Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Grrrrr

Yep, its me again...Dad thought he would have the last word this year but not so. I celebrated my very first Christmas yesterday and it was great! After flying home ( I dont like airplanes but I behave pretty well cause I get to go) we got to the river and my deck and I had to check everything out at the house including running a few laps around the den and kitchen.

We spent Christmas day at Matt and Susans and I got to play all day with Riley and Bogie and open presents (mine and everybody else's too). When Dad and I got up at our usual 5:30am time it was snowing...first snow for me but it didnt last long. I got new toys and treats and got to see Jamey on the internet hook up...cool! Papa and MaMaw Wood came over for lunch and presents too. It's cold up here and I do miss the warm weather we left in Florida. Dad took me upstairs today and we got on scales and I topped out at a whopping 13 pounds....boating life has been good for me. I will make this update short and sweet cause I wont be sweet much longer today....heard Mom and Dad talking about a bath today and I know what's coming shortly. Attached are some Christmas pics and a few other loop pics with yours truly.

See you all later when we get back to Here and Now in some warmer weather next year.

Remember, bark more and growl more!!

Last Stop in 2009

We have made it to Fort Myers, Fl which is our final stop for 2009. We will be here a week and then head home to Tennessee for the holidays. We left Palm Island Marina yesterday after a stay of a week there. Very nice marina with access to beach and pool. The beach was not crowded and Carolyn got lots of shells. We biked a couple of days including riding to church on Sunday morning. It was a beautiful day yesterday on the water as we traveled @ 45 miles from Cape Haze, Fl to Fort Myers through Gasparilla Bay and Pine Island Sound including Captiva and Sanibel Islands. Several pics attached are from both near Palm Island and on the trip to Fort Myers. We had some dolphins who followed close behind our boat for a long time. Also note the slow speed zone sign for manatees. We saw some of these in the marina at Palm Island.

We have traveled almost 1100 miles by water and have been away from home for about 6 weeks. Enjoy the pics and we will update again in 2010 (unless Willi sneaks in and does a Christmas update).

Stay Safe....

Waiting Out the Rain.

We have been away from home for a month now. It sure doesn't seem that long. Last week we were in Clearwater Fl. The marina was right by a beautiful white beach and every chance we had we were there. That is between rain storms.... which aren't that bad because then you clean the boat and catch up on your laundry. Another thing that happens especially when it rains, is you meet everyone on the dock. Most are starting or finishing the Loop which lends itself to great evenings with everyone sitting in a large circle talking about their experiences. We learned where to eat along the way, what towns are unique to visit, and where to find the best price for gas/deisel. One of the quaint villages was Tarpon Springs. Its a greek community thats been there forever and has the best food and friendliest people. Got to shop a few hours in real stores, not a Walmart.

We are now in Cape Haze, Fl on the ICW after stopping yesterday at Cortez, Fl. The marina here is very nice and we may stay a few days....weather is great. We are now only 38 miles from Fort Myers where we will keep the boat for a month or so over the holidays.

Data, Zombies, and Taking Control

Hey Folks, its me again! I have picked up the lingo and learned a lot about the boating and navigation in short order including actually piloting the boat. Anyway, my Dad got so worked up about this big crossing we did that he would be quite upset with me if I did not update everyone on some info (data, he calls it) about our recent crossing of the Gulf of Mexico. So here are the facts and then I can speak to the fun stuff:

Left Panama City @ 7:15 am on Nov 28 and arrived at Apalachicola at 3 PM (Dad uses military time but I havent gotten into that yet). We refueled and headed back out across Apalachicola Bay at 3:45PM and went through Government Cut (Dad says this name sounds like a good idea) and into the big, big Gulf of Mexico. We traveled all night and arrived at Clearwater, Fl the next morning, Nov 29 at 10:45 am...a total of 19 hours from Apalachicola and 27 hours from Panama City. We traveled 61 miles from Panama City to Apalachicola and then 180 miles to Clearwater, Fl. The seas were 1-2 feet most of way and the boat did good....my Dad says all his fancy equipment worked and really helped out way out in the middle of the big water. Mom and I slept a lot upstairs with Dad...I did have to relieve Dad once as you can see in pic. We stayed in contact with the boat behind us every 30 minutes by radio. As we got close to Clearwater Dad started zigzagging to keep from hitting crab pots. Anyway, we made the big crossing and Dad kept using the word Zombie toward the end of the trip.

We are going to stay here a few days and it is a neat place. I am really peeved about something and I will just put it on the table now....They do not allow dogs on the public beaches here and the problem is that I am a Westie and that should be taken into account . I want to dig in the sand and check out the birds and kids on the beach. Dad says you have to be careful eating on the beach as one of the birds swooped down and snatched some chips right out of his hand! And another thing...as you can see in the pic Mom is using MY toys to decorate her morning beverages...not sure why? But guess it is OK...she does a good job of taking care of me in the mornings when Dad is busy with the boat and keeps me warm too! Oh, almost forgot, met a new little friend over Thanksgiving and played with him a while. Not as much fun as Riley and Bogie back home but I could handle this little guy.

It is much warmer down here now and I dont think I will have to wear that icky sweater they put on me sometimes for quite a while. We are going to rent a car today and go to some Greek town with sponges, Tarpon Springs I think.

Over and out, roger, and all that other stuff...plus remember Bark More, Growl More!!

Thanksgiving Week

We have had a great Thanksgiving on the water. We spent three days at Harborwalk Marina and had access to the hotel, spa , etc. On Thanksgiving we were invited to a campsite nearby on the beach with some friends of the couple we are traveling with. It was a fantastic meal and a great campsite...super clean with secluded campsites. It was good to be with others to celebrate Thanksgiving. We miss our family and friends and Willi misses Riley and Bogie but we had an enjoyable day and thought of how blessed we have been and are so thankful for our families.

I have attached a few pics from Destin. Tonight we are at the city marina in Panama City traveling 63 miles today with sunny skies. Its a little cool down here but not as cool as Saltillo, Tn (29 degrees). I am really getting into planning and plotting and piloting the boat. We are approaching a big decision in the next day or two as to whether we will do the Big Bend or make an overnight run across the Gulf of Mexico(170 miles). We are leaning toward the overnighter to get on down further south and some warmer weather and for some aboard an opportunity to work on a tan.

Leaving at 7 in the morning heading further east to Apalachicola or Port St. Joe.....

Later.....be safe!

In The Groove...GRRR

Well, I am back for an update...been tough finding time to get on this machine. Left Mobile, AL this morning after 3 days at Dog River Marina. I wonder if there is a Westie River Marina?? Lots of dogs around and we rented a car with some other folks we are traveling with on a boat called Biddie and the Beast. Mom finally got to go to Fairhope and shop and also went to Gulf Shores and THEY ate at Lulus (Jimmy Buffets sister's resturant). We traveled 69 miles today and things really look different as we are in bigger waters. Lots of sun today and finally saw some white sand on the way to Pensacola, Fl. We saw the Blue Angels practicing today....very noisy!!

You may think I have life of Riley on this trip but wanted to post a few pics to let you know I am contributing quite a bit. Taking care of safety equipment, rolling up lines, cleaning the deck and main salon...which I do after Mom and Dad eat....with all that work I do have to get in my nap time as well.

Got a bath today while underway and I was not happy about that as I prefer to help Dad with the navigation activities...I let Mom know about it too!! I do smell better though. Then tonight Dad pulls out this Dremel tool and here we go again with getting my nails ground...wonder how they would feel getting their nails ground with a dremel tool.

We are headed for Destin, FL tomorrow and will spend Thanksgiving there .....this is all new to me but I am thankful to be on this trip. Something different every day and seeing lots of new and strange birds and big dolphins in the water...I may have to take a dip in near future at least I am trying....a couple of near misses already!!

I do think I am getting hang of this boat trip...I really like it when we hang out at a marina for more than just one day!! Also, I get to go on long walks/runs and smell around and today got to dig in sand (after bath, Mom not happy)!!

Later.....

Bark More, Growl More!!

Final week on river...

This week we have traveled at least 60 miles a day. Most of the time its about 10 miles an hour. We arrived in Mobile yesterday and will leave on Sunday. The weather has been without rain for 5 days, which is great. It has been lots colder than I ever thought. Can't wait until we get to warmer days. We have anchored out under the stars a few nights and in/at marina's the other ones. I think the prettiest part of the day is the early mornings, sometimes with the low fog and total quietness it is almost spiritual. The river curves so much its like you are meeting yourself. Because of the rain north of us there have been sooo many large floating trees (which the loopers call sharks). It takes two people watching so we don't hit any. Of course Willi has to stay in his crate when its busy and after he has done that most of the day, he is wired.... We have been traveling with two boats Biddi and the Beast from Louisville Ky and Floating Stones from Cincinnati. Its their second time to do the loop so we have loved hearing their stories and learning all we can. When looking for a marina the first question we ask is, Do they have a courtesy car, then are there washers and dryers ( how many) and how close to a resturant.... The trip has been more than I ever thought. Its a great journey.

On the Move Again

Here's the deal: I am confused...we leave on this great adventure and then turn around and go back home!! Something about rivers flooding down below and no boats moving. Anyway, I enjoyed a few days back at my deck and it was a short drive by car and I am sure much less expensive. We are back on the move again and traveled 69 miles today and anchored out in something called an Ox Bow just below some lock named after a famous US senator.....tomorrow to Demopolis and a chance to walk and run a lot. Since I last posted we ran aground even though I never saw any ground just a lot of back and forth and Daddy getting very nervous...I can tell! We stayed a few days at the marina and I had to help calm Dad down and check out the boat engines (see pic). I did not go in the ice cold water just barked to support Dad in his dive suit....cant get Mom to give the pic for that (yet!!)

Mom and Dad are doing OK and mom has done a great job with her new dishes...food is good too per my Dad...they dont let me eat off the table (yet!!) Still don't like being underway but hopefully it will get better...I have to stay in kennel a lot because I like to chew and investigate new areas of boat when Mom and Dad are distracted with things like locking through and watching for trees in the water.

Wag More, Bark More, Growl More!!

Sooner or Later

They say sometimes its better to get things out of the way sooner than later if they are going to happen. Well, during our 59 mile run from Midway to Columbus we got in the mud coming out of a lock. I won't go into the muddy details of how or why but needless to say I have greater respect for the Tenn-Tom and value of watching charts and buoys that are misplaced. Boat ran OK and I doned my wet suit today and went down and checked props and also got my speed transducer unplugged. It took a few minutes to get adjusted to the cold water but got it done and looks like we dodged a bullet. Anyway, our first grouding is past and hopefully the last!

We went through four locks yesterday with no problems except for dodging the trees and other junk in the locks (see pic). We will be here at Columbus Marina for a few more days due to flooding further south and lots of trash and trees expected at Demopolis. We may rent a car and drive back home for a few days waiting for the Black Warrior River to crest below us..it is expected to be 10 feet or more above normal with lots of trash, trees, and fast current. We think we can do without that after yesterday! It rained last night and and most of today. Lots of Loopers here
and we are having a boaters potluck tonight...everyone is ready to go but stuck here for now.

Later........

Getting My Bearings

OK, its about time I got the real story out on this 'Great Loop Adventure' my folks are telling ya'll about. First of all, we have been gone from my deck for five days and traveled only 2 of those days....at this rate I won't get back to my real home until who knows when...I don't think Mom and Dad care much about that. We are in Mississippi at Midway Marina (if you click on the pic of the marina you can see my new home Here and Now on the right) which I kinda like because I get to walk and meet other dogs almost like me (non Westies). We had a long day yesterday going through three locks but good thing about locks is Dad turns the engines off and it is much better. So, when we are underway (a term my Dad uses) I sleep a lot. However, my Dad gets a little nervous at times and I have to help out with navigation as you can see in the picture attached. Also, while underway I am getting to know Mom a little better and I think she is OK...gives me treats when I go in my kennel.

We are leaving early in the morning headed further south with four locks and about 59 miles. It will be slow going for a few days due to some woman called Ida......they say she is in Gulf of Mexico and the marinas are full with no boats moving south.

I am starting to get my bearings on the boat and now can climb all the steps and know where they hide the fun stuff to chew on....I really like the full water bottles to play with!!!

So long for today....Wag More, Bark Less ...nice saying but not for me....I say Wag More, Bark More!!!

quite reading day at Aqua Harbour

Today was a slow day waiting on the marina to do some waranty work that never happened. Good news is, I got to read alot... We took Willi on several long walks thru the falling leaves along the shoreline. He loves this weather as we do. Met several new loopers. Listening to their stories is inspiring. Most of the ones we are meeting are at the end of their adventure. Each one tells of their favorite area... most speak of Canada... We will leave Pickwick as soon as the fog lifts tomorrow, Saturday. Good Night...

second night-Aqua Harbour

It's been the perfect day. Work was done by noon on the boat. Long walks with Willi while Steve washed the boat. Then wonderful dinner at Jon's Pier... tomorrow early morning departure. Life is Good.

A Great Start on the Great Loop

Well, our primary blogger hit the sack early today and I am up watching the World Series with Willi. We left Riverstone Marina at 0800 today (about an hour delay due to fog) and arrived at Aqua Yacht Harbor in Iuka, MS around 1545. We passed by La Maison Rouge( our home at Tn River MM 172) around 0900 and honked at Billy and Judy Duck who were kind enough to take us to Rivertone last night. We traveled around 55 miles today and locked through Pickwick Lock this afternoon. Overall a great day and beautiful weather. Carolyn took lots of pics and hopefully will get them up tomorrow. We will be here 2 days and then move on down the Tenn-Tom.


Not a lot to say about the trip today as we have traveled this part of Tennessee River before. It was colorful and blue skies were with us all day...actully got rather warm this afternoon after starting out around 32 degrees.



Tough day for Willi getting adjusted to new surrondings but one day at a time..wait a minute ...I will let him speak for himself in a few days!

Thats it for tonight!

Getting Close

Went to the boat again today to load groceries and check on a few things. Just a few days now before we leave...getting anxious to go! Boat is getting crowded and we have not left yet. Weather looking good for this week. My crew members are excited too...We plan to head up the Tennessee to Pickwick and stop at Aqua Harbor for a couple of days for a little minor work on boat and then down the Tenn-Tom.

Something is happening......

Its getting real wierd around here....Daddy and Momma keep talking about some big trip. I hope I get to go....they keep going to the boat and I am not sure that is good. They keep putting stuff on me to wear and I tolerate it but dont really like it. But anyway I get to sleep on the big bed sometimes now and whatever is fixing to happen I will be ready.

Gas tank full... boat in good shape... waiting for the 4th...