Wednesday - June 24

"What a Difference a Day Makes" as the song goes and that was sure the case today - 7 hours of smooth cruising from Harbor Beach to Rogers City (130 miles).

We got some diesel for Catrina here at the Rogers City Marina and then settled into our slip- maybe one night or depending on the weather, could be 2 nights as rain is predicted for tomorrow.    Actually the rain started shortly after we got back from our walk downtown and checked out a cute store (The Painted Lady) - also 2 coffee shops (tomorrow).

We went to The Lighthouse (with umbrella) for early dinner.   It was very busy.   Mark had pot roast and I had pizza (good stuff)!    Then the walk back in the rain (it poured while we were eating) and cold.    

Hard to believe we were last here in Rogers City 19 years ago with sail Catrina - now starting our 18th season with power Catrina.

Around 7:30, the sun came out, the wind died down and a beautiful evening so we did another walk.

Tuesday - June 23

 Very windy and chilly.    I fixed eggs/sausage/toast for breakfast and we planned to take off today, but I was a bit skeptical with the strong winds.    Well, we got out on Lake Huron but not for long - really rough with lots of banging, so...........turned around and came back, got tied up and happy to be safe 'n secure.

Mark got our bikes off the boat but I thought it was too cold (barely 60) so off he went and I curled up in the sunshine with a good book.   He admitted it was COLD and WINDY but he rode the trail downtown.

And then later this afternoon we walked downtown and had lunch at Smalley's - good burger and salad.    On home for naps.    Connor called.   He's going to visit Liam this weekend.   On July 18th, he and 2 friends will be performing in his first ever concert in uptown Normal (30-minute gig).   Bass guitar, 6-string guitar and drums.   Can't wait to see a video of that!

I made a batch of tuna/egg salad  and we finished getting our steps after supper.

Monday - June 22

 We got a very nice gentle rain over night (8/10").    We stopped for diesel ($5.50 per gallon) and then left Algonac at 9:30.   The nice gal at the fuel dock said it was over $7 at the marina nearby.  😐 The rain was done for the day but chilly!    We cruised on the St. Clair River for 30 miles and then we were on Lake Huron (300 miles to Lake Michigan).  😒

We arrived at the Harbor Beach Marina in Harbor Beach, Michigan at 2:40.  We were last here in 2008 with Sail Catrina.  Most of the trip was comfy and smooth, but we stayed down below out of the elements.    Last few miles got a little choppy and more wind!    We did 88 miles today.   Always appreciate and happy to see dockhands (2) waiting to take our lines!

Entrance to the marina

I read and did my puzzles and took a little nap along the way.   Mark did his navigating and was a happy captain.

Mark did all his stats from the trip and then we were off to check in at the office.    We walked downtown (1.2 miles) to Freskia Ice Cream and Coffee.   Mark had a chocolate milkshake and I had an iced vanilla latte.   Definitely warmer inland away from the water (but still far from a heat wave 😀).  Harbor Beach has a great biking/walking path from the marina to downtown and beyond - if we had extra energy, we would take the bikes off the boat and ride, but we are about out of steam!

Pretty park in Harbor Beach

We love all the patriotism displayed (yesterday in Algonac and here today)

Flags are everywhere!

It is a gorgeous afternoon but only 62.    Where is summer?

Yesterday Liam told us he rode 58.95 miles on his bike.....he and Connor are in heavy training for their 1/2 ironman they are doing in July.    WOW!!!!!

We walked again at night - such a beautiful evening.   An Amish family were fishing - Mom and little kiddos while Dad and older son were using waders to catch some small-mouth bass.

I forgot how light it is here this far north  - at 9:00, the sun is still shining brightly and 10:00, still not totally dark!   

 

Sunday - June 21

 WOW.....lots to celebrate today!    Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there including this guy.

The Captain of my ship

and thee BEST Hubby, Dad and Grandpa!!!

Mark and I have so many memories of our Dads - 2 farmers with a gentle, humble spirit and wonderful role models.   Remembering Patrick and what a proud Dad he would be of 

Liam and Connor.

Michael and Philip gave us 6 grands - thank you!   You guys rock!

Today is the 1st Anniversary for Erin and Ryan

Erin, "Karen", Ryan

Congratulations

June 21, 2025

Today is the 40th wedding anniversary for Tom (Mark's brother) and Beth.   Also the birthday of our Canadian friend, Ron and Prince William.   It's also the first day of summer and the summer solstice (longest day of the year)!

We started our summer 2026 cruise this morning when we went under the Portage River bridge at 8:30.    Lake Erie was a little choppy and chilly but we had mostly sun with off and on clouds.   Then to the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair River.    98.2 miles later we arrived in Algonac, MI (2:30).    Had some Mayflies we brought along from Lake Erie, but a quick hosing off got rid of them

We've stayed here a few times in the past but never walked downtown, so this afternoon we set out - it was a good jaunt but we needed to stretch our legs and then found a DQ, so had a small cone and kept on.   Never did get downtown, but not sure there is much of one.   We did get our 10,000 steps so that's what it was all about.

Tomorrow's forecast doesn't sound too promising - 95% chance of rain!   

Zoom tonight was missing Jim and Tom H.    Matt (Tom's son) and Kara sold their home and will soon be moving into their new home.    The sisters who were at McCormick's Creek told about their 2 week vacation there (spending some time in the basement during tornado warning).   Joan updated us on her ankle recovery.  

Have a great week....    

Saturday - June 20

 Very pretty day but of course, WINDY!!!!    We were off to run errands after coffee at Biggby.   Think we got the last of our groceries and have Catrina loaded up with everything but the kitchen sink!  😂

Came home and put stuff away, had lunch and then set to cleaning Catrina - boy, she needed a good scrubbing and with the strong wind, made it challenging to not get each other wet!   Ha!    But that was the least of our problems - it was getting around (up and down) scrubbing away!   The ole bods were just not liking that ordeal!!!  😐

Mark needed to exchange a piece of hardware and get a different size (carbiner) so I went along and picked up a few more items at Bassett's grocery.  

We went to 4:30 Mass with Father Jonathan (great homily) and then 1812 for dinner.  This is one of our favorite places and tonight was great as always.   Mark had the brandied pork chop and I had my usual (need to try something new, but this is sooo good)

1812 Salmon with cranberry/orange relish and jasmine rice

We started with a cup of street corn soup (WOW) and ended the meal with chocolate lava cake.   Not the best Mark's had (his very favorite dessert) but still pretty darn good!

Catrina and crew are ready to start cruising!

HAPPY   FATHER'S   DAY!

Friday - June 19

 We were up early and off to do 3 loads of laundry at "Clean Scene" (our favorite after my she shed)!   Ran a few more errands and on home.    Mark left for a haircut with Gina (walked downtown).   Another windy day!

Philip and Luke called while he was gone - they were out and about.   Told them Dad/Grandpa was getting a haircut and I was getting one later today.    He said "well, Michael and Brady are getting haircuts now and I'm getting one later!    Tis the day to get the hair cut!!!   😊

We had lunch and then I left for my haircut with Wendy.    She's so much fun and always enjoy our visits and how she cuts hair.    Stopped for an iced latte and on home.

While I was gone, Mark the dear, washed Flo and then when I got home, we put Flo and Big Red away in the storage building for the summer.

I walked downtown for a mani/pedi with Danielle at CG's.   This is a different Danielle than I used to go to here in Port Clinton.   The original Danielle (Be-YOU-ti-ful) does a great job, BUT.....she's such a Debbie Downer, so decided to try someone else.

I really enjoyed the new Danielle - very chatty, friendly and FUN!   It was a very good experience.

Mark and I decided to go to Rich's for carry-out chicken and some sides.    Their chicken is sooo moist and flavorful - tonight we also had pasta salad, cole slaw and baked beans!   All very good.   Oink oink!   But we've got leftovers.  😋

Walked around the marina - winds are still very strong - one good thing about the wind it's keeping the Mayflies away!   

Enjoy your weekend!

Thursday - June 18

 Had some sprinkles this morning but the winds were really crazy!!!   We did a pump out and got fuel for Catrina.     

And then left for The Summer Kitchen in rural Helena, OH (a cute gift shop that we discovered last year.)   I browsed around - sooo much neat stuff.   And then we had lunch at The Chateau Winery.    These 2 businesses are in the same family and really nice!    We had not been to the winery so today was our 1st and what a treat.    Bill and Michele, owners were so gracious and fun to visit with and hear their history.

A small section of The Summer Kitchen

The Chateau Winery

It's a popular spot from Thursday-Sunday with nightly entertainment, wine, food, etc.    We enjoyed our lunch (chicken salad on a croissant for me and Italian panini for Mark) .   11 folks from a nearby retirement home came by shuttle bus for wine tasting and lunch.   Definitely a return place which is 1/2 hour from Port Clinton.

Onto Jackson Center to pick up Flo.   While Mark was settling up the bill, I walked to Sip + Stream for some coffees for the trip home.  2+ hours later we were back on Catrina and now making plans to leave (Sunday)? for our summer trip to Lake Michigan.

After supper we went for a short walk - still VERY windy!

Wednesday - June 17

A bright sunny morning after all the rain last night (8/10").   We left Flo at 7:55 and drove to Sip + Stream for our coffees and then back to wait in the lounge area for Derek to talk to Mark about our list for Flo.    They came with a little tractor (method to moving Airstreams into the bays from the terraport).

Derek and Mark went to Bay 10 to discuss Flo and then we were on our way by 8 to Wapakoneta for breakfast.    There's not much in Jackson Center (good coffee though) 😋   

On our way to Wapa (14 miles), we got a call from Levi at Airstream who was assigned to us that they found a problem thinking that from the bike rack and bouncing around, there is some structural damage and they have to add additional plates.    UGH~

He said it could take 8 hours (more or less) to fix so probably wouldn't be done till tomorrow!    Since it was already in a bay, they wanted to keep it there +++ there are severe storms in the forecast (including hail) and better to have Flo protected from the nasty weather.

We had a hearty breakfast at LuLu's Diner and then back to Jackson Center but first stopped at the newest very large Airstream facility where they actually build the Airstreams (when we visited in January, 2018, they were in a different smaller building and it was a very cold snowy day).

Wow....this building is quite something and they give tours Monday-Friday at 1:00.    They even have a coffee shop and gift shop.    Airstream employs 1200.

On back to Jackson Center to get some stuff off Flo, talk to Derek one more time and then left for Port Clinton.    We stopped at the car wash and gave Big Red a good scrubbing and put him and Ruby inside the building here at the marina with storms coming.

Also heard this morning that my boat sister Donna was taken to the ER by Bob.   She's had severe back pain but also been very sick with intestinal issues since Friday night.    They diagnosed a viral infection, so along with fluids to keep from dehydration, we hope she'll feel better real soon.

We went for a walk downtown - stopped at the Bait House for some adult beverages and on home as a  storm is a'coming!   

The rain started abont 7 and coming down steeadi;y but no storms yet.   

Tuesday - June 16

 We had breakfast and finished getting Flo ready to travel.    Left Port Clinton (and the Mayflies) around 11:00 and headed south  (126 miles) to Jackson Center (headquarters for Airstream) with one stop for fuel for Big Red in Lima.   And about 35 miles later, we were in the land of Airstreams - they are everywhere - new ones for delivery to dealers all around the country, some like us for yearly check-ups and some here for repair work or whatever needs fixin'.    We are parked in a "terraport" (3 circular paved areas for 8 Airstreams each).   They are 36  bays for workers to do their thing.

Mark went to check in and I walked to Sip Stream for some coffees and a turkey/bacon/cheese wrap to share.    Beside the Airstream coffee trailer is The Sipping Station  "Sip, Snack, Shop" - cute little place which goes with the coffee trailer.

Sip Stream

The Sipping Station

It is very windy today and low 70s.    When Mark checked in they gave him a printed copy of what to do in case of severe weather (do not stay on Flo).     We sure hope for no storms but tomorrow, we keep hearing about possible bad stuff coming to IL and IN.

We walked around the Airstream grounds and then left for Wapakoneta (the locals just say "Wapa").   We remember one year ago after Flo's check-up, we stopped here at Krave Creamery for ice cream.    Wapa is a cute little town and has very few empty storefronts - always a good sign.   Some nice shops and several antique places, skin care/salons/spas, coffee, yoga, old-time movie theater, etc., etc.   It started raining just as we were coming into town so sat in Big Red for a bit and then took the umbrella and found "J Marie's" for dinner.  What a cute restaurant (since 2015) in an old building in the heart of downtown.   I had a wood-fired taco pizza and Mark had a wood-fired chicken pot pie - all delicious and so reasonable!

My taco pizza - yum!!!

The rain had stopped when we went back outside so walked around downtown - Auglaize Street is where it's all happening.    

Wapakoneta is the birthplace of Neil Armstrong and here is a very nice landmark honoring him with the large mirrored astronaut helmet.  

Neil was the first person to touch the moon on July 20, 1969 (3 weeks after our wedding).    We remember watching this exciting event.

When Neil came back to Wapakoneta for celebratory parade

Neat architecture of downtown buildings

Lots of red/white/blue all around downtown with flags, flowers, bunting, clothing and decorated windows.   

  And then back to Flo and walked some more around all the Airstreams to get our steps.

My boat sister, Chris welcomed a baby granddaughter today in Colorado - what fun she'll have buying pink after 2 grandsons!

 

Tonight we boaters are back to being campers!   😄    We had some very heavy rain tonight and more coming tomorrow!

Monday - June 15

 Well, they came back (very unwelcome) but here it is June 15th, and the Mayflies found their way to Port Clinton blowing in from the north with strong winds.   Tis the season!

We worked between Flo and Catrina getting things ready for tomorrow when we take Flo to Jackson Center for her yearly check-up.    We'll spend the night as they will take Flo away at 7 AM Wednesday.

Teri and I walked downtown for our mile and on back home.   As always, the Mayflies were everywhere and oh such a mess!

In front of a store downtown 

Anne called on her way home from visiting Liam.   She had a great weekend....dinner with Liam's host family, Isles Bun and Coffee Co. (best cinnamon rolls in the country according to Google and right downtown Minneapolis).    Anne and Liam agreed.   They drove around seeing the sites, went to the Cardinals/Twins game (Cards won 9-6), Mass at the Basilica, hit some coffee shops, Mall of America, Farmer's Market, Minnehaha waterfall, Lake Minnetonka (great recreational area for Liam to run and bike).   And now she's back home!

It's a beautiful day after the storm yesterday - to be in the 70s for the next 10 days!

Our friend Michael this morning

My boat sister Chris and Michael are at Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake this week

Our new printer came today so Mark was enjoying getting that all set up.

We walked downtown and wanted to eat at Brickhouse (pizza) but it was packed.   So we went a few doors away to Poseidon (where we ate Saturday night).    We had drinks and an appetizer at the bar - love this place.

Blair's "Grand Bob" took this pic from the dance recital a few weeks ago....

Growing up so fast....

Almost 13 but sure looks older

Sunday - June 14

2026

Teri and I walked our 1st mile this morning.    Mark and I went to 10:30 Mass with Father Jonathan at Immaculate Conception.    Some generous parishioner is donating the $ for new padded kneelers to be installed over the next few days.   How nice.

Then to A la Carte for breakfast - very busy place and always delicious.    On home.   Mark went for a walk.

                                           

These scary clouds were hovering over Superior Marine around 2:00.    And then the wind picked up and blew like crazy along with heavy rain.    The temperature dropped and feels like the 60's.

Zoom tonight included 8 siblings.   Another week at McCormick's Creek for Theresa and Karen.   Cost of stamps is going up July 12th to .82 (.04 increase).  😔   Doris treated Sharon to her birthday lunch yesterday and today, she visited Mike (Theresa's hubby)  Sharon has been enjoying the  World Cup soccer games and we talked about how neat that the other countries are so enjoying our American culture, hospitality, food, etc.

The Cruisers

Philip, Annette, Ryan, Brooke, Michael

Hungarian Parliament Building

Budapest

Have a great week!

Saturday - June 13

 Gorgeous day.     Teri and I walked downtown and back - 1 mile.  She is walking 3 miles a day slowly, but so proud of  her and 2 more miles coming later. (1 at a time).    I know she's hurting - can't believe all she's been thru and still all that's ahead of her.

Our boat sister Chris gave Teri this T-shirt....

Humpty Dumpty

We'll put her together again (forever and forever)!!!!

Our printer died so Amazon to the rescue (as always) - new one should be coming Monday.

Liam and his Mom at Target Field in Minneapolis for the Twins/Cardinals game

Teri and I did our second mile after lunch - it is really warm today!    But we got it done and then back to "Jaws" (her boat) to stretch and rest.    She just can't get comfortable and sleeping is a real problem - feel so for her and all the pain.    But her attitude is soo upbeat and she cracks me up with her funny comments!   What a trooper!

Tonight we walked downtown with Dennis and Teri to Poseidon for dinner and met Chris and Dave (met them last year) and Kim and Jane (1st time).    We had such a good time.   Poseidon used to be Rosie's and was sold and empty for a long while, but new owners came and did a major remodel (WOW) and all new menu.....we all loved our meals and a big boost to the Port Clinton restaurant scene!    Can't wait to go back.

Left:   Mark, Dennis, Chris, Jane, Teri, Pat, Dave, Kim

 

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!