2016's Last Lock
One minute you're a neophyte; the next you're a graybeard. In retrospect, the transition between the two seems instantaneous. In real time, it took us ten months to get comfortable transitioning locks. Entering Lock 3 today the Tainter gates were wide open. Bicki's relaxed attitude in the photo above reflects that and she knows the ride down will be swift, short, and smooth. The value of experience is knowing when not to be worried.
Hjortie 37VT63 Steams Past
For the past six days we've been buddy-boating with Hjortie. Trev knows these waters and it was nice to be able to tag along.
Lake Pepin Looking South
So much for wind forecasts; 6 to 8 turned into 20 to 25 mph winds. This created a sea state reminiscent of the Chesapeake: short, tight, and rough.
Red Wing, Minnesota to Lake City, Minnesota
Wow, what a ride! How else can I summarize the past 10 months aboard Nellie? We celebrated the successful cruise with Lee and Dee Anderson, Jack Robert 37VT17. It'll be hard to top our five course meal with matched wines--but it'll be fun trying...
A fast but bumpy 23 miles today. Total for the trip is now 4,368 miles. DBH