It is truly a luxury to have time to explore, experience and just exist…. On the loop there have been a lot of opportunities to do all of these things. Especially this:
But it’s not all calm waters and beautiful sunsets.
Along the way we’ve been in some situations that haven’t been relaxing at all.
Like this bridge on the Georgian Bay.
Should we wait for an hour when it will swing open for us? Or do we try to go under?
Our clearance is 18’ 2” at the anchor light on the top of the mast. This bridge is advertised as 18’. So close.
After much debate, we lowered the mast. It took about 5 minutes. Wise choice.
The bimini just cleared and the antenna went bumpity bumpity bump all along the underside of the bridge! Good thing the antenna is flexible!
And sometimes, just as you are enjoying a lovely, relaxing bike ride… there are flat tires. Yes, multiple. We’ve had three.
Gary is getting really good at fixing them. When we get to Chicago, we will replace the city tires that came with the bikes with the heavier duty all terrain tires that we really need.
And occasionally this happens. What the heck!?!? Looks like a crime scene!
Not a break in. Just some bad weather. Gusty winds are irritating, rain puts a little damper on our outdoor helming experience, but when we get more wave action than we planned for, it can be rough.
Waves on the nose of the boat are one thing. Uncomfortable and maybe a little scary, sometimes wet, but doable.
Waves on the beam are quite another matter. They can make the boat roll from side to side dramatically. Drawers dump out, things fall from the shelves, dents are made in the floor, and so on.
Even though there are a lot of unknowns and definitely some anxiety inducing events, most of the time it is like this:
And this:
And this:
To see our current voyage path with Gary’s photos, click on this: G&P Voyage Map
Looks like you made it to Kakawong falls. Winter is coming to Maine, boat is alongside the garage. Enjoy the Rivers
Roger and Anne