July 30th-

Sue’s Thoughts….the last morning of an incredible trip….

Waking up today brings a wave of mixed emotions from great sadness that this journey has come to an end to great joy & anticipation of reconnecting with family and friends who I have missed these past 3 weeks.  When my dad and I planned this trip years ago, I had no idea what adventures were in store.  And while he wasn’t physically with me on this trip, he was most certainly here in spirit.  And his passion for the water and boating will continue to live in my soul and this trip has only further ignited a desire for more water adventures! 

 But it must be said that the trip is only as good as the crew and I what a crew we had!  Starting out that first week with Rob and Jan who I really didn’t know (they were friends of Peter & Michele’s) I must admit I (as was probably the case for them) was a bit apprehensive of how everyone would “meld”.  I’ve mentioned that this trip is all about expecting the unexpected and that certainly applies to these two amazingly loving and kind people!  I have a deep respect for both of them and a special place in my heart for my new “sister/friend” Jan!  She is a mix of sugar and spice and I hope we can continue our friendship on land!   Next to arrive for week #2 was John (another friend of P & M’s).  What a change that was!  In walks this smart-mouthed cocky in-your-face guy who loves to get a rise out of people and I am thinking this is going to be a long week!  However, I soon learned that he is really a very kind teddy bear (and yes he will hate that I said that) and quickly became my new “brother/friend”.  The final week brought great joy as my dear husband (and dog) joined the crew!    I cannot express how touched I was that Mike (who originally did not want to go at all) spent Friday-Thursday with us.  His great sense of humor and easy going spirit (and of course his love for me) took the level of emotion on the trip up several notches!  Michele was our final crew member to join us during week 3.  Peter had been long anticipating her arrival and they celebrated with a dinner out on the town-just the 2 of them- to get reacquainted that first night.  I believe those two have many more river trips in their future!  And now to the final crew member who without him this trip would not have been possible- my dear friend and captain-Peter Borne.  I really struggle here on how to convey my gratitude to this man who took an idea of mine and made it into a trip of a lifetime.  In fact it is hard to see the screen as I type this due to the tears.  We had many challenges along the way-boat breaking down, weather, financial worries, etc-and at no point did he ever get mad or get down or want to end the trip.  And all throughout the trip he spread happiness to those we met.  He has a gift for making people feel at ease and in a world that is filled with so much negativity his gift is greatly needed!  He is lucky to have a strong family base to support him as he helps others in his unique ways.  I feel very honored to have spent 3 weeks with him as I have learned many things but most importantly is how to be a better friend.  Thank you Peter for sharing your time, talents, and boat with me.  I pray God continues to bless you with opportunities to add joy to those who need it the most.  

Okay, enough “mushy” stuff as I’ve run out of kleenex!  And our final day on the water is starting.  The sun is up and I am guessing that now that the boat has stopped rocking that my 2 crew members are ready for some breakfast!  They say when the boat is “a rocking, don’t come a knocking”, but they never said anything about continuing to blog!!  I think I’ll make egg surprise (meaning putting whatever is left in the refrigerator) for those two in bed (they will need the energy to complete today’s trip)!  

A special “thank you” to all our boat angels, our friends, and our family who have supported us with their prayers, words of kindness, acts of service, and so much more.  And thank you God for blessing us beyond our expectations! You have created a world of beauty and one that we are awed at and will continue to appreciate all the days of our lives. 

Peter’s Thoughts-

Yeah…what she said.

River dance!    Mike explained that this is his song for SUE!     Riding the bow with a carelessness and love for the water and a light cocktail.     The music took over and a youthful riverdance "happened"

We gathered for a group pic in Prairie du Chien before bidding adieu to Naughty Nelly!     Mike was back in the real world in under 2 hours as the remaining crew of Peter, Michele and Sue attempted to get on the beached tow boat/ Shipwreck the L. Wade Childress which looked as if it was dropped from the sky onto land.      (Note:  If we ever went back to Prairie du Chien bring a extension ladder.)      After we abandoned the Childress,  we check’d on gas and a pump out.   Neither which worked so we fired up on the reserve tank and floated down steam to McGregor where we met a firecracker of a young girl named Samantha.     A nearby local who is heading into her own adventure as a Marine recruit this fall!        Filled the tanks with over 600 dollars in fuel (ouch) but it felt good pushing off upriver with a full belly!        We had high water and a fast current which we were told had slowed down barge traffic,  however this did not hold us up at either lock 9 or 8 as we sailed though with a lite rain falling with aTemp around 73 degrees.       Lot’s of green stuff that has been traveling off the banks and down the river meant an occasional “Reverse” props to clear off the crud.     After lock 9,   the boat and river gel’d and we motored northbound and passed back through Lansing at a comfortable clip,  or so we thought when we were chased and overtaken by a very angry guy in a flat bottom fishing boat who used almost every curse word to politely explain that we threw to much water at the S and S houseboat dock and rocked them with our wake.      After we apologized over and over,   the pissed off guy (who rammed his boat into our hull) took his veined forehead and left.     Sue needed a pee break as she was at the helm durning this assault.       We then resumed our trek with a greater sensitivity to the needs of the riverside dwellers as well as barge boaters.    

Pulled into LaCrosse’s Pettibone Marina (where Sue and Mike made past memories which ignited there return to boating)  at around 3pm.     Then heading into town for a fun night of carousing.      Casino bar was our first visit and a great kickoff bar locked in time of 1930’s post prohibition decor.     Dan the bartender was pouring strong and was very helpful in our party planning.   He complimented Peters shirt, and for a brief moment there was talk of a swap for his Casino T-shirt.       We headed to the Stein Haus bar on the suggestion of our Marina bartender Paul.      He met up with us and helped us choose a bratwurst sampler which was out of this wurld!    We met his buddies one of which was a brand ambassador of the local Pearl Street Brewery.   He gave us each a couple of beer tokens to be used at most local establishment.      A jazzy combo played while Peter and Newest Crew Member (and wife) Michele waxed the floor with some fancy dance moves.      After we moved on to the Bodega Bar.      Peter joined the band onstage for a rousing rendition  of our theme song “Come Sail Away”  and we left “spent ” and needing a “time out ” from “reality of land” and returned again to the sea.      

One of my joys this trip is to add the happy musical soundtrack to the ports of call with my ukulele.    While walking Remy in the morning downtown Guttenberg,  Sue and I walked past a local bakery with a pyramid of donuts with a Happy birthday sign poked into it.    Ladies were gathering for the morning festivities so we hurried to the boat to pick up my uke.    When got back to the bakery,  we were joined on the way in by a local named "Mike"  for my birthday song to the birthday girl JoAnn.     So I sang my song to her and the whole group of friend immediately snapped up pics and memories.   We were invited to join the party and share in the fun.     I was asked to come back next day for another birthday girls party,  but instead sang "Hound Dog"  for her on the spot which brought many smiles.   Sue was surrounded by questioning hens and found many of the ladies were retired teachers!    Much joy and love shared in Guttenberg.   I'm told that it was going to be mentioned in the Guttenberg Press.   So keep posted! 

One thing we've discovered living on the river with 95 degree days is the benefit of a aft deck outdoor shower after a cool dip in the river!   Please enjoy the following shot completely on my iPhone!

Well,  Dubuque hospitality continues to shine with Mike and Glenda Wilson.     Thanks to Jan (and Rob) Barrett,  we have continued our new found relationship adding Mike Nelson and Remy to the mix.    After our prop diagnosis suggested we are land locked for the weekend.   Mike Wilson drove up to the boat as if on cue.    We were welcomed with open and arms to stay with them.     Sue and Glenda took over the kitchen and we all had fun cooking singing.

Today, We've decided to head back northbound.   Weather in Mn. says we'll be slipping more with high water.   So the Journey is more important than the destination!      Muscatine had a nice transient dock and we had some fun at the Flaming Embers bar where the "Reverend Ray"  was in the right place at the right time to have church.    The next morning,  we got up to a sunny sky and I did some Dock Yoga!    It was awesome.    We pushed off in search of uncharted Isles and found an Island paradise where much fun and memories were made!    

July 19th

Burlington is a sad town.     Not much to write about here.    Except John had the best chicken tenders (“OF HIS LIFE?!) at the riverside joint steps from the Marina.      We pulled into the harbor (4 feet)  had to pump our own gas and find a slip (2 attempts) with adequate power.      The marina people were nice and a few had indicated a trip to Red Wing was in their future!      In the morning after our arrival,  I headed out on bike to find the local Hy-Vee.      Got lost in the early morning light and was chased by a Grand Prix with some local “Biffs”  which was unnerving as I didn’t have my phone or any other protection with me.      After a close drive by,    I got off the main road and meandered the side streets back to the boat just in time to miss the morning rain storm!       Didn’t mind pulling out of this place.   Pronto.

As it turns out, we have two special Ellies who mean the world to us!     Jan and Rob has 20's something Elle holding down the fort while they are on board.    And Nana Sue has her granddaughter Elle who has been anxiously awaiting "more from Nana" vids.     Here is a moment of musical magic which is just another great way to pass the time on the Magical Mississippi!

Hey followers!    Sorry for the downtime, however internet on the river is sketchy at best.     I have a few videos to share but due to bandwith in most places,  it'll have to wait.   So I thought I'd ketchup up everybody to the goings on down stream.

Last Thursday at 3pm the crew was able to ship out from Dubuque (MM 580).

With the new props, shafts and struts the word smooth never felt so good.     Because of the later day start,   Rob, Jan, Sue and I wanted to get at least 4 hours down stream which got us to Clinton at MM 519 (a 61 mile day).    A nice marina with shore restaurant.    A 2-man band was playing on the deck and music permeated the harbor wrapping up at 10pm.     Mayflies started to hang around and we thought another hatch was eminent,  so we turned down the lights and called it night.    Oh,  and the boat turned over 1000 engine hours!

After a week on the river,  we have to say so long to our Salty sea crew.    Rob and Jan Barrett who started off this adventure with us from Red Wing.    Jan has been promoted to Queen Coiler,  and our master chef Rob made sure we were well fed and cultured in the finer foods along the way!    You both are booked for the east coast portion on our Great Loop trip when that happens!     I loved seeing the bond that formed with Jan and Sue!     They are now fast friends and the world is a little closer in the Ja Ja sisterhood of the traveling pants!        John "Capt'n" Ray Mulkern arrived late Friday night prepared for anything and without skipping a beat let us know he was here to contribute to the fun and frolik of the next leg!     Welcome to week 2!    

Well let it be said, we had the best breakdown ever.     Everyone came together as a team to get us back on the water in under 48 hours.     But even more than that, we've all been taken by the uncanny good fortune we've had with the people we've met and helped out along the way.     These people seem to come out at the right time and at the right place as if God put them there for us to meet.     We have called them our boat angels.      They are a huge part of our thrilling trip out on the water!     Here's to them and you all who have keeping up with our travels sending out well wishes on the way!  (video posting shortly)

Sue:  After a scenic morning run along the river, Peter & I stopped by the boat for some polishing up on the hull.  First day ever that I got in my 10000 steps before breakfast!  Our crew then transferred hotels to the famous Hotel Julien as Peter used his superior negotiating skills to get us the Al Capone Suite at 1/3 the regular price.  We had some time in the afternoon to TCB in Dubuque which included shopping and seeing the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium.  Mike & Glenda invited us over to their beautiful home for a delicious dinner of fresh corn on the cob (note the IA version of making this as you view the video), heirloom tomatoes, & grilled chicken breasts with goat cheese and roasted red peppers.  Who could have ever imagined that any of these things would be part of this trip??  I believe we all continue to be overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude of all the blessings and have now come to expect the unexpected (in a good way!).  Thank you to those who have added their comments to this blog pray for our continued safe passage.  

At the beginning of this journey,  I asked you all for your well wishes and prayers.     Man!   You all have really good connection to the Big Guy!      GOD is in control and has blessed in countless ways.      We kinda were thinking that the journey was going to have to be rescheduled  due to all the normal reason; back ordered parts, a 2 week backlog of work at the service shop etc.   Nope!    Not this time!    MR.MOJO RISING!   I got on the horn (phone for land lubbers) and by 8:30 in AM,  parts suppliers from across the country have come to our aide!   Even changing over production lines to help us!    As of right now,  ALL parts needed to fix up "Simple Pleasure" are en route!   Progressive Insurance has already signed off with the service shop to handle the "$13,XXX" repair.    And with any luck, we'll be on our way delayed only 1 day!??!      Amazing Yes,  but that's only the beginning......

Peter:   We were all up with the sun this morning.   Our decision to bed down in Lansing meant we had a long run to Dubuque Iowa.   3 Locks and and Dams 9-10-11.     With the sunrise we all walked into town at approx. 6:15 to Nutmeg's Bakery for some nummys :)     Please note the euphoric look on the ladies faces after tasting small town goodness hot and fresh out of the oven!      The crew and captain shipped out by 7:30 and we sailed thru the first two L and D's.    Boat Yoga was attempted on the bow while Sue ran the boat.      Beautiful weather, scenery and company.   Ran the drone again for some action shots of the boat in motion!    But as the river is unpredictable,  we were stopped just 12 miles north of our destination by what we figure was a submerged marker pulled down by some debris within the channel.     Our now well oiled and salted crew did everything to perfection as we had to limp it in on one motor and crippled prop.    We have had many heard prayers and what we have come to call BOAT ANGELS on side so far!    American Marine was standing by as we pulled in and plucked us from the water and surveyed the damage.    With luck and prayers always welcomed,   we may be able to resume down river with just 1 days delay.       

Sue:  Day 2- No matter the weather, this crew sticks together!  I am so proud to on board with a crew that happily embraces the challenges of rainy weather and mechanical issues!  Raindrops did make their way through most of our day and Peter did make some updates to our starboard engine which did was not operating at its full potential.

  Today we traveled from Winona, MN to Lansing, IA  and made it fairly quickly through three L & D's (thanks to the generosity of some of the L & D masters).  We arrived in Lansing, IA in time for ice cream cones and dinner (in that order) and then the boys barely beat us girls in the first game of bean bag toss and then Peter & Jan won the 2nd game.  Rob had his first flight of the drone which is shown in the video for today.  All in all, it was an amazing day on the river and we look forward to whatever adventures lie ahead!  

Peter:   The day started out picture perfect and got better from there!     We shoved off after a brief dedication and the four of us had a perfect day out on the river which included a dip in the side channel near Alma while waiting for lock and dam 4 to clear.    We had a impeller issue which we got fixed on our own when we arrived in Winona.     Met a great host of the Marina named Joseph Patrick O'Hara!    He drove us around downtown to a great dinner spot!    Headed to the couch soon to get a good nights rest for our next leg!     Love this so far!

It's time to pack up the car and head to the boat today.    I've gathered my stuff including video and audio gear to capture the events of the trip including shooting a new "Cooking for Dads" boating episode for Rob Barret's web channel.    Special thanks to Michele for handling the grocery shopping for us all on week 1.    Lots of fresh veggies, eggs, coffee, deli meats and did I say coffee.  It was requested "good" coffee by someone and we happen to have a new member of the Red Wing family who is a roaster and brought us some of his special stash?!      Maybe coffee, some spices, and a few pieces of junk jewelry and we can barter a trade for some island.    Not looking forward to Good-byes though.    Guess I wear dark sunglasses...  Bon Voyage in T-Minus 24-23-22-21.....    

Had a chance to run "Simple Pleasure" for final testing over the 4th of July weekend.  All things are looking good.   (Thanks John Mulkern for you assist on the oil change.)      I am now officially on "lock down" by Sue as to not do anything that would hurt or effect my "All SYSTEMS GO" status.    Starting to fill my packing list and going food shopping for the "first leg" team on Friday morning.   Then headed down for a night of restless jitters sleep for the morning light send off by family and friends from Red Wing. 

6/29/16

The Countdown is on to July 9th!     A trip to see if I like to trip on a boat  for an extended period of time.   In this case 3 weeks down and back to St. Louis Missouri.    Around 1000 Nautical miles.    For this trip I will be joined by some great people.    Rob and Jan Barrett will be with on week 1,   John and Sue Mulkern on week 2, and Michele and Mike Nelson week 3.      My co-pilot will be my dockmate Sue Nelson who opted in for the entire ride down and back.   As it happened she and her Father Roger planned a river trip that took them on the same route years ago,  but tragically,  Sue's father took ill just days before they were to depart.   He passed shortly there after.     I dedicate this trip to his memory, to a fathers love for his daughter, and heading out into the great unknown.   We're finishing preparations now!    The Mighty Carver 355 motoryacht will be our raft...."and she's ready for floatin....The Mississippi is callin my name!"      Check back often