Br5Lf_TChxm_5jq-sEYy-2ClP4GlrmNTPUWdKShncG3KKH4LaOwz5sTkUSY02PpwVo6A/s320/DSC_0017.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you go to Annapolis do yourself a favor and get breakfast or lunch at Chick and Ruth's Deli. They say the pledge of Allegiance every morning at 8:30 and some of you might have seen them on the TV show Man Vs. Food. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna and I were happy to see the Cherry Blossoms.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Fraternity and College roommate Lou and I enjoying a fine Cigar and a beer. Life don't get much better than this.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alyssa and her daughter Elena. One of the best parts of the trip is being able to reconnect with all our old friends.</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUs-l97KIZVDsxPfwEt_UVuc5nTIxjl9H8oG_PuRWXL7LltST-OxiLnXXFGytpJ0BB8qiy1IIaCOCjdlAoTNZKP8sTEaU_TYeSsQQtyYWi92XQ9uHMkzTmYEADOE7nkD3685JXYobPg96/s1600/DSC_0046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUs-l97KIZVDsxPfwEt_UVuc5nTIxjl9H8oG_PuRWXL7LltST-OxiLnXXFGytpJ0BB8qiy1IIaCOCjdlAoTNZKP8sTEaU_TYeSsQQtyYWi92XQ9uHMkzTmYEADOE7nkD3685JXYobPg96/s320/DSC_0046.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-aZGo5NIwhofhPOs2AV1GwcDMc82ZR6m1b2kXzh3P7pkCvhlZeuqxBuE35Te7_fr4DLhfOqC2_4S4GTTXI3Rsh6khkGa-zlzSonBAngEa66iGaVXXRaoapeM46LJhAuuLuQn2ReO-wgh9/s1600/DSC_0043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-aZGo5NIwhofhPOs2AV1GwcDMc82ZR6m1b2kXzh3P7pkCvhlZeuqxBuE35Te7_fr4DLhfOqC2_4S4GTTXI3Rsh6khkGa-zlzSonBAngEa66iGaVXXRaoapeM46LJhAuuLuQn2ReO-wgh9/s320/DSC_0043.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna and I really enjoyed or walk through the Naval College. I would have loved to have gone, that is if I had the Math scores and a congressional appointment.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHBOE6DKhCj_sUNyWBC1cWgdI3MwEvTuvRie1MawL0qireD9Oe6f9Zieulpj2SeHPPoerAZUaPw1dDbtuPJiigDYoZn4-wJ3hbQthCMnUm_Cz3zZ64LgzQSa2HI4_0GxswlbPZBqHyxu0/s1600/DSC_0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHBOE6DKhCj_sUNyWBC1cWgdI3MwEvTuvRie1MawL0qireD9Oe6f9Zieulpj2SeHPPoerAZUaPw1dDbtuPJiigDYoZn4-wJ3hbQthCMnUm_Cz3zZ64LgzQSa2HI4_0GxswlbPZBqHyxu0/s320/DSC_0059.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What the heck is going on, it feels like it might snow. Delaware city was the last spot we could find running water on the docks for 180 miles.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1f8tBBAgz_GiNfP37Qilv6a5ou5QBWXv-O3HpGdfUtwSZmoCHVBhBOu0n8-fICfpDVGsK23T8U2L2gdT1nfKw7Hugvf4xF9Vrm1YZ4N3vMdCXuCHW4Hu4XMVAJMrkWNmT5actze6BNNn/s1600/DSC_0060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1f8tBBAgz_GiNfP37Qilv6a5ou5QBWXv-O3HpGdfUtwSZmoCHVBhBOu0n8-fICfpDVGsK23T8U2L2gdT1nfKw7Hugvf4xF9Vrm1YZ4N3vMdCXuCHW4Hu4XMVAJMrkWNmT5actze6BNNn/s320/DSC_0060.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The owners of this marina are amazingly nice and it is was a great stop to get organized and some laundry done.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJ0Et2q51ph_k-POBOqOqMV9076D6sWeqwc7sgK4te8xl62QI7NJf-aVfg35KcPX36gIg21WE_YGHY3yDjXMi2BreMuwfr3Wg1JRa7beJDzN1lfVlFKVPAG5EPZ9p997oWqFTVjyiLgOv/s1600/DSC_0067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJ0Et2q51ph_k-POBOqOqMV9076D6sWeqwc7sgK4te8xl62QI7NJf-aVfg35KcPX36gIg21WE_YGHY3yDjXMi2BreMuwfr3Wg1JRa7beJDzN1lfVlFKVPAG5EPZ9p997oWqFTVjyiLgOv/s320/DSC_0067.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you stop in Delaware City you have got to get a bite to eat at Crabby Dicks. Anna and I stopped in and stopped in and had to buy a t-shirt. I don't think I can ever wear it in public but man they sure had fun making funny t-shirts.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7lb6uP3qtdd26p0D5sQwzqr6B4DdsVg8xiyRPB4GLYeLgTWnS5awRW-Q0DLUZNlMj3a0Ow_Ma_a8hLduKLvytA9ffeqFd1Hudk4NBRbHg9muAz3rALpdH0zISgbRLkS4yvQ_GKLKukkQ/s1600/DSC_0068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7lb6uP3qtdd26p0D5sQwzqr6B4DdsVg8xiyRPB4GLYeLgTWnS5awRW-Q0DLUZNlMj3a0Ow_Ma_a8hLduKLvytA9ffeqFd1Hudk4NBRbHg9muAz3rALpdH0zISgbRLkS4yvQ_GKLKukkQ/s320/DSC_0068.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Look at that" Anna said. "We must have made it to NJ".</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Peter Gulickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07329857002315262843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294543769324056220.post-14153288708961892512011-04-16T09:29:00.000-04:002011-04-16T09:29:52.706-04:00The City of Steel.As we pulled out of the last lock on the Dismal Swamp Canal, it was pretty clear that we weren't in Kansas anymore. The water quickly changed from the clean amber pure water in the canal to a dark murky industrial soup. Norfolk Harbor is known as being on of the most polluted bodies of water in the US. Thanks to years of abuse from our nations Navy, it will be years until the mud and banks of Norfolk are clean. That having been said, Norfolk is still one of the most amazing places we have seen so far. As we round the last bend leaving the canal, the pine trees seem to shrink as if they crouched with fear as the steal ships take over the landscape. Moving along the channel, one quickly finds that it is extremely clear which way you are to go. To the right and left of Blue we found patrol boats and signs. The signs made the matter clear, a violation of the security barrier would result in the use of deadly force. Well at least there is no confusion Anna joked. The ships are truly amazing. As we passed by an Aircraft Carrier we suddenly realized the intimidation factor of having one of these massive ships show up off a foreign shore. It truly is the biggest stick on the block. Anna took pictures of many of the ships from the bow and seemed to be attracting a bit of attention from the men on the ends of the dock. I took a look in my Binoculars and saw that they were looking back at me. What was a bit unnerving was the fact that all of them had machine guns over their shoulders. I quickly called to Anna on the bow and suggested we be a bit more discreet with our photography. I tell you it was a strange feeling having all those eyes peering down on you. As we pulled into downtown Norfolk and tied up Blue, we were so excited to sit and watch a giant destroyer being lifted out of the water in a dry dock right across from us. It would be hard to imagine the size of the operation with out having seen it first hand. With Blue tied to the dock Anna and I sat down to discuss a very important issue that had arisen over the past few weeks. As many of you know I have been giving a lot of thought toward what we would do when we return to Nantucket. Well a short while ago I had been offered a job working at St Augustine Marine Center in Florida. The opportunity offered to us was hard to ignore and we had arrived at a decision that we would be crazy not to jump on it. With the prospect of needing to relocate to Florida a few short weeks after arriving back to Nantucket, we decided we should put the brakes on and leave Blue in Norfolk for a week and drive back to Florida to find a place to live. Our drive back to St Augustine was filled with emotions. We constantly struggled with our decision to leave our lives on Nantucket, we have made so many memories their. Upon our arrival we put our thoughts behind us and started to explore. After a few days we had found a place to live on Anastasia Island right outside of St Augustine and were beginning to feel much better about our decision. On our trip back to Blue we sat in the car with 1000 yard stares, man we were tired. We have our work cut out for is now. We have a trip to finish and a new life to start. Bring it on, nothing can be worse than the rough seas in Albermarle Sound. After all that Anna and I have seen and done in the past year, I feel there is nothing we can't do once we put our minds to it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLt5A6qi8HivwFEDJ_foyhFHgUBcRZY2ZXJ0FNB1YQzOUvOdMIsyOomytK5jahIniSzyzs-jjcpBd9Q8I0eFjp77-an48unKQAmFCzugwJMbrB68ED9B3TZwq2_ZfNsRaACwUcaRm9eBnn/s1600/DSC_0254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLt5A6qi8HivwFEDJ_foyhFHgUBcRZY2ZXJ0FNB1YQzOUvOdMIsyOomytK5jahIniSzyzs-jjcpBd9Q8I0eFjp77-an48unKQAmFCzugwJMbrB68ED9B3TZwq2_ZfNsRaACwUcaRm9eBnn/s320/DSC_0254.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view as we pushed off on the last leg of the Swamp.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FCK88n-G6ZXF7N5k_woUIgdXCrn2DT_tGD30ToGLXB7I5RsSSSxDVAoH1W8ZoNJN09q-CYD1ni5UQjRxdFqkK6MeiqD1mPsx5HUD8xX4rH57boklV8pajkJQMDlyvY7JIWQ7UA4wNX52/s1600/DSC_0259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FCK88n-G6ZXF7N5k_woUIgdXCrn2DT_tGD30ToGLXB7I5RsSSSxDVAoH1W8ZoNJN09q-CYD1ni5UQjRxdFqkK6MeiqD1mPsx5HUD8xX4rH57boklV8pajkJQMDlyvY7JIWQ7UA4wNX52/s320/DSC_0259.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This place cracked me up. The sign may be hard to read in this shot but this is the superintendent house on the Canal. Looks like the Cobbler's shoe if you ask me.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5B4nnhR4InFgfhXO0BNu1WYC3gt7hnzckvNx-fISyE1chneQqENgg2bjXJ5ODiLmLPbJMZxxtEDKk-8b2FIX4V1MTHH9ZUGEmEAcAUgLp5pAQO4VW3FICbW113mO680JSg1-KHhyOlHG-/s1600/DSC_0260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5B4nnhR4InFgfhXO0BNu1WYC3gt7hnzckvNx-fISyE1chneQqENgg2bjXJ5ODiLmLPbJMZxxtEDKk-8b2FIX4V1MTHH9ZUGEmEAcAUgLp5pAQO4VW3FICbW113mO680JSg1-KHhyOlHG-/s320/DSC_0260.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a thrill to see how far we have come. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisvbNJfe8f_qIqnyfgg0WXXvW3UnkhKBWZss2ktOP_LWObc7ChalQUwwdpKpdC019xblpYg4dWXWCaofYkx7cteBwPjlGJhX1n4CZl8nCS_4iBCWACTPOBtfZzGTaukoIue4C_Uelm08qq/s1600/DSC_0263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisvbNJfe8f_qIqnyfgg0WXXvW3UnkhKBWZss2ktOP_LWObc7ChalQUwwdpKpdC019xblpYg4dWXWCaofYkx7cteBwPjlGJhX1n4CZl8nCS_4iBCWACTPOBtfZzGTaukoIue4C_Uelm08qq/s320/DSC_0263.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Until you see one of these ships, it is hard to grasp their size. You can see the barrier in the water around the ship. Makes you feel warm and fuzzy. NOT!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6h2p3FP0PL9CxCcJKUWQn65K69l3xDNQPzazzM5B9omVtHsWLzZZrmqFfdBlmSiVZ4LScsu1uOtURyyTDLfjPfZioGRDRmsdKGFCdXTfnZboSjJXTvtZdNvFTdR0cOwhoNLzTiQwLQMS/s1600/DSC_0269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6h2p3FP0PL9CxCcJKUWQn65K69l3xDNQPzazzM5B9omVtHsWLzZZrmqFfdBlmSiVZ4LScsu1uOtURyyTDLfjPfZioGRDRmsdKGFCdXTfnZboSjJXTvtZdNvFTdR0cOwhoNLzTiQwLQMS/s320/DSC_0269.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think this is about as close as anyone can get to a Nuclear Sub without being in the Navy. Note the patrol boats keeping a watchful eye.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The View from the helm on the Battleship Wisconsin</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The door to the main control room on the Battleship. 18 inches of steal protect the main controls and communications. During Battle the Captain and Helmsmen would be inside this room with the door shut. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Helm and Command center on the Bridge.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at those Guns.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6oDbwN5ghHrngP3HtE43x8wgpAufXOX4czL2vYiM5i8m6hc9s8JL9zVVSEjxwbiGBC5oENyPY2iDEH09TVyTzLlUNasphL_SjUjMilIceNgvWsbPEO7neoTlFY-RF-jpZiLGBsTqzBIVh/s1600/DSC_0294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6oDbwN5ghHrngP3HtE43x8wgpAufXOX4czL2vYiM5i8m6hc9s8JL9zVVSEjxwbiGBC5oENyPY2iDEH09TVyTzLlUNasphL_SjUjMilIceNgvWsbPEO7neoTlFY-RF-jpZiLGBsTqzBIVh/s320/DSC_0294.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They say the Guns could shoot a Volkswagen Beetle. This shell had a range of over 20 miles.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLarZ0kzThIkJdbyHRWE6LD9r8C1ivpj86q59u4vDnK4qaueopSfXh0YenVoGXkpz5E0FCrkK3s6b15GM5Jb5_HKmj-3iYiJSiDkEMSr3DXWVIkvppBPHPIgFckmkwu5jonax7cfn2fId/s1600/DSC_0297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLarZ0kzThIkJdbyHRWE6LD9r8C1ivpj86q59u4vDnK4qaueopSfXh0YenVoGXkpz5E0FCrkK3s6b15GM5Jb5_HKmj-3iYiJSiDkEMSr3DXWVIkvppBPHPIgFckmkwu5jonax7cfn2fId/s320/DSC_0297.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You should enlarge this photo and check out these specs. This ship is just amazing!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUUkwdtITAgU7bTFJstPgM3dL3LU7YPY6Dv51q_-a8Az6Shm_xEHAkFpVgdhdFt4J2zkscSm82RRx7WvyXIYR0QSDXTHJfUvJrx5PIRUKUV5J55lrykrEuLmNnUbPSWeRMXgDkbs6H9_Y/s1600/DSC_0303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUUkwdtITAgU7bTFJstPgM3dL3LU7YPY6Dv51q_-a8Az6Shm_xEHAkFpVgdhdFt4J2zkscSm82RRx7WvyXIYR0QSDXTHJfUvJrx5PIRUKUV5J55lrykrEuLmNnUbPSWeRMXgDkbs6H9_Y/s320/DSC_0303.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna joked that she wished she had this on board Blue, maybe then she could get some privacy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX9TbjD5sF2fN73BOjsGcKZtj_bRwzZBTsIBc0nMz7JYRYA0YDJi714JY0orDCApvY3P7yqgBfMNzLT3Yfduuj65r7Y5RSBuSETmjOfqp1mrcwLrU9xrQ9B4s5uN44apIVYO9Fn07jokyO/s1600/DSC_0305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX9TbjD5sF2fN73BOjsGcKZtj_bRwzZBTsIBc0nMz7JYRYA0YDJi714JY0orDCApvY3P7yqgBfMNzLT3Yfduuj65r7Y5RSBuSETmjOfqp1mrcwLrU9xrQ9B4s5uN44apIVYO9Fn07jokyO/s320/DSC_0305.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Battle Ship Wisconsin was only hit once off the shore of Korea. At the time the Captain was so mad that someone had damaged his boat he ordered the boat to turn broadside and load all six of their guns. In one shot all six guns fired on a mountain top where a single enemy gun had got it's million dollar shot. When the dust cleared, the spotter reported that the enemy gun had been destroyed. He added that the entire top of the mountain was now missing. Moments later the Captain received a typed message from the a fellow Captain in the battle group. It contained two words. TEMPER TEMPER.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmKCXMZEEHs3ETpr2Fvsux2b59J3_wFTaXWG0d_3P0LlszDSMUwzrN9DOYyFcTxFxXONjeUG18TcUNrb3Ouz7jG-Eohci-y_KPhh8rNUyYSA7LffiVorQDJadUow7SzpElJmyx6E5-Hapk/s1600/DSC_0307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmKCXMZEEHs3ETpr2Fvsux2b59J3_wFTaXWG0d_3P0LlszDSMUwzrN9DOYyFcTxFxXONjeUG18TcUNrb3Ouz7jG-Eohci-y_KPhh8rNUyYSA7LffiVorQDJadUow7SzpElJmyx6E5-Hapk/s320/DSC_0307.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Chrysler Art Museum is a free museum and a must see</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_fLiUQbegKfFrdnWE3hZyk8tXsoC0i8Si0wi7geooiyZE9u34NJZwfnw2uLD-zRdu96PuyRQqGwXo7oCVgU6KMGQZiMkVF0rAU74ymPjxOmKSozuszM7Wk0462pImeYFNA3AH7SeAM-og/s1600/DSC_0317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_fLiUQbegKfFrdnWE3hZyk8tXsoC0i8Si0wi7geooiyZE9u34NJZwfnw2uLD-zRdu96PuyRQqGwXo7oCVgU6KMGQZiMkVF0rAU74ymPjxOmKSozuszM7Wk0462pImeYFNA3AH7SeAM-og/s320/DSC_0317.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The flower display inside the entry was a piece of art itself</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo6-oqJWCGAti8A4HS8Apg6BxdIeLByRPTbpyVgvpxjS1FqJMxs5SobNSr97U03kgO3bRK6pCG5QFsOyAaTd51i3m8nQOBlEQrULg17RPrMshWph1KhkGWkeJtYaD8lMIR4NelBD-JR4GD/s1600/DSC_0318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo6-oqJWCGAti8A4HS8Apg6BxdIeLByRPTbpyVgvpxjS1FqJMxs5SobNSr97U03kgO3bRK6pCG5QFsOyAaTd51i3m8nQOBlEQrULg17RPrMshWph1KhkGWkeJtYaD8lMIR4NelBD-JR4GD/s320/DSC_0318.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lighting and architecture of the building are amazing</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5C_CFYNL3cEtFFPimml11ISCIMnRCDwC0amyUGlfkKBN1apQ927a8eDLLwK6nOBi29JDHtqo9QOR86GkaQ-gBXhGrEf8pMYTdobS74vLjQI3NrAz2knGfO7I9PqN_JBK5YdTR_ajKcfp/s1600/DSC_0319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5C_CFYNL3cEtFFPimml11ISCIMnRCDwC0amyUGlfkKBN1apQ927a8eDLLwK6nOBi29JDHtqo9QOR86GkaQ-gBXhGrEf8pMYTdobS74vLjQI3NrAz2knGfO7I9PqN_JBK5YdTR_ajKcfp/s320/DSC_0319.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The museum was filled with room after room of amazing sights. Of the whole loop this really was the top art museum.</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Peter Gulickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07329857002315262843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294543769324056220.post-66138298304039576362011-04-15T16:05:00.000-04:002011-04-15T16:05:07.136-04:00Old North StateThere is no other way to put it than we are on the move. With time running out on our Great Loop adventure we are buckled down and forging North. I must say when we first left Florida we felt sad as we looked around and saw less and less boats doting our horizons. Now as we find ourselves alone most days on the waterway we are finding it to be rather peaceful and special. Anna and I have really enjoyed the time we have spent together on the trip, it may be a wonder how we did not kill each other, but as completion approaches we find ourselves wondering how it will be once we get back to life as we new it before. As we run up the outer banks of North Carolina we find ourselves taking more and more time to enjoy the peaceful landscape. In a few short weeks these waters will be filled with charter boats and weekenders, it is a real treat to see it so quite. Upon our arrival to the base of Pamlico sound we got a opportunity to visit with my Cousin Sue in Beaufort NC. It was a great weekend and she was a great host showing us around the town. We all enjoyed a beautiful walk on the beach with here new puppy Beau. I got a kick out of seeing all the Christmas Trees buried in the sand. I remember some years ago people would put their trees in the dunes of Nantucket in an attempt to slow down the erosion on the beaches. Well they got that theory in full operation here and amazingly it seems to work very well. You can see the mounds of sand building around the trees making a sort of artificial sand dune. It makes me wonder why they banned it on Nantucket. It seems to work very well. Our entrance into pamlico and Abermarle sounds did not go as well as our time with Sue. Our first attempt to run up pamlico sound had to be aborted due to the size of the seas. Anna and I were not to upset as it left us with a great excuse to run into Oriental NC one of our favorite little towns in NC. Our evening in Oriental was as wonderful as we had hoped and a great evening was had with our fellow loopers on Dragonfly, a solar powered Erie Canal boat that has been doing the loop this year as well. We first bumped into Dragonfly in Canada. I must say it is an amazing accomplishment to have done the loop in their boat. They have truly had an unbelievable adventure. Our arrival to Abermarle sound just south of the Dismal Swamp Canal showed us the biggest seas we have seen so far on our trip. We stuck our necks out into the sound only to see our lives flash before our eyes. I can truly say we ran back to port with our tails between our legs. I tell you some times it is just not worth it, and this was one of those times. We tied up to a dock at a Shell Station and were happy to pay their price even though it was pure Piracy. In the morning we made way for the Dismal Swamp Canal. There are a few cool things I learned about the Canal, first, it is the oldest Canal in the United States having been used by George Washington in the Revolution. It also has the purest water known to exist in the US. It seems the acid from the pine trees kills the bacteria in the water, allowing it to stay fresh indefinitely. Our Navy use to fill barrels of the water to provision for long voyages. Even more shockingly NASA planned to use water from the Canal to send up to the moon with the Apollo Astronauts. We learned many of these facts as we waited for the last lock to open. The Lock attendant was one of the nicest guys and treated us to a truly amazing musical rendition on one of his many Conch Shells he has collected from northern travelers over the years. We may be alone on the waterway, but we sure our getting the full tour. Our next stop is the home of our Nations Navy. Can't wait to see the Ships!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigPTgDe-49DIg5bW7QXHIOuSHz3JmN8YcOqQJfZbWqfbK2wW24uXNtbH5-vbd0pF56iMsNpGJS-L7n60Jg0K8eoYK0AwLCp2hIX_q7COTMGnkkHgqFsbBOY01xaRf0Lb_4qbe2vTU35iuo/s1600/DSC_0180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigPTgDe-49DIg5bW7QXHIOuSHz3JmN8YcOqQJfZbWqfbK2wW24uXNtbH5-vbd0pF56iMsNpGJS-L7n60Jg0K8eoYK0AwLCp2hIX_q7COTMGnkkHgqFsbBOY01xaRf0Lb_4qbe2vTU35iuo/s320/DSC_0180.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the Candy Cane Shudders on this home in Southport</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTa-n_hh1cOLa0_iRkkMhKUpQuB3B77AztVEec5nYsMSxgp13OFyb_T6ivybcPsqLk6IO1jQpfLfdooUHgMn5rZDagAZYoMBoZWb58-JZtp2lh2GW8biUvyaaIbXbHTOzS4Cxqoa7BtpdW/s1600/DSC_0183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTa-n_hh1cOLa0_iRkkMhKUpQuB3B77AztVEec5nYsMSxgp13OFyb_T6ivybcPsqLk6IO1jQpfLfdooUHgMn5rZDagAZYoMBoZWb58-JZtp2lh2GW8biUvyaaIbXbHTOzS4Cxqoa7BtpdW/s320/DSC_0183.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We loved this sign as it showed we were half way home</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX79N9fw_6BiOEWp1niHWfsvqVK5HmhHfupoED5qAcxnOZAhPqDKVpaNlOikTK0QSycK15d8OuAHBwMPuMnPJLXzM-MC2x_19gE87WvjnbLBzndz5cb9_QfLG_k4zAmUph2957e3v7ljwX/s1600/DSC_0186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX79N9fw_6BiOEWp1niHWfsvqVK5HmhHfupoED5qAcxnOZAhPqDKVpaNlOikTK0QSycK15d8OuAHBwMPuMnPJLXzM-MC2x_19gE87WvjnbLBzndz5cb9_QfLG_k4zAmUph2957e3v7ljwX/s320/DSC_0186.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Sunset from our back deck</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPmfzbYUOKyc_ilPe7Oluzbx5UMMvyWN0_DscZ0pNRMUoYm8nJAZt4Ev-nxJYjdoc6cFVS4zNh-t7B5aTq6C7NybxMQfkhUfue-1HKqW9qmY_cG2aojDXqVfFfcN-6Iz2ze-Ads_EJbRup/s1600/DSC_0190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPmfzbYUOKyc_ilPe7Oluzbx5UMMvyWN0_DscZ0pNRMUoYm8nJAZt4Ev-nxJYjdoc6cFVS4zNh-t7B5aTq6C7NybxMQfkhUfue-1HKqW9qmY_cG2aojDXqVfFfcN-6Iz2ze-Ads_EJbRup/s320/DSC_0190.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How embarrassing, we got lapped by this tanker</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZk64Dy_qtVTzb8s7p3AeDHmgaYTYXEMsN4b76f9TBTxd6BDtTCi7fyVbgTRL2enDMCcoPUGTx0YGiopP_ZOQnH6vrXqNEbIxFbhER3mlSKZEDQleCvQuxq862IBidrMCVqZHkdc2p7P_L/s1600/DSC_0194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZk64Dy_qtVTzb8s7p3AeDHmgaYTYXEMsN4b76f9TBTxd6BDtTCi7fyVbgTRL2enDMCcoPUGTx0YGiopP_ZOQnH6vrXqNEbIxFbhER3mlSKZEDQleCvQuxq862IBidrMCVqZHkdc2p7P_L/s320/DSC_0194.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This lovely dredge was in he middle of the ICW and did not answer any of my hails so I had to go ahead and guess on which side to pass. Luckily I guessed correctly</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3NnztxObzO-WTn5MZHcgQHB02OZoWRBfGuv5cmhIdviBmeKPFG8d49E2PY4fk9XvCwgW-QhZriYV1D3xLEiOVVgH3O14DUjVaRF-0YFubio3RmwQ6rPqiJ7Jl5CeONcZ0ATVY078cn-d3/s1600/DSC_0201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3NnztxObzO-WTn5MZHcgQHB02OZoWRBfGuv5cmhIdviBmeKPFG8d49E2PY4fk9XvCwgW-QhZriYV1D3xLEiOVVgH3O14DUjVaRF-0YFubio3RmwQ6rPqiJ7Jl5CeONcZ0ATVY078cn-d3/s320/DSC_0201.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great to see surfers again</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEike8NcCxvWlAiHexEFTp3QObefFMDnmoBBs2XLQOiZ6B3fFskqinA7FvWKEogfwJJpYK74-92oT2Y2iwF_N6I5aVpzlgeGlvD2fx45t16wN6NWpwO-jnsb7V-n2kM9wg5tw8geKJ-7sOS2/s1600/DSC_0205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEike8NcCxvWlAiHexEFTp3QObefFMDnmoBBs2XLQOiZ6B3fFskqinA7FvWKEogfwJJpYK74-92oT2Y2iwF_N6I5aVpzlgeGlvD2fx45t16wN6NWpwO-jnsb7V-n2kM9wg5tw8geKJ-7sOS2/s320/DSC_0205.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My cousin Sue and her beautiful dog Beau on a beach walk </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDTt6Dt8j1TboAwTEwBVxT7Q7fISGDtq45G0MtXHFuuwzOLdgHCi0EBcJTfphPRYrEgPgU7pJSv_8g8GgTbpfKM03M_9QsGcx9gRi2a4VvdsOigMJGDVoMxio9Dd7jLZBdma3vFYeA0Ba/s1600/DSC_0213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDTt6Dt8j1TboAwTEwBVxT7Q7fISGDtq45G0MtXHFuuwzOLdgHCi0EBcJTfphPRYrEgPgU7pJSv_8g8GgTbpfKM03M_9QsGcx9gRi2a4VvdsOigMJGDVoMxio9Dd7jLZBdma3vFYeA0Ba/s320/DSC_0213.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OK, this is like looking at a train wreck</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpnuMyfHur-My1MxrTR7b6IURNngsEc4xEbAbJYYxaG6E8aEmTliNguTybAPZc85bfPQ7NyJ255jzOrnLkxBgUwdQ4eL8OrJcqdjcXhDhTugAnRkOT-Ju5JJ75xWVv3S4JfmyR1JShmJa-/s1600/DSC_0215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpnuMyfHur-My1MxrTR7b6IURNngsEc4xEbAbJYYxaG6E8aEmTliNguTybAPZc85bfPQ7NyJ255jzOrnLkxBgUwdQ4eL8OrJcqdjcXhDhTugAnRkOT-Ju5JJ75xWVv3S4JfmyR1JShmJa-/s320/DSC_0215.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What is it you ask. Well in the home that Sue rented the owners decorated the bathroom walls with all different cans stretched out floor to ceiling</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1j9TlVVh6G0fzlSn42PONoPCOXIpPoxdAkJOMmKzBpC-VCIcYCxUm4YeQ8lGz2FypEEi4Shrdqy3SMGbElSVQgaen_MgcomioZV0cBzLCtjSWT8YWINioc3BC35Db-HLq-kuDNe-e3BB/s1600/DSC_0216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1j9TlVVh6G0fzlSn42PONoPCOXIpPoxdAkJOMmKzBpC-VCIcYCxUm4YeQ8lGz2FypEEi4Shrdqy3SMGbElSVQgaen_MgcomioZV0cBzLCtjSWT8YWINioc3BC35Db-HLq-kuDNe-e3BB/s320/DSC_0216.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh yeah!! They used the front as well as the back of the cans. So Bizarre</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5k-VI-QA1Seyg5CbW-pPtLIakb6KlnXn8Wggeql0w-UNGescQM8NAww7VHWW7uYfeL2DPkq4eeKRk8qba-lBpR1RCk_mZeDBxfNaJCeM1dSuXELZcJAsS7CNCAVA7nplMKw4odxCIM-PK/s1600/DSC_0219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5k-VI-QA1Seyg5CbW-pPtLIakb6KlnXn8Wggeql0w-UNGescQM8NAww7VHWW7uYfeL2DPkq4eeKRk8qba-lBpR1RCk_mZeDBxfNaJCeM1dSuXELZcJAsS7CNCAVA7nplMKw4odxCIM-PK/s320/DSC_0219.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great to see a little 26 on a lift along the waterway</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIiPhGYT_rkhYgtHDpzQtzQPXJL0tjPgzlu-KkBvt1DvOmUssirfCXyDv_tVuCddSULCPHnQyuzZnie9tgjgm1KOD1jnkzE-FL5CJJ39BETomJeoynkV6Z14K3V7kPBOH0qJDSe9Dh2qt/s1600/DSC_0221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIiPhGYT_rkhYgtHDpzQtzQPXJL0tjPgzlu-KkBvt1DvOmUssirfCXyDv_tVuCddSULCPHnQyuzZnie9tgjgm1KOD1jnkzE-FL5CJJ39BETomJeoynkV6Z14K3V7kPBOH0qJDSe9Dh2qt/s320/DSC_0221.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It may be hard to see but this boat and this home have identical paint jobs. I am all for matching but this is extreme</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmEsuomntrrm9VmHPHpUTi94jUuetzH-x7HaNE_PHz1EYH0YvxobYa6hvuCMhoCuc9JLkEMoq1vi25lsmqY49wGAOCaMpizaaA-wiX_gebijl-fe04onxXHOQ4AeXLJUK35BMOqMMD2MA/s1600/DSC_0222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmEsuomntrrm9VmHPHpUTi94jUuetzH-x7HaNE_PHz1EYH0YvxobYa6hvuCMhoCuc9JLkEMoq1vi25lsmqY49wGAOCaMpizaaA-wiX_gebijl-fe04onxXHOQ4AeXLJUK35BMOqMMD2MA/s320/DSC_0222.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dragonfly!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtEejDqfh1AhMs-sE2C_f6_4JxP6WWpQMZx5_Mk4Kps5BqtC-3VQY2YYdAWdQ2KvmJFi1gxQ8Dcu89z75pyDgPQiKfiY4c7lSYkDL1EOdPnHzgNplZ4dSqNui3pcvwkh2d7q4OuqHHhNNH/s1600/DSC_0228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtEejDqfh1AhMs-sE2C_f6_4JxP6WWpQMZx5_Mk4Kps5BqtC-3VQY2YYdAWdQ2KvmJFi1gxQ8Dcu89z75pyDgPQiKfiY4c7lSYkDL1EOdPnHzgNplZ4dSqNui3pcvwkh2d7q4OuqHHhNNH/s320/DSC_0228.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Old Homes</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepODOH2C5jyT45y8xdmvbbl-7HYU7zkhDourMmTbqAOf5nCLTSsv8buL7daODvSNOcaA-RFi-g4elUzcIA1UVx-NDMu34GWkS1lIhsLrxN7J2g_TeeawI6NeBT5kZ2mVd1A2v62hM9-Fe/s1600/DSC_0233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepODOH2C5jyT45y8xdmvbbl-7HYU7zkhDourMmTbqAOf5nCLTSsv8buL7daODvSNOcaA-RFi-g4elUzcIA1UVx-NDMu34GWkS1lIhsLrxN7J2g_TeeawI6NeBT5kZ2mVd1A2v62hM9-Fe/s320/DSC_0233.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our peaceful anchorage behind Goat Island</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu9lBiobwHOIT-D-xotDSS5kevddedF9F-zBG-FSg0FOOOJVd284gbFD85V2YDAPpf7bIzMUxaK-r6Kcosg0GwPmMF03NvBYPd9makbTjSW7w3VSoZruCNqOvsVFWREkYSZqJFvpGo-ZUO/s1600/DSC_0237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu9lBiobwHOIT-D-xotDSS5kevddedF9F-zBG-FSg0FOOOJVd284gbFD85V2YDAPpf7bIzMUxaK-r6Kcosg0GwPmMF03NvBYPd9makbTjSW7w3VSoZruCNqOvsVFWREkYSZqJFvpGo-ZUO/s320/DSC_0237.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It really is a Dismal Swamp</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-qDI4EawwLIRy5N92ZDxX93ec9sJkBLaMrQBRvNhaNlAWUBYT7-lOhwY2aLt2yTxVgAZ6rPVGcFMSvxDT4kb318GZDNwbMzF1yCrBSWup0SiVfp2M0C6uNR2dP2mT7nxnCVnEAFa0Iiji/s1600/DSC_0241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-qDI4EawwLIRy5N92ZDxX93ec9sJkBLaMrQBRvNhaNlAWUBYT7-lOhwY2aLt2yTxVgAZ6rPVGcFMSvxDT4kb318GZDNwbMzF1yCrBSWup0SiVfp2M0C6uNR2dP2mT7nxnCVnEAFa0Iiji/s320/DSC_0241.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was very eerie to be here all alone</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV9jT28O3Hie6jNNJE3YXaFZJAclGSpHpmw9iWpaNV4P8085HekgvJCtj3OaBhy9bKFu8Kx9aOG20PEgsMNlDvWflHj-GwZttTLDmaqrLB7LoRZrUg0KpP5c-sjPFBSzQD-aA5QLM-4YoD/s1600/DSC_0247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV9jT28O3Hie6jNNJE3YXaFZJAclGSpHpmw9iWpaNV4P8085HekgvJCtj3OaBhy9bKFu8Kx9aOG20PEgsMNlDvWflHj-GwZttTLDmaqrLB7LoRZrUg0KpP5c-sjPFBSzQD-aA5QLM-4YoD/s320/DSC_0247.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna was going overboard with the water reflection shots</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Qi775ciXtf8v_0GNT0UI4iC4cuKAxq1bhqjZUV6kL1JuwScdIhz0nQBaAHBXc8evxQ-g8hpU45tN5cov3OPV3itjHvWfJ86EaMejpDlIphFftfkiAIXbCJEnQHfcBOf80EaZVQuvCCDi/s1600/DSC_0248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Qi775ciXtf8v_0GNT0UI4iC4cuKAxq1bhqjZUV6kL1JuwScdIhz0nQBaAHBXc8evxQ-g8hpU45tN5cov3OPV3itjHvWfJ86EaMejpDlIphFftfkiAIXbCJEnQHfcBOf80EaZVQuvCCDi/s320/DSC_0248.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our second to last lock on the whole trip</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_IzSwSQ4rg-puYqcSMe4tehXwt0aJ7txdNpcIo-0BYp79rZPKnM8mslXCI_uTqK8Kxj996qJPGT_TzjQj91fLrnmd9zhL41FaznA-NRXu7mOE7Fz4eZGTeclS_jsLhEbRMs5Y9swpyqHp/s1600/DSC_0249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_IzSwSQ4rg-puYqcSMe4tehXwt0aJ7txdNpcIo-0BYp79rZPKnM8mslXCI_uTqK8Kxj996qJPGT_TzjQj91fLrnmd9zhL41FaznA-NRXu7mOE7Fz4eZGTeclS_jsLhEbRMs5Y9swpyqHp/s320/DSC_0249.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Locking again made us feel like we really had come full circle</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLOWfDXHuX14q4T_AGdC5hqzc0wypB_UUEgD5g7m1ejmLLtaPmGxpvv2i45kguEiJROWEGOh_hdJcVqKoUQtDe0JuioM2NvkTmlSz3CWVTE9_3w7Ima0qzllj_CjMjz2mHbDDtDr7QiS9/s1600/DSC_0252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLOWfDXHuX14q4T_AGdC5hqzc0wypB_UUEgD5g7m1ejmLLtaPmGxpvv2i45kguEiJROWEGOh_hdJcVqKoUQtDe0JuioM2NvkTmlSz3CWVTE9_3w7Ima0qzllj_CjMjz2mHbDDtDr7QiS9/s320/DSC_0252.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you come down the swamp or stop off the highway it is great to read about the history of the area here</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WSfqHKmmDbB3EpnuVyJ1hWr7A01Y4era27AXg8yW8R3Mgjy87L4JELDcj9o1TARws99Vw3ixewtp8JiUO1NBDZebNCCNX6eoKh1vaYfpBtIyzVbJKuswYAz0jJZds9dqz-PD3LALQ_gW/s1600/DSC_0254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WSfqHKmmDbB3EpnuVyJ1hWr7A01Y4era27AXg8yW8R3Mgjy87L4JELDcj9o1TARws99Vw3ixewtp8JiUO1NBDZebNCCNX6eoKh1vaYfpBtIyzVbJKuswYAz0jJZds9dqz-PD3LALQ_gW/s320/DSC_0254.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We tied up blue along the swamp and went and checkout out the visitor center</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Peter Gulickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07329857002315262843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294543769324056220.post-13832165517884363762011-04-02T16:48:00.000-04:002011-04-02T16:48:33.596-04:00Two more down <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Georgia is beautiful! On our run up to St. Simon's Island we saw the King's Bay Submarine Base. It is just amazing and a bit spooky how close the ICW runs along the side of this base. When we passed by we could see a submarine in port as well as the gun boats that were keeping an eye on us. Upon arrival at St. Simon's we were lucky enough to take out the courtesy car and check out the local sights. The trees and scenery were so peaceful and what you think of when you think Georgia- large trees with moss hanging off. After leaving St. Simon's we haded to Isle of Hope Marina. We had planned on going from here by car to downtown Savannah but did not have the time and were worried about the weather north of us so we enjoyed a night on the boat with our long lost boating pal, Uncle Ed. He drove down to greet us as he was in Dawtaw having a survey done on his new home. It was great to see him and we were excited the next day to be given his personal tour of Beaufort and of his new digs. Little did we know on the way to Beaufort, SC we would be boarded by the Coast Guard in Port Royal Sound. They wanted to come aboard for a safety inspection. We said we had one less than a year ago but they informed us in the south it is every 6 months were as in the North it is once a year. Needless to say we passed but it was quite interesting to be in the middle of the sound with a 2-3 foot chop and the winds blowing 20 knots and be boarded. We asked them why they were boarding boats in such crappy conditions. The two guys shrugged there shoulders and said it gets pretty boring sitting on that big boat. Anna and I looked at each other and decided to change the topic or they could get really picky. After our rocky and rolly inspection we moved on to Beaufort for a rainy day and our much anticipated tour with Ed. Our next port was Charleston where we were lucky enough to meet up with Mark and Ashley who had recently relocated from Nantucket. They gave us the 4 star tour of the restaurants, downtown and outlying areas. Luckily we had a beautiful Saturday to see the sights. It is easy to see why so many people move to Charleston and its outlying areas. After leaving the big city we stopped in Georgetown. Maybe it was the weather or our state of mind but we both found Georgetown to have some amazing charm. It just felt right to us and we loved strolling along the streets. Our final stop before entering North Carolina was Myrtle Beach. We pulled in for the night to Barefoot Landing and had a nice bite to eat. The plan had been to wander over for a stroll on the beach but the weather just would not cooperate so we decided to move on up to another state. Believe it or not we covered those two states with only 6 stops. We really enjoyed the scenery along the waterways here. It was beautiful. We got a surprise phone call before we entered North Carolina. Looks like there might be something interesting on the horizon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin00tVR4zSba6ua3lQugFyFdcHZgxZrCX44XkeDXcrwRC_8No_-WmSCYelhbdwzVnys1_GbHbN3edzehxErxM2BnO2lTT_Sr28WsGaDbw2Im98j3eXuAW0p5_MpwT5qa-L2xxIDVkAnkmI/s1600/DSC_0065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin00tVR4zSba6ua3lQugFyFdcHZgxZrCX44XkeDXcrwRC_8No_-WmSCYelhbdwzVnys1_GbHbN3edzehxErxM2BnO2lTT_Sr28WsGaDbw2Im98j3eXuAW0p5_MpwT5qa-L2xxIDVkAnkmI/s320/DSC_0065.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Submarine Base</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjSl0rh6ASh82TylpyUbtl-hyDVuEoLqaTsZZqJ2xgiRHGF6lqn-RXLj6zhWEPX2Wlc4momxb-ugwKJrzOJ2JeCSq0vIhUE0l4ymsXV28ZeXoIMy6v0sjnHlEsRQza8gzL3Ebj-3CfR65/s1600/DSC_0070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjSl0rh6ASh82TylpyUbtl-hyDVuEoLqaTsZZqJ2xgiRHGF6lqn-RXLj6zhWEPX2Wlc4momxb-ugwKJrzOJ2JeCSq0vIhUE0l4ymsXV28ZeXoIMy6v0sjnHlEsRQza8gzL3Ebj-3CfR65/s320/DSC_0070.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Military people in trucks following and watching us as we moved past the sub base</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidv5Jd-dT1pXIm2tzwjqtQuj6dBfO7x7hZ8gJKiDneLTh3RTDO19A8NomYZTkejTCHGazku4ECUgqAUYjVjfV_vN4891HipjSVutd5T0LS0UzrRBlML0dh1wJrCqdnmfQk0Xvxe4-cfdY9/s1600/DSC_0074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidv5Jd-dT1pXIm2tzwjqtQuj6dBfO7x7hZ8gJKiDneLTh3RTDO19A8NomYZTkejTCHGazku4ECUgqAUYjVjfV_vN4891HipjSVutd5T0LS0UzrRBlML0dh1wJrCqdnmfQk0Xvxe4-cfdY9/s320/DSC_0074.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We kept trying to explain to these birds that we were not a fishing boat and we would not be throwing scraps but they insisted on flying behind us for miles and miles</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinfdindFxymHsFJD5iJCHIhP-JWf6bkHbX2lRR9yhszhY0Cd-DCVmD_aE8VyxLzfNlu_YJXNyIIwJHnzvDIW5f0L6bH264x2d74ha1xF_09AeY77bqJMaLevpZSXMccn_GvmpCsrPgm5xI/s1600/DSC_0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinfdindFxymHsFJD5iJCHIhP-JWf6bkHbX2lRR9yhszhY0Cd-DCVmD_aE8VyxLzfNlu_YJXNyIIwJHnzvDIW5f0L6bH264x2d74ha1xF_09AeY77bqJMaLevpZSXMccn_GvmpCsrPgm5xI/s320/DSC_0085.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful old church on St. Simons Island</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpdpYtZt2K4hfK4UBP8wIZ21264UXKIzfC_AQ7pRzdVJddMs12q9R24u5qQ7aGskhvRHWCh_4GlZRLcXQO48Ls9q7Kq_cK1rzDjUKxCGflrXB3Yg8QaL0Dsubk8p1-BNSxjXHOMqkc0jeb/s1600/DSC_0082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpdpYtZt2K4hfK4UBP8wIZ21264UXKIzfC_AQ7pRzdVJddMs12q9R24u5qQ7aGskhvRHWCh_4GlZRLcXQO48Ls9q7Kq_cK1rzDjUKxCGflrXB3Yg8QaL0Dsubk8p1-BNSxjXHOMqkc0jeb/s320/DSC_0082.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This moss hanging off the trees over the road has a mystical feeling to it</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUFV09BcmR5dhjR6fmP1qlWFmxjlH1aOk_rnz30EpkVYT85H4DxHQAW_nvVw8LkU9xHyIY7nTF3T5x2a6z81EuyKhdnrB4kpaW0u3Fdl40p3Viwms__M0kYZZM1KAxTF1eLhDkx5XdoS7/s1600/DSC_0097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUFV09BcmR5dhjR6fmP1qlWFmxjlH1aOk_rnz30EpkVYT85H4DxHQAW_nvVw8LkU9xHyIY7nTF3T5x2a6z81EuyKhdnrB4kpaW0u3Fdl40p3Viwms__M0kYZZM1KAxTF1eLhDkx5XdoS7/s320/DSC_0097.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our boat tied up safe and sound at Morning Star Marina</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit3YQr6EMbO4Lst1bjNC83C5MGZGv3lF-Z2NdGaj_88fQ9sR5IhpqXOv_LV6XoJttaN30mCLElHpPEopIaK-sMqsb-_eKhqxk7TUUT6ag7JSnkJCNcFbplAJ7ln3Bkhq7B7qnVyLNljnRe/s1600/DSC_0098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit3YQr6EMbO4Lst1bjNC83C5MGZGv3lF-Z2NdGaj_88fQ9sR5IhpqXOv_LV6XoJttaN30mCLElHpPEopIaK-sMqsb-_eKhqxk7TUUT6ag7JSnkJCNcFbplAJ7ln3Bkhq7B7qnVyLNljnRe/s320/DSC_0098.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When you come from the North you can never take enough palm tree pictures</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFku0Fa5oX-aaQK8YaMJNAyZ5A8Whw9ZaZVIUWTfxFh8jTQ9IiC9qjeoaUNBWxSDyGstEp7a-q_nATGFCwtI5co-GeThX7jeLiyu-Vixh-CLf-W0PeUXUEsPwSpi30WYHqdJh9DzLB4xkE/s1600/DSC_0102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFku0Fa5oX-aaQK8YaMJNAyZ5A8Whw9ZaZVIUWTfxFh8jTQ9IiC9qjeoaUNBWxSDyGstEp7a-q_nATGFCwtI5co-GeThX7jeLiyu-Vixh-CLf-W0PeUXUEsPwSpi30WYHqdJh9DzLB4xkE/s320/DSC_0102.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We spotted this boat from a far and had to take a closer look. We asked a fellow boater and he said this boat is a treasure hunting boat. They use the large fans to blow the sand away from the bottom</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBC38JVKKd8EwdubYJwOzOjv4tsSC_jvA7YwMBUZT-WEDW_3TUTRc1qUqpC1gCc7_cwGUyW21aopMl9p-B9N-sCWseZdAC_2TihSkCa308Z4vH9JPFUjbRScRBU0vLxvsCSME1G2eUPJ2X/s1600/DSC_0108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBC38JVKKd8EwdubYJwOzOjv4tsSC_jvA7YwMBUZT-WEDW_3TUTRc1qUqpC1gCc7_cwGUyW21aopMl9p-B9N-sCWseZdAC_2TihSkCa308Z4vH9JPFUjbRScRBU0vLxvsCSME1G2eUPJ2X/s320/DSC_0108.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ed's new man cave in Dawtaw</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3D7oEhLigpDNDHyMg2BkRly40ayrMI3Vce1tWZuXXKQ3FTsR0WKYSamuhsgdkZlAPY67nZB-lk8mnnQOAGsQOgLw9egk5RV-YZdhaIXed_p8ppfKo-GJYAYZ3i2A7QRo3U6YfoKSeFZ8f/s1600/DSC_0110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3D7oEhLigpDNDHyMg2BkRly40ayrMI3Vce1tWZuXXKQ3FTsR0WKYSamuhsgdkZlAPY67nZB-lk8mnnQOAGsQOgLw9egk5RV-YZdhaIXed_p8ppfKo-GJYAYZ3i2A7QRo3U6YfoKSeFZ8f/s320/DSC_0110.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna loved all the plantings in Beaufort</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEjMSaM47mDL3O0OxrAPrQ_qXuv50vWdIMXxnRh39_tU5P_xOynd4NUpYsxYTYf-bMnMSNzj4ERvB1Gzutt-hA7W5QNPwS8fwJY2FY4t8tvUbUUD_JMp-N_dTy_K-RN3LohKs4PK-4W6JYIU/s1600/DSC_0111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMSaM47mDL3O0OxrAPrQ_qXuv50vWdIMXxnRh39_tU5P_xOynd4NUpYsxYTYf-bMnMSNzj4ERvB1Gzutt-hA7W5QNPwS8fwJY2FY4t8tvUbUUD_JMp-N_dTy_K-RN3LohKs4PK-4W6JYIU/s320/DSC_0111.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along the waterfront in Beaufort are these great swings to relax and take in the scenery</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEjcDL6fh6LsicqDR02WeFLjQdZtLspWo1xpTd0sRkaGPW3zUt3_wOWcuZy7RtY1qMkigSn4-5dPRuR-kDAEk4kYd2y09ROYAnStGSpayaQDTHPEBcYRZPfBhOiuw2_8bczNz8i9gkrqleDi/s1600/DSC_0117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDL6fh6LsicqDR02WeFLjQdZtLspWo1xpTd0sRkaGPW3zUt3_wOWcuZy7RtY1qMkigSn4-5dPRuR-kDAEk4kYd2y09ROYAnStGSpayaQDTHPEBcYRZPfBhOiuw2_8bczNz8i9gkrqleDi/s320/DSC_0117.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Occasionally Captain Mobey finds a new place that he is going to monitor the boat from. Today it was Anna's lap</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEgsVOg4tF-AEaamZiNb_FJjgVdDZCNicXlFwk4lObKnuORJze_xI8DEr9qv-BYSjQ_CU15e0CXLa7vO-qCoh_11NEdTOvgET_Z1QoijCo5DOUippMKw7OEH8liBnL46xWZ57SEQw5j-rwCq/s1600/DSC_0121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVOg4tF-AEaamZiNb_FJjgVdDZCNicXlFwk4lObKnuORJze_xI8DEr9qv-BYSjQ_CU15e0CXLa7vO-qCoh_11NEdTOvgET_Z1QoijCo5DOUippMKw7OEH8liBnL46xWZ57SEQw5j-rwCq/s320/DSC_0121.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was impressive to see this Nordic Tug 26 on a lift along the ICW. She reminded of us of our 26' Tootsie</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEhhbe40hiR7RU8RjSl38_-7at48RITkboER0LY7BkUjEWLC744i5QnAVniFMZ7uu8yJHcYbgvEeDkFsCCJFZ8eTa7PrtP0tJ6JUw6UPP1Ym0-okVQN7MQhzBPlBQqabjWrd_S5yrhej05zz/s1600/DSC_0123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhbe40hiR7RU8RjSl38_-7at48RITkboER0LY7BkUjEWLC744i5QnAVniFMZ7uu8yJHcYbgvEeDkFsCCJFZ8eTa7PrtP0tJ6JUw6UPP1Ym0-okVQN7MQhzBPlBQqabjWrd_S5yrhej05zz/s320/DSC_0123.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Popular downtown spot in Charleston</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0MhsxaqAkc7VeyYc2cAa18kvHDABHfA0PK7zjH8LNKtWh3kITtwANb3gmCfqd6K-vmajm60QCQ8tCKBHl4o8XwojgUq4nHfl4IpkbTg7Otbzym9TUYLdplTSuDfMN9W-GUhDovONi_uEx/s1600/DSC_0129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0MhsxaqAkc7VeyYc2cAa18kvHDABHfA0PK7zjH8LNKtWh3kITtwANb3gmCfqd6K-vmajm60QCQ8tCKBHl4o8XwojgUq4nHfl4IpkbTg7Otbzym9TUYLdplTSuDfMN9W-GUhDovONi_uEx/s320/DSC_0129.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A visit to see Mark and Ashley in Charleston. Always good to see friends from Nantucket</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPm5J1fLSLx8NeuvebH5Yuqua8atsgLjH2Pgfw6CMupmOjZTdfe-PSDgP8Ui2RWUDDkjf9E3oPtpTJozKpTH9WI1zv2mPcBslY_h64sS2laWjNx8oo91jZlDVbj1_iRuVlmC7EzPjz4QP/s1600/DSC_0130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPm5J1fLSLx8NeuvebH5Yuqua8atsgLjH2Pgfw6CMupmOjZTdfe-PSDgP8Ui2RWUDDkjf9E3oPtpTJozKpTH9WI1zv2mPcBslY_h64sS2laWjNx8oo91jZlDVbj1_iRuVlmC7EzPjz4QP/s320/DSC_0130.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful South Carolina ICW</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg749k4IRygITfyIDhQUVkJYNwKYcopLk5mz4bwx_SnGwI_K7ndmMbU5FJW_TCJZ-f0iExwRM0nH2nOc-kfyGqAc1K4a8WK9WyJ85YfOp_lXW9p6914qe-OGhu94zarGPa2nxI91KRBdyFa/s1600/DSC_0131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg749k4IRygITfyIDhQUVkJYNwKYcopLk5mz4bwx_SnGwI_K7ndmMbU5FJW_TCJZ-f0iExwRM0nH2nOc-kfyGqAc1K4a8WK9WyJ85YfOp_lXW9p6914qe-OGhu94zarGPa2nxI91KRBdyFa/s320/DSC_0131.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am not sure how many Yacht Clubs hang signs on the front gate about firearms and fireworks. South Carolina!!</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEgLH48HH8h6PYeTKoD3LsgTbIKrZgbRf5k_mKg2OBojqQLOWixtS1VTOPu9XnjRZa_9PpuaKuwl_7gxTftj8tM611wOosPOmu-BMdUETixZgPma7OfU4iVP2Q96Bd4YkUrYjpCt3l4nGlmy/s1600/DSC_0135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLH48HH8h6PYeTKoD3LsgTbIKrZgbRf5k_mKg2OBojqQLOWixtS1VTOPu9XnjRZa_9PpuaKuwl_7gxTftj8tM611wOosPOmu-BMdUETixZgPma7OfU4iVP2Q96Bd4YkUrYjpCt3l4nGlmy/s320/DSC_0135.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark and Ashley let the dogs run around this amazing park</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_aR0s_5N4lwfdrd8-AAui3RpJD5kutDJ7gqX2F4M4ndryj1QwrSOI2bULloVUDI7AZgUA5GOeVKAcGLdL4kqc3RJJF9yF7sUwRuCH1As3IWsq3Rw7L8JMAZLY3MO3QGsmHlF1K_JwAJg/s1600/DSC_0141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_aR0s_5N4lwfdrd8-AAui3RpJD5kutDJ7gqX2F4M4ndryj1QwrSOI2bULloVUDI7AZgUA5GOeVKAcGLdL4kqc3RJJF9yF7sUwRuCH1As3IWsq3Rw7L8JMAZLY3MO3QGsmHlF1K_JwAJg/s320/DSC_0141.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reminds me of the South Carolina flag</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNtRIl89CeQB7bnrbJ-K84Vasg7HNa636DvhmDFrvzfny71j1rC8Sozd04vHA0N_OTphyPkSAsVVpP1wqlbbw_qnIaTyNOSiiK5bE6UK4Y42AbgtaqAMg8Yu3fgEEJQ5Ezb3xfHGe-uNTr/s1600/DSC_0142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNtRIl89CeQB7bnrbJ-K84Vasg7HNa636DvhmDFrvzfny71j1rC8Sozd04vHA0N_OTphyPkSAsVVpP1wqlbbw_qnIaTyNOSiiK5bE6UK4Y42AbgtaqAMg8Yu3fgEEJQ5Ezb3xfHGe-uNTr/s320/DSC_0142.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We voted this the ugliest light house we had seen along the trip. Someone said you can actually rent a apartment in the top of this</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEgUdcGShDdHGwnrgvJRtaPb-TFxczYOAHRVlrtMQDinD8IN2HfLHYJTUQuKbAhkxy5_Bq1cUUOOj3bf9RqaOLFz8yPtokBZK2_505mWL0VnIvsFEuVnk0yiob589t6UvgvUI8FAzbWtMKkl/s1600/DSC_0144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdcGShDdHGwnrgvJRtaPb-TFxczYOAHRVlrtMQDinD8IN2HfLHYJTUQuKbAhkxy5_Bq1cUUOOj3bf9RqaOLFz8yPtokBZK2_505mWL0VnIvsFEuVnk0yiob589t6UvgvUI8FAzbWtMKkl/s320/DSC_0144.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A delicious home cooked meal at Mark and Ashley's</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamHn3Qge2O6wQ9KCDzL0b8n4CuKUUvBhhby_VcKBB_2L4oGDo0NUB5VnzLnJzIt5FC4H52Zwd8oYU6JoQrDhNeBAft9sYYxay8NLstqNI5PRja0naOQtD69gY39MU3Hpe3COwhIzNuzo6/s1600/DSC_0145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamHn3Qge2O6wQ9KCDzL0b8n4CuKUUvBhhby_VcKBB_2L4oGDo0NUB5VnzLnJzIt5FC4H52Zwd8oYU6JoQrDhNeBAft9sYYxay8NLstqNI5PRja0naOQtD69gY39MU3Hpe3COwhIzNuzo6/s320/DSC_0145.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You are never far from home in the boating community. This boat was parked behind us at Charleston. It is owned by Rob from Nantucket</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ7q0baf7yLPMrpF_n-Rz60lhTl-LXkIUslVzBFfJ_OBeZBfQIKtm8vd5H7fIdZSOAQU9XdRKxybOSEbfyDtORGT6Z2RTs8tireSo4tAYxzM0KA4kYHxMywxiTYsVew6ZGrYJfXTEKvA0t/s1600/DSC_0146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ7q0baf7yLPMrpF_n-Rz60lhTl-LXkIUslVzBFfJ_OBeZBfQIKtm8vd5H7fIdZSOAQU9XdRKxybOSEbfyDtORGT6Z2RTs8tireSo4tAYxzM0KA4kYHxMywxiTYsVew6ZGrYJfXTEKvA0t/s320/DSC_0146.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three boats away from us in Charleston was this boat which is owned by the daughter and family of one of our fellow loopers we had cruised with. Not only that but this boat was purchased on Nantucket from Bob and Roz Rank. Bob you would fall over if you saw all the work they have done to her. She looks great!</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEiWTa6IFHZ-VXeWp5f3cuohz1VMcsFp5iD2uHRzAIA0XGfI4pyLkwxrMj1ORwKgzRvqhxGQJE4DeEFIpG6tbWcihGt4ir-ei5Ln7ZS9fzXlPPNdYk9X02XcmUOFAUgqwlsbQ8JVVfuODgF5/s1600/DSC_0150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTa6IFHZ-VXeWp5f3cuohz1VMcsFp5iD2uHRzAIA0XGfI4pyLkwxrMj1ORwKgzRvqhxGQJE4DeEFIpG6tbWcihGt4ir-ei5Ln7ZS9fzXlPPNdYk9X02XcmUOFAUgqwlsbQ8JVVfuODgF5/s320/DSC_0150.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mega Dock is really quite a large a dock with lots of room for the big boys. We were quite small here</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN3rZDZ2RqDOh9AwP-nxDPNIp3ixpP9Sd8hV3u-AI-hmklyMXferjHzjHDl0znZZIZvOZ7bt4L95uh8fpPWZ6CsOcxXxUA8YUZ1yCdLbmOATj1quFn4bdiwOffIjRR1NYrme0eIUUY0BBH/s1600/DSC_0155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN3rZDZ2RqDOh9AwP-nxDPNIp3ixpP9Sd8hV3u-AI-hmklyMXferjHzjHDl0znZZIZvOZ7bt4L95uh8fpPWZ6CsOcxXxUA8YUZ1yCdLbmOATj1quFn4bdiwOffIjRR1NYrme0eIUUY0BBH/s320/DSC_0155.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view down the Mega Dock</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsADjIdY6hLjf_3UMZhtWi8BR_lzlYInoIIdETdKoBAOkvQ79Kt5zUJc4s_-OuXYSpTLjrNxbNbh9cD24-qe-i4nFC9nDPa9IdhcHLBBcYH9Y_d1cYYnShLhDLF01_xjLmVdyJQdrDNfHE/s1600/DSC_0159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsADjIdY6hLjf_3UMZhtWi8BR_lzlYInoIIdETdKoBAOkvQ79Kt5zUJc4s_-OuXYSpTLjrNxbNbh9cD24-qe-i4nFC9nDPa9IdhcHLBBcYH9Y_d1cYYnShLhDLF01_xjLmVdyJQdrDNfHE/s320/DSC_0159.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We viewed these houses up close and personal on a tour but they almost look more impressive from the water. One of these is the home of Mr. Piggly Wiggly</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXa8nk4hHLBAVsLT3tDJefqo8biGlYgXoRi9X4-eYNde-PuHm3oV7_PKBZcqItOmC1m3_tNkHKE-6Gx5FuGiZcJvz63IQsheUy2vYe8FhO-J8_-Yz3ze8vA7mNpeYVCF_UkWM6tmLLbtXy/s1600/DSC_0162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXa8nk4hHLBAVsLT3tDJefqo8biGlYgXoRi9X4-eYNde-PuHm3oV7_PKBZcqItOmC1m3_tNkHKE-6Gx5FuGiZcJvz63IQsheUy2vYe8FhO-J8_-Yz3ze8vA7mNpeYVCF_UkWM6tmLLbtXy/s320/DSC_0162.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Georgetown is probably the most beautiful small town we have seen along this whole route</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdIW3YPLxiMbxhtu3CzGvzKfmRAYyS9xS39GXS-4grIOPh3yqVRcQ6TPidhh0qC5HjWSDiKNhhVM8d77PsMu8m1HHt1kk5OsDdTlvLIMeoLdJzM4QRbHTwsBnVA1j8U8FL1PSu-ZWz2RA5/s1600/DSC_0167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdIW3YPLxiMbxhtu3CzGvzKfmRAYyS9xS39GXS-4grIOPh3yqVRcQ6TPidhh0qC5HjWSDiKNhhVM8d77PsMu8m1HHt1kk5OsDdTlvLIMeoLdJzM4QRbHTwsBnVA1j8U8FL1PSu-ZWz2RA5/s320/DSC_0167.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best breakfast of the trip came out of this Cafe in Georgetown</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9hqetxtBFIvDQnNivIpSA1iyNFbmH2Qgi_Pj-xwebZVx5IQ001vxyRyW7lQWI2IaHpeRBSXQzXsQUHz8I1omos0yqlQ5AUrMqpr6kaaIM-V8cYFehjeColI775VerAbBdnsEemzz6Sh_D/s1600/DSC_0168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9hqetxtBFIvDQnNivIpSA1iyNFbmH2Qgi_Pj-xwebZVx5IQ001vxyRyW7lQWI2IaHpeRBSXQzXsQUHz8I1omos0yqlQ5AUrMqpr6kaaIM-V8cYFehjeColI775VerAbBdnsEemzz6Sh_D/s320/DSC_0168.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the first town in awhile that just about every home was proudly displaying their American flags</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHqK_gulcoBd2R7f4RTICGP5UCSU_VgzdvfTP_GTRTFL9SHhgk4OrKrPy1sfshvlB_UocF_A78p2o5Gwm83S2rS6iSk8G4Bl8Pjj09yoUg__bhheFvzdzwiHBblkQ8fWw3hfbCPvGoeeQ/s1600/DSC_0169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHqK_gulcoBd2R7f4RTICGP5UCSU_VgzdvfTP_GTRTFL9SHhgk4OrKrPy1sfshvlB_UocF_A78p2o5Gwm83S2rS6iSk8G4Bl8Pjj09yoUg__bhheFvzdzwiHBblkQ8fWw3hfbCPvGoeeQ/s320/DSC_0169.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wow. Daffodils. I hope the ones on Nantucket are in bloom like this when we get home</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0x_NYP-MYjqZv01f1gcP5nzhGd6H7AC7SxsNakjkTkchSb9FDR0JpcMiFodFSgSRT4MFfqZYluBRjeTqW_Ey-trYN-oaNGXJ_gUUgQigw48Ev0AaCbXivQCcCNGxThDUbiKYpzE2lLTEG/s1600/DSC_0170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0x_NYP-MYjqZv01f1gcP5nzhGd6H7AC7SxsNakjkTkchSb9FDR0JpcMiFodFSgSRT4MFfqZYluBRjeTqW_Ey-trYN-oaNGXJ_gUUgQigw48Ev0AaCbXivQCcCNGxThDUbiKYpzE2lLTEG/s320/DSC_0170.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The peaceful tree lined streets of Georgetown </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO89TVQ7wKzv4L_oRtzXojJViBrPXlWw9nzbfIkW6xpzNsh3uSqlwddQ_QMOcdWV7IORBX2Pxrvqr40RlC7eAtUSuCmi6l0BkkJDrISm5HKLCc99NNEaRTdaOnvuoMR_UKJLGgcSnXNQm1/s1600/DSC_0171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO89TVQ7wKzv4L_oRtzXojJViBrPXlWw9nzbfIkW6xpzNsh3uSqlwddQ_QMOcdWV7IORBX2Pxrvqr40RlC7eAtUSuCmi6l0BkkJDrISm5HKLCc99NNEaRTdaOnvuoMR_UKJLGgcSnXNQm1/s320/DSC_0171.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is always cheerful to read the signs at the dock and realize what creatures are lurking below the water</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbHmXhqFVqSJpbO5E3K6xWqbgdG47QUNTqZUhNVlrvVRzHmvftz_fpXzeanvobIHgEhAHA-ruX_8QeGSpE-3M6ANA6D8ZKqGfoog0QBt2lKbQ94lOerYE_XaXsLteE74BLGfCK_JaNNXm/s1600/DSC_0173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbHmXhqFVqSJpbO5E3K6xWqbgdG47QUNTqZUhNVlrvVRzHmvftz_fpXzeanvobIHgEhAHA-ruX_8QeGSpE-3M6ANA6D8ZKqGfoog0QBt2lKbQ94lOerYE_XaXsLteE74BLGfCK_JaNNXm/s320/DSC_0173.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The shops at Barefoot Landing in Myrtle Beach. The last time we had been here was in 1996 for Senior Week. Makes you feel kind of old when you start to think about it</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieU_EBsHr4tDIvl3LeBg70J0Dcj6LeE9VQGm_vgki00Sga6S9DqoGBeeJHR-3sXdWo2P8wH1yT5sle937-UTj8aRVkmTLsH27rc5erfdw9hUTGzh9vOzehwMZz6qoejrGcAPO7ZCakBhIe/s1600/DSC_0175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieU_EBsHr4tDIvl3LeBg70J0Dcj6LeE9VQGm_vgki00Sga6S9DqoGBeeJHR-3sXdWo2P8wH1yT5sle937-UTj8aRVkmTLsH27rc5erfdw9hUTGzh9vOzehwMZz6qoejrGcAPO7ZCakBhIe/s320/DSC_0175.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These trees were amazing in full bloom. Although after a strong wind the blossoms were everywhere on the boat</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5DAADts9jeCd1UAFY57sHzqIKbN3yK6LCwzjbQ0qlb0ilnMExlE4DmhsJSkyODPyajMyU36KG3tyFzmXIm8k112RdfwH0cGCJd5u91cW2s4iODorxsCmw2u4KzRMLzz3FhclYrWRAFVxH/s1600/DSC_0176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5DAADts9jeCd1UAFY57sHzqIKbN3yK6LCwzjbQ0qlb0ilnMExlE4DmhsJSkyODPyajMyU36KG3tyFzmXIm8k112RdfwH0cGCJd5u91cW2s4iODorxsCmw2u4KzRMLzz3FhclYrWRAFVxH/s320/DSC_0176.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good old Blue along the dock in Myrtle Beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Peter Gulickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07329857002315262843noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294543769324056220.post-89648983425079950082011-03-16T10:53:00.000-04:002011-03-16T10:53:33.188-04:00If we leave this early will they still call us snowbirds?After crossing Shuttle Launch off our bucket list we pulled away from Titusville still shocked and amazed that we had seen Discovery fly. Unfortunately it was really time to finish up our stay in Florida and begin to get up the coast. As we started to think back on it, we could not believe that we had been in Florida for FOUR months. When you think that this trip will take us a year it is sort of strange to think we gave up that much time to just one state. This figure of four months is actually skewed by the fact that we stopped for a month in Marathon, we have come to learn that the locals consider this a whole different country. None the less we think it is time to try out another state. After leaving Titusville we stopped in two great anchorages, first being Rockhouse Creek and then Fort Matanzas. What was amazing at both of these anchorages was that the landscape and vegetation had begun to change in such a way that it was beginning to feel more like home to us. We loved looking at the moors as we sat on Blues top deck and watched the sun go down. When we anchored off of Fort Matanzas we were right by the ferry path that takes the visitors to the fort. As we were concerned that we were in the way, we asked the Ranger if we were ok. She promptly told us we were fine and we even received several compliments on our boat from visiting tourists. I couldn't resit saying how excited I was that we had finally found a group of tourists in Florida with good taste. Let's just say that went over like a fart in church. That night a huge wildfire burning in the area was choking us and leaving ash all over our boat. We began to wonder if it was so smart to be there but thankfully a heavy rain came and the wind shifted allowing us breath a little better. From the fort we had a short run up to St. Augustine. A friend of the family kindly let us stay at the St. Augustine Marine Center where we were a short walk to downtown St. Augustine. Amazed and pleased is a great way to describe how we felt to be in such a wonderful historical town. The architecture and history were a most welcome sight. After walking around the first day we decided to do the ultimate touristy thing and ride one of the trolleys. The trolley was well worth it as we got to listen to the history of the area and visit some of the museums. St. Augustine is a stop not to be missed. Epping Forest Yacht Club was our next stop. We had met a wonderful couple in Canada on a boat named Benelle. I had actually helped fix their dingy engine which had fallen victim to the dreaded affects of Ethanol. We had kept in contact and they invited us to stay at their absolutely beautiful yacht club. The people who worked and lived at and around the yacht club were amazingly welcoming to us and once again renewed our faith in the boating community. Josh and Jan were the ultimate hosts and had us over to dinner and drinks as well as lending us their truck to borrow for a day of sightseeing and provisioning. Besides their company the best gift they gave us were some wonderful fresh bagels as we were saying our goodbyes. It is hard in the south to find any place with bagels. From here we hit our last stop in Florida- Fernandina Beach. We were originally going to anchor off of Cumberland Island but the winds were so strong we decided to head in and we were glad we did as Fernandina is a wonderful little community. We heard the best time to be here is at the end of April for the Shrimp Festival but you better get there early as is is a big crowd. On our run up to Fernandina we learned that it is no joke about following the Magenta sailing line and going on a rising tide. Drawing a little less than four feet we more than once bumped and pushed our way along the bottom. To our friends behind us who draw more than us- Hug the Magenta and go on a rising tide. Well the time has finally come for us to say Good Bye to Florida and Hello Georgia, the temperature is dropping and the winds are picking up but we are excited to be headed home.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN-EtD1ILFpEP_25kOTVY4YBSAjRNid9C9niuiL8arg9ZVr4BO8Jn0YYNT3WBlO0ljqcOCpThn9BOHR3wo2iSEzh1spGNwl-D5sF14WdkMyoVKeMmtKCmMUjxI-zjbAv_8fSp3dQyNezUB/s1600/DSC_0093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN-EtD1ILFpEP_25kOTVY4YBSAjRNid9C9niuiL8arg9ZVr4BO8Jn0YYNT3WBlO0ljqcOCpThn9BOHR3wo2iSEzh1spGNwl-D5sF14WdkMyoVKeMmtKCmMUjxI-zjbAv_8fSp3dQyNezUB/s320/DSC_0093.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you painted this Lighthouse white we could have been on Nantucket</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NlEAEIeGF8GGgNtd6etOb7pdJB9lHmXskNCEvp51nJU38mllWFDKiORzm0xPZyJWKX_oChGv7FUtA4DDEPQp6EdleulsuaeN5otjVLV4N8OjZwJTgC5ZZddfpm0-sTlyj8TYLvKjB3qH/s1600/DSC_0097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NlEAEIeGF8GGgNtd6etOb7pdJB9lHmXskNCEvp51nJU38mllWFDKiORzm0xPZyJWKX_oChGv7FUtA4DDEPQp6EdleulsuaeN5otjVLV4N8OjZwJTgC5ZZddfpm0-sTlyj8TYLvKjB3qH/s320/DSC_0097.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was amazing to watch a pod of dolphins swim through the anchorage at sunset</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This cloud of smoke was from the brush fire burning near by</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Fort Matanzas from our boat</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The old streets of St. Augustine are beautiful with the moss hanging off the trees</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1FGwTnUij0212Xx8NJ5D4-9QgMdvOG2mh8NzrHKb3loYqFA1-TzpmMuXAOaegaW0aAVSdu7pgljeExmZa8xdrNQCnNPcwT9DLZMrmLX3JS2OPQGEx9xvU-WjcG_m_8ziTqmKk2rhyphenhyphenEz5G/s1600/IMG-20110302-00095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1FGwTnUij0212Xx8NJ5D4-9QgMdvOG2mh8NzrHKb3loYqFA1-TzpmMuXAOaegaW0aAVSdu7pgljeExmZa8xdrNQCnNPcwT9DLZMrmLX3JS2OPQGEx9xvU-WjcG_m_8ziTqmKk2rhyphenhyphenEz5G/s320/IMG-20110302-00095.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On our trolley tour we went to the old jail.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisoKp4AcSQpbYTPRDTtFgi-5JO3mxXadhHoWFRyjdd4iFwBDykxGdmadDz3GkNAEZYiwjbDz1x04RqeT42YtubEpmANlUlDFPGuwiaEVSA4-WRxxxknmqXwPkOwsVCjZi-iRmxw4a-Gb1x/s1600/IMG-20110302-00098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisoKp4AcSQpbYTPRDTtFgi-5JO3mxXadhHoWFRyjdd4iFwBDykxGdmadDz3GkNAEZYiwjbDz1x04RqeT42YtubEpmANlUlDFPGuwiaEVSA4-WRxxxknmqXwPkOwsVCjZi-iRmxw4a-Gb1x/s320/IMG-20110302-00098.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old historical downtown St. Augustine</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEjC5V54o03vqSCygmi7Moo_i7BcPcq9WtwejcWPkm-zbN4TFmW6shTILm2iNhS5xBSUk15PuMLBgXl9Jvm45JVQ5e7-wElvUehPUnSDXJn0VkzDRxkT8KV77l3NIUB1uPef3Otu_oC8Oaun/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC5V54o03vqSCygmi7Moo_i7BcPcq9WtwejcWPkm-zbN4TFmW6shTILm2iNhS5xBSUk15PuMLBgXl9Jvm45JVQ5e7-wElvUehPUnSDXJn0VkzDRxkT8KV77l3NIUB1uPef3Otu_oC8Oaun/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many weddings take place in this famous courtyard</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsj2UFtDjgnd51utKF2p2VPcsUR9ylOAb8luZZh-f4yZx6Yatq1H4lNSvv0YZ72zDU5V0UQcCJVPjvjjuQZiH2pcsuTg0XYhHCglx2lrCezTmeuM1vN7GsklAB6ryezG00bIwzwmaq5A0f/s1600/photo2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsj2UFtDjgnd51utKF2p2VPcsUR9ylOAb8luZZh-f4yZx6Yatq1H4lNSvv0YZ72zDU5V0UQcCJVPjvjjuQZiH2pcsuTg0XYhHCglx2lrCezTmeuM1vN7GsklAB6ryezG00bIwzwmaq5A0f/s320/photo2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These wonderful fountains can be found throughout the city</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_cppdjLKF0mMQDbEt1FkEMwLtGVeH6a47fqEO-yEZeTxysLhqiPa6TSu5uTyVYW4GwEXxF06P9okKc09_7t-1zhW7mz0q811ho_HM3aAwRY_Eyofq6HVtLU-BzHDcLQA9aY56C4dhfbt/s1600/photo8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_cppdjLKF0mMQDbEt1FkEMwLtGVeH6a47fqEO-yEZeTxysLhqiPa6TSu5uTyVYW4GwEXxF06P9okKc09_7t-1zhW7mz0q811ho_HM3aAwRY_Eyofq6HVtLU-BzHDcLQA9aY56C4dhfbt/s320/photo8.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out the amazing landscaping</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOrH3o5oqXzk-rxizYcJWhgYFLcs-1HdZIYgRvKiIejjZr_5ftZr1hyQlGcs5V5hrE69qG2byTW9ZzG2-VTmIDzG2YAvT0Ylw3QBrd7mNNTWnpLTwWV-Wg8S62YGcvqCrGr0ufeBtIFOak/s1600/photo11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOrH3o5oqXzk-rxizYcJWhgYFLcs-1HdZIYgRvKiIejjZr_5ftZr1hyQlGcs5V5hrE69qG2byTW9ZzG2-VTmIDzG2YAvT0Ylw3QBrd7mNNTWnpLTwWV-Wg8S62YGcvqCrGr0ufeBtIFOak/s320/photo11.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This old store has been around since the beginning of the city</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh71THF8UIO2p4bOiXqrwo0j-b8mTxNh9YN012UcNKmHAs0_Hyvw7M9Avra6Eibu-TEPqCBnpCU9OZVzP1EQh5XhgwiibRT92Wtmf-iVQsnbMorWENVXtuvRFVre9OV2tzvtMuUiaT8c5IZ/s1600/photo7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh71THF8UIO2p4bOiXqrwo0j-b8mTxNh9YN012UcNKmHAs0_Hyvw7M9Avra6Eibu-TEPqCBnpCU9OZVzP1EQh5XhgwiibRT92Wtmf-iVQsnbMorWENVXtuvRFVre9OV2tzvtMuUiaT8c5IZ/s320/photo7.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are many beautiful churches in downtown</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHBNdysSmojxzJlK-4ZSWOYNvqwFaRvIv0vHUZxNEGCtsS5uMOypNxzJgTXAl5Zk4wD5w_VSmdj4wqnPEKQXyIVSmZmG68GMKglbXbNR4EcKpJDKWPfSfsp4sITwOxfxZQH2290PrxFje5/s1600/photo6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHBNdysSmojxzJlK-4ZSWOYNvqwFaRvIv0vHUZxNEGCtsS5uMOypNxzJgTXAl5Zk4wD5w_VSmdj4wqnPEKQXyIVSmZmG68GMKglbXbNR4EcKpJDKWPfSfsp4sITwOxfxZQH2290PrxFje5/s320/photo6.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This winery has a great tasting to enjoy for free at the end of the tour</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7bcojVO75hzFPt4q_AGsYcnbAlUXN1V1lWfLt1AfAR1VJxmc0hXkcfdObOAP2CAPvFZBUXaZBsVx1F0kM8sBAHlKYL-HILZ3a60D91fiJpn3T4NI_Yj_lm3RyYcpQSR3RCaZyFvXZmtzO/s1600/IMG-20110302-00099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7bcojVO75hzFPt4q_AGsYcnbAlUXN1V1lWfLt1AfAR1VJxmc0hXkcfdObOAP2CAPvFZBUXaZBsVx1F0kM8sBAHlKYL-HILZ3a60D91fiJpn3T4NI_Yj_lm3RyYcpQSR3RCaZyFvXZmtzO/s320/IMG-20110302-00099.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna fell in love with this fountain and said if she ever lives in the south she wants one like it</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6npQliWghfVAuLhci8j4JLadV83OWBsQhaKp-quXmu8UKYeaCr1RWNcEE9SUrvCqQY5T4X46a2-vVp4ZM7qK3bLLHWvP2BkOrXK2vkCio_GRGUsVlSWapkNRfNUNpORTnYVT8RkATkkn/s1600/IMG-20110302-00100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6npQliWghfVAuLhci8j4JLadV83OWBsQhaKp-quXmu8UKYeaCr1RWNcEE9SUrvCqQY5T4X46a2-vVp4ZM7qK3bLLHWvP2BkOrXK2vkCio_GRGUsVlSWapkNRfNUNpORTnYVT8RkATkkn/s320/IMG-20110302-00100.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The buildings on the right are a part of Flagler College</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><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;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQU1lY8SEJkA-DeReag3yXh8C8feBHtO6B68apmZfF2YQaKlJHwDh8U53Y3S7dWQK2I1T2wHx1cpkUzAydnsx48QyKoJvKs_QumqOcaovjWtYvIIpqhqRdMzD95dkIxjt8_YZDhqfqWLu-/s320/IMG-20110302-00101.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can't see it from this angle. Behind these trees is the College pool and sand volleyball court</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQU1lY8SEJkA-DeReag3yXh8C8feBHtO6B68apmZfF2YQaKlJHwDh8U53Y3S7dWQK2I1T2wHx1cpkUzAydnsx48QyKoJvKs_QumqOcaovjWtYvIIpqhqRdMzD95dkIxjt8_YZDhqfqWLu-/s1600/IMG-20110302-00101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span id="goog_1998971956"></span><span id="goog_1998971957"></span></a></div><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/AVvXsEjxE-3c4uPWc_54fgMPSUKllagy1yokGaYJUvcOe8QtQxMfPLB1ecJH_ldYgPGZvk0SyKn0U84umf_aaorCc3aLUjzuv61T_F80YFb00wfbhJKluF12CdTW92THa-oI9MGpX6B-bbdzB5wf/s1600/new+photos+for+blog+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxE-3c4uPWc_54fgMPSUKllagy1yokGaYJUvcOe8QtQxMfPLB1ecJH_ldYgPGZvk0SyKn0U84umf_aaorCc3aLUjzuv61T_F80YFb00wfbhJKluF12CdTW92THa-oI9MGpX6B-bbdzB5wf/s320/new+photos+for+blog+001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Walrus. This boat is beyond belief. Custom made at the St. Augustine Marine Center. She is for sale, check her out on Yacht world.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1WXCWjnC2UFq1wvBhZ2szyCC8CIAqsY5dfmyB-U0dEJqF9RyySLJneFC6t6oAH9L20bxcaSaTo_mt6lM-4JQ9nOa6BESgQychEDxcUuVF8aI5D_2Z3hipNj1ex-rbhh6yc6VFMukox4Cx/s1600/new+photos+for+blog+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1WXCWjnC2UFq1wvBhZ2szyCC8CIAqsY5dfmyB-U0dEJqF9RyySLJneFC6t6oAH9L20bxcaSaTo_mt6lM-4JQ9nOa6BESgQychEDxcUuVF8aI5D_2Z3hipNj1ex-rbhh6yc6VFMukox4Cx/s320/new+photos+for+blog+002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you say repower. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_DNSs1rC3CRm1hFhtWJEM2q2vhdF2Be6XigLjIPsvcBGjz_ou9HhwCfq2SNiHocwBzH_apiQXECOeN5LjGA1LxUIqcUznal84EF3D_P2-o6jn0N1ekbMuMiurSDEaQnlQsInPtawFtK80/s1600/new+photos+for+blog+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_DNSs1rC3CRm1hFhtWJEM2q2vhdF2Be6XigLjIPsvcBGjz_ou9HhwCfq2SNiHocwBzH_apiQXECOeN5LjGA1LxUIqcUznal84EF3D_P2-o6jn0N1ekbMuMiurSDEaQnlQsInPtawFtK80/s320/new+photos+for+blog+006.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These St Augustine fishing trawlers are also built here at the St. Augustine Marine Center. You should see the mold for this hull. It is just huge!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKS1XQ0V8qBJS75sW9wb1U_pmBLxj803EXpPu17hFE8F1qP377SZwxCXFKVkhFPlWFxRSasdrP0d9n37nt03C1yJPAFXAZtnxniLB1eY-XGLkgNYzGstP3eukmk01BqqGSOLvq838YnTgP/s1600/new+photos+for+blog+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKS1XQ0V8qBJS75sW9wb1U_pmBLxj803EXpPu17hFE8F1qP377SZwxCXFKVkhFPlWFxRSasdrP0d9n37nt03C1yJPAFXAZtnxniLB1eY-XGLkgNYzGstP3eukmk01BqqGSOLvq838YnTgP/s320/new+photos+for+blog+009.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With a 250 ton railway here, it seems no boat is to small.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDi0QkIScIEHNhklgruG3ZNQeYqFEdwFkke7gr43Gb3x5sAbjSxSesGJ3-NmHIlv77CJ-t85gp1FeAuaWWAdEUd7W9dtX7TEf1E-cUJBInohKYdDFGFNgKma46n-D6jZKUbSLa4sV8BboB/s1600/new+photos+for+blog+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDi0QkIScIEHNhklgruG3ZNQeYqFEdwFkke7gr43Gb3x5sAbjSxSesGJ3-NmHIlv77CJ-t85gp1FeAuaWWAdEUd7W9dtX7TEf1E-cUJBInohKYdDFGFNgKma46n-D6jZKUbSLa4sV8BboB/s320/new+photos+for+blog+005.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This guy was getting repowered.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTRAIwkaUKX8CKoPwgsXtYpQMONz9eL9VpEqlKYg2B6imy4Oy9XblIeBaxOjw96x8AT_VT1_pthA8ny4boLMXpYvEaZZGgBCb0TiM6p0BNjKzGmWXbLcYyo6WQZm-FB3f6TzX0gu9RHdK/s1600/new+photos+for+blog+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTRAIwkaUKX8CKoPwgsXtYpQMONz9eL9VpEqlKYg2B6imy4Oy9XblIeBaxOjw96x8AT_VT1_pthA8ny4boLMXpYvEaZZGgBCb0TiM6p0BNjKzGmWXbLcYyo6WQZm-FB3f6TzX0gu9RHdK/s320/new+photos+for+blog+004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These Transmissions are almost three feet in diameter.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<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/AVvXsEh14d-kF1I-6VIMrabCgaBqKzzRfC_7VMiMlmKQiJFYckWPMhm8kUxrlGiQiDy6DsiBAvpmiukoE_KHAoqe36J1jT3Q3zDbtGfMg8j7Sz4_hrxc_cX3M23CCvmQTBsAVhC8E0Asw1nItm-s/s1600/new+photos+for+blog+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh14d-kF1I-6VIMrabCgaBqKzzRfC_7VMiMlmKQiJFYckWPMhm8kUxrlGiQiDy6DsiBAvpmiukoE_KHAoqe36J1jT3Q3zDbtGfMg8j7Sz4_hrxc_cX3M23CCvmQTBsAVhC8E0Asw1nItm-s/s320/new+photos+for+blog+010.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the molds for the St Augustine Trawler.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<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/AVvXsEiFmSC1VHcYythDPflANvueM71uHttxR0OWeRrBx5RaKCz7-AlcAMPrts0wea4p85kWkXD8HrLw43L4pCQ6zpyqQBPG23Tzp-9F28572sVSn4qM0MxdpDqwh8-GmgcUShc0rQj_haVowHNK/s1600/new+photos+for+blog+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFmSC1VHcYythDPflANvueM71uHttxR0OWeRrBx5RaKCz7-AlcAMPrts0wea4p85kWkXD8HrLw43L4pCQ6zpyqQBPG23Tzp-9F28572sVSn4qM0MxdpDqwh8-GmgcUShc0rQj_haVowHNK/s320/new+photos+for+blog+011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view of St. Augustine from the ICW</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><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/AVvXsEgpbWyCQa6JXCyRinA-6vFX-dZU_A4BiG1UlbKQ5A0NU8Z6mJyrdh9Jndnza39VBRJ4jIW-25HnFTAb8Tps7AMC1eCb8M8u6vsK68fHftp87CzTq1N3ahOyeswoWld3mBmBqBL4TSReBmQF/s1600/new+photos+for+blog+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpbWyCQa6JXCyRinA-6vFX-dZU_A4BiG1UlbKQ5A0NU8Z6mJyrdh9Jndnza39VBRJ4jIW-25HnFTAb8Tps7AMC1eCb8M8u6vsK68fHftp87CzTq1N3ahOyeswoWld3mBmBqBL4TSReBmQF/s320/new+photos+for+blog+016.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This cross in downtown St. Augustine is actually taller than the arch in St. Louis</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><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/AVvXsEg7XKiDth8KJKdXDB0XBMIdp6kLOpTBZ425tJZPYBvjLBR2AV9AIqtQzVdJ8kIst1NLlrqZiV7FKORvkikTiKdvjsqUjYnIJQ3NVYPagQtN6-uWJEfMKpOjLvPmvsaRC0oH4g4ToJu_Dx3H/s1600/new+photos+for+blog+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7XKiDth8KJKdXDB0XBMIdp6kLOpTBZ425tJZPYBvjLBR2AV9AIqtQzVdJ8kIst1NLlrqZiV7FKORvkikTiKdvjsqUjYnIJQ3NVYPagQtN6-uWJEfMKpOjLvPmvsaRC0oH4g4ToJu_Dx3H/s320/new+photos+for+blog+018.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You see all kinds of things on the ICW</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<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/AVvXsEiYnm9dMtPeQU7sdJ63TjOXBa9W72IuNZP8jvhBYNgRFkM1T30zN0s9p22d2vV8L4vU97sPuyW13u0YWxTDWWga_vzULHW85ChPEaVuBz3oyWU-ds-bGuEWL9WPZK8_UBiZ5bAUAfqve-7G/s1600/new+photos+for+blog+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnm9dMtPeQU7sdJ63TjOXBa9W72IuNZP8jvhBYNgRFkM1T30zN0s9p22d2vV8L4vU97sPuyW13u0YWxTDWWga_vzULHW85ChPEaVuBz3oyWU-ds-bGuEWL9WPZK8_UBiZ5bAUAfqve-7G/s320/new+photos+for+blog+020.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You have to hang one of these from your ICW man cave</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<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/AVvXsEjA0iDoxKAQH53s0UTqwMJpR8yMOhoF9rHg5pzf8XCH8zaRM4eSc-E2VB6APZef94yjfcrm4EXwIC-X8lpRdNc7igMXgjUF0SLA3euX0vzDP1KP6sJyuh8fEW1mRUG-U8w6uCF0x-zda3ja/s1600/new+photos+for+blog+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0iDoxKAQH53s0UTqwMJpR8yMOhoF9rHg5pzf8XCH8zaRM4eSc-E2VB6APZef94yjfcrm4EXwIC-X8lpRdNc7igMXgjUF0SLA3euX0vzDP1KP6sJyuh8fEW1mRUG-U8w6uCF0x-zda3ja/s320/new+photos+for+blog+021.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The St. John river that takes you up to Jacksonville is a true shipping port</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><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/AVvXsEjvVnzWw2eM1JHvo22i-QeCVYj-Hvfr93VRUPGrgKqFIEk9jpYBOE3E9y6oMp2xAwIpi_LkILrcLj8VL0yvgrqpZ6h7gUiME3jgKZgKXVZ7zOLUPQfUDhMBwyIUwm87ccIyEramVSh50Pgu/s1600/new+photos+for+blog+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvVnzWw2eM1JHvo22i-QeCVYj-Hvfr93VRUPGrgKqFIEk9jpYBOE3E9y6oMp2xAwIpi_LkILrcLj8VL0yvgrqpZ6h7gUiME3jgKZgKXVZ7zOLUPQfUDhMBwyIUwm87ccIyEramVSh50Pgu/s320/new+photos+for+blog+024.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is just one of the big boys that we passed on the St. John</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<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/AVvXsEhurEHnTmbR4_sv0cWzBPb9FqQOP-4R8h6KKBm6iABoSGgU_gu_s0FG_g6XXAdrAwY83yhkrhF7YylwUmoYIHkyEAOwX3fFHkQCBkLSXG6aW52oiKGy73dr17a0a9UZKIXXBvTB0MqdwlyV/s1600/new+photos+for+blog+028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhurEHnTmbR4_sv0cWzBPb9FqQOP-4R8h6KKBm6iABoSGgU_gu_s0FG_g6XXAdrAwY83yhkrhF7YylwUmoYIHkyEAOwX3fFHkQCBkLSXG6aW52oiKGy73dr17a0a9UZKIXXBvTB0MqdwlyV/s320/new+photos+for+blog+028.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As you leave the boat and head up to the Epping Yacht Club this is the beautiful front view of the mansion</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><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/AVvXsEgGDFhLvDjop0o3VYHCcHa8WdX7IMsYPbJ1hyphenhyphen8T3UeekFWzBH1w95e4NtsS6X1Ag_8hd14S-UO_p7p1zLKF_UM66heU_cot-L9xURoM1b12cxkP-Jx2DqnEFR2wH50DA44jUDw5DHZTkefH/s1600/new+photos+for+blog+034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDFhLvDjop0o3VYHCcHa8WdX7IMsYPbJ1hyphenhyphen8T3UeekFWzBH1w95e4NtsS6X1Ag_8hd14S-UO_p7p1zLKF_UM66heU_cot-L9xURoM1b12cxkP-Jx2DqnEFR2wH50DA44jUDw5DHZTkefH/s320/new+photos+for+blog+034.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The plantings around the Yacht club are beautiful</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<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/AVvXsEiP7Hf2RIObclUkxjTICS3Y2YZiac8TUIaUVpwrzzhactk1RwC0kMesLVfp4XRqHROPor3aJZDUq0zwOO9iJGTrijGQOIGYqGZ-wREoWn58AkoeU0I8wbJlOiMGpvtEHVBo_GXsCFxSDGjk/s1600/new+photos+for+blog+036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7Hf2RIObclUkxjTICS3Y2YZiac8TUIaUVpwrzzhactk1RwC0kMesLVfp4XRqHROPor3aJZDUq0zwOO9iJGTrijGQOIGYqGZ-wREoWn58AkoeU0I8wbJlOiMGpvtEHVBo_GXsCFxSDGjk/s320/new+photos+for+blog+036.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the front entrance to the beautiful mansion at Epping Forest</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWffB4kqq7Vpb_aRKxtVeG7RkVLjbdwxx4dg2BpRvaTY3uoay8JqNe_9Vdes8BTZU7_8ACAzFyxbKsRVKBBkfOBZFvpveWX72ne6JCpQCvs61XFuYD8bYSFRyaKiSHRjbIA_Uy5VxyAjIB/s1600/new+photos+for+blog+037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWffB4kqq7Vpb_aRKxtVeG7RkVLjbdwxx4dg2BpRvaTY3uoay8JqNe_9Vdes8BTZU7_8ACAzFyxbKsRVKBBkfOBZFvpveWX72ne6JCpQCvs61XFuYD8bYSFRyaKiSHRjbIA_Uy5VxyAjIB/s320/new+photos+for+blog+037.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The estate was once owned by the Dupont family. This building housed a perpetual motion machine that was designed by one of the Duponts.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<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/AVvXsEioMxu4KolImOe7oTJmz-zrDMFTFbAqc-AmIbpEvYCEgH6bbJuhLoniVsqGqN60WtMC8MyUmn3rmdwtgY1qggthdWzv8YeKg77vjX0HvIRwJj3xIoQlO9SI57kPWDqa1yVcv_xrX9e8Qt_1/s1600/new+photos+for+blog+039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMxu4KolImOe7oTJmz-zrDMFTFbAqc-AmIbpEvYCEgH6bbJuhLoniVsqGqN60WtMC8MyUmn3rmdwtgY1qggthdWzv8YeKg77vjX0HvIRwJj3xIoQlO9SI57kPWDqa1yVcv_xrX9e8Qt_1/s320/new+photos+for+blog+039.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These gates guard the boats</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEhsriVRlp5DyvUrc5_EJHA_58Db0e_EHazsF1A1oWyFlbI2RjNWNIA_NusM_6Xh1klyi4yyYmtYPmdgsbC3ww42O7ld9JIrV1fCjaOzZXC0PELxtwC5aQLekfHCJpoqt_4P9iqYPh5BHqTe/s1600/new+photos+for+blog+040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsriVRlp5DyvUrc5_EJHA_58Db0e_EHazsF1A1oWyFlbI2RjNWNIA_NusM_6Xh1klyi4yyYmtYPmdgsbC3ww42O7ld9JIrV1fCjaOzZXC0PELxtwC5aQLekfHCJpoqt_4P9iqYPh5BHqTe/s320/new+photos+for+blog+040.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No detail is spared at this yacht club. This is the base to the flag pole</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEjVRgFMKE0LNzrNzD8X6rv0_RORjUucu75_-jFSZJnktZLS0cIFK_4hHaFV6dL-sziED0_bWz6Cl2FqKjiyQl3u6wUFPJcSRansdu1_K_vfXEm-prs0q68E8zFQfb0klN0LGz3UpZu3-R5i/s1600/new+photos+for+blog+041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVRgFMKE0LNzrNzD8X6rv0_RORjUucu75_-jFSZJnktZLS0cIFK_4hHaFV6dL-sziED0_bWz6Cl2FqKjiyQl3u6wUFPJcSRansdu1_K_vfXEm-prs0q68E8zFQfb0klN0LGz3UpZu3-R5i/s320/new+photos+for+blog+041.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our hosts in Jacksonville- Josh and Jan</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEi6ViDfPN0U_cbAUSu-f7hcOj1dxjyxN0BLKHDx_-aOUtRM-KCsW5J8u3FHyxXHrLFHHt-SThTRqmz846lleaRVltTPDRMst9snggfXsPsbyso0MM887DkoJzIy7XnJULIeG7HvnCAFgSvC/s1600/new+photos+for+blog+043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ViDfPN0U_cbAUSu-f7hcOj1dxjyxN0BLKHDx_-aOUtRM-KCsW5J8u3FHyxXHrLFHHt-SThTRqmz846lleaRVltTPDRMst9snggfXsPsbyso0MM887DkoJzIy7XnJULIeG7HvnCAFgSvC/s320/new+photos+for+blog+043.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can actually smell the coffee in the air as you come past this plant in Jacksonville</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEiagw6V7w1Jy68Gitjzjip4XtVaHejN_Bh39UjeJ5vk_Y4ac9bsU4LbrIqncTmHaXLdw0H82FKVHsWJFbLt_WMPAJlDKDxV-99fFg0mx-DNLQTb7emEDuFZ2EFAiZTzARZYlbtOa-f58Vk9/s1600/new+photos+for+blog+044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiagw6V7w1Jy68Gitjzjip4XtVaHejN_Bh39UjeJ5vk_Y4ac9bsU4LbrIqncTmHaXLdw0H82FKVHsWJFbLt_WMPAJlDKDxV-99fFg0mx-DNLQTb7emEDuFZ2EFAiZTzARZYlbtOa-f58Vk9/s320/new+photos+for+blog+044.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I guess this is where the big boys get their work done.</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEhrl3AAWk_v_UWy2LoEyYw3DookxdrX1UiviVxzwGoYmcL7O450AzjU0xGAPhmqkLHvhjv7rhYaMPCK0XVPw4om7-majAle-I2oMm2YpU5rWCCYD00qh9H96Ovyd4rZWrSdIqLu2jKXcEtU/s1600/new+photos+for+blog+051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrl3AAWk_v_UWy2LoEyYw3DookxdrX1UiviVxzwGoYmcL7O450AzjU0xGAPhmqkLHvhjv7rhYaMPCK0XVPw4om7-majAle-I2oMm2YpU5rWCCYD00qh9H96Ovyd4rZWrSdIqLu2jKXcEtU/s320/new+photos+for+blog+051.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For some unknown reason Anna was drawn to this fellow</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbezFQmS9u8BDTTtNu-SyGqAbT8g1j3SNjqLQL9seC-OFWYeivPPimJ9GPIxEVhDvKQ7Az5BOxKrcIqsfEVpcbaWS0Ats-x-DFb-jRqvBeQFSCp8QvB1dA7yP95Ak0Y72-S0fvr5W9wppg/s1600/new+photos+for+blog+052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbezFQmS9u8BDTTtNu-SyGqAbT8g1j3SNjqLQL9seC-OFWYeivPPimJ9GPIxEVhDvKQ7Az5BOxKrcIqsfEVpcbaWS0Ats-x-DFb-jRqvBeQFSCp8QvB1dA7yP95Ak0Y72-S0fvr5W9wppg/s320/new+photos+for+blog+052.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downtown Fernandina</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yotVFcr5GW9dn4dd66sAeHiHVsaq8_QQTyMG28LHKK6M3EwmD32NNVwiaDIcYTpsVMnmBwRPtzB7PX_5JcYd7CuNGaqRgq4Hn2Nzbi-q8nPvASjVZoeb82HPqWtp_L7UgDJBF4ctWL0H/s1600/new+photos+for+blog+055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yotVFcr5GW9dn4dd66sAeHiHVsaq8_QQTyMG28LHKK6M3EwmD32NNVwiaDIcYTpsVMnmBwRPtzB7PX_5JcYd7CuNGaqRgq4Hn2Nzbi-q8nPvASjVZoeb82HPqWtp_L7UgDJBF4ctWL0H/s320/new+photos+for+blog+055.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Pirate guards the downtown of Fernandina</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizugxandvN4uSv8Xf5-mq0H1XtW36AwLQVHjs7fgBEJKYMVftpTKPRv3u7i4iBneqi8Bx0Ioh1RyYu0xiQzs-YZIOnZO6QMu3f0G3T3xKpnM-klAQKLrrc3ZUUGHZaasY5p0iaJg1bJdg/s1600/new+photos+for+blog+056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizugxandvN4uSv8Xf5-mq0H1XtW36AwLQVHjs7fgBEJKYMVftpTKPRv3u7i4iBneqi8Bx0Ioh1RyYu0xiQzs-YZIOnZO6QMu3f0G3T3xKpnM-klAQKLrrc3ZUUGHZaasY5p0iaJg1bJdg/s320/new+photos+for+blog+056.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing these train tracks going into Fernandina Beach reminded me of crossing the tracks at good old G-burg</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our final shot as we leave a Florida Marina for Georgia</td></tr>
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</div>Peter Gulickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07329857002315262843noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294543769324056220.post-65867291622209065722011-03-02T09:15:00.000-05:002011-03-02T09:15:20.348-05:00We have Lift Off!When Anna and I started our Loop we had always hoped that when we arrived in Florida we would be lucky enough to witness a shuttle launch. Well as luck would have it on a beautiful Thursday afternoon in February we got just that. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Enjoy the Launch and Space Center.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Peter Gulickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07329857002315262843noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294543769324056220.post-43067140429781956332011-03-01T10:13:00.000-05:002011-03-01T10:13:57.162-05:00The Boating Community<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The boating community never fails to amaze us. I know we have said it a lot but we just can't say it enough, we have met so many awesome people along the way. All to often now we find ourselves saying goodbye or rather see you later. Our arrival in Ft Lauderdale meant more of this for us. Many of our fellow loopers have headed over to the Bahamas or are in in the process of preparing for this. Although we would have loved to have gone to the Bahamas we decided we will save that for a future adventure and focus our efforts on this crazy thing called "a job". So many times our friends have asked us why aren't you going to the Bahamas with us, we tell them well we have to get home and find jobs, this response is always met with laughter. Retired people can be cruel that way. We also parted ways with our friends the Parrent family who are headed on a much slower path that we are up the East Coast. It was a sad thing to leave the Parrent family, we made hopeful plans to connect again up north once again parting with will see you soon. On the happier side we got to have a great dinner with our old friends from Monkey Girl, Bill and Laura Peters. They live in Ft. Lauderdale and were kind enough to drive us around to help us provision and then invited us to have dinner at their home. We got delicious authentic Italian ingredients from Mimi's and drank our favorite wine. I would tell you what it is but Bill has sworn us to secrecy since it is harder and harder to find. As a matter of fact we had to go to two stores to get enough of it for our dinner. I will give you a hint, it's cheap and good. We spent a great night eating in a house and sharing stories of the people that we had met and where we had been and are going. It was great to see Bill and Laura but it was another reminder that our time for reentry is coming closer. They like many other loopers who finish the trip were trying to decide what to do next. If you have spent a year preparing and a year doing you feel rather confused at the end. At one point in our visit Bill spoke to me with great concern for our state of mind when we finish. He always surprises me, he comes across as a funny light hearted guy but in truth he is one of the most thoughtful and caring people we have met on our loop, his presence on our final leg will be greatly missed. We had a great stay at Cooley Landing while we were in Ft Lauderdale which included an interesting nail biting trip up the New River. If you have never done this then I suggest a walk along it or a dingy ride up or down if your boat is at one of the other marinas. Taking your boat up the river it is quite intimidating and will test your nerve, even for us on a small boat the river felt tight with its mega yacht on ever turn. Pulling out of Ft. Lauderdale we continued north up the ICW. The houses along here are truly amazing with all the different styles their is always something to look at. As we continued north the boaters got to be a little friendlier and even on occasion slowed down so as not to wake us too extremely. Our path north finally connected us with our Island friends Kim and Ellen Tonkin near Jensen Beach. They own the Nantucket Ship Chandlery on Nantucket and we see them often at the Angler's Club as well as for social visits in and out of their store. They live in a gated community filled with some great people all whom like them enjoy the winter months in their own little paradise. We enjoyed a great dinner with them at Shuckers Restaurant, a great place on the beach across from their home. They looked tan, happy and relaxed, a combination that is hard to come by when we see them at their store on Nantucket. The next day we furthered our northern push, we have an item on the bucket list that might finally get checked off. In two days with any luck we will see the Space Shuttle Discovery rocket itself into space. I can't wait!</div><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/AVvXsEhlC7by3VZxGbC00bzJnaWDIE1-72Y6kJIz4tJiFLObdvtpJ6m-RjY8FoxkVLRjhZz0Q2aOfRzupGLll5CeTCo6aIA07ZAbnfyUsuWkzUoSwuwXnpC2_krzV0ylAX93_4AK7h8aRaIt3oha/s1600/DSC_0112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlC7by3VZxGbC00bzJnaWDIE1-72Y6kJIz4tJiFLObdvtpJ6m-RjY8FoxkVLRjhZz0Q2aOfRzupGLll5CeTCo6aIA07ZAbnfyUsuWkzUoSwuwXnpC2_krzV0ylAX93_4AK7h8aRaIt3oha/s320/DSC_0112.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome to Ft. Lauderdale</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Coast Guard friends in training</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBEuJXGIC0pIBZ3n38Y18YirnMn1vgUmq163qDRgsJenfzB3e3_kp19wvneMBXSadDTMhhKwyOXlcuon86WyWmiEwx7YvmwgQ8F0LgAu0O3dPGPo4zFsLt04_v6yufVvsjov4o0JJNNEjA/s1600/DSC_0118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBEuJXGIC0pIBZ3n38Y18YirnMn1vgUmq163qDRgsJenfzB3e3_kp19wvneMBXSadDTMhhKwyOXlcuon86WyWmiEwx7YvmwgQ8F0LgAu0O3dPGPo4zFsLt04_v6yufVvsjov4o0JJNNEjA/s320/DSC_0118.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ft. Lauderdale in the distance as we arrive</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our final view of Negotiator before we parted ways. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeLWDpRFx845tW-oplaq0ptISubYEEr4TrH0vL-p5TFQAehG6rPZy4hRoxvkLn1ih7UKcV6tkQ2pOSTmNO0411Rsa8IFacOswkny8oSPZ3XSHQbXbUkdTCqzYHQ_t6nwCYhUG8u4DAXdYy/s1600/DSC_0121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeLWDpRFx845tW-oplaq0ptISubYEEr4TrH0vL-p5TFQAehG6rPZy4hRoxvkLn1ih7UKcV6tkQ2pOSTmNO0411Rsa8IFacOswkny8oSPZ3XSHQbXbUkdTCqzYHQ_t6nwCYhUG8u4DAXdYy/s320/DSC_0121.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This train bridge was one of our bigger challenges up the New River as the tide was screaming and we were headed towards it with a large casino cruise waiting to come through from the other direction. Lets just say he wasn't stopping.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifnHPlAdiVgGiVzpTg2P5ePH21KGSkX7hR_u5IsED5IUBrxX0fwdc-tTs7lyYCIdJUt9bUsgVMbvD1oyaQKneSdvlaSiEy0nCvRZ7JvGFbpk8hk1IV02yRJIgPjaRVxFHRv2H2-syL28FX/s1600/DSC_0125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifnHPlAdiVgGiVzpTg2P5ePH21KGSkX7hR_u5IsED5IUBrxX0fwdc-tTs7lyYCIdJUt9bUsgVMbvD1oyaQKneSdvlaSiEy0nCvRZ7JvGFbpk8hk1IV02yRJIgPjaRVxFHRv2H2-syL28FX/s320/DSC_0125.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You will see many diverse boat sizes and styles as you cruise in and around Ft. Lauderdale.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big boats and building line the shores of the New River</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ypIJWt0bWju_gma0rHA6CwRl7zYZc2Z05G2SlRvT98n6E37qUG5Bdb2twjnFpJGXm-OfH0SoGvhv2Bk2l7eVvCAvZfDexUXQWRWCsnU9qukbpibMb6yrQRpvtMDUARzFTyeT7cBRSNaQ/s1600/DSC_0129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ypIJWt0bWju_gma0rHA6CwRl7zYZc2Z05G2SlRvT98n6E37qUG5Bdb2twjnFpJGXm-OfH0SoGvhv2Bk2l7eVvCAvZfDexUXQWRWCsnU9qukbpibMb6yrQRpvtMDUARzFTyeT7cBRSNaQ/s320/DSC_0129.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That building would be a great spot for an apartment. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at this big boy being towed down the New River. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tugs in the bow and stern allow the mega yachts to navigate their way around the hair pin turns.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy2oZjYM_Ro4X9xOOxgX-nbIXV11yx5cf6iNo7kuIEPrngLHy2mOndOSW1F0QhfQ23dXlPHXpIPTnIHazfHnzWZLuejQsLsO-M6fvln01pY1rpcKdgddq1avl8aaVsDHgppDnuK-5Tj7ss/s1600/DSC_0135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy2oZjYM_Ro4X9xOOxgX-nbIXV11yx5cf6iNo7kuIEPrngLHy2mOndOSW1F0QhfQ23dXlPHXpIPTnIHazfHnzWZLuejQsLsO-M6fvln01pY1rpcKdgddq1avl8aaVsDHgppDnuK-5Tj7ss/s320/DSC_0135.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is that boat about to round the corner on the new river. You can see how tight it can get with the bow and stern tugs working to keep it in the middle.</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEi73HSwlik7kzpe6gf06kd4u2rucLjDXKyfx-3-Um4y6ow0640YU4xkLZwyXDvZpg1959ScxVI8f4N1PteqBpeGXeSS5hLbq3vWTd3bfs1GmqgZ5SLLTaoWPqBAvwVgSeKXsm7cXffb05Ds/s1600/DSC_0137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi73HSwlik7kzpe6gf06kd4u2rucLjDXKyfx-3-Um4y6ow0640YU4xkLZwyXDvZpg1959ScxVI8f4N1PteqBpeGXeSS5hLbq3vWTd3bfs1GmqgZ5SLLTaoWPqBAvwVgSeKXsm7cXffb05Ds/s320/DSC_0137.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A huge home under construction. It is amazing to see all the different styles and materials used on these homes especially when you are coming from an island that has many restrictions on building codes</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEgNqfa5IVTT-pWoe5ZGgBKo3a1FcQMfP8K7-nvNk8kj9ndCKwIDXUERquT5ntdC7DDsi3Lksoww_hPoOoKggq28qxjpsLx_0DrxhwMrK4sT8J2Fv61puWJ4NEaMf1wtPiz8iYR8BrPckIfR/s1600/DSC_0138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNqfa5IVTT-pWoe5ZGgBKo3a1FcQMfP8K7-nvNk8kj9ndCKwIDXUERquT5ntdC7DDsi3Lksoww_hPoOoKggq28qxjpsLx_0DrxhwMrK4sT8J2Fv61puWJ4NEaMf1wtPiz8iYR8BrPckIfR/s320/DSC_0138.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A big home hidden among the palms</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEgdjbUNltXKDmfWC-qz4skFfifL8Z22VgaPdEZ0cgHqVPqc_U_ciQcObBXxfcUdwbiixEt4utJeumsvFfteXjUpwHHTaeGZ7vISZbebZl-t3vUQrX-9GT-kR9fE3ygUnVzHL42G3Lvcl7Xu/s1600/DSC_0139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdjbUNltXKDmfWC-qz4skFfifL8Z22VgaPdEZ0cgHqVPqc_U_ciQcObBXxfcUdwbiixEt4utJeumsvFfteXjUpwHHTaeGZ7vISZbebZl-t3vUQrX-9GT-kR9fE3ygUnVzHL42G3Lvcl7Xu/s320/DSC_0139.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful and classy home along the ICW</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEh63wFn9n95kcOhBN2rHsL2kh7wMd5BQYizZyuNOdDxtPWaNmvlQ4dp9QlgpkVGoUZ2bq6BrvPZ__XHArK3PsN0YFUtCFONwrttzzD3KS63Tsg-RSgeIjf_dI_keeXn8e2KDRG4-4acQNcy/s1600/DSC_0140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh63wFn9n95kcOhBN2rHsL2kh7wMd5BQYizZyuNOdDxtPWaNmvlQ4dp9QlgpkVGoUZ2bq6BrvPZ__XHArK3PsN0YFUtCFONwrttzzD3KS63Tsg-RSgeIjf_dI_keeXn8e2KDRG4-4acQNcy/s320/DSC_0140.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is strange to see the city rising up above the trees</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEgWnqO6s8R0c3gzTGfksS4kpxvU78S8krRd4T9Uvr73XLGY-5jJ2YuceAYK-0Fu1MkU8oiE3tItEoIqN3TbQvGxSW616blwtqSTEli7Gz3RC2izXyrxS3mcQOcYfhv8X-RXuWwh7tuhnQzG/s1600/DSC_0141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWnqO6s8R0c3gzTGfksS4kpxvU78S8krRd4T9Uvr73XLGY-5jJ2YuceAYK-0Fu1MkU8oiE3tItEoIqN3TbQvGxSW616blwtqSTEli7Gz3RC2izXyrxS3mcQOcYfhv8X-RXuWwh7tuhnQzG/s320/DSC_0141.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bye Fort Lauderdale</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir4iif0RaieJPCPMuCWq1lyhjosV7MyuPC3_xZ1LLUCrYWpmyzYcGvoV6uEyN5nIJv2-O-cJCuX7kolVWwwkD7uhscMM-sK6w1pctr6-KLzUTcQnZsF0pWj-BPLuZsdChTFla3RSgKpEcn/s1600/DSC_0142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir4iif0RaieJPCPMuCWq1lyhjosV7MyuPC3_xZ1LLUCrYWpmyzYcGvoV6uEyN5nIJv2-O-cJCuX7kolVWwwkD7uhscMM-sK6w1pctr6-KLzUTcQnZsF0pWj-BPLuZsdChTFla3RSgKpEcn/s320/DSC_0142.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Their are big yachts everywhere in and around the Fort Lauderdale area.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Iw1qxLEQ-0jte0NxJNAUZ1AlgayfSvSjGMz26r5CW52M5Vl40BWqRLI8Fkt-Apat27aiRE9bHI7Ovrqgu0zGSMGv-vOVFc2y5Qf6Sd4bhiJo747a4bdoWoyN95dcRiDZ5FDWScdtDQ46/s1600/DSC_0143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Iw1qxLEQ-0jte0NxJNAUZ1AlgayfSvSjGMz26r5CW52M5Vl40BWqRLI8Fkt-Apat27aiRE9bHI7Ovrqgu0zGSMGv-vOVFc2y5Qf6Sd4bhiJo747a4bdoWoyN95dcRiDZ5FDWScdtDQ46/s320/DSC_0143.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As we got closer to these big boats we realized we knew this one who often comes into Nantucket. I think I smell a bunch of Yankee Candles.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<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/AVvXsEhC28Kb-tNbrnFgPo9sEn83hdg1aBkt5CdaBcRDin-FfAb8syECvaaY2lLquv1S0EYsrKV91dKNt-UQOl-QNBrUPSuTVOBnH3vg9rcPmD_pZASdVHUBjUxxz7R6tIGKxT1CGQ1UfO2553Sq/s1600/DSC_0146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC28Kb-tNbrnFgPo9sEn83hdg1aBkt5CdaBcRDin-FfAb8syECvaaY2lLquv1S0EYsrKV91dKNt-UQOl-QNBrUPSuTVOBnH3vg9rcPmD_pZASdVHUBjUxxz7R6tIGKxT1CGQ1UfO2553Sq/s320/DSC_0146.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Imagine having the shrink wrap job on some of these boats.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicy-b-5JB7v3mHBIoV20F7cLvuKm4W_gra7kB25_cvK7dh8BOyi0GsMHgdJb76JGJo_2hv4IKTowFWpbuKHe2ynE92otvRrUX4IkJxVEYOFdtnSJbJmplJaGM3SrkA6Da94Aihvkq4wjEY/s1600/DSC_0149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicy-b-5JB7v3mHBIoV20F7cLvuKm4W_gra7kB25_cvK7dh8BOyi0GsMHgdJb76JGJo_2hv4IKTowFWpbuKHe2ynE92otvRrUX4IkJxVEYOFdtnSJbJmplJaGM3SrkA6Da94Aihvkq4wjEY/s320/DSC_0149.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the second boat we saw in less than 10 miles that was a frequenter of Nantucket Harbor.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhurwDzIzlBmUIV5NJ42EaxNjlOxrlgCQIr_qetOVEteoGedX9r9kfeEvS39xOuScrOECnN5nAIyCzUj7nNK1AQzftI3ry0vmxR2yZZNoCjxRO3AtMoj-A3nkTKNm5Z2y2mpC45JfShTMuC/s1600/DSC_0151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhurwDzIzlBmUIV5NJ42EaxNjlOxrlgCQIr_qetOVEteoGedX9r9kfeEvS39xOuScrOECnN5nAIyCzUj7nNK1AQzftI3ry0vmxR2yZZNoCjxRO3AtMoj-A3nkTKNm5Z2y2mpC45JfShTMuC/s320/DSC_0151.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You never know what sort of things you will see along the ICW</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<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/AVvXsEhBcf-o5C8JFl7O5x6g-8c5n2umfhw_9pcvoy7iiw0YRj6k7KrojgRy6k-voHH1if-w-J6fLB8hLs9Ov0tPa6WS_VltLu7Ogada6AtNQgmWIWtxzZylv6EkEaFv7r0nsH8UyoecIkpyhNme/s1600/DSC_0156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBcf-o5C8JFl7O5x6g-8c5n2umfhw_9pcvoy7iiw0YRj6k7KrojgRy6k-voHH1if-w-J6fLB8hLs9Ov0tPa6WS_VltLu7Ogada6AtNQgmWIWtxzZylv6EkEaFv7r0nsH8UyoecIkpyhNme/s320/DSC_0156.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our family friends the Turners keep their boat here in Jupiter. The water in the inlet was some of the cleanest we had seen since the keys.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijqy2Xio2pVcPUbri_SXGfVD3z37qrko8Gag1esyaEUhOnWtEdD3Xh4TmudLwBx2WXVC0jYPrhZDhj1EehptD9OsPl6D6tFRmsKxkJQJV-FvOy1MgbW2ZhKjih7bYPhIvg0RC3bwj0sAJZ/s1600/DSC_0159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijqy2Xio2pVcPUbri_SXGfVD3z37qrko8Gag1esyaEUhOnWtEdD3Xh4TmudLwBx2WXVC0jYPrhZDhj1EehptD9OsPl6D6tFRmsKxkJQJV-FvOy1MgbW2ZhKjih7bYPhIvg0RC3bwj0sAJZ/s320/DSC_0159.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We learned that their are many kinds and styles of Golf Carts. This one of course being the best, it was no shock that it belonged to Kim and Ellen.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtckQhp0SFKWuy5g_Shg8ab-sFOQhQ8ly6l1hl1bQnGr_Fh80J15ecbCBiOKuv-o4LE6V2FWefyvBok65oC7Jo9tgSWmRsz5pK5O7LOz_hQdo5UUCwcBeGaFzXvWIIHKBcebHNm1owS5K6/s1600/DSC_0161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtckQhp0SFKWuy5g_Shg8ab-sFOQhQ8ly6l1hl1bQnGr_Fh80J15ecbCBiOKuv-o4LE6V2FWefyvBok65oC7Jo9tgSWmRsz5pK5O7LOz_hQdo5UUCwcBeGaFzXvWIIHKBcebHNm1owS5K6/s320/DSC_0161.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kim and Ellen in front of their convertible.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebqJL6Jwy5rOcoJ55wGLzx0oyx06I8dw0sD2unyHCPGkDS5MNzIyhyzTmntnQL0stV0gGOIrnG0P-uXE8Efe1-wSyEDwMEOUG3XnIPAYl4Vz9eC2QqYq_dYEBiiMXnGM_ikCtOlGgAUlp/s1600/DSC_0162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebqJL6Jwy5rOcoJ55wGLzx0oyx06I8dw0sD2unyHCPGkDS5MNzIyhyzTmntnQL0stV0gGOIrnG0P-uXE8Efe1-wSyEDwMEOUG3XnIPAYl4Vz9eC2QqYq_dYEBiiMXnGM_ikCtOlGgAUlp/s320/DSC_0162.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of Kim and Ellen's great community.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
</div> <br />
<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="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div align="center"><img border="0" height="212" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhAa6DqGu9T-sAmx5wjrYFpL50IR1_0VknoKKs7xlXISmSsPmnO4Oyuwg5RAZp6D7NQi5-feohp5UPHDNe324DuV3LAOOnq9peJ6uPmotYQtO3LaWz8pLkY6etlwSVeWhxI7g-gnTKUOX/s320/DSC_0168.JPG" width="320" /></div>So long Kim and Ellen, we will see you back on the Rock.<br />
<br />
<img border="0" height="212" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKg1CLzCcVEYq7ERzNJtJ_gldtvu1FzUfiKt9PMgQC40dDmb8EaSsXtL0lx6MOfsFkYem623sIufS8zzPje4Q7YrGSU0gaTYvJ6WqPnCbV21gXYnJPsqftck0WDz6oIhE8Q7c-nix3_9eG/s320/DSC_0174.JPG" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is truly bizarre. The crane flew up and landed on our dingy while we were underway. He hung on for a few miles and then just flew away</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj56AsDGEFMvzJpoe-17jArBia_B0INZkXTd2IjGkAjY9r3POltWkx8tnuIASnvNXxejOGmUnWQ_A7nPxVAgdodnFi_FM05XxymO3Bco1r_3VNsUFYE6802oX5P1ifYiMlZ5_3187Fmjor0/s1600/DSC_0178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj56AsDGEFMvzJpoe-17jArBia_B0INZkXTd2IjGkAjY9r3POltWkx8tnuIASnvNXxejOGmUnWQ_A7nPxVAgdodnFi_FM05XxymO3Bco1r_3VNsUFYE6802oX5P1ifYiMlZ5_3187Fmjor0/s320/DSC_0178.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dolphin started swimming along with us just after the crane landed and I was joking that we were becoming the Ark</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQf_UUqQKxfB80qgdfq1ucofJS2P4eNKfecNMXOgdPXQA6o4PEiOtMSufYnIito8dmr9Tai6u4f6BPuryOmOw_JXWEL3Y6zu-iB40SFLHzZ5ozELkU2hN0cCt13T-Xw5wm5vy_3y7-c8z/s1600/DSC_0180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQf_UUqQKxfB80qgdfq1ucofJS2P4eNKfecNMXOgdPXQA6o4PEiOtMSufYnIito8dmr9Tai6u4f6BPuryOmOw_JXWEL3Y6zu-iB40SFLHzZ5ozELkU2hN0cCt13T-Xw5wm5vy_3y7-c8z/s320/DSC_0180.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise the morning of the Shuttle Launch</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5b5jZ6OGLqAUy269SiNKeUZKM1bGLTasCjy5pHxVQnrxiGqXa6HlK_C_Sx5dj8hpFyglGRlKhh-14jvZepJt8qCL4AHu-pXTHeQCZFZ4U2UtI24t30_E_0hoRvE8O3YiKFuI_VaIdTALj/s1600/DSC_0183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5b5jZ6OGLqAUy269SiNKeUZKM1bGLTasCjy5pHxVQnrxiGqXa6HlK_C_Sx5dj8hpFyglGRlKhh-14jvZepJt8qCL4AHu-pXTHeQCZFZ4U2UtI24t30_E_0hoRvE8O3YiKFuI_VaIdTALj/s320/DSC_0183.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We could not figure out what this boat was doing aground just off the ICW. That is going to be a big job for Sea Tow.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Peter Gulickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07329857002315262843noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294543769324056220.post-81770831609883465302011-02-24T08:03:00.001-05:002011-02-24T10:33:06.600-05:00Moons over MiamiAfter pulling out of Marathon we felt good getting some water under the keel. Our first stop was shell key where we tied to a free mooring ball for a night. The view from the mooring was amazing and we waited with baited breath as the sun set hoping to see the ever illusive "Green Flash" When you are a cruiser there is nothing better than a free safe stop and when you add a great view to it, it is cruisers gold. The next morning we pushed on to Tarpon Basin where we ended up anchoring for 3 nights as we waited out the winds. It was actually a great anchorage we had read on Active Captain that it was difficult to get good holding, so with Anna in the bow we took our time and scouted out a patch of sand with no grass and dropped the anchor. That night as forecasted the winds howled but Blue held her ground and Anna and I enjoyed a day of reading, we joked that once again Blue has proven to be our cocoon of safety. We witnessed more than one boat drag and we felt bad for the crews having to scout out a new spot in the wind and rain. The basin provided a free dingy dock in a park where you could throw out trash and get water. About mile down the road we walked to John Pennekamp state park. Anna and I had planned to get a mooring ball there, but it offered no protection from a north east wind. We had decided to change our plans so we were happy to walk around and check it out. It provided the perfect day for us with a small aquarium, play park and all kinds of walking paths. I think if we were to travel through again we would get a mooring ball there. Finally the winds let up and we were Miami bound. I have to say that we have been boating for over 9 months and this area of Florida has by far the worst boating etiquette. The jet skis and wakes were out of this world. Luckily we only broke one item in a wake, to tell you the truth we should have known better and stowed things better before entering Miami harbor but still what is going on here? Who are these people? We arrived the day before the Miami Boat Show so that we could get into the first day and check all the good stuff out. Being anchored between Miami and South Beach was amazing. We got to see the city at night which coming from a small island is truly a thrill. South Beach truly is the ultimate people watching stop. We saw such a range of outfits and people that it became overwhelming. We ate a belated Valentine dinner on Lincoln Avenue and just people watched. Of course we took a stroll down memory lane and visited the hotel we had stayed at with the crew from GMI about 6 years ago. The main attraction was the boat show. It is just HUGE!! Between the in water show, the brokerage show, strictly sail and the convention center there was an endless supply of products to check out. The best part is just the energy of the show with boating enthusiasts from all over coming to talk and share what they know and hopefully buy what they need. Believe it or not we left the show without a single purchase but we were tempted by many items. Anna and I laughed thinking of what would happen if we had gone up to the financing booths. Hi, I don't have a job, can you give me a loan? The scary thing is four years ago it would have worked. After two days of walking the booths and boats it was time for us to push on. These 8 nights were our longest at anchor and we are very proud of what we have learned about conserving our resources. Even though we are headed to a marina we figure we have enough food, water and holding tank space for 2 more nights. Compared to the beginning of our trip we are really becoming boaters. We even resorted to first rinsing our dishes in salt water then a soupy wash in fresh water. None of this would have been possible without the purchase of our second Honda generator so that we can now run them in series and properly power up our batteries as well as run our hot water heater when we are at anchor. Now we are off to our next stop, Ft Lauderdale here we come!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEREkqif2VIs2bfMa6o9RuzLpZu5rheYuibswq3FTMWoCPCOBS5wpPfsbrEbwlEavX1jZT7rdBy9HObtW1V5XZWJA-x7qIKsefy7OvnRDMoSzigtM9hEsZXjDCcvHeYai_evInCz2qbojk/s1600/Blog+Photos+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEREkqif2VIs2bfMa6o9RuzLpZu5rheYuibswq3FTMWoCPCOBS5wpPfsbrEbwlEavX1jZT7rdBy9HObtW1V5XZWJA-x7qIKsefy7OvnRDMoSzigtM9hEsZXjDCcvHeYai_evInCz2qbojk/s320/Blog+Photos+007.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful evening at anchor in Tarpon Basin</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHL4zEBDn1icZ5zXNvUiWRCjyz5vDXqG98xNZpliWU3D4AHjgtJIo0f6qYUVaDetT42SP0L7lOz5bQBge5Z2fZaXahQJRTzci-q-UoO22fCv8rdDP75AY-lBkwM3v0IRoGJXRdN6gLMZG2/s1600/Blog+Photos+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHL4zEBDn1icZ5zXNvUiWRCjyz5vDXqG98xNZpliWU3D4AHjgtJIo0f6qYUVaDetT42SP0L7lOz5bQBge5Z2fZaXahQJRTzci-q-UoO22fCv8rdDP75AY-lBkwM3v0IRoGJXRdN6gLMZG2/s320/Blog+Photos+011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Egrets at play in Pennekamp Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-CxaS7yf4toDWr_PzuBIZ3VAR1JsGR2v1IoVTAudm_du-5opLCAjes55lqM7uhvjVc5PYytLlAIrSfuljjldPITJER7VUGSLfYhDOBaDU0TF55P8xFJ9DK-yRrcRcknj-AcV7g1eLia33/s1600/Blog+Photos+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-CxaS7yf4toDWr_PzuBIZ3VAR1JsGR2v1IoVTAudm_du-5opLCAjes55lqM7uhvjVc5PYytLlAIrSfuljjldPITJER7VUGSLfYhDOBaDU0TF55P8xFJ9DK-yRrcRcknj-AcV7g1eLia33/s320/Blog+Photos+013.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This man made his own boat and was getting it ready for a sail to Mexico</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhEE3KOMgvwKjPLnZtPLUnQirDBo0A00X7zuGGQ7EzugmggO5lCQG2kOj4LPyvyeRGFW8LILVtWcuAy4_tynahXo_SsZeSLfrKExj4ShGNZli27KFd9xIigoZQ4s7kP2PyMs2DIbmJ-3f/s1600/Blog+Photos+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhEE3KOMgvwKjPLnZtPLUnQirDBo0A00X7zuGGQ7EzugmggO5lCQG2kOj4LPyvyeRGFW8LILVtWcuAy4_tynahXo_SsZeSLfrKExj4ShGNZli27KFd9xIigoZQ4s7kP2PyMs2DIbmJ-3f/s320/Blog+Photos+024.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Jewfish Creek a funny little areas with all kinds of boats. Notice the boat in the far right corner that is aground in the mangroves</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4RxRpjN7GvuD4TR3YS4O8iVSTAFKNX-7kdDTJf-Q0baTdt8pwP4-88I5fyrB4stMlsySIpARN9cTfATkDKwwvMk8u7rMz5eVMRDLKfldwtSVqF8kEPaNFWb09_6yf-FnZLOQz_4auIcri/s1600/Blog+Photos+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4RxRpjN7GvuD4TR3YS4O8iVSTAFKNX-7kdDTJf-Q0baTdt8pwP4-88I5fyrB4stMlsySIpARN9cTfATkDKwwvMk8u7rMz5eVMRDLKfldwtSVqF8kEPaNFWb09_6yf-FnZLOQz_4auIcri/s320/Blog+Photos+025.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More boats in Jewfish creek including this cute little house afloat</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-2UwC1ZOAH_TK8kGW1gKlc8GJmjrBn67i23z0OJvywVUY7zoI_03nzq_ALZV5enRvud27iiZpBN1U2-MVb9QQgw02fKRUSGxGzX7cXFmUIriZNbS7YYs3Ml9EiPPl_kcoLNFDKe04ev2/s1600/Blog+Photos+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-2UwC1ZOAH_TK8kGW1gKlc8GJmjrBn67i23z0OJvywVUY7zoI_03nzq_ALZV5enRvud27iiZpBN1U2-MVb9QQgw02fKRUSGxGzX7cXFmUIriZNbS7YYs3Ml9EiPPl_kcoLNFDKe04ev2/s320/Blog+Photos+027.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We heard this tiki hut in Jewfish Creek was a must stop but we were in a hurry to get to Miami so we skipped it. I guess now we have an excuse to come back.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRcGNqhROqSC8L9a9KxB0_1kg59y5thpqTTydKd5v0emddZ6qx9RTZKTL8rH1txEuQ5WIWr2qDkdRR3kNzvaL9ShmB6KGIBXiX8AgdjVe9tDyBdZxnAa8Qj3mwvwP-kAkSN_Av0X4l6w7/s1600/Blog+Photos+031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRcGNqhROqSC8L9a9KxB0_1kg59y5thpqTTydKd5v0emddZ6qx9RTZKTL8rH1txEuQ5WIWr2qDkdRR3kNzvaL9ShmB6KGIBXiX8AgdjVe9tDyBdZxnAa8Qj3mwvwP-kAkSN_Av0X4l6w7/s320/Blog+Photos+031.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On of our friendly Pelicans playing under a bridge. These birds really are everywhere</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeKiTQFGw6augGBa_PRLhdvtR0e88TS1YtT__Orv2Zk6nU-ampWJg2TTOGUSw6B058JRbt4MIeS1FWZyKfQX3rzs2LpKVhPakmKqCHDJWCAnBTVOIai1bR7CbctrL7lQjiGLFK6iQHUIiy/s1600/Blog+Photos+033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeKiTQFGw6augGBa_PRLhdvtR0e88TS1YtT__Orv2Zk6nU-ampWJg2TTOGUSw6B058JRbt4MIeS1FWZyKfQX3rzs2LpKVhPakmKqCHDJWCAnBTVOIai1bR7CbctrL7lQjiGLFK6iQHUIiy/s320/Blog+Photos+033.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We passed this beautiful boat on our way into Miami. This guy has a date with a beaver hair brush every year to keep that wood looking so nice.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4Ta7VsHgEVsE7wz-q-tuuUs9eK6mKAtMF-GZP_pIvn7a_1hXlh75tSe1pfcefD1KaVpiSlldjXqONHzJDX6MXZsCCsEHEE5pE0gx5eseVgUBLu9sKvqEZtE2yuI8VEB-bCqqK2wAVoPv/s1600/Blog+Photos+036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4Ta7VsHgEVsE7wz-q-tuuUs9eK6mKAtMF-GZP_pIvn7a_1hXlh75tSe1pfcefD1KaVpiSlldjXqONHzJDX6MXZsCCsEHEE5pE0gx5eseVgUBLu9sKvqEZtE2yuI8VEB-bCqqK2wAVoPv/s320/Blog+Photos+036.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh Wow!!! Miami here we come. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvNDmmPRbqBI6faUKVf1UM4egxJwPNu78A42nv14t_Awjsh8gTUlFAOZ8_RwWfiHRZ9DcTyfwbgKODpsZ2fq0sp_zb2VRK-5Ooxb91qmatrddw4hgIlQ_A4GuzBXiWI8ITIikH6Dz4EZWT/s1600/Blog+Photos+040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvNDmmPRbqBI6faUKVf1UM4egxJwPNu78A42nv14t_Awjsh8gTUlFAOZ8_RwWfiHRZ9DcTyfwbgKODpsZ2fq0sp_zb2VRK-5Ooxb91qmatrddw4hgIlQ_A4GuzBXiWI8ITIikH6Dz4EZWT/s320/Blog+Photos+040.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of all the cities that we have seen from the water this is one of the more impressive</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgLDAtCovtdKOhohilx0jBBBG9oQNQVVqmz5aHu4xPKvAVLE1WOY5weyqyd68G7VpoEWJ4ei2OM8KjA0iZNfdWzLWrv_-8XNe2BaVi2FEZu60k_zaaEujTlwhP8I055ZH5Zq55s6vv57P/s1600/Blog+Photos+049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgLDAtCovtdKOhohilx0jBBBG9oQNQVVqmz5aHu4xPKvAVLE1WOY5weyqyd68G7VpoEWJ4ei2OM8KjA0iZNfdWzLWrv_-8XNe2BaVi2FEZu60k_zaaEujTlwhP8I055ZH5Zq55s6vv57P/s320/Blog+Photos+049.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You never know what you are going to see on the waterways. This is a moving bar A.K.A. Booze Cruise.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_cb_CE5noJ5pIIlPfMFuHW8n8eCpDnQr7Sui8MrE6mNrA-sOgG4TzTFsJ8p2Orq8d3p1zVZgUTrYhXwQjXOrRllfvp-CuvQhybZsNzKhD0B64LTDM1VhTfriDd137E7KXXCjKovZIWLs/s1600/Blog+Photos+051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_cb_CE5noJ5pIIlPfMFuHW8n8eCpDnQr7Sui8MrE6mNrA-sOgG4TzTFsJ8p2Orq8d3p1zVZgUTrYhXwQjXOrRllfvp-CuvQhybZsNzKhD0B64LTDM1VhTfriDd137E7KXXCjKovZIWLs/s320/Blog+Photos+051.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Government Cut where all the cruise ships come in and out. We felt very small next to them</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlYl_EWnLbrVz2vdDfhVOH3Qr-Sb8sZOBBVfgs5WpNAv20-0pDgE6RDxuw63GMqvNHlX1ghSvXxYe0snZhKuWXu-UlXOdXk6iLnoHLJCP4iPLCg6avmk5POeljEbOFdyigKfmpNWKDSYk/s1600/Blog+Photos+055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlYl_EWnLbrVz2vdDfhVOH3Qr-Sb8sZOBBVfgs5WpNAv20-0pDgE6RDxuw63GMqvNHlX1ghSvXxYe0snZhKuWXu-UlXOdXk6iLnoHLJCP4iPLCg6avmk5POeljEbOFdyigKfmpNWKDSYk/s320/Blog+Photos+055.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After anchoring off the Venetian Causeway we were treated to this view of Miami at Sunset</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3Ba1rcP_ywK_eOLQiHmfKro6gSotgp9gcrNEpeBKJYAHs8NucraqIKIvWmMDyq20gm6tVnJ8BCrrDLDnM25xryzxpwfoSuNYRmt4-FxVM18F1Bgz2z2_HBN89mRwYC1C-h13E5M18Jin/s1600/Blog+Photos+064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3Ba1rcP_ywK_eOLQiHmfKro6gSotgp9gcrNEpeBKJYAHs8NucraqIKIvWmMDyq20gm6tVnJ8BCrrDLDnM25xryzxpwfoSuNYRmt4-FxVM18F1Bgz2z2_HBN89mRwYC1C-h13E5M18Jin/s320/Blog+Photos+064.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A stormy evening over Miami</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw11npTAxZOusO8QGUw78Aw_MV-dAUSFe12teBI3rVrMKCnF676gNuNR8gqmq5SU4zWMGn-U3B7HtSHQTCqj49_FQzQEtACShEhvvhusIFuYMgUMH7mMqEEzzlM37FeVjyIo0c0Jn4nuGk/s1600/Blog+Photos+065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw11npTAxZOusO8QGUw78Aw_MV-dAUSFe12teBI3rVrMKCnF676gNuNR8gqmq5SU4zWMGn-U3B7HtSHQTCqj49_FQzQEtACShEhvvhusIFuYMgUMH7mMqEEzzlM37FeVjyIo0c0Jn4nuGk/s320/Blog+Photos+065.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were anchored near this island with a great monument and a beach where you can hang out and swim. If you anchor here we counted over 17 trash cans on the island so it is great boaters trash stop</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6dgF1oUs-GOH5-TKC6e0H59nqx0qvebqgQr-eJOeB1HfvYwFZz59dM5RW5lbnHOlYi5ifV9byVJShFdCClIfdgVSWxwafYjV1ZUM-R5zzTHRMQG_nTbD6mlNUeZIUgaovwGm7xUfcdx9e/s1600/Blog+Photos+066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6dgF1oUs-GOH5-TKC6e0H59nqx0qvebqgQr-eJOeB1HfvYwFZz59dM5RW5lbnHOlYi5ifV9byVJShFdCClIfdgVSWxwafYjV1ZUM-R5zzTHRMQG_nTbD6mlNUeZIUgaovwGm7xUfcdx9e/s320/Blog+Photos+066.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise over Miami</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimBcclO8JVwPWLMCFoTvLReg1EInRheYBjGpxzwaNc0euKCEIbbeUIuObNm90asjBvrJ2gUR2byL43JvNChts4mj5mSzfvaXaCPeD2akzwmMAGql08F56aN6nIDNfwEZipnI-gQIe803lD/s1600/Blog+Photos+080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimBcclO8JVwPWLMCFoTvLReg1EInRheYBjGpxzwaNc0euKCEIbbeUIuObNm90asjBvrJ2gUR2byL43JvNChts4mj5mSzfvaXaCPeD2akzwmMAGql08F56aN6nIDNfwEZipnI-gQIe803lD/s320/Blog+Photos+080.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This in water boat show was one part of the Miami Boat Show. Of course I had to take this shot with the Nordic Tug for sale</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNvUBrwsDCtgjO4WMTPg3Jp0jISK07hyO5lk8Fkd5fSTxPJqMKtcskywN1nJZfD3K-E__QEPl1Rwh2qB5K9l3Fjc604fX710lR6o3mWAt61jiTsqZdkTAd_lQSaLxtWwFJd33yfdIabrD/s1600/Blog+Photos+090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNvUBrwsDCtgjO4WMTPg3Jp0jISK07hyO5lk8Fkd5fSTxPJqMKtcskywN1nJZfD3K-E__QEPl1Rwh2qB5K9l3Fjc604fX710lR6o3mWAt61jiTsqZdkTAd_lQSaLxtWwFJd33yfdIabrD/s320/Blog+Photos+090.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moon over the monument</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDUv9xSsb159BOArT41UteI1NpLy2H2jGFut-ZLnrgJT_AZVrqII74rLohVPwA9wEe4ZToHOxvY_TbYbJN8VR7mVPtU02tR5dtQr1VcOq-522TE1ANMZmB6ix2OJspAVD_Zzl-VTdyesS/s1600/Blog+Photos+095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDUv9xSsb159BOArT41UteI1NpLy2H2jGFut-ZLnrgJT_AZVrqII74rLohVPwA9wEe4ZToHOxvY_TbYbJN8VR7mVPtU02tR5dtQr1VcOq-522TE1ANMZmB6ix2OJspAVD_Zzl-VTdyesS/s320/Blog+Photos+095.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morgan, Ryann and Jaxon were lucky enough to be given these aliens at the Fusion booth at the show. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWc58l_t6ZR39KMoOKZI6w2Fw8eVBBraQSxdeaxgeyQDyixSpeqa2FPBa3oks4qOs-0JgDz5scBw_9sF-l6GKpoQvSIVRzwvqEx2X64m5VDBXw_MY89ix8Y0FVuSnLKco6drj3S-DN5tJa/s1600/Blog+Photos+099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWc58l_t6ZR39KMoOKZI6w2Fw8eVBBraQSxdeaxgeyQDyixSpeqa2FPBa3oks4qOs-0JgDz5scBw_9sF-l6GKpoQvSIVRzwvqEx2X64m5VDBXw_MY89ix8Y0FVuSnLKco6drj3S-DN5tJa/s320/Blog+Photos+099.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Believe it or not Jack Daniels had a booth at the show and I could not resist the JD boat</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGz33MAzzUljC9H5CBG0DsgsZf-OMPdkkw2cRFhyb8MGuC33rALvaUR56dG3bD0RR8QPcoH2q4q-F-ejpq7Rk5zB8bpHEptR-t1F2mlIOnN_s5j_U0jVmoqei3lCWDC94wm1qcFmBlCJ0/s1600/Blog+Photos+103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGz33MAzzUljC9H5CBG0DsgsZf-OMPdkkw2cRFhyb8MGuC33rALvaUR56dG3bD0RR8QPcoH2q4q-F-ejpq7Rk5zB8bpHEptR-t1F2mlIOnN_s5j_U0jVmoqei3lCWDC94wm1qcFmBlCJ0/s320/Blog+Photos+103.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deadliest Catch star was on hand to take photos and was giving autographs. Who wants and autograph from Russel, where is Sig?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZws5Fpc4sy1-eF7w9PtUY03Vi2bQSARJnYAB0HHE0NH_oLBkqUT4ez-MZb8aj-9rp2fx77PlQrN5ls7NzKvVyiaKBALPR4C_Ai6pRluXwBcTpfgikTBqxWVFHnefhL6GNgUw8amuDPQj/s1600/Blog+Photos+105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZws5Fpc4sy1-eF7w9PtUY03Vi2bQSARJnYAB0HHE0NH_oLBkqUT4ez-MZb8aj-9rp2fx77PlQrN5ls7NzKvVyiaKBALPR4C_Ai6pRluXwBcTpfgikTBqxWVFHnefhL6GNgUw8amuDPQj/s320/Blog+Photos+105.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This boat is incredibly fast</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwoXUg9KyV31AoJ-lCHv75djdHPGCm-MXIjVcPL6niKS3Fn5WhnspIdvGuQNd8Y_MacNKSXCGNE4Yr2Y8aVgvvplR1uKChEDFUgxJAr4Omx1Vousks3UCCen0UlkjY8I0EgyTYdG_sVVy2/s1600/Blog+Photos+106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwoXUg9KyV31AoJ-lCHv75djdHPGCm-MXIjVcPL6niKS3Fn5WhnspIdvGuQNd8Y_MacNKSXCGNE4Yr2Y8aVgvvplR1uKChEDFUgxJAr4Omx1Vousks3UCCen0UlkjY8I0EgyTYdG_sVVy2/s320/Blog+Photos+106.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who can resist the Gecko from Geico</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvET-5HnliCG3ndeRjzxOkDFJLk24IiD1ThkmhZVsmb34k7EafdP_a0-BB2_wEXXV8ZhdAVQNo4v9hGfLImQwy5AEgYq6ls8LltnVI9Mf2Evgs0ZJUXhGa8DS3hX1uzxX593dyXNeajk6/s1600/Blog+Photos+107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvET-5HnliCG3ndeRjzxOkDFJLk24IiD1ThkmhZVsmb34k7EafdP_a0-BB2_wEXXV8ZhdAVQNo4v9hGfLImQwy5AEgYq6ls8LltnVI9Mf2Evgs0ZJUXhGa8DS3hX1uzxX593dyXNeajk6/s320/Blog+Photos+107.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yamaha was well represented at the show. The way these engines are going this could be life size in a few years.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM7rzqVaGhsUKFakBvoT-y1p0n0u40peVnPsyURYWmVDTYz4tPTxxTgeBPNpzUhy7-VnnRZBx6vnm-xWXwxLm_n5IbJIpArO1_RaqAFVc9G83GjAZTx_TCn1s_Nws7J83IXviI8LmgN_q_/s1600/Blog+Photos+109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM7rzqVaGhsUKFakBvoT-y1p0n0u40peVnPsyURYWmVDTYz4tPTxxTgeBPNpzUhy7-VnnRZBx6vnm-xWXwxLm_n5IbJIpArO1_RaqAFVc9G83GjAZTx_TCn1s_Nws7J83IXviI8LmgN_q_/s320/Blog+Photos+109.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view left from the upper walkway of the Miami boat show in action</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8aPGQCL30NV2_IPng_rLtpUlNggM2_Fg8wW7Ym8W7bigTbYUSKZx-VCwnHt0gLqImilHtloaonkJQ4s4Y-y22Xi1iW-b4LDj4y-x76XRdy9Qr6FlKxHPgFNTqokcpPcnjODXwjk6tYPm/s1600/Blog+Photos+110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8aPGQCL30NV2_IPng_rLtpUlNggM2_Fg8wW7Ym8W7bigTbYUSKZx-VCwnHt0gLqImilHtloaonkJQ4s4Y-y22Xi1iW-b4LDj4y-x76XRdy9Qr6FlKxHPgFNTqokcpPcnjODXwjk6tYPm/s320/Blog+Photos+110.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the view right which is less than a 1/6 of what you can see at this show</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSC95x10_oRD0Iasq8E-pWiUTFH6dzmFchMHi8u7w0oOsXZrvrCZRuSvvgrVsQn5iWMFh4t9XMT0AIqIpCKYIa0TSBHfuKmPJ0wELc0TS4Bhi-KAH4GoKQ8v0-Nz2nlqi6cFy-mddO9_YT/s1600/Blog+Photos+171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSC95x10_oRD0Iasq8E-pWiUTFH6dzmFchMHi8u7w0oOsXZrvrCZRuSvvgrVsQn5iWMFh4t9XMT0AIqIpCKYIa0TSBHfuKmPJ0wELc0TS4Bhi-KAH4GoKQ8v0-Nz2nlqi6cFy-mddO9_YT/s320/Blog+Photos+171.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mobey has found a new way to make sure we are going the right way. He is now the captain of this vessel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Peter Gulickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07329857002315262843noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294543769324056220.post-10196506600732613332011-02-15T11:56:00.000-05:002011-02-15T11:56:23.890-05:00One Month?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One month? I just kept thinking what are we going to do for a month? In over nine months of cruising we have never spent a month sitting in one place. How would we deal with all this time off and how will it affect the rythum of our day to day activities. No planning for the next stop? No figuring out where to get water, take on fuel or get a pump out? It all seemed so strange. It seems like a vacation from the vacation. As it turns out, you can use up a month pretty quickly. Marathon took us a little while to get used to. Upon our arrival we felt a bit put off, but we quickly found out things happen differently down here and it becomes very contagious. With the major route 1 running through the center, biking seemed quite dangerous, we had trouble seeing the beauty at first. We had many conversations with our fellow boaters on the dock and were happy to hear that many of them stayed for several months and had been calling Marathon their winter destination for years. Determined to keep an open mind Anna and I began a quest to find the charm and beauty in Marathon. It didn't take long, on about our third day in port, we met our first local Manatee. Many a morning started with a visits from Manatees including one occasion when a Mother and her Calf greeted us off the side of Blue. On our morning walks to <span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;">Pidgeon</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"> Key</span> we saw sting rays and sharks as well as one of the most spectacular views of the the Atlantic and Gulf I have ever seen. One of the more interesting creatures that we ran into were the Man o'War jelly fish, I had heard of Man o'War but had never seen them. While taking the boat out for a short cruise trying to keep the bottom from forming to much growth Anna kept saying she could not believe the number of crab pots out there. I said their not crab pots they are plastic bags, well we were both wrong. As it turns out all the blobs that she was seeing were Man o' War. What strange creatures they are. With a big bubble above the water used as a sail a dark blue circle and evil tentacles you can not help but to be fascinated by this creature which is actually made up of more than one organism. Luckily we escaped marathon without a sting, we have been told it is unbelievably painful. I was shocked to find that the worst thing you can do if you get stung is wash it with fresh water. Besides the wonderful creatures we had many special visitors throughout the month. Anna's parents came for almost a week presenting us with a great opportunity to visit Key West and the Turtle Hospital in Marathon. Both were things that we may not have done on our own so it was fantastic to have them in town. They stayed at a great hotel about a mile from the Marina which gave Anna and I a taste of the good life hanging at their resort pool. We also got to explore many of the local restaurants from Burdine's to Keys Fisheries. Towards the end of their visit I thought I might have to take a break from fresh Mahi sandwiches........ NOT!. My god are they good. Our good friends Bill and Carol Yancey also came to visit. We had not seen them since Joe Wheeler when Bill got a rider on his farm insurance and allowed me to drive his Combine. Seeing Bill brought back two wonderful memories, the memory of actually driving and the memory of Bills expressions as I started out. I don't think he would be a great poker player I could see his concern in his eyes as I first pulled out. They were kind enough to drive us up to Fort Lauderdale to Trawler Fest, a gathering and boat show for trawler enthusiasts. The best part of the Fest was seeing that people were starting to purchase boats again. It is a great relief to see people interested in investing again in this not so cheap hobby. My old Boss use to say it is hard to sell fun in hard times, it is the first thing to go in a bad economy. It is no doubt that boating is expensive but it has also been one of the most rewarding experiences of our lives so to think others are going to jump in and take a risk on a boat is a thrill. Our final visit came from my brother H and my nephew Will. This visit was Will's Christmas gift from my Mom and Dad and it included a scuba dive for Will and H. Although their visit was short it included some special moments like our first trip to the Sombrero Beach. Can you believe we were here for 3 weeks before we actually went to the beach? We were sad to see them go but it was then time to begin planning for our next part of trip. Heading North? Yes the time has finally come for us to start our trip North. After a few anchorages our first stop will be the Miami Boat Show. I can not believe that a month has come to an end. In the end Marathon was an excellent place to provision and meet and greet other cruisers especially with the 9 AM morning cruisers net on the vhf. It is a very thoughtful time for us as we say goodbye to many of our boating friends who we may not see for some time as we are going up the coast and they are going to be staying around Florida and moving much slower than us. However one of the most important things we have learned in boating is that you never say good bye it is always will see you again soon. I think we will see all our friends again as we our they cruise the waterways, the relationships and experiences we have shared have been great. So with much mixed emotions we say good bye to our home for the past month. On a beatiful thursday at noon we cut the lines and pushed off. Once again we will be hooking up with the Parrent family as we head north, many an evening in marathon was spent laughing on the decks of Negotiator Craig, Danielle and the kids are to much fun. We will miss our morning walks on the bridge as well as our time at the Sunset Grill but we are ready to write the next chapter in our book. So North it is, "Anna, where did we put our mittens?"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatopGXIfEQ35cDhEJgummnRnSuOJyEbweLHsiAcE1nv0U1XnU8lYIdqQr3J2Crh0HJBVG9U1qYNbvxXtc1V5mDCUVOx-7bdvVEK0SOAzwPeCdsu3IOrj8CxMNpWcVuyJl52wQhoKttItj/s1600/DSC_0104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatopGXIfEQ35cDhEJgummnRnSuOJyEbweLHsiAcE1nv0U1XnU8lYIdqQr3J2Crh0HJBVG9U1qYNbvxXtc1V5mDCUVOx-7bdvVEK0SOAzwPeCdsu3IOrj8CxMNpWcVuyJl52wQhoKttItj/s320/DSC_0104.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Sunsets from the dock at the Marina</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYq19ak1Dw4pR_VnTfP_7b30zOU0ocZ4Bb6OzhTOyiJDTAnCx_tUt6lYdCCK6vAL5ZMXVzqAoqd2bDGeh52bTJUvFJS-d1c8Tf0NQ7zmmqMYjVTw-DCqwJ9EFjw0GfJfjDneCuquHdQwe/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYq19ak1Dw4pR_VnTfP_7b30zOU0ocZ4Bb6OzhTOyiJDTAnCx_tUt6lYdCCK6vAL5ZMXVzqAoqd2bDGeh52bTJUvFJS-d1c8Tf0NQ7zmmqMYjVTw-DCqwJ9EFjw0GfJfjDneCuquHdQwe/s320/DSC_0005.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our mail and information headquarters for the month.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<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/AVvXsEhlioEXZBwuVbbbC5O0SleFDu-BIUoTqg0uZF_4Z44hQY0Al2ScsSp7aT4ZUd8w_MbBAEDlLTImNs5OYL2LZfi6SF45kto3BOO_ZKFLN-rR9XmDcCPYR9HY-slBcpQMFikKK7YbHMiHRBWS/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlioEXZBwuVbbbC5O0SleFDu-BIUoTqg0uZF_4Z44hQY0Al2ScsSp7aT4ZUd8w_MbBAEDlLTImNs5OYL2LZfi6SF45kto3BOO_ZKFLN-rR9XmDcCPYR9HY-slBcpQMFikKK7YbHMiHRBWS/s320/DSC_0006.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You will see these signs everywhere and they are important to read as these animals are truly unique.</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEiGktADHpEJhm6g6ipnNJu4wvi67kGJlW0obC0rfSwFw3cUVKqjZPeoPgIyUNNZ5EFOOgtV_B-JDhNsP_YkooxG9R1fkSNYwIOtyLyEALaKkMOf1aJfhZuKYZqioYxuHGzRiQ_4tJPq5CMb/s1600/DSC_0061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGktADHpEJhm6g6ipnNJu4wvi67kGJlW0obC0rfSwFw3cUVKqjZPeoPgIyUNNZ5EFOOgtV_B-JDhNsP_YkooxG9R1fkSNYwIOtyLyEALaKkMOf1aJfhZuKYZqioYxuHGzRiQ_4tJPq5CMb/s320/DSC_0061.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Momma and Calf Manatee hanging out by our boat at the Marina.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<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/AVvXsEjj39oRaeEnRUqdX7xchfGN6C5HRl8kjN5j4LnnKDh-WL2vodf6nQnLD1epYmjYba-0LAeAN-cXTIu4owTppulGiyL1aliOh_8ulZUsptjhUoWX4UocaK4tRw616SB1dVguH5sJhFy-Xj0i/s1600/IMG_3058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj39oRaeEnRUqdX7xchfGN6C5HRl8kjN5j4LnnKDh-WL2vodf6nQnLD1epYmjYba-0LAeAN-cXTIu4owTppulGiyL1aliOh_8ulZUsptjhUoWX4UocaK4tRw616SB1dVguH5sJhFy-Xj0i/s320/IMG_3058.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can not forget the traditional tourist photo when you are in Key West.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<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/AVvXsEhM2m6FqU4A43MUVhopt_d9Z_fokVxA1LqsHkOt1gXXZc04wl6GMEcobl3jLVvpRVn_w_v6UDPl6G1YXtj1PcOP1Qr34tsKptWKbKMtfr1poeBLFzby0tjp78eewiBrCcAfshc9rIhM3Mn0/s1600/DSCN4363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2m6FqU4A43MUVhopt_d9Z_fokVxA1LqsHkOt1gXXZc04wl6GMEcobl3jLVvpRVn_w_v6UDPl6G1YXtj1PcOP1Qr34tsKptWKbKMtfr1poeBLFzby0tjp78eewiBrCcAfshc9rIhM3Mn0/s320/DSCN4363.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Old Coast Guard boat in Key West. Believe it or not this ship is the most highly decoreated in the fleet, and is the only coast gurd ship to have sunk a German sub off key west in World War II.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEhI5E6pzgY6nsGXKFzh9UJI-bPwjd1csOtaXok30VicQnBKPKkh1dV1Ev1zCJfpPbvydXvmcZaBiJO_rleWgalc2GdMsGJ3kJljtXPltoBmsVNSCaYLjirlnpd_5ilKPXyAvRM3YD07J30l/s1600/IMG_3102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5E6pzgY6nsGXKFzh9UJI-bPwjd1csOtaXok30VicQnBKPKkh1dV1Ev1zCJfpPbvydXvmcZaBiJO_rleWgalc2GdMsGJ3kJljtXPltoBmsVNSCaYLjirlnpd_5ilKPXyAvRM3YD07J30l/s320/IMG_3102.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna's parents walking about on an old Coast Guard boat in Key West.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrX3yAsK6Rax14BkS0ojvphpTeSBcTXD8Fh2sWd-8mesxW6w0_IjCOaLzEsZs0OUVtqt9UXchGUVbe4HpBLapoWR_P7L_dPyQxYAr93sW_qYbVMgmOJfjNgq0RQVqMxPlgaiJejTq4CDnA/s1600/DSCN4346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrX3yAsK6Rax14BkS0ojvphpTeSBcTXD8Fh2sWd-8mesxW6w0_IjCOaLzEsZs0OUVtqt9UXchGUVbe4HpBLapoWR_P7L_dPyQxYAr93sW_qYbVMgmOJfjNgq0RQVqMxPlgaiJejTq4CDnA/s320/DSCN4346.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a great museum in Key West. We just wish we had know more of the history of Mel Fisher before going.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<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/AVvXsEiaBAMtSqjV7nyFLBvo1A9BGCM_aaTUERifm5wiEl4vV7OItIlEgdu5xEQVZoOghMV2I4cm2f2KypcHxOlQgjrN-yxzgMD64SVsd9D6Y0hhtDy2YRRQOX5Yh7VmplcRan0kxSFfzWNr4wK0/s1600/IMG_3098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBAMtSqjV7nyFLBvo1A9BGCM_aaTUERifm5wiEl4vV7OItIlEgdu5xEQVZoOghMV2I4cm2f2KypcHxOlQgjrN-yxzgMD64SVsd9D6Y0hhtDy2YRRQOX5Yh7VmplcRan0kxSFfzWNr4wK0/s320/IMG_3098.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Although we did not ride the Conch train we heard from others that it is a great way to see the city.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQKKKeQ_yNYoE9JeYTAzRZscvaSK7yhUlrHpcscWCAuS-sH0i_wMo6s1YikVk3j0IiqQBfTQuvOcx9uybd0yGOTrMFfFcOicnLomMR9Ay_4SBYdXwTYkj9qsg1vUGtbcT7oI8PrgMROcG/s1600/DSCN4354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQKKKeQ_yNYoE9JeYTAzRZscvaSK7yhUlrHpcscWCAuS-sH0i_wMo6s1YikVk3j0IiqQBfTQuvOcx9uybd0yGOTrMFfFcOicnLomMR9Ay_4SBYdXwTYkj9qsg1vUGtbcT7oI8PrgMROcG/s320/DSCN4354.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fun day in Key West</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5UuDGJb3hggiEn7EB4KmJaQ-_88ekfW6G86cDiTisJRgGk_p79bJ07yWRKn24WJ3loI17fniiK-lBiGoI0anahX2hQymCAvWjzOfCx-B5c4HMuFEFn0vljvY6JY5n9m9SgrgWkeohSPoJ/s1600/IMG_3047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5UuDGJb3hggiEn7EB4KmJaQ-_88ekfW6G86cDiTisJRgGk_p79bJ07yWRKn24WJ3loI17fniiK-lBiGoI0anahX2hQymCAvWjzOfCx-B5c4HMuFEFn0vljvY6JY5n9m9SgrgWkeohSPoJ/s320/IMG_3047.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset in Marathon with Anna's Parents</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNNbT1jvPk9nwmsf15IRzQYNQYq2Tt1sBFOP97RdZeAvt-UtKYl0stvdJLhAOYCpUSlYYfZ6-WXfF915111SQvruaPrDKeP7N_yQbanv-_UzLToOzJQTJ0iyy20Fb-YLeyj3Q2IIcx47n/s1600/Marathon+Iphone+060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNNbT1jvPk9nwmsf15IRzQYNQYq2Tt1sBFOP97RdZeAvt-UtKYl0stvdJLhAOYCpUSlYYfZ6-WXfF915111SQvruaPrDKeP7N_yQbanv-_UzLToOzJQTJ0iyy20Fb-YLeyj3Q2IIcx47n/s320/Marathon+Iphone+060.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nautical Flea Market!!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<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/AVvXsEi1j1LV35wEZbPUpptg3hy9eb6tQMuU6rAIA5cae23OoLjKxPuBNCFTsbBbBbaf6SPHCn9chA8817eqwd2zVhZrJYjHsrd0A79DxqspnM8g-YZoq0TT67gLucE59TqGm8e1J1nnyq60OynP/s1600/DSCN4371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1j1LV35wEZbPUpptg3hy9eb6tQMuU6rAIA5cae23OoLjKxPuBNCFTsbBbBbaf6SPHCn9chA8817eqwd2zVhZrJYjHsrd0A79DxqspnM8g-YZoq0TT67gLucE59TqGm8e1J1nnyq60OynP/s320/DSCN4371.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We went to this great nautical flea market in Big Pine Key with my parents. They had great live music. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93OCh0-G4GEZSnK7tlzcptccSNhp9b-sok_6R8EVW3yCfjuWUvOzu_f1wVsm3UYc_sMSPhsD7yyTqjbX2Hn8v2GNO88vV7dB9jWANYJ8CwyhZFmD8Q9WJ7hCxrCpZ77DJvV0y_xuGiABV/s1600/DSCN4393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93OCh0-G4GEZSnK7tlzcptccSNhp9b-sok_6R8EVW3yCfjuWUvOzu_f1wVsm3UYc_sMSPhsD7yyTqjbX2Hn8v2GNO88vV7dB9jWANYJ8CwyhZFmD8Q9WJ7hCxrCpZ77DJvV0y_xuGiABV/s320/DSCN4393.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For all you non believers it does get cold in Marathon. Not as cold as New England though.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<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/AVvXsEg3bRR-yor51nQuYWQZbd_07nVKB6PNfOZJ8lPkcx9Slvit-bAu6VSKx4oaGQyZQaKSVxz9nI_OmXTfl8XlK7RtkZ_iphKWU_66D9CZvmI03n6gDOxwQwwgIfWCR-FrcAuqE-Y-nAuo3FMU/s1600/Marathon+Iphone+088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bRR-yor51nQuYWQZbd_07nVKB6PNfOZJ8lPkcx9Slvit-bAu6VSKx4oaGQyZQaKSVxz9nI_OmXTfl8XlK7RtkZ_iphKWU_66D9CZvmI03n6gDOxwQwwgIfWCR-FrcAuqE-Y-nAuo3FMU/s320/Marathon+Iphone+088.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One night at Key's Fisheries we fed the fish swimming in the light off the side of the restaurant.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<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/AVvXsEiG-omM_z5Cns3mWb-t3iTJ4fogmiGzlomnyNckhoHYXi2n_RT0q6a33uqUzOBtSN43KvZ9zY6_x-QDw9_90Wrv01O6UkWV-WiV4tf27T-E6ta5f772zK-QqrdPbyKJtMIuxsGlTX_YJ6mq/s1600/DSC_0087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-omM_z5Cns3mWb-t3iTJ4fogmiGzlomnyNckhoHYXi2n_RT0q6a33uqUzOBtSN43KvZ9zY6_x-QDw9_90Wrv01O6UkWV-WiV4tf27T-E6ta5f772zK-QqrdPbyKJtMIuxsGlTX_YJ6mq/s320/DSC_0087.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Negotiator out on an attempted cruise to the Mooring Ball Sombrero Reef. Unfortunately we both had to turn back because of high waves. </td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEgMaYiBqDYmwBn9nncz7U_4-s3T-qKlPNQvKmwRFsCSOI5ck9l2jMAp5Q0h8CLvgqIN2dI9pRHb0MH6SbKQefgggGBBUgT_o23_pb3aZ1PZJKqqAGJVTvbNnQCrit1t45StUIKmwftCxPuO/s1600/DSC_0111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMaYiBqDYmwBn9nncz7U_4-s3T-qKlPNQvKmwRFsCSOI5ck9l2jMAp5Q0h8CLvgqIN2dI9pRHb0MH6SbKQefgggGBBUgT_o23_pb3aZ1PZJKqqAGJVTvbNnQCrit1t45StUIKmwftCxPuO/s320/DSC_0111.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am Snorkel Man! I can't get over how much Will has grown in the past year, soon I wont be wreseling with him anymore.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIuAxAqUS2LJtSrsxDjuYeT4jg7Ec0ZSgJsnbSiXyAr6AUCfMZh3eCMRTHMIE73S7IDeOvQsiXgJl9jQoj2w0QdjjRWbklcu4GIAtOVqRbcu-nMNMOqRQf_txolkvaLDupeNJNmbHgO-T/s1600/DSC_0112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIuAxAqUS2LJtSrsxDjuYeT4jg7Ec0ZSgJsnbSiXyAr6AUCfMZh3eCMRTHMIE73S7IDeOvQsiXgJl9jQoj2w0QdjjRWbklcu4GIAtOVqRbcu-nMNMOqRQf_txolkvaLDupeNJNmbHgO-T/s320/DSC_0112.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first day at the beach</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimRS9npRWCJga7Vf4EZ4FKFlz3ap4HovZcnPyk7Yfik1DBlti0pcrM_K_Xt_zOlbgkSyX1bZXkVgbKutHmKPzHMSm2zgcAb_qEwvg4tNT0NkK9CZNFItoHFtehAI3xwOFvU76AbRn-ggpp/s1600/DSC_0121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimRS9npRWCJga7Vf4EZ4FKFlz3ap4HovZcnPyk7Yfik1DBlti0pcrM_K_Xt_zOlbgkSyX1bZXkVgbKutHmKPzHMSm2zgcAb_qEwvg4tNT0NkK9CZNFItoHFtehAI3xwOFvU76AbRn-ggpp/s320/DSC_0121.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Agent H and his catch of the day</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidsvX_v-BqYGwDmE-zr5Tt1aLPLSYuwLduwbMok546ZiOuD0VcDTAOP1aYPlovpzikTa-yoFx-1_nzuhUDIfEygS4Nqo2jZXMKZctaljEm2IGvT6wUa85CgmIDlYUnj3lCVUb9r8iUUPb0/s1600/DSC_0120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidsvX_v-BqYGwDmE-zr5Tt1aLPLSYuwLduwbMok546ZiOuD0VcDTAOP1aYPlovpzikTa-yoFx-1_nzuhUDIfEygS4Nqo2jZXMKZctaljEm2IGvT6wUa85CgmIDlYUnj3lCVUb9r8iUUPb0/s320/DSC_0120.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ryann showing off a beautiful starfish. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnokaIwjaFyP_-bsdgTgPOhv0f_xkhXtXIY1MTap7LurA189h8DK8_7Hw5Ed6YMI_I8evXrJ9FEcmSbvBIyNF1fjZJdvkIfs5AOl1ysLHlXXb7KOAC1t7dtjTcHs2Q5jGQz7HIlmbORVYk/s1600/DSC_0115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnokaIwjaFyP_-bsdgTgPOhv0f_xkhXtXIY1MTap7LurA189h8DK8_7Hw5Ed6YMI_I8evXrJ9FEcmSbvBIyNF1fjZJdvkIfs5AOl1ysLHlXXb7KOAC1t7dtjTcHs2Q5jGQz7HIlmbORVYk/s320/DSC_0115.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My brother H asleep on the beach. It was good to see him relax, his job doesn't give him much down time.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7OnuOwFubjIYnMIobaN4mBDTOb_sH4IsXrfcbvZiOenVP6gbQaX4LMa5hMdIPbXGttbn3-lUxbFPNavjNQzm8ITb0FPNi9qfK6GgHkDHdlbZlxAPPc4YZ11VYUjSfAXiC4qNCn0OU9Lh/s1600/DSC_0135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7OnuOwFubjIYnMIobaN4mBDTOb_sH4IsXrfcbvZiOenVP6gbQaX4LMa5hMdIPbXGttbn3-lUxbFPNavjNQzm8ITb0FPNi9qfK6GgHkDHdlbZlxAPPc4YZ11VYUjSfAXiC4qNCn0OU9Lh/s320/DSC_0135.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bill and Mary on Harbour Reach. They showed us their great boat that is truly cruiser comfy. We were shocked to hear that their daughter that use to work for Mystic Seaport has been following our blog. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDCDGCCJeoLOg35P0Tku7KaFRjBbGlCT2ily_w3LQufbML_SCs4P7E9R_zd_VT1MFJ6m4i7scp6eZpo84QnFTuRW_K9X8h-sb0ittxK9uKz47_tun5bwFeKYND_x6vunYsKWe89cynrdho/s1600/DSC_0142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDCDGCCJeoLOg35P0Tku7KaFRjBbGlCT2ily_w3LQufbML_SCs4P7E9R_zd_VT1MFJ6m4i7scp6eZpo84QnFTuRW_K9X8h-sb0ittxK9uKz47_tun5bwFeKYND_x6vunYsKWe89cynrdho/s320/DSC_0142.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our fellow boaters stop by to wish us well as we cast off.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_tLxVfLEZScmf8Ex7xPYwxh23Iagn96rgzQUs6n4-w20Perxy59Pm5i7a0FJlwfCkbKnY01g99uT3MHoRlEB3k2QQbI8iMeDe8BNgq1rXy8tt6Qz015Wy9lOvRti6kumjHkTJ9q39AZsd/s1600/Loopers-at-Marathon-Marina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_tLxVfLEZScmf8Ex7xPYwxh23Iagn96rgzQUs6n4-w20Perxy59Pm5i7a0FJlwfCkbKnY01g99uT3MHoRlEB3k2QQbI8iMeDe8BNgq1rXy8tt6Qz015Wy9lOvRti6kumjHkTJ9q39AZsd/s320/Loopers-at-Marathon-Marina.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The night before we left Marathon we had a looper gathering combined with a Birthday for Jim.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxCIi0buJGTj-qA0iU1YEDoCdfuOpwpS_V3wJNYY3zOqnW376Qq4pL58Fm1N5fc69BVhDiPQ7FQ6c0gQf5tWYxVATWJbsRGJ-bIjCp9bYCFmcaOP8-MCXdu0sRbRPAIFvEJX9apK_bh22/s1600/Blog+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxCIi0buJGTj-qA0iU1YEDoCdfuOpwpS_V3wJNYY3zOqnW376Qq4pL58Fm1N5fc69BVhDiPQ7FQ6c0gQf5tWYxVATWJbsRGJ-bIjCp9bYCFmcaOP8-MCXdu0sRbRPAIFvEJX9apK_bh22/s320/Blog+5.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Valentine's Day!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Peter Gulickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07329857002315262843noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294543769324056220.post-9062818454814652132011-01-17T11:02:00.001-05:002011-01-18T08:29:13.548-05:00One Ferrari Two Ferrari Three Ferrari Four......WOW!Okay, so we have all been to some pretty nice places in our lives right? Well I have to tell you I think we found Florida's playground for the rich and famous. After a great nights staying on a mooring ball in Fort Myers Beach, Anna and I gladly paid the ten dollar charge and got an early start bound for sunny Naples, Florida. We had been looking forward to getting down this way because we had been extended a fabulous invitation to spend a few nights tied up at the old Naples Yacht Club. Our cruise on the outside of the gulf to Naples took about five hours, and gave us some wonderful views of Florida's west coast. The crab pots seemed to thin out and we had a following sea which gave us a sweet ride all down the coast. As we made our approach to the narrow cut I sensed a major change in our surroundings. The tall motel high rises seemed to have disappeared and the boats seemed to have been on a heavy regiment of steroids. Not since we have left Nantucket have we seen such well manicured lawns and our descriptions of the surrounding boats shifted from look at the cool boat to look at the massive yacht! I could hear fellow looper Bill Peters now, ok everyone he would say, we are now in an area where we must shave and wear underwear, two things often joked about once you spend a few days away from land. Our short 20 minute trip from the gulf to Naples Yacht Club was a white knuckle experience. It seemed that everyone and their uncle was out on the water and the big boys were using every bit of the 30 foot wide channel. Upon our arrival at the club we got tied up, washed Blue, and took a long walk down to the very posh 5th ave in downtown Naples. It looked like the opening scene of a southern California movie. In a span of two miles I saw more fancy cars than I had even seen before in my life. I guess if you have it all you must have yourself a Bentley Convertible filled with designer bags. I must say after the initial shock over the change in atmosphere and it's occupants Anna and I truly loved Naples. Where else can you get a cup of "Bad Ass Coffee" and sit back on a bench seat and experience some of the worlds best people watching. I use to be a firm believer that if you wanted a good people show the best place to see it was waiting for a flight in a major airport. I now feel like a guy that got bumped to first class on an international flight and upon landing realizes that he will never again enjoy flying knowing what lies on the other side of the brown curtain in the front of the plane. Our hosts in Naples, Bill and Ann Westerfield, treated us to a wonderful evening at their club with friends. With all of them having been accomplished sailors our evening was filled with fabulous stories of having cruised to Bermuda then on down to Granada and all through the Caribbean. It is funny, they looked at our trip with wonder, yet Anna and I look at their travels with amazement, there is a big difference between cruising one night across the gulf, and making a passage to Bermuda. On our second day in Naples we prepped for the arrival of my Mom and Dad and my Uncle Bob. Bob who lives in Naples did a great job playing tour guide and ferried us around in his Hybrid car which fit right in parked next to the fancy cars that filled the parking lots. It was on the drive to Bob's home that Anna and I got to see how huge Naples is. I swear there is more traffic and cars in Naples than I have seen in any other town on our whole trip. At times you would think you were in NYC. We had a fun filled day with the family, we got to the famous Tin City and visited one of the most posh shopping malls I had ever seen in the nearby Pelican Bay area of Naples. With the weather looking good for the next few days and a strong cold front hanging ominously out in the gulf Anna and I had to cut the lines and make the run south. We cruised down the old ICW which allows you to make a run on the inside from Naples to the back side of Marco Island and Goodland Florida. We set anchor at Tripod Key just south of Marco Island and had a beautiful evening on the hook. Not a soul was in sight as we watched the sun go down over the tops of the Mangrove trees which surrounded our little anchorage. In the morning we made a short jump to Russells Pass an anchorage right outside the channel to Everglade City. Soon after our arrival we were joined by our friends Craig and Danielle Parrent along with their kids Ryann, Morgan and Jaxon. We had a blast with the Parrent Tribe back at Treasure Island and were overjoyed to find that they will be spending the month in Marathon with us at the Marathon Marina. I have to tell you we get a huge kick out of spending time with the kids, they have the greatest time exploring their surroundings and love to share there school projects as well as demonstrate their winning dance moves while playing "Just Dance" on the Wii. I don't know what the people around us think when they hear the kids laugh their heads off and getting the boat a rocking as they break it down to "The Eye Of The Tiger" and MC Hammers "Can't touch This". I am yet to play a round with them for fear of shattering a child's dreams by getting beat so bad by a 37 year old guy. NOT! They might see my disco moves yet, but you will be sure there will be no recording devise anywhere near Anna and my cosmic moves. After a fun night in Russells Pass we awoke to a foggy morning and a tough decision. Both Craig and I agreed that we did not want to run into the keys in the dark, and with a 80 mile run and a major front coming through the next morning, we either had to push off in the fog now or we will be here for at least four days. It took a few moments, but a slow run trough some of the thickest fog I had ever seen seemed to be our only option. Pushing Blue at idle speed with our fog horn running and our radar spun up we slowly pushed out to open water. For the most part it was an uneventful run to the outside, We saw one or two crab boats on the radar, but we all gave ourselves a miles distance and soon we were 15 miles off shore and felt pretty good about our run. About two hours into our run down the coast, Craig radioed that his boat was almost hit broadside by a small center consul fast fishing boat running at wide open speed in less than an eighth mile visibility. Luckily Morgan whom was on watch with her dad called out the boats approach off their port beam and the driver of the small boat turned hard, launching his little boat over their stern wake as he dodged them just in the nick of time. Craig and I were just floored that anyone would run such a small boat with little to no radar signature at such a high rate of speed in such limited visibility with what looked like no electronics. I guess he thought this far out what could he hit. Well we all got a good taste of what if and I thought maybe a trip to church might be in order. I have always told myself it is not me that I have to worry about in the fog, it is the guy with no instruments and a death wish that put the fear of god in me. Around four hours into our run the fog finally lifted and we had one the most beautiful afternoons anyone could ever ask for on a run to the keys. Our arrival in the keys was once again a sentimental moment for Blue's Crew, this is as far south as we will travel on our trip. That is unless the scratch off tickets I have been playing hit. As we rounded the Seven Mile Bridge, Blue's hull shook hands with the Atlantic ocean one again. With the our lines tied to the dock and the sun setting on the horizon we heard the sounds of a dozen conch shells being blown signaling the end of another beautiful day in the Conch Republic. I don't think there is any doubt we are going to like our time in the keys, bring on the sunshine.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTuSllP6lj3EPZvBz03_phyc3KqF1pPVic8m4THTwTVz5RtfGlbDlnjhU32-nuuTAJVa8uEHDZafJzoHLnJDZGrF5R-xb-vFpm_kBsB_VbcEx18CkQn3W74bqfn0uSRuU8iuW21EhTj5i/s1600/DSC_0295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTuSllP6lj3EPZvBz03_phyc3KqF1pPVic8m4THTwTVz5RtfGlbDlnjhU32-nuuTAJVa8uEHDZafJzoHLnJDZGrF5R-xb-vFpm_kBsB_VbcEx18CkQn3W74bqfn0uSRuU8iuW21EhTj5i/s320/DSC_0295.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the first of many ocean estates we saw as we entered Naples. I wish I could have taken more but the boat traffic was out of control.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5NvvBQ6FfqPUIsr22JP5-qQd1GY5OXUccvUO-M_cSEVsmUd5X6q3g3ybUR7OdvccANzD6F0Y6jKq-H9shSRq71cj81gsYjN40EZ9dOLI335qz23dxp36JDt0kCTv6rDZwEZYmGZmZjeyt/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5NvvBQ6FfqPUIsr22JP5-qQd1GY5OXUccvUO-M_cSEVsmUd5X6q3g3ybUR7OdvccANzD6F0Y6jKq-H9shSRq71cj81gsYjN40EZ9dOLI335qz23dxp36JDt0kCTv6rDZwEZYmGZmZjeyt/s320/DSC_0004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna and I went to a great Farmers Market right in downtown Naples. The fresh fruits and vegetables were fantastic.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A mall for the common man. Nothing to buy here but funny post cards and tee shirts.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH-67KnNvmIBOUeKYhAvpc4U8CV8M364tD961_TdcQxtMDjfxqTS1yHg0xwLzaVrRmzPSsC9tvOKxnktHIQXaPIx2olhNyUrXP26hY5wBBv7-uk5XeMPdWd1MBVDDvkSPhAx43UmuazcVK/s1600/DSC_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH-67KnNvmIBOUeKYhAvpc4U8CV8M364tD961_TdcQxtMDjfxqTS1yHg0xwLzaVrRmzPSsC9tvOKxnktHIQXaPIx2olhNyUrXP26hY5wBBv7-uk5XeMPdWd1MBVDDvkSPhAx43UmuazcVK/s320/DSC_0015.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You have got to look hard, but you can still find a fishing boat or two mixed in with all the Trumpies and Berger Boats.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had a nice morning Coffee with Bill and Ann Westerfield as well as my Uncle Bob and my Dad.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIrX0RNf-JOCi4qOfpYaI32SqjK-2HAjuas1heCwfnYc0423RpCUFxXcXUFxc-oKzWA_qBw57UkRfZaGt8OIaWLWFd-D8iw4Tax_TCNO67RsgK1PFXHj8T4MebG8jspqH6G7sYfCRvYwCt/s1600/DSC_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIrX0RNf-JOCi4qOfpYaI32SqjK-2HAjuas1heCwfnYc0423RpCUFxXcXUFxc-oKzWA_qBw57UkRfZaGt8OIaWLWFd-D8iw4Tax_TCNO67RsgK1PFXHj8T4MebG8jspqH6G7sYfCRvYwCt/s320/DSC_0010.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't know why I am not smiling, this was a great day and I had nothing to frown about. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgONK_UAgFWH8jyqoaPfmYt_JMATrJrZKanJiKRXVZs_SJdMNWBlIg8zJh6hPAwzqO1O-vV1RidSoIloNHb2Nf3qQ-JeZ2dzwj1ywV8oQtWksNOiaKjsExt8A2B0pDO1xrwcYtgTv3hd1Fg/s1600/Blog+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgONK_UAgFWH8jyqoaPfmYt_JMATrJrZKanJiKRXVZs_SJdMNWBlIg8zJh6hPAwzqO1O-vV1RidSoIloNHb2Nf3qQ-JeZ2dzwj1ywV8oQtWksNOiaKjsExt8A2B0pDO1xrwcYtgTv3hd1Fg/s320/Blog+3.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There we go, the beach always brings a smile to my face.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRjAx7f2HYidHqXgu2rqO0s95V6CWi7PI8RnLiVd3sFubTJ0S_96QOHc4Lq4bdrlbNzCi0YkCntjmyq6D6ZdzBVViDRiNLcz-BPDcc9_pxPZZ0atCEG7UP2pL8bqYIQX6fBakPORYQpdum/s1600/DSC_0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRjAx7f2HYidHqXgu2rqO0s95V6CWi7PI8RnLiVd3sFubTJ0S_96QOHc4Lq4bdrlbNzCi0YkCntjmyq6D6ZdzBVViDRiNLcz-BPDcc9_pxPZZ0atCEG7UP2pL8bqYIQX6fBakPORYQpdum/s320/DSC_0024.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see Negotiator off in the distance, Craig and his family had a great day looking for sharks, stingrays and dolphins in the water.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGybou-Jg4acHZ2hWacC25dq6axWJb0KElQFMIFLqY_JvPm_s2ItoNXoTLbsLm6SlOq7dbm2kFW_DNi9D3Vn0HPMLiDuoKyFZya_ReLFQL1mEAFEspABtqT1zu88LRkChSZrRMuZKySR26/s1600/DSC_0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGybou-Jg4acHZ2hWacC25dq6axWJb0KElQFMIFLqY_JvPm_s2ItoNXoTLbsLm6SlOq7dbm2kFW_DNi9D3Vn0HPMLiDuoKyFZya_ReLFQL1mEAFEspABtqT1zu88LRkChSZrRMuZKySR26/s320/DSC_0028.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wasn't kidding about the gulf. I don't think it can get much calmer than this. Those white dots are crab pots. We had to dodge them all the way to the keys. We joked that at times you could have walked on them they were so thick.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJk_caxRhNlPrG_rLWee14wPEuleb2WaRMCYm7JGPkNfV7lGdmk8hWp3t3aUbiZQYla4s7AjWudB3vl8QfPKONOc3cYBNQVYhX9ws0DuMkSB5seYIgQqEzc5CGWWOCq7Y6kXCuhz9TcrJ4/s1600/DSC_0038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJk_caxRhNlPrG_rLWee14wPEuleb2WaRMCYm7JGPkNfV7lGdmk8hWp3t3aUbiZQYla4s7AjWudB3vl8QfPKONOc3cYBNQVYhX9ws0DuMkSB5seYIgQqEzc5CGWWOCq7Y6kXCuhz9TcrJ4/s320/DSC_0038.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I hate to brake it to all my friends at home, but every town in Florida has a Miss China. This shrimper has beached herself off Marathon and is now abandoned. Check out the Parrents link on my blog list, they explored the abandoned ship with the kids.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkAF0scUsi4AID0wshi16hF6MFIm4Of0FwxDtp0QtYRZcZPAe8Jsk4XjoDQBCgKODVxcSoUXxup4VkWw4zH7s_k_roaPRvsMgHHrU214W1urRiLs7ZrdyE9AR5WbUF_p_LkqzcWX4gtjVV/s1600/blog+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkAF0scUsi4AID0wshi16hF6MFIm4Of0FwxDtp0QtYRZcZPAe8Jsk4XjoDQBCgKODVxcSoUXxup4VkWw4zH7s_k_roaPRvsMgHHrU214W1urRiLs7ZrdyE9AR5WbUF_p_LkqzcWX4gtjVV/s320/blog+1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marathon at 5:55pm. I intend on being in this spot every night for the next month. I will have to find myself a Conch shell and give it a try. Who knows this summer you might hear the conch shell blow its deep call as the sun crests over the west end of Nantucket.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Peter Gulickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07329857002315262843noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294543769324056220.post-83068482177687718872011-01-15T15:51:00.003-05:002011-01-15T19:41:25.916-05:00It's Good to be Back<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Wow, it's been too long since Anna and I have updated the blog and I am sure there are quite a few of you that are wondering what the heck happened. Did they give up? Did they drowned? Where are they? To tell you the truth we have no good excuse as to why it has been so long, the plain truth is our arrival in Florida has been a bit of a head trip. For the past eight months Anna and I have felt like a rocket that was launched into space. On the day we left port we felt as if we were placed in orbit circling the earth filling each day with wonderful new sights and experiences. As we entered Florida and the holiday season approached we arranged to leave Blue and drive home for Christmas. As the day of our departure home approached, mission control called and brought a new word into our looper vocabulary. It was as if it came to us over the VHF radio in a static filled voice from far far away, "Blue Yonder, Blue Yonder" we heard. "this is mission control, prepare for REENTRY!" As many of you have seen this whole trip has been just amazing, the things we have seen, the places we have been, the people we have met, they have changed us forever. With our arrival in Florida, Anna and I realized that we have now completed over 70% of our trip and with that realization we find ourselves facing a harsh reality. In four months time we will be home. That leaves us facing the big question, what's next? The truth of the matter is, we have no idea. The whole situation came to a head last week and Anna and I realized that if we spend the next four months obsessing about what is next, we might as well quit the trip. All our time and energy is being wasted thinking about what is next, not on what is now. Thankfully neither Anna nor I wish to give up on our dreams so with much thought we have determined that we will leave it to fate for now. In our lives there have been many things that seemed to happen for a reason, some were good some were bad, but it has always seemed to fall together in the end. Why should this time in our lives be any different. With that being said, let me fill you all in on what we have seen in the past four weeks. Right before Christmas Anna and I had a spent a few wonderful nights in Fort Myers. The Edison and Ford Estates were a must see for us and they did not disappoint. The number of inventions and the contributions of these two men are astounding. After a long day at the museums, we connected with friends in the area and got to enjoy a fantastic evening with Donna and Joe Corso at a neat restaurant in downtown Ft. Myers. We got a kick out of meeting them at the boat before dinner, it is always fun to watch peoples reactions to how we live on Blue. Half the people that visit us say man I could do this, the other half say no way, you guys are out of your minds. I think it was a split decision with Donna and Joe, Joe seemed to be into it, but Donna seemed more skeptical as we showed her the small space we call home. I can't say I blame her, there are many a moments when Anna and I have freaked out over something on Blue, for instance I seem to have a habit of hitting my head on something every day and Anna seems to have a similar problem with banging her kneecap in things. When these things happen we say to each other, give me a minute I am having a bad boating moment. Thankfully the bad boating moments have become fewer and fewer as days go by, but I would be lying if I didn't say they happen. Leaving Fort Myers we made way up to Rialto Harbor on the Okeechobee waterway and left Blue safely in the hands of Buss, the owner and operator of one of the most fantastic marinas we have seen thus far on or trip. If you are traveling through the lake Okeechobee waterway, you must stop at Rialto Harbor, it is unlike any other marina you will find in the area, and offers one of the most peaceful and enchanting experiences anyone could ask for. It is without question a fantastic representation of old Florida, from the horses to the beautiful landscaped paths, you think you had been brought back in time to an old Florida plantation paradise. Feeling great about Blues new home, we hopped in our rental car and made the trek north. Stopping at my Uncle Ed's home in Evingtion VA then on to NJ to spend a few days and Christmas eve with the Gulick clan. Late Christmas Eve we pushed on to CT to see the other half of the family the von Pechmanns and were greeted by a winter storm that left us all filled with joy on Christmas day. Our stay in CT was made all the more special by having been able to connect with our good friends Ryan and Kiley and their son Paxton from Nantucket. To tell you the truth we could not have asked for a better Christmas, it had been to long since we enjoyed the company of or families. It was truly one of the best Christmas's Anna and I have ever had. With the holidays over we made way back to the boat and have pushed on south with the warmth of the keys on our minds. We will make a stop in Naples and visit with friends and family then we will make way to Marathon. It is good to be back on the path again, we are letting fate make the calls, and sleeping a whole lot better for it. What comes next, who knows. But we can't wait to find out.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibgoBrEp3D_ot9JwU3pMt6vgPx0DzJ-yP7CcyLEUHwZRnCCC8tuTqy0Q-66RHSeNirh573PAHLq8RzoYz6Vt4Cc3TeOyWaD_s5GcGZHGcyWPmi8bYBujP8JDGeuveGGrpf83qk0kQgKHtN/s1600/DSC_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibgoBrEp3D_ot9JwU3pMt6vgPx0DzJ-yP7CcyLEUHwZRnCCC8tuTqy0Q-66RHSeNirh573PAHLq8RzoYz6Vt4Cc3TeOyWaD_s5GcGZHGcyWPmi8bYBujP8JDGeuveGGrpf83qk0kQgKHtN/s320/DSC_0020.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A stop at the Edison and Ford Estates in Fort Myers is a must</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNd0AmcsUWqyKzp2_F9wcVG_1jdjHn3dWz6_C_dlrw1DcdX6kxcPBtuVSjFTski8a9p8eBpP18uHLO-9p9X-VpNoTXNoJhrPVhNYzB9wsyI4bsKCGkEbAc84mRergBfqEeZsQEpA5Pt1Jg/s1600/DSC_0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNd0AmcsUWqyKzp2_F9wcVG_1jdjHn3dWz6_C_dlrw1DcdX6kxcPBtuVSjFTski8a9p8eBpP18uHLO-9p9X-VpNoTXNoJhrPVhNYzB9wsyI4bsKCGkEbAc84mRergBfqEeZsQEpA5Pt1Jg/s320/DSC_0023.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had the best tour guide of our whole trip here and that made it so interesting to learn about Edison and Ford</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfxyo9mWwaoDuyRrMYSyNldomsbxcccn2sC1nomrsRoiLDjxxcjQGl28DLBkiaCC67bRT9QA0xDvzalqYZh4NtVBULrDkv2YgjGOxl1PMmtdpUIf2CeTY4dghYcwEHK6I9ayGPGX4exV2/s1600/DSC_0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfxyo9mWwaoDuyRrMYSyNldomsbxcccn2sC1nomrsRoiLDjxxcjQGl28DLBkiaCC67bRT9QA0xDvzalqYZh4NtVBULrDkv2YgjGOxl1PMmtdpUIf2CeTY4dghYcwEHK6I9ayGPGX4exV2/s320/DSC_0024.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out the really cool original lighting in this house.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2z06yVnei1306_URUjjrBZJtwZx4Ib9WICozkazEwuNJNZnCBIuSf9kfBEgIyA1ldch7DHFyX9kV-GuOUJMPdExCoM0A2ClkLP38XxruKrmBEUigGuvFdGMDD-iz9hKnEItnMF_43uWB/s1600/DSC_0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2z06yVnei1306_URUjjrBZJtwZx4Ib9WICozkazEwuNJNZnCBIuSf9kfBEgIyA1ldch7DHFyX9kV-GuOUJMPdExCoM0A2ClkLP38XxruKrmBEUigGuvFdGMDD-iz9hKnEItnMF_43uWB/s320/DSC_0027.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This above ground swimming pool was truly a unique feature </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGtdzH0-6KS5ACu88Lsh1wwXudD53pFCpjvpGCQdUITlNk8TlJ5K9ZH53W7WI8xnxpM0z1XIBF-JbTxhp3ug2T27q1Q9xTMDH80mmlKuRTvvGj89u5FZT-HyvnL3xpBYixo8uu18AaeoyV/s1600/DSC_0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGtdzH0-6KS5ACu88Lsh1wwXudD53pFCpjvpGCQdUITlNk8TlJ5K9ZH53W7WI8xnxpM0z1XIBF-JbTxhp3ug2T27q1Q9xTMDH80mmlKuRTvvGj89u5FZT-HyvnL3xpBYixo8uu18AaeoyV/s320/DSC_0030.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna just loved this amazing tall palm tree</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHpok4RlAaMlJkp-yeviuqLQLu58eiFUwKpnUhyxD3gthVH-hUG6LrhqWEO5pLvhv_2cw58WEt5ZsXUbpeIuoL2pXXYvjAVv418R_QrvnL4co35LpLUCJLra-_Mn_-j5TrfHl236HUC0jD/s1600/DSC_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHpok4RlAaMlJkp-yeviuqLQLu58eiFUwKpnUhyxD3gthVH-hUG6LrhqWEO5pLvhv_2cw58WEt5ZsXUbpeIuoL2pXXYvjAVv418R_QrvnL4co35LpLUCJLra-_Mn_-j5TrfHl236HUC0jD/s320/DSC_0011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is said that the phonograph was Edison's favorite invention- because it was the only one that worked on the first try. He was deaf so you can see teeth marks on these where he bit into it to feel the vibration</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvcOgDmkT4Afy3_rxm4ifEw-kHu7FtPU8noMyqwrXVuO1FUi_5ks8QW1Tnmo-nYBSrxTTW7y4D1asn_L38P8CcG7h2bnV3AwUQH-EtkFMmv6t7RpP8beRePJDYiEynhtRD1kRpyxN28K4L/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvcOgDmkT4Afy3_rxm4ifEw-kHu7FtPU8noMyqwrXVuO1FUi_5ks8QW1Tnmo-nYBSrxTTW7y4D1asn_L38P8CcG7h2bnV3AwUQH-EtkFMmv6t7RpP8beRePJDYiEynhtRD1kRpyxN28K4L/s320/DSC_0012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The number of inventions and contributions that Edison made to society seem to be never ending as you walk around his museum</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1Cv5amyE9kUirxAaoKdh65rqs6MQfJHtnQi5178NQtf9c-6fCL1hgQgElpJjAKsNtX-OZ8di1KAhKEbCHOzwrhLm0cw69hZ1cDdq9fY2JLfYPeyfm2CkLLIEblhjI74usTl-4QNZCcDL/s1600/DSC_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1Cv5amyE9kUirxAaoKdh65rqs6MQfJHtnQi5178NQtf9c-6fCL1hgQgElpJjAKsNtX-OZ8di1KAhKEbCHOzwrhLm0cw69hZ1cDdq9fY2JLfYPeyfm2CkLLIEblhjI74usTl-4QNZCcDL/s320/DSC_0014.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What would we do without Mr. Ford?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Eu2RDmTo_BsFnpqqp0cHNw6kb7hlhSq8ccDBVPmFpD1Zked6EVyT9I8MYDRzHX5clrU2kZdwHD0TNf247voTAC4Gx00dVn9oSVS-3uaBXH7B9LWZzD0B1S0EvElQYRwteOprENRV5_9V/s1600/DSC_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Eu2RDmTo_BsFnpqqp0cHNw6kb7hlhSq8ccDBVPmFpD1Zked6EVyT9I8MYDRzHX5clrU2kZdwHD0TNf247voTAC4Gx00dVn9oSVS-3uaBXH7B9LWZzD0B1S0EvElQYRwteOprENRV5_9V/s320/DSC_0015.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This car on the right would arrive without a cab. What many did is use the wood from the car shipping crate to create the kind of cab that they needed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZAFAH9cg06Doe7-hMh-jHysGDCFXPZklgaW4Vds6u2TkK2PFhUmW02T0JbzP0dEC3mlDTwBCnFKbsi_bjzq1WEwLuabHC4Bch0cKKy3U2C07oG08KlPZhg9YmjCGOk3psz5xXV2FbdKq9/s1600/DSC_0032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZAFAH9cg06Doe7-hMh-jHysGDCFXPZklgaW4Vds6u2TkK2PFhUmW02T0JbzP0dEC3mlDTwBCnFKbsi_bjzq1WEwLuabHC4Bch0cKKy3U2C07oG08KlPZhg9YmjCGOk3psz5xXV2FbdKq9/s320/DSC_0032.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We finally got to see some the cars that Uncle Ed is building. It is truly amazing all the different projects that he has going on</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJ83HWyCBV3ebezZ7xmhTxIzcBRadQWS-UhC5sKjeOmVmcoU8Hn_m8Xqf2_hXQ2mRE5VNFX_TV7WOR_2e7WVJEiZpfLk5NgaGSjJ4m48N6bifiS4seXQXbNHWkDg_6stfuenuoPhSdN2z/s1600/DSC_0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJ83HWyCBV3ebezZ7xmhTxIzcBRadQWS-UhC5sKjeOmVmcoU8Hn_m8Xqf2_hXQ2mRE5VNFX_TV7WOR_2e7WVJEiZpfLk5NgaGSjJ4m48N6bifiS4seXQXbNHWkDg_6stfuenuoPhSdN2z/s320/DSC_0033.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now that is a cool engine</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4tTkTZiePLWxt6zkhqOuWsWeeDVfcExvV63SMg2TCteS2Y1qub3F1y8lxQEMYmBalzIsAzpxAcgdbHclIuwdsEqTzJuBKRUH7XzlPfBIqmn42_czCllo6CDACPd6w1OZCmHe_4CjIyXYq/s1600/DSC_0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4tTkTZiePLWxt6zkhqOuWsWeeDVfcExvV63SMg2TCteS2Y1qub3F1y8lxQEMYmBalzIsAzpxAcgdbHclIuwdsEqTzJuBKRUH7XzlPfBIqmn42_czCllo6CDACPd6w1OZCmHe_4CjIyXYq/s320/DSC_0035.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you say Hemi! OH YEAH!!!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipv1i1zsXJ8pG8iTLLkfTu7t-sJe4qjub5ACFiMBeQvItcbllJD5RAxvjfB2sYeN4yGzHMGa5BZRIuD4yTzNScY1MZxbE7DtYaVf4iDgYs_TKr0WyqDsEt8UQ37hLuNa6Pi9RISkX6rjjz/s1600/DSC_0046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipv1i1zsXJ8pG8iTLLkfTu7t-sJe4qjub5ACFiMBeQvItcbllJD5RAxvjfB2sYeN4yGzHMGa5BZRIuD4yTzNScY1MZxbE7DtYaVf4iDgYs_TKr0WyqDsEt8UQ37hLuNa6Pi9RISkX6rjjz/s320/DSC_0046.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my best friend from childhood, Dave. Holding his youngest child, Ethan</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEhVhpUq8XYb1BYspg3AuGRKvd0LSFBmrb-DCfRiwtL5EHYzsqdodXEXqYuDX8oIzDK1TVaQVZ42ugljeRHdrl7_mp110UNm-A5QJCp6Y6FHOPd0Cz0oSbGG-KaEkk1JduRHzN3fH9SGObnM/s1600/DSC_0078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVhpUq8XYb1BYspg3AuGRKvd0LSFBmrb-DCfRiwtL5EHYzsqdodXEXqYuDX8oIzDK1TVaQVZ42ugljeRHdrl7_mp110UNm-A5QJCp6Y6FHOPd0Cz0oSbGG-KaEkk1JduRHzN3fH9SGObnM/s320/DSC_0078.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nephew Will- Holding his prized Sparkling Cider</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEhwGcI0UuXZD2ttEHypThj1l3vHiUVCKH7dmat6h2JoaCmFDmyp87tB7u8ED16LLcpgUwiBnUBxtZCqBMMqkfwS0P4XBC5DU3vsKD0hy3NDQS7iOtl3S-BNik7ZS5QbaUNwnMKuEZsDV-h7/s1600/DSC_0082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGcI0UuXZD2ttEHypThj1l3vHiUVCKH7dmat6h2JoaCmFDmyp87tB7u8ED16LLcpgUwiBnUBxtZCqBMMqkfwS0P4XBC5DU3vsKD0hy3NDQS7iOtl3S-BNik7ZS5QbaUNwnMKuEZsDV-h7/s320/DSC_0082.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Niece Grace- About to rock it out for us</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTjzCVx138cFGQT0YXA2jkYeqxz1xW51a-ZA359kd_3UhRaANFzp3Kt1YTtPWd5xFgu6X8QSIzw8X2T9OOdgdRXXx2thpXHfcF6tsRCOiIoI2Vwxuem6Pp2KF9f9gddeKAIoRLA4e0aGNF/s1600/DSC_0098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTjzCVx138cFGQT0YXA2jkYeqxz1xW51a-ZA359kd_3UhRaANFzp3Kt1YTtPWd5xFgu6X8QSIzw8X2T9OOdgdRXXx2thpXHfcF6tsRCOiIoI2Vwxuem6Pp2KF9f9gddeKAIoRLA4e0aGNF/s320/DSC_0098.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nephew Jeffrey- He loves his snakes!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOuH978bISJDgnfJeq_jDeonG9Lkd0ySOjA7CRq1hyonv5OYQGmpYWW7wP24Zv2D8RI9FvT_iJ51u3CwlHxqTsG_d-UfJhnrit25EpIoQl7bcSaO-V9m8mxXb6duEE1tr1xunVrRYWH8x5/s1600/DSC_0121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOuH978bISJDgnfJeq_jDeonG9Lkd0ySOjA7CRq1hyonv5OYQGmpYWW7wP24Zv2D8RI9FvT_iJ51u3CwlHxqTsG_d-UfJhnrit25EpIoQl7bcSaO-V9m8mxXb6duEE1tr1xunVrRYWH8x5/s320/DSC_0121.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeffrey and Paxton playing together! What an amazing sight to see. </td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQp8wUXHSSn8hr22wWqMvJvUAZT8KG_cihF6wQwe8VnLGxeQTLTLFbClmbrYwvDLyRMWtvlBzVmoAhZFcQzQl1-Vls7ufVje6RJTRUNwg3cB-eq_KF5nYGvAOVrvmDBn_-arTpbl9UYhD/s1600/DSC_0255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQp8wUXHSSn8hr22wWqMvJvUAZT8KG_cihF6wQwe8VnLGxeQTLTLFbClmbrYwvDLyRMWtvlBzVmoAhZFcQzQl1-Vls7ufVje6RJTRUNwg3cB-eq_KF5nYGvAOVrvmDBn_-arTpbl9UYhD/s320/DSC_0255.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue all tied up safe and sound at Rialto Marina as we arrived home to her</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8G5lep8pd6mWR2WRUVaISwoA5S4iwaKKJWkvcVHrI9D1wAJqYleSsOMTxPz41GlejI47tzi7yBp7LiEYc0dQrGLS0RN9YHwPWSoRMDctEWO-kOKpvQWR8vRjERTHCggU77h3hKDLlBb54/s1600/DSC_0256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8G5lep8pd6mWR2WRUVaISwoA5S4iwaKKJWkvcVHrI9D1wAJqYleSsOMTxPz41GlejI47tzi7yBp7LiEYc0dQrGLS0RN9YHwPWSoRMDctEWO-kOKpvQWR8vRjERTHCggU77h3hKDLlBb54/s320/DSC_0256.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Santa sleigh that took us many hours north and south!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KCPALOAdQi0dzicPW9NFUxj6ndv7iqb6vKJVCtuGLm6AOJrAaLIJMjSz1hMAHR9Wj5PLgplzc-8h0o6Avmbtb4oF3z-C97wEScWH3bFYVW2MGFqB1CLpG0Wdam-DXQXiCixd7Xw1rje5/s1600/DSC_0266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KCPALOAdQi0dzicPW9NFUxj6ndv7iqb6vKJVCtuGLm6AOJrAaLIJMjSz1hMAHR9Wj5PLgplzc-8h0o6Avmbtb4oF3z-C97wEScWH3bFYVW2MGFqB1CLpG0Wdam-DXQXiCixd7Xw1rje5/s320/DSC_0266.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many beautiful, well cared for boats were enjoying some tlc and time off at the marina</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYEldWuWTioObLjSroWe4PXlSNYhGUvfFurPV3yg1lnjTVgfYOnJH4afRv94pvSSYHYQ4u4CN3Mp9FIjNiDG9RnpMke3DWu4jnpM5tMzXvAbrr_Fm7c8KzAhJ9Gx30ObS7GUBNxWKhFPew/s1600/DSC_0267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYEldWuWTioObLjSroWe4PXlSNYhGUvfFurPV3yg1lnjTVgfYOnJH4afRv94pvSSYHYQ4u4CN3Mp9FIjNiDG9RnpMke3DWu4jnpM5tMzXvAbrr_Fm7c8KzAhJ9Gx30ObS7GUBNxWKhFPew/s320/DSC_0267.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wonderful private dock that we had at Rialto Marina</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZrwQGY8dPO1YUt29F4f8jK7FxKwpdFdmo7ffmZDbMVLaEPDZtRqJ9bj2ja0Lb_TYmqhMkPjcCsKYyxZoXZf8DvvHmfdEXpcBlibw9Ve49WN7Lq1daCpimr684ZWSsVPrEOL8jEopW3Q_/s1600/DSC_0264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZrwQGY8dPO1YUt29F4f8jK7FxKwpdFdmo7ffmZDbMVLaEPDZtRqJ9bj2ja0Lb_TYmqhMkPjcCsKYyxZoXZf8DvvHmfdEXpcBlibw9Ve49WN7Lq1daCpimr684ZWSsVPrEOL8jEopW3Q_/s320/DSC_0264.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is one of the horses at the marina. These horses compete professionally.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<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/AVvXsEgUwwtdjxVV5qQOhIw4ITgYJH5Sopbr2QzGaokrb2Pa3AZoK83emW_t4WTYnR8wQq8fCN4Vm3WwXnBPFWTVD7j3C9Gr3sqyQq47tvC9jYCfaEObNFgEZbfwfQEEpE_h-HFfajzDInbYzSKn/s1600/DSC_0270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUwwtdjxVV5qQOhIw4ITgYJH5Sopbr2QzGaokrb2Pa3AZoK83emW_t4WTYnR8wQq8fCN4Vm3WwXnBPFWTVD7j3C9Gr3sqyQq47tvC9jYCfaEObNFgEZbfwfQEEpE_h-HFfajzDInbYzSKn/s320/DSC_0270.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The scenery here was just so tranquil</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmmUoqBPz34bsyNZdGtopN_IPFGEeKSFdbuAhtSxWyPHGIiCcee3lv0yHkD7WMJSCvLPq1PgGGgaWLg1jOPJa_ujBEleSPoY-yTMSgYQI9jzRVjR2c2z5ROoLwnNDUDGHGFkv-4lLhGr4/s1600/DSC_0271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmmUoqBPz34bsyNZdGtopN_IPFGEeKSFdbuAhtSxWyPHGIiCcee3lv0yHkD7WMJSCvLPq1PgGGgaWLg1jOPJa_ujBEleSPoY-yTMSgYQI9jzRVjR2c2z5ROoLwnNDUDGHGFkv-4lLhGr4/s320/DSC_0271.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can hear these beautiful Doves chatting away as you sit on your boat</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEhTq5k2hctXFgFeCA4mT0lxIc5g1Sn3Bjs_EjdhLC6KiELVvT64LBfc5Z6LEn03sOZN9swpDMFEwgoMLKm6Mci2dmP4u_J7WVJM8ittsI7KZ99wzR2qJ191Too74po2HBEkDJxyRmkMO2II/s1600/DSC_0274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTq5k2hctXFgFeCA4mT0lxIc5g1Sn3Bjs_EjdhLC6KiELVvT64LBfc5Z6LEn03sOZN9swpDMFEwgoMLKm6Mci2dmP4u_J7WVJM8ittsI7KZ99wzR2qJ191Too74po2HBEkDJxyRmkMO2II/s320/DSC_0274.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very private little house for all your showering and head needs</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGT0uy2SAVdy8noNv0Qyryjy-TUNJOW09K2CjPlo6Wly1IravgwGYOhQMZYNjagdg6ZOXqBRTapya0qHFSNvpa2XpZqcXC_La0p50Wm-3XGgJYTwDlMJEpq08pMWfWM8dlFTVjOv3eCRpk/s1600/DSC_0278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGT0uy2SAVdy8noNv0Qyryjy-TUNJOW09K2CjPlo6Wly1IravgwGYOhQMZYNjagdg6ZOXqBRTapya0qHFSNvpa2XpZqcXC_La0p50Wm-3XGgJYTwDlMJEpq08pMWfWM8dlFTVjOv3eCRpk/s320/DSC_0278.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the barn building that Buss runs his marina and yacht brokerage out of.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis9SdFcdGdqKSuiuJY5TvYWpGfdtNi9Qo5NUQ3CP2-Ue18H0-nytMk10EFUWtcNcRDOu5DqsJBmYPjnBqmN8_65CmvnofCquf7Ps4zpMzfTaNsnmFDJtJWt0VioOkRaN066fAQ4jVZGqgK/s1600/DSC_0258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis9SdFcdGdqKSuiuJY5TvYWpGfdtNi9Qo5NUQ3CP2-Ue18H0-nytMk10EFUWtcNcRDOu5DqsJBmYPjnBqmN8_65CmvnofCquf7Ps4zpMzfTaNsnmFDJtJWt0VioOkRaN066fAQ4jVZGqgK/s320/DSC_0258.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful horses and yards surround the entire marina.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVj9yT3BKxBl_s0TMLrpYyYCizazSvV0dK0LTkdc2pVLZrfEs063OIrY89TXKUUoiBaEwwiYVwZpIKB2W1yvJ5TcFVrfgYQQd9ychLX_IFmbokCYv_OCf5GQw6D-jI-l1Pl1s2VZ-CVhQk/s1600/DSC_0280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVj9yT3BKxBl_s0TMLrpYyYCizazSvV0dK0LTkdc2pVLZrfEs063OIrY89TXKUUoiBaEwwiYVwZpIKB2W1yvJ5TcFVrfgYQQd9ychLX_IFmbokCYv_OCf5GQw6D-jI-l1Pl1s2VZ-CVhQk/s320/DSC_0280.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice all the chickens running around the grounds. Mobey was not sure what to make of them</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbNeKj35ulWPg7x74GZsRAUaoso7Ilj4DqEdr9hMK4yPF7xiIrnMYY0KRLTdSiLc4MOf_tgMGxkv7oXb6TivZe3r5mQP1qAdKxRZ2WqNV0W0ePLratOyKz7OCj0gqy0W7QLyAkRcFpgTr/s1600/DSC_0284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbNeKj35ulWPg7x74GZsRAUaoso7Ilj4DqEdr9hMK4yPF7xiIrnMYY0KRLTdSiLc4MOf_tgMGxkv7oXb6TivZe3r5mQP1qAdKxRZ2WqNV0W0ePLratOyKz7OCj0gqy0W7QLyAkRcFpgTr/s320/DSC_0284.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two sets of brand new Bosch Washer and Dryers!! A loopers heaven involves great washing machines</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC7hEkIy3nppB9bG2VgRtEhXAKAKiBA9uVzNWDjQnPkngImjCdYg6LI1Wqje771s-UfQOXsx4TaDCHHtj0JWk2gQWk3Dq-VoNIuBXt2Ae7rlJ_y179GiFpZx-yhgMIzt2KTvvMPbF1nhKc/s1600/DSC_0285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC7hEkIy3nppB9bG2VgRtEhXAKAKiBA9uVzNWDjQnPkngImjCdYg6LI1Wqje771s-UfQOXsx4TaDCHHtj0JWk2gQWk3Dq-VoNIuBXt2Ae7rlJ_y179GiFpZx-yhgMIzt2KTvvMPbF1nhKc/s320/DSC_0285.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful home of the Rialto Marina owners. Right there on the property</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXnawbL9JvVyTdDmb1i0GAOcZe6A_7O5OA1g8oF7J33O480SHwCH24Cb5W1gJPNYsvoRt8PqkyXHuiha0U_C7ZJII08RDCow-E9svjBWUORgykFdUB-pmNpdn_fChDMfjHRyl-7Q1Ch2H3/s1600/DSC_0287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXnawbL9JvVyTdDmb1i0GAOcZe6A_7O5OA1g8oF7J33O480SHwCH24Cb5W1gJPNYsvoRt8PqkyXHuiha0U_C7ZJII08RDCow-E9svjBWUORgykFdUB-pmNpdn_fChDMfjHRyl-7Q1Ch2H3/s320/DSC_0287.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ahhh! Peace and Tranquility</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhExD4ggxBmb7nsKfD6fdzsgQkYnoVyrho2jHTJOAoXgTmOBDD33hy1eBIVMW1_jPLwJidZm0hIKII5X1VgTFpYRi4-CYdTPhMhYDaOW-tunfQatOFXGHGairmr8GrVq1pCc6JhSQZW4BvC/s1600/DSC_0289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhExD4ggxBmb7nsKfD6fdzsgQkYnoVyrho2jHTJOAoXgTmOBDD33hy1eBIVMW1_jPLwJidZm0hIKII5X1VgTFpYRi4-CYdTPhMhYDaOW-tunfQatOFXGHGairmr8GrVq1pCc6JhSQZW4BvC/s320/DSC_0289.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As we get underway we are met by a beautiful sunrise in Ft Myers Beach!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Peter Gulickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07329857002315262843noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294543769324056220.post-46541537555876247262010-12-14T12:58:00.001-05:002010-12-14T13:15:05.591-05:00Lions and Tigers and Bears Oh My!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Well I have got to tell you all it has been some cold down here in the sunshine state. This morning we awoke to a brisk wind and temperatures in the low thirties. I think I can see a line of Floridians forming a cue on the top of the Tampa Bay Bridge, jumping seems to be the only option for this warm blooded breed. I myself feel quite happy with this brisk morning, it finally feels like Christmas is upon us. In a few days Anna and I will journey home to see the families, it should be a great trip. For the past two weeks Anna and I have been bouncing around in the St. Petersburg and Sarasota area. Our first stop was at the Treasure Island Yacht Club about 30 miles south of Clearwater. We had read a review of the club on the Great Loop Cruisers Forum and decided to stop in and check out how the Jones's live. Upon our arrival we knew we had found cruisers gold. The Treasure Island Yacht Club has just reopened under new ownership, and is offering unbelievable discounts in an attempt to drum up business. Les the dock master gave us a tour of the grounds and let us know that while we stay at the club, we are given access to all the clubs amenities, this included a heated Olympic size swimming pool, steam room, full state of the art fitness center, health spa, <span style="background-color: white;">pool bar</span>, free arcade, dinning room, jet skies, tennis, and evening entertainment such as the lead singer from Foreigner, Joe Piscapo, KC and The Sunshine Band and other acts. They should rename this place Fantasy Island and have a short Hawaiian Man in white suit yell, "the plane the plane" as you pull in. With a few days of luxury under our belts Anna and I put together a travel plan that would take us down to our departure home for Christmas. Leaving Treasure Island we made way for the St. Petersburg Municipal Marina in downtown St. Pete's. We had heard of an art museum there that features the artwork of Salvador Dali, a famous Spanish painter who's works found fame in the mid 20th century. I enjoyed the museum but am now fully confident that Salvador Dali was clinically insane. His works of art ranging from paintings, sculpture, and performing arts were truly amazing and completely not my thing. I guess that is the best part of doing the loop, I now know I have no interest in owning a priceless piece of art from this unbelievably gifted and wacky artist. Our evenings in St. Petersburg were enjoyed on Blue looking out from the salon at the backdrop of downtown, it is always an exhilarating feeling. Next stop for us was the beautiful area of Sarasota. Our main objective for this stop was to visit the Ringling Museum. When I was a kid I remember my Mother taking my brother and I to see, "The Greatest Show On Earth" the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus. Just writing the words brings back a wave of senses as I can smell the cotton candy, popcorn and candy apples. I remember looking in awe as a man drove a motorcycle upside down in a steal cage and the famous Gunter cracked a whip in his lion cage. Our visit to the museum was not what I expected. Yes, the exhibits of the old circus cars and clown outfits where amazing, but the true show was found in the history of the founding circus families and their personal art collections. In the golden era of the American circus, it would have employed over 2000 people all of whom traveled daily from city to city, setting up, performing and breaking down all in one day. The Circus resembled a traveling army. In a time without tv and video games it must have been truly amazing to see this circus pull into town and transform an open field into a city filled with mystical animals and seemingly inhuman feets of acrobatics. Having thoroughly enjoyed our time in Sarasota, Anna and I made way back to Treasure Island. Our Friends Craig and Danielle Parrent along with their three children Morgan, Ryann and Jaxon had made it across the gulf and were planning to stay at Treasure Island for the month of December. At $9.50 a foot for the month, with access to all the clubs amenities this is the deal of deals. We had a wonderful time biking and exploring the area, Morgan Ryann and Jaxon are great kids and tons of fun. Taking part in family drawing night where we were given a blank piece of paper and five minutes to draw a dream boat and what we would look like as a super hero is now a highlight of our trip. We also met a wonderful Family the Metro's whom are also cruising with her kids in a custom 56' Matthews named Lady Enna. They invited us over for a great dinner and fun conversation at their home on land. We are always surprised by the openness and willingness of fellow cruisers to open their doors and welcome others to their communities and waters. When you travel far from home there is nothing better than getting off the boat and having a home cooked meal at a real table filled with new friends. I think anyone that has cruised for an extended period of time truly understands this and is all to willing to give back some of the great hospitality they may have received during their travels. From Treasure Island we have pushed on to Englewood Florida just north of Captiva Island and met up with Jim, Gloria, Bill and Laura. Bill and Laura whom we have traveled with on and off since Canada are about 60 miles from crossing their wake and completing their loop. It has been a true pleasure to have enjoyed so much of our trip with them, Bill has said many times how great it is to have so many people weave in and out of their lives as they make way through their trip. I truly hope that we continue to weave in and out of theirs. Hearing Bill's humorous comments broad casted across the airways on a long days run and our evening filled with laughter on the top deck of Monkey Girl will be truly missed. Now with Christmas right around the corner, Anna and I have pushed south, we plan to leave Blue at a small Marina on the Lake Okeechobee Waterway. Tampa Bay here we come!</div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello Paradise!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pinch me I may be dreaming.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good old Blue sure likes her new digs.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You have got to love the city at night.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At dock in downtown St. Pete's</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have always wanted to see one of these ships. It sinks and they float other boats onto it. When it is loaded, it rises back up and brings the yachts to ports like the Caribbean and Europe. Think they would notice Blue?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This organ wagon would be pulled by a team of horses through the town in front of a procession of Animals and performers as they made their way from the train area to the circus tent.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We learned that all the woodwork on the circus cars was hand carved by a traveling army of carpenters that traveled with the circus.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRykiHBT6Tm42CvM0b-rVf7uEwtA327jkub9Yu9D-cobdmf-98HpAaopqMf4lrSXKP_rOOwqSoM7x-pVOXjelsVbPypTXhERE36YdpJLMf92kcMr-Sl5vXEO227TJ7qxusumBekxISzr-W/s1600/DSC_0187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRykiHBT6Tm42CvM0b-rVf7uEwtA327jkub9Yu9D-cobdmf-98HpAaopqMf4lrSXKP_rOOwqSoM7x-pVOXjelsVbPypTXhERE36YdpJLMf92kcMr-Sl5vXEO227TJ7qxusumBekxISzr-W/s320/DSC_0187.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Pullman train car was home to the Ringling Family while they traveled with the circus. If you look carefully you can see the gold plated ceiling tiles lining the roof of the train car. I have never seen that on MTV's Cribs.</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEgCX3WnYKrK-YSKiC02mxzWY8XMQY-c6ymJgUZ8LzwJ2TOG2bIXWUFZ-9ce0HAGbNFM9II8y07BmJ9POlooDBOCGJI1sJc8kesTiPu9-SMwTsBFJo709DVnVQwgSsvs2R6Q-vgBQTXUXxoR/s1600/DSC_0185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCX3WnYKrK-YSKiC02mxzWY8XMQY-c6ymJgUZ8LzwJ2TOG2bIXWUFZ-9ce0HAGbNFM9II8y07BmJ9POlooDBOCGJI1sJc8kesTiPu9-SMwTsBFJo709DVnVQwgSsvs2R6Q-vgBQTXUXxoR/s320/DSC_0185.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remember the crazy guy that would get shot out of the cannon? I would really like to borrow this for our next beach party.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5aRdGpZOqh4Vq_WJqoiLs-b0cgjZcB8VcHRQSF4rNoVM5dvXycbrbztLK1h5zNBw2aJApuNEWds6nof1X3_veeI4XIgjvKz9JDLMbHSKc1TZd9ojVNcX9kY7zHO0MDmq3asQZnEl2Hh-g/s1600/DSC_0178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5aRdGpZOqh4Vq_WJqoiLs-b0cgjZcB8VcHRQSF4rNoVM5dvXycbrbztLK1h5zNBw2aJApuNEWds6nof1X3_veeI4XIgjvKz9JDLMbHSKc1TZd9ojVNcX9kY7zHO0MDmq3asQZnEl2Hh-g/s320/DSC_0178.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This miniature Circus has 40 thousand hand carved pieces all made by one man. He started it when he was seven, he is now in his early seventies. The detail was just unbelievable.</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEg0DsWn3PVHG_MPG-MJXWc_O85iYoWrSdgALBOXYpDptOkZSilFOMVACZfK46rkt5hhTdnCKydLJFVaS7DOXeYrUWRasIvSoPc1TR_lFK2rPxXteKtJM1eV42fNvJik6iSNNZzFek5ICqhY/s1600/DSC_0184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0DsWn3PVHG_MPG-MJXWc_O85iYoWrSdgALBOXYpDptOkZSilFOMVACZfK46rkt5hhTdnCKydLJFVaS7DOXeYrUWRasIvSoPc1TR_lFK2rPxXteKtJM1eV42fNvJik6iSNNZzFek5ICqhY/s320/DSC_0184.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The miniature Circus takes up almost the whole building it is displayed in. It is truly something you have to see to believe.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYyBSbShCYwp6KmaR3QN7vXJZWnmsLP8kaouL6TuwWAh-jgGeWp_oIG8QEP57poC5kobMUd2LKRvI0Fpquu81BTUtdY0okg9dyYGwmH7raNJVrCdTGQ1iej6Wy8sVhXQpyRzyZdtkTvdmf/s1600/DSC_0192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYyBSbShCYwp6KmaR3QN7vXJZWnmsLP8kaouL6TuwWAh-jgGeWp_oIG8QEP57poC5kobMUd2LKRvI0Fpquu81BTUtdY0okg9dyYGwmH7raNJVrCdTGQ1iej6Wy8sVhXQpyRzyZdtkTvdmf/s320/DSC_0192.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna loved the rose gardens on the Ringling estate grounds.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUiU60wTOVNp1J-aYQfVOBSyRJY9dqJuzsy5eC0fIkjqTVefA9XXe6CToxkZ0L2WMBWcLk7dhNcEpFlNBvRbQq_T8AodrF32xGxuJsHYU8_l7IZ6DNZrIhIpgwBFLM-rtk0cG7YPVMHAL1/s1600/DSC_0193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUiU60wTOVNp1J-aYQfVOBSyRJY9dqJuzsy5eC0fIkjqTVefA9XXe6CToxkZ0L2WMBWcLk7dhNcEpFlNBvRbQq_T8AodrF32xGxuJsHYU8_l7IZ6DNZrIhIpgwBFLM-rtk0cG7YPVMHAL1/s320/DSC_0193.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do you think they will miss one or two?</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4KnlI2S7us1rPKe9Oc8U9f6Uav9nPlz2BspiuclCHW478EYIhec8e3UwIdFcp_cD0KGsKTeMhXAqbE2-YkZdT33NnPOnNZeA-dDAbFWYb8qUs4MPpJsHRj6A2FVRoEZmo0YW4uvBKTYmd/s1600/DSC_0198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4KnlI2S7us1rPKe9Oc8U9f6Uav9nPlz2BspiuclCHW478EYIhec8e3UwIdFcp_cD0KGsKTeMhXAqbE2-YkZdT33NnPOnNZeA-dDAbFWYb8qUs4MPpJsHRj6A2FVRoEZmo0YW4uvBKTYmd/s320/DSC_0198.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The detail in the construction of the Ringling mansion shows the unbelievable wealth of the family.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjVrhVH9j0PblogNw7WwPYqWNgVTxHUObC_kBd_2KJgT_1AMv5HzR9tAPBd9VHn2B64hJPmRcivGeDmChJdcoBsWiuA_6ytZdE_qJPwDxyiJXe2i-qHuy_CgWSGN5ywKy7sIrF7SifHYoz/s1600/DSC_0199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjVrhVH9j0PblogNw7WwPYqWNgVTxHUObC_kBd_2KJgT_1AMv5HzR9tAPBd9VHn2B64hJPmRcivGeDmChJdcoBsWiuA_6ytZdE_qJPwDxyiJXe2i-qHuy_CgWSGN5ywKy7sIrF7SifHYoz/s320/DSC_0199.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Their are hundreds of pieces of art just like this in the Ringling collection. This one was about 15 feet tall.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBAXrkY9Jsy9u6DYekGdvxXvTQdfI-EwFRDBfC6iIxETw4BK1G9D34bAywvz62nhDENPBD3TKcyfwSbgzQ42CS2Y5oc87VbhDyPWiNlk4gdmJKrKcFEbrc05GpBf53ENFnozvLvMgUuA3P/s1600/DSC_0204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBAXrkY9Jsy9u6DYekGdvxXvTQdfI-EwFRDBfC6iIxETw4BK1G9D34bAywvz62nhDENPBD3TKcyfwSbgzQ42CS2Y5oc87VbhDyPWiNlk4gdmJKrKcFEbrc05GpBf53ENFnozvLvMgUuA3P/s320/DSC_0204.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every day I see something that tells me Florida is truly screwed up. Why is the fine $112.50? Than 50 cents makes or brakes the budget I guess.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFUmed4JwnOBowz-i7QlJOgM5Jacu20RwujGIOuiHXq0CEvrOb7VepMQ5WSSg22Be5a361t7zub6EGiVuY6fub6JSOSBquB_Ny_lL0KQxIQQh6_X0weZc9uHFbY-d1H5MI7dHjSOBW-pSV/s1600/DSC_0210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFUmed4JwnOBowz-i7QlJOgM5Jacu20RwujGIOuiHXq0CEvrOb7VepMQ5WSSg22Be5a361t7zub6EGiVuY6fub6JSOSBquB_Ny_lL0KQxIQQh6_X0weZc9uHFbY-d1H5MI7dHjSOBW-pSV/s320/DSC_0210.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We passed this floating chapel on our way down the ICW. Believe it or not they were holding mass inside.</td></tr>
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</div> <br />
<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="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPuJ_ZXSWp_-fcxZkAP8nMx7tId5FQG2zjjK03jWnEqZ5zJrwxojWO4tN95LNG_ztCjVm2xPNXa5klBasBjaLvH3_uyB8nz9W_EPro37EHUz9vpsaj-AWwd8Uz8a18zELymRcAyPpr06L/s1600/DSC_0211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPuJ_ZXSWp_-fcxZkAP8nMx7tId5FQG2zjjK03jWnEqZ5zJrwxojWO4tN95LNG_ztCjVm2xPNXa5klBasBjaLvH3_uyB8nz9W_EPro37EHUz9vpsaj-AWwd8Uz8a18zELymRcAyPpr06L/s320/DSC_0211.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't know, this could be better than Vegas.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9IIZR6Q2EoDjEGCLmqzIRxD1H68eoErtEynRLmHuQGpEdBXt3awTmZqhl5V_UWHPlL0XF8MkvacGMd2Kgpkj_i050CexqIhohtHavbjH6JzZb2eMj8ia1ptD3ttblKKucI3g7TAAiytyu/s1600/DSC_0228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9IIZR6Q2EoDjEGCLmqzIRxD1H68eoErtEynRLmHuQGpEdBXt3awTmZqhl5V_UWHPlL0XF8MkvacGMd2Kgpkj_i050CexqIhohtHavbjH6JzZb2eMj8ia1ptD3ttblKKucI3g7TAAiytyu/s320/DSC_0228.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You have got to love Florida.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1S0YPNDUwagjB-JHQkuOnltwN_oc65REwxkXq5md3cZFQGuduIJMGxZSgKt_YCS80Bv3vgyhsXwpczcegm_VZXk4L7GL_ajm4EzAPCbx-wyUNp4XlxoL1-m3zF-UUpMbaDve3eUj9jucE/s1600/DSC_0238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1S0YPNDUwagjB-JHQkuOnltwN_oc65REwxkXq5md3cZFQGuduIJMGxZSgKt_YCS80Bv3vgyhsXwpczcegm_VZXk4L7GL_ajm4EzAPCbx-wyUNp4XlxoL1-m3zF-UUpMbaDve3eUj9jucE/s320/DSC_0238.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We have to pay homage to the Captain.</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEj0tDuyvJjO0CPg9mGBBOCNq6T_zO8D0-HbjwG_2SPcMHcmvxydeyxVaieVwn1NLozByh39idk5vyWM3EZMznSRacc111dv7xqSdZCGGDhecIx6SH_Z6SZ6132lbpW16Emy1g3vbF4kMp7S/s1600/DSC_0245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0tDuyvJjO0CPg9mGBBOCNq6T_zO8D0-HbjwG_2SPcMHcmvxydeyxVaieVwn1NLozByh39idk5vyWM3EZMznSRacc111dv7xqSdZCGGDhecIx6SH_Z6SZ6132lbpW16Emy1g3vbF4kMp7S/s320/DSC_0245.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This shirt cracked me up.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0URzMCZMJH9lCNS9HoapHonQTCt9gi0L3FsA8jOVRu3OFUejJZjxf2-tAlY_Q4dsOw7R0dfsQLNkFRMkLqVFtkDal1srpQLxbmOM1y_yGLHxIuZNYAJ5l3j28dtCSHOU8TaYreiK-dCE/s1600/DSC_0249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0URzMCZMJH9lCNS9HoapHonQTCt9gi0L3FsA8jOVRu3OFUejJZjxf2-tAlY_Q4dsOw7R0dfsQLNkFRMkLqVFtkDal1srpQLxbmOM1y_yGLHxIuZNYAJ5l3j28dtCSHOU8TaYreiK-dCE/s320/DSC_0249.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't care what your politics are, this is just funny stuff.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTH8UqH7GtVF8ZibxjymZcW4d1msHPyL8CeKDnoush27ghVl4mcJ9rvD2RJLK6GJdP17_M8uHIYPl-rrmr069ca9pvwik-qDBUaon02Rmc7KwNuzneuOHTMLLO91j0YXY7joA9zkdF1T0M/s1600/DSC_0287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTH8UqH7GtVF8ZibxjymZcW4d1msHPyL8CeKDnoush27ghVl4mcJ9rvD2RJLK6GJdP17_M8uHIYPl-rrmr069ca9pvwik-qDBUaon02Rmc7KwNuzneuOHTMLLO91j0YXY7joA9zkdF1T0M/s320/DSC_0287.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Danielle</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghByEkYkSTUg_INd-IIUwi9Vn3UTK10bhUX158cuHh6zYq_WbXcz3Sv0mBDzuLkh_zOy_N8WOL1A3L3hGObTfrqQDllkxymMXvSf3ImxsrIxm4R2EA3VBHDeLj3gdzTz3Ty01SwQp5oeW5/s1600/DSC_0288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghByEkYkSTUg_INd-IIUwi9Vn3UTK10bhUX158cuHh6zYq_WbXcz3Sv0mBDzuLkh_zOy_N8WOL1A3L3hGObTfrqQDllkxymMXvSf3ImxsrIxm4R2EA3VBHDeLj3gdzTz3Ty01SwQp5oeW5/s320/DSC_0288.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Craig</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRL23ztOKXeH-16xSy78NBTCscoQ9xctzhWFTG6qzWJiRX9hxx0F7O6qP0sWEsdOxghM3n6HSs8DO8G1CQPSSSyN-SxdmNOsll9pQ4RUxd7GMBE97zMfXwVGniEy29iVYOczGeGxEK9ggB/s1600/DSC_0289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRL23ztOKXeH-16xSy78NBTCscoQ9xctzhWFTG6qzWJiRX9hxx0F7O6qP0sWEsdOxghM3n6HSs8DO8G1CQPSSSyN-SxdmNOsll9pQ4RUxd7GMBE97zMfXwVGniEy29iVYOczGeGxEK9ggB/s320/DSC_0289.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morgan, Ryann and Jaxon</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnwEvafQX38hUbIkKYwWwq8vXOlu13JhEYCjuDs2c-aUpt-3BDf0AnllwX6z4U9bRZ3d7T-0fCKTxEKmOzBjA_smmc8ZUZAq510jP7xZEMyp6LDECVtPfozMq_MslsBXKrWc5WfFGi2GM/s1600/DSC_0260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnwEvafQX38hUbIkKYwWwq8vXOlu13JhEYCjuDs2c-aUpt-3BDf0AnllwX6z4U9bRZ3d7T-0fCKTxEKmOzBjA_smmc8ZUZAq510jP7xZEMyp6LDECVtPfozMq_MslsBXKrWc5WfFGi2GM/s320/DSC_0260.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We all got a chance to hold a live Alligator.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How can you pass that up.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxvRrqL0PZrYyLyIWbFkvPIpZocThY5_kZP810c5xuJpeRuwQDgLW0zaVTqePDN0XZGQq40TsHHthY0jxX7yCNbdb9zLKfo3DJd1akiJ-mwUZ5Dc3YFFQ1Vecj2s9QkFNXiA1aA7Hq7Rw/s1600/DSC_0300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxvRrqL0PZrYyLyIWbFkvPIpZocThY5_kZP810c5xuJpeRuwQDgLW0zaVTqePDN0XZGQq40TsHHthY0jxX7yCNbdb9zLKfo3DJd1akiJ-mwUZ5Dc3YFFQ1Vecj2s9QkFNXiA1aA7Hq7Rw/s320/DSC_0300.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What is better than sitting on the beach?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmA987Pncp_rqfSrst9GApYu6q4cgd9oHzrITYVonyHDqM1PKYN7OJHQFsC4ZlwmeGagMB7PtLl48eAYuN5loYPaadtUDRhOcbqzu2Jbbo1SDJAiwiIS69I-FAIeMrlmhJiuYzGQU7_Fh8/s1600/DSC_0283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmA987Pncp_rqfSrst9GApYu6q4cgd9oHzrITYVonyHDqM1PKYN7OJHQFsC4ZlwmeGagMB7PtLl48eAYuN5loYPaadtUDRhOcbqzu2Jbbo1SDJAiwiIS69I-FAIeMrlmhJiuYzGQU7_Fh8/s320/DSC_0283.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Things kids do that Adults can't.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn60xh0Rm36BPllJKtizwDqPghFPr9NdqKibXw6ZOK6ygzIxVwdomZEADpDoVuekrwJ7uYeXOLNWcbf8IRTI-H6s_PKsdrO8NpMee4FjfMuRXNTpAUiAMVxiPFZ4By6TGusML0q42y6_ve/s1600/DSC_0299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn60xh0Rm36BPllJKtizwDqPghFPr9NdqKibXw6ZOK6ygzIxVwdomZEADpDoVuekrwJ7uYeXOLNWcbf8IRTI-H6s_PKsdrO8NpMee4FjfMuRXNTpAUiAMVxiPFZ4By6TGusML0q42y6_ve/s320/DSC_0299.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You have got to love looking for shells on the beach.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOa4xz0mPSf2vBhkI45Vra3hqmYnJ58sL-bSrS9jElxU9wkFtlEzDXTmMG7whAt7cqrqN2R6hDjrxd5wMRRopFJarMamFFDQ4APUz6ivDSpimahVJQRBuhsRocbsG7aj4_1juCdfGR1rV/s1600/DSC_0304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOa4xz0mPSf2vBhkI45Vra3hqmYnJ58sL-bSrS9jElxU9wkFtlEzDXTmMG7whAt7cqrqN2R6hDjrxd5wMRRopFJarMamFFDQ4APUz6ivDSpimahVJQRBuhsRocbsG7aj4_1juCdfGR1rV/s320/DSC_0304.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It might be cold, but the sunsets are still unbelievable.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWKDJMvqrStx9hVTYPvxtoMNy-IyH7uslq9gAmcfgnTFQCm-rVzNExjy9rANx9tbCPUojJFLEND3_cCVzPbUGD7Xdms0-PLn2cRHUebPiFgGZB0tEpvQxNN_LlM7T3gjrhogQN3W6tnK9l/s1600/DSC_0313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWKDJMvqrStx9hVTYPvxtoMNy-IyH7uslq9gAmcfgnTFQCm-rVzNExjy9rANx9tbCPUojJFLEND3_cCVzPbUGD7Xdms0-PLn2cRHUebPiFgGZB0tEpvQxNN_LlM7T3gjrhogQN3W6tnK9l/s320/DSC_0313.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back on the water, we were shown the way by the USCG. It sure is nice to know these guys are out here ready to help.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTH8UqH7GtVF8ZibxjymZcW4d1msHPyL8CeKDnoush27ghVl4mcJ9rvD2RJLK6GJdP17_M8uHIYPl-rrmr069ca9pvwik-qDBUaon02Rmc7KwNuzneuOHTMLLO91j0YXY7joA9zkdF1T0M/s1600/DSC_0287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Peter Gulickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07329857002315262843noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294543769324056220.post-18596207495242532212010-12-02T14:36:00.000-05:002010-12-02T14:36:27.140-05:00To Cross or Not to CrossIn our travels Anna and I have experienced so many wonderful things, we have made great friends and seen some wonderful towns, but what we cherish most is our increased knowledge and experience at sea. With the departure of Ed, Anna and I found ourselves focusing on one thing and one thing only, our need to get ourselves across the gulf. Over the past seven months we have broken our trip down into hurdles. Our first hurdle were the locks on the Erie Canal, next came the rocks of Georgians Bay, the high seas of Lake Michigan, the challenges of the currents and barge traffic on the rivers and now, the crossing. Ever since Anna and I started researching the Great Loop, we have been keeping our ear tuned to any advice regarding strategies for crossing the gulf. For those of you not familiar big bend of Florida let me fill you in. The Gulf Coast Intracoastal Water Way stops in Carrabelle, Florida and resumes in Tarpon Springs. The expanse between these two points is referred to as the Big Bend. The waters in this area are shallow and in most cases unnavigable by a boat drawing more than three feet. Blue like most looper boats draws 3.5 feet sitting still and tends to draw about four when under way due to the squatting effect of the stern. This fact rules out a possibility of making small jumps from inlet to inlet around the Bend. Once this fact is acknowledged one quickly realizes that the only option is a long open span of water that must be crossed in order to continue down the west coast of Florida. Having boated on Nantucket, the concept of being out of sight of land is not foreign to us, every time we traveled to the mainland or vineyard by boat there would be portions of the trip where we could not see land. To others that have never been off shore this can be a very intimidating factor and rightfully so. Crossing 180 miles of open water is nothing to take lightly and Anna and I were taking no chances. In my mind, I looked at the crossing as having two outcomes, either we would love it or it would be a stain in our memories. I was going to do everything in my power to make it a good experience. So let the research begin. There are many options to consider, how fast can we travel, how many hours of light is there in a day and what will the winds and tides be. Right off the bat Anna and I decided that it was not economically feasible to run Blue at more than 8 knots across the gulf. Sure we can run her at 12, but our our fuel curve would leave us arriving with less than a third reserve and an even lighter wallet, we both agreed this was not a good idea. So traveling at an economic 7.5 knots we now know we have two options, the shortest distance across the gulf is from Carrabelle to the Stienhatchee River. This can be done in a daylight, but it leaves you in an area where you have no choice but to travel back out in the gulf in order to make it to Tarpon Springs. With weather windows seeming to get less and less frequent as the winter closes in we ruled this out. We had no desire to be stuck for 10 or so days in a small town with no facilities waiting to make our way down the rest of the gulf, so we would go with option two. Option two has it's own problems, the distance from Carrabelle to Clearwater just south of Tarpon Springs is about 180 miles. Due to the crab pots blanketing the west coast of Florida like a mine field we know that we must arrive 15 miles off shore of Clearwater in daylight. With a estimated travel time of 22 hours from dock to dock we decided to leave at noon run through the night and arrive at the crab pot line shortly after 8 in the morning. With our plan and course plotted all Anna and I needed was 36 hours of good weather. The wait was awful, every morning I would get up and check the wind and gulf wave model reports. We constantly told ourselves not to get impatient, the weather will open up if we just wait. With the window on the horizon Anna and I made our jump from the beautiful town of Apalachicola to our staging point at C-Quarters Marine in Carrabelle. Once in Carrabelle we readied the boat for high seas did our engine checks, safety gear checks and forwarded our sail plan to our parents. Looking back, I feel we went a bit overboard on our preparations, but both of us agreed if we over prepare we would not be surprised. On the morning of our departure it looked as if the gulf was still going to be much rougher than we had hoped. A long discussion was had between Anna and I and it was decided that we would both put on our seasick patches and go for it. The wind was forcasted to die that night, and if we waited, we might miss the window. So with our friends on Monkey Girl and Crawdad right behind us we pushed off. As expected the first five hours were a bit rocky, with 5 foot swells on our beam we made way across the gulf, but like clockwork the wind died as forcasted and the sea became as flat as a board. With the sun setting on the gulf and a beautiful full moon rising on opposite horizon we thanked the gods of the sea for letting us cross on such a beautiful night. Anna and I took shifts at the helm and enjoyed listening to the radio communications of about 13 other looper boats all crossing the gulf that night. Not a one of us neglected to give thanks for such a wonderful night. Anna and I saw more stars than we had ever seen before in the crystal clear night sky. When the sun crested on the eastern horizon in the morning we pulled into Clearwater tied up and crashed in our bunk. Crossing the gulf is an experience Anna and I will never forget. A year ago who would have thought that the two of us could work together so well. From plotting our course to piloting Blue across the gulf, Anna and I worked as a team and shared the helm, it was without question the best boating we have ever done in our lives. After a good sleep Anna and I awoke to a beautiful Thanksgiving Day. We gathered for a pot luck thanksgiving dinner by the pool at the marina with Bill, Laura of Monkey Girl and Jim and Gloria of Crawdad we, truly gave thanks. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-1wLI2JI6z3UJXb4k17-Cmo8NnAY4oL0PqwXV_ahx-fFJezVsagsc4F0NJJGdiw9kXm7I4yuxBpzM3h30L1OVrdlbIpxVjAdZm7AiYm4ZVobnYKUeT4Bcp3Eylb0E7JYEAbcq1Ojvd_q/s1600/DSC_0067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-1wLI2JI6z3UJXb4k17-Cmo8NnAY4oL0PqwXV_ahx-fFJezVsagsc4F0NJJGdiw9kXm7I4yuxBpzM3h30L1OVrdlbIpxVjAdZm7AiYm4ZVobnYKUeT4Bcp3Eylb0E7JYEAbcq1Ojvd_q/s320/DSC_0067.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful sunrise in Apalachicola</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilfILQnxuCkUL1MWausMWiPwTGrCXEUsDO6HCJnk2Q-WOKX_dW9Okpnvz0TfYysy_bzJDDIpMkgIwFBXw0UXMn16tNEPNAvvluFDctpvZWM84AWQa1bvB9lS4pq3h1TaRHfr1Isrsttm8w/s1600/DSC_0070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilfILQnxuCkUL1MWausMWiPwTGrCXEUsDO6HCJnk2Q-WOKX_dW9Okpnvz0TfYysy_bzJDDIpMkgIwFBXw0UXMn16tNEPNAvvluFDctpvZWM84AWQa1bvB9lS4pq3h1TaRHfr1Isrsttm8w/s320/DSC_0070.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These Pelicans are everywhere and they are very intense as they dive like bombers into the water.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This sign was our dock greeting in Apalachicola. Are they kidding?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good old Blue getting ready for her crossing.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2CmL62BgSA7fTzAAtypuhzku4EqXXY-t2h8iZKOCduh5SmFzGjuYkzOdrlenp6rlvRBMldSBbWWblhF00WVkouZY6vDdrdasiR0Klrf-_b_izTmA3-82D_pNsIFB1I-EmESpi-JeTLqSc/s1600/Apalachicola-20101121-00025+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2CmL62BgSA7fTzAAtypuhzku4EqXXY-t2h8iZKOCduh5SmFzGjuYkzOdrlenp6rlvRBMldSBbWWblhF00WVkouZY6vDdrdasiR0Klrf-_b_izTmA3-82D_pNsIFB1I-EmESpi-JeTLqSc/s320/Apalachicola-20101121-00025+%25282%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water Street Inn all decorated for Christmas. Before Thanksgiving?? </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEWkrzA7HJ078VAopW65pfpFswovjsMxjR_tscCEJNBNNe44hqGUdn5XXcSETuTdtfIwu9kurE7yQ7ktstcmPDwcSbynD1oh4Ixx9Uaj636XonRm5fXzq3LGpXhPp9PQ3p-ZmkotvfPFdm/s1600/DSC_0075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEWkrzA7HJ078VAopW65pfpFswovjsMxjR_tscCEJNBNNe44hqGUdn5XXcSETuTdtfIwu9kurE7yQ7ktstcmPDwcSbynD1oh4Ixx9Uaj636XonRm5fXzq3LGpXhPp9PQ3p-ZmkotvfPFdm/s320/DSC_0075.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Um guys, what the heck is going on?</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEhAZQvbW-_LNyNXGfE3BefPhhLjHZCl_tM3Tr4-97VSX8rqC51QxdIv1FsMpLAtNjnhYawjzIn4K5GyH4S01yjrAu1iXb84rNznkXocfzUe_jYMy4BavPHyXMqdl4C5Rp8A8uHcPqALHaqA/s1600/DSC_0078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZQvbW-_LNyNXGfE3BefPhhLjHZCl_tM3Tr4-97VSX8rqC51QxdIv1FsMpLAtNjnhYawjzIn4K5GyH4S01yjrAu1iXb84rNznkXocfzUe_jYMy4BavPHyXMqdl4C5Rp8A8uHcPqALHaqA/s320/DSC_0078.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buzzards were all around us in Carrabelle. Is this a bad sign for our travels ahead?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_mxqZ9tj7hU0rwNmsSw4cOKDWfkV1dGtNeRN_PlHaL69X0mwHCDElTGdChjXTCte4auRFwBjQEWwJZ-VMMxZ1BjPZVQ1WuNNOsfSOyG35wvnSXkST4TdW6uOMttSnBhHczbyjxCbjrAPS/s1600/DSC_0082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_mxqZ9tj7hU0rwNmsSw4cOKDWfkV1dGtNeRN_PlHaL69X0mwHCDElTGdChjXTCte4auRFwBjQEWwJZ-VMMxZ1BjPZVQ1WuNNOsfSOyG35wvnSXkST4TdW6uOMttSnBhHczbyjxCbjrAPS/s320/DSC_0082.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First buzzards and now we and the other boats are stuck in the mud. This one was kind enough to have his low water alarm on all night.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh978Hb-VH3dOvLlZ6ubv8vE2t6rs1knPvwUcGvYNiD4heVkB7XckZw2BLnzeq3i-sv8e00TVd8qZUFLEBMKMLVc0IqjiOUhL4_73xP-bSpJ5fWK-cGEYHMf0N6EmWt3_aNq7NEZHBflgXk/s1600/DSC_0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh978Hb-VH3dOvLlZ6ubv8vE2t6rs1knPvwUcGvYNiD4heVkB7XckZw2BLnzeq3i-sv8e00TVd8qZUFLEBMKMLVc0IqjiOUhL4_73xP-bSpJ5fWK-cGEYHMf0N6EmWt3_aNq7NEZHBflgXk/s320/DSC_0085.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Crawdad little BooBoo is ready for the crossing</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-zQawY4dy2TRuWIB7IJfcm7j0LmPseQDEIpR7QCC1xv_coAEo6qm2r2RLxmN9XRUBQEcf-nJwmzfYH9Vf7pDIDbBrGJDa09hw4ysAHxW-_BSWY0dXAOz9MzSBt0ZtZcW6yX9b1PqBPt0Z/s1600/DSC_0087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-zQawY4dy2TRuWIB7IJfcm7j0LmPseQDEIpR7QCC1xv_coAEo6qm2r2RLxmN9XRUBQEcf-nJwmzfYH9Vf7pDIDbBrGJDa09hw4ysAHxW-_BSWY0dXAOz9MzSBt0ZtZcW6yX9b1PqBPt0Z/s320/DSC_0087.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a place to be cuffed and stuffed for the night. I wonder what the Nantucket Police think of this station.</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEgKX1qtJpWkNjm7MVZosqRnjnecAmNgl96WcGeBcg_kqgooOYA0YVWojkvgiIWnw8T_rGx6FssEOFXSwQwBFxA2yBmd2KLMrY5rrHiTO4wwMYjdK-mYO_bApMdPscv2s2pSbUuQJwl9HqYW/s1600/DSC_0089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKX1qtJpWkNjm7MVZosqRnjnecAmNgl96WcGeBcg_kqgooOYA0YVWojkvgiIWnw8T_rGx6FssEOFXSwQwBFxA2yBmd2KLMrY5rrHiTO4wwMYjdK-mYO_bApMdPscv2s2pSbUuQJwl9HqYW/s320/DSC_0089.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the last markers we saw as we headed out for our Gulf crossing. Please let the wind die as forcasted.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9GewJgeVn9dHQjYxN5f4nbXW6rUiWDjdXlsxWHQYt6Rd1pWE4RP2FAEiAfB9SU3u8RWOrJ5RM2iFj1IEUuS9IX8YyqSO3pDNN1Vv19xdoiTXBkog1DRyFxiiW367ICZ4BfNsEWs-ZAMyU/s1600/DSC_0091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9GewJgeVn9dHQjYxN5f4nbXW6rUiWDjdXlsxWHQYt6Rd1pWE4RP2FAEiAfB9SU3u8RWOrJ5RM2iFj1IEUuS9IX8YyqSO3pDNN1Vv19xdoiTXBkog1DRyFxiiW367ICZ4BfNsEWs-ZAMyU/s320/DSC_0091.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have to admit I am a bit on edge.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwMPqtnW_brtnJCRIBFJr7YMQ3BPrfapooWg272-LZBOCO1kL8jLEwq2aGOeXo4Do3rNysPXf7qW300P7E80WgDHArgrcGXnGhsqB2jBVGT-GcN0fADMOsZL6dN6LSw4Wga5n6lfLgJxzy/s1600/DSC_0093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwMPqtnW_brtnJCRIBFJr7YMQ3BPrfapooWg272-LZBOCO1kL8jLEwq2aGOeXo4Do3rNysPXf7qW300P7E80WgDHArgrcGXnGhsqB2jBVGT-GcN0fADMOsZL6dN6LSw4Wga5n6lfLgJxzy/s320/DSC_0093.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset on the Gulf. What will the darkness bring?</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEg3QSJc5KJOmVJozLhxH3Bxy77Zi1uofydRjdBTDPow5r-feldo9LGo_ptOFQ4zdAev-21uDeFQOsB8ifFW2mbhKMgfBXo_hj7pWoOitjpAM42YkqNk1ry41ZV3OAUK3_wM_Qm7uO_Q2JnZ/s1600/DSC_0096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3QSJc5KJOmVJozLhxH3Bxy77Zi1uofydRjdBTDPow5r-feldo9LGo_ptOFQ4zdAev-21uDeFQOsB8ifFW2mbhKMgfBXo_hj7pWoOitjpAM42YkqNk1ry41ZV3OAUK3_wM_Qm7uO_Q2JnZ/s320/DSC_0096.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna wonders, Is he studying the chart or sleeping? </td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEi_sPAwEan7sOzp8acw14XJfc1ujfAGsiWcQWovNRm194-mYX_2UxYCsRtMfv9V4rC40uP6PXMJezMKTyAiVvOVfbDZsnbCh5WQvUxu9y4f6NHCPzj7QcGJhJZRE8Ug65efo-nN-mqkCD9N/s1600/DSC_0099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_sPAwEan7sOzp8acw14XJfc1ujfAGsiWcQWovNRm194-mYX_2UxYCsRtMfv9V4rC40uP6PXMJezMKTyAiVvOVfbDZsnbCh5WQvUxu9y4f6NHCPzj7QcGJhJZRE8Ug65efo-nN-mqkCD9N/s320/DSC_0099.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you!! The moon finally rose up and brought us some light. In the middle of the night I was just exhausted and staring out off the bow when a dolphin jumped 15 feet in front of the bow. It scared the crap out of me and had the effect of ten cups of coffee. I think it did it on purpose.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzzwLNZJUe3BC9kAmoNEFxoCR7Es1WoAVD2bH_k6tn4XMw9C4jrENa-hxkEkrClXtYcSVkBXk7LwwqNuhyphenhyphenmj7IFbjGsp0KyHJ5hWbX2ZDK6CrLyf7lxSXsE86pllEjJ6S1sDgsMGAx6V-/s1600/DSC_0104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzzwLNZJUe3BC9kAmoNEFxoCR7Es1WoAVD2bH_k6tn4XMw9C4jrENa-hxkEkrClXtYcSVkBXk7LwwqNuhyphenhyphenmj7IFbjGsp0KyHJ5hWbX2ZDK6CrLyf7lxSXsE86pllEjJ6S1sDgsMGAx6V-/s320/DSC_0104.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Land HOOOOO. Nothing better than the sign of Clearwater on the horizon.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90CNzDAoMTN5DUxUChBdfXAzY4QXbN9gDogjfAhWZ-p48kpVni3EiSBNd2MPaX8kdcyRtQzykJpa5qpdRrnEndYn_utbtz41Tm_I_3bb0YDY7zf6rJ3uueL-HuCeIKxDqUyZ7xbPbe83B/s1600/DSC_0112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90CNzDAoMTN5DUxUChBdfXAzY4QXbN9gDogjfAhWZ-p48kpVni3EiSBNd2MPaX8kdcyRtQzykJpa5qpdRrnEndYn_utbtz41Tm_I_3bb0YDY7zf6rJ3uueL-HuCeIKxDqUyZ7xbPbe83B/s320/DSC_0112.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Looper Thanksgiving</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEgUpnhLKMBgwdIrI20dwrNlD-OWaJs0Je_ncEZ8GagIrU1J8gLorCMw7d_4vPzAQuIrWcQE9kaENgmcJqBq9gg-BUpC_njrRWYVqsiUX_0Cvcr508DuQVoyojiismSXYbchhhbwKrSdC-/s1600/DSC_0115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEgUpnhLKMBgwdIrI20dwrNlD-OWaJs0Je_ncEZ8GagIrU1J8gLorCMw7d_4vPzAQuIrWcQE9kaENgmcJqBq9gg-BUpC_njrRWYVqsiUX_0Cvcr508DuQVoyojiismSXYbchhhbwKrSdC-/s320/DSC_0115.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just think. All this delicious food was produced in three boat <span style="background-color: white;">galleys</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1Z5AmoIR-dYuHTvbopMRXe5PWI2SKeuzcG_btCllT5asnuwiJtCmzzH09swj8mh3bIFSfQ-Dos-BmnhQOaBLk5R2pxpJvFqV2HP994L8gAAhBnvcr25STITKfE298fFqeA_wf0-10kLr/s1600/DSC_0120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1Z5AmoIR-dYuHTvbopMRXe5PWI2SKeuzcG_btCllT5asnuwiJtCmzzH09swj8mh3bIFSfQ-Dos-BmnhQOaBLk5R2pxpJvFqV2HP994L8gAAhBnvcr25STITKfE298fFqeA_wf0-10kLr/s320/DSC_0120.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We took the free trolley to Tarpon Springs</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotWb52vMIS-h9thXPdBVEUC-5N1u-3dREXNCRcLzkJf1Skn2SRJL_6j9IO0xkQ6D4OnGsDpBe28UBdZDbgmUUIQ0f4fZL4z6A6AVvPpugmuA-99bR7uLcd8YIXpEQiXXRJcvMwLIhXaes/s1600/DSC_0124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotWb52vMIS-h9thXPdBVEUC-5N1u-3dREXNCRcLzkJf1Skn2SRJL_6j9IO0xkQ6D4OnGsDpBe28UBdZDbgmUUIQ0f4fZL4z6A6AVvPpugmuA-99bR7uLcd8YIXpEQiXXRJcvMwLIhXaes/s320/DSC_0124.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one is for you Lou!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidgcnrUNCihM7M_CxcAsJFM6J2RVvZEXZFJqdcfsHwQ343frcr1QDEwh8c0hbokRhJ_FBKJXEXGlnSMEk39P5fRR_1Uma35Zf1A7SKBgOdb4drb8hj5Y4qfP4bOTcScbns5sLOlOA9ZQA0/s1600/DSC_0126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidgcnrUNCihM7M_CxcAsJFM6J2RVvZEXZFJqdcfsHwQ343frcr1QDEwh8c0hbokRhJ_FBKJXEXGlnSMEk39P5fRR_1Uma35Zf1A7SKBgOdb4drb8hj5Y4qfP4bOTcScbns5sLOlOA9ZQA0/s320/DSC_0126.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sponges after they have been brought to shore </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-1LRKzuqBUMdRZwIFmp20lH8stibvOSYc41snrzr606dMIybh31VJ4qAXlrQ-P-zZzA1qDT8eiiaKKW3R4jO5sdH8WCo_rGbLHQje7HxI6Pd1NyvZMtMQWpXC9EchyphenhyphenrfaZONZ_1de-z_/s1600/DSC_0129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-1LRKzuqBUMdRZwIFmp20lH8stibvOSYc41snrzr606dMIybh31VJ4qAXlrQ-P-zZzA1qDT8eiiaKKW3R4jO5sdH8WCo_rGbLHQje7HxI6Pd1NyvZMtMQWpXC9EchyphenhyphenrfaZONZ_1de-z_/s320/DSC_0129.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This spongeman had just brought his catch to shore</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are still dreaming of the delicious Greek food we got in this restaurant! Yummy spinach pie</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We hooked up with our friends Dan and Natalie in St Petersberg. It was great to reconnect with high school friends. Thank you for a delicious meal Dan and Natalie. It was great seeing you.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4mDxGVOTya9NFzJJ1syr-JsFnz0r7BSBXw90hiuIToj9DYsal9aK5nY4uRiHy_nkiNmpo_EZpBEtIKiFEA6ZPzaqoH2t26qCbN4tH0nYfVuidU_5FZz1LQT69b5Uz1atnbAcpkQ49wI6M/s1600/DSC_0135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4mDxGVOTya9NFzJJ1syr-JsFnz0r7BSBXw90hiuIToj9DYsal9aK5nY4uRiHy_nkiNmpo_EZpBEtIKiFEA6ZPzaqoH2t26qCbN4tH0nYfVuidU_5FZz1LQT69b5Uz1atnbAcpkQ49wI6M/s320/DSC_0135.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlotte is an incredible kid. We really enjoyed spending the time with her. She can't wait till her baby sister arrives. We got a real kick out of watching her play with Mobey on Blue. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn4S66jy7uV-FCLeQo1zbspj2NWLcduUTgMFVLPFNLSoIEWM6e-OzK1gbvNcRgLgZ5hAflGWs7p_rml17verlmnBc6YnGvbqvdV-KvhBUQzJ1T9dZX6WmvOrltE3M_wLmweBvwU4CYodcK/s1600/DSC_0138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn4S66jy7uV-FCLeQo1zbspj2NWLcduUTgMFVLPFNLSoIEWM6e-OzK1gbvNcRgLgZ5hAflGWs7p_rml17verlmnBc6YnGvbqvdV-KvhBUQzJ1T9dZX6WmvOrltE3M_wLmweBvwU4CYodcK/s320/DSC_0138.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What goes on at the grill. Stays at the grill. I think that's a law right?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Peter Gulickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07329857002315262843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294543769324056220.post-68107454314098099542010-11-22T10:57:00.002-05:002010-11-22T11:39:24.962-05:00Our Greenhorn is backOur first two nights in Mobile bay were a bit rocky. Pulling into Eastern Shores Marina in the town of Fairhope, Alabama Anna and I expected to find this beautiful oasis where we could lick our wounds from the river system and recharge the batteries before moving on into the Gulf. With the winds gusting at close to 50 knots out of the northwest we quickly found that most of the water in Mobile bay had been pushed out to sea, we put Blue in the mud as we tried to push her bow into the slip. I could not believe the tide was as low as it was. The dock master reported that at low tide they were down a good three feet lower than there lowest tides. With blue finally tied off, the winds picked up and we found ourselves in the washing machine. It was a tough two nights to say the least. I was able to jump off the boat, but Anna was unable to jump as far as me and found herself marooned in the tea cup at low tides. On the morning of day three we were joined by a whole group of looper boats and we took advantage of the local shrimp boats and bought five pounds of fresh ship right off the boat for 20 bucks. What a deal! With some friendly advise from our new friend Craig on Diamond, we prepared New Orleans Barbecue Shrimp. My god it was good! Finally feeling like we could walk without hitting the walls, Anna and I prepared for the arrival of my Uncle Ed. Many of you may recall Ed had joined us for a week back on Lake Ontario. Well the big guy decided his back had recovered from sleeping on our aft berth enough to want to give it a second go. I informed Ed that our cruise with him would take us through Pensacola the home of the Blue Angels and that their home coming air show was taking place on the day we would pass through. Like a kid finding out Christmas was a week early Ed informed us he had never seen them fly and would love to check it out. Having seen the Angels fly over Chicago from the boat, Anna and I decided that this time we should go to base and watch the show from the flight line. Leaving Mobile Bay Ed, Anna and I cruised with three buddy boats, Monkey Girl, Crawdad and Gone Crusin. It was a fun day spent relaying useless babble over the VHF as we made way to the Gulf Coast Intercoastal Waterway. As our boats rounded the marks of the GCICW we were greeted by two pods of dolphins. Everyone went nuts with excitement as they played in our wakes and seemed to smile at us as if to say what took you guys so long? Our first night was spent in a wonderful anchorage, we sat on Blues deck and watched the dolphins swim around us as the sun set on the bay. The next day thinking life can't get much better than this we headed to Holiday Harbor to get a good night rest for tomorrows big air show. When we tied up for the night, we could hear the rumble of the Prat and Whitney jet engines as the boys in blue practiced overhead. I got a kick out of hearing Ed do the Tim the Tool Man Taylor impression as he reacted to the unbelievable power of the jet engines overhead. Our day at the air show was just perfect. With the temperature in the low 80's and not a cloud in the sky we sat for hours and watched the performers overhead and then we climbed through many of the jets on display off to the side of the runway. Once again the Blue Angels left the crowed in ahh as they displayed their aerobatic skills overhead. On our return to the boat, I got a call from Bill on Monkey Girl and he jokingly said he was busy stitching together his blue jumpsuit, after looking at all the dreamy stares from the women he thought we should all have one on hand. The remainder of our time with Ed took us trough the panhandle of Florida to Port St Joe. Looking back we all agreed these are beautiful landscapes but the towns are hurting badly. With the economy in the ditch and the oil spill, the people here are barely getting by. The overwhelming display of disappointment and downright anger towards the over<span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">exaggeration</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span>regarding the oil spill is present everywhere. Not a waitress, Bartender, dock boy or check out girl missed their opportunity to express how happy they were to not have seen a drop of oil on their shores, and how crazy it was to come home at night and see reports of birds covered in oil and men cleaning the shores in white suits right in the area where they saw nothing. I guess it is a lesson to us all, our media is extremely powerful and has the ability to spin things anyway they see fit. Much to the sadness of the people in the gulf shores, they were in the medias cross hairs. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Man where they Good!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqILPChlzOrGKcvLxWabmG7e9T0w-1VBTdRU3d4dHTj_6htochyfpGLJxmkn04UFIr59BHdozzuRAf8KkWEe_BpCHC0rLI4R5dcfRNiyUaOUvHIj6AygnxLuSzHtxtTJauH_DDzvA_I0Y/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqILPChlzOrGKcvLxWabmG7e9T0w-1VBTdRU3d4dHTj_6htochyfpGLJxmkn04UFIr59BHdozzuRAf8KkWEe_BpCHC0rLI4R5dcfRNiyUaOUvHIj6AygnxLuSzHtxtTJauH_DDzvA_I0Y/s320/DSC_0005.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ed still cant get over how fast a dinner party can be pulled together in this crowd.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLfNOrJJ6JRu-FsYGdkaAaM_W-IA9HMvXcNQrhE4GM2VeRAnBlZrvqCNY4ApM_Am2dxdO_EFxBESlSR2UAVGyypfVsRGIUBszo-tx8kp0aVBgk5XWDyEpRdUHXWcyOFsmbVcIYAktL8c/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLfNOrJJ6JRu-FsYGdkaAaM_W-IA9HMvXcNQrhE4GM2VeRAnBlZrvqCNY4ApM_Am2dxdO_EFxBESlSR2UAVGyypfVsRGIUBszo-tx8kp0aVBgk5XWDyEpRdUHXWcyOFsmbVcIYAktL8c/s320/DSC_0006.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is hard to smile when you have just consumed 20 pounds of shrimp.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were given wonderful views of the early morning fog.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This sunset from Holiday Harbor was just out of sight.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUm7msk_NHMlvMMcbsuSFFUC8GSmAnGYAn2im03VjnwZ3ygovJNYsHTZKwzDWqCzDlOrgR64lvokpNNgo00W_p5FiWeBiNCuRg4k2Efr_DDhU8BR01L8Nwmz2vfI8aeGNO5WDrNQqBpTU/s1600/DSC_0087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUm7msk_NHMlvMMcbsuSFFUC8GSmAnGYAn2im03VjnwZ3ygovJNYsHTZKwzDWqCzDlOrgR64lvokpNNgo00W_p5FiWeBiNCuRg4k2Efr_DDhU8BR01L8Nwmz2vfI8aeGNO5WDrNQqBpTU/s320/DSC_0087.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nothing says God Bless America better than a special forces jump master landing in front of us with an American flag trailing behind him.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFyP95jiXPku95h8ge0y2wa3JVqCnJisoHy4D73jj6kZubTLsRcFcDpQ7UepcigRZUVLWBUIVn-wiIgCycUNp6ATOwrIOe0UNiLsvLZRK6PRnAHxQyJNYw2tyVr0Z8BS6NOdXjQaKX1Bo/s1600/DSC_0099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFyP95jiXPku95h8ge0y2wa3JVqCnJisoHy4D73jj6kZubTLsRcFcDpQ7UepcigRZUVLWBUIVn-wiIgCycUNp6ATOwrIOe0UNiLsvLZRK6PRnAHxQyJNYw2tyVr0Z8BS6NOdXjQaKX1Bo/s320/DSC_0099.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have to say these planes were some of my favorites.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1gLusMQqLAFnUr5t3hmMpqiXuLtPxwkjRDNQlCRCneQVXdDiZh9JOlqyRWrooDew48UVGNk4IabXHVfFto4X7LwvzuslJ2kFmAVgr9KgKuesbWFDZmMUez3-rY9V603tbfIvFcFMr4w/s1600/DSC_0133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1gLusMQqLAFnUr5t3hmMpqiXuLtPxwkjRDNQlCRCneQVXdDiZh9JOlqyRWrooDew48UVGNk4IabXHVfFto4X7LwvzuslJ2kFmAVgr9KgKuesbWFDZmMUez3-rY9V603tbfIvFcFMr4w/s320/DSC_0133.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This plane was the loudest of them all. Ed was in hog heaven.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3V61TW1RkgcWQnKt2YrrEjIveoue4gHOUplVIdRy4srg0hMml6eyCKDZaOf3zkvm_YOrwsxEdgsys9Aq2Oca18k1jmPBapv2NJj4rh7Dcrn5s1GW91taQzRZZg-pa-u6NpC3h-LwApgw/s1600/DSC_0178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3V61TW1RkgcWQnKt2YrrEjIveoue4gHOUplVIdRy4srg0hMml6eyCKDZaOf3zkvm_YOrwsxEdgsys9Aq2Oca18k1jmPBapv2NJj4rh7Dcrn5s1GW91taQzRZZg-pa-u6NpC3h-LwApgw/s320/DSC_0178.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can it get any better than this? A jet truck racing a plane down the runway. Would you believe the truck made it to a top speed of 348 miles per hour. WOW! </td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzgXx-E_cxNIrd9xuP6GLtya5jWjLzlws96-NNhLURVpp7IhEklv_JV9wRnvQ4Aqs9zGstjjeXtFBRRQLUM1EYY6Pi1_wdz70v9FMdaiHPF4cHcQqStg6KtmQpvpAaqSrr4QIGadDnRc/s1600/DSC_0164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzgXx-E_cxNIrd9xuP6GLtya5jWjLzlws96-NNhLURVpp7IhEklv_JV9wRnvQ4Aqs9zGstjjeXtFBRRQLUM1EYY6Pi1_wdz70v9FMdaiHPF4cHcQqStg6KtmQpvpAaqSrr4QIGadDnRc/s320/DSC_0164.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That guy just burned all the diesel I needed for the trip.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVCVvJ7IkjYp7ngAUvjtjgNCLbYymD2FyQW8qzanxdhnSOvlovbKKOu5fhYiaiWpyNs_eVtbV2t0eiYC7857mcMMLWN_ZsAhNlmCFRidi2PVeYUDr31QZeI541fklQ77mFKp0QxC1aVw/s1600/DSC_0292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVCVvJ7IkjYp7ngAUvjtjgNCLbYymD2FyQW8qzanxdhnSOvlovbKKOu5fhYiaiWpyNs_eVtbV2t0eiYC7857mcMMLWN_ZsAhNlmCFRidi2PVeYUDr31QZeI541fklQ77mFKp0QxC1aVw/s320/DSC_0292.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Boys in Blue get a great welcome as they appear on their home turf.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76TEx8PMXB-ehz4MBrxVZYCDJvGVP4F_zsjD3V8phKg4GZU7IMRIHOs3Whudtig6bcMQ5mmgV7871fPj82WfXb4cEF_LjjHxIMIAnw9tn-IOI3henE6jcyZPIn_KacTcws-ThxONSbeA/s1600/DSC_0307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76TEx8PMXB-ehz4MBrxVZYCDJvGVP4F_zsjD3V8phKg4GZU7IMRIHOs3Whudtig6bcMQ5mmgV7871fPj82WfXb4cEF_LjjHxIMIAnw9tn-IOI3henE6jcyZPIn_KacTcws-ThxONSbeA/s320/DSC_0307.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everything is timed right down to testing the flaps before take off.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRfgmamb6jFZ3XmmchP4E0IxtYaFf9ejGE_qZzgxAINOD5SIskGudUBYUofC23C8aPfugiMpH02eNpOhyphenhyphenHAXcGfU14dNpOGBF_rGXBUUpo3fq-dcWvI_Afk0WTu7jYZPOBGntliYrrrx0/s1600/DSC_0312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRfgmamb6jFZ3XmmchP4E0IxtYaFf9ejGE_qZzgxAINOD5SIskGudUBYUofC23C8aPfugiMpH02eNpOhyphenhyphenHAXcGfU14dNpOGBF_rGXBUUpo3fq-dcWvI_Afk0WTu7jYZPOBGntliYrrrx0/s320/DSC_0312.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To Cool!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWvPJyxnEdj93r6cdvLXDyCQXuZm2K7g8_qYc3atUgAX1pmu_HMrUWmGxDDdmlNFn_pFT1fE3cE5dzKaKu0atP_BrIhgssjfyjkdH4ViCmuRWzMQ6-G9deLOHYGwSFp5OYqCPx24Z35E/s1600/DSC_0336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWvPJyxnEdj93r6cdvLXDyCQXuZm2K7g8_qYc3atUgAX1pmu_HMrUWmGxDDdmlNFn_pFT1fE3cE5dzKaKu0atP_BrIhgssjfyjkdH4ViCmuRWzMQ6-G9deLOHYGwSFp5OYqCPx24Z35E/s320/DSC_0336.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just crazy how close they are to each other.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxumv3FH_pDDRgqu6rGnOY2mjbB0hFW5nmzq1AP6Fix44E2DmQgT7g-BXh9FFSt14B6z1crY8YIkf_2SUwDmcFPaG3i4oI5wEbaViX-5oYsM8_ugndJZEiQOx413TaTcbq_nHnzHPX7FU/s1600/DSC_0338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxumv3FH_pDDRgqu6rGnOY2mjbB0hFW5nmzq1AP6Fix44E2DmQgT7g-BXh9FFSt14B6z1crY8YIkf_2SUwDmcFPaG3i4oI5wEbaViX-5oYsM8_ugndJZEiQOx413TaTcbq_nHnzHPX7FU/s320/DSC_0338.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like it is not hard enough, how about two of us do it upside down.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEjy_4J1XLvrnCb7X71_4Ajs1igZcDDQdu4QoJKpmBX48CGZQnj_0LVJdfOqkBcwmxDf0bjm1q17eF5ZidFIeOi6rjh3fGEJFYE9CGcN_pJnzm9O0xqybTtHJdNSmlavkm78DlxVV6SZsDk/s1600/DSC_0339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy_4J1XLvrnCb7X71_4Ajs1igZcDDQdu4QoJKpmBX48CGZQnj_0LVJdfOqkBcwmxDf0bjm1q17eF5ZidFIeOi6rjh3fGEJFYE9CGcN_pJnzm9O0xqybTtHJdNSmlavkm78DlxVV6SZsDk/s320/DSC_0339.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I will never get tired of seeing these guys.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<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/AVvXsEgPKiWWosAbpNF9eokw73GU_-V_memOCO_KMpiLiaiUxn4rvjGNJgOgqJsiJp3j_6zhLRCVgIP7ODMhHaFj-tol5VH6WW_pBCIHn0Kmt78JgbaQ6m1btvASNWKbhKaWCmvZ7R_FDJlHZKs/s1600/DSC_0368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPKiWWosAbpNF9eokw73GU_-V_memOCO_KMpiLiaiUxn4rvjGNJgOgqJsiJp3j_6zhLRCVgIP7ODMhHaFj-tol5VH6WW_pBCIHn0Kmt78JgbaQ6m1btvASNWKbhKaWCmvZ7R_FDJlHZKs/s320/DSC_0368.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They are just all around impressive</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEh9POxCo4IS1RUeSp9TS5XEk8CKAFSiLlqV1IzqJ9l1UQlUmpUJ8C3nJ-zfGdSDwv8CHFE_kgUmTcBU1B6ivO2WOG0aK51P8QTiedCGsdpgKEG1mqRU4IzPJycO43datQ89LiLlIGIfBkA/s1600/DSC_0406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9POxCo4IS1RUeSp9TS5XEk8CKAFSiLlqV1IzqJ9l1UQlUmpUJ8C3nJ-zfGdSDwv8CHFE_kgUmTcBU1B6ivO2WOG0aK51P8QTiedCGsdpgKEG1mqRU4IzPJycO43datQ89LiLlIGIfBkA/s320/DSC_0406.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome home guys, this will be their last show for the season, next year they will have two new pilots and many new support crew. I am sure these guys were going to party that night.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEi3NlqDE-JJhPZcjLRr5ianXavy4rhncpU1zxb1z4db0fpBpApLNlSj-6e3rypggE35WRHQLGW2MfsE0ADJpVgchLo2JBDt_SW2qgrtEXLROGl-93B7ohVH364BQ6UceDBSe-FAbaj7wbM/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3NlqDE-JJhPZcjLRr5ianXavy4rhncpU1zxb1z4db0fpBpApLNlSj-6e3rypggE35WRHQLGW2MfsE0ADJpVgchLo2JBDt_SW2qgrtEXLROGl-93B7ohVH364BQ6UceDBSe-FAbaj7wbM/s320/DSC_0002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had a great meal at this restaurant right on the Florida state line.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEgRo7LciqZZh_zJJ2wfv8_9syhyssq7hbsX8vepEI_BR0Mu4LXDaLjTz2XNASsA2lgHzFlWG2t9_Usd9WgxiLVERH6pWHdwTM29Aq7Pvd6BGjlu8Ke9m1l31l4yNe1YEwDYpBWzu2EWfLQ/s1600/DSC_0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRo7LciqZZh_zJJ2wfv8_9syhyssq7hbsX8vepEI_BR0Mu4LXDaLjTz2XNASsA2lgHzFlWG2t9_Usd9WgxiLVERH6pWHdwTM29Aq7Pvd6BGjlu8Ke9m1l31l4yNe1YEwDYpBWzu2EWfLQ/s320/DSC_0023.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The next day we ran into the Navy Seals training in the waters around the base. Man these guys looked tired. We joked they probable started in Virginia.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEjvk663ZuvDg0RDUu132Zr_Bk11GfD-3KldcEfPqRI4gTnqV0w3W73ApqKvX2g4llc8AFKQxvllPG5-sWF2hPXkJKXBBhJSgZK2V8ZRqpXiFD0TNAGjprERGwu2ahosXVl0bulYkCHF85A/s1600/DSC_0052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvk663ZuvDg0RDUu132Zr_Bk11GfD-3KldcEfPqRI4gTnqV0w3W73ApqKvX2g4llc8AFKQxvllPG5-sWF2hPXkJKXBBhJSgZK2V8ZRqpXiFD0TNAGjprERGwu2ahosXVl0bulYkCHF85A/s320/DSC_0052.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Friends the Dolphins are back, this time we got a shot.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNs0iVUgTuoG7ixttKvTnYQDDeG22ttO4ML0MwGfIVLp5zTX_wNprZ6RXZz1fpzLDggak8Xx0g7TlqiilHuXdc2THczGmPDyK7j0v_w_Hi5v1YC74fTsv8E5vVIz5jwhZB11MilaFIskw/s1600/DSC_0056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNs0iVUgTuoG7ixttKvTnYQDDeG22ttO4ML0MwGfIVLp5zTX_wNprZ6RXZz1fpzLDggak8Xx0g7TlqiilHuXdc2THczGmPDyK7j0v_w_Hi5v1YC74fTsv8E5vVIz5jwhZB11MilaFIskw/s320/DSC_0056.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fishing fleet in Port St Joe. </td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<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/AVvXsEi6pCsWNaaZI3TXx4QBQA3ccXoPp3zUqLLMTD_soK0Mpdb38z1CwLHAyz3OWp9zRQKQAEaLFqAmCKaQCAb1GXw9ew58-5bWvJwNcex-dh4tPN_qvh-KBiraX6vZiRZfM_H_o5jIIgBVB-8/s1600/Panama_City-20101116-00010%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6pCsWNaaZI3TXx4QBQA3ccXoPp3zUqLLMTD_soK0Mpdb38z1CwLHAyz3OWp9zRQKQAEaLFqAmCKaQCAb1GXw9ew58-5bWvJwNcex-dh4tPN_qvh-KBiraX6vZiRZfM_H_o5jIIgBVB-8/s320/Panama_City-20101116-00010%255B1%255D.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Someone carved figures of pelicans into this tree in St Andrews harbor.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<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/AVvXsEhNzQGubX2l3aA8ibSY04WHsA1dIRkMLJVVkvPJkSA4C7aU4iue4vXUJoGbOGqAQiNl8AboM9dK9P9EGnZ0e8jUO3Szad_TXuLamlDCX_17Ir6zAocvOzB_L8v1NbSi3jA2mIdTnujVU4A/s1600/Port_St._Joe-20101117-00014%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNzQGubX2l3aA8ibSY04WHsA1dIRkMLJVVkvPJkSA4C7aU4iue4vXUJoGbOGqAQiNl8AboM9dK9P9EGnZ0e8jUO3Szad_TXuLamlDCX_17Ir6zAocvOzB_L8v1NbSi3jA2mIdTnujVU4A/s320/Port_St._Joe-20101117-00014%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you for a great visit Uncle Ed. Safe travels home</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBO7kkNvLjAPynNhkX2WZZLEs4Bhx5u0yJe2JvLjM_Tr6mSgOzDT-hC96J3_W3CTEnTmRCq89Qd-hv3db2hGMftn3Lv8FeKzIsEyaFrm9kwokkjN9xeReCI9LoxtTHvS87AVx64R5PaAM/s1600/DSC_0060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBO7kkNvLjAPynNhkX2WZZLEs4Bhx5u0yJe2JvLjM_Tr6mSgOzDT-hC96J3_W3CTEnTmRCq89Qd-hv3db2hGMftn3Lv8FeKzIsEyaFrm9kwokkjN9xeReCI9LoxtTHvS87AVx64R5PaAM/s320/DSC_0060.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A great view from the bar at Port St Joe</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<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/AVvXsEirmCB2Zvp-YkWGyZJQ-M4BWACBHchneNJaPTQpgUafN1EeODOPFgUQY9cWn1lzejt93rPF0RKoQYwyEf9NnOwMDA9NWzY4-BTgV-4Y4L1cGRgCaHqXOFgFAmzV9xd2EP-bXm-tsyyCqtA/s1600/DSC_0061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmCB2Zvp-YkWGyZJQ-M4BWACBHchneNJaPTQpgUafN1EeODOPFgUQY9cWn1lzejt93rPF0RKoQYwyEf9NnOwMDA9NWzY4-BTgV-4Y4L1cGRgCaHqXOFgFAmzV9xd2EP-bXm-tsyyCqtA/s320/DSC_0061.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With a great view is the perfect pour. Cheers everyone</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Peter Gulickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07329857002315262843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294543769324056220.post-21341284326490973222010-11-11T16:13:00.000-05:002010-11-11T16:13:52.242-05:00Salt Water Here We Come<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Ok Tenn Tom we are ready for what you have to throw at us. We need to be in Mobile by the 9th of November to pick up my Uncle Ed who is going to cruise with us for about a week. Everyone says we are crazy to try and get down it so fast but we are up to the challenge and ready to go. At our first stop, Grand Harbor we got to see our old friends Andrew and Sallyann from Freedom. We last saw them when they completed their loop at Green Turtle Bay. After a nice night of visiting with them we were ready for an early morning start down the river. Little did we know mother nature had another plan for us. FOG!! You would think coming from the Grey Lady (Nantucket) we would be used to this but river fog is no joke. Our first day we waited over 3 hours for it to clear long enough to run safely. We had heard even if we got to the lock in the fog their was a good chance the lock master would not lock us down if it was too thick. We went to Midway marina the first night took on some fuel and got ready for the next day. Day two we ran from Midway to Columbus. At Columbus it was getting very crowded and we had to wait over an hour and a half outside the dock for a boat to fuel up with 1000 gallons. They wanted 1600 gallons but the marina did not have enough fuel. The reason we had to wait was that the marina was so full we got the last spot just off the fuel dock and their was no way for us to tie up safely with the other boat fueling. In the days after we left we hear that boats were rafting 2 and 3 boats deep there because their was not enough dock space. We were thankful that we had pushed on and were determined to stay ahead of the crowd. After a night at anchor we went to Dempolis. There we took the courtesy car for what else- Jack Daniels. Here is where the real fun begins. We are going to run two very long days to get this river over and done with. We did 120 miles the next day. Thinking we could do this all by dark was a HUGE mistake. We ended up pulling into an anchorage in pitch black at mile 100. Anna was very scared and kept saying how silly we were to take such a huge risk. All I can say is thank god for the radar. Without the radar there is no way that I would have found the opening to anchorage channel.. As we headed in with 2 spotlights going we kept wondering what we would find. Thankfully we found Felix. Felix is a catamaran that is doing the loop. They were kind enough to hail us on the radio and give us direction to a safe place to throw the anchor. We had of course read of the dangers of the river at night but never would have thought it would be so dark and eerie. Ah well lesson learned. The next day was just 90 miles to a great anchorage where we could hear the owls calling. Of course we could also hear and feel the local fishermen blowing by us at top speed but hey we were in their space. Now Mobile here we come. That is one very busy port and we were like an ant going through there with all the huge boats. It is a truly impressive sight to see those huge ships. You can not help but to reflect on all the hurricanes that have come through there. Overall the Tenn-Tom is a very beautiful river. We had heard that is was ugly but did not find that at all and would gladly do it again over something like the Illinois or the Ohio rivers. We will be picking up Uncle Ed in a day or so and then heading towards Florida with a stop in Pensacola for the big air show.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmM52P3CUaQwu16RynEiQmRiOQFRcR9vAJDZlPSZaQkr54jmAAb58Xm3e7f7UfBCSwGCBpnilNotqpac_8MjzpdDH4m2d7-I11EVpkVU7SeZJI3VvV-UGZ3R-qq2RmLt-6c6lr_kGlh7o/s1600/DSC_0166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmM52P3CUaQwu16RynEiQmRiOQFRcR9vAJDZlPSZaQkr54jmAAb58Xm3e7f7UfBCSwGCBpnilNotqpac_8MjzpdDH4m2d7-I11EVpkVU7SeZJI3VvV-UGZ3R-qq2RmLt-6c6lr_kGlh7o/s320/DSC_0166.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See those little spots in the water? They are baby deer swimming across the river during our early morning cruise</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzVfjfENlEILuqS41hXGDV1I3A9A0v_y_mMsnf_hkvw4huGS5mU6bo442AocNWgSToc52dIRtNPDJqSKE6xMmaFjEfbcpOLulHiwQ7P3l44oOQN1cKR9qIqjldgbUa9jR1VgLBQs1EBo/s1600/DSC_0169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzVfjfENlEILuqS41hXGDV1I3A9A0v_y_mMsnf_hkvw4huGS5mU6bo442AocNWgSToc52dIRtNPDJqSKE6xMmaFjEfbcpOLulHiwQ7P3l44oOQN1cKR9qIqjldgbUa9jR1VgLBQs1EBo/s320/DSC_0169.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holy Deer! See them jump back onto the bank after their swim</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinm1P0Mo1BWZ5xRO6KEKbP6Hfez2kvViws6hI_ngFHd1Sg25M8-z8FK8YuHY1FQPldNpzPNnODiC-26gt7-7oqTWTeTWxtf8jNit2hblF_qv0byBXf1Aj37Iar-xBUkEsb1Yw_FaVbLeQ/s1600/DSC_0178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinm1P0Mo1BWZ5xRO6KEKbP6Hfez2kvViws6hI_ngFHd1Sg25M8-z8FK8YuHY1FQPldNpzPNnODiC-26gt7-7oqTWTeTWxtf8jNit2hblF_qv0byBXf1Aj37Iar-xBUkEsb1Yw_FaVbLeQ/s320/DSC_0178.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The output of these factories is very impressive</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG0KxbYx92mhBzTmw2d1wTGYPUPINaKAxKcu5ljC7rOqfEf1hfp8SH2584GZgpWILWiVzdyBvQPydG_UnJZJ-664sIetfd5yHCCwKbcwo_o71a1ZTchMAUjIkAvog-6ozCRCmKakt0ax8/s1600/DSC_0180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG0KxbYx92mhBzTmw2d1wTGYPUPINaKAxKcu5ljC7rOqfEf1hfp8SH2584GZgpWILWiVzdyBvQPydG_UnJZJ-664sIetfd5yHCCwKbcwo_o71a1ZTchMAUjIkAvog-6ozCRCmKakt0ax8/s320/DSC_0180.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at all this coal waiting to be loaded onto the barges</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwU7yzXw5ocr7Ja-7BPFmyCdAmZGspsRGnODh3V8ilnKImgIiJLCIx3UqhwiZSKbo4MYq9tjsvvIQp0-La2lQluXvJ_FaO585TWkWTZ5T_TDzGnMf2NUhyd9iUyBy7KCvKW6FKiU4viM/s1600/DSC_0183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwU7yzXw5ocr7Ja-7BPFmyCdAmZGspsRGnODh3V8ilnKImgIiJLCIx3UqhwiZSKbo4MYq9tjsvvIQp0-La2lQluXvJ_FaO585TWkWTZ5T_TDzGnMf2NUhyd9iUyBy7KCvKW6FKiU4viM/s320/DSC_0183.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great use for old tires</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsdd9yba_IyK8slKRoCq1APc2iy1-Eq5QZ31OwdcCZHXsiABpsJ09Z5IKZEd6bwAmsPfwx73CUk1punKbM2-FhZSr9fE9UtS85kEYuF8QQDroeGML4BIYMtb0WAx0LoavDPPTS6bH3H5M/s1600/DSC_0188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsdd9yba_IyK8slKRoCq1APc2iy1-Eq5QZ31OwdcCZHXsiABpsJ09Z5IKZEd6bwAmsPfwx73CUk1punKbM2-FhZSr9fE9UtS85kEYuF8QQDroeGML4BIYMtb0WAx0LoavDPPTS6bH3H5M/s320/DSC_0188.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the last barges we saw on the Ten-Tom</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9cr_VTvfwlZywK8GNCSq76kJW8y2b8XkbYmJuUJF2DfBGSsE3wiaQ7L77yN2TYokYxBQiK8j-oW7RvZOubrlZwrlo3X7idAuTOk2-gbYsma_24odqq0hhmfEjsJ4UtWN-mbCtQJ3cVQ/s1600/DSC_0190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9cr_VTvfwlZywK8GNCSq76kJW8y2b8XkbYmJuUJF2DfBGSsE3wiaQ7L77yN2TYokYxBQiK8j-oW7RvZOubrlZwrlo3X7idAuTOk2-gbYsma_24odqq0hhmfEjsJ4UtWN-mbCtQJ3cVQ/s320/DSC_0190.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The scenery is sure starting to look more tropical</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUrrKSQrQT6u6zfSPJSt3ksW3CbDVGh0RhGQeaHLqB498tjePWI-Xkp2OcmwbegeP0oUSUBWTd1iyvsh5PY81fL52MiM1uUyKLikQH9pONqXICEzNNaYFr_9wZh1CAleXW9K619MAa0Hk/s1600/DSC_0189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUrrKSQrQT6u6zfSPJSt3ksW3CbDVGh0RhGQeaHLqB498tjePWI-Xkp2OcmwbegeP0oUSUBWTd1iyvsh5PY81fL52MiM1uUyKLikQH9pONqXICEzNNaYFr_9wZh1CAleXW9K619MAa0Hk/s320/DSC_0189.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is some of the greenery along the banks near the start of the Tenn-Tom</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNTy60We8cPNpHgMpH4AJ8myrimQvMt2dUEDy7NgSjoN3ZhZQy1kVjSnBsK1aW3Gio2qry2GoDjhvcuIXOMImzlaKCMWYyMp8sLwvfi1q4xcj-1dCSMhNuu1qUvkHVpoWJkLNhe5JfNvQ/s1600/DSC_0197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNTy60We8cPNpHgMpH4AJ8myrimQvMt2dUEDy7NgSjoN3ZhZQy1kVjSnBsK1aW3Gio2qry2GoDjhvcuIXOMImzlaKCMWYyMp8sLwvfi1q4xcj-1dCSMhNuu1qUvkHVpoWJkLNhe5JfNvQ/s320/DSC_0197.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These spillways look like little waterfalls along the way</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqxApMnqwO7IQ5sNUIiki0-Sw-vt7GFf3vOp3dE8lYQIpnLYdOz_nNCaUM6IQUhcSIx9GeXwQezaeUWb3t2xxH_N-PPtedO11QOCyq1kANj8faXI3fw0YGWKL4PJizkFZVQHNvk0nFL_M/s1600/DSC_0201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqxApMnqwO7IQ5sNUIiki0-Sw-vt7GFf3vOp3dE8lYQIpnLYdOz_nNCaUM6IQUhcSIx9GeXwQezaeUWb3t2xxH_N-PPtedO11QOCyq1kANj8faXI3fw0YGWKL4PJizkFZVQHNvk0nFL_M/s320/DSC_0201.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early Morning Sun just off the dock in Columbus</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZ8Z-bSw9HI5ykCSlfbsCj7eSP6OZd6hJXB_Awq3au-NsJjnw0dpiwD1nDhRbOATagBTM4QpIRHhCAgh4Ys96kocgnJDtiykyJ9Cn8F2FWCTUwzXvs6VTa5CRZGB7xDYuyIYG77VbFNg/s1600/DSC_0198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZ8Z-bSw9HI5ykCSlfbsCj7eSP6OZd6hJXB_Awq3au-NsJjnw0dpiwD1nDhRbOATagBTM4QpIRHhCAgh4Ys96kocgnJDtiykyJ9Cn8F2FWCTUwzXvs6VTa5CRZGB7xDYuyIYG77VbFNg/s320/DSC_0198.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creepy early morning fog near the dock in Midway</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJWPHtQHE3vyXSxqXIbxNmXcHh9K9elyLXGUd9NXThJJA6u1SruzABcNzYMH6LP0tCYFebh95NnAK12hwvJ75NsuQ6-YldAXjZj7U4DGlqb0_Gdqu70XrUsd2k-748Vm3vMgfCj1yhMY/s1600/DSC_0148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJWPHtQHE3vyXSxqXIbxNmXcHh9K9elyLXGUd9NXThJJA6u1SruzABcNzYMH6LP0tCYFebh95NnAK12hwvJ75NsuQ6-YldAXjZj7U4DGlqb0_Gdqu70XrUsd2k-748Vm3vMgfCj1yhMY/s320/DSC_0148.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water overflow from the the last lock we passed through</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiszf49NN9zh1YPpAklpoFeIhwV-2mOiaoxpSpanI9Qm5zCiLJp_MFU5ZIysc0KyFSOoEh7O9ImBPhS41H7r4mfYoNT1iaScAZrXB16ITjHBYpc4ZAYpMUC6bVBJW-azD0CbmpfJf8q5iI/s1600/DSC_0157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiszf49NN9zh1YPpAklpoFeIhwV-2mOiaoxpSpanI9Qm5zCiLJp_MFU5ZIysc0KyFSOoEh7O9ImBPhS41H7r4mfYoNT1iaScAZrXB16ITjHBYpc4ZAYpMUC6bVBJW-azD0CbmpfJf8q5iI/s320/DSC_0157.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lock #114 for us!!! No more locks until the East Coast.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir0Ita7MQ4gcNFrwmU74dKUlMLFm8nCBNa2xft6aZDgLQICNfdu5et6NTbo3MAeDsncLtNaeK0ACIB1-S22Qk8l0sqafmoBUIMmKE7Dv8ma6jmV9huUbvQa4nPJbOGqn2p9k2yJLPq9Zw/s1600/DSC_0150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir0Ita7MQ4gcNFrwmU74dKUlMLFm8nCBNa2xft6aZDgLQICNfdu5et6NTbo3MAeDsncLtNaeK0ACIB1-S22Qk8l0sqafmoBUIMmKE7Dv8ma6jmV9huUbvQa4nPJbOGqn2p9k2yJLPq9Zw/s320/DSC_0150.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view inside our last lock. We will celebrate this later on</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10EumfqspQFCOn1gmeREnBIPa0p2-ZLaZedFvbturPgdC5oiYkrZ9BrYLijCvK1zBCQ3-m7Sng8KVOQN-BxJPGW6LLH7xHvpY_ZZGKu9VNeWLnt7mTQNWluWgxHyK7ZLTXd_XCyK2QDQ/s1600/DSC_0215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10EumfqspQFCOn1gmeREnBIPa0p2-ZLaZedFvbturPgdC5oiYkrZ9BrYLijCvK1zBCQ3-m7Sng8KVOQN-BxJPGW6LLH7xHvpY_ZZGKu9VNeWLnt7mTQNWluWgxHyK7ZLTXd_XCyK2QDQ/s320/DSC_0215.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Cliffs of Epps were very cool to see</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTWUc4FftWRgKy_6w6XFIKPHqiWMXGIJqkH3I9Die-nrVd2pH1OEMB38om8JPOdY1c-B6a0J5Jo8lyfWdExrWEXZSgZ939VBjx2nDjKqey7bHUkUsdDwTiB5vuLKU2InNo36U7G_nhCA/s1600/DSC_0162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTWUc4FftWRgKy_6w6XFIKPHqiWMXGIJqkH3I9Die-nrVd2pH1OEMB38om8JPOdY1c-B6a0J5Jo8lyfWdExrWEXZSgZ939VBjx2nDjKqey7bHUkUsdDwTiB5vuLKU2InNo36U7G_nhCA/s320/DSC_0162.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Felix was our savior in the anchorage at lock 100. Here is a great morning shot of them</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7p9L3RNEWn2g_SHDHCnB7L7dcp3xdfax0Wiywv1FrYOrehew0JDJPA7THbOKLORTbbvvB5hqpjopQUR0xp0qdGFgnEjCILpb41oHwJ5E-i2pQFztraLLYyMX3rTOdHDmdSsuoCgOur34/s1600/DSC_0194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7p9L3RNEWn2g_SHDHCnB7L7dcp3xdfax0Wiywv1FrYOrehew0JDJPA7THbOKLORTbbvvB5hqpjopQUR0xp0qdGFgnEjCILpb41oHwJ5E-i2pQFztraLLYyMX3rTOdHDmdSsuoCgOur34/s320/DSC_0194.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mobile Bay and civilization here we come</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBcIbh8ci-Bnzobpn_ikumeuDdN3TOJ9eqJBMd4upvhhKgTXxQSQn9mg-5AEWrREgtZS81K9qf5RxVRHiVbKX7Pia65gKai3SEZbwdXn5u4QDOzqBBVcIa_lXDkAk6cr9xPh1qs3fNCY4/s1600/DSC_0196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBcIbh8ci-Bnzobpn_ikumeuDdN3TOJ9eqJBMd4upvhhKgTXxQSQn9mg-5AEWrREgtZS81K9qf5RxVRHiVbKX7Pia65gKai3SEZbwdXn5u4QDOzqBBVcIa_lXDkAk6cr9xPh1qs3fNCY4/s320/DSC_0196.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We feel so tiny in our small boat amongst all these large boats</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5WoE26PNDndGftNjrhhjs0RwsGs1m8V-H6xkGaSPT77ETCMRMRVPSaRIQb_m-EwbZQagN65nM6O3fPeqaeQVyZ6ZlLdUOyLiafoDGOJZpqDyuSdHQ8jkAPKvwOnJn2UtqYy30P3biqnY/s1600/DSC_0200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5WoE26PNDndGftNjrhhjs0RwsGs1m8V-H6xkGaSPT77ETCMRMRVPSaRIQb_m-EwbZQagN65nM6O3fPeqaeQVyZ6ZlLdUOyLiafoDGOJZpqDyuSdHQ8jkAPKvwOnJn2UtqYy30P3biqnY/s320/DSC_0200.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dry docks are just huge</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioH3acGYP63QOAC4i7RUK2Z6kHsLMk0w66wEmAovma4X3GU4FLw1p7H-2LfGYEYvSxbJoYcqDUHmPTjesykpCSzRoiuyI2Ygr1oCVnhvEHiQBm__SuBhVN-jMxxzPy1dVJqG2cX42NyzQ/s1600/DSC_0203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioH3acGYP63QOAC4i7RUK2Z6kHsLMk0w66wEmAovma4X3GU4FLw1p7H-2LfGYEYvSxbJoYcqDUHmPTjesykpCSzRoiuyI2Ygr1oCVnhvEHiQBm__SuBhVN-jMxxzPy1dVJqG2cX42NyzQ/s320/DSC_0203.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The city of Mobile</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrk5mSWOTVkKczlwO1-1UAcj7BQqoJSP-ENCsuZCZIVAUnrGlGeJj_6lQT5CDyysI2sqfI6A8-Kz_WkGRmG98F6JXtFObyFnGYEpO3CSXhi7-ECjpdmLvFrL8LN5ZawZ5UlKB3FY9JFUQ/s1600/DSC_0205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrk5mSWOTVkKczlwO1-1UAcj7BQqoJSP-ENCsuZCZIVAUnrGlGeJj_6lQT5CDyysI2sqfI6A8-Kz_WkGRmG98F6JXtFObyFnGYEpO3CSXhi7-ECjpdmLvFrL8LN5ZawZ5UlKB3FY9JFUQ/s320/DSC_0205.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a truly amazing port</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlSXRobV8hUJh_yxi3Wq7RSmO7bi4oYzwnWKNplfKX_UrqkKSnO08kFql7PzNEdn9N5HfXUnCDoZJZCsotKc_GmyUblG8IfqqH7U7NstYNq6KfjpuaDBaqZX9yM97d3HME9JdcVOEzMU/s1600/DSC_0206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlSXRobV8hUJh_yxi3Wq7RSmO7bi4oYzwnWKNplfKX_UrqkKSnO08kFql7PzNEdn9N5HfXUnCDoZJZCsotKc_GmyUblG8IfqqH7U7NstYNq6KfjpuaDBaqZX9yM97d3HME9JdcVOEzMU/s320/DSC_0206.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving Mobile and heading out into the bay. We are keeping our fingers crossed for a smooth ride</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBs6WTiB2Wqm4MjBugvrMhI93B_jfKRlIPLmIOJnpht58CvSXy1egfOHtc5rYo7UKWXkYzL5KCcw6FUV6Y_i5nENe1lpUSKIyI1wljHFE1s6lg9SGe62bb3JfFD0qpxeDr4jnWTXRhQa4/s1600/DSC_0207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBs6WTiB2Wqm4MjBugvrMhI93B_jfKRlIPLmIOJnpht58CvSXy1egfOHtc5rYo7UKWXkYzL5KCcw6FUV6Y_i5nENe1lpUSKIyI1wljHFE1s6lg9SGe62bb3JfFD0qpxeDr4jnWTXRhQa4/s320/DSC_0207.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is an old ship that they use to dock emergency drills on</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimm9VNEitJIeXeg8WiyWMC6jL0fPDpTRMhxTjnDOyDa8i2SmTFXjxxpNgHqrnuYo4JLrBPsWTOwxBVCEGWzILIHvV8hia7WXbT6ODErH3qAJbHt7jChqCVs3Ti-vPwoMGezly-ZZ6l52A/s1600/DSC_0208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimm9VNEitJIeXeg8WiyWMC6jL0fPDpTRMhxTjnDOyDa8i2SmTFXjxxpNgHqrnuYo4JLrBPsWTOwxBVCEGWzILIHvV8hia7WXbT6ODErH3qAJbHt7jChqCVs3Ti-vPwoMGezly-ZZ6l52A/s320/DSC_0208.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view of Mobile Bay from the marina. You can just see Mobile in the back.</td></tr>
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</div>Peter Gulickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07329857002315262843noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294543769324056220.post-20697881454483718642010-11-04T23:12:00.000-04:002010-11-04T23:12:21.921-04:00We have been to plenty of reunions this is our first Rendezvous<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Every year two times a year somewhere around 200 looper gather in either South Carolina or Joe Wheeler State Park in Alabama to share tales of friendship, hardship, excitement and anticipation. This year Anna and I attended their AGLCA fall rendezvous at Joe Wheeler. This is one of the more beautiful anchorages and marinas on the Tennessee river. Who is Joe Wheeler? I wish I could tell you but I was so busy talking with fellow loopers it never occurred to me to learn more about this state park that I was docked in. We learned many things at the rendezvous, the two most common things we learned are that most loopers attend either Over eaters anonymous or AA when they are done, in many cases both. This crowd knows how to party. We spent our days trying to soak up as much information about the remaining half of our trip as possible. I took a number of seminars given by fellow loopers who have done the trip numerous times and seem to have the inside track on the good bargains and things to avoid. There were a couple of really interesting things that happened while we were at the park. The first was our first Tornado scare. No I did not see Dorothy clicking here heals, but I did hear the sirens at the park blare letting us know that one had touched down within 20 miles of us. I thought to myself, should we run to the shelter? A young dock attendant walked by me and said, "Do not worry about it, it is 20 miles away but if you hear it again grab your pet and run for the building." I said to Anna, " We are not in Kansas anymore. Or are we?" I must say the wind did pick up for a good 15 minutes making me miss the strong winds of Nantucket which keep us on our toes with the frequent Nor'easter that blow through the island. The other exciting event was me turning 37!! Who better for me to celebrate this great day with than our friends the Yanceys and the Peters. Bill Yancey said, "It is a shame that I had lived this long without being able to enjoy a true southern catfish dinner." So with no backing out on my part a catfish dinner was planned. At first sight a whole fried catfish seemed to resemble a whole Chinese cooked chicken minus the head. After the first bite I quickly discovered why this meal has become a favorite in America's southern states. If you ever have a chance to eat a true southern hush puppy do not pass it up. My word they are good. To finish off the night Anna made me a Jack Daniels birthday cake that she had gotten a recipe for from the Jack Daniel's website. It involved almost 2 cups of my favorite drink. It was delicious. Despite many comments from other loopers about how young we were it was a great pleasure to meet with another young lopper couple the Parrents. They are about 2 years younger than us and have just stared the loop in Michigan. They are traveling with their 3 children whom they are home schooling along the way. They are really an inspiration to see in action. We had a few great nights hanging out with them and joking about how next year the rendezvous should have a kids table for us young loopers. We also had fun joking about the most common questions we have been repeatedly asked by older loopers like- How is that you can pull this off? We have compiled some of our favorite responses. They are as follows- I won the lottery, I just got out of jail for insider trading, If I keep moving the bank can not find me, and I am scouting for a reality show. With the rendezvous now over we are very excited to start the next phase of our travels. We are headed down the Tenn-Tom waterway to Mobile Bay. Salt water here we come.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzT9afW169zXcfb4hyphenhyphenRAyjZmTB-FF4JyFEG0jNXxuhjDEfvC3H_LXskkVJEZbLvrL1GZytnBYdPujDyP0C2lKEsmDWq0H2Ad6ccdno3vhyphenhyphendbZgpBlmnnKI94HdeM4Ei1NrOwjh1_KoekA/s1600/DSC_0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzT9afW169zXcfb4hyphenhyphenRAyjZmTB-FF4JyFEG0jNXxuhjDEfvC3H_LXskkVJEZbLvrL1GZytnBYdPujDyP0C2lKEsmDWq0H2Ad6ccdno3vhyphenhyphendbZgpBlmnnKI94HdeM4Ei1NrOwjh1_KoekA/s320/DSC_0031.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of these ducks have the markings of a cow. I have never seen a spotted duck before.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the Loopers have arrived.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Those are some mean looking clowds. A few moments later we got some unbelievable winds. It was a bit of a reality check to see how quickly a powerful storm and brew in this part of the world.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzwdeaZY-ltJe-Jt7j687iTVouT-SgkhKnL8auBS1Pqk0ZNhMhByLsnoeH4Yz2Z-Ludr5k5lJCdzOT_cvaYxxIwouioHLKY6_wcf91GHajiuSannztk5T90CuqwdLCwgyHb38340ZbPM/s1600/DSC_0158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzwdeaZY-ltJe-Jt7j687iTVouT-SgkhKnL8auBS1Pqk0ZNhMhByLsnoeH4Yz2Z-Ludr5k5lJCdzOT_cvaYxxIwouioHLKY6_wcf91GHajiuSannztk5T90CuqwdLCwgyHb38340ZbPM/s320/DSC_0158.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is amazing this cake didn't blow up with the amount of booze Anna put in it. I had to warn the Craig and Danielle not to give it to the kids for fear they may like it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On one of the nights they had a looper crawl where a number of loopers opened thier boats to be viewed by others. I got a kick out of the fact that a guy asked me whose boat I was washing and who much I charged while I cleaned Blue.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna took a swim in the pool and got some crazy looks by people saying how can you swim it is so cold? We didn't think it was so strange it was 78 and sunny. I guess they could tell we where from the north.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fall colors are in full swing here.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once again we were given some great sunsets.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were able to witness this river boat grounded on a shoal in the channel. I later learned that a tow had snapped a cable trying to pull the old girl of the shoal. It must have been a tough day for the Captain and reminded us that you can <span style="background-color: white;">drop your guard on the rivers.</span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDVEGJRS7xYX0RHDuMTNYMmZiXE9dCRKllpeZsMT0NLyx6QQXaZOiOBSrXcb1k24WRAf8sGpcyu5ffB-BtOzwuChZ3NviUtiLueE2PAj0i0ooEJgiOwR9ArGcCI7URtPylS6xurtgNt94/s1600/DSC_0184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDVEGJRS7xYX0RHDuMTNYMmZiXE9dCRKllpeZsMT0NLyx6QQXaZOiOBSrXcb1k24WRAf8sGpcyu5ffB-BtOzwuChZ3NviUtiLueE2PAj0i0ooEJgiOwR9ArGcCI7URtPylS6xurtgNt94/s320/DSC_0184.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Halloween!</td></tr>
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</div>Peter Gulickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07329857002315262843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294543769324056220.post-6607489702755479642010-11-02T22:03:00.000-04:002010-11-02T22:03:58.939-04:00A Copper Top Still in the hills and a chance to ride a Combine. What a week!I don't even know where to start. In the past two weeks we have checked some major thing off the old bucket list. A few months before Anna and I left on our trip we sat down and made a list of a few major things we would like to see along the way. Much to my surprise one of Anna's top things to do was to see a large corn maze. I myself had never heard of such a thing. A corn maze I thought, where the heck are we going to find one of those. Well much to my astonishment it is not to hard in corn country. So off to a corn maze it was and what a great time we had. It has been a long time since I have taken a old fashioned hay ride. Anna and I had a blast picking out our Pumpkins for the top deck of Blue as well as getting lost in the Maze. Whomever came up with the first corn maze was a real genius, what great thing to do in October. Having checked off the Maze, we moved on to the next item on my list, a visit to the Jack Daniels Distillery. As many of you know I have been known to enjoy a good glass of Jack Daniels, and having an opportunity to go to the spot where this fantastic whiskey has been made since the Mid 1800's was not something I was not going to miss. As we walked the grounds on the tour, we got a chance to see the main still which was pumping out hundreds of gallons of 140 proof moonshine ready to be dripped through the oak charcoal then barrelled for 5 to 8 years before it will be bottled and hopefully happily consumed by some lucky guy like me. I did find it very humorous that Jack Daniels is made in a dry town. Everyone commented at the end of tour that they would surely kill for a taste of Jack Daniels fine whiskey. After visiting the Jack Daniels factory, Anna and I received a wonderful invitation to visit Bill and Carol Yancey's farm in Tennessee. Ever since I first learned that Bill was a farmer I had spent many an evening joking with him of how I had always dreamed of driving a combine. After an evening of enjoying some fine George Dickel Whiskey he made the mistake of telling me he had one. It has been a running joke for many months that maybe, just maybe he would let me drive it. All joking aside our visit to the Yancey farm was one of the most memorable things I think we have done on the whole trip. There is a real wholesome and rewarding feeling one receives working the land for a living. Bill and Carol have made a fine living doing just that. They have a great appreciation for their property and history that epitomizes the American farmer. They treated us along with Bill and Laura to a day filled with southern hospitality which of course included some incredible food, especially the pecan pie. At the end of the day I had driven a combine, filled it with soybeans, transferred it to another tractor and loaded it into a silo. As I watched the beans flowing into the shoot which threw them into the silo I was overwhelmed with a feeling of pride in taking part in one of the things that has made America great. After a day on the farm Bill treated us to a fine cigar on his back porch. When you look back on life you will remember a few special days and for me this will be one of those.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7M43gzTCkAi7FjH9EKT10DUnvyQFxuLhHVOHHUnlceTt1JfMO9W2Fjh9UddIuXpgdCoftv7NEf75VwKCXryPEqfqNq8UnZaNCiUhiRGbgAJ2Yh81p4vFHualXAasNw0dAHwkskygms8/s1600/DSC_0067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7M43gzTCkAi7FjH9EKT10DUnvyQFxuLhHVOHHUnlceTt1JfMO9W2Fjh9UddIuXpgdCoftv7NEf75VwKCXryPEqfqNq8UnZaNCiUhiRGbgAJ2Yh81p4vFHualXAasNw0dAHwkskygms8/s320/DSC_0067.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What have I gotten myself into?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh870LV-sONleVyqL-1et-7mnwA0sUOuOq7eQq-yqLII7D2-sM1RJIHtuQMcQpCE_StoJdJzN_Xyky27uAQlumQxcb2Y1lO_2RqkY4_AxnkCLQtL308zxCU00tiu1NtNLrIUeup6or_guc/s1600/DSC_0073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh870LV-sONleVyqL-1et-7mnwA0sUOuOq7eQq-yqLII7D2-sM1RJIHtuQMcQpCE_StoJdJzN_Xyky27uAQlumQxcb2Y1lO_2RqkY4_AxnkCLQtL308zxCU00tiu1NtNLrIUeup6or_guc/s320/DSC_0073.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I guess I am tall enough for this ride</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcx99_eIB6ZJhkaniPkOMtSnI13BdFZujjiHVhO8onBPqFe2BG9BeV2QBCy1VBnHhgImVq4SVJsNuk76VuXqMylLgu5FVsk3A2_mBgw28R3RVdR6J3RRqYfGMsnIhEoirG8m6NjEiC5GE/s1600/DSC_0070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcx99_eIB6ZJhkaniPkOMtSnI13BdFZujjiHVhO8onBPqFe2BG9BeV2QBCy1VBnHhgImVq4SVJsNuk76VuXqMylLgu5FVsk3A2_mBgw28R3RVdR6J3RRqYfGMsnIhEoirG8m6NjEiC5GE/s320/DSC_0070.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can not believe this but I think I am lost</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJSnuqpm-FONpGKS3rEUFwbcXQFMqfkOaBTc9Ob7x7Zp7gkAQfoWf5T18EQ2gg4_d92W5tstCIZ6ZgNhMna83q8pi2hJAe0Xjawe87kZiSdY4MDVdEQMAr95KvdK-0TajK1jiWk_UgF2A/s1600/DSC_0082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJSnuqpm-FONpGKS3rEUFwbcXQFMqfkOaBTc9Ob7x7Zp7gkAQfoWf5T18EQ2gg4_d92W5tstCIZ6ZgNhMna83q8pi2hJAe0Xjawe87kZiSdY4MDVdEQMAr95KvdK-0TajK1jiWk_UgF2A/s320/DSC_0082.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You guessed it- That is a real cotton field</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tractors make everything look cool</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look honey I see some corn</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwY7IVcVIOR3tPtu7ALP-JLqOGaNLjW1mmaP2Sptz7Ymo6S8FnBpVQdr8oW8azt2xx4ALkw_oCRgKgxOLnrw-By25qavn0dEnuEY8pp7cC0hIVkFy7za2h8j0buATom7vmD_XKj9un7dQ/s1600/DSC_0089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwY7IVcVIOR3tPtu7ALP-JLqOGaNLjW1mmaP2Sptz7Ymo6S8FnBpVQdr8oW8azt2xx4ALkw_oCRgKgxOLnrw-By25qavn0dEnuEY8pp7cC0hIVkFy7za2h8j0buATom7vmD_XKj9un7dQ/s320/DSC_0089.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you imagine picking this by hand?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY9aGVofB000JW703S2djZ9y4w1ysa3Z80gkLivmskp7xL4g-Qd6NH9j3ttJrP4psWUKbQhEz9Up-acocN5zaKR-t6Y2T0bjBpTGF8PAjVIlMPRo-VRUMVSzR1w39F1HUB5bujp8jqraA/s1600/DSC_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY9aGVofB000JW703S2djZ9y4w1ysa3Z80gkLivmskp7xL4g-Qd6NH9j3ttJrP4psWUKbQhEz9Up-acocN5zaKR-t6Y2T0bjBpTGF8PAjVIlMPRo-VRUMVSzR1w39F1HUB5bujp8jqraA/s320/DSC_0008.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fall colors with the lake are beautiful</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8VlDy-bX823wkhNAWPwuPRW529pXIZJrdorDK9AMOEmshJ-6Jgqthf5FqxUOA8lGySHT3Tk9KjhTswxcOLmVaT5Dit1tNwZLFvAAVKm5_qDQYa4Ys3mmKBjBeDdKyAHCGyThVK1_98U/s1600/DSC_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8VlDy-bX823wkhNAWPwuPRW529pXIZJrdorDK9AMOEmshJ-6Jgqthf5FqxUOA8lGySHT3Tk9KjhTswxcOLmVaT5Dit1tNwZLFvAAVKm5_qDQYa4Ys3mmKBjBeDdKyAHCGyThVK1_98U/s320/DSC_0020.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The river still constantly surprises us</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXjLzrSfDoP0XstWl3jpj-gpWsHQhfctgI9zD4soRqfCQ59CypUl4mVsnO5CgUOSJ5KscvimSjwf8QeDHUcjP7TfAAvAfHPqvAo29cOd5FdxrUhCujAdnHOyb4ScMY4_EKx36pBgJ8lhk/s1600/DSC_0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXjLzrSfDoP0XstWl3jpj-gpWsHQhfctgI9zD4soRqfCQ59CypUl4mVsnO5CgUOSJ5KscvimSjwf8QeDHUcjP7TfAAvAfHPqvAo29cOd5FdxrUhCujAdnHOyb4ScMY4_EKx36pBgJ8lhk/s320/DSC_0034.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let the games begin</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2DySFuiuUVcfgKlew0NMKSd9-PM8Z7DrKD3d64zFM37WPoMh2UNQW-SvcbIpzDfaQ2xXmxjdodJn0D5Lh7Po4TUKnciVO59dhZqY85nrGujcKoMJwkxHl_HxYokn-UbSw5PVa8MSE7Zc/s1600/DSC_0042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2DySFuiuUVcfgKlew0NMKSd9-PM8Z7DrKD3d64zFM37WPoMh2UNQW-SvcbIpzDfaQ2xXmxjdodJn0D5Lh7Po4TUKnciVO59dhZqY85nrGujcKoMJwkxHl_HxYokn-UbSw5PVa8MSE7Zc/s320/DSC_0042.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I never knew there were so many steps to make Whiskey</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEhRKZVTrFpavEWb8r_8E7ggWE-g4lupnAnvKSzFVj-FI-Afxx-nNM01kECDClooGQf1NGOfvv6yv_wjO6zqmhUFjZ_1tqVxEubWdRUrNpTR_6BgB45AaKhE-DW4SS8xMuZJ__15s5i83Tw/s1600/DSC_0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKZVTrFpavEWb8r_8E7ggWE-g4lupnAnvKSzFVj-FI-Afxx-nNM01kECDClooGQf1NGOfvv6yv_wjO6zqmhUFjZ_1tqVxEubWdRUrNpTR_6BgB45AaKhE-DW4SS8xMuZJ__15s5i83Tw/s320/DSC_0053.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the main things that makes Tennessee Whiskey different from a Kentucky Bourbon is the mellowing process which key ingredient is oak charcoal. Here we were given the rare opportunity to see the Oak being burned into charcoal. You might think it is easy but I am told burning oak into charcoal suitable for this process is an art that takes years to perfect. The fire must be kept at the perfect temperature. A couple of good old boys stand around with hoses to keep it the right temperature.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<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/AVvXsEgat17TOCenVrze8ovsuTQfiEgWxG-XElN0XgU2oBr4BB2d2kp3g1jAnh6gkhQMJiNqLSFdFXKz0jBwJ0kg1yHPJJwHSywG0AieG646bN7aDBHILL2TZbMYYpsVenCzksPmEEMHKSWci6I/s1600/DSC_0055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgat17TOCenVrze8ovsuTQfiEgWxG-XElN0XgU2oBr4BB2d2kp3g1jAnh6gkhQMJiNqLSFdFXKz0jBwJ0kg1yHPJJwHSywG0AieG646bN7aDBHILL2TZbMYYpsVenCzksPmEEMHKSWci6I/s320/DSC_0055.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good Old Boys</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<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/AVvXsEj7CnW-RBb039_DkJg-UA_zeJNxdMn8RSiehJX4gmEHWZGMjvMhRp-HLXfB9XLMoVBMVpSvizs-3wkpvNCGQxj3HjKbChB4ov5Grzl2Ifgsq84JMQLVhpniZpVP8U6YDaCFG0o3rZdpBSA/s1600/DSC_0058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CnW-RBb039_DkJg-UA_zeJNxdMn8RSiehJX4gmEHWZGMjvMhRp-HLXfB9XLMoVBMVpSvizs-3wkpvNCGQxj3HjKbChB4ov5Grzl2Ifgsq84JMQLVhpniZpVP8U6YDaCFG0o3rZdpBSA/s320/DSC_0058.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Had to take a shot of this</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEgS-l5WBDv_dkhEp8rM9Ja6BsqRjdbWIyOE6qtWMX83_a6KpiabCvjeBJbaTxutARbV9J2T5-55Po0rF3fEAy8BDaqBKKHbInznb7EDV5uZn5agtT9zy2oMUOQKQiDA7TTEIxQhnU7J84U/s1600/DSC_0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-l5WBDv_dkhEp8rM9Ja6BsqRjdbWIyOE6qtWMX83_a6KpiabCvjeBJbaTxutARbV9J2T5-55Po0rF3fEAy8BDaqBKKHbInznb7EDV5uZn5agtT9zy2oMUOQKQiDA7TTEIxQhnU7J84U/s320/DSC_0059.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jack Daniels has its own fire department. I guess you need one when you have two copper topped stills that are ready to blow up if you make the wrong move</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEjBWvhhH74hQRMJ5I-ZnRBrCm_WDeloRQttzaQapS31H_60Kkd_L7gEcadMLmzZWvJysrSz9iUTU5TY5B-hUywzGAn89t4TagUHZ6OhaL-py-rLtYov5AUvrOTytyeoFkMzr6guIabJWfk/s1600/DSC_0060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBWvhhH74hQRMJ5I-ZnRBrCm_WDeloRQttzaQapS31H_60Kkd_L7gEcadMLmzZWvJysrSz9iUTU5TY5B-hUywzGAn89t4TagUHZ6OhaL-py-rLtYov5AUvrOTytyeoFkMzr6guIabJWfk/s320/DSC_0060.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This statue of Jack greets his workers every morning. Did you know Jack's real name was Jasper? Who would ever buy Jasper Daniels.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<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/AVvXsEi-lp3mcpbr1x_Y8tjtVRXrRs4h_aJAJbfbcTrwNi2QKib4SAnnGaYc6Uj055XtD_Inw1ZXjHYtbIf_DzrCx2ofdTGU9GA8IEGoGHaVjkb2gVXAm0cci_nJbxPJ-to_vCiCpMzSTGH1FMw/s1600/DSC_0064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-lp3mcpbr1x_Y8tjtVRXrRs4h_aJAJbfbcTrwNi2QKib4SAnnGaYc6Uj055XtD_Inw1ZXjHYtbIf_DzrCx2ofdTGU9GA8IEGoGHaVjkb2gVXAm0cci_nJbxPJ-to_vCiCpMzSTGH1FMw/s320/DSC_0064.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You got to share a moment with the man</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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/AVvXsEhdl1Q9UT03SCpLfj_Kc4M-097TZ1PZQkycoMM_bAZ5KLNaJebCaKinCd_2nht3iJ9dSaZY_i2z3HGNEtFMb7FYhutxI6gGa7Ej1aanrO-f3pdnBcV5KrdUhNOrVmqQrCSUXH0dCvfVsQY/s1600/DSC_0062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdl1Q9UT03SCpLfj_Kc4M-097TZ1PZQkycoMM_bAZ5KLNaJebCaKinCd_2nht3iJ9dSaZY_i2z3HGNEtFMb7FYhutxI6gGa7Ej1aanrO-f3pdnBcV5KrdUhNOrVmqQrCSUXH0dCvfVsQY/s320/DSC_0062.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every drop of Jack Daniels Whiskey has come from this cave spring. This cave spring is the main reason that Jack came to this area to make Whiskey. The water is pure and is the key ingredient in the recipe</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEg19rD83nmjVxTYZYx2bhfiCds8eQECk0cpPHopKPovaQkCN34AvkvAyJusgZjNujsH0tpoveNhQPXcSK5IR8LdHzOBk8q4KWhweRZAhOn48jTRV_o8c5BzTh5uD-wX-Ks-MiRhW5G9O0Y/s1600/DSC_0103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19rD83nmjVxTYZYx2bhfiCds8eQECk0cpPHopKPovaQkCN34AvkvAyJusgZjNujsH0tpoveNhQPXcSK5IR8LdHzOBk8q4KWhweRZAhOn48jTRV_o8c5BzTh5uD-wX-Ks-MiRhW5G9O0Y/s320/DSC_0103.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful horses on the farm</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<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/AVvXsEj1lAAdlC8Cf3sKC4XsJmW3a2SElivDKSTfSIbZvW6hRKAkFK0G_NBCEj0pMetvg9CpbecB1KWtTSh4eh1KmHBaP143ItwzVk4deHP6M77qFNh4yu3ojHdPEhe7UpRhyIG07qkQ0UrdNC4/s1600/DSC_0109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1lAAdlC8Cf3sKC4XsJmW3a2SElivDKSTfSIbZvW6hRKAkFK0G_NBCEj0pMetvg9CpbecB1KWtTSh4eh1KmHBaP143ItwzVk4deHP6M77qFNh4yu3ojHdPEhe7UpRhyIG07qkQ0UrdNC4/s320/DSC_0109.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fits like a glove</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<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/AVvXsEiE5F7E3maKRlabmldvZdTv8oxWb6wwzPd3MUEL9WUXM0-LLkyt9ybpS9b9c2fsvHOvsrIDemRLpr5Zo1OtDN2xw4VVXeQEY_oXDWXjfgVFmqCXA6O3b0qmxbuTEGGrQKj_5nknoiOwyaQ/s1600/DSC_0115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE5F7E3maKRlabmldvZdTv8oxWb6wwzPd3MUEL9WUXM0-LLkyt9ybpS9b9c2fsvHOvsrIDemRLpr5Zo1OtDN2xw4VVXeQEY_oXDWXjfgVFmqCXA6O3b0qmxbuTEGGrQKj_5nknoiOwyaQ/s320/DSC_0115.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bill and Carol's son was married in this barn just 2 weeks before we came. We saw the pictures and could not believe how cool they made the barn look. </td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<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/AVvXsEi82AOtsIaDlAyeFpDhSwPSzkrqEmRConpqrp-b_ScoIvFdadvWmLwxRGrY5Sj2KJNVOe8h1vKE61NHsYUNhq-fjuOcs77HrsrwU-g6eAPTD6HJu_Kn4Ci6S6jOMTLJY3Y_Hu5gQ5u1SZM/s1600/DSC_0117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi82AOtsIaDlAyeFpDhSwPSzkrqEmRConpqrp-b_ScoIvFdadvWmLwxRGrY5Sj2KJNVOe8h1vKE61NHsYUNhq-fjuOcs77HrsrwU-g6eAPTD6HJu_Kn4Ci6S6jOMTLJY3Y_Hu5gQ5u1SZM/s320/DSC_0117.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bill and Carol also raise beef cattle. It is a real trip to walk around the farm and see the free range cattle doing their thing in the fields</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<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/AVvXsEiSzngSwd8CurYbkG89bqJbIBmEWu8g7SbGPgK3GU_hJ8b9ObeLOJ5o09xGqe0lQLU8Zok8xrdvzc_lRf1nBAhc75RpzXj2LmcAC9xU2_z3tnvu6UFwyJdWhYOgf8aGwUKSQI4t3U_lIEE/s1600/DSC_0118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSzngSwd8CurYbkG89bqJbIBmEWu8g7SbGPgK3GU_hJ8b9ObeLOJ5o09xGqe0lQLU8Zok8xrdvzc_lRf1nBAhc75RpzXj2LmcAC9xU2_z3tnvu6UFwyJdWhYOgf8aGwUKSQI4t3U_lIEE/s320/DSC_0118.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This tractor would be my Dad's dream</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<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/AVvXsEgk6TtKmC6PlcB1MMc3AzeND7_-CaOHBJsX3slnc7DS03x1pac3YTMrnMfdg_15t3Ilpllhk26X1Eg6fUwIZuMxr6D1sBd6WckAVaPGoDEyXKLpg6L4EfXrb_Y3vo2MwTBeRxe_CZZd7xk/s1600/DSC_0122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6TtKmC6PlcB1MMc3AzeND7_-CaOHBJsX3slnc7DS03x1pac3YTMrnMfdg_15t3Ilpllhk26X1Eg6fUwIZuMxr6D1sBd6WckAVaPGoDEyXKLpg6L4EfXrb_Y3vo2MwTBeRxe_CZZd7xk/s320/DSC_0122.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laura taking a ride on one of the beautiful horses on the farm</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<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/AVvXsEiGccITVwVP2ihIxK90c1d_ZUwXKdxge1jiHMy1yW_hP9Md8Tzik7SmPfXhky5fZqn2ed75vnq0bMlmWJcMnYsJJUsim-f0bcCAWVN0n0AGKajDpDS-xKzUzsbW5F9eVPTErATz5jGcSVE/s1600/Yancey+2+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGccITVwVP2ihIxK90c1d_ZUwXKdxge1jiHMy1yW_hP9Md8Tzik7SmPfXhky5fZqn2ed75vnq0bMlmWJcMnYsJJUsim-f0bcCAWVN0n0AGKajDpDS-xKzUzsbW5F9eVPTErATz5jGcSVE/s320/Yancey+2+001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally I got my opportunity. Believe it or not I am at the wheel of this monster. I still can not believe that Bill actually let me drive it</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<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/AVvXsEghux_LuypInuc_J2_gCzvmM8FDnpnOcfjvFVpQe3oUSedDbjvBXzt_fQDQlfIzRND6dQtk50EomJnMZ6BB1xglDwHJbII1v-48DVlp7yRLy9wCm5irHJbiJd-Izzf4ePTvviGlVcK3C9A/s1600/Yancey+Farm+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghux_LuypInuc_J2_gCzvmM8FDnpnOcfjvFVpQe3oUSedDbjvBXzt_fQDQlfIzRND6dQtk50EomJnMZ6BB1xglDwHJbII1v-48DVlp7yRLy9wCm5irHJbiJd-Izzf4ePTvviGlVcK3C9A/s320/Yancey+Farm+005.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I do have to say that I think he breathed a sigh of relief when I got off it and nothing had gone wrong.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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/AVvXsEhlfz1kJycxoHRBnc7ASldEroo-f5UP1uNRijnPk8RJcdWyyDMszz4eEptY6t_UL0GW1GYI-uiQ9Vn5wD6XH4DWcEC8xjzBtzo0d11xBSN3bEza3p0EC6Q4m5B2nyuzH2_gqsZ22nnyyYQ/s1600/Yancey+2+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlfz1kJycxoHRBnc7ASldEroo-f5UP1uNRijnPk8RJcdWyyDMszz4eEptY6t_UL0GW1GYI-uiQ9Vn5wD6XH4DWcEC8xjzBtzo0d11xBSN3bEza3p0EC6Q4m5B2nyuzH2_gqsZ22nnyyYQ/s320/Yancey+2+005.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is the man himself, Bill Yancey in his element. A true southern gentleman and a true friend. Thanks for the hospitality, it will be tough to beat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfS9yJAxe3pXWWIbGR1IuPkjtD42N5ptEQpzFe-LuO4kNjhm0BLUjwNROqfo_TAfbMhTbb47GqvuKWsJOIyiNV4LNS43wcVMBaQNYbuzvE2iDSy5oYtu0xfl13Zb9yNXpmxrHBoy85iLk/s1600/Yancey+2+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfS9yJAxe3pXWWIbGR1IuPkjtD42N5ptEQpzFe-LuO4kNjhm0BLUjwNROqfo_TAfbMhTbb47GqvuKWsJOIyiNV4LNS43wcVMBaQNYbuzvE2iDSy5oYtu0xfl13Zb9yNXpmxrHBoy85iLk/s320/Yancey+2+006.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A real sense of pride watching the soy enter the silo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqXD8k6NnzrDUt-Z7ODof5rBWH9rXe8P12eQrgLs2kk8SKjObHaOD4LP-cOFOpnrpG232PcMnFuI0OnzYfduZOfT7ZZ7iOPkv85T0gmeL9DLy7xaVOf0c6fwcP3Yy0M9lpybsjuZsB-9g/s1600/Yancey+2+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqXD8k6NnzrDUt-Z7ODof5rBWH9rXe8P12eQrgLs2kk8SKjObHaOD4LP-cOFOpnrpG232PcMnFuI0OnzYfduZOfT7ZZ7iOPkv85T0gmeL9DLy7xaVOf0c6fwcP3Yy0M9lpybsjuZsB-9g/s320/Yancey+2+007.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bill was happy to see the Silo was almost full. Soon he will be back on the boat</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUjit70ENIzVv0vDjbtnA3VbGxhA8sqdml-D2a4iq49zJdU-rQMBAA3DLmH7lhYCE5KDANEpcDJLP3xAK8ih7Qz5kl2W-C3fIZC9_g3l2rcn1cmN2ZTi8T_HBon2Hgz7qzMnAldSmVZ60/s1600/DSC_0145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUjit70ENIzVv0vDjbtnA3VbGxhA8sqdml-D2a4iq49zJdU-rQMBAA3DLmH7lhYCE5KDANEpcDJLP3xAK8ih7Qz5kl2W-C3fIZC9_g3l2rcn1cmN2ZTi8T_HBon2Hgz7qzMnAldSmVZ60/s320/DSC_0145.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good food, Good friends, and a fine cigar. Life on the farm is good</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Peter Gulickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07329857002315262843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294543769324056220.post-12383421869924501172010-10-28T16:21:00.000-04:002010-10-28T16:21:17.289-04:00Chattanooga. What a cool name for a city.Anna and I arrived in Chattanooga filled with excitement in anticipation of the arrival of my Mom and Dad. It has been almost six months since we had last seen them, that is far to long if you ask me. We had spent the past few day planning the visit and were excited to see just how much Chattanooga offers to it visitors. Chattanooga is home to one of the best Aquariums I have ever seen. We spent a good day walking through their exhibits my favorite of which was the penguins, of course. I could easily spend hours watching these little guys as they flop around and swim in circles. Some of the other attractions that played out to be quite humorous were the incline railway and the glass floor pedestrian bridge to the Hunter Museum of American Art. Both my parents have a deep rooted fear of heights which made for some truly funny moments. On the incline railway even I was shocked at the steepness of the track as we reached the top and were left with the sensation of hanging in mid air. I had forgotten that my dad hates heights and as mean as it sounds was getting a good laugh as he gripped the side of his seat with white knuckles. Once back on the ground we opted to spend most of our time on the boat and took them both on a great cruise up the Tennessee. It was at this time that they did one of the best things any parent can do for a kid cruising the great loop. They bought us a tank of gas. I am not really sure they knew what they were getting into, and I can't be sure but I think I saw my old man break out into a cold sweat as he watched the meter roll on past 100 gallons. I got to tell you I felt a bit bad but when I was done I don't think you could squeeze another drop in that tank. Parents are great. Having enjoyed four great days together filled with good laughs and good food we wished they well and saw them off to the airport. It was a great visit, one that I will always remember. With Chattanooga behind us we will head back down the Tennessee River to the American Great Loop Cruisers Association Rendezvous in Joe Wheeler State Park. We hope to meet up with Bill and Carrol Yancey and Bill and Laura Peters. Rumor has it Bill Yancey has a Combine on his farm and maybe just maybe he will let me drive it. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8wcNIKPStob7Ffa2yHHEQLvME3kJJzOopOXvuMeyRdxxHjeX5Y7kHv16sdOfuBTVwkdWnwriMNUcJD2GMlUUetEKnwXIds6WCIyjr4NhTm6HW8LQcYY6zUdkm64DN-M9uFTagvEWjjo/s1600/DSC_0071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8wcNIKPStob7Ffa2yHHEQLvME3kJJzOopOXvuMeyRdxxHjeX5Y7kHv16sdOfuBTVwkdWnwriMNUcJD2GMlUUetEKnwXIds6WCIyjr4NhTm6HW8LQcYY6zUdkm64DN-M9uFTagvEWjjo/s320/DSC_0071.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bridges in Chattanooga are just wonderful. Like Nashville it has a pedestrian bridge which spans the River.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh81MhER38F-azcDmpFBXWjBCjlOEc9-2ndK3xVmVS9fsUTVXeMSX8Q3sf5OSo1PyCiA_zeQ8TahPbrFabqyYnNxS3pJfndLw64g0Rdxb5bgdo4KJBC_TobZolR2un_nx6Q-t4_rtfhnIo/s1600/DSC_0075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh81MhER38F-azcDmpFBXWjBCjlOEc9-2ndK3xVmVS9fsUTVXeMSX8Q3sf5OSo1PyCiA_zeQ8TahPbrFabqyYnNxS3pJfndLw64g0Rdxb5bgdo4KJBC_TobZolR2un_nx6Q-t4_rtfhnIo/s320/DSC_0075.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the bridge we could get a great shot of Blue tied up with all the big boats.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlDV0kZoKvxo0bePuNu7Ug6wSU5NF2a78bn8Jey9oRT3Hi9DnsGlMV8d6-huUDfF5KtaQFXdxfhAkc9jsVplF9wbm4FAtDmdgzhPU4E1gu6J6LEWrBX0-MfciTWzdV2C3zcb7hOwkaHw/s1600/DSC_0074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlDV0kZoKvxo0bePuNu7Ug6wSU5NF2a78bn8Jey9oRT3Hi9DnsGlMV8d6-huUDfF5KtaQFXdxfhAkc9jsVplF9wbm4FAtDmdgzhPU4E1gu6J6LEWrBX0-MfciTWzdV2C3zcb7hOwkaHw/s320/DSC_0074.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Hunter Museum of American Art was a work of art in itself.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv53Ur-fYfxBfzKS9xMv6MSpDZbcB34a8AU8uFnXJOAKSZ10COpuuoXvHIzIOCMZa6fQkKwxfX3aWuZtFI8ygGGjLX0hXAZtHyeU675eoAaG6DJKxFv5kQ68xHTRb0eeE0pktVLICB6fc/s1600/DSC_0079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv53Ur-fYfxBfzKS9xMv6MSpDZbcB34a8AU8uFnXJOAKSZ10COpuuoXvHIzIOCMZa6fQkKwxfX3aWuZtFI8ygGGjLX0hXAZtHyeU675eoAaG6DJKxFv5kQ68xHTRb0eeE0pktVLICB6fc/s320/DSC_0079.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This old riverboat is now a hotel. For a very reasonable price you can get a room on the ship looking out over the river.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJLLahJlr9LKY19HPZN_hYGkbgYdF6csqLBuwVzc2YJ-Y_O74XhfzptmFbeoqfFM_33kCLMpJk6A4_Jknnb6PneeIz67h5f93Z0ymuAvewqt3E5DrDCIc1YWzEGwpAuPJiXNk-Zuh9Os/s1600/DSC_0081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJLLahJlr9LKY19HPZN_hYGkbgYdF6csqLBuwVzc2YJ-Y_O74XhfzptmFbeoqfFM_33kCLMpJk6A4_Jknnb6PneeIz67h5f93Z0ymuAvewqt3E5DrDCIc1YWzEGwpAuPJiXNk-Zuh9Os/s320/DSC_0081.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The streets of Chattanooga have dance steps painted on the side walks. My Mom insisted that we try them all.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYm_av6Avp9UN7-n2MYg5Lo_Wj6axkG4SJ3W65vrpZ0gHFLalCDTaDeZGHeF-PFjpiUD6gySauKv7x356HQBuhHoxnGFElZeKW0nynG_hNJO-d5_HTGq3C5Rb8w4Ydz54MXGkyeT0PMeo/s1600/DSC_0087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYm_av6Avp9UN7-n2MYg5Lo_Wj6axkG4SJ3W65vrpZ0gHFLalCDTaDeZGHeF-PFjpiUD6gySauKv7x356HQBuhHoxnGFElZeKW0nynG_hNJO-d5_HTGq3C5Rb8w4Ydz54MXGkyeT0PMeo/s320/DSC_0087.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Carousel is one of the oldest in America and believe it or not was first located in New Bedford MA.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJqczoUCpNPlZ0aHbdMBwLSo7eOeszRl53T9pXCf5-hnb5zRs6M3IcFwBnbDZOmZPt2QPI6rzR5xtVpkFf-v0P3su8SXt6OIaQyKlvsHpAqGH9fLEyUmt6KNm4WsGVoBxfJfwpHtszEQ/s1600/DSC_0093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJqczoUCpNPlZ0aHbdMBwLSo7eOeszRl53T9pXCf5-hnb5zRs6M3IcFwBnbDZOmZPt2QPI6rzR5xtVpkFf-v0P3su8SXt6OIaQyKlvsHpAqGH9fLEyUmt6KNm4WsGVoBxfJfwpHtszEQ/s320/DSC_0093.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For some reason my Mom loved this Frog.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFaQZBq29RllKA6lKMgl5ruuPy-CgTB35o0Z55R1UnvGtVvM0aZx_6EyNLyF6pf6nYq9zTq6thep2Swww9-dC3lOBZtzMHLfDQ-hJIMDzv7tf21DAg8LnVTizOeTFqfWHR7ZHRmzv6MU/s1600/DSC_0095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFaQZBq29RllKA6lKMgl5ruuPy-CgTB35o0Z55R1UnvGtVvM0aZx_6EyNLyF6pf6nYq9zTq6thep2Swww9-dC3lOBZtzMHLfDQ-hJIMDzv7tf21DAg8LnVTizOeTFqfWHR7ZHRmzv6MU/s320/DSC_0095.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We couldn't resit having some of Chattanooga's famous hot dogs. Anna got one with Cream Cheese, Pesto and fresh Tomatoes. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVwMIZb6uU6WrzWL7gIN784nYRyXZfly6S1KWOQArTEbQdBnWKWRG54_z0-740GrnNpkvvYFBPsS8BrLUD8v2FZ61szq-wT9jH5CMfgzu2P3dTTfCIdLjxbxdXh9UeE4euqOU25kMOIqI/s1600/DSC_0109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVwMIZb6uU6WrzWL7gIN784nYRyXZfly6S1KWOQArTEbQdBnWKWRG54_z0-740GrnNpkvvYFBPsS8BrLUD8v2FZ61szq-wT9jH5CMfgzu2P3dTTfCIdLjxbxdXh9UeE4euqOU25kMOIqI/s320/DSC_0109.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All over Chattanooga you will see references to the Trail of Tears. This waterfall runs from the base of downtown Chattanooga to the River and marks the spot where the Indians were forced to cross the river as they were marched west.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii8IWaJVlP9HrY2I0Fm821r-kna8zoB5otCMsnqraiDgORzHR14mhu5j08DI1RZJCEjsVs-VcvRrrmQMYnLz2eeRJGc1_WITJiEgKJM51thZ0WeBtNi-N5i7-PWtH-CbeTg67GRcbgyXE/s1600/DSC_0107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii8IWaJVlP9HrY2I0Fm821r-kna8zoB5otCMsnqraiDgORzHR14mhu5j08DI1RZJCEjsVs-VcvRrrmQMYnLz2eeRJGc1_WITJiEgKJM51thZ0WeBtNi-N5i7-PWtH-CbeTg67GRcbgyXE/s320/DSC_0107.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just like the Hunter Museum the architecture of the aquarium was pretty cool to look at.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6uUGco4OhBJqtHMuu80mHZAFz7GLv2OuH1cRJE5xhpX-esn4ptLu5kwyUtciXwm5rvFheF2tN26Jo9gBClbzhk1gftD5Rtz7OcKxc4_Cq7WiU2cXRj7lmQ99z2AyOkH4LZpsk1_qnZfU/s1600/Chattanooga+045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6uUGco4OhBJqtHMuu80mHZAFz7GLv2OuH1cRJE5xhpX-esn4ptLu5kwyUtciXwm5rvFheF2tN26Jo9gBClbzhk1gftD5Rtz7OcKxc4_Cq7WiU2cXRj7lmQ99z2AyOkH4LZpsk1_qnZfU/s320/Chattanooga+045.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These huge Parakeets were so cool. It reminded me of a friend that once had a talking one that when the phone rang would say "Hello uh huh uh huh uh huh uh huh goodbye" </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfteV4YCJ6ucJwRdJLQm4rkgVkeiEKSD9ffYZSQPfZEMhgXAUu3yXxCrhpdVFihZ_RCD5qNd-kygwrTxwSNQ1V0IV6T_FGEGJDgqgWfkkEDwmlY3hc0RXBlKhBfysEQrOylDTNEgzpl4/s1600/Chattanooga+046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfteV4YCJ6ucJwRdJLQm4rkgVkeiEKSD9ffYZSQPfZEMhgXAUu3yXxCrhpdVFihZ_RCD5qNd-kygwrTxwSNQ1V0IV6T_FGEGJDgqgWfkkEDwmlY3hc0RXBlKhBfysEQrOylDTNEgzpl4/s320/Chattanooga+046.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Butterfly exhibit in the the solarium was totally cool.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicm8RD92Mm-yttu6PUgtp_2_U_M7tcnOWNwLC5p19wdaHYLyJL2f8L3cNLf9BI-4NghyphenhyphenHqjiz3DTixz6X07NQ6vBBsmpd2AeXQHbEwb3F_h69kV9NSAUFcnsB_6Uo0-pwYZ7cqa2DSZe0/s1600/Chattanooga+051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicm8RD92Mm-yttu6PUgtp_2_U_M7tcnOWNwLC5p19wdaHYLyJL2f8L3cNLf9BI-4NghyphenhyphenHqjiz3DTixz6X07NQ6vBBsmpd2AeXQHbEwb3F_h69kV9NSAUFcnsB_6Uo0-pwYZ7cqa2DSZe0/s320/Chattanooga+051.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Favorite!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSXl_Xr6lrxz_NkDf56KC9wWzmAMmCoWx7TUYvmynF68RuGhwqMo01pdAwNaUcuFcI2rQ3xvUJwRRyy9pntpUHaYS9ZQZopBn0xpcu9IOSs3Mnzc-Tb9Hn0S3zHjSyxZeyGK-hxj37Ewk/s1600/Chattanooga+054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSXl_Xr6lrxz_NkDf56KC9wWzmAMmCoWx7TUYvmynF68RuGhwqMo01pdAwNaUcuFcI2rQ3xvUJwRRyy9pntpUHaYS9ZQZopBn0xpcu9IOSs3Mnzc-Tb9Hn0S3zHjSyxZeyGK-hxj37Ewk/s320/Chattanooga+054.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everyone has got to take a picture in the shark cage with a giant shark in the background, right?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0NQVjHpm7Qbv1-nPLt2taTh5_Bj5M2q91kKm3QQbFlFpj0IX1_J1wXlIxcdqRX21lKjNcZWqSg2XZpOnKbLj2h_s1sv9rlfzOddXDjsr17fRHQVLbxTqJ8FNd4Swy_r7xnAwypoY39o4/s1600/DSC_0052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0NQVjHpm7Qbv1-nPLt2taTh5_Bj5M2q91kKm3QQbFlFpj0IX1_J1wXlIxcdqRX21lKjNcZWqSg2XZpOnKbLj2h_s1sv9rlfzOddXDjsr17fRHQVLbxTqJ8FNd4Swy_r7xnAwypoY39o4/s320/DSC_0052.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up we go on the Incline Railway to Lookout Mountain.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3QZ2eJIaUu7J852DnYGo8VPu-wmzc0jphm7UYK71iB2_BU7KXr2_wqXvMmGaCctiwZVmMdnFcpMKE9qEB4WyrA5FkcrMG5PlWozlylFR_OS1kBBv9omdwPgNLDGRKw1ku9QgLAOghbE/s1600/DSC_0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3QZ2eJIaUu7J852DnYGo8VPu-wmzc0jphm7UYK71iB2_BU7KXr2_wqXvMmGaCctiwZVmMdnFcpMKE9qEB4WyrA5FkcrMG5PlWozlylFR_OS1kBBv9omdwPgNLDGRKw1ku9QgLAOghbE/s320/DSC_0050.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Dad was starting to feel a bit uneasy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kg0VG7_Hu1aYSuO1ojS21Z7IJitjBEnovjdQY-gaGwMjyKV1CcdrlMjG0QtQAxIsDdjyPildQ1Tq7Oe_wHmZ2PbRMrPXdIZKR7QCl6rvVJQ6ABZ5elprX0f-wwTw7ONSAf2TGoigEtw/s1600/DSC_0066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kg0VG7_Hu1aYSuO1ojS21Z7IJitjBEnovjdQY-gaGwMjyKV1CcdrlMjG0QtQAxIsDdjyPildQ1Tq7Oe_wHmZ2PbRMrPXdIZKR7QCl6rvVJQ6ABZ5elprX0f-wwTw7ONSAf2TGoigEtw/s320/DSC_0066.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at how much fun they are having.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5LbjItVfDk5YjBTlW9WGPuS9L_-wIbOIgULYK6owZOZ0M7hAq_3VmRkKI7dZRVOPrWZHu8h47qBwjiQ-X3Soz8avddAGFy889RCyR4dRIYsnEzNYrBLEuxNlEL3lB1NuOB-pScJdqTE/s1600/DSC_0047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5LbjItVfDk5YjBTlW9WGPuS9L_-wIbOIgULYK6owZOZ0M7hAq_3VmRkKI7dZRVOPrWZHu8h47qBwjiQ-X3Soz8avddAGFy889RCyR4dRIYsnEzNYrBLEuxNlEL3lB1NuOB-pScJdqTE/s320/DSC_0047.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back safe and sound on the boat. I noticed Dad was walking a bit faster after our ride, Might it be a lighter Wallet? Thanks for the Gas Mom and Dad!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3XQw61Dby5Npb6kmofTAB7eX5bKFj6MwOCjzdpwZ2pDPVHVFAG71esWicPG5ZnHA1rsLSyoJrWt0yoC03EXqHeuCE7_ISHXpIzAg8wLVPY0Sz71U6nQ9FBm-pmglW9prKU7MBrp7OM9E/s1600/DSC_0045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3XQw61Dby5Npb6kmofTAB7eX5bKFj6MwOCjzdpwZ2pDPVHVFAG71esWicPG5ZnHA1rsLSyoJrWt0yoC03EXqHeuCE7_ISHXpIzAg8wLVPY0Sz71U6nQ9FBm-pmglW9prKU7MBrp7OM9E/s320/DSC_0045.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As you can see Mobey was just exhausted when Mom and Dad left. To much excitement makes for a very tired Cat.</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Peter Gulickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07329857002315262843noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294543769324056220.post-56101302503325439282010-10-17T12:03:00.000-04:002010-10-17T12:03:48.460-04:00Space Shot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>So far the Tennessee River has been out of this world. As we make our way to Chattanooga the fall colors have started to appear on the mountain sides. I must say, I was not expecting to see much in the way of leaves turning this far south, but much to our delight it is on every mountain side. We have even had a touch of cold weather. On a few mornings we have awoken to find a thin frost on the ground, and for the first time since we started the trip we have found ourselves looking for those sweatshirts we stowed months ago. I have to tell you I am not upset with the drop in temperature, the 100 degree days were brutal on us. This is the perfect temperature for a New Englander. The good weather is not the only good news we have gotten in the past few days, it seems that my parents are going to fly into Chattanooga for a visit. I must say it has been far too long since we have seen them. So with a date set and reservations made Anna and I made our way up the Tennessee. One of the stops I had been long looking forward to was a visit to the Huntsville U.S. Space and Rocket Center. To those of you that have not heard of Huntsville, it is home to the largest military arsenal in the United States, and was also the testing ground for our Nations Space Program. All of the Mercury, Gemini and Saturn Rockets were constructed and test fired in Alabama. For that matter I would not hesitate to say that all of our country's cruise missiles, ballistic missiles and other things that go boom were built here as well. Huntsville is also home to NASA's space camp. When I was a kid I always dreamed of being an astronaut and thought that going to Space Camp would be just awesome. Upon our arrive to the center, we were greeted by life size replicas of all of NASA's rockets. On display inside the main hall was a real life Saturn Rocket displayed on its side. It was amazing to walk alongside the rocket and marvel at its size. Many of the exhibits at the museum were fascinating to look at, never before have I seen so much in one area. I felt like a kid as a stared endlessly at the flight suits, helmets, and other equipment. I was in heaven. Anna was also in heaven in Huntsville but for an entirely different reason. Huntsville had a Publix Supermarket and Anna went crazy over the fresh produce. It seems that Walmart has taken over the world with regards to shopping in the south, and although they have lots of stuff, their produce and meats to put it softly, STINK. I too have been craving a head of lettuce that is not stuffed in a pre-made bag and a cut of meat that was not packaged in a warehouse god knows where or how long ago. It is funny the things you come to miss on the water. I can't say I miss TV, but I do miss the farm and fresh tomatoes and corn. I am sure there are places to get these things here, but they never seem to be within biking distance from the rivers. With a fully stocked boat, we are pushing off for Chattanooga, it is going to be nice to see Mom and Dad, it has been too long.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjduGRQi1LX9X-nbcZdopuS9StTs2Spx0v9UpmZScZqEfj-bUELaanr4C8NSkuMu5wPgIshWlp-DVfAjEz6miYwvfdSgKQ2H8hEDbTl4QttOgidhOXbXTwtsCyh2eldYm4WD6XAk1HdR_M/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjduGRQi1LX9X-nbcZdopuS9StTs2Spx0v9UpmZScZqEfj-bUELaanr4C8NSkuMu5wPgIshWlp-DVfAjEz6miYwvfdSgKQ2H8hEDbTl4QttOgidhOXbXTwtsCyh2eldYm4WD6XAk1HdR_M/s320/DSC_0005.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had to say goodbye to our good friends Jerry and Carolyn, they are on their way to Florida ahead of us. Safe Travel Guys.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-Sd6cDPPWsvrpLyG89rA6F8sYUbBA0UgBNNPVx_qMda1iGM8lsYC5CHcvYXE7e-hjK1y18hKxupYkL4fV_pib8jM5u0CmMV6C_C3h2r95TccX2Y970q1NXblsuLZ4REg_yVuVxBMLME/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-Sd6cDPPWsvrpLyG89rA6F8sYUbBA0UgBNNPVx_qMda1iGM8lsYC5CHcvYXE7e-hjK1y18hKxupYkL4fV_pib8jM5u0CmMV6C_C3h2r95TccX2Y970q1NXblsuLZ4REg_yVuVxBMLME/s320/DSC_0012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching the water be released from the locks can be a great show.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qkcQzV5GUDjMCqbvQWdOZRUNAqfLKv-OaX3rY2_w1MBiLthjYFoAURT8ie1poSD7m_vSxu9DnV3gHZoLO49_2Sr_NUZYq6WNviqZNLcUSNUTyrKJqmyEPNdne4CfdM2TIe2SyK_N-64/s1600/DSC_0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qkcQzV5GUDjMCqbvQWdOZRUNAqfLKv-OaX3rY2_w1MBiLthjYFoAURT8ie1poSD7m_vSxu9DnV3gHZoLO49_2Sr_NUZYq6WNviqZNLcUSNUTyrKJqmyEPNdne4CfdM2TIe2SyK_N-64/s320/DSC_0016.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mobey seemed to perk up a bit when we passed this stretch of river.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjISOj43njlHqvrvoyXO9nSl7q_ZSFT3Mkwfds70o_S4aQHNPl6dCLkyaR8cTcXh6l7CbhCDp6qg48Ppjb9Ha9Y9tAU2et0gjDErYcIrT0Ygm_4LgtOvSDikd-kvuTCvgebg-D2xN5q7VY/s1600/DSC_0038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjISOj43njlHqvrvoyXO9nSl7q_ZSFT3Mkwfds70o_S4aQHNPl6dCLkyaR8cTcXh6l7CbhCDp6qg48Ppjb9Ha9Y9tAU2et0gjDErYcIrT0Ygm_4LgtOvSDikd-kvuTCvgebg-D2xN5q7VY/s320/DSC_0038.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WOW!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHfr9YoaktHocQn0vov5fCx5jIjLvDi1MVzBoNbwlqYxcgRozLf-CDu3ppvGuUjwP8ObPBng-GHJ2jUDX029dTu5bQPu2DEfqO97T45sStlG48TlgvTvszIyP5Ge-BzHZhY0npDyok1M/s1600/DSC_0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHfr9YoaktHocQn0vov5fCx5jIjLvDi1MVzBoNbwlqYxcgRozLf-CDu3ppvGuUjwP8ObPBng-GHJ2jUDX029dTu5bQPu2DEfqO97T45sStlG48TlgvTvszIyP5Ge-BzHZhY0npDyok1M/s320/DSC_0035.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Home of space camp. Yes, there really were tons of kids walking around in blue flight suits working on all sorts of projects. They even had a huge dive tank where the kids get to experience getting in a space suit and working underwater just like the real astronauts.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9PjTJUAyKJ2KKIZoAvM7SlC4zoDP36y4n07mtIrKki_5APPuPT0jLSqBEbiEmPgbnCM3IKp6FyWzTctlBBGDFtffIaMml1ONta6ekQ0WBzd6jg2lsCqm5_HnUi5TfTT6k-pBMCAOB68/s1600/DSC_0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9PjTJUAyKJ2KKIZoAvM7SlC4zoDP36y4n07mtIrKki_5APPuPT0jLSqBEbiEmPgbnCM3IKp6FyWzTctlBBGDFtffIaMml1ONta6ekQ0WBzd6jg2lsCqm5_HnUi5TfTT6k-pBMCAOB68/s320/DSC_0036.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had to laugh at this sign. Talk about having two meanings. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuWb3U83nSJn5VRKnMav273MyFQ5qBB3UULcNzQfYYQAboF8g6lvShK-OYRLfyqNAbwCdHRAG_oa8Oxe-JeELehyCcGmDnyBygPWn2suiduiWsq_D8d6XsKGEDl6-gekVbgMhA2-mSLrk/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuWb3U83nSJn5VRKnMav273MyFQ5qBB3UULcNzQfYYQAboF8g6lvShK-OYRLfyqNAbwCdHRAG_oa8Oxe-JeELehyCcGmDnyBygPWn2suiduiWsq_D8d6XsKGEDl6-gekVbgMhA2-mSLrk/s320/DSC_0018.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How fast do you think blue would go with one of these pushing her?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSpjxuHvaqbBL_0XVxwnNJnBqGtWOdkESHvvW3mwDitja4MTcOdCKoSRMpLLuM8R4EgmhxbhIL7Y-MQnoppNQcevqlyj_sMBqtW7ucX30D3HMte9aOqgUNsosqvXGr2_XS7HTak-VLQA/s1600/DSC_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSpjxuHvaqbBL_0XVxwnNJnBqGtWOdkESHvvW3mwDitja4MTcOdCKoSRMpLLuM8R4EgmhxbhIL7Y-MQnoppNQcevqlyj_sMBqtW7ucX30D3HMte9aOqgUNsosqvXGr2_XS7HTak-VLQA/s320/DSC_0022.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fact that this was a real rocket was hard to believe. We learned that the new Orion Rockets will be even bigger than this Saturn Rocket.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhayBULdwBJWkIPw-1qX2EVaSV53lbJk9Nq2c-H-3Ou2hzDPlzLdVZ5JOsPCQTgn6gHeBsp8SCphbayUisR86xPIg-4nwaxSJGbG93beRzWkrb_Ni9wmwN224UlmITLKSGEuz8gtLYlQt8/s1600/DSC_0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhayBULdwBJWkIPw-1qX2EVaSV53lbJk9Nq2c-H-3Ou2hzDPlzLdVZ5JOsPCQTgn6gHeBsp8SCphbayUisR86xPIg-4nwaxSJGbG93beRzWkrb_Ni9wmwN224UlmITLKSGEuz8gtLYlQt8/s320/DSC_0023.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To think this capsule went all the way to the moon and back.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheP1CmlsyvopCja9rh42Gcooj7sf2D8HMBuS5KUNTYZFBdS2splrgRBsaN3RlWqvEo_TFbUGjrfdY_5OL6pGlT40IQpt8nqa4Wvpe4Nn9JglAu2QKpD4tyyNEjUdNbBkZMMkj37HCaNOc/s1600/DSC_0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheP1CmlsyvopCja9rh42Gcooj7sf2D8HMBuS5KUNTYZFBdS2splrgRBsaN3RlWqvEo_TFbUGjrfdY_5OL6pGlT40IQpt8nqa4Wvpe4Nn9JglAu2QKpD4tyyNEjUdNbBkZMMkj37HCaNOc/s320/DSC_0021.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This space suit walked on the Moon.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqrLqto2zGsqmwioJs4-JukX0UMmgmjiQgTjdHe2Tn26l2mSiuFWAZF17RBAoyihCrOWtpeM8hmaQZ1sRUGahcYHkPLO86XxXfyhGZ9zKLtypS6yz1X8FZf_Q2VC6RycNLC-GS2pCsejs/s1600/DSC_0025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqrLqto2zGsqmwioJs4-JukX0UMmgmjiQgTjdHe2Tn26l2mSiuFWAZF17RBAoyihCrOWtpeM8hmaQZ1sRUGahcYHkPLO86XxXfyhGZ9zKLtypS6yz1X8FZf_Q2VC6RycNLC-GS2pCsejs/s320/DSC_0025.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wow this is not a lot of room.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at the size of the Saturn Rocket compared to the smaller Mercury and Gemini rockets.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU5Tsbga-k1MLqmDTi_KYDu5j2sNUWjIXzcm06_WAzw1kyvx7rnZlNXMGtiaqou2i86QODXQgIKfP4OcMYJdNvU68oBLlDbfejDELvuXICxOczot3SaFg0VoOJ25WGXk3Yo2_PGS4k3Lk/s1600/DSC_0041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU5Tsbga-k1MLqmDTi_KYDu5j2sNUWjIXzcm06_WAzw1kyvx7rnZlNXMGtiaqou2i86QODXQgIKfP4OcMYJdNvU68oBLlDbfejDELvuXICxOczot3SaFg0VoOJ25WGXk3Yo2_PGS4k3Lk/s320/DSC_0041.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a day, and what a great sunset.</td></tr>
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</div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxtOd_d83rhx-6XirkW0K64HBiVpeXEcVqpRn_GhhEcTSfaTniNDaowTSseigecx2QDVG4yW_1LZf4NAgb9xg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Peter Gulickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07329857002315262843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294543769324056220.post-12743326532484171202010-10-02T09:07:00.000-04:002010-10-02T09:07:16.218-04:00What the heck was that Noise?So far I have to tell you that the Tennessee River is pretty nice. We left Green Turtle Bay a few days ago and pushed on down Kentucky Lake. So far the scenery has been out of this world. Having spent a little over a week in a marina, Anna and I have opted to anchor our way to the Pickwick Lock about 200 miles from leaving Green Turtle bay. I am happy to report it was a great move. So far we have had a number of wonderful night in little creaks and towheads along the way. Two days ago we awoke to a beautiful sunrise with a mystical fog covered river. It was quite a sight. We have even had the chance to see quite a few Bald Eagles on the sides of the river. With the scenery being as spectacular as it is and with the need to kill some time before we head down to the gulf of Mexico, we have decided to take a side trip up the Tennessee to Chattanooga. My Mom and Dad have made plans to fly in to see us there. It should be loads of fun. Anna and I did have an interesting thing happen to the boat the other day that gave us a good scare. When we were leaving our first Anchorage we heard a load screeching noise coming from the drive shaft when you pulled the engine out of gear. With a little more investigation we isolated it to be coming from the Cutlass Bearing. It seemed that with the final two to three rotations of the prop shaft the screech would sound out and then stop with the rotation. I was beside myself. Here we had just had Blue hauled out and now it seemed we would have to have her hauled again. My fear was the Cutlass had gone our even worse the transmission was about to let go. Our friend Jerry on Sassy informed us that he new of a good yard about 30 miles up river, so with a few phone calls we made arrangements to have it checked out. It was a stressful ride up river, having a major mechanical failure now was not what we needed. Upon our arrival to Lee Spry Marine Services, Lee himself met us on the dock hoped on and gave her a look. Twenty seconds on the boat and he popped up from the shaft and said in his deep southern draw "Yup they do that". I was in shock, you mean to tell me that noise is normal? Lee went on to explain that with all the nitrogen in the water from the farms on the banks of the river, the rubber in the Cutlass on occasion will get sticky. As the prop shaft comes to a stop, the stickiness will cause a loud screeching noise like a screeching tire on the road. I never would have believed it, but at this point Lee could have told me I needed a new cutlass and I would have believed why would he steer me wrong. Lee was a real gentleman, I tried to pay him for his time but he would have nothing of it. He said if I had talked to you on the phone I would have told you down river, this was a pretty common thing around here. So feeling like we dodged a bullet Anna and I pushed off. You learn something every day I thought, once again this day was no different. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We saw this beautiful 26 Nordic Tug on her way up river. I spoke with the Captain on the radio and learned that they were out of Boothbay Maine and were doing the loop in reverse. I had to hand it to him, fighting the current on the Mississippi was not what I would call a good time. Good Luck Promises, we hope to see you on the other side.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a sunrise!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Fog is nice, not only does it make us think of home, it gives us an excuse to have one more cup of coffee.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Fall colors are just starting to show as we make our way to the Blue Ridge Mountains.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna got this great shot of a Bald Eagle looking for fish on the banks of the river.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmUi7gdPjINBSNI-Xo_-J0PIbuDokE_FXQGfL3p5Wax2VO6suf1-jQ7vBmryxib5Imvya6zUDDOPEsD5UFWAkRZ0DOEn08wVHVJXpWKBuCrY3OBGd9l9eJul1FwuqO4iC9ADdpSUIx_4/s1600/DSC_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmUi7gdPjINBSNI-Xo_-J0PIbuDokE_FXQGfL3p5Wax2VO6suf1-jQ7vBmryxib5Imvya6zUDDOPEsD5UFWAkRZ0DOEn08wVHVJXpWKBuCrY3OBGd9l9eJul1FwuqO4iC9ADdpSUIx_4/s320/DSC_0010.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One thing you see a lot of here is bass boats. These guy know one speed. W.T.F.O. Wide The &^%$ Open. They are a sight blasting buy us at 70 miles an hour with only a few inches of transom left in the water.</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div align="left"><span id="goog_1745074443"></span><span id="goog_1745074444"></span></div>Peter Gulickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07329857002315262843noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294543769324056220.post-37387362307218706472010-09-28T21:21:00.000-04:002010-09-28T21:21:26.873-04:00Blue's MakeoverUpon our arrival to Green Turtle Bay, Anna and I were filled with excitement, two wonderful things were about to happen. First Anna's parents Fred and Janet were flying in to spend a few days with us. Green Turtle Bay is located in an area referred to as the land between the lakes. A large peninsula separates Barkley and Kentucky Lake and is listed as one of the hundred places a person should see before they die. I must say with the fall colors starting to appear, it is a wonderful sight. The second thing that is to happen is Blue is scheduled to be hauled out of the water. When she is on the hard, we will have her bottom taken down to the original gel coat. reapply a barrier coat and get new bottom paint. She will also have her hull buffed and waxed and new zincs put on. As far as Anna and I can tell, Blue had about 10 coats of bottom paint on her and the harsh sun had taken a toll on her blue hull. We were hopeful that by compounding the hull guys would be able to bring back the shine we know she deserves. Man it was nice to see Anna's parents, the last time we saw them was when we left Brandford CT about four months ago. Anna was over the moon with excitement. I could tell she had been missing them terribly. One of the hardest things about doing this trip is experiencing so many wonderful things and constantly says man I wish our parents were here, they would love this. Fred and Janet rented one of the condo's at the marina and had a great view of the lake from their room. Our days till Blue was pulled from the water were filled with short boat trips, on one we ventured up to a small anchorage to see Bill and Laura from Monkey Girl. I know it was loads of fun for Fred and Janet to finally meet the two of them, we have shared lots of memories with them and now they can put a true face with the names. Far to soon after their arrival it was time for Fred and Janet to leave us, but not before they get to see Blue be lifted out of the water. We all watched with baited breath as the travel lift pulled our home from the water and rolled her over to the stands she would sit on till her work was complete. With temperatures reaching record highs, Anna and I decided to bite the bullet and rent a room to stay in while Blue as our of the water. Having stripped a hull or two in my day, I felt for the guys as they prepped Blues Bottom for its blasting. I can think of few things less enjoyable than sanding the bottom of a boat. These guys attacked it with vigor and soon all the old paint was removed. Over the next four days Anna and I watched as Blues hull was transformed from a dull oxidated blob to a bright shinning mirror. I have to admit the outcome of the compounding far exceeded our expectations. Blue now looks like she just came off the showroom floor. With two coats of wax on her we hope that the Florida sun will not fade her like she was. Time will tell, for now we are so excited to have Blue looking like she does. There is not a day that goes by that Anna and I don't say how lucky we are to have her, to have her looking like we know she should is just awesome. On the day we put her back in the water Anna and I attacked the deck and stainless steal. It was a hell of a job but all the work is know done. As we sat having a beer admiring our work, a couple walked by and said to themselves what a great looking boat. Anna and I looked at each other and smiled, it is time to move on, the warm waters of the Gulf are calling and we have alot of water to pass under the hull till we get there plus a lot of sightseeing.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entrance to Green Turtle Bay harbor. It might not look like much but it has become known as an oasis to anyone doing the loop. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fred and Janet with us on the top deck of Blue. It was great to have them on board.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When staying at GTB you get a temporary membership to their Yacht Club, We had a few wonderful evenings up there. On one night we celebrated the completion of Andrews and Sallyann's Loop on their boat Freedom. We had traveled with them in Canada and we so happy to have been with them when they crossed their wake. Congrats guys!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The big day is here, Blue is getting pulled out of the water.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijeUB6VOOkxSvJK2vBFwbwmdPslazQPvUd7_-npeQ8YqR3DMlp6yrZQNiWCaYOtd1IcKoED-9zx28ZxrW5zkJc5hrdlZb5T7Eth7Yenzaq_rodRkiRnAla34RgV5GEiKF9sz-CKapgU0s/s1600/IMG_2607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijeUB6VOOkxSvJK2vBFwbwmdPslazQPvUd7_-npeQ8YqR3DMlp6yrZQNiWCaYOtd1IcKoED-9zx28ZxrW5zkJc5hrdlZb5T7Eth7Yenzaq_rodRkiRnAla34RgV5GEiKF9sz-CKapgU0s/s320/IMG_2607.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In my old job I would have no problem putting a boat in a rack 30 feet in the air, but watching Blue come out of the water sure raised my blood pressure. Please don't let anything go wrong.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB81QJCB3liFipMtXnalINYZixtuNqR272iyv058yHe_g6nO3BVzbzel5wf0KqJ9mDZHqnp0y63IvKZkzh2rfkf8PJ9S6d6rJbMjRCJTxOR7sa4bT-sOVxprkgb0p8c0j7r5NcT48g68c/s1600/IMG_2623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB81QJCB3liFipMtXnalINYZixtuNqR272iyv058yHe_g6nO3BVzbzel5wf0KqJ9mDZHqnp0y63IvKZkzh2rfkf8PJ9S6d6rJbMjRCJTxOR7sa4bT-sOVxprkgb0p8c0j7r5NcT48g68c/s320/IMG_2623.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna and I took a few moments to see how bad her paint really was.</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEgRuVh3s735S5j6Rr6_2G3HHE76hO-5jFtV2L_wLBsGeo-sRLRxHQ-vwbJxg5JgtRpa4bRnvyxltrk9yhPy3FqbYDoSW91B-Wa72EmASphPF6t06efTfhsR0gRChn7zHfgJMDB5lnJGME8/s1600/IMG_2614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRuVh3s735S5j6Rr6_2G3HHE76hO-5jFtV2L_wLBsGeo-sRLRxHQ-vwbJxg5JgtRpa4bRnvyxltrk9yhPy3FqbYDoSW91B-Wa72EmASphPF6t06efTfhsR0gRChn7zHfgJMDB5lnJGME8/s320/IMG_2614.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When our trip first started Anna and I had my dad and Uncle on board for a run from NY to Highlands NJ when we hit something huge under the water in the harbor. With no vibration or signs of damage Anna and I passed it off as a close call. I can tell you I had been thinking about it for the past five months. The guys in the yard and I inspected the prop, I had dove under the boat but until now was not able to put it to rest. Thank god, reconditioning the prop would have put us out several hundred dollars and Blue's Hull compounding would have been out of the question.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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/AVvXsEhFOGcdsMO-Mfuci-3xr7VlEA9yl2dMgqgJOpvBXE2KA3_tOHFLo39An9HVz8ySAf6D2UJsLoG1QBy1Dts22OWd_WZofqQYWCVG6YVQkfleoYI61GA6KCr2p8aAa8r15zIST5UgzvH2uH0/s1600/IMG_2628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFOGcdsMO-Mfuci-3xr7VlEA9yl2dMgqgJOpvBXE2KA3_tOHFLo39An9HVz8ySAf6D2UJsLoG1QBy1Dts22OWd_WZofqQYWCVG6YVQkfleoYI61GA6KCr2p8aAa8r15zIST5UgzvH2uH0/s320/IMG_2628.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Bud, He is the foreman of the yard. He and his crew did an amazing job on Blue. Thanks Guys!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNN0Ip3zeJQnRi8NUc0RDQmt1OxCUYIzvoTXpvV-QGUHMbNXRj-LIOebyP4oPDP1ggwFshT3U9RdpRVqzJWcIwW-uuCNfOWveo7Ab4LYM7fzeqY6ml04T4udTOycJr_DK4-l910oZ2pqQ/s1600/IMG_2626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNN0Ip3zeJQnRi8NUc0RDQmt1OxCUYIzvoTXpvV-QGUHMbNXRj-LIOebyP4oPDP1ggwFshT3U9RdpRVqzJWcIwW-uuCNfOWveo7Ab4LYM7fzeqY6ml04T4udTOycJr_DK4-l910oZ2pqQ/s320/IMG_2626.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It wasn't easy but after a few hours of blasting all the bottom paint was gone.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <span id="goog_1649725900"></span><span id="goog_1649725901"></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOgRW4OSL5baeQOYUoV0uNt9BISLEdkIdXvRu7-jIZcVjd0T1v-iQL0qAoKKTQREHQqsVDiiSzG7I1oyc9anx4oIyZYZxBZsTF7sr7mdZ5-TcQ54BrLgdsWkA43FqfxseLKOscvBShW4/s1600/IMG_2562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOgRW4OSL5baeQOYUoV0uNt9BISLEdkIdXvRu7-jIZcVjd0T1v-iQL0qAoKKTQREHQqsVDiiSzG7I1oyc9anx4oIyZYZxBZsTF7sr7mdZ5-TcQ54BrLgdsWkA43FqfxseLKOscvBShW4/s320/IMG_2562.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Since we were stuck on land we all decided to head out to the wildlife preserve and see if we could see some elk and Bison. No elk, but I don't think you can get much closer to a Bison.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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/AVvXsEi-9zyuKBBJN74uFcs4NuVPoFCO1FifBr93sGAcuqek2poeqIpVDLlJksnF8Cl6BWdxArviV2C9hAzEaiojh1EM6xlcXYUW6L7UVCP6s8Xz_NcxIFlT6sGU6NDY435QON0kPIaXcqu1u4I/s1600/IMG_2578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-9zyuKBBJN74uFcs4NuVPoFCO1FifBr93sGAcuqek2poeqIpVDLlJksnF8Cl6BWdxArviV2C9hAzEaiojh1EM6xlcXYUW6L7UVCP6s8Xz_NcxIFlT6sGU6NDY435QON0kPIaXcqu1u4I/s320/IMG_2578.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wish I could say we were having Bison. No we had to settle for whatever the market had.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJ6S7GaV5TLzxFk-zXWpqfPeywNiIqKMXX2wkkvcYOsHNNswGSB7cJ5zN9XNCrYHQai9BpdAig45ZWNQ_EtZvpePJOfnS6H_am2unbrpYht70G8n_4ldRpb1rK0bbwQHxbeJ2fJwX9_A/s1600/IMG_2648+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJ6S7GaV5TLzxFk-zXWpqfPeywNiIqKMXX2wkkvcYOsHNNswGSB7cJ5zN9XNCrYHQai9BpdAig45ZWNQ_EtZvpePJOfnS6H_am2unbrpYht70G8n_4ldRpb1rK0bbwQHxbeJ2fJwX9_A/s320/IMG_2648+-+Copy.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna found her store.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-yQYRivjqv5BHEIHitkba5wzZDq8KiSFntMUM8t86JaP1-1JBcL1VT9QK4I2gwKRiDOCmh3dVxQOaGg4aormgRrjwjrIepbWS9DVkhb4xYvPluCseRb-IH_MxYcpKtWwyvhtTe0JKuI/s1600/IMG_2652+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-yQYRivjqv5BHEIHitkba5wzZDq8KiSFntMUM8t86JaP1-1JBcL1VT9QK4I2gwKRiDOCmh3dVxQOaGg4aormgRrjwjrIepbWS9DVkhb4xYvPluCseRb-IH_MxYcpKtWwyvhtTe0JKuI/s320/IMG_2652+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna reminded me that since she agreed to live on a boat for a year I would have to let her finally have a pig for a pet. I laughed...........nervously.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTQ_4u4YcijRdyqomjqBWG7Cm3T8vBlIPaAF3t0h0Y55Ga_qsGC0pvAQ5oi2wciB7aRChyphenhyphenPhIiD-US9A1gwAJ_CH4G7bZ0YeAxm0cNvy2wT95Gy9deRj-1Mn_Y2EX9n6cWtyKa-KXcNc/s1600/IMG_2647+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTQ_4u4YcijRdyqomjqBWG7Cm3T8vBlIPaAF3t0h0Y55Ga_qsGC0pvAQ5oi2wciB7aRChyphenhyphenPhIiD-US9A1gwAJ_CH4G7bZ0YeAxm0cNvy2wT95Gy9deRj-1Mn_Y2EX9n6cWtyKa-KXcNc/s320/IMG_2647+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I finally found a tractor for my Mom.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrT-Y2zKHjL8kapXXf32Do0Fy54bvqAZ76f10Pfc-CcKllIha8Z7Cb4UhG1u4EP40TG-d1hxoGM4nt4RdSNSc-AFMhUlaUOJ_x3J2Zrhu-kVv7P_mxRArO1_sBmSrYOekVUlf9wHE3yg/s1600/green+turtle+bay+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrT-Y2zKHjL8kapXXf32Do0Fy54bvqAZ76f10Pfc-CcKllIha8Z7Cb4UhG1u4EP40TG-d1hxoGM4nt4RdSNSc-AFMhUlaUOJ_x3J2Zrhu-kVv7P_mxRArO1_sBmSrYOekVUlf9wHE3yg/s320/green+turtle+bay+002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting back to the yard, we were excited to see the progress.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhthgxBNwHZSC3b03k1zS-PdWyWaZumUB3epX59pXeNj8fUY6dVyPyMQ0DpvUVKo9QspH3Yt9WxcrXQMJBhqeKISAEQwaqrOcSNi0FIpGGAUOpuizgNhsv0K2xaQ2rEVjcyu0B1EPqWNrQ/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhthgxBNwHZSC3b03k1zS-PdWyWaZumUB3epX59pXeNj8fUY6dVyPyMQ0DpvUVKo9QspH3Yt9WxcrXQMJBhqeKISAEQwaqrOcSNi0FIpGGAUOpuizgNhsv0K2xaQ2rEVjcyu0B1EPqWNrQ/s320/DSC_0002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna and I were in shock, you could comb your hair in the hull.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><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/AVvXsEjVYPfJeH2-6XlnsWf-cTR2rnIMH8L4NqdyGdJ5TDDZzyhYDF3mjXswGowDR89vnW6Zg1aBxAjzOjpZhd6uD2h9cnwWNoCE7xnRCeK6FkwcB4XWtujdmS5EYv9GWDuEqSJg575iOb0MhOY/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVYPfJeH2-6XlnsWf-cTR2rnIMH8L4NqdyGdJ5TDDZzyhYDF3mjXswGowDR89vnW6Zg1aBxAjzOjpZhd6uD2h9cnwWNoCE7xnRCeK6FkwcB4XWtujdmS5EYv9GWDuEqSJg575iOb0MhOY/s320/DSC_0001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are times when it is hard to tell who loves the boat more, me or Anna. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXKDU3J20ruPyoVfmQwAXOkXwcM5d_y-xSVA5PKJvEWjoY50zTRyylP9i2S6wl-6KxarGRxq00Vu6WT-GKwKqx17V0lYCzi1CbZoJTP9clQb4_6Hgot7AW_mftQtpGSk86KKdMOcBvTak/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXKDU3J20ruPyoVfmQwAXOkXwcM5d_y-xSVA5PKJvEWjoY50zTRyylP9i2S6wl-6KxarGRxq00Vu6WT-GKwKqx17V0lYCzi1CbZoJTP9clQb4_6Hgot7AW_mftQtpGSk86KKdMOcBvTak/s320/DSC_0005.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doesn't she look great!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifa5Wyk8LRlg5D7EPaesvZLA752wtDNrUrFHIz0qCLqP73jdLADZth-iITE7mZEmQaPdsUDpcDbN0NzUs9HL2qiuRfeaQukFEcX3XPOVM-t2rc2gXEtnzniufLehwxxJEotBcdV_52X04/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifa5Wyk8LRlg5D7EPaesvZLA752wtDNrUrFHIz0qCLqP73jdLADZth-iITE7mZEmQaPdsUDpcDbN0NzUs9HL2qiuRfeaQukFEcX3XPOVM-t2rc2gXEtnzniufLehwxxJEotBcdV_52X04/s320/DSC_0006.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Zinc's on the running gear.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIlvtpjhBlCAlcMdtowVWWDmQD-3-Dk_x6JcExIpzE60pzlzfTRZvXHdVc2mEEuLc3PWxIlAOlL4mS02XV_H3N-aL6SupiephKQxp-hwQXTjvAMyQ86CtLUqIb-yVXUNcsQJ-zfhhRLjI/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIlvtpjhBlCAlcMdtowVWWDmQD-3-Dk_x6JcExIpzE60pzlzfTRZvXHdVc2mEEuLc3PWxIlAOlL4mS02XV_H3N-aL6SupiephKQxp-hwQXTjvAMyQ86CtLUqIb-yVXUNcsQJ-zfhhRLjI/s320/DSC_0007.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I never thought she would buff out this good.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQsRUbxXPOIFhNCScOKPqyLQGcdk5r6QHYrvz-TGp4o9g3kXxMsYJx6DFPJNg8UpK3yX7Xr0q4ByaEhiPPR0wVnCVrqvTO2YspsTkvisrkp7zhEQapVDcGPgQZ1d407M7xoyolscNZDiU/s1600/DSC_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQsRUbxXPOIFhNCScOKPqyLQGcdk5r6QHYrvz-TGp4o9g3kXxMsYJx6DFPJNg8UpK3yX7Xr0q4ByaEhiPPR0wVnCVrqvTO2YspsTkvisrkp7zhEQapVDcGPgQZ1d407M7xoyolscNZDiU/s320/DSC_0015.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the temperature topping 98 deg's Anna and I rented this cart to get provisions in town and haul them back to Blue. If it's a rental don't be gentle we joked.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhOvcWOy8I8TcuZ1eS1a8qFwMiRHqEgiIayfnQy7G6G4O0CeXb_SIiXIImCV7nELtNPDhau8X1my7qp34vSgtd-a-nPX729G0jdyhBWMBK3grR05aOwjFsgezCEE8IETq8gJVxpcO-9s/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhOvcWOy8I8TcuZ1eS1a8qFwMiRHqEgiIayfnQy7G6G4O0CeXb_SIiXIImCV7nELtNPDhau8X1my7qp34vSgtd-a-nPX729G0jdyhBWMBK3grR05aOwjFsgezCEE8IETq8gJVxpcO-9s/s320/DSC_0012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Chattanooga, then Gulf Coast here we come. Please let there be no Oil!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div style="text-align: left;"></div>Peter Gulickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07329857002315262843noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294543769324056220.post-23267477439018066762010-09-21T22:30:00.000-04:002010-09-21T22:30:27.349-04:00New sayings I have learned -Shucks, I recken, and Y'allWhat a crazy three weeks it has been! As we left the Illinois and forged our way down the Mississippi, Anna and I were so happy to have the companionship of our new Friends on Bulldog Sally, Sassy and Monkey Girl. As a group we made light of the long days at the wheel and made the most of the evening stops. To tell you the truth a better group of people would be hard to find. As we left the city of Alton, the flotilla encountered the first of many hurdles which we would conquer. From time to time on the Mississippi, Illinois and Ohio Rivers the Core Of Engineers will close a lock for repairs or maintenance. The result in such a close is a huge backup of commercial traffic waiting to make their way up and down the river. Many of these barges on the Rivers are made up of 25 barges all cabled together in one unit. Each barge is 25 feet wide and 100 feet long. A barge of 25 would be five wide by five long giving the unit an overall length of 500 feet by 125 feet not including the tug which could be an additional 75 feel long. In order for a tow to lock through a lock, it is usually necessary to break the unit up into sections and then reassemble the unit on the other side of the lock. One barge of this size can take up to three hours to lock through. Ultimately this results in a two to three day wait at locks. In our case, we found that if we played our cards right we could lock through in between sections. On our first day we found ourselves right in this very situation. As we waited to transit our first lock on the Mississippi we found ourselves facing what could be a 24 hour wait to get through. With nowhere to anchor Paul on Bulldog Sally hailed one of the barge Captains and talked him into letting us tie to his load until our number came up. Thank God, we all thought, the prospect of having to return to Alton after getting this far down river was none to appealing. As luck would have it a Coast Guard buoy tender arrived three hours later and was given first priority to go through the lock before the barges. To our surprise the coast guard allowed the lock master to let our group enter the lock with him and lock down. What could have been a full days wait was now only three hours. As we entered the lock we were accompanied by two classic reproduction clipper ships. It seemed that the crews of these boats didn't want to share the lock with us and appeared to intentionally tie to the lock wall in such a way that not all of us would fit with the Cutter. Anna was so mad she said she wished she smoked cigarettes so she could throw her lit butt on the deck and burn them to the ground. The tension of the situation had brought all of us to the brink, the members of the boats looked at each other with laser beam eyes, if their had been concrete between us I think there would have been a brawl. As the Lock gates opened we pushed on leaving the clipper ships behind us. Arriving later that evening at Hoppies we all gathered on the docks to meet Fern, a woman with a legendary reputation among loopers for giving advice on the Mississippi. Hoppies was the last dock we would see until we reached Barkley Lake on the Cumberland River. It would be four days till we reached this spot and Fern was to advise us on all the safe anchorages from here until that point. Meeting Fern and talking to her was an experience, she advised in the ways of the river, all the while sitting under the tin roof over the fuel dock. She must have smoked ten menthol cigarettes all the while sitting under the danger no smoking sign right next to the pumps. After her talk, we all spoke of what a character she was, yet at the same time the service she provided was invaluable to us all. The next four days were long and hard, we stayed together called out dangers as we saw them and each took our turn in the lead as we made our way through the River. At one point we all decided that when we got to Kentucky we would all head to Nashville together and celebrate our success. We contacted our old friends Bill and Carol on the Tennessee Rover and convinced them to join us. Bill and Carol had charged ahead of us in Canada and had completed the loop with their return to Tennessee. Great we thought, know we have two things to celebrate. Soon the Mississippi was behind us and like a group of college students on spring break we took Nashville by storm. For four days we visited the streets of Nashville and enjoyed all that it had to offer. The music coming from the bars was fantastic and the history of the stars that got their break on the streets and at the Grand old Opry was seen on every corner. Looking back Anna and I both agree it was one of the best stops we have made on the trip thus far. With our departure came a bit of sadness. Bill and Carol are finished with their trip and our group will now be splitting up as we all go our separate ways for a while. Monkey Girl has pushed on to the the Tennessee River, Bulldog Sally has left for a visit home to NY for two weeks. Jerry on Sassy still works and had to return home to check in on his business and Anna and I are heading to Green Turtle Bay to meet her parents whom have made arrangements to visit us. While in Green Turtle Bay we plan on having Blue pulled from the water where she will have her bottom striped and repainted as well as having here topside compounded and waxed. After delivering us down the waters of the Mississippi we felt she could use a week at the spa. God knows the old girl earned it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigG4G5t-LXCmWnS5_144_QZNz-FhWsGwuAQXM6D2SRZ39VZHGzD3UYpKbYGj_uMvMcdTY_zC29cMbulOyDhjjVzQHy-rS_mMzgObEx42sTmroY3_4kBLn-Hj50kmTi_7N3T32VozkoBNM/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigG4G5t-LXCmWnS5_144_QZNz-FhWsGwuAQXM6D2SRZ39VZHGzD3UYpKbYGj_uMvMcdTY_zC29cMbulOyDhjjVzQHy-rS_mMzgObEx42sTmroY3_4kBLn-Hj50kmTi_7N3T32VozkoBNM/s320/DSC_0003.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just look at the trash in the water on the Mississippi. Get me off this River!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We ran into these replica ships. The boats looked really cool, but they were crewed by some of the most unfriendly people I have encountered thus far on our trip. It must be the Tofu the cook serves them or the effects of to much patchouli oil. </div></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihn8j81EUD5GR9D6PSYkYOsL8wwVANnLhSxgAGZwK1XTEE58CX4kV0KDn5BlwKrkFGc6MNINXnVp25KcZp7Y-mZsaVgslvusNL_R-ax1TNdvZXT2O3jBEqfJgNCzV0Py0zqJ37QXgEwPY/s1600/DSC_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihn8j81EUD5GR9D6PSYkYOsL8wwVANnLhSxgAGZwK1XTEE58CX4kV0KDn5BlwKrkFGc6MNINXnVp25KcZp7Y-mZsaVgslvusNL_R-ax1TNdvZXT2O3jBEqfJgNCzV0Py0zqJ37QXgEwPY/s320/DSC_0010.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With nowhere to safely anchor on the river, sometimes the side of a barge is our only option. This Barge Captain saved our butts by allowing us to raft on his cargo for a few hours till the lockmaster allowed us to pass through the commercial locks. We asked the Captain how long he had waited, to find that he had been waiting for 35 hours. Without discussion we all shut our mouths and felt pretty lucky to have only had to wait three.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Arch in Saint Louis was a welcome sight. We would have loved to have stopped but the city offers no recreational dockage. I wonder why?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRje18WBYtaolcmiqujy8239XnGTh4b9li4rW5VlRtAPBBcEdg7uRxsajEvDqAohAC9tgZMbtFjUewXSk43yjNliGY1LsNw1WQWLo2hUvhEisngQKpDtF_LvyJtNALXLnmwLloMSHvoXM/s1600/DSC_0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRje18WBYtaolcmiqujy8239XnGTh4b9li4rW5VlRtAPBBcEdg7uRxsajEvDqAohAC9tgZMbtFjUewXSk43yjNliGY1LsNw1WQWLo2hUvhEisngQKpDtF_LvyJtNALXLnmwLloMSHvoXM/s320/DSC_0024.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Hoppies" A loopers Oasis on the Mississippi.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_OKId2ro6r70SVT-IDqZIYIROYyRImnfzpi6LPxvv1XcZwAf2M_UZFbkiI5CLGa778ZJdKhuSTYC7r1DknUfWAM8zm3KF7vgpdS6c3xFxkzC2Vu0ST-CD11tTBUP_fJmLdmLfKaIPEw/s1600/DSC_0055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_OKId2ro6r70SVT-IDqZIYIROYyRImnfzpi6LPxvv1XcZwAf2M_UZFbkiI5CLGa778ZJdKhuSTYC7r1DknUfWAM8zm3KF7vgpdS6c3xFxkzC2Vu0ST-CD11tTBUP_fJmLdmLfKaIPEw/s320/DSC_0055.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is good to know that Mobey has not been affected by the stressful waters of the Mississippi</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJSKASZCYDVMa29UM3tASYcMkGW8S_L6yHEFTkHPBlCzOvhHqVkVjvp96yFcAsrLqVVNKoeeEEhdWmk50h02Pi0g-gS3WOoopTFcLuIZ9oaUEp-ubX9_wRoIYrwHAW8fj8_Q_nCpsQrk/s1600/DSC_0056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJSKASZCYDVMa29UM3tASYcMkGW8S_L6yHEFTkHPBlCzOvhHqVkVjvp96yFcAsrLqVVNKoeeEEhdWmk50h02Pi0g-gS3WOoopTFcLuIZ9oaUEp-ubX9_wRoIYrwHAW8fj8_Q_nCpsQrk/s320/DSC_0056.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arriving at the Cumberland Towhead, a small cove safe from Barge traffic we all dropped anchor and gave out a huge sigh of relief, WE HAD MADE IT!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT94tXEVdVPZHV8cOeTpGASktx9oCVNlVTXa0JrZijCZIcU0_vQXGYTqosgqIh2pnQys4GvXWm-s9iAxlb7NVDZwTwqWQ_FuOnzYfvylbPetTnQAf04_BdZuqt_zxMxPZV1eoy6XHY5ds/s1600/DSC_0067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT94tXEVdVPZHV8cOeTpGASktx9oCVNlVTXa0JrZijCZIcU0_vQXGYTqosgqIh2pnQys4GvXWm-s9iAxlb7NVDZwTwqWQ_FuOnzYfvylbPetTnQAf04_BdZuqt_zxMxPZV1eoy6XHY5ds/s320/DSC_0067.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once through the Barkley Lock and Dam we saw people fishing again.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEherVcwikTXj357cx5KvnV0YvImaUExtpoT-VT2GiPT9vmB2Yor4OT9SQDjG9aIN2ta-Pi7KsXhRQQj9uk-UjiI9FZ3AdIDVNaWlms5PiWszCbhGdxpeevlYvZlgPPDU604YXlPw9XT-p4/s1600/DSC_0071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEherVcwikTXj357cx5KvnV0YvImaUExtpoT-VT2GiPT9vmB2Yor4OT9SQDjG9aIN2ta-Pi7KsXhRQQj9uk-UjiI9FZ3AdIDVNaWlms5PiWszCbhGdxpeevlYvZlgPPDU604YXlPw9XT-p4/s320/DSC_0071.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was nice to see Nature again.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7xpYDyC4vssqO-exEHLUes1c01O4Pyexp7lsuobP9AbsIYk-8gp6zbqYKcFQ_yO0bb8oJ4z82mPLMaLLHpjSYD6Izs0xKhNFJ4LqfPF5Kq7mJAUy0nhtEl5tCCSjCpMQw3Gix6W-rr8/s1600/DSC_0105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7xpYDyC4vssqO-exEHLUes1c01O4Pyexp7lsuobP9AbsIYk-8gp6zbqYKcFQ_yO0bb8oJ4z82mPLMaLLHpjSYD6Izs0xKhNFJ4LqfPF5Kq7mJAUy0nhtEl5tCCSjCpMQw3Gix6W-rr8/s320/DSC_0105.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nature sometimes can be cruel. Look at the size of these Flies. We traded in the flyswatter for a 2x4.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3B5_oRZokLNJzlJaKN1IxoG_jS_FxmQtEvD_asjfvR2hKBxRD9ZoLV4Qu9RD0FYTDEvwPJYqm3LAPxNEGxv9-FmTkKf4Pz9MFfo1a0_bvDgqQVrFhh82Eym-IZk3CzDTSPgsTKhq6f88/s1600/DSC_0091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3B5_oRZokLNJzlJaKN1IxoG_jS_FxmQtEvD_asjfvR2hKBxRD9ZoLV4Qu9RD0FYTDEvwPJYqm3LAPxNEGxv9-FmTkKf4Pz9MFfo1a0_bvDgqQVrFhh82Eym-IZk3CzDTSPgsTKhq6f88/s320/DSC_0091.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We may be off the Mississippi but the Barge traffic is still moving. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1bOjxgYWAWa9knLAh4vBrZxyeNJxwEQLn1Oo7YECEqDfoM3HUiLFqPohG8JJ76sa8LxWjTkJ-tw9e0uC2vqx5hzE7_bEBSnHFOGb2VUmNax1MHSr7imkbjh6dI1GxhI_jA076lE6KmK4/s1600/DSC_0110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1bOjxgYWAWa9knLAh4vBrZxyeNJxwEQLn1Oo7YECEqDfoM3HUiLFqPohG8JJ76sa8LxWjTkJ-tw9e0uC2vqx5hzE7_bEBSnHFOGb2VUmNax1MHSr7imkbjh6dI1GxhI_jA076lE6KmK4/s320/DSC_0110.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had been told that the rivers had suffered a major flood this past spring. This house boat stuck on the bank of the river made that all to clear.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin6NSZiSvWPHP3KX5PNPQAubGtficmlJ3IKXFrYboB1DpJE8A4cTzl8W_4wQ8r-jQXakFfVs3_v8-P_yKy5u6x4iShttU3vfeTE01qj-_tDT4R83mhXn7aXw1uAPh0HO6KsLsK8-BkDFQ/s1600/DSC_0112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin6NSZiSvWPHP3KX5PNPQAubGtficmlJ3IKXFrYboB1DpJE8A4cTzl8W_4wQ8r-jQXakFfVs3_v8-P_yKy5u6x4iShttU3vfeTE01qj-_tDT4R83mhXn7aXw1uAPh0HO6KsLsK8-BkDFQ/s320/DSC_0112.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at how the high waters washed out all the dirt form under the trees. Soon this tree will fall in the river and float its way down river. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqPzCbBOrcG9Ti_aUCjpjDXU_3RnnZQfJCn0SDzHQeRX-hvYlM9Z_yJnzgZc1dXd8cK34dePZOE7PN7-PTzuvWB9qOha4LsHvPcnX9JYzTUBHvY2N_81xenbiGQvli7DhsvqEWb6fPNq8/s1600/DSC_0150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqPzCbBOrcG9Ti_aUCjpjDXU_3RnnZQfJCn0SDzHQeRX-hvYlM9Z_yJnzgZc1dXd8cK34dePZOE7PN7-PTzuvWB9qOha4LsHvPcnX9JYzTUBHvY2N_81xenbiGQvli7DhsvqEWb6fPNq8/s320/DSC_0150.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As we arrived in Nashville we were greeted with what is referred to by the locals as the Bat Building.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<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/AVvXsEi4tc32n01xWOc5sCQj2PQR83geKAz5K5cEwb4y-s4KX58zbfN6Szaozp0bRrDSYdHgLYJqJ9gg0AQnDWicU7vZcV6Z2NW3Dps7hW5iHW9_J8LZ1q8Sm5JcAtaF_DDjUXmNlHiCobW3-lY/s1600/DSC_0166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4tc32n01xWOc5sCQj2PQR83geKAz5K5cEwb4y-s4KX58zbfN6Szaozp0bRrDSYdHgLYJqJ9gg0AQnDWicU7vZcV6Z2NW3Dps7hW5iHW9_J8LZ1q8Sm5JcAtaF_DDjUXmNlHiCobW3-lY/s320/DSC_0166.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cowboy hats, big belt buckles and boots were everywhere.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<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/AVvXsEgWEAU1uo-mjYYS-92QP_GbxPVpyGNU0xozaDYF06AZBSwnsycUFIM9BRCh2RmIiFDf4WdKDwnZG2fu528jNSyvgA5Vce9kErQB4KrbuMUmwnMxcrFxP_6lU12mcMf7Q6p1lErl570R0-M/s1600/DSC_0174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWEAU1uo-mjYYS-92QP_GbxPVpyGNU0xozaDYF06AZBSwnsycUFIM9BRCh2RmIiFDf4WdKDwnZG2fu528jNSyvgA5Vce9kErQB4KrbuMUmwnMxcrFxP_6lU12mcMf7Q6p1lErl570R0-M/s320/DSC_0174.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If there is one thing they love in Nashville it has got to be the King.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<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/AVvXsEh8Ogz7m7YFezyObXdLKExl8sv1xdy-VMeCstR5Zy3ai3y81YoaWd3g2QkWVK4I5uv0vmLGNYSIhQSLdS8W7RBcuRtoNFszxz3US7oZPatgslOeGENfFmrv7EUYXHbpTolME7znGPZTt5I/s1600/DSC_0190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Ogz7m7YFezyObXdLKExl8sv1xdy-VMeCstR5Zy3ai3y81YoaWd3g2QkWVK4I5uv0vmLGNYSIhQSLdS8W7RBcuRtoNFszxz3US7oZPatgslOeGENfFmrv7EUYXHbpTolME7znGPZTt5I/s320/DSC_0190.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view of downtown Nashville from the water was out of sight.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<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/AVvXsEg3YPjUspd4HdMNMVk24gcch9s3szRer0TLgST27VknzxrIeV-CmlkC6nKsTcrJH6R4gAJegnKhx9UoKR1meGtsF8g0KQqRzGHFcERjOQ_iTnfLv1g85R2DueqBIodl2E_ilhjWUqT8vgo/s1600/chicago+to+nashville+038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3YPjUspd4HdMNMVk24gcch9s3szRer0TLgST27VknzxrIeV-CmlkC6nKsTcrJH6R4gAJegnKhx9UoKR1meGtsF8g0KQqRzGHFcERjOQ_iTnfLv1g85R2DueqBIodl2E_ilhjWUqT8vgo/s320/chicago+to+nashville+038.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two weeks on the Mississippi river can make people do crazy thing. This group is ready to Party. Look out Nashville here we come!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<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/AVvXsEgxdlo12qdn52kHLe7N5yo7JRBwXfbSb6YR3-yHoT2apImZvChwqpdqZNf79VUNtNTNjmL8IcfFKF_EzquOmF1pJsZxsNf2_lgXHwLm1Q_8KJ6ibo9uWNjDJ6ZqxX4nDJJi0myLjsv6cbY/s1600/chicago+to+nashville+042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxdlo12qdn52kHLe7N5yo7JRBwXfbSb6YR3-yHoT2apImZvChwqpdqZNf79VUNtNTNjmL8IcfFKF_EzquOmF1pJsZxsNf2_lgXHwLm1Q_8KJ6ibo9uWNjDJ6ZqxX4nDJJi0myLjsv6cbY/s320/chicago+to+nashville+042.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First stop? THE BAR!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<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/AVvXsEivSF6xKN0OdYEEosOt5IhHjH-4JvqOvkjFeE98aqfqDD5GQFiMlC_SLLgcKEYFd3HcMMLmTkxtkf8ZIKqzl2pmkeGxYBnYDZjwFZ8BLfke3dno0Bjm5xQ0cUluAKQ_9KPtkF4GsBJzo2w/s1600/chicago+to+nashville+046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivSF6xKN0OdYEEosOt5IhHjH-4JvqOvkjFeE98aqfqDD5GQFiMlC_SLLgcKEYFd3HcMMLmTkxtkf8ZIKqzl2pmkeGxYBnYDZjwFZ8BLfke3dno0Bjm5xQ0cUluAKQ_9KPtkF4GsBJzo2w/s320/chicago+to+nashville+046.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After a few drinks we all tried to get a record contract.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<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/AVvXsEhx1EPLNt22OnIHBdpBzL12OJGfegW-MZJK4mxJ9Ihisf_iAttEH14OwRMAu8Fm-pDhTJTav5B-qk3EkG9hLnbmMDR2bCkyMgYgmyteK04GpCY644mZqyGf5RcXbgN0kK_izD9ljicOooQ/s1600/chicago+to+nashville+040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1EPLNt22OnIHBdpBzL12OJGfegW-MZJK4mxJ9Ihisf_iAttEH14OwRMAu8Fm-pDhTJTav5B-qk3EkG9hLnbmMDR2bCkyMgYgmyteK04GpCY644mZqyGf5RcXbgN0kK_izD9ljicOooQ/s320/chicago+to+nashville+040.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After a few more, we found ourselves walking down the world famous Printers Alley.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<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/AVvXsEi3QweQYPs4nFoGem6TUwGbnbl1bsx1qoSiua7jcnNPcBGDXQmzh3nyhMkvKHzBB096tFxSr4D06Be0hulmHL0CdXCyvogmY0KRAQlXNgD7dxIB04t6B3oTur6xnTBZMR7QIYAHGBY_0FM/s1600/DSC_0134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3QweQYPs4nFoGem6TUwGbnbl1bsx1qoSiua7jcnNPcBGDXQmzh3nyhMkvKHzBB096tFxSr4D06Be0hulmHL0CdXCyvogmY0KRAQlXNgD7dxIB04t6B3oTur6xnTBZMR7QIYAHGBY_0FM/s320/DSC_0134.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soon we all found ourselves in Ryman Auditorium standing on the stage of the Grand Old Opry. Just think of all the stars that have gotten their start right here. Paul and Cindy couldn't resit.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<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/AVvXsEjx3DbqXGfs9hiNjVMp2a3RYUQqGd2nJe5lkRqQUAss0AvKM6XVh-z8lvuxFi2ipT_oNC5q5JvBYEhWczQeh5sZo9pyvPCix6z0J6Zy5fwOmFaEFRCu6FZ1lLtsXcasG-maHFD6070dYNw/s1600/DSC_0138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx3DbqXGfs9hiNjVMp2a3RYUQqGd2nJe5lkRqQUAss0AvKM6XVh-z8lvuxFi2ipT_oNC5q5JvBYEhWczQeh5sZo9pyvPCix6z0J6Zy5fwOmFaEFRCu6FZ1lLtsXcasG-maHFD6070dYNw/s320/DSC_0138.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rambling Bill Peters</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<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/AVvXsEiFGBIedwzmqnOhqjVPZo-hCF-p2lvlMwxbl5TqGAEzGFEhZjOBEE3QQsBQz92Qat8v5yTVmN2bW_DR_EnOGCABZwYbBHyfiBeSkolCvNzNQveC15lMFOUQTLXSDipr73k2wsFX4jHCCXY/s1600/DSC_0147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGBIedwzmqnOhqjVPZo-hCF-p2lvlMwxbl5TqGAEzGFEhZjOBEE3QQsBQz92Qat8v5yTVmN2bW_DR_EnOGCABZwYbBHyfiBeSkolCvNzNQveC15lMFOUQTLXSDipr73k2wsFX4jHCCXY/s320/DSC_0147.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Tennessee Rover Duo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<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/AVvXsEijtGQsqRlne6KjJ0gk0_jrt0K-iUSDObFByqTlX7r-Ac8RSaKrDG91TDH_T5molWsn_SwkhcHAAyIe7ZOsZ597fGZ4JKgulzo9ERDnV1SKYKracxUdIvOAeR7o8mUGyfUw3WU6j-LWt3Q/s1600/DSC_0142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijtGQsqRlne6KjJ0gk0_jrt0K-iUSDObFByqTlX7r-Ac8RSaKrDG91TDH_T5molWsn_SwkhcHAAyIe7ZOsZ597fGZ4JKgulzo9ERDnV1SKYKracxUdIvOAeR7o8mUGyfUw3WU6j-LWt3Q/s320/DSC_0142.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ok Ok I'll do it too.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<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/AVvXsEhReVtuLV_Eks4Kb-oLGgipf0H3rh-MEGz_j2Zk40Vp9KNFPu_5qC3IP0PPIHcClF708J-8lx-zv-P9ucCcwmxVF94xqajyWH-45lf5yCxM01zJewj16lmKPUFaYjyTAKOmIGq1ZC99uMc/s1600/DSC_0176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhReVtuLV_Eks4Kb-oLGgipf0H3rh-MEGz_j2Zk40Vp9KNFPu_5qC3IP0PPIHcClF708J-8lx-zv-P9ucCcwmxVF94xqajyWH-45lf5yCxM01zJewj16lmKPUFaYjyTAKOmIGq1ZC99uMc/s320/DSC_0176.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The next morning I awoke with a mission. Buy scalper tickets and see a NFL Titans game.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEhk9GTRI2q_97O94J08vjD8BKM185JL4MNBI_JzIrWxFjjqX5KjzqZs4LA9hHPHJ7hyuAclth-SHbGQ9KPfcETE-klY1Bb0shgzRuMk3jx6RHyRVWkkkhWvn8_lKjvIq2qnIQKfdeSaH2E/s1600/titans+game.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk9GTRI2q_97O94J08vjD8BKM185JL4MNBI_JzIrWxFjjqX5KjzqZs4LA9hHPHJ7hyuAclth-SHbGQ9KPfcETE-klY1Bb0shgzRuMk3jx6RHyRVWkkkhWvn8_lKjvIq2qnIQKfdeSaH2E/s320/titans+game.bmp" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you want good tickets you have got to look like a local.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEjbhTatkVuM1FN6hPvNyeywUyF85Ldc5ivyh3NuvvZWQ741B6agvT0VytqvZdIVPuC8j_47MYOOPXhR5jp12A2nyrIqZEnVv2QFZ-oY8CXFrOnv9WIEbr0J51enhuXyLa_fP4YIYxdr_Ls/s1600/chicago+to+nashville+052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhTatkVuM1FN6hPvNyeywUyF85Ldc5ivyh3NuvvZWQ741B6agvT0VytqvZdIVPuC8j_47MYOOPXhR5jp12A2nyrIqZEnVv2QFZ-oY8CXFrOnv9WIEbr0J51enhuXyLa_fP4YIYxdr_Ls/s320/chicago+to+nashville+052.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh Yea what a day for a game.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<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/AVvXsEjUNnYTp_5ZBzd0iyAitiY8HdUZ16swcwXELoB03aQLVAzJTnBf8C4Sxf3GX3BeYGRC7eWQ1qfpsGmJMJn5A3gpFus4cXREDMqUThxjPVKMrxi5iZEti345SqFu6QaLW2Y3DBOzacPasfE/s1600/DSC_0210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNnYTp_5ZBzd0iyAitiY8HdUZ16swcwXELoB03aQLVAzJTnBf8C4Sxf3GX3BeYGRC7eWQ1qfpsGmJMJn5A3gpFus4cXREDMqUThxjPVKMrxi5iZEti345SqFu6QaLW2Y3DBOzacPasfE/s320/DSC_0210.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were all relieved that our nights spent in Nashville didn't get us sent to this place. Kentucky State Penitentiary . We were told that the KSP holds the record for the most executions in one day. Don't be bad in Kentucky this place looks like zero fun.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEi0-yhLtwiisutyZVIqWwUBqO0-fAkPUBpxP2tpdY5SabW0O3klKGOp0a0YUxWdoEOcaanQgyGAdLMat3Pjoo838hRIzjVlU8aCXOVkkEnvLGAYoUeeFy6NpGtTQIs73HlHeYLI5JRLzdg/s1600/DSC_0120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-yhLtwiisutyZVIqWwUBqO0-fAkPUBpxP2tpdY5SabW0O3klKGOp0a0YUxWdoEOcaanQgyGAdLMat3Pjoo838hRIzjVlU8aCXOVkkEnvLGAYoUeeFy6NpGtTQIs73HlHeYLI5JRLzdg/s320/DSC_0120.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As we make way to Green Turtle Bay, Anna and I took the time to enjoy the scenery of the Tennessee and Kentucky hills as the Cumberland winds it's way through the landscape.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<div style="text-align: right;"></div>Peter Gulickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07329857002315262843noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294543769324056220.post-3214858698411624282010-09-01T16:20:00.001-04:002010-09-01T16:20:05.912-04:00Beware of the Asian Carp.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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Leaving Chicago Anna and I found ourselves filled with anxiety. The next six hundred miles have been referred to as the lest favorite of those that have completed the loop. Once through the Chicago lock, we have been warned to watch for barges, tows, logs, submerged barrels and god knows what else. Others have told us to expect long days at the helm and long waits at the locks. In an attempt to make the trip to the safe waters of Cumberland River a bit more enjoyable we have organized a group of buddy boats to transit the Illinois and Mississippi with. As we boated through downtown Chicago we were joined by Monkey Girl and Bulldog Sally, we all took in as much as we could. The sights were just awesome. As soon as it began, it was over and as the skyline of Chicago disappeared behind us the factories, refineries and industrial plants of Illinois took over the horizon. The water changed from a the clear blue of the lakes to a dark brown muddy mess. A bit of depression seemed to take hold. How could things have changed so fast. We keep telling ourselves that there is only one way down to the clean waters of the Ohio and this is it. Come hell or high water we are getting south ASAP. So with other boats around us for support we have made it to the Mississippi. From here it will be three hundred mile run to Green Turtle Bay in Kentucky. In that three hundred miles there is only one Marina. We will have to ether tie to barges that have pulled off the river and beached themselves on the bank or try to anchor behind sandbars or flood water run off channels which we only know of three. To anchor anywhere else would risk being run over by an upstream or downstream barge. I doubt they would even feel us hit as they are enormous in size. It is sure to be an adventure. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMD86H2oez-E6w3VOqU2jM8OdjkBVvUg3dvdCoEdGKUKQZHlfwPWxlqPylKeJ-noEtzrJbYjLvaaSHSt7jrDaC0RqRuOIIE_mvJp8wgq3C6kpMnqyufp33lwRo8xPnGGZCtHDmFHons0/s1600/DSC_0026+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMD86H2oez-E6w3VOqU2jM8OdjkBVvUg3dvdCoEdGKUKQZHlfwPWxlqPylKeJ-noEtzrJbYjLvaaSHSt7jrDaC0RqRuOIIE_mvJp8wgq3C6kpMnqyufp33lwRo8xPnGGZCtHDmFHons0/s320/DSC_0026+(2).JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching the Chicago Lock was just amazing. Anna and I got an early start with Bulldog Sally and Monkey Girl for the long trip down the Illinois and Mississippi rivers.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgOWipYn87S_Lx2woO9Epb1aBrOMZWJEw5jm2KpDHD3R0n3qhFpPDC_-K0NS6VHAOTLEM3TJ3HHeh5UL7xNT0ZGmjAWzjYB5-Nx1yBPSpErt_YbxMlXa54FaG3C6BMNfGanc1oAXud29E/s1600/DSC_0036+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgOWipYn87S_Lx2woO9Epb1aBrOMZWJEw5jm2KpDHD3R0n3qhFpPDC_-K0NS6VHAOTLEM3TJ3HHeh5UL7xNT0ZGmjAWzjYB5-Nx1yBPSpErt_YbxMlXa54FaG3C6BMNfGanc1oAXud29E/s320/DSC_0036+(2).JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once through these gates we will be in the Chicago Sanitary Canal. Many years ago they reversed the flow of this river to protect the drinking water of Chicago. Once in the canal we knew why. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE7j8uy7HROpYZ5nn5_Gbqy2s3bqGfJSH7GWtkaH5uALOfz0KuU4i2_0EUCi3dUeyNLakgtwn69JlWY_Y7l_JH2FDvMPDeSo746CI7upvWW70TzVz51h2xeJ1w9j31GqaxkIA4MDktbLE/s1600/DSC_0041+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE7j8uy7HROpYZ5nn5_Gbqy2s3bqGfJSH7GWtkaH5uALOfz0KuU4i2_0EUCi3dUeyNLakgtwn69JlWY_Y7l_JH2FDvMPDeSo746CI7upvWW70TzVz51h2xeJ1w9j31GqaxkIA4MDktbLE/s320/DSC_0041+(2).JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a view.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADdKF_l1mWQyA1QPNICF8ZXXXu2nm9pF-nXnYBu7wQeVXPnQJfrSEeIKM6z1t96zsdoYYSTxlB_82DvU5B37VzFGOc3bs8lUQU_8Nra5ZHPcu6xgEg49Wb1UuKHg3wyqUihn781PQjoo/s1600/DSC_0045+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADdKF_l1mWQyA1QPNICF8ZXXXu2nm9pF-nXnYBu7wQeVXPnQJfrSEeIKM6z1t96zsdoYYSTxlB_82DvU5B37VzFGOc3bs8lUQU_8Nra5ZHPcu6xgEg49Wb1UuKHg3wyqUihn781PQjoo/s320/DSC_0045+(2).JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back at the lock, the sun was just coming up.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghjvtrVgXgUbHYryFCmup9WFURv6V00pH5zchXPeIwZ4tacwAn0MGoJaJiplU6YvfhPm1Gl-iPvuiF1PUF_t_7tJCjm-gWZcEdpK8Uaqhi6ZwpPxI2diLoYV_zkC7BlRAoXqgpEBVJsdI/s1600/DSC_0050+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghjvtrVgXgUbHYryFCmup9WFURv6V00pH5zchXPeIwZ4tacwAn0MGoJaJiplU6YvfhPm1Gl-iPvuiF1PUF_t_7tJCjm-gWZcEdpK8Uaqhi6ZwpPxI2diLoYV_zkC7BlRAoXqgpEBVJsdI/s320/DSC_0050+(2).JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The reflection of the sun on the buildings was wonderful.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTY0PhAbjext6jSP8dnyUJNieeRoRAgqbsrQs-1pdz9IfAzdYsJWH3A_bLzo__swG4pIpuUXtulKSwUvxE6ClLzj3pK9890fKIjEqPlm0InKfsTysTjqzbSn2vafnD0xlbquiOOYXDUBI/s1600/DSC_0068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTY0PhAbjext6jSP8dnyUJNieeRoRAgqbsrQs-1pdz9IfAzdYsJWH3A_bLzo__swG4pIpuUXtulKSwUvxE6ClLzj3pK9890fKIjEqPlm0InKfsTysTjqzbSn2vafnD0xlbquiOOYXDUBI/s320/DSC_0068.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna's Aunt and Uncle play for the opera. This seems to climb right out of the canal.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbdpEB7_J923JsHWgaG4r78DYgf68oAdT_Y0JMAA3q4eXZbsXG6RiiPgdkfhX81w4bW2If2i2ltg4dv2KqvB36XxeG5iDZR5Jfr0AnMh1faetdwJkMJ0GORKyb5cXdVScOwA84jB7j6U/s1600/DSC_0055+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbdpEB7_J923JsHWgaG4r78DYgf68oAdT_Y0JMAA3q4eXZbsXG6RiiPgdkfhX81w4bW2If2i2ltg4dv2KqvB36XxeG5iDZR5Jfr0AnMh1faetdwJkMJ0GORKyb5cXdVScOwA84jB7j6U/s320/DSC_0055+(2).JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now that is the way to dock your boat.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEholpXO8D7yXzyHH3paoufqYi_gkKWS62i4Y6bmzr96PlL9eCTG6-83VoaS67TtmJNhcXmkPZ6RGFGdXt4krBe9dLKcUuWtUq7zn_V6VbmF96JouNPYwjEx7Llu4NfQCjpyx8NJYZq7mRM/s1600/DSC_0083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEholpXO8D7yXzyHH3paoufqYi_gkKWS62i4Y6bmzr96PlL9eCTG6-83VoaS67TtmJNhcXmkPZ6RGFGdXt4krBe9dLKcUuWtUq7zn_V6VbmF96JouNPYwjEx7Llu4NfQCjpyx8NJYZq7mRM/s320/DSC_0083.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The clouds seemed to hover at the top of the towers much like the top of a mountain.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwM5b2szcrsi3QUHdTdEN4rn0slhoDAx53z8Rj4xkluvZUR4Toqjv0jqxkrgptU7a-xk6z9XTgafD9V_E8wZBM1JuSxyAEpE-xovmO4SPULH55C8W7XHFLtFAdFCBYAqnWzZ7KC5HL-xE/s1600/DSC_0102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwM5b2szcrsi3QUHdTdEN4rn0slhoDAx53z8Rj4xkluvZUR4Toqjv0jqxkrgptU7a-xk6z9XTgafD9V_E8wZBM1JuSxyAEpE-xovmO4SPULH55C8W7XHFLtFAdFCBYAqnWzZ7KC5HL-xE/s320/DSC_0102.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Electrified Fish Barrier. Mans only defence against the Asian Carp.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4S5sQ78Hju0dRp4VljLf6WNHSv2Hyb0RX7sxoMgDzccRGlZw1uzho7mnPnJF-Gw5gCzkbENyZ0ZVLxCoZFcSezt2nP8qMIJCG1bJu8c33a6oxNgbxoDgkl-ZOMjNyx6AdrK5W_dci8ew/s1600/IMGP0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4S5sQ78Hju0dRp4VljLf6WNHSv2Hyb0RX7sxoMgDzccRGlZw1uzho7mnPnJF-Gw5gCzkbENyZ0ZVLxCoZFcSezt2nP8qMIJCG1bJu8c33a6oxNgbxoDgkl-ZOMjNyx6AdrK5W_dci8ew/s320/IMGP0022.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not too long after making it through the barrier we had our first run in with the infamous fish. Would you believe they jump right into the back of the boat as we make way. This fish wasn't in the boat more than 20 seconds yet managed to bleed and slime the whole back of the boat. For the rest of the day the flies were awful. Don't clean it up with river water it only makes it worse.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF12sxow9THtyVUwHff1lyvtEyRvLFdFZ8LccpUm8xzIE6fsACVpRt9sHZu_ZrpHY7uhn37BUqd4-VC_tHl4d1sPs_j69-CKCYZnyMig3o1pwE9EoqKq_FpIAiLwumao1gXHIhCTqMWsA/s1600/DSC_0166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF12sxow9THtyVUwHff1lyvtEyRvLFdFZ8LccpUm8xzIE6fsACVpRt9sHZu_ZrpHY7uhn37BUqd4-VC_tHl4d1sPs_j69-CKCYZnyMig3o1pwE9EoqKq_FpIAiLwumao1gXHIhCTqMWsA/s320/DSC_0166.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So far we have encountered heavy fog in the mornings. It makes for some stressful hours at the helm.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6P2sFM1-J8mEmcdw_c1pNcECZp1KWI7QuVaebcgVK_K6Ua1qDaAK5mBN1WaYCw7k6WRmG0z6eHa1SgNjZ6b_AoL6Nmg7wsqjiAjR8SWfxP_t342uPpIRW1D8YZNkmmCiJoq5ZNmq5pY/s1600/IMGP0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6P2sFM1-J8mEmcdw_c1pNcECZp1KWI7QuVaebcgVK_K6Ua1qDaAK5mBN1WaYCw7k6WRmG0z6eHa1SgNjZ6b_AoL6Nmg7wsqjiAjR8SWfxP_t342uPpIRW1D8YZNkmmCiJoq5ZNmq5pY/s320/IMGP0007.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna and I made the mistake of telling people we were somewhat use to fog. This resulted in being placed in the lead. I finally got to use my fog horn.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidt-kvqZdXfs-0tPNCBVwWAcyvkyVRUoenR9FJCdVWkB3wPhRquOcbcnHqXM24ICkMePA8mSaUwUIUidVcLlwfcBUNHZ6tCxKesaaBRKoralcVBs1iZ-m5AhM-MUj85ipoEFFC-nyOkjU/s1600/DSC_0131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidt-kvqZdXfs-0tPNCBVwWAcyvkyVRUoenR9FJCdVWkB3wPhRquOcbcnHqXM24ICkMePA8mSaUwUIUidVcLlwfcBUNHZ6tCxKesaaBRKoralcVBs1iZ-m5AhM-MUj85ipoEFFC-nyOkjU/s320/DSC_0131.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marinas on the Illinois River are a far cry for lake Michigan. Here you can see Monkey Girl tied to a barge.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjolyoVkohzaRTJlLd2VxoelPgMn21tNeyAo4pDUVu6hJufRMZ5F6XE4Z9cB7gMnfN1jvUCuaBfxbEsPXbo1yStJzdcB9GB99UwazBq9hMdxSeW7lwcxkYJzTPNFIZ7bQpWzt-YC93PYHg/s1600/DSC_0128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjolyoVkohzaRTJlLd2VxoelPgMn21tNeyAo4pDUVu6hJufRMZ5F6XE4Z9cB7gMnfN1jvUCuaBfxbEsPXbo1yStJzdcB9GB99UwazBq9hMdxSeW7lwcxkYJzTPNFIZ7bQpWzt-YC93PYHg/s320/DSC_0128.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We tied to a barge as well and were shocked when we where told to tie our lines to the engine Block welded to the barge deck. This was the only safe place to tie up for 70 miles. We made the best of it and had a great night.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhJCwl851WHnDoFziJgh116_LGO_Gkb9fVlgR3krQNYWucMbveVNvg3lhwyj-1I02clexhWDUTJivQpPvi6rBgPkyfljYN7a5kr3E_uoqsqs5lnUU2KIkRaJfwBqC-hOeXZRbzBsEga4/s1600/DSC_0143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhJCwl851WHnDoFziJgh116_LGO_Gkb9fVlgR3krQNYWucMbveVNvg3lhwyj-1I02clexhWDUTJivQpPvi6rBgPkyfljYN7a5kr3E_uoqsqs5lnUU2KIkRaJfwBqC-hOeXZRbzBsEga4/s320/DSC_0143.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you try really really really hard you might just catch a moment of beauty in these parts. Seconds after taking this shot a carp tried to jump in the boat. Reminding us that it can only be a moment.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div>Peter Gulickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07329857002315262843noreply@blogger.com4