Daisy Takes Step One for Great Loop Training

Well, Daisy achieved a great step today, in her process to becoming a Great Loop Dog.  She has taken many rides on the Blue Willow. But, all have been day trips, always back on the dock at the marina in time to do Number one and Number two (usually very quickly after we pull into the slip.  Well, I brought the dingy to our lake rental house that we are staying at.  This proved to be a perfect place to get her on the dingy for the first time.  When I launched the dingy and took it out 100 feet or so, she actually jumped in the lake and started to swim towards me, yikes.....  I then went to shore to do the "training'.
     Well, it was not too difficult, as,  after placing a carpet on the floor of the dingy, she jumped right in (the smell of treats might have had something to do with it). I started the engine, and motored slowly around School Section Lake.

Whoo Hoo, we are happy, and now step two begins......to get her from the Willow, to the dingy. Stay tuned.

Surprise Retirement Party- With Great Loop related gifts. (memorable)

Last week (Wednesday May 7th) I was the Honoree of a Suprise Retirement Party.  The early evening started with me walking our dog in the rain. As I became saturated, I was thinking 'when I get home, I'd simply get a hot shower, and watch the NHL playoffs'.  Well, not quite.  I noticed my daughter Kourtneys car in the driveway, then her husband Chad showed up.... It was decided to go out for dinner.  OK, no shower, I was told to simply change my clothes, and then again.  As we entered the Blue Lake restaurant and bar, I noticed my friends who golf and have beers afterward.  I told Kourtney to find a tall table and I would join them after saying hi to the guys.   Nooooooo.   "Dad this is for you" ok   Ill be there in a minute,  NNooo dad this is a party for you!  OH!

Well the party and execution of the surprise could bot have been any better it was perfect, and what an awesome time,  Really!  I had perhaps the best time of any party,  anywhere, anytime that I have attended! (Thanks to Bruce for setting it up, and thanks to the Welding guys for my drinks).

There were two Great Loop related events at the party that I want to add to out GL Blog..

1. I received a card from the guys, referencing crossing the finish line, and a perfectly worded personal message:

What a perfect Wordsmith effort (Thanks Ken).  The words mean so much to me.
The "Little Something" is:

I cannot wait to display the Ferris Flag as high as possible on the Blue Willow. Thanks to all who contributed to this awesome meaningful gift, Thanks again.

2. Beth and George Langenberg are great friends who we have boated with many times, and we all have great stories to share (another time).  I received a gift from them,  that was hilarious.  I refer to it as the 'Human Anchor Chain'.

The setup:

The gift:

Is that funny? Is that great....? Even a padlock! Thanks Beth and George for a memorable gift.

If you are inclined, here is a youtube video of me unwrapping, and notice Vickis reaction at the end: Click Here

And then there is the requisite disclaimer: (way to go George)

Thanks everyone.  Truly a memorable night.

Prepping of a Different Kind

      I have been prepping for classes for a long time.  Above is a shot of our table that consists of our Maptech Charts, regular charts, guides, 'Skipper Bobs', etc for prepping for the Great Loop trip.  I plan to take half of the materials to the Keys with us, then send them back to the kids. I will then have the kids send us the remainder of the materials to complete the loop.

Update May 9 2014 Sorry for not blogging.

Well, things are heating up pretty fast.  The "To Do" list for prepping the Blue Willow is  very active.  A quick update on our status:
Sold the House.  Moved to a rental on School Section Lake (nice place) in February (too much snow, and very cold).
Sold tons of 'stuff' otherwise known as downsizing, or junk.
Final day of work for Mark is Saturday, tomorrow.  He will be "walking' at Ferris' graduation.  30 years coming to an end at Ferris.  Nice ride, great ups a few downs, but an awesome position to have, and awesome experiences to treasure.
Vicki's last day at work  is June 27th (seven weeks away).  Her position has been posted, she is ready to retire today.  With the change of ownership of the hospital to Spectrum, work life has changed from Small Town operations to Corporate (not so good).
Base camp for our future travels will be our Condo on Crooked Lake.
Our Departure for the Loop will be August 10th (delayed due to a wedding that we want to attend).