Wednessday - June 30

 We were off at 8 AM this morning heading west on I-90.    Stopped for a quick breakfast about 50 miles down the road.    Had a few sprinkles but mostly cloudy and humid.   It was neat driving past the signs for various ports we went by when cruising.    Arrived in Port Clinton at 12:15 as it started to rain.  Parked Flo and as always, Dave (dockmaster) is so kind and accommodating to just leave her till we're finished unloading (not much from our little getaway).     Flo needs a good bath before going into storage and with rain in the forecast, probably tomorrow.    

We took the car and went to Coffee Express for lunch - good stuff here and always busy but COLD indoors and raining outside, so brought back to Catrina and settled in for the afternoon.    Rain most of the afternoon - nice and gentle.

Maeve 'n Luke

Miss these little tykes!

And these from May 15, 2021

Luke receiving his First Communion from Father Ken

Grandma, Luke, Grandpa

Luke and family

Our "homes/vehicles" all together...

Bye bye to June......so 2021 is 1/2 over, summer is 1/3 over - crazy how fast time flies!!!

  

 

Tuesday - June 29

 Hello from the Lampe Campground in Erie, PA along Lake Erie.     Mark went to "Dunkin" (now the new name for Dunkin Donuts) and got some apple fritters and coffee.   We left Oneida Shores and Brewerton at 8:45 with our little caravan - me in car following Big Red/Flo,    We had 10 miles on I-81 and then I-90 rest of the way - 243 total miles.    I cranked up the oldies and it was a good day.   Unbelievable heat on the west coast and the DJ on "60's Oldies" was giving some temps from several cities in WA and OR and areas where we traveled last summer.   WOW....unbelievable as we had very pleasant weather.   Weird things going on with hot weather stories on the east coast, too, and the terrible flooding in McLean Count last Friday (100-year flood)!

We stopped in LeRoy, NY for a quick break and arrived in Erie around 1:15 - had a few construction delays, but not bad.    I had a very nice surprise when Ryan called wishing us a belated happy anniversary.   He's in the UK delivering packages this week - also Germany and Belgium.    

Another hot one in the 90's.    After settling in, we were just a few miles from Wolverine Park Marina. (Catrina June 17-19).    Good restaurants in the area, but decided to go back to Shoreline at the Marriott and have their wonderful walnut crusted walleye with crispy brussels sprouts and bacon.....my choice and Mark had the blackened walleye sandwich!!!    Delish!     While we were waiting for lunch, Mark checked his phone (Nebo and AIS apps tracking other boaters/loopers).    How cool that Paul and Janet on "New Freedom" were at Wolverine Park.....I texted Janet and told her where we were and if they were going to be home, we would stop by.    And what a delightful 2-hour visit with these folks from Seattle.  

Paul and Janet

It's always fun to catch back up with friends who we meet here and there - we gave them some ideas for fun in Erie and Cleveland and other suggestions on where they might cruise.    Yesterday was Paul's birthday - same as our anniversary.    Hugs, good byes and a plan to meet again somewhere?    

And then we were off to Presque Isle State Park across the bay from the marina - it is huge (3,112 acres that juts into Lake Erie 4 miles west of the city.)   It has 13 miles of roads, 21 miles of recreational trails, 13 beaches for swimming and a marina.    It's beautiful and we will check it out when we return later this summer.

We stopped at Oliver's (Hampton Inn) across from the marina - maybe for a drink and especially enjoy the views from the rooftop.    We didn't have a reservation and could've sat at the bar, but it was freezing in there - nice views, though....came on back to Flo and just in the nick of time as the the rain started and looks it will continue most of tonight and into tomorrow.

We have 181 miles to home tomorrow (Port Clinton)!  

  Big thank you for the anniversary wishes.   We really appreciated the cards, e-cards, phone calls, e-mails, texts, and facetimes.  

Monday - June 28

 Happy Anniversary to us!

52 years strong 

Two farm kids from northern IL went on a 4-H Exchange trip to Rochester, Minnesota in July, 1965.    He asked her to dance  to "Hey Mr. Tambourine Man" by The Byrds.    Four years later they married, had 4 awesome kids and 8 awesome grandkids.   And never had a clue they would become nomads?  We are so blessed!!!   Never a dull moment with this guy!

Today started out sunny, then cloudy with a little rain shower but overall, HOT and Steamy.   94.    We left Seneca Falls around 9, stopped in Auburn for coffee/scone at Simple Roast and onto Brewerton.    We stopped at Oneida Shores campground to make sure our site was available as check-in is at 3, but #52 was empty so we were good to go.    Then to Winter Harbor, got Flo and Big Red, said good bye to these fine folks where we've had great storage for Flo, Big Red and Catrina for the past 4 years.

Settled in at the campground and off to meet our friend, Mike (former boater we met at EssKay 2 years ago).    We had lunch at The Copper Top Tavern and a wonderful visit - Mike is just the nicest guy (originally from Greece and so fun to catch up on his family, what he's been doing, how Covid has impacted so many things, etc. etc.)  He now spends the winters in St. Pete and we hope to get together there and Fort Myers in 2022.    Mike and I had their  grilled cheese BLT and Mark had  the fish and chips. 

Mike

Mike followed us back to EssKay to tell Kim, Ethan and Tammy good bye - a bittersweet time as so many memories of these folks, fun times at EssKay and Brewerton.    Mike will see them from time to time, but no idea if/when we'll be back in this area.    We first met these folks back in 2011 when we were doing the Loop.

Tammy and Kim

Enjoyed the cool comfort of Flo this afternoon.  We had a threat of rain/storms this evening, but apparently blew around us.   Cooled down a tad and we took one final stroll around the park!

Enjoyed phone calls and texts from the kids/grandkids today!!!  Tomorrow off to Erie, PA.

Sunday - June 27

 It's been a fun day starting with breakfast at A la Carte Cafe in downtown Port Clinton.    What a popular place and glad we went early (7:45) as this small place filled up quickly.    Good hearty start to the day and then set off on Route 2 for most of the trip and then I-90 towards Brewerton - 419 miles but didn't plan to go all the way.    We had thought we would stop in Cleveland and visit friends on "Moonstruck" (Diane and JP) on their catamaran (sister to Catrina) but they decided after hanging out there several days, they were ready to move on - they had a rough trip to Vermillion but glad they got there safely.

Had a fun facetime visit with Philip, Annette, Luke and Maeve - oh-so-ready to see Luke and cousin Blair in just 8 days!

We kept on and stopped in Erie, PA at the Wolverine Park Marina where Catrina was 8 days ago.    "Gemini" and "Cashelmara" were there and we had such a nice visit.    Hal and Laurie, Chris and Mary and little "Skippy" are enjoying their Loop travels and we just sat on "Gemini" in the cool AC with drinks, salami/cheese/crackers and yakked and yakked.   Hoping to see them this fall in Fort Myers.

Mark, Pat, Laurie, Hal, Skippy, Mary and Chris

Tonight we are in Seneca Falls, NY and had a real challenge finding a spot for dinner.    We did stop "somewhere" for cookies and coffee but so ready for a nice meal   Not that many choices in Seneca Falls - some are closed on Sunday and what was open (Parker Grill - #1 Trip Advisor)) was very busy.    Sad to see Bee's (cute coffee shop we visited in 2018) is now totally empty among many other stores.  We stopped at Avicolli's for some Italian and it was very good + we sat near the nice lady and her hubby who were checking into hotel same time as us.    Had a great visit - Mr. and Mrs. Finn and daughter, Colleen are from St. Louis.     They were heading home after a big family gathering with their 4 children and 7 grandchildren in Southport Maine.    First time the family was together in 5 years (came from Portland, OR, Chicago, St. Louis and Southport, ME).    So nice to meet these folks and always fun to hear their story. 

    Liam and Connor had ballgames in Rockford today - yesterday's games were rained out.    Connor's RBI scored the winning run (5-4).   His 2 aunts and uncle were at the game!    Yeah Connor!!!

Tomorrow onto Brewerton (56 miles).     We got back to hotel too late so missed Zoom tonight.

Ryan is in Germany/Brussels/England this week delivering packages!!!

Enjoy your week!

Saturday - June 26

 It was supposed to rain today, but instead, hot, windy and sunny (off and on).     Anne checked in this morning telling us about all the flooding in McLean Co - terrible pics of cars/people stranded, roads damaged, I-55 closed, ballfields under water, parking lots flooded, etc.    Lots of basements getting pumped out - Anne had some water come in thru sliding glass doors.    My friend, Brenda had 11".      Now is when we are thankful we don't have a dirt home.

A leisurely morning - did more packing (going to be in the upper 80's next several days in OH, PA and NY) Mark ran some errands, lunch, short walk and then back to rest till church.  

We went to 5:00 Mass at Immaculate Conception.   Father Jonathan Wight is celebrating his 35th year as a priest. 

Immaculate Conception in Port Clinton, Ohio 

We had a drink on the bridge tonight - windy but warm.    And then BLTs

Tomorrow we are off to get our "home on wheels" !

Friday - June 25

 The  horror and unbelievable tragedy in Surfside, Florida is mind boggling!    How could this have happened and praying 🙏🙏 for those trapped inside.    Those images sure bring back the nightmare of 911.

Rain is coming our way.....we skedaddled (drove instead of walked) off  to our favorite coffee spot here in Port Clinton "Coffee Express" since 1994.    It was very busy but the crab/swiss quiche, cinnamon roll and morning glory muffin + our coffees were well worth the wait.    It was really chilly inside, and cool/damp outdoors so we brought it all back to Catrina - have some leftovers, too.

This is the 3rd year I've posted on the blog a picture of this favorite...

2008, 2020 and 2021

Mark got a haircut this morning and I did some housekeeping on Catrina then got out a suitcase and started planning our little getaway (Sunday-Wednesday) to pick up Flo and Big Red.

Heard some awful news this morning - friends from Cypress Trail (full time RVers) from Montana were vacationing in Washington State and a fire totally destroyed their beautiful large, custom-made 5th Wheel.    Chris and Tracey and their Great Dane (Aria) were thankfully not at home when this tragedy occurred.   No other details and haven't been able to find a story online.   Their home and all possessions were a total loss. When we settled at Cypress Trail 3 years ago, Chris, Tracey and Aria were among the first very friendly folks we met.    They were always out and about walking Aria.    Chris pulled their big rig with a shiny red semi tractor - they gave us a tour of their 5th wheel a few years ago and we were blown away!    It was truly spectacular!

Very heavy rain started around 11:30 (the cats and dogs kind) but thankfully by 2, it had stopped (temporarily) 

While Mark ran some errands (found a combination grocery/hardware store), I got a mani/pedi but Carrie was very slow and along with having to wait for 20 minutes, it still took almost 2 hours.   Mark picked me up and we got back to Catrina before more rain.

Today we met two of the owners of Superior Marina who are from the Dayton area.....super nice friendly folks - Mike and Chris and Dennis and Terry.    They are so happy to have us and we are very happy to be here.

I had brought some kielbasa sausage and wanted sauerkraut to go with it.    When we were at Heinen's, they had "Cleveland" brand sauerkraut and at least 8 different kinds.....I chose "whiskey dill" which turned out to be delicious for tonight's supper.

Enjoy your weekend - sounds like a wet one across much of the Midwest.

Sweet Connor and his new "summer do"

wearing a "CCHS 2024" t-shirt.    Oh my.....how can that be?

Thursday - June 24

 Beautiful start to the day....we did some outside cleaning on Catrina before leaving the Middle Bass State Park.    Those May flies are nasty and made quite a mess.   We plan to come back here and tour the Lonz Winery later this summer - such a beautiful facility

Beautiful state park office (with all the hydrangeas)

So, we had a change of plans today in our travels.    Instead of going to Kelly's Island, after checking the forecast, decided to go directly to Port Clinton.   Rain coming Friday and Saturday.

    Yesterday on our walk from the boat to the ferry on Middle Bass those little suckers (May flies) attached to our clothing, skin, etc.    Yuck!    Downtown Port Clinton had so many today, but (knock on wood), we've not seen them here at the marina.  

 By 10:15 we were underway and so pleasant to sit on the bridge with the clear bluish/green water AND not be all bundled up from the cold.    We only had 15 miles to Port Clinton and other than ferry boats making big waves, not bad.   Of course, as my Captain pointed out, if we had been going our usual speed (18 mph), it would've been chilly and really rough.    So since the strong winds were from the south had some lumpiness, but not bad for our short jaunt.     We had to wait about 8 minutes for the drawbridge to open and then onto Superior Marina.     This is a brand new facility and very few boats here including 2 biggies (one is the owner of marina).    Workers are finishing up putting in the new docks but the pedestals for electricity are on back order much to the frustration of Dave, dockmaster.   

We got our electrical and water hooked up, turned on the AC, had lunch and settled in after a nice welcome from Dave.    We told him we would be leaving Sunday (by car) to pick up our Airstream/truck and back on Wednesday.    Their new home (nice big building) was just built last July.     He also told us to store our bikes in the building - all safe and secure.    Dave was so confused.....we came last Monday with rental car and my car.    Left in rental car to return to Cleveland and boat.    Then today we come in by boat, only to leave with car on Sunday and return with Flo, Big Red and my car.      Ah....crazy life of a nomad!!!!

Today is the warmest temp we've had in awhile - 81 and sunny.   After resting a bit, catching up on e-mails and reading, we took off to give the legs some exercise.    We are just a few blocks from downtown -  the coffee shop in a cute blue house  "Coffee Express" we remember from 2008 and 2020.    Found RJ's ice cream and desserts, too, and Mark had some of his favorite - chocolate!

We checked out ferry schedules and fares  and walked around town.    Dave had told us of his favorite restaurants, too.

Back to Catrina till 6ish and we stopped at Beeb and Frank's boat - they are at a nearby marina (Brands) but they weren't home.     We went to Dock's Beach House - a very busy spot on the water.   It was a 40-minute wait so we sat at the bar and ordered from there.   Excellent perch and walleye.    And then we saw Frank and Beeb with their friends (Keith and Linda) who flew in today from Palm Beach, FL.    They were all having dinner and we had a good visit.    Today is Keith and Linda's 32nd wedding anniversary.

We drove out in the country and thru Camp Perry, a military training center which happens to have an RV campground.    Mark made a reservation for this place over Labor Day weekend when we transfer our stuff from Catrina to Flo.....but maybe we'll just be able to stay here at Superior Marina which would be really convenient!

Pretty color of Lake Erie

Catrina and car are together - nice to have our wheels again!

 

Wednesday - June 23

 Cloudy most of today till late afternoon and in the low 70's.     We left Cleveland (with fond memories) and had a rough ride for 2/3 of the trip till the waves settled down.   It was not what had been predicted???   We stopped at Gem Beach Marina on Catawba Island for fuel and pump out and then another 8 miles to Middle Bass Island.   Along the way we saw (from 2-3 miles away) the many roller coasters from Cedar Point.

Zoom in to see Cedar Point

We are staying at Middle Bass State Park on Middle Bass Island - very nice facility and very quiet.    We followed C.A.L.M into the marina and Catrina is the only boat docked on A dock.    We checked in at the office, got info for the ferry and then took the 2:30 ferry to Put-In-Bay.    Joyce and Larry rode with us and a few other folks for a short 15-minute trip island hopping.

WOW.....what a difference - we knew from 13 years ago (2008 when we were last in Put-In-Bay) what a happening place this island is and that has not changed.  Here we are on a Wednesday and it was very busy with golf carts, people, packed restaurants, etc.   We had lunch at Hooligan's Irish Pub (Reuben for me and Shepherd's Pie for Mark - both delicious).   He sat on a park bench overlooking the lake and I checked out a few shops.

We came back on the 5:00 ferry and settled in for the night

Beautiful hydrangeas at marina office

Golf carts are everywhere!

The crew of "C.A.L.M"

Larry and Joyce

Leaving Put-In-Bay

Perry Peace Memorial

We went to the top in 2008

The Lonz Winery on Middle Bass Island (100 year-round residents) was once the largest producer of wine in the nation.  

It was a very popular tourist spot until July of 2000 when it abruptly closed after a terrace wall collapsed killing 1 guest and injuring 75.    It reopened on this very day - June 23, 2017 not as a winery but as the centerpiece of a knockout, waterfront state park.

They really did a first-class job in preserving this very old structure!

Walked over to B Dock to say good bye to Larry and Joyce and wish them safe travels as they head to Detroit tomorrow.

Tuesday - June 22

 Cloudy and cool (57) when we got up.    Mark worked on logistics for picking up Flo and Big Red, making an RV reservation in Brewerton and another along Lake Erie on our return to Port Clinton. (We are planning to see some of the folks at Ess Kay in Brewerton) 

We had a brisk walk to pick up our car wearing heavier coats, gloves, etc.....on June 22nd!!!!   

We are across from the Coast Guard station and also the Burke Lakefront Airport (5 gates).   A happening place with private jets flying low over the marina.   Smiled when we saw this jet on display!

  Got the car and off to Joe Maxx Coffee Co. which was a few miles away in the heart of Cleveland State University.    Cute, tiny place with seating for just 14, but excellent coffee and muffins (chocolate for Mark and cinnamon streusel for me).    

Really cool place

 Then to return the car (Mitsubishi Outlander with NJ plates).   We walked the mile back to Catrina and just at we got to the dock here comes Frank and Beeb, so we stood and yakked about 40 minutes.    Really have enjoyed visiting with them and tomorrow we are all headed towards Port Clinton but will be at different marinas.   We are actually going to Middle Bass Island.

Beeb and Frank

More pretty flowers along our walk - these yellow blooms are seen frequently here and in Erie

They look like daffodils but think they are some sort of lily?

They had a loaner car for a few hours from a friend to run some errands and we were off to the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame.    

Entrance to this wonderful "trip down memory lane"

Wow.....what an awesome place - 6 floors of groovy music taking us back and remembering all these great artists and songs.  All we could think of as we meandered around was how much Patrick would've absolutely loved this place because music was such a huge part of his life.    They had several recording studios with all kinds of guitars, keyboards, etc. to check out and this sign was sooo Patrick

So true...

The sun came out late morning but only in the low 60's.   After lunch on Catrina and rest a bit, we were off to Heinen's.    Beeb told us about this place (upscale grocery about 1 mile away in an old bank building that was truly magnificent.)    It was a really pleasant walk but Mark's back was hurting, so we took it nice 'n slow.    I needed the restroom so went into this beautiful building (The Galleria).   Holy moly.....it was totally empty of any shops.    The Winking Lizard (bar/restaurant) was open and that was it.    Two floors of nothing.   I walked and walked wondering where oh where are those bathrooms?    Finally saw a cleaning guy who directed me down stairs,    I asked him "what happened"?    He said "it's temporarily closed"???   Can't imagine how everything is gone but will come back?    The food court area was empty!    Sad....

So, kept on walking with Mark and finally came to the corner of Euclid and 9th as Beeb said.   We never heard of Heinen's but they are an Ohio thing with 4-5 stores in the Chicago suburbs also..   WOW......I parked Mark in the big rotunda (formerly Cleveland Trust Co back in the day).    This normally is a mini food court with bakery, deli, etc., but still closed cause of the pandemic.   The 2nd floor serves specialty beers and wine.  Just incredibly beautiful.   I grabbed a cart and wandered around this great place.    Picked up several things (could've bought more but since we're walking?)    

Stained-glass ceiling of the rotunda

Below the dome and all around - just so stunning!!!

This morning we saw a huge office building with signs on the revolving doors of different entrances  "Building closed"!    Really?    And then later, a big sign saying the building was available for immediate occupancy - 450,000 square feet.

Empty office building

We arrived back on Catrina to rest our weary bones!  It was a really fun day!

Cleveland was once the 5th largest city in the US (long time ago) - it now ranks #53 with a population of 395,000.

The Nuevo Modern Mexican Tequila Bar which is just across the way is closed Mondays and Tuesdays which is a big disappointment as we sure would've gone back there for another great meal (and margarita).    We'll never forget the soaking we got Sunday from that crazy rain/wind storm.     There are no other restaurants close by....oh well, Catrina's chef has plenty of options.

 Larry and Joyce from "C.A.L.M" arrived this afternoon - they were about the only boat out on the lake today - very rough conditions - NO thank you!    Larry told Mark "Joyce is still recovering".  

C.A.L.M (named after their granddaughters)

 

Catrina in Cleveland

15,000+ steps today!!!

 

   

Monday - June 21

 I woke up at 6:15 to strong winds and heavy rain - AGAIN!!!     Mark was already up.  The rain had stopped shortly after 8 but still windy and forecast was for rain coming back off and on.    But that didn't happen and most of the day was sunny and windy.

This nautical signage (signal flag) is on the marina building here at Oasis.   

Do you know what it says?

  We had a big day and covered just under 400 miles.    Walked to the Budget car rental (Mark had checked with Uber to take him 1 mile as we were not sure of the weather, but they wanted $25-31....oops...no thanks, we'll walk!)    So, a nice little jaunt and impressed with Cleveland's downtown - very clean, nice buildings, landscaping, etc.   And no rain!

Glad our car (upgrade) was available as we've heard so many stories about getting rental cars (or lack of) and the very high prices!!!    And then a quick stop at Phoenix Coffee Co and off we went.    First stop was Columbus (actually Delaware, a northern suburb) and got my car out of storage.    Sooo good to be back driving it.   Away we went to Panera for lunch and while we were inside, the heavens opened up again with very strong winds and heavy rain !!!   3 straight days of some real torrential rains 

Delivered my car to the Superior Marina in Port Clinton where Catrina will be in a few days for the summer.    Dave, the harbormaster was very nice and got the ok from owners for us to store Flo and Big Red inside this summer.    So, we'll be making plans for a trip to Brewerton and drive back to Port Clinton.   Left my car in front of what will be Catrina's slip and away we went together again to the Beechwood Mall to get Mark some new jeans - Happy Father's Day from Michael and Anne.

Finally on home and a tough time finding overnight parking for rental but got a spot and then good jaunt to Catrina - we are tired!!!    But a very good, productive day on the road thru rural northern Ohio.  

Saw the Cleveland Indians ballpark today (Progressive Field)

And the Cleveland Browns football stadium is almost next door here at the marina

The Browns home (First Energy Stadium)

Hazy Cleveland skyline from yesterday

Pretty daisies along our walk this morning

And now the answer to the signal flag.....................

CLEVELAND

Tonight's view from Catrina

Sunday - June 20

 H A P P Y   F A T H E R 'S   D A Y

to all the Dad's, Grandpa's, Great Grandpas, etc.    Hope you had a great day!

Happy to spend today with thee best Dad to

Michael, Anne, Philip and Ryan

and Grandpa to

Drew, Davis, Brady, Blair, Liam, Connor, Luke and Maeve

Our day started at 7:15 when we left Wolverine Marina (looking forward to coming back here) and cruised 102 miles to the Oasis/North Coast Marina in Cleveland. 

Wolverine Marina

Mainly for transients (40 slips)

Really enjoyed our time in Erie, PA

   Most of the trip was calm, dry and sunny and not too many miles into the trip, we were in Ohio.   Just before coming into the harbor, the rain started, but by the time we got to our slip, it had stopped with the sun coming out and very sticky and humid.

So.....Henry (dockmaster) and his helper learning the ropes, Stefanos helped us tie up, we hooked everything up and oh so ready to have some lunch.    Nice facility here and just across the way is "Nuevo", a modern Mexican and Tequila Bar.    The hostess said it would be a 30-minute wait so we walked to the edge of the pier and then decided to go inside with AC and have some drinks.   

About 30 minutes later, they texted that our outside table was ready.    This place is big and we were once again "not" surprised that despite that many people were waiting, there were several empty tables inside and out - shortage of waitstaff and kitchen!!!    Arghhh!    We were sitting at our table with roof covering when it started to rain and kept coming faster and then just an enormous gully washer and wind came thru - everyone taking cover as umbrellas toppled over, our silverware wrapped in linen napkins went flying into the 3" water and we had to walk thru all the water to get inside.    Long story short, they took us to the top floor where they have private parties.   2 other groups were there with us.    But we were high and dry and just happy to be out of that tremendous storm.    Our waitress said "I've never seen anything like it"!!!     We were very thankful this very heavy wind and very heavy rain didn't happen while on the water.

Our food was very good and of course, the rain finally stopped, the sun came out and we walked back to Catrina.   Mark talked to our kids and enjoyed videos and texts from the grandkids.

The "Phoenix" crew (Beeb and Frank) came in after the storm and we visited with them.    They left very early this morning from Erie but we got here several hours before as Catrina goes 2x as fast.    Phoenix is large and heavy, so they didn't feel the wind as bad!

Spirit of Cleveland tour boat

Catrina is docked right in front of the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame

My BBQ salmon tacos - excellent!

Anne and boys arrived home safely late this afternoon after a fun, whirlwind trip to NC.

Zoom tonight missing Doris, Jim and Tom.    All doing well!

Tomorrow we are getting a rental car and driving to Columbus to get my car and take to Port Clinton.

Here's to a good week!

 

Saturday - June 19

 Not one of my better nights.....around 2 AM, fireworks started going off?    What in the world?  We could hear them but didn't have the energy to get out of bed and see them - this went on around 1/2 hour.   Mark slept thru most of the loud noise!!

The sun was out very briefly this morning and then breezy, cloudy and 77.   After breakfast sandwiches we tidied Catrina up a bit and then went for a windy walk (short) to beat the rain.    We have seen C.A.L.M. gold loopers (like us who have completed the loop but they're doing it again) at various other ports but never got a chance to meet them.    This morning they were on their way to the showers and we had a nice chat with Larry and Joyce originally from Mississippi (loved her sweet Southern drawl) and now Georgia.    Their boat is named after their 4 granddaughters......Catherine, Amanda, Lisa and Madeline.    Always fun to hear these interesting stories.

Back to Catrina and hunkered down with our laptops and books.  The rain time kept getting pushed back as the day went on,

When we talked to Larry and Joyce, they mentioned they had eaten at Shoreline (Marriott) and highly recommended it.    The Bayfront in the Sheraton and Oliver's at the Hampton Inn got good ratings, too.    Around 1:15, we walked to the Marriott - near the Sheraton with a 4th floor skywalk across the water (where Catrina passed thru).    It was crazy windy again today and cool, so everyone was indoors, but a nice view of the lake.    Mark had the walnut crusted walleye with crispy brussels sprouts and bacon and a brown sugar vinaigrette.   Oh My!!!!!!   I had a delicious salad with arugula, strawberries, feta cheese, avocado, etc. topped with blackened walleye .    Both big hits!    Their specialty dessert got rave reviews so we got that to go.....ooey gooey butter cake for tonight.

Neat view from the walkway connecting the Sheraton and conference center

Catrina off in the distance in the middle of picture.

Our waitress, Kyleen told us that a new restaurant is soon opening across the street; however, they can't find enough workers, so???

 Walked back to Catrina with happy tummies - rested a bit and then walked 4/10 of a mile to St. Patrick's for 5:00 Mass.    That's when the rain started but we had rain coats and umbrellas.    What a magnificent church built in 1837.    The architecture was just breathtaking.    Monsignor Henry Kriegel presided and they had a phenomenal soloist.    Before the final blessing, Monsignor said to think of all our Dads (living and deceased) and then this soloist sang The Our Father and shook the rafters.    Spectacular voice....so as I'm shedding a few tears thinking of my Dad, Mark's Dad and Patrick....and sooo enthralled with this rendition of the Our Father, they then ended the Mass singing the Irish Blessing.    More tears.

When we came out of church, it was just lightly sprinkling but oh my..........the heavens opened up soon after and we had a real gully washer.    So glad to be back on Catrina and dry off as the rain is to continue for another hour or so.

St. Patrick's in Erie, PA

Our IL grandsons are enjoying their NC cousins...

      Liam, Brady, Blair, Connor  

Tomorrow we are back cruising with Cleveland as our destination.    PA has only about 45 miles of Lake Erie shoreline with Erie as their only port.   This is a really nice spot and definitely plan to return.   One of the ports we would've checked out (just in passing to meet Mark's goal) was Barcelona, NY but they had a very narrow entrance with rocks on the starboard (right) side going into the harbor, so we decided we had "been there, done that" and kept on.    There are other ports in OH we want to visit but we'll check them out later this summer.   

The ooey gooey butter cake was *****

 

                                          

 

Friday - June 18

 After such a gorgeous Thursday, as predicted, we woke up to dreary skies and the threat of rain with our phones beeping that rain was coming soon.    We left around 8ish for downtown with umbrella walking past the huge UPMC (University of Pennsylvania Medical Center), Gannon University and the usual downtown stores (many empty), and then arrived at the Ember and Forge Coffee Shop.    This place had gotten great reviews on Trip Advisor (especially for their muffins.....Heath Bar....YUM!).    But when we walked in (carry out only - all dine-in area was roped off),  we saw that the muffin case was empty???    She said I'm all out - actually didn't get an order in today???    She said across the street at "Ye Ole Sweet Shop" we could get some pastries but they weren't open yet.

We are amazed at the change from NY to PA and mask wearing.    In NY, the signs on stores/restaurants say "if vaccinated, masks not required."    We seldom saw any.    But here in PA, a totally different story as single folks walking down the street with no one around, are wearing one; also driving a car -  just 1 guy in the car and had his mask on?     Although the downtown was pretty quiet this Friday morning (probably cause folks are still working from home), we still saw plenty of masks?

We sat outside with our coffee/latte and waited till 8:30 when the sweet shop "open" sign lit up.   I walked over and got 3 very delicious muffins (blueberry lemon, carrot cake and strawberry banana) and enjoyed with our drinks.   We've been paying anywhere from $3-4 per muffin and today got 3 for $5.25.    What a deal!  Then we were off to Rite Aid 4 blocks away for a few piddlies.    One more stop at an ATM and finally on home with just a few sprinkles along the way     Put our stuff away, including leftover muffins for another time.

Mark started on boat jobs and I tackled the laundry.   The rain started but it was a "nuisance" rain - drizzle off and on and although the radar looked ominous, most of the bad stuff went around us.

Had lunch, put the laundry away and then it was time to clean Catrina and get rid of all the nasty dirt and grime from going thru the locks.......it was very windy so fast drying day.    We used 12 fenders during our Erie Canal locks and they all needed a good scrubbing.    Mark diligently worked on those and I cleaned rest of boat!     

My "Fender" Man!!!    

Visited with our neighbor, Beeb on "Phoenix" and overall, a very productive day.

Catrina here at Wolverine Marina (Sheraton in background)

Tonight we enjoyed some adult beverages, cheese and crackers followed by salad and spaghetti.   

 Enjoy your weekend!

Thursday - June 17

 Good Thursday morning from Dunkirk - another pretty day but started out at 52.    Ready for some warmer temps and they should be coming today.

If you want to follow along with the map of our trip, click on our picture on main blog page and there's our tracks!

What a gorgeous day - we left Dunkirk at 9:20 and had a 3-hour chilly cruise to Erie, PA (crossing into PA at 11:00).    No welcome signs on the water!    Mark informed me we crossed the NY/PA border thru GPS.    We quickly shed the hoodies, gloves, etc. - nice 'n warm welcome here in Erie.

Erie has a population of 95,000 and the entrance into the harbor has a large Sheraton connected by a high skywalk to the Bayfront Conference Center.   Several restaurants are along the waterfront just a short walk from the Wolverine Park Marina where we plan to be the next 3 days/nights.    What a nice facility and Tom, the dockmaster is very friendly and helpful.    There is a laundromat just steps away so that's on the agenda sometime before we leave Sunday.    Rain is coming and strong winds (Friday and Saturday), so we are glad to be off the big lake and have a bit of downtime.

It took us 1/2 hour to hook up the electrical cords, water hose, secure fenders and lines and by 1:00, we were off to check out the area.    Had a great lunch at The Cove sitting outside by the water - 75 and pure heaven!!!    When we walked up to The Cove's patio there was a big sign saying "Shortage of Help" (The NEW pandemic).    Sign went on to say they could not accommodate parties larger than 10 and please be patient with the service!   We also heard today that some of the fast food restaurants are closing because of not enough workers.

Came back to Catrina and Mark did some book work, I read and got in a short cat nap.   The Hampton Inn is just across the way and they have a mini putt putt here at the marina.     This evening we walked around Erie's beautiful waterfront, the 187' Bicentennial Tower (opened October 19, 1996 celebrating Erie's 200 years,) Scallywags (pirate ship), and watched as the Victorian Princess departed for a dinner cruise with 87 onboard + crew.

Bicentennial Tower

Scallywags

Victorian Princess

We stopped at the Tower and got a little treat (supper) - we had the big lunch, so not very hungry.   Mark had a  hot dog and milk shake and a snickers flurry for me.   Back to Catrina and sat on the bridge - hard to believe we're going to have nasty weather tomorrow when today and tonight have been so perfect.