Travels of Mark and Pat: 2026

Friday - June 12

Windy day but sunny - sure thinking of so many folks in the Midwest affected by the tornadoes and storms last night.

I made eggs/sausage/toast for breakfast and then we worked on getting Catrina more organized. Still bringing stuff over from Flo.

Mark ran some errands - hardware store, West Marine, WalMart. He worked on some fix-it jobs on Catrina.

A beautiful big yacht was launched this afternoon here at Superior - 85' Italian beauty headed to Windsor, ON.

Iron Man

Such a nice surprise to see boat sister, Teri back up here for 1st time this year. We had a nice visit and heard her many woes with all her issues (fractured her hip in a fall on March 21 and now will need 2 knee replacements.) Yikes, but she's a trooper (all 98 lbs of her). The manufacturer of new knees will be designing a special smaller knee for her tiny body!

Boat sisters - Pat and Teri

Mark and I walked downtown - it is a spectacular evening here in Port Clinton with lots of people out and about. The downtown Madison Street party was in full swing with a big crowd enjoying their food/beverages from nearby restaurants/bars along with music. We stayed to hear "Sweet Caroline" and then on home.

Anne is in Minneapolis this weekend visiting Liam. Sounds like a fun time with lots of activities planned by Liam and his host family

Thursday - June 11

A very windy warm day. We set to work unpacking our stuff and organizing. Blair's bedroom is now free, so Mark is putting his stuff we need on vacation in there - makes a great storage area. We miss Blair.....she is a joy to have around!

So, yesterday we took a different route from our usual I-77 which we were quite familiar with after 4x. We went north on 26, then 23 (all 4-lane), beltline around Columbus (hit that during rush hour) and finally various 2-lane roads thru Ohio countryside. Added about 1 hour to the trip, but also had several stops to change drivers, eat, so made for a long day. We sure saw lots of water standing in the fields - the corn and beans are just barely coming up. We remember a farmer telling us that farming close to Lake Erie is always behind 2-3 weeks from other areas cause of the cool spring weather.

We went to "Bistro 163" (Pay it Forward) for lunch - love this place and sooo many yummy things to choose from all these wonderful volunteers.

My very delicious lunch - tomato bisque and strawberry/avocado/spinach salad with

poppyseed dressing

Mark had an Ohio cobb salad - yummy!!!

Ran several errands.... got Ruby washed and on home.

They sure are having some nasty weather in the Midwest!

Wednesday - June 10

Hello from 2 tired nomads in Port Clinton. We had planned to stop somewhere after 6 hours or so, but traffic and weather were good and we kept switching the driving.

We left Lake James at 8:35 and arrived here 11 1/2 hours later with several short stops - lunch in Big Stone Gap, VA and supper in Marengo, OH.

Now to get our kiddos home. Michael and Brooke had no issues flying yesterday from Budapest to London to Charlotte. Ryan was in Madrid last night and had a direct flight to Charlotte today but there was a lightning strike and then they were diverted to London and major delays. Tonight he's at a hotel in London.

Philip and Annette flew from Budapest to Philadelphia to Charlotte to Moline and then a 1-hour drive to Annette/s parents in Princeton. They will be zombies for sure and are still enroute. Luke and Maeve will be happy to see them and they'll be staying till the 16th,

So glad we are here - it was 90 and very windy, We went for a walk to stretch the legs and get Catrina cooled down.

Till tomorrow.....Good night!

Tuesday - June 9

Mark and I were up early and left for Old Fort at 6:45. We were on a mission...

Yesterday when Erin and I were there, she told me about "Go Go s" cinnamon rolls? Had never heard of this place but darn, they are closed Sundays and Mondays. They have several flavors, so we decided to make the trip back and get everyone's favorites (Erin, Brady, Blair and us).

We also stopped at Seeker Coffee Shop for lattes for Erin and me. Back home with our dozen assorted rolls - the only thing they sell and apparently go fast. We got 6 original +1 apple pie, 1 cookies and cream, 1 chocolate, 1 birthday cake and 1 maple bacon. They are delicious, but too much icing (which we scraped most off). Popular place and $5 each or $33 for a dozen - what a deal! We did a breakfast delivery to Erin - latte and maple bacon/.

Cinnamon rolls from Go Go's (named after the owner's Grandma)

Finished the laundry. We had some heavy rain earlier and ended up with over an inch. Blair spent the afternoon with her friends, Olivia and Aria. Brady left to get his parents from the Charlotte airport. Erin came over around 6, the travelers arrived a short time later and we all had dinner (sweet 'n sour meatloaf, baked potatoes, green bean casserole and caesar salad.)

All are tired tonight......Ryan, Philip and Annette arrive home tomorrow.

Nighty night!!! Tomorrow, we start the trek back to Catrina.

Monday - June 8

I picked Erin up at 9 and we were off to "Seeker" coffee shop in Old Fort 30 minutes west of Lake James. I had never been but a favorite of Erin's and it was a winner.! Cute little town with some cute little shops and eateries. We sat and yakked away over our vanilla lattes and pastries.

Erin

Our lattes + an almond croissant for Erin and a cherry/almond buckwheat cake for me

I sure enjoyed getting to know Erin better....we have a lot in common (our love of coffee shops, reading, same kind of shopping - home decor, stationery, cute boutique shops, cinnamon rolls, all desserts, etc.) and of course, RYAN......ha!!!

Erin has a new business - real estate photography which is just getting started but she is excited and has her 1st client coming up later this week.

Back to Lake James, dropped Erin off (we were texting with Ryan in Budapest). Today is the kiddos last day on their ship and long day of travel tomorrow.

Had lunch with Blair (Chinese leftovers), Brady was mowing a lawn and Mark, doing this 'n that outside. I did more laundry in the afternoon.

Michael called from Budapest - what a treat and he sounded like he was right beside me - we had a good chat and heard all about their cruise.

Blair is happy to be back with her lake friends (she kept in touch with "school" and "lake" friends while on the boat) - love hearing all the chatter and giggles.

We left for Morganton at 5:25 and took Blair to Tumblemania for her cheer practice. We went to Olive Garden and met Bob and Judy for dinner. Good food and chatter, Mark and I then went to Food Lion for a few groceries and to Bob and Judy's for dessert (cherry cheesecake - delish). Picked Blair up at 8:30 and on home! Big day!

Brady went to the movie "Michael" with a friend. It's the biographical story of Michael Jackson's early life - Brady said it was very good!

Judy and Bob (Brooke's parents)

Sunday - June 7

Beautiful day for traveling.....we all slept well in Wytheville and after breakfast in the hotel dining room, we were on the road by 9.

Arrived at Lake James before noon and Brady helped bring all our stuff in. Had lunch and I started the wash. He had a good week - house looked great! 😀

Brady left to mow a lawn, Grandpa and I took a power nap and then he left with Blair around 2 for Morganton and her gymnastic practice.

Liam finished his olympic triathlon today in Buffalo, Minnesota. AWESOME!

Mark picked Blair up at 5 and on home. Brady and I went to the camp to bring home pizzas for supper. Went to online mass at Immaculate Conception with Father Jonathan. He is celebrating the 40th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood this weekend. Congratulations to Father Jonathan!

Zoom tonight had 7 siblings with a variety of topics. Several of the family are at McCormick's Creek in Spencer, IN for 1-2 weeks.

Have a great week ahead and stay COOL and DRY !!!

Saturday - June 6

Mark and I went for a walk and said good bye to Bob and Donna. We probably won't see them till August when we return from our Lake Michigan.trip.

Bob and Donna

Boat sisters

Pat and Donna

A long day of travel - we got Ruby loaded up with all our stuff as the first drops of rain were coming down. Mark dropped we girls off at Coffee Express and went to get gas. Busy busy place for coffee and other goodies, but Blair and I got our lattes (her 3rd and final "Butter Bliss") And away we went as the rain came down.

Mark drove thru the brunt of all the heavy rain about 30 miles shy of going from far north to far south of state of Ohio. We had lunch in Canton and ate in the car - pouring down, along with thunder and lightning. Blair had wanted to stop at "Raising Cane's". There were none in the areas we were (around Port Clinton) but this was close to the interstate, so.....1st-time visit for all of us. They only serve chicken fingers, but we enjoyed our lunch and then back on the road. I drove for 2 hours - no rain! REALLY appreciate Mark dealing with the heavy downpours. Rest of the afternoon was nice and sunny!

1st time for Blair and us

A favorite of Liam and Connor

We had good chats with Liam and Connor today - Liam told us all about his 1st week at his internship in MN, the nice family he's living with this summer and all the great recreational areas close by for his running, biking and swimming.

Congratulations Connor - #1 in his age group

Connor did a sprint triathlon today and Anne was there to cheer him on. He placed 1st in his age group and 16th overall. Awesome!!! Tomorrow, Liam is doing an Olympic triathlon.

Tonight we are in Wytheville, VA and had a yummy dinner at a Chinese restaurant just behind our hotel. Plenty of leftovers.

Long day but only 2 hrs. 20 minutes to Lake James tomorrow!!!

Friday - June 5

Hot and sunny and very windy. We left and opened the 10:00 bridge and headed to Kelley's Island (1 hour) and docked at Seaway Marina. We rented a golf cart and 1st stop was the glacial grooves which are amazing and all started millions of years ago.

Glacial grooves

Then to lunch at West Bay - good meals and nice sitting outside on the porch.

Here we are...

Blair in the big chair

We continued our golf cart ride after lunch and then did some shopping (browsing - no purchases).

Back to Catrina and on home - a little rougher than coming over this morning but not too bad - winds are strong!!!

What a surprise to find out that Donna had arrived on "So Blessed" - big hugs and she came aboard Catrina for a great visit. Bob is at a wedding tonight - Donna's back said "NO" to driving 2 hours and then sitting thru wedding and reception. Sure feel for her and all the pain.

Tomorrow we start the familiar route back to North Carolina taking Blair home but will do it over 2 days. We sure have had fun this week!

Enjoy your weekend!

Thursday - June 4

Another fun day with Blair and checked off some things on our "to do" list. Mark got coffees for us and Blair slept in till 10:30. I left for my mammogram at Magruder Hospital. I stopped at Coffee Express for an iced "Butter Bliss" latte, a Blair favorite (she is Blair Bliss Chamberlain)!!!

We ran some errands after lunch - WalMart, Cheese Haven and Toft's for ice cream. On home and got Catrina ready for her 1st voyage of 2026. Just a short little ride going under the 3:00 bridge and returning for the 4:00 bridge opening. What a pretty day to be on the water!

A favorite......Lake Erie Island Monster Cookie

Captain Blair

We had salads for supper and then got the good news that the guy who was interested in "So Blessed" backed out of the deal.....Donna is ecstatic as are her sisters!!!! How quickly things can change!!! Unfortunately, Donna is having severe back pain which is ongoing - she had an MRI yesterday and praying for the best.

Our river cruising kiddos are having a great time and currently in Austria.

Blair did her stretching exercises and we called it a day!

Wednesday - June 3

Another beautiful day in Port Clinton.

Happy Birthday wishes to our niece, Jennifer and nephew, Eric (the big "50")!

This is Blair, And I'm doing the rest of the Blog for today!

I Made Grandma and I some smoothies to start out our day, grandma said "it was wonderful, delicious, all of the above." I'm even more ready for dinner tonight, I'm cooking. The menu is all ready!

We got all ready to go to walmart to get the rest of the goods, and be ready for food during the week. Then we went to the tackle box for lunch and had a great meal.

Me and the Simpsons

Truck on a pontoon?

We got home and did puzzles, reading and took bikes into the shed. Of course we all had to take a nap after half of the day went by.

At 6:00 we got ready to eat at Blair's Diner - best in town😊 It was a great day in Port Clinton, Can't wait to do the blog again.

Tuesday - June 2

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RYAN

Our "baby" is 41 today! What a joy he's been and so proud of all he's accomplished!

Mark got a haircut with Gina and then we had a very productive day moving our stuff - Blair helped and more hands make lighter work for Grandma and Grandpa. We walked downtown for lunch at Coffee Express and then back to work!

Blair in a field of daisies

Our friend Bob came in the afternoon - so good to see him, but sad that "So Blessed" (he and Donna's beautiful yacht) may be selling. Geez, things are a'changing with my boat sisters - Chris and Michael are selling "Journey" and Teri fell in March and broke her hip and still having some major issues with pain, walking, etc. so, it could be a totally different summer without my sisters???

Blair and I went to Bassett's for groceries this afternoon and stocked up Catrina's cupboards and fridge. It is a gorgeous day here in Port Clinton and so good to be back on Catrina but been a big day and we are tired.

Connor and Anne visited U of I today for orientation of transfer students this fall in the school of engineering. They had a big day but enjoyed it all.

We went to Doc's Beach House for dinner And then Blair beat me in two games of RummiKub

Some stretching exercises

Monday - June 1

Congratulations to Mark who retired TWENTY years ago today - June 1, 2006. Wow, we sure have packed in a lot of memories and fun times with our travels. Sooo blessed!

Catrina's Captain

We slept in a bit this morning....Mark and Blair had waffles downstairs at the Hampton Inn. I went less than a mile down the road to "Chocolate Moose Coffee" for a latte and then we were on our way at 9.

Stopped in Marietta, OH at a very nice rest stop only 3 years old - wow, was it nice!!! Had lunch at Wendy's in Cambridge, OH. Mark did most of the driving and just a little bit for me before lunch.

Blair is a great traveler - never hear a peep from the back seat...we arrived at Superior Marine at 3:15 and good to see Flo and Big Red + Catrina who was launched this morning.

Blair helped me make the beds and unload some of our stuff - there's always tomorrow and we've had a big day. We'll start transferring from Flo to Catrina and s l o w l y get settled. Gotta have some fun, too!

Catrina's Crew

Blair and friends have a bracelet business going - "Beaded Bliss"

She brought all her supplies onboard. Will show off her creations soon!

Liam started his summer internship today in Hopkins, MN. Connor is in training at Lowe's. Brady and Millie are holding down the fort at Lake James.

Our NC kiddos (except Erin) are all in Munich tonight and tomorrow will start their European river cruise. Hope they enjoy it as much as Mark and I did in 2012. Erin is home with Karen (dog) as she's not a big fan of the water or boats.

Philip and Annette in Munich

Sunday - May 31

Busy day....starting with the 4 of us going to Black Mountain (Mark and Blair in one car; Brady and me in another). First stopped at Dripolator for coffee/pastries, then drove around and showed the kids, Givens Highland Farms where we plan to live someday.

Then to 11:00 mass at St. Margaret Mary in Swannanoa. And finally to My Father's Pizza and Pasta Pub for lunch - yummy! Said our good byes to Brady as he headed back to the lake and we drove to Morganton.

Mark, Pat, Blair, Brady

At 3:00, Blair had a private session with Chase from the University of Cincinnati (sophomore on the cheer squad). It was fun watching her do her thing - very proud of what she's accomplished and she loves it!!!

Wow.....impressed with her gymnastic skills

At 4:15, we left Morganton and "Port Clinton here we come"....well, that'll be tomorrow. We had dinner in Wytheville, VA at Cracker Barrel and are staying overnight in Beckley, West Virginia. Mark caught just a little bit of family zoom. Blair and I had trouble getting into our room with the keyless entry (phone)....again just like last time. Apparently they've changed something? ARGHHHH!!!!! Mark to the rescue!

Have a great week.....bye bye May!

Saturday - May 30

Rained some in the morning....very humid but the sun came out at 10:30.

Mark worked on installing the last 2 thermostats. I did 3 loads of laundry and started packing up our stuff for the trip (with Blair) back to Port Clinton tomorrow (part way).

Brooke called from Lucerne - they are having a ball in this beautiful city. Michael said it's probably the most beautiful city he's visited (and he's been to a lot)!

Brady got home around noon - he and Davis had a great time at the hockey game last night and very excited their Hurricanes are going on to play Las Vegas for the Stanley Cup.

Mark, Brady, Blair and I left on the boat at 12:30. We dropped Blair off at the Camp to hang out with her friends and we went onto Bear Creek for lunch. We all enjoyed our lunch and the pretty scenery - we've not been on the lake for at least 3 years, so a big improvement to Bear Creek at the marina just this year....

Captain Brady

Brady, Grandma, Grandpa

Bear Creek

Blair had a fun afternoon with her friends - she's packed and ready to roll outta here tomorrow after her cheer stunt lesson

Friday - May 29

A beautiful summery day. We were off at 7 AM with Blair to Liberty Middle School for her last 1/2 day of 7th grade.

Mark and I went to Waterbean Coffee for coffee and shared a bagel. Then back to school for her 7th grade awards ceremony. Blair got straight A's for the school year and a few other awards. This timeframe (9:30-10:30)_was for the 7th graders (6 classes)

We ran a few errands as Blair stayed at school till 11:30 dismissal. Back to pick her up and onto Town Tavern to meet judy and Bob (Brooke's parents) for lunch and a fun visit.

Blair with her grandparents

Our rising 8th grader

Brady left at 3 to visit brother Davis near Winston-Salem. They drove to Raleigh to see the hockey game and Brady is spending the night with Davis.

We had leftovers with Blair and also enjoyed a trek down to the dock/water - beautiful evening.

Anne got her stitches out this afternoon and Dr. Su said "no melanoma" and she is good to go1 Very thankful for this news!

Enjoy your weekend!

Thursday - May 28

Brooke took Blair to school for her last full day of 7th grade. Rain was in the forecast this morning, but missed us and was a nice sunny, warm day. Michael and Brooke left for their European river cruise at 10 - Brady took them to the Charlotte airport. They will spend a few days in Switzerland before boarding the ship.

Philip, Annette and kiddos flew to IL yesterday and Luke and Maeve will stay with their other grandparents (Judy and Dave) while Philip and Annette do the river cruise. There are a total of 33 going from Lake James and beyond with some side trips planned.

Mark and I will hold down the fort with Brady, Blair and Millie till we take Blair to Catrina on Sunday.

Last night Michael and Brady were watching the Carolina Hurricane play and beat the Montreal Canadiens 4-0. They were screaming and yelling....the Hurricane are up 3-1 and tomorrow night, Brady and Davis plan to be in Raleigh for game 5.

Liam arrived in Minnesota (suburb of Minneapolis) this afternoon and will start his summer internship on Monday. He is living with his freshman roommate's family.

Brady drove us (and Blair) to Morganton and dinner at The Madness, a burger and sushi place that opened exactly 1 year ago today. It was very good.

Pat, Blair, Brady, Mark

Wednesday - May 27

The rain held off till 4 today.....we've had almost 6" since we got here last Friday. It was a fun day for us....Mark worked on the thermostats again and Brooke and I visited till she got ready to run errands and pick Blair up after school for gymnastics and a meeting.

Brady was off to play golf with a friend in Morganton. Mark and I drove to Marion and met friends, Bev and Jim for lunch at Smokey Q's. Oh what fun to catch up with these folks who we met in August, 2018 in Brewerton, NY when they were starting their Erie Canal boat travels and we were finishing. Then in October of '18, we visited them in their lovely home in the mountains near Marion. Wow....almost 8 years and they are just as fun and interesting as ever. They also have a travel trailer and planning to spend 2 months out west this summer.

Bev and Jim

Stopped at Lowe's for some screws Mark needed (another project at Michael's) - he likes to keep busy while he's here and his boys manage that just fine! 😂

Brady and Grandpa did more with the thermostats - not the easiest job but these newer models are definitely more challenging.

Brooke made another yummy dinner - chicken in a wonderful sauce with pasta and fresh asparagus! We watched the YouTube video of the 2026 commencement speech at University of North Carolina given by North Carolina native, singer and songwriter, Eric Church. Mark and I had heard it a few weeks ago - it is phenomenal and highly recommend you watch and/or listen to it.

Michael, Brooke, Millie, Blair, Brady

Tuesday - May 26

Today would've been Mark's Dad's 105th birthday! What a guy!!! 67 years of marriage, 13 children, 38 grandchildren and 70+ (and still counting) great grands!!!

Heavy rain last night and a little off and on today and very humid.

Annette, Maeve and I went to town - stopped at WaterBean for coffee/macarons and then Maeve and I got manicures at Nail Time. Ran a few more errands, picked up Jimmy Johns for lunch and on home.

Pampering Maeve

Girl FUN

Mark and I got our stuff gathered and headed over to Michael and Brooke's to settle in for the next week. He worked on installing some new thermostats. Brooke took Blair to gymnastics after school and ran some errands.

We went back to Philip's and I emptied the dishwasher in the carriage house and put towels in dryer. And then good bye hugs and more pics

Sibling love

Luke, Annette, Maeve, Philip

Blair started packing for our trip to Port Clinton next weekend. Brooke made spaghetti and meatballs/sausage, caesar salad and breadsticks for dinner. Sat around and visited and got the scoop of what's ahead the next few days.

Memorial Day - 2026

Remembering our veterans who gave their lives for our freedom....

THANK YOU !

When we were in Black Mountain yesterday, we drove past the veterans cemetery which was very large and every single gravesite had a flag flying beside it. Very sobering sight.

Maeve came over this morning with some kringle for our breakfast and a coffee for grandma! Later we went for a walk (Annette, Luke, Maeve and me) - heavy rain around 11 last night with nasty thunder and lightning. Very wet and humid to start the day.

Crafty Maeve made this potholder for Grandma

The walkers

Mark worked on various projects for Philip at "our" carriage house. We cleaned up some leftovers for lunch + Annette's delicious minestrone soup as we leave tomorrow and Wednesday for them.

The kiddos and friends went tubing in the afternoon - sky was threatening but they had fun before the next batch of rain. We even had little spurts of sunshine!

Captain Philip

Max, Maeve, Ivy

Luke and Maeve

Went to Ryan and Erin's for drinks and several yummy appetizers. Fun catching up with them. Philip, Annette and Maeve joined us later.

Ryan, Erin and "Karen"

The rain started again as we left their home. We went to Philip and Annette's and played 3-handed euchre (Mark, Philip and me) which I won and then 4 handed - Philip and Annette beat Mark and me 2 of 3 games.

The rain is coming down fast and furious! Nighty night!

Sunday - May 24

The day started with rain!!! Mark and I drove to Black Mountain for coffee/pastries at Dripolator (a favorite). It was very busy this Sunday morning. Then we drove around Givens Highland Farms where we plan to settle someday - continuous care facility. All looks good there.....no clue when this will happen as we're still enjoying being nomads!

Onto Swannanoa for 11:00 Mass at St. Margaret Mary. Small friendly church that was packed and our 3rd time to attend Mass here, Big news that the Charlotte diocese will ordain 10 new priests next weekend.

Back to Lake James - changed clothes and off to the camp - met Philip, Annette, Luke and Maeve there, Lots of kid activities and big crowd - the rain finally let up. The kiddos especially Maeve loved the rock climbing. Luke does this with his adventure core group,

Maeve all the way to the top and rang the bell (several times)

Maeve and Luke "on the move"

Michael, Brady and Ryan were also there......good times with our kids friends and yummy lunch.

Had a good chat with Anne - she sounds great and will be back to work on Tuesday and sees the surgeon on Friday.

Played some rousing games of euchre with Philip and Annette!