Hallelujah -- The Long Good-Bye Has Ended...

September 28, 2011

After a month and a half of saying good-bye to everyone we know at parties, lunches, dinners, work and church we have finally started our voyage.  I know that there were rumors that we were never going to leave and we were simply making up this story for attention!  We did enjoy the attention and want to thank each of you that made an effort to see us, wish us safe travels and share good memories with us.  

Gail and John Cousins are traveling with us for the first 2 1/2 weeks.  They have lots of experience on this boat.  They were on board a year ago for 5 weeks....yes, and in spite of that, they signed up for this trip.  They arrived in Bayport at 10:00 as the fuel tank was being filled and the 'poop' tank was being emptied.  Just as we were preparing to start the engine and set sail, five of our friends came around the corner of the gas dock to surprise us:  Lyle Merriman, Roy & Norma Baker, Ed Johnson and Marcia Torning.  They said that they just wanted to see us off, but I think they were sent by a larger contingency to make sure we left----     

Our Send Off Team

Let's Get Started

South of Prescott the muddy Mississippi merges with the St Croix.
The Mississippi is on the far side.

The park in downtown Redwing

Need I say more -- Time for a snooze in the sun

Two of the 19 Eagles we saw today

2 flocks of pelicans on Lake Pepin

Mother nature provided a perfect day for us.  Bright blue sky, gentle breezes and 75 degrees.  We lounged, read, snoozed, counted 19 eagles and several flocks of pelicans.  We said good-bye to Bayport, Afton, Prescott and the St Croix River -- with surprisingly 'no tears'.  After seven hours at nine miles an hour we traveled a very respectable 63 miles and went through one lock.  The anchor was dropped in Lake Pepin behind a spit of land that gave us great protection for the night.   
Gotta  Smile -- We're lovin the ride!