The Clausen's Boating
2001 E-mails

WELCOME ABOARD

The Summer of 2001
Second Half of the Great Loop

Summer: 2001

Not Under Command - MV Summer School 5-30-2001

Not Under Command

Securitie', Securitie', this is the Motor Vessel Summer School a 46' Motor Yacht, located at mile 123 on the Mississippi River. I am Not Under Command, I have lost power in both engines and I am on the western side of the channel drifting out of control.

I sent the boys down into the engine room to inspect for damage. Karyn is getting out the crane controls so we can lift the See-Doo into the water.
As the song goes "we were sailing along…" There was a sudden jerk and the sound of ripping metal, then we lurched and the engines stopped. The engine alarms sounded and I turned off the keys. Then it got very quiet, very quickly. We're 40 miles south of St. Louis, MO. There is no real marina for 60+ miles either way. It could be worse; we're not taking on water. We have five sensors in the bilge, we have no holes and we're water tight, so far, The river is running and we're spinning south like a top, out of control @ 4 mph.

We were following the Army Corps of Engineers Charts for the Upper Mississippi, we were on the sailing line, and we must have gone over a wing dam. Whether it was missing from the charts or we missed it, it doesn't matter now. Wing dams are placed on the sides of the river to direct the water flow from the sides to the middle where the channel normally is. They keep the channel deep and the water quick. They are made from large unforgiving rocks. Going over the dam seems to have taken out the two propellers and damaged or destroyed the rudders. The struts and shafts are most likely twisted too.

We need to get control and quickly. "Motor Vessel Summer School this is the towboat Elsie Tyler North bound at mile 116". "Elsie Tyler, Summer School". Yes, Summer School we are closing on you and will be abeam of you in 12 to 15 minutes. I have a tow of 9 barges and I am restricted in maneuverability. I will hold tight to the Eastern channel @ mile 120 until I have you in sight. Elsie Tyler can your render any assistance? No, we are short on crew and our rescue boat is underpowered for what you need. I will call and see if I can locate a towboat that is without a tow and nearby, standby Summer School. Summer School standing by.

Patti & Karyn are launching the Sea-Doo. Going over the wing dam was bad. But if I hit another stern first or on the beam end, I could drive the under water gear in and through the boat ripping her apart. If I hit bow first it will be noisy but safer. I figure I can take a hit to 45 degrees on either side of the bow and get by. Stern first and I'm going down. 45 degrees on either side of the bow is one quarter of a circle, I feel that I would be safe there; the other three-quarters of the circle would be very dangerous. That's a one in four chance of going over another wing dam and staying afloat. I need better odds. We launch the Sea-Doo and strap her to the side of the big boat. It's not working. We have 60 hp in the Sea-Doo and we're trying to control a 35,000-pound boat. We need another answer fast.

Well, Now that I have your attention. I'm actually here in Brewerton, NY on the Erie Canal. This is my third night here, I splash the boat tomorrow. I've been bringing the boat back to life after her long winters nap. It's going down to 38 degrees tonight. I hate the cold, my knees are killing me. I turned up the heat twice last night. All is going well, the boys fly up tomorrow night. As you can tell from the story, my imagination gets quite vivid when I get near the boat. Lets hope it's not a premonition of things to come. We should be here till the 3d or 4th on the outside.

Welcome all to the continuing saga of the Clausen Family on "Summer School"


Summer School 5-3-2001

I thought I would share some of the responses I got from my first E-mail; there were also two calls just to make sure we were really OK. One was from Patti...
We're still getting ready in Winter Harbor, Brewerton, NY. JC

You're a funny man, Jim! Definitely had me going for a moment, until
I realized who the hell would be typing up an email while in distress-
Have fun! Elizabeth

Jim, great story, hope your trip isn't that full of events!!!!!
Your friends at winter harbor, P.S. It was not that cold !!!!

You are definitely a nut case or...been nipping at the sacremonial wine! Debbie

Am I missing something? Last I heard you were heading to northern NY State to retrieve your boat. What happened to Trent-Severn Waterway?
Thanks, Joe Barthel, Eagan, MN
Please disregard my e-mail a minute ago. I just read your whole e-mail...Very Funny :) Joe Barthel, Eagan, MN

You not only let your imagination run wild, you struck mine with a whip. John Seaman Aire

Jim, My heart was going out to you and your family. What a traumatic experience that could have been. Jokes on me for believing. I'm just happy that you and your family are safe - Great Story. Have you ever thought about becoming a writer?
Tell everyone Hello for me and enjoy your Summer! Nautically Yours, Shannon McCoy

DICKHEAD! Jeff Boesch

AND I WAS READY TO GET ON MY HARLEY---TOSS YOU A LINE AND LET THAT AMERICAN V-TWIN PULL YOU THE SIXTY MILES........ JOE L.

James, I was hovering over your boat as I read your story. I could see it all and was glad that I did not fly out to join you before you hit that wing dam... I could hear you yelling out orders... oh it was ugly! Glad you were just dreaming... but word of caution, stay in the middle where it is deep. Watch out for those evil and nasty Mississippi River pirates!! They love to seak up on you at night!! Phil

Will you knock it off!! You had my heart pounding away.... this can't be a healthy thing!! Dave Crosby

WOW - you had me - you should think about a 2nd line of work as a
Fiction writer!! What about your bow thrusters? Get that main sail up ----- never mind. Its 70-80 here in Colorado - and my knees are killing me also - its not
The temp it’s the AGE !!! Good luck Bill & Barb

Well you definitely got my attention!! It is 90 degrees+ here so enjoy the cool weather. Looking forward to hearing more. Judi

I thought to myself as I read this amazing story that " this just doesn't sound like the kind of mistake that Jim would make" But you did have me going a bit.
Hope all goes well. Looking forward to the adventures. All best, M.A. and SLG

You are crazy! Have an awesome trip! Christine

You made for a exciting morning when I checked my e-mail, but that is how quickly things happen on board well good luck and take it easy on the fantasy writing. Bart

When Libby read your commentary, she turned to me, and in all seriousness said "They're in big trouble !" You should have seen the look on her face! Your literary license was stunning. You need to rib her about it. Keep the commentary coming and I will try to keep the audience in control. We will keep a light on for you and hope you enjoy your journey. See you soon. Andy and Libby (who is still stunned by your near miss with catastrophe).


MV Summer School, 6/6/2001, Lock 6 Trent Severn Waterway, Canada

We spent an extra 1/2-day in Winter Harbor finishing up. We left on 6/5/2001 about 8:30 AM or so and traveled for 10.5 hours. We crossed Lake Ontario and spent the night at Belleville, Ontario @ Monch Marine. Power, water, indoor pool, restaurant and Diesel Fuel sold by the liter. Five Hundred and Eighty please. Eh?

Lake Ontario had 1 to 2 footers to start with, turning into 2 to 3 footers and 20 mph winds. Really no problem for a boat this size, but it was a bit gray, I hate Gray. The only problem we had was that the Raytheon autopilot did not work, bummer. Like last year (we crossed Lake Ontario twice last year) we had all three GPS units working and used four waypoints to cross. Very nice.

As you may have guessed I was working on the autopilot in the morning, by talking with Ray marine and their Canadian service center near Toronto, we all agreed it was the power section of the Type 1's brain that was fried. I removed it and sent it in for repair. They will call me when it's done and I will tell them where to send it to meet us. We left Belleville late morning on 6/6/2001 to get to Trenton, the start of the Trent Severn Waterway, we should be on the Trent Severn for 5 to 7 days. When I got up today the outdoor thermometer was 65 degrees already! Last week it was down to 38 degrees when we were getting the boat ready. It's a shorts and T-shirt day.

There were a half a dozen channel markers missing upon entering Trenton Bay. I guess it was early in the season. We went slow and picked our way in, we used a pair of Canon Image Stabilizing Binoculars, even though we were up about 10' up on the bridge of the boat we had a hard time. We got up to lock six on the Trent today, were on the high side of six waiting for a Pizza Delivery, ah the tough life.

It was about 80 degrees today, their best day yet in Canada this year, beautiful blue skies. Well, of course we're here. Patti says to say lock six in Frankfort.

Note: We use AOL's Flash Session to send and receive our E-mail. That is, we borrow a phone line and send our saved mail out and retrieve our incoming mail as a batch. We then sign off and read it later, so if you sent something, we will get back to you, but we may be a little slower than you might have hoped for. I've been asked to send photos; this is a lot of work. Maybe if it rains or if something blows up. We'll see. JC

6/7/2001 Thursday, Perhaps one of the best days of my life, yes, actually it was until my daughter Susanne (25yr) taught my kids to lie to me and to conceal their true intent from me. This was a first in our house; truth is the primary ingredient in our family unit. She purposefully and willfully taught my four youngest children to lie. She said it was for my own good, I told her to get off the boat. She's leaving in Petersboro instead of later on in the trip. Ta Ta.

We are at the lower lock wall @ Hastings, I dinged the props today, both of them I think, we are getting a diver to go down tomorrow and exchange them for our spare set. Our autopilot is repaired and we need an address to send it to so we can pick it up. We had a fuel leak today, one of our racor vacuum gauges failed (port engine on the engine) it just filled with fuel and then the fuel started to come out. I pulled the gauge and plugged the fitting in 15 minutes while underway on one engine. A new record. We meet with our contact for the Trent Severn today, nice talk, nice guy. I'm tired it's been a long day. The Kirkwood lift lock has been closed for 16 days for repairs, I guess after 100 years of service, things happens. It's open now though.

6/8/2001 Waiting for the diver on Rice Lake.

FYI: Trent Severn is 240 miles long; it has 40 locks, and 125 dams.

Trent Severn Update

Entering the Trent Severn from the EAST.
MANY OF THE CHANNEL MARKERS ARE MISSING TO ENTER AT TRENTON.

We had Canon Stabilized binoculars and were 10' up on the bridge and had an interesting time getting in.

We are presently @ Lock 20 Petersburg on the Trent Severn, 6/9/2001. Having smacked both props, we're down to 840 rpm until we can get them pulled and the spares installed, up at Buckhorn. There are divers that can do it there for most boats. But we have had to have a 10-ton hydraulic ram last time to remove them. I suspect that will be the case again.

Kirkfields lift lock was down for 16 days two days after opening, but is up and running as is the rest of the system. Water in the systems is good. Weather is EXCELLENT.

About Kirkfield, the hydraulic ram is over 100 years old; the pit on the bottom has never been cleaned out and has accumulated over 100 years of muck and stuff. They had to get two big industrial vacuums trucks make a special Y and stick the vacuums pipe down the pit along with a man to wiggle it around in order to remove all the nastiness.

Jim Clausen, MV Summer School A 46' Maxum


MV Summer School, 6/10/2001, Buckhorn, Trent Severn Waterway, Canada

Our friend Colin from the Toronto area says:

PS, It is not:
In the trip. Ta Ta.
It is: "You are the weakest link.......... GOODBYE"

Well, the props could not be pulled off at Rice Lake, the last time as I said it took a 10-ton puller. We're at Buckhorn Yacht Harbor, and their the biggest around, they do the prop work right here in their shop for 260 other marinas. The boats are big here and all the locals say these are the guys to do my job. They do it tomorrow, which is Monday.

Monday: Buckhorn, 6/12/2001 In 27 years they have always been able to pull off every prop they have tried for. Till today. They got off the bad one, 3 blades beggared, metal missing, but the hub and stock of the blade still looks good, the one that still looks good will not come off. There is not enough room between the propeller hub and the strut to get the puller in. Two divers in dry suits came up shivering because the amount of time and energy they put in trying to get it off. They tried making a special jig, and we talked about cutting their propeller puller. THEN: The shop mechanic was listening and said, " Why don't you loosen the shaft coupling inside the boat and slide back the shaft some." We all looked at him and the boss said, "Well, you just got yourself another job, go do it." He did and divers went down again and prop came off, their 27-year reputation saved, hurrah. Spare props are on. Were getting a little behind schedule, we'll pick up the repaired props in Little Current on the way through. JC


MV Summer School, 6/13-14/2001, Orilla - Port Severn Lock 45, Trent Severn Waterway, Canada

6/13/2001
We spent the night @ lock 39 last night, there are 45 locks in the system and then we're out into Georgian Bay. The water in Georgian Bay, North Bay, Lake Huron and Lake Michigan is very low, just as low as last year. I asked about all that snow and horrible weather they had to endure this winter, and their reply was, the weather came off of the lakes so it didn't really help build up the water level that much.
Leaving Port Severn, our last lock #45 it is so shallow they made the channel one way. We've been warned that the inside small craft route which normally carries a 6 foot draft no longer does, and that potato channel, up to Honey Harbor is unusable. Georgian Bay is the home of 30,000 Islands, and a lot a rock. Also there are very few Harbors and Marinas. So it’s going to be very little Georgian Bay Small Craft Route for us. Patti and I talked about it and we spent all of our put away prop money already $1,700+. That being the case we have a few extra days, what better place than Orillia, and the Severn River.

Boat Stuff: I thought I might have had a bad alternator on the Port Engine, but no, I tested it with the clamp on amp meter and used the hydrometer and voltmeter on the battery bank, again, (I did it 10 days ago) and all is well. All was well. We got the RAYTHEON Autopilot's brain back yesterday after it was repaired and I reinstalled it, nice to have it back again. Just a note, before we left we had the bulk of the toilet plumbing's red strip hose removed and replaced with the new and improved blue strip hose at Winter Harbor, and now there is absolutely no hint of a smell on board. I was told the red stripe hose had a 3-year life cycle rating. I Believe it. We're at Hot Knots today in Orillia, We were in Orillia about three years ago on our Summer Road trip. Orillia is, in most ways thirty years behind the US, but in a good way. Very nice, very pleasant, very predictable. And there is an A&W close to the marina.
We launched the Sea Doo yesterday and it was great, zoom, zoom, zoom.
We crossed Lake Simco early this morning in the fog, visibility was 3/4 mile, and the lake was 16 to 18 mile to cross. We used the radar, a gross scale GPS map, chart work, and stabilized binoculars. No problem.
Maybe we could have A&W for Lunch and Supper too. JC

6/14/2001
A&W wasn't as good as I remembered as a kid. Another dream Shattered. The marina we chose was testing a go fast boat for 6 hours, broom, vroom, brooom. There are better noises. We went through the Big Chute today, lock 43, one more tomorrow and it's Georgian Bay. The Big chute is a Railway lock; it's the only one I know of in the world. You drive the boat on and its up out of the water over the roadway and down to the basin below on railroad tracks. It lowered us 58 feet; they used slings to support us in the cradle. Very cool and very quick. The cradle can take boats up to 100 feet and 90 tons. It also adjusts to take a variety of boat types and sizes in a single trip.

And now a note on the weather, its 95-degree here today, clear and bright. This is their second good day in Port Severn, yesterday was their first. It’s been like that our whole way up. Traffic is light on the waterway, except for the weekends, then its best to stay put or have all hands looking out for you. Reservations for dockage on the weekends are recommended. Last weekend we were in Buckhorn, a 26-foot boat ran through a 16-foot boat just off the marina. Patti got the video of the boat getting towed in and sold it the next day to the local TV station for $50. You go girl.

Were looking to go to Tobermory, (little tub harbor) in Georgian Bay tomorrow for the weekend. As the guidebook says "on the tip of the shoal-strewn shores of the Bruce Peninsula." Sounds good Eh?

Another note, we have been as high up above sea level as we are going, this happened in Balsam Lake where we stopped and the kids swam and jumped off the bridge are of the boat. How high was it you ask, who ever knows and E-mail's us gets the prize.

6/16/2001 Saturday, we made Tobormory yesterday, about 110 miles on Georgian Bay, the autopilot did most of it. This part of the bay averages 400 feet deep and is very very clean. We left Severn with clear weather, which after 20 miles turned to a 2-mile fog, then 1-mile fog, we worked with radar and the chart plotter across the bay. It cleared as we rounded into Lake Huron. This is their big weekend, baseball and beer parties, and the pancake breakfast at the firehouse, how could we resist. We'll stay here another day, the water is cold, and kids won't go in for long, only about 2 minutes rather than the usual 6 hours.
James


Trent Severn Update from Mulders + Trent Severn & Little Current update

Good to hear from you and family
We are behind you and wanted to catch up but that’s the way it goes. We just crossed the lake the Murray Canal yesterday, made the last bridge by two minutes...including the ambulance that had to cross the bridge before they would swing it. (Garrett had to do 18knots to make it from the first bridge to the second) The first bridge operator told us to hurry and you don't tell a Dutchman that if you don't want him to do that!
Spent the night at Frazer Park and plan today to head for Frankford as we
haven't been there before. Supposed to be a 10" walk to town, grocery, shopping restaurants, etc.

So sorry to hear about the props. We do not have a spare pair and these are quite new Nibro's. Where did you do them in?
Are you guys pushing it? This is the best part of the trip as far as we
And the other boats that have done it before think. Did you stay in Campbellford and visit the town? Climb around on the rocks
at Ranny Falls? Visit the chocolate factory?
We still plan to be at Orillia on the 25th as it stands now but that may
change if we don't hear of any other AGLCA boats planning to stop there.
We would like to spend a little more time in the North Channel, especially in the Benjamins.

We also enjoy going through the Lovesick Lock, then tying to the blue line, packing a picnic lunch and walking across onto the island to eat it. The water bubbles and cascades over the rocks of the spillway and we enjoyed dangling our feet in it. I still have trouble comprehending a lock on an island. Anyway, it’s very pretty, quiet, peaceful, and great for a change of pace.

At Lakefield, you can anchor in the lake, or stay at the dock where they
charged $1.00/ft (it used to be a free dock). Easy bicycle ride on flat surface. A Pizza Hut right close to the slips, great grocery, nice town.
We spent time in the fabric/yarn store last time.

We were hoping to catch up by the Big Chute as its nice to trade cameras and take pictures of each others boats coming over the hill We did that last time with three other boats that we met up with and ended up traveling with for over a month till we all split up to go different directions. A great anchorage was in the Bustard Islands where
we lowered the dinghies and scoped out the rocky little channels.
I forwarded to Ron and Eva the story of the incident in Campbellford but
noted that it was an FYI and not an article for publication. Also sent an
article a while before it. Recently got an E-mail of " Thanks, you made our day and we didn't even have to edit it....." and I don't know
what she is referring to. I hope it’s the article and not the forwarded
info. If it is, I have to extend my apologies to the originator, as I didn't get their permission.
The incident was not meant for publication but rather just information that could be used regarding the need to be careful and expect the unexpected in various towns along the waterways. We were cautioned about our dinghy in New York, as they are a prime object of desire amongst adults and young people. We had a 20ft cable made for the dinghy as well as a locking steel channel that makes the outboard very difficult to remove.

We experienced no problems anywhere other than in Florida in North Ft Myers where someone used giant sized cable cutters to go through our 1/2 inch cable and lock to steal one of our Mopeds and damage the ignition of the Honda Spree.

This trip, we left the Honda home and bought two cheap 15-speed mountain bikes in Baltimore for this portion of the trip. We must run if we are to send this and get underway for Frankford. We need a lazy day after the foggy foggy crossing that we had yesterday. It was FOG from Oswego to the waypoint where we entered Presquile Bay and the Murray Canal. Last time, we went from Oswego to Adolphus Reach, Picton, Trenton. Overall, its ten miles further I think but gets you off Lake Ontario a little sooner. Picton is a beautiful, hilly town with great bakeries but Garrett wanted to do this route this time for a change.
Maybe if we catch up, we can challenge your kids to a game of UNO Attack. Don’t know if you have that game but its fun. One doesn't know when they press the button if they will get two cards, nine cards, or no cards.
We play it with various guests and the next thing they say is that they just have to find one to buy. We enjoy playing Euchre or other card games with adults if that’s what they enjoy also. Sometimes, we just get tired of reading. Oh, my knee is not painful but it is still very very swollen and if I bend it, my lower leg goes numb. When its bent, it throbs so we know that something is not right and will see our Ortho guys when we get home.
Take Care and if you have an easy time of sending off E-mail, feel free to forward this to any of the others that we have been writing to. We were hoping to hear from the member with engine problems that was going to have the mechanic check out the serial numbers of our engines against the list of those included in the bulletin. I sent the numbers but haven't heard anything back yet.

Take Care, have a safe, fun filled summer and maybe we will catch up somewhere.
Garrett, Jean, guest Faith, and dog...Skipper >>


Our props were fixed buy John & Peter @ Kiawatha Prop repair, @ Buckhorn, they have 10 trucks and service 260 marinas. We are now using our spare props and will pick up our original props in Little Current; they shipped them ahead for us. Very nice, very fair folks. We're out of the Trent Severn and in Tobermorey today for 2 days, 6/15-16/2001. Fireworks tonight, fish fry, beer garden.

About the Trent Severn, the water level is up and flows are normal, all was working on our way through. The Severn end has over 16 new markers to help with getting you out, very nice addition, we waited to order our C-maps and they are not on them. Exit channel on lock 45 is very tight, one-way traffic. Ask the lockmaster for advice.

Little Current Bridge, our dock neighbor has told us that the little Current Bridge has failed today and was in the open position. They, later today coaxed it closed and there it stays. Call For updates before expecting that it’s working again.

Orillia, taxi to mariposa market in the center of town, (close @ 6:00) but were try to stay open later, there are about 6 restaurants there, we ate @ cosmos, it was good. Maraposa Market had some nice treats.

Trent Severn Charts - I did a lot of thinking on this, actually through the whole waterway. You need them. You will pass over 3' areas in the "channel" you must stay to the sailing line on the charts.

JC


MV Summer School: And the winning guess is from Steve Alcorn, Steve writes:
In a past E-mail Jim asked....

Another note, we have been as high up above sea level as we are going, this happened in Balsam Lake where we stopped and the kids swam and jumped off the bridge are of the boat. How high was it you ask, who ever knows, and E-mail's us gets the prize.

And the winning guess is from Steve Alcorn, Steve gets the prize...
Steve writes:

Just off the top of my head, I'd say Balsam Lake is about 256.3 meters above sea level.

Best Wishes, Steve
Balsam Lake Facts
Latitude 44? 36' Common Tree Species Cedar, White Birch, White
Spruce,[NL]White Pine, Oak, Hard Maple
Longitude 78? 50'
Soils Sparse sandy loam Aquatic Vegetation common cattail, white water lily,
grasses, sedges, bulrush, sweet gale, leather leaf, algae
Bedrock Granite, Sedimentary
Elevation 256 m or 841 ft ? Fish Species muskellunge, white sucker,[NL]brown
bullhead, rock bass,[NL]pumpkinseed, smallmouth bass,[NL]yellow perch,
walleye, largemouth bass
Max. Depth 12.8 m or 42 ft
Mean Depth 5 m or 16.3 ft
Area 4664.8 hectares or 11526.8 acres Shoreline Length Lake: 63.6 kilometers
or 39.5 miles[NL]Island: 15.1 km or 9.4 mi
Interesting Fact: Balsam Lake is tied with Mitchell for the Kawartha Lake
with the highest elevation above sea level at 256.3 m!

With a very close second by Uncle Phil who's E-mail arrived second writes:
My guess is that the elevation above sea level of Balsam Lake is
approximately 256.3 meters. Just a guess mind you... Uncle Phil


An just off the top of my head, we have gone through 132 different individual locks since beginning our trip last Summer, and there are a few more to go. JC


Finally, words from Patti MVSummerSchool

Finally, some words from Patti. Some of you may know my e-mail address as mvsummerschool@aol.com but if you want to write me during the trip it's better to send mail to Billegates@aol.com It's easier when James is begging or borrowing a phone line to only download and send off with only one address. Please do not send us photos. This also holds true if you have Aaron's e-mail address. Although he knows most of your names by now just be sure to put the name Summer School under subject so he knows to keep it. We love hearing from you. If you have sent something to Aaron and I and haven't heard from us we haven't received it yet. Please try again using the Billegates address.

You might have heard the rumor and I'll confirm it now. JC even had us going with his "not under command" story. Aaron and I were trying to get on line to check the library accounts at 11:44 pm when that came through. We looked at each other like what is going on. We knew we were still in Orlando and the boat was in Brewerton, New York. We thought for a moment that this must be another MV Summer School. That they somehow got our email address and were calling for help. It wasn't until we read that the crew had the same names as us did we figure out it was James.

I was pretty busy before the trip and if you saw me I may have seemed a little frazzled. I filled up four legal size pages at (4:00 in the morning) of things to do before I left and was referring to it as my brain. The girls both had birthday parties on the two days before we left. (since Laura missed having hers in November, I let her have one on mine). Anyhow I ended up scheduling Karyn's Party at Fun Spot the same time that I was suppose to drop the boys at the airport. Thank you Ann West for helping out at the last minute and chaperoning while I got the boys off on the airplane. Thank you John and Lois Arie for your great facility and staff. It was a comfort knowing since I had to leave that they were in such good hands. Karyn and her friends fully enjoyed the party at Fun Spot and couldn't stop talking about how much fun they had as I drove several of them home.

Ann thank you once again for also getting the girls and I to the airport. I really appreciate your help during those final hours in Orlando.

I know I've been quiet on the trip. Well, maybe it's because of that "prop thing" that happened on the second day. Yes, it was my fault, I was navigating at the time. By the way, don't tell James, but just before that happened I was videotaping because I knew we were coming up to an area that was marked "Danger Narrows," on the chart. It was really scenic and I wanted to get a video before we got into the dangerous part. Opps. I thought I had us covered, it would have been better if I told him where the sailing line was before that turn. I found out how important that sailing line really is. James has been very good about the whole thing. Now, if I can only sell about 33 more videos to the news stations up here I'll have the price of the repair covered.

By the way, speaking of videos, after the last lock on the Trent Severn, some say there is a narrow or one way channel. That's putting it mildly. I would call it a tight serpentine obstacle course. That area I videotaped because all I could tell James to do was "stay in the middle." They added several markers and moved markers so the chart wouldn't help there. They were so close he had to make one turn after another, I couldn't believe it. It was so tight I got caught saying "Holy s---" on the video but James did great job without even one beep off the depth sounder. I was very impressed and glad he was driving. Hey, did he till you I docked the boat once and drove it through two locks?

So far I've done only 20 loads of Laundry. I had my rolls of Loonies ready for the Canadian washers but the machines I've come across so far only take quarters. I ended up walking around the town of Bobcaygeon in search of change. Most of the stores and restaurants were closed by 7:30, even the Beer Store. Luckily, I found a Laundromat on the other side of town which had change.

The kids remembered from last year that in Canada the milk comes in bags. I feel we kind of cheat in the experience because we have a gallon milk container that we wash out and pour the liter milk bags into. The Canadians have a pitcher that they put the bag into. I must say the bags do stow nicely in our cooler and you don't have to worry about them leaking.

Some people have wondered how we shop for groceries for a trip like this. I'm still not even sure but we seem to be doing very well. First, when the girls and I flew up we brought up a cooler filled with food from the house. We had been eating up everything and shelves were left very bare. The first day I got to the boat I went out and bought $280 worth of groceries. Susanne wasn't sure it the boat could fit it all. Well, it swallowed it up pretty well. So well, the next I spent another $260 at the food store and was able to put that all away as well. It's amazing how much stuff this boat can absorb. When we get to a port we usually just have to fresh stuff like milk, meats, and bread. We stocked up on American Cheese before we left Brewerton. Still haven't found any in Canada although they do have cheese curds.

That's enough for now.
PC


Lil Current Swing bridge is working.

Lil Current Swing bridge is working. It was shut down for 10 hours last week and couldn't spin at all. Yesterday and today we are in Lil Current. We got through the bridge earlier, on the 10 o'clock opening, they had on heck of a time opening it, they popped the bridges locking pins twice. Winds were 20 to 30 mph, seas 1 to 2 meters, and small craft wind warnings were up. We were very lucky to have gotten through when we did. I suspect the bridge will reopen to boat traffic later today as the winds diminish. The Bridge refused to open to boaters on the 11 and noon opening and sent boaters away. Wally's dock service here in town said that they have upgraded the bridge with electric motor's last year in place of the diesel engine, since then they have had problems in high winds.
. 75¢ per liter on the Trent Severn
. 82¢ per liter for diesel here in Lil Current. 6/19/2001
Winds did not die as predicted, they are still up and gusting to just under 40 mph. The bridge A/O 4:00 PM is still closed, and MAY try to open after 6:00 PM should the winds die down.

Jim Clausen, Summer School


6/22/2001, Summer School, at the Soo

6/20/2001 We ran from Little Current to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, a beautiful 130 mile run across the North Channel @ 25 mph, 2425 RPM, very sweet. We are just outside the locks to Lake Superior @ the Roberta Bondar Marina, Roberta Bondar was Canada's first woman astronaut. Actually there are 5 locks, 4 on the American side, 1 on the Canadian. The Canadian lock has been reduced in size and only passes recreational boaters. Two of the American locks are no longer in operation, there is a proposal to make the 2 non operational lock into one SUPER Lock, time will tell. All 4 American Locks were made during the 2d world war by the US Army corps of engineers. The two operational American locks pass more shipping than the Panama Canal and the Suez Canal combined. Obviously this makes them the busiest locks in the world, by far.
Water levels are down on the Great Lakes and so are the loads on the ships, the channel is in the process of being dredged deeper. So, in the mean time, the ships cannot be fully loaded due to the lakes low water levels. The Sault Ste. Marie has a population of 70,000. Quite a change from Killarney (400) and Little Current (1300).

6/21/2001 We took the bus tour of Sault Ste. Marie today, it took an hour and a quarter. The falls originally located here were named "Soo Falls," hence the name, Soo Canal. At our marina is the Lake Steamer Norgoma, she is 188 feet long, 36 feet wide and draws 12 feet. She contained sleeping accommodations for 100 people, a dining room that sat 50 people at a time, and could produce 144 meals, three times a day. Her cabins, lounges, washrooms and showers all reflect the style of a by gone era. From 1950 to 1963, the vessel made 5 day round trips from Owen Sound to Sault Ste. Marie. The trip included passage through the Sault lock into Whitefish Bay of Lake Superior. In 1963 when the Trans Canadian Highway was completed it took her job away, she then was operated as a car ferry between Tobermory and South Baymouth. Her Steam engine was replace with an 800 horsepower diesel which gave her a service speed of 13.5 knots, this 800 horsepower Diesel is 1/2 the size of a semi trailer. In 1975 she was replaced by the Chi-Cheemaun car ferry which we saw earlier this week in Tobermory. Norgoma was then brought to Sault Ste. Marie and converted into a Museum Ship. In her was a huge 1935 Diesel Engine which was removed from a private Yacht. It was 6 cylinders and stood 5 foot tall and fourteen feet long, it weighed in at 18,000 pounds! It produced 150 horsepower and had a forward and reverse gear. As a comparison we have 900 horsepower aboard our boat, and it weights under 4,000 pounds.
Well, this is just about as far North as we get to go, we will go into Lake Superior, a rise of about 22 feet, just because. But that will be it. We're going to start South tomorrow, 6/22/2001.
Here is more of your traveling history lesson. The average depth of lake Superior is 489 feet, the maximum depth is 1335 feet. The water temperature is 40 degrees. In the song "The wreck of the Edmond Fitzgerald" they sing that Superior doesn't give up her dead, this is true due to Superiors great depth and icy cold temperatures.

Now here's todays three part quiz:
1.- On what great lake is Gitchee Gumee and Wawa?
2.- Who was Edmond Fitzgerald? Yes he was an actual person.
Rick, you should know this!
3.- On what Great Lake was the Edmond Fitzgerald lost? (Trick Question?) Jc


Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario @ the Soo locks

The locks up here on the Soo are the busiest in the world. The locks up here on the Soo are the busiest in the world. The wine stores, (I've gone to three) have nothing, nothing that I would buy. Michigan seems to be a dream to me now. Real wine stores..... The Canadian exchange is about .55¢ to the dollar.
Very Cool. JC


6/24/2001 Summer School - Mackinac Island, MI

6/22/2001 - Soo Locks, Sault Ste. Marine, MI - Mackinac
This morning we were fortunate enough to enter Lake Superior on the Canadian side through the Canadian Lock, (reserved for recreational boaters) and come back through the American Locks, specifically the Poe lock, of the five locks here. The Poe is the newest and largest lock here, built is 1968 it has a length of 1200 feet, is 110 feet wide. We were the only boat in the lock. The cost? Free.
They dumped just under 22 million gallons of water in under 15 minutes for us to pass through. And because the lock was down when we approached from Superior on the high side, they had to fill it first and then dump it with us inside. We then fueled on the American side and did the clearing of the CUSTOMS. We have a US customs sticker on board and we called the local Customs office, I identified ourselves and we were cleared. Slick. After we refueled we ran down to Mackinac Island.
Mackinac Island has a policy of not taking reservations, you get a slip assigned if one is available after you clear the breakwater, they MUST actually see you. Well, all that has changed this year, you can reserve slips through Michigan DNR (Department of Natural Resources) via 800-44PARKS or on the Internet @ www.dnr.state.mi.us but not at the marina. We got an inside slip for 2 days, I went back to the boat and was able to reserve it for a third day by phone which the marina couldn't do right here, no it doesn't make sense.
Mackinac has two motorized vehicles, an ambulance and a fire truck. They bike here and have many, many horses. In fact they have one doctor here and five vets. The food is good in most all of the restaurants, hence our three days here. Jim don't camp, the Marina is very close to the town and for the sweet smell of Diesel fuel and exhaust I can hang at the Marina for my fix. There are literally 10 ferry's in sight at all times, coming and going, big ones. Everyone OOH's and AH's and rides bikes, then they throw their beer cans and cigarette buts off the ferry's going back to the mainland. Out of every 100 people on the island during the day only one stays over night. Oh do you feel the love? Jc


6/23/2001 - Mackinac
6/24/2001 - Mackinach
6/25/2001 - Mackinacech - Harbor Springs, MI ?

And both of the winners of the "highest point we have reached" quiz will receive via US post, fudge from Mackinac Island, we had the kids hit every fudge shop on the island for free samples and we selected the very best the island has to offer, for your pleasure. Jc

Where did we leave off? Ah yes, who was the Edmond Fitzgerald named after. No winner yet, the game continues.

6/25/01 Harbor Springs, MI Buffalo Burger, yum.
6/26/01 Harbor Springs, MI (Poor choice for a second night)
6/27/01 Charlevoix, MI Much Better, Danish Dusted Shrimp appetizer
6/28/01 Leland, MI Been there done that tourist trap, marginal marina
6/28/01 Frankfort, MI Dinner on board, very nice. petroleum plant across the river, PU.
6/29/01 Luddington, MI Harbor View Marina, Swimming Pool, Very Nice.
6/30/01 Luddington, MI Big Lake Michigan Ferry, very smoky.
7/1/01 Luddington, MI Big Lake Michigan seas 6 to 8 feet, gale warnings. winds 30 mph and gusting, We stay put another day.

The weather has been just GREAT, days are drifting into one another, Patti is into her 6th hour of video. Everyone is well except me and the boat is working very well. We will see the Bush's soon, they have 3 or 4 packages that people have sent to us, mail call. This is the fourth of July weekend here and some shops and restaurants are just opening up this weekend for the first time.
I on the other hand I just read what I wrote, I sound burnt out, perhaps it's that my IQ has dropped as well as my health by being on the boat. FYI: Chicago is under 160 miles from here.

Heres a note to: Garrett and Jean, we draw 4'2" but tell marinas 5' we have found some to lie about their draft so we compensate in advance. Sorry to hear about Lee and Kay Ladd's second major trouble in Cambleford. Potato Channel was down to 4.5' not recommended, period. We went to Tobomorey:
for those of you who have not heard, Lee and Kay Ladd are/were behind us on the loop as Garrett and Jean are, Garrett and Jean wrote us the following E-mail which I have copied below:

Bill, (Garrett and Jean call me Bill) it's actually James, no problem just don't call me late for dinner.

Thank you for your update. It had sounded like Summer School was flying but now we know why. You are so right and in fact have helped us to change our mind about doing the North Channel ourselves.
Our friends have a 64' Grand Alaskan by Defevern and wanted us to meet them in the Benjamins but we will call them by cell and find out what the new agenda is. Did you ever bump bottom on the Trent or on the Trent Canals ? I find those three sections of the Trent Canal downright nerve wracking...narrow, menacing, rocky, just waiting to take a bite out of the newly repaired props.
We were so fortunate to be able to get in to Buckhorn. While their prices were a bit steep, they charged us nothing for 4 nights of slip, electric, etc. We had use of various vehicles and they worked hard to get us back out and on our way. We had them remove the props using the divers vs lifting and blocking which was $900.00+. Anyway, we got back on our way and were vibration free. YES !!

Are you going to try to make the mini rendezvous with the Stobs ? We keep hearing from various places we've stopped what a nice family you have but we have yet to catch up to meet all of you.
Here is my question. What route did you take when exiting Port Severen?
Did you take the Potatoe Channel? It to sounds like a prop eater but the

other route that we were thinking of, does not appear to be well buoyed and there are some really shallow spots also. Once we clear that eastern shore of the Georgian Bay, I think we will breathe easier again.
The 30,000 islands was a great trip 3 years ago but you are so right...not
this year. One does not want to know by how little they have probably
cleared some of those rocks in the past times.
We were so glad to hear that Mackinac Island was a special treat. Now you have the right to be called 'Fudgies' Bet you thought we were stupid when you asked the question 'what was the highest point on the trip' We were thinking North not elevation. It must be the light air or senior moments...we won't be looking for our fudge anytime soon.
We feel so bad for Lee and Kay Ladd. What misfortune they have had with first their major engine breakdown and then the latest misfortune near Campbellford. They were tied to the blue line and rec'd a phone call that Lee's father was very ill and they should return to Illinois. They turned around and while not thinking clearly, forgot that now the red buoys would be on the opposite side. OOPS, they went hard aground on a rock shelf which necessitated the lock authorities raising the level of the water 16" to allow them to get off. With help from townsfolk, they got a rental car and got off toward Illinois and the props are being removed and fixed while they are gone. Our concern was that they said they were taking on some water but that the pump could take care of it. They are not sure about the shafts either.
The Trent is a waterway that demands that you be on your toes almost all the time. We agree with you that when there is sufficient water, it does feel good to increase the RPM and go Vroom Vroom with the wind in your face.
We are in Orillia and will most likely head for the Big Chute tomorrow.
What has been your favorite portion of the trip so far ? What section is
the least favorite ? Two things on the Loop that we didn't get to do and really really wanted to enjoy were ; Seeing the wild horses run on the beaches at Dungreness ? (East Coast ) and Going on the spooky hayride through the dark bayou for Halloween at Winters Marina. (we were there the week before Halloween and felt bad that we would miss it) Winters is at the end of the river stretch ..just before entering Mobile Bay. There is a swing bridge parallel to the river which the operator will swing with a call on 13. The bayou is 15-17 ft deep and winds around to the marina. I wrote about the place in an early newsletter.
A very 'local' marina with a big heart.
Take Care, hope you continue to have a great time and do drop us a note
about what route you took out of Port Severn. We draw 4 ft. but don't
know what your draft is.
Cheers
Garrett and Jean

Jc


Re: Exiting Port Severn

Hi
It's Patti on board Summer School. I hope you get this in time. When we left Port Severn we did not take the Potato Channel. We were advised by several people that it would be too shallow 4.5' and risky for us. I remember looking at the way out through Sturgeon Bay into Severn Sound and thinking that the area south of Green Island didn't look well mark on our chart either. Fortunately they added a lot of green and red buoys that are not on the chart. This made this area very easier. Just keep the buoys on the proper side and you should do fine. The only other tricky part was right after you leave the last lock on the Trent Servern the channel has gotten very narrow. They have also added a lot of buoys there. The tricky part is they have moved them in as well. Since this area did not match the chart, my only words could be stay in the middle. This wasn't as easy as it sounds. It was a driving course for the captain, with a lot of quick turns but we got though without a beep on the depth sounder. We wish you the same. Good Luck PC
I’ve also heard it referred to as a bowling alley.


And the Edmond Fitzgerald answer is.... from 2 winners

steve@alcorn.com (Steve Alcorn) Dear Jim,
I sort of knew the answer, but since real prizes were being distributed I
felt I shouldn't enter again!
Without researching it, I recalled that there was a custom of naming ships
after relatives with unusual names, so they picked some life insurance
company president that was an uncle or something.

Here's a more accurate description:

It was named after the new board chairman of Northwestern Mutual Life
Insurance Company of Milwaukee, whose grandfather and five great uncles had been ship captains.

Here's a GREAT site about the ship:

http://detnews.com/history/fitz/fitz.htm

twin90s@hotmail.com (Elsie H) I GOT LUCKY - THIS PAGE http://detnews.com/history/fitz/fitz.htm tells me she was named after the after the new board chairman of Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company of Milwaukee, whose grandfather and five great uncles had been ship captains.
Keep the reports coming:))

Both are correct and both will be sent special prizes when I figure out what they will be I will let everyone know. Edmond Fitzgerald as the new chairman also approved the loan for the new ship. Jc


In a message dated 7/5/01 11:19:51 AM, LLadd68321 writes:

The 4th of July
The Ladds aboard the DBL-ELL sit in Buckhorn Marina doing the props, shaft, and rudder post thing. We can only confirm what has been said by others who have passed this way. Nice folks, good work, and trying to make things easy for us. For those who haven't heard lots of skinny water in the Trent-Severn waterway. >>

LLadd68321@aol.com




MV Summer School 7/7/2001 Illinois River.

7/2/2001 Grand Haven, MI Visit with the Bush's Municipal Marine, Very Nice.
7/3/2001 Grand Haven, MI Weather Day,
7/4/2001 Racine, WI Cross Lake Michigan 4 Fireworks in Racine nice marina & Pool
7/5/2001 Hammond, IN Run down the lake past Chicago 15 miles. Hammond Marina, just outside Calumet Sag Canal, we rented a car from enterprise in Hammond, did Chicago & Shopped, a very smart move.
Rent a car, visit with Thomas Belelieu in Chicago, visit Chicago Institute of Art, buy special rewards for Edmond Fitzgerald winners.
7/6/2001 Wilmington, IN Into the Calumet Sag Canal
7/7/2001 Starved Rock, IN Entrance Says 5,' nope, 3'10" we bumped. By the way, the restaurant here is Excellent.
Here we sit floating above Dresden Lock on the Des Plains River, which I guess at some point today became the Illinois River. Commercial tows get right of way here, and there are QUITE A FEW barges and tow boats. The captains and crews are very nice but we've been sitting here for over three hours for "a hole" that the lock master to fit us into. So far no hole. The is the possibility to lock in with a commercial tow into their "notch." Many of the tows are three barges wide by three deep. Quite a few arrange themselves three wide by three wide by two wide, They push into the lock, disconnect and the Pusher comes around and fits into the open space "the Notch." But only if the commercial tow and the recreational vessel agree, and also the barges may not contain any hazardous materials or chemicals. A lot of "ifs." These are the "rules" for the Illinois Waterway, locking rules change with each Core of Engineers District. This is the Rock Island District. Well, we got through but only because after three commercial transits they MUST take a Recreational boat transit. Three Plus hours. We got a whole 40 miles today, for 8 hours.
We have gone over 1300 miles so far this year, pretty good for a boat, about 1700 to go. And -- ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINE LOCKS -- These are all different locks, if we happen to go through one more than once we can only count it once.

I, (Jim) feel better, but I'm so tired at night,
Jim Clausen, MV Summer School @ Starved Rock, IL.


Illinois River and Alton Marina UPDATE: To Great Loopers 2001
Illinois River, Alton Marina UPDATE:

Logsdon Tug Service @ mile 88.5 no longer has Diesel!!!
Logsdon will still allow you to tie up for $20 per night on their barge, with 15 amp power and ice included, town is right here and you can eat above the bowling alley, the white building to the left its only a block away, we did. Its air conditioned! When it gets dark here, its really dark. Nice people.

Diesel is available @ Rivers Edge Boat Club @ Mile Marker 97.5
Noisy and loud on Sunday night. Restaurant and bar are built on stilts, fuel (Gas & Diesel) on small floating barge cut located in a channel off of the River. Nice people, they just took it over a few weeks ago, boats with a 4'6" draft can get in. There may be silt just off the bank from towboats prop wash but it's all just mud, no rock.

Alton Marina, run by Skipper Bud, (not our favorite folks). Poor directions of how to get in the channel caused us to strike bottom so hard it stopped one of our 450 hp diesel engines. No obvious damage, thanks be. The girl giving direction via radio had no idea how to get in the entrance. After getting the boat tied up I was told that I could have gotten damage further up the river and they could not be responsible for my mistakes. And how did they know where I got my damage, no they were not interested in going out to check their entrance, because, everyone knows to come in on the jetty side. Further, this strike happened exactly in the center of their entrance! No buoys, but everyone other than the girl on the radio knew to hold to the breakwater side coming in. I guess no one told her. We were at a Skipper Buds run marina in Racine, great Location just like here but not a recommended Marina either, although it was but better run than here at Alton.

Note: if you plan on coming into Alton Marina and you are traveling North to South, come down the Alton Marina's breakwater, the entrance to the Alton Marina is in the South. Come around the large bridge pier at the end of the breakwater, the rivers current will push you down far enough down river, anywhere from 25' to 100' is fine, turn in and hold to the Marinas river side break water coming in, one to one and a half boat widths off the breakwater is where you want to be, about 20.' Just FYI, There is, at our present water level a sand and stone bar following down river from east, land side, entrance stone jetty. This bar extends into the entrance on the land side.

Fuel Prices, If you can make it Hoppies Marina @ mile 158.5 had Diesel 25¢ lower per gallon than Alton Marina, about 45 miles. It was about $1.55 per gallon @ Hoppies.

Note to Great loopers 2001: Quimbys 2001 guide as a picture of the stern of our boat with our "crew" sitting on the swim platform, just FYI. Page 89, "Illinois Waterway"

James Clausen, MV Summer School


MV Summer School 7/13/2001 Kentucky

7/8/2001 Logstons Tug Service, Illinois Waterway
7/9/2001 Alton, MO Mississippi River
7/10/2001 Alton, MO Mississippi River
7/11/2001 On the Lock Wall, Kaskaskia River
7/12/2001 Paducah, KY Ohio River
7/13/2001 Green Turtle Bay, KY Cumberland River

Well, Jim is back, I feel much better. And I can even walk about a mile at a time, not that I really would want to mind you. The boat is really doing well. Oh, the Kids and Patti are fine too. Complaints can be filed at ____________. Jc


Yes, we are moving right along. At Logston Tug Service we were in Beardston, IL. We tied up to a Tug Servicing Barge with workboats on either end of it, they had no water, but did have Ice and a 15 amp cord. We chose the Ice and ran the generator all night. We decided on Dinner out and went to the restaurant above the bowling alley. The Buffalo is not recommend here, its big chunks of fish fried, well actually not much is not recommend here but it was an experience that I would not have changed. Barges and towboat ran the River all night long they painted us with their spotlights and side lights. Very cool.

Logston used to have Diesel Fuel, but the tank rotted out and they decided not to replace it. We had to backtrack 6 miles for fuel. We needed to push the boat through a 3'6" mud bar to get to the fuel dock. Interesting, the fuel tank had a soda can covering the filler and the pump which had no sheet metal on its face, meaning it was completely exposed. It had a 1999 weights and measurement seal on it. The final filter in line looks as though it has never been changed. Filler up. At least the boat floated at the fuel dock. The Marina is on a bend and the towboats, as they round the bend, push silt into the marinas entrance. They started with 8' last year. This is a tough life and a tough existence to run this facility, good luck to them. They took it over two weeks ago.

Alton is on the Mississippi, just up from St. Louis, the Marina is fairly new and sports a floating pool in a barge, the floating hot tubs were out of service during our visit. We had extremely poor directions to get into Alton. I later learned that everyone knows to come in on the West side of the entrance channel. Not in the center of the entrance channel. We hit so hard it stopped one engine. We took it out later that day and there was no damage. Just Real Lucky. The next day I saw that they posted directions on the wall so that the radio operator can correctly tell calling boaters how to enter the marina.

From Alton its a run down the Mississippi River past St. Louis and the arch, there are no marinas in St. Louis. And there is no where to stop to see the arch. Yes, the Mississippi River is big and it is muddy. It also had many floating "things," we avoided them all. We stopped for fuel at Hoppies floating fuel barge, they were 20¢ cheaper on diesel fuel and besides he's a great guy in a hard business. Hoppie said he only had one boat in front of us making the loop 2 weeks ago, were very early. I'm thinking it might be MV Adaline out of Sarasota, we saw her in the Trent and she was moving very quickly. 199 miles to the next Marina that we can get into, the river is low today it dropped two feet overnight. The Mississippi is rolling at 4 mph, and it just keeps rolling along.

Tonight it time to stay on the lock wall on the Kaskaskia River, the lock is less than a mile off of the Mississippi and is very quiet. The lockmaster put us on the dam side of the lock and helped us tie up. We were all by ourselves. So what do we do, drop the jet ski and run it around of course. Everyone got pulled in the tube. Jim cooked veal and pasta for dinner, a yum was had by everyone.

Big day on the Mississippi, and Ohio River today, 164 miles. Our biggest run this year, the weather turned to rain, but no wind, thank you. Good thing we started a 6:30 AM. We made time when the rain stopped and the River was clear of "things." Even when it rained we pushed on. We had our patented Clausen's boat electric foot heaters, 100 watts each powered from the inverter, jackets and blankets. It was as comfortable as safety allows. We ended up on the Ohio River at "The Big E". Which is another bunch of floating barges. 15 amp power, water, gas and diesel. The big E is a hotel, actually quite big, and quite empty, with that stale moldy smell. They were hoping for a casino here, but Kentucky said NO. So its the big EMPTY, get it. The Big E is in Paducha, KY and in Paducha the place to eat is the Whalers Catch, very nice food and service. The Ohio was spitting up "things" and we has some 10" diameter log type things trapped between the boat and the dock. We cleared them and sent them just rolling along down stream. We tried to refuel at the Big E but it took 45 minutes to pump 60 gallons of fuel. Slow pump or clogged final fuel filter on their diesel pump, we might know for sure soon.

Well, everyone told me, I knew it, and I didn't do it. I didn't buy the Cumberland River chart, I thought I would go up the Kentucky River. Every one goes up the Cumberland, every local I spoke to said "DON'T go up the Kentucky River" you will get stuck at the Kentucky lock and won't be able to lock through quickly, it will take you Hours upon Hours. Go up the Cumberland River, and then cross over to the Kentucky River at Barkley Lake on the Barkley Canal, so we did, on Friday the 13th with no charts...


MV Summer School 7/17/2001 Ten Tom Waterway, State of Mississippi

7/14/2001 Green Turtle Bay, KY Cumberland River
7/15/2001 Cuba Landing Marina Tennessee River
7/16/2001 Aqua Yacht Harbor Ten Tom Waterway, State of Mississippi
Continued from 7/13/2001:
Well, everyone told me, I knew it and I didn't do it. I didn't buy the Cumberland River chart, I thought I would go up the Kentucky River. Every one goes up the Cumberland, every local I spoke to said DON'T go up the Kentucky River and try to go through Kentucky Dam. Go up the Cumberland, and avoid Kentucky Dam, so we went up the Cumberland on July 13th with no charts. Well, we did have the Ohio River Chart that showed us how to enter the Cumberland, and we did have the Tennessee River Chart which showed us up to 1/2 mile above the Barkley Lock, and we did have a Garman 175 GPS map which showed the Cumberland above the dam so we were not exactly blind. We did find the Cumberland River clean and interesting, the only problem that came up was exiting the Barclay Lock, where are we and where do we do? Since we were going to Green Turtle Marina, and we could see it on the Tennessee River chart we just had to figure out where it was in relation to the Barkley lock & dam. The GPS map showed us the detail and the compass pointed us the right direction. We just followed the buoys and called the marina on 16. Green Turtle has an excellent Ships Store, but we needed nothing. Can you believe it! We had the obligatory dinner at Miss Patti's 1880s Restaurant. Yes, they still have their famous 2" pork chop, But as we found out bigger is not always better, the 1' was juicier. They must have had a dozen pies to chose from. All in all very nice, once.
Disaster! Patti's video camera broke. It is officially dead. For those of you who know Patti well, this is a disaster of epic proportions. I am sure we will all suffer the next few days for this loss.


Great Loopers, Illinois River Update
Illinois Waterway
By: James Clausen

The Illinois Watery Runs from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River. It allows vessels of up to a 9-foot draft and which have a height of less than 19' 1" to transit its 327 miles.
The Waterways northern section has two entrances from Lake Michigan; the northern most is the Chicago River, which was always there, and natural. Man in his bid to move materials by way of water to the Mississippi River began the Illinois and Michigan Canal in 1822, which would become the Chicago Sanitary Canal; he would be successful in 1848. The second Lower entrance is the Calumet Sag Canal Navigation Project and was completed in 1960. The Calumet Sag Canal project is just over 25 miles long and connects into the Chicago Sanitary Canal. Due to the density of bridges in Chicago, most boaters who have height restrictions approaching the 19'1" limit choose the Calumet Sag Canal as their preferred option.
You might suppose that a waterway built for commercial traffic would pose little problem to the recreational boater. There you would be very wrong. The Illinois Waterway was a joy, a nuisance, a delight, exasperating and a learning experience. I salute the boaters of the Illinois Waterway, sought boaters all, they live with up to 4 hour delays at locks, flood waters in excessive of 8 feet above normal pool, log jams, silting of their channel entrances, the stink and stench sent to them by Chicago and their northern cities. And they are some of the nicest and gentlest people you could ask to meet.
To address the smell in the northern section of the Waterway, if you have ever opened your shower sump to clean the filter, un-stick the float or change the pump itself. That’s the smell. Your in it for 60+ miles and while there you get to see the industrial power of the mid west, from steel plants to power plants, Grain silos, water treatment plants, cement plants, chemical plants, etc. Interesting yes, but a park like setting, no.
You will need the current Quimby's Cruising Guide, and the US Army Corps of Engineers Illinois Waterways Navigation Charts. With these in hand you are ready to proceed, you must plan out your overnight stops, be prepared to make alternates due to unexpectedly long lock times or being able to lock right through. Either is likely to happen, here is an excerpt from one of my E-mails that I sent during our transient.
Here we sit floating above Dresden Lock on the Des Plains River, which I guess at some point today became the Illinois River. Commercial tows get right of way here, and there are QUITE A FEW barges and towboats. The captains and crews are very nice but we've been sitting here for over three hours for "a hole" that the lockmaster could fit us into. So far no hole. The is the possibility to lock in with a commercial tow into their "notch." Many of the tows are three barges wide by three deep. Quite a few arrange themselves three wide by three wide by two wide, They push into the lock, disconnect and the Pusher comes around and fits into the open space "the Notch." This locking of recreational vessels and commercial vessels can only be done if the commercial tow and the recreational vessel agree, and also the barges may not contain any hazardous materials or chemicals. A lot of "ifs." These are the "rules" for the Illinois Waterway, locking rules change with each Core of Engineers District. This is the Rock Island District. Well, we got through but only because after three commercial transits they MUST take a Recreational boat transit. Three plus hours. We got a whole 40 miles today, for 8 hours.
Sound like fun? The next day we did 143 miles with no delays at all.

Here's what you need to know:
Bridges use channel 16, RR bridges can be controlled off site, as example: the Beardson RR bridge is controlled in Texas.
Commercial pushers in harbors us channel 10.
Towboats working lines of barges use channel 13.
Locks use channel 14
Pleasure Craft and Marinas answer on 9 and 16, (usually 16 in 2001).
The normal pool is 9 & 1/2 feet deep for the channel.
Buoys are set in 9 & 1/2 feet of water.
It is typical for shoaling to occur up to 20' around buoys.
This year (2001), spring floods caused the pool level to raise from normal 9 7 1/2 feet to over 20 feet, be careful.
When the waters rise, the wicket dams are dropped and the locks at the wicket dams are not used. What's a wicket dam? Wicket dams are located at some of the locks on the Southern portion of the Waterway. You might think of it as a dam panel with the hinge on the bottom. This panel can be raise to block water and be a dam. Or, it can be lowered flat to the bottom to let water pass over it. (Photo attached)


Now for some dirty laundry, from Patti

Sometimes it's the simple chores we do every day at home that become an adventure on the boat. In Bobcaygeon the girls enjoyed helping me with the laundry. One of the washers would really shake in the spin cycle and they took turns riding it. They also were scared to see fire beneath the dryer. They had never seen dryers heated by propane before. The cleanest and best Laundromat so far has been at Hot Knots Marina in Orillia on the Trent Severn. They had plenty of washers and dryers and a couch in a large air-conditioned room. The laundry was also connected to the ladies shower. I wondered about that being sexist, but it did work well for me. I also really liked the port holes with a hologram of a fish. At this marina the kids had to think for a second but only for a second about which bathroom to use. They were marked "inboard" and "outboard."
This year we've been fortunate to find all of our laundry facilities close to the boat but the closest was in Little Current. Jim docked the boat on the wall right along side a Laundromat. I did all eight loads at the same time while watching the kids swim off the stern of the boat. They then came in to fold and carry it back on board. On Mackinac Island, Aaron was helping me do 9 loads of laundry; he asked me if I was a professional. Harbour View Marina in Ludington MI also had nice facilities, but only two washers. Laura helped me do 4 loads of laundry there. The pool was right outside so we were able to take in a swim after we got our first loads started. At Alton Marina in Illinois they also only had two washers and I shared one of them with another boat. If they had arrived only a couple of minutes later Karyn and I would have had both washers started. It was hot carting our laundry. We went for a swim after starting our washer in their floating pool. Actually because of possible flooding along the Mississippi River, the whole marina floats. They showed us on the poles how the water level was 20 feet higher only two months ago. That afternoon I only got 7 loads done and didn't get back to the boat until 12:30 am. The next day Jay did an additional 4 loads all by himself. I think the air-conditioned room got him interested, it was hot. When a couple came in, the man was impressed that he knew how to do laundry. So am I. I'll have to remember that.
I tried to get two rolls of quarters on a casino boat in Alton, but when she handed them to me I noticed they were tokens and not quarters. I quickly gave them back. No, I did not gamble, but I still keep my laundry quarters in my winning bucket from Harrahs last year.
That brings the laundry total up to 58 loads this year. Pc


MV Summer School 7/22/2001 Alabama

7/17/2001 Aqua Yacht Harbor Ten Tom Waterway, State of Mississippi
7/18/2001 Smithfield Marina Ten Tom Waterway, State of Mississippi
7/19/2001 Marina Cove Ten Tom Waterway, State of Alabama
7/20/2001 Demopolis Yacht Basin Ten Tom Waterway, State of Alabama
7/21/2001 Bobby's Fish Camp Ten Tom Waterway, State of Alabama (4 fuel)
7/21/2001 Rafted to a barge Ten Tom Waterway, State of Alabama
7/22/2001 Dog River Marina Mobile Bay, State of Alabama

7/17/2001 Well, we stayed @ Aqua a second day. We needed a break, besides they had good barbecue and a comfortable courtesy car. That's what life has been reduced to.
7/18/2001 Smithville Marina. This is Jessie's home, when the core built the Ten Tom they needed Jessie's piece of farmland. Jessie said "they paid me fair for it, I wodn't aug give um what they give me." Jessie is 75 and wears a bright baby blue coverall with his name on it. His marina is a lot less than five stars. But Jessie makes up for it by just bein' himself and treating you fair. He pulled the New Yorker (courtesy car) around and parked it in the shade with the windows down for us and called down to Mel's Diner (the restaurant in town) to expect us. He says he will keep running the marina as long as he can.
7/19/2001 Marina Cove, Carrolton Alabama. Patti said this is a floating Norman Bates Movie. Fred is behind the counter, and Dave lives in the one room bedroom just off of the register. Dave likes to keep his door open to the shop, and why not it expands his 9' x 10' world. We borrowed their pickup truck "Mississippi Cadillac" as they say in these parts, threw the kids in the back and headed over to the "Down Yonder " that was the name of the restaurant, really, for dinner. Actually the only restaurant in 15 miles.
The Core made this cut out and found Fred and Dave from Illinois to run the marina. It's theirs now, even though the docks are in good shape Patti hopes we never come back. (Replay Shower Scene) with audio.
7/20/2001 Demopolis, AL, This is our big town, four square blocks, and we are quite happy to be here. We borrowed the courtesy van. There is a Wall Mart (not super), a Sonic, and a McDonalds. We feast tonight. We'll it turned out to be laundry night, so Patti got the two boys and I got the Girls. The girls and I gave the engines a going over and fed them a gallon of oil. Actually they each take about 20 quarts of oil. The add point on the dip stick to full is 4 quarts. So adding a couple of quarts each is no big deal. When we were adding oil and looking around I found oil coming from the back of the valve cover, so the girls got out the tools and I removed it, cleaned it and resealed it. Then Laura saw the turbo oil fitting was leaking and I tightened that. I also saw fuel oil again under the engine, just a couple of drips but it was coming from the far outboard side of the engine. Out of bounds when the engine is hot. Next time when its cool I'll take a look, if I can fit. We got a wild lightning show tonight, it was so powerful that I shut down all of the electronics on board and killed the main breaker. Just in case. Later we found out that lightning struck a church steeple and started a fire. Patti got to talking with the security guard Clavre after he gave her the laundry room key. He's been a captain of both tug boats and dredges. When they built the locks on dry land he would drive the dredge to make the water go up to the lock. He also dredged out Marina Cove where we stayed last night. He started working as a mechanic at Demopolis Yacht Basin about 17 years ago. Three years ago he took the cut in pay to be security guard. He had enough climbing around and working on boats. He was impressed that Patti could talk about boats and especially engines with him. The most fuel he ever put on a tow was 27,000 gallons. The average amount of fuel per tug is 10,000 gallons. The most lubricating oil he added to a tug is 750 gallons. They have a special tank on board for the dirty oil when they change it out.
7/21/2001 We left at 7AM from Demopolis hoping to get to Mobile today about 230 miles or so. It turned out to be wishful thinking. We ventured south to Bobby's fish camp about 90 miles downriver, one floating barge with 60' of finger pier and bought 100 gallons of just in case fuel. I went inside Bobby's to pay, about 8 tables for Sunday Catfish Dinner, potted meat, Vienna Sausages in the can, and Red Man Ta Backey. We were doing well, in and out of the dock in 10 minutes. It's just as well that we got fuel, our port turbo has been acting up and we burn 15 to 20% MORE FUEL in the port engine. Dale Boggus, we're a comin'.
We were still doing fine until Coffeeville Lock, our LAST lock, this makes 154 different locks and two wicket dams. I called on the radio, I sounded the horn, I sent Jay up the ladder and then I sent Patti up the ladder. 45-50 minutes with no response. I think he was drunk and sleeping and covering for someone, they always work in pairs and he was alone. He even left the lower lock gate open, a real no-no. This cost us just under 2 hours, he let in a tow which arrived below us just when Patti found him, he wouldn't give us his name, and pretended his radio was broken, but asked the towboat for a beer on an alternate channel. Joy.
Well, at 5:00 PM, I know we were not making Mobile Bay today. I also know the guide says there is no where to dock for 120 river miles. It's over 70+ miles between bridges. We are nowhere. I spied a bridge abutment and tried hanging off, the water swallowed, no go. We tried on the wall of the bridge abutment, Alabama marine police, first we're seen in 800 miles show up and advise against it, but nicely. We moved on, by now the boat is filthy with mud and rust. Wait what's this, a small low barge with a small towboat, "Core of Engineers" on the side, I have Patti hail them from the bridge window and ask if we could lay alongside of their barge. She first asks if they're spending the night, they say yes and then also yes to allowing us to tie along side. Excellent, we send a goodie bag over to them for their kindness. Patti gets to talkin boatin' with them. The tug is E. B. Wallace and they do surveying on the Ten Tom and have the working barge. They had just tied up to the mooring cell today because they had lost one engine. They had someone come on board but it's not a quick fix so they will have to limp up on one engine to Carrollton, tomorrow. Lucky for us they were here. We get bounced around a bit during the night, but not too bad.
7/22/2001 And were off again @ 6:00 AM. We let the kids sleep in and take it out ourselves. We've got 3 and a half ours in before the first of them wanders up to the bridge. We get to see where the 1994 Amtrak train went of the track into the swamps, no road access for miles, a very nasty place where 48 died. I remember when it happened.
Well, going through Mobile harbor was an experience, a bit dirty with lots of floating "things" in the water, and certainly busy, actually the 12th busiest port in the US. At 3:00 PM we were in the Dog River Marina's courtesy car going for lunch and then shopping for food at "Wally's World." That's what they call Super Wal-Mart in these parts. Our dock is a bit bouncy, its Sunday and there's a bit of boat traffic, It should slow down later tonight. Jc & Pc
7/23/2001 Future, I need to get the fuel leak identified and repaired before we leave, I cleaned up about 10 ounces of fuel under the Starboard engine. Tomorrow when the engines are not hot, they seem to always be warm, I'll take a look. There are mechanics here if I need them. Always a huge plus. Jc

Monday 7/23/2001 - Mid Day - Dog River Marina, Mobile Alabama

Well, I had a mechanic down to go over the engine with me. They have a huge shop here and they do it all, if your going to have a failure this is the place to have it. We looked and found what looked like a crack in the return line from the Diesel Injectors to the Boshe Fuel pump. When the mechanic pushed it the brazed connection broke open. I love it, a solid failure, to which we can get a solid fix. Parts come in tomorrow. Kids clean the boat today, It needs a class "A" squeaky clean job, they put in 5 hours and it sparkles. Dinner is at the Nan-Sea, great for seafood, not for meat, we should have known better than order meat here. Jc

Tuesday 7/24/2001 Same View

Parts showed up, and were installed without a hitch. Surprise, Surprise. Small lube oil leak found and sealed on the outboard side of the Starboard Engine. High pressure lube fitting on the Starboard Turbo broken open and readjusted to a smother flow angle. New alternator wire harness installed on the Starboard engine. Engine oil topped off, and engine air filters removed cleaned and re-oiled. 16 OZ fuel additive bottle refilled from the gallon economy size, 1 gallon does 2500 gallons of Diesel Fuel. We took the boat out and did the sea trial to check for problems, no problems. House battery's tested with the hydrometer and voltmeter, all A-OK. Generator oil checked and coolant reservoir refilled. Both Main engine coolant reservoirs checked and levels adjusted. Broken pole holder replaced in the stern. We are ready to rock and roll again. Were just waiting for the bill.
The kids are taking this delay hard, there are 2 kids in the boat in front of us, they have been fishing and crabbing and shrimping till Midnight last night. They started again today after breakfast and added canoeing and swimming to the list.


Local Flavor

I have found when traveling that one of the big differences between one place and another is the food. Whether it's what's available in the market or what's served in the restaurants. While traveling to some of the places we have by boat this Summer, it has become very noticeable even in the United States.

We miss our Publix Supermarket, Panera Bread and Einstein Bagels and the large variety of great restaurants in Orlando. This year the two-food items that have been the hardest for us to find, are good fresh bread and bagels. Last year, as you may remember it was American Cheese. This year I accidentally made up for last year's cheese shortage. I kept buying American cheese faster than we were eating it. All of a sudden, several pounds were discovered in the refrigerator and it was time to make a lot of grilled cheese sandwiches. I still haven't had to buy any more cheese, since that discovery. Now, if we could only find hard rolls and bagels.

Most of the markets we've found since heading south from Chicago don't have a real bakery or deli within the supermarket. In Alton, Illinois, the cashier told me they only get fresh bagels once every few weeks because they just don't sell too many of them. This reminded me of when we first came to Orlando, over 10 years ago. We would drive to Altamonte Springs for fresh bagels because that was the only store.
Fortunately, this year, John and Lois Arie were aware of our bagel shortage. They were nice to have John's brother and sister-in-law, from Tennessee, deliver bagels to us. Thank you very much, we appreciate them and enjoyed meeting Doug and Sara.

At each new marina there's always the task of finding out where the market is and a means of getting there. In Buckhorn, Ontario we borrowed a work van with no back seat. The kids enjoyed "surfing" in the back. Luckily, it was a very short ride and kids heal quickly. In Harbor spring, MI, I was told the market was only four blocks up a hill. Well, being from Florida, I call it a mountain. Actually, I'm sure it was higher than Space Mountain, in Disney World. When I finally got to the store, I did noticed they had some good wines at a good price. The selection of wines in Canada had been minimal to nonexistent. The store was closing, so I quickly bought the food I knew we needed and could carry back. I got James interested in the wines and the next morning he climbed the mountain with me. After starting to put food and some wine in our cart, James asked for the phone number of a taxi. He found out there is no taxi in town. Since this is a family run market, they found a relative working in the store to drive us to the marina. The next morning, in the same town, we did find some fresh bagels. They were in a small coffee bar that was in part of the gas station. After three of us had ordered bagels, we felt a little bad when the locals came in. They would order their favorite bagel only to find it wasn't available (because we were eating it). She only had about a dozen bagels in the store to begin with. They would have to order another kind. The next local would come in and now their favorite bagel was gone. This domino effect happened several times while we were sitting there. We quickly came to the conclusion that she knew what kind of bagel everyone in town liked and that is what she had available.

In Ludington, MI, at the Harbor View Marina, the market near the docks had closed over the winter. One of the dockhands drove me out to the supermarket. While I was checking out with my groceries, I phoned the Marina for my ride back. I got their answering system because they were busy on the dock. My cashier, aware of my predicament, was nice enough to close her register and drive me back to the Marina in her car. Even though the store was busy. There are also restaurants in many towns that would pick you up for dinner and then drive you back to the marina afterwards.
This year, we were fortunate enough meet up again with friends who live along our route. In Grand Haven, Michigan we saw Dale and Shirley Bush. We had a nice visit with them. Shirley was kind to drive two of the kids and I to the store. Jay and Karyn were very impressed; they hadn't seen a big supermarket like that since upper New York State. We had a nice dinner with them and did I mention ice cream? The kids were quick to get off the boat to enjoy that treat. Thanks Dale and Shirley.

In Alton, IL the cashier from their ma and pa market came to pick us up at the Marina. This town also has a Casino shuttle that works well for getting a ride into town for dinner at a restaurant. At Green Turtle Bay Marina, in Kentucky. they have a mini-van available to rent for $5.00 a half-hour. They also have a 6-passenger golf cart for half-day rentals. I did the math and decided the golf cart was the better deal for us. The family rode into the town, in the golf cart, for lunch and groceries. Patti's Restaurant, in town, also has a van that picks you up 15 minutes before your dinner reservation and takes you back when you're finished. They are the one's that are famous for their pork chops.

As we headed South, the selection of food in the markets also kept getting slimmer. Even the Piggy Wiggly Markets didn't seem to have much of a selection or at least not what we're use to. They buy what sells and I didn't see much we that we wanted or needed; I did see some frozen black eye peas, no thank you.

Many of the marinas heading south would have a courtesy car available. These included a "Mississippi Cadillac" (ford pick- up truck) New Yorker, Crown Victoria and an Astro van, we never knew what type of vehicle to expect. Even if the air conditioner didn't work, we knew it was always better than walking. We learned not to expect much and would take the opportunity to venture out to "the town" restaurant for dinner. This would give the boat time to cool off and a chance for us to sample the local flavor, which include fried catfish, BBQ, Ribs, shrimp, fried okra, biscuits and Gumbo.
Patti


MV Summer School 7/30/2001 Redneck Riviera & Home

7/22/2001 Rain Rain Rain
to
7/25/2001 Dog River Marina Mobile Bay, State of Alabama
Very "BamA," we had some engine work done, 3 hours worth, not much, but very needed. Well, we had to wait for parts and we found Florida's rain, It shifted up to Mobile and the Gulf. So we sit. We can borrow the car once in a while for 2 hours at a time and we get to do some minor projects that seem to always get put off, but that's it. On the 25th about mid day we were watching the weather channel and our ships radar and saw a small break. We threw off the lines and went for it, the rain was light and lasted 2 miles into the bay and then it was clear. Mobile, we found out was one of the wettest cities in America. They trade the title of "Americas wettest City" with Seattle some years. But not recently due to the drought. "BamA" has been good to us, but I'm not planning to come back soon.


7/26/2001 Perdedo Key, FL Oyster Bar Marina

The Redneck Riviera, It may say Florida on the map but this is still very much BamA, very strange dinner, ask us someday. Oh well let me tell you now. The Restaurant is at the Marina, the Restaurant looked very nice, 2d floor overlooking the waterway, clean, nicely set up, our hopes were high as were the prices. Maybe its my fault. The waitress was young and very inexperienced, she reminded me of a mouse. No problem. Hints of the future begin to show themselves, the two waiters are also young and inexperienced. Drink order taken, the drink order returns, Styrofoam cups for the kids, and my drink just tastes wrong. Kids start wondering, I just drink, If there's enough liquor in it and I drink fast enough, It might be OK. Appetizers come out, I ordered the shrimp cocktail, we're in the gulf we always pass and see the shrimp boats, hell, the kids caught shrimp the last 4 days at the dock in Mobile. The shrimp is freezer burned, and old, and two of them have green mold on them. I went to the podium and ask for the manager, not available just now, can the waitress help, I say no. I'm told the manager will come out shortly. I go back and eat some shrimp. The manager shows up, she's, 21 maybe, she's nice, I explain what happened and show her the shrimp. She says the only fresh seafood they buy is the grouper, everything else is frozen. I am shocked beyond words, But I get out, "If this is what we can expect we should leave, if it will improve we will stay" she says stay, she will change the waitress to her husband, she looks too young to be married. Salads come out, freezer burned lettuce, frozen tomato. Entrees come out, Karyn and Laura are sitting next to each other, Laura (9) has been eating shrimp whenever its on the menu, Karyn (12) can eat in literally any restaurant on the planet, order properly and eat everything on the plate. My joy. Karyn has Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Laura has Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo, they each try the food and stop chewing to look at each other. It's bad, overcooked chicken, over cooked old shrimp, too little Alfredo sauce on the Fettuccine. The bread and chemical spread finally show up. My seafood plate is full of frozen, marginal broiled seafood. Patti's seafood plate is missing the Oysters and her baked Potato is gray inside. We ask the waiter what's going on, and can we see the Manager, his wife again. He returns and says no. No one else complains and we should either eat up or leave. We leave. Maybe its my fault. Now here's the really strange part. This place seats about 120 people, It was busy all night, calling names on the PA system, doing a land office business. I'm still confused.
We've eaten worse food on the trip, but it was the best they had, and the prices were low. They made us feel welcome, as if we came into their homes, and that made it good.

7/27/2001 Panama City, FL Marriot Resort
Very Nice, recommended, dinner @ (30 degrees Blue), 30 degrees Blue is not a Marriot restaurant, it leases space from Marriot and was full. It was a joy, we spent more on champagne than food.

7/28/2001 Carrabelle, FL Moorings Marina
Carrabelle, dinner @ "Julia Mae's" Grouper Throat's for everyone. We were here @ Julia Mae's three years ago, the food was good then, and its still good. Very local, very fresh food, very fair pricing. Yes, we ordered an order of Grouper Throats. Yes, I will explain what they are. But only if asked, there must still be some mystery in life.

7/29/2001 Clearwater, FL 175 Miles across the Gulf, plus 25 miles inshore from Clearwater to Maximo's Marina in St. Petersburg, FL. This is called "The Crossing" it takes you a bit more than 60 miles offshore and can be very dangerous. Either the weather is good to start and turns bad or is bad and clears. This is where boaters do a log jam waiting for a weather window to cross. No one crosses with a bad forecast. I saw Sunday was a good day back in Mobile, we were shooting to be in position to go on Sunday if the weather held. It did, we went, seas under one foot, winds under 10 mph, sky's light blue and clear, sea dark blue offshore, light green inshore. Engines hummin' @ 2200 RPM, our sweet spot for an efficient fuel burn, we go 22-23 mph there and can go about 250 miles. We stopped half way across and went swimming in water where you could see forever.

7/30/2001 St. Petersburg, FL St. Pete Municipal Marina. All tied up and signed in on a monthly basis. Very nice spot, we've unloaded the boat huge amounts of going home. We called Caesar's Limo, Caesar has a 15 passenger van that we like, so do Ron and Bev. We filled it, well I guess we could have gotten in 2 more bags.

7/30/2001 Orlando, Home. Fini.

And now for the stats. For the whole 2 year trip:

We were out for 132 days.
We went to 84 different ports.
We traveled 6335 miles.

-- ONE HINDERED AND FIFTY FOUR DIFFERENT LOCKS Plus Two Wicket Dams

Laura, Karyn, Jay, Aaron, Patti and James Clausen








We're done, we got into St. Petersburg, FL yesterday 7/30/2001.
Fini.

Just over 3000 miles this year in 59 days.
It seems so surreal. The reality has not hit yet. But the pressure of the responsibility has lifted. We haven't let out the word that we're back yet, we have a mountain of laundry, no food and untried cars. And the mail and paperwork, ech. But we did refill the hot tub Last night. Priorities.

What was your favorite part of the LOOP ? No answer. It was all good, I was on the boat that was all that mattered.
What was the least favorite portion? Coffeeville Lock
What was your biggest surprise or your most unique experience? Spending the night alongside a COE barge around MM 100 on the Ten Tom
What was your worst experience? Hitting bottom on the Trent Severn

What part did the kids enjoy the most? Anytime they were in the water.




Jc