Day 31 - Saturday.. Allie gets a job!!

Morning Run..   Allie went for her interview..  got it.. started today!
We went over the hilton to see her working with the tourists doing snuba!!!
MAde a really tasty beef stew tonight in the pressure cooker!!
Bill Butler came by..   signed Wilson!! ha   Its his birthday tomorrow (Sept 1).
Allie is soooo happy with her new job!

Day 30 - Friday!!! Dingy rides, Job searching

Morning run..  back to the boat for breakfast
Allie and I took the dingy over to fill her up with gas.. restrung the davits with new line and a better pulley system..
Went downtown for some munchies and Friday margaritas...
On the way, Allie stopped at the dive shop.. she has an interview tomorrow!!
Robin and I Sat on the bow of the boat watching the stars with a bottle of wine!!

Day 29 - Thursday To the Mall !!! Fix the aC

Run in the morning..  Listened to Chris Parker weather radio..  still havnt got the ham radio going.. looks like the antenna is unplugged..
Bus to the Mall.. we have this thing working well now!..  Robin bought a bunch of baskets..
Cab it back.. rain would have ruined the baskets.. ha..  There was a corvette show at the mall that was cool!
Out for Pizza for dinner.. Nice night!!   Got back and julio had an A.C guy for us..  a transister was blown..  boat is cooooool now!!!

Day 28 - Beach day (Resort)

Morning run, but no swim..  back to the boat to pack for beach day..
Over to the Hilton for a day at the beach.. snorkeling with allie for a long time, saw lots of fish.. no coral.. but very fun..  our first time snorkeling this adventure..
Checked out the hammocks, lazed around... we brought cheeze crackers turkey and beer!
Back to the boat to get cleaned up.. then out for some Pizza!!!  Its always so good here!!!
Back to the boat and early to bed!!!

Day 27 - Tuesday - Work day

Hung around the boat today... other than our normal run and swim in the morning..
Doing alot of WHMIS training online, so thought best to hang close to the internet..
Made the online course payable by credit card.. Hooked up XM radio in the boat..  Had a nap!!!
Garlic Lime Chicken wraps... pretty good!..     Over to the grocery store for more rum, pop, fruit,,
Facetimed Jessi for a long time... she is funny..
Got the kitchen( galley) completely done now.. looks great!

Day 26 - Monday- Lazy Day!!!

Lazy day..  hanging around the boat..  didnt do our normal run/workout/swim..
But..  I got the hot water system figured out on the boat.. the breaker was too small for the rated capacity.   Then I took apart the Ham radio, and noticed it wasnt plugged in..  quick fix!!  Need to look at the antenna now!
Allie and I went to the grocery store..  picked up a bunch of stuff..
Dinner was awesome!..  Taco's made from turkey.. the sauce robin made from scratch (Guackamolie!!)
Had a visit from Bill Butler..  he shipwrecked 2 times.. one time he was adrift for 66 days..
www.wbutler.com
He is 84 years old and a great person to hang out with.. full of stories..  Its his birthday this Friday!
Carlos and Andrea came by on their paddle boards..  beautiful night!

Day 25 - Sunday.. Dingy Ride!!! and Dinner out!

Mission today.. return the old battery core to the marina store..  dropped the dingy and cruised over..  noticed they have speed limit signs and manatee crossing's..  cool.. would be neat to see one!
Went for a longer ride, up to the cruise ships.. found a spot to dock near the coast guard..
Walked around old san Jaun for a while..  we had to get back, as we have a dinner date with Allie's friends and parents.
Walked over to the restaurant for dinner..  great italian place..  back to their house after, beautiful place on the 8th floor.. its not an apartment.. its a house in the sky..

Day 24 - Saturday - Jogging n Shopping.. ???

Up fairly early and out for a jog..  there's a cool route just near our boat..  we run down beside a canal with people all paddling on SUP and kayaks..  workout stations are every so many yards... very cool.
When done we went for a swim in the ocean!  excellent!!!
over to the marine store for a new battery for the generator...
Heavy carrying that back.. why didnt we take the dingy.. store is on the water...  dooooh!
Generator now runs!!! as does the port engine...
When buying the boat I thought the port engine smoked..  come to find out the exhaust hoses cross at the back.. its the starboard engine... need to pull the injectors some day!
Oh ya.. on the way back we went over to the hilton on the ocean..  Mom and Dad are coming to stay in a week so need to find a place for them...
What a coooool resort... its huge!!!  I think we can sneak in here anytime now..  we were told the where the back entrance was..  !!!!
Loved the place.. reserved it for when they come Sept 1st.  Hope there are no hurricanes!!!!

Day 23 - Friday Bitch's !!! - To the mall of America!!! for PILLOWS N STUFF

In a quest to make Allies room as Homie as possible and her bed soft, and the colours look COOL.. we went by bus to Mall of america..  It was our first time on a bus in Puerto Rico..
First.. there are no maps..  you just have to Know?
They only take change..  we only had bills..  free ride - score
Mall was huge..  girls loved it..  me.. well... it's a mall..  lunch was great!
Allie's bed is now super comfy and super cool looking!!

Day 22 - Thursday - Move in day to Island Dancer

Big day today.. finishing up cleaning up the boat, making a path across the living room ha!!
We did pretty good.. Allie's room is all cleaned out and her bed is made..  Ours is about the same..
Lots of cleaning as was to be expected without anyone on the boat the last few months..
Out for Mexician tonight..  nice little restaurant again that just opened.   A little more expensive than the pizza joint, but nice night out..
First night sleeping onboard..  awesome..  Bed is super comfy..  Allie is complaining her's is too hard.. need to fix that!

Day 21 - Puerto Rico

Down to the boat for some serious Cleaning!! and throwing out junk... Boys from the marina loved the FISH theme pillows and blankets..  Giver rrrrrr Boys..   Get this stuff off my boat!!! ha..
Out to pizza at a great new restaurant.. Louigi is the cook.. great guy.. came over a few times to chat..
They cook the pizza in an open fire.. very good!!!   Hotel room is very hot.. air conditioning does work well at all..  but we will tough it out!

Day 20 - Detroit to Puerto Rico

Well the day has come..  we are flying to Puerto Rico today!!!
up at 4:30..  out of the hotel for 5:15..
Shuttle was empty,  well until we got to it!!!  17 bags!!!  holy moly!!
Checking in was a breeze..  this first class tickets make all the difference...
They were supposed to charge us $125 for the 10 bag, and $125 for two other oversized..
$0.00
Nice..   through security, then to the Delta Lounge..
Wouldnt let us in.. you need an international flight???
ChitChat for some time..  decided to buy a day pass for $90
Had them laughing alot..  then talking about our adventure..  etc....
She had some computer issues, I said.. that must be a sign to let us in for Free!!
She gave the credit card back and said.. OK!  your in as my guest!!  ha
Landed in Georgia..  some lunch at TGIF..  back in the air
Wilson (Ball the boys from work made for me and signed).. was out of his bag and soaking up
the first class action..  got some pics of him with a rum.. then with a bbq chicken dinner.. he loved it!!
Flying over the bahamas was amazing..  so many islands, beautiful!!!!  Can;t wait to be there in our boat!
The bags were waiting for us..  all of them!!! amazing again!
hired a porter to carry the bags...  great pic on Kozyboat.com of that!!!
over to the boat where we met Stan..   golf cart to take the bags to the boat..
Tried to start the engines but batterys are flat..  charging system was on my list,,  a little higher now!
air conditioning appears to be working well.. Stan had just flipped it on...
threw all the bags in the centre of the boat..  hung out for a bit then took off
over to hotel miramara..  Chris at checkin is excellent.. recommended an awesome restaurant just opened next door..  Room is OK.. air conditioning doesnt work well at all.. but we are trying to climitize anyway...
Excellent dinner with Luigi the chief..  over to the grocery store,,,  selection looks good..  we picked up some bevies for tomorrow.. and some breakfest stuff
Early to bed!!  Tomorrow we start organizing the boat!!

Day 19 - Monday Last Day in Sarnia

Finished some more work on Robin's course..  remade the test, all the users are uploaded.. its ready to go for next week.. we will be sitting on island dancer enjoying the view while 3000 people take the course.. hope it goes well!!! ha
Last minute running around today..
Out to George's house to find some stuff we packed and needed for the trip..
Swung by Al's for a last minute see ya beer.
Over to Automax to add Owen as a driver to the rental van..  Then to Motorsport for brake pads for my motorbike..  Out for lunch with Owen and Guy at Skroggies.
One last free lunch on Flowserve!!!
Over to Bottoms up to meet Paul Pinel.. He had the survey complete for Island Dancer..  We had a nice conversation as he went over the details of his report.. Great Job Paul!
Owen drove us to the airport..  we stopped at Kathy's cottage to try and align the sat dish, but didn't work..  pizza for dinner and back on the road.
Arrived at detroit for 9pm, at the Sheriton with a balcony room.  Owen had a beer with us and then he was off..  Were officially on our own with a ONE WAY TICKET (to paridise ??)  Time will tell!!!
Whooo hoo...   alarm set for 4:30am!!!
CYa

Day 18 - Sunday

Woke up at Ray and Liz's Sarnia Home..  They are still in Nova Scotia, handy having a place to crash in town.  Worked most the morning on Robin's business. We have 3000 people taking her online course next week.  Had a quick lunch at chicken in the rough in Sarnia, then over to John and Maureens for a little chat and a couple beers.  John was making ribs on the charcoal BBQ, looked really good!.
Peet and Steph (Our old neighbours) held a last final farewell get the hell out of here party for us..  All the neighbours were there including Owen and Lisa, Rusty, Heather, Ryan, Candy, George, Shela and kids!.   Had some great food and drinks!..  Strange seeing the house again with the strange vehicles, and our old bathrooms in a dumpster in the driveway!!!

Day 17 - Saturday Cornwell to Sarnia

Drive from Cornwell to Sarnia today.. stopping in Aurora for my aunts 80th birthday party.. here's a pic of Mom, Kathy and Allie and Timbo

Back to Sarnia for the annual Bridgeview BBQ..  about 1000 people there I'd bet, maybe more..  huge success, with a great meal and a band.  

Back to Ray and Liz's house in Sarnia.. this is our home for the next couple days until we leave for Puerto Rico !!!

Unpacking, washing and repacking for the trip..   

Day 16 - Fort Kent Maine to Cornwall Ontario

Took Jessi out for breakfast in Fort Kent..  ran into friends Brent and Kelly there
Apparently the town was cutting onions as many eyes went tearful as we pulled away..
here is a pic of Jessi's Res

Crossed the border after staying 2 nights and the customs guy gave us 'almost' hell for bringing in a case of beer..  we were 6 hours short of 48 hours...  ??  He asked if we crossed frequently, and we of course said YES... in Sarnia.. he said they are way too lax there, and we should be paying, but let us go.. oh geeze.. thanks...  idiot..  ha

So proud of Allie, in the midst of Quebec, no one speaking english, she ordered 2 turkey sandwiches (toasted) and a coffee..  awesome job!!!    I hope she learns Spanish quick!!!! :)

Stopped in Cornwell for the night..  great dinner at moustache joes..  what a GREAT place..  prime rib on special tonight!!!   over to the confort inn.. they wanted $125..  I asked for CAA..  they said $119..  Then I got them laughing and asked for government issued ID discount..  $109.00...  showing them my drivers licence they were laughing again, but wouldnt't go for it..  so we settled on $115.. :)   great people..   Salt water indoor heated pool with beers was awesome!!!

On our way to Toronto tomorrow to see my aunt turning 80 years old!!

Day 15 - Maine Fort Kent - Jessi off to University!!!

Jessi is all setup in her  University of Maine residence.  She brought a heck of alot of stuff but it all packed away really nice!!!  Her room has two windows with a nice view back to the woods one way, and over to town the other..  Will be tough leaving her there today I believe, but she is safe, sound and having a blast!!!  Good luck Jessi !!!

Day 14 - Travel Day to Maine

Headed out about 8:30 this morning after packing up the cottage..  Jessi had a hair cut appointment for 10am in Halifax, which I bet her a convertable, she would get to...  She had some idea it wouldnt happen!! ha
Got part way there and we determined we left Allie's meds at the cottage.. turned around.. back to cottage..  back on the road..  until stopped by the COPS!!!.. damn..  123 in a 100 kph zone.. $230 fine..  bastards!!
Over to the mall Jessi was all happy.. (slightly late!)..  went to the Apple store and replaced a bad charger we had.. under warrantee.. (no sir, we have no animals.. especially rabbits in our house.. no idea how that happened!)
Quick lunch then on the road..
Stopped at Magnetic hill..  this was soooooo funny..  its a sloped road that they indicate is magnetic.. you park at the bottom of the hill.. put her in neutral, and the car comes flying back up the road..  its truely amazing..  even if it is an illusion..   I changed the time on the clock without them noticing as we screamed up the hill in neutral reverse.. they freaked out!!! the magnets changed the CLOCK!!!
I later told them it was an illusion and they didnt believe me.. it really is something!!
I had to google it for them to believe..  Moncton NB,... magnetic hill..
Arrived safe and sound in Fort Kent..  Customs did a pretty good check of the car.. throwing out our oranges and warning of MOOSE on the road!!

Tomorrow Jessi gets her new HOME !!!

Day 13 - Aug 13th Tuesday - NovaScotia

Last full day in NovaScotia..  Setup flights to Puerto Rico for next week.  Hotel for first couple days before we move on Island Dancer.
Allie and I cut the lawn at Ray and Liz..  (Didnt I say I would never cut lawn again???... that only lasted a week!!!)   Big lawn but we got her done in about an hour..
The afternoon was a interesting tour of the Lunenburg Museum..  Bluenose history was very interesting, watched a great film on the races she competed in, storms she weathered, and her final sale to a caribbean trade company where she hit a reef off Haiti..  perhaps we should stay away from there!!.. ha!!
Toured a couple boats in the harbour, most interesting was a sailing fishing vessel.  The captain (well tour guide) took alot of time to explain the history of the vessel, how the dories were used to catch fish, and the gruesome time the crew had working 20 hours per day, catching sleep when ever they could.
It was raining so hard, the 'captain' found garbage bags for us and used his handy pocket knife to cut open a hole for our heads.  We were envied on the dock with the heavy downpour..   It was alot of fun.. Jessi and Allie were laughing so much running through the rain in their new raincoats!!!

Back to the house, we emptied the boats of water from the rain..  Salmon for dinner (WOW!)..  couple drinks then off to BED!!  Big day tomorrow,  Halifax for Jessi to get a haircut.. then over to Maine to drop her off at University!!!  

Day 12 - Monday!!

Gee all my old working buddies are likely WORKING today!! ha!!
Had to take our rental van into the shop today..  making a terrible noise..  we are 24 hours away from 'home'..   Turns out the wheel nuts were loose on both front wheels.. !    imagine that would have been a interesting sight on the highway if she came loose!!!
Did a historical travel day across NovaScotia.. Ray showed us where he grew up, all the old fishing huts that they owned and the Wharf he grew up on..   Pretty cool little towns, its super pretty out here...
Had an excellent 7 course meal last night with the neighbours Sue and Dave as hosts..  filet mignon was the main course..  Certainly had some the best food one can get on this trip!!  all home made!  Need to keep this up, so much better than eating out!!

Day 11 - Sunday Aug 11th

Started off the morning with Sea Kayaking with Jessi..   Ray and Liz were in a small rowboat..  We were slightly faster than them, but they certainly can make that boat go fast!.
Raced across the channel around a small island.  There are small sailboats on mooring balls, very beautiful.  Completed one leg of the race in reverse..  Funny sight to see a Kayak with riddle going backwards!.  I'd bet a few locals looked at us Ontarioans with raised eyebrows!!

Launched Roly Moly, a wooden sail/row boat Ray brought down on a trailer..
Set an anchor and float out in the channel, and made a loop of rope to move Roly Moly off the dock, and bring her back when we want to go for a ride..  very cool system.

Hike today was Gaff Point Trail..  certainly one of the best hikes I've been on..  It starts on a beach... goes to dense woods, then to cliffs overlooking the ocean,,,  Iron Shale is rust colour, very beautiful.
Picnic by the ocean after the hike..   cable ferry back to the house.
Hottub next, then an excellent dinner..   Fire at the neighbours.
Allie and I laid on the dock and watched 10 meterors fly by...  some appeared very close.  News has been calling for an active night.

day 10 - Saturday

Received a text from Ryan,  they safely moved FatFish to her new home in St. Catherines..  43 hours dock to dock.. boat ran very well and used little fuel.

Here in NovaScotia we have been kayaking, and touring the town.  Lundenburg has a folk festival on.. we had a nice walk around town listening to different bands.
Bought a new hat.. its from Austrailia..  works well keeping the sun off...
Quick beer overlooking the harbour..  many sailboats on mooring balls.. very beautiful..
Harbour is full of activity..  Saw two nonsuch sailboats today!.
Came back across a cable ferry..  not sure how boats dont get tangled up in the wire...  guess you just stay AWAY from the ferry as it pulls the cable off the sea floor.
Big Salmon for dinner... yes Salmon!! ha..   I'm starting to eat seafood!!   We had chowder the day before!!!
Over to the neighbours Sue and Dave..  played a fun game with youtube..   you had to guess the tv show from the theme song..  loads of laughs!

Day 8/9 - Thursday/Friday - Final day in House - Drive to NovaScotia

Final day in the house..  over to Owens law office to sign the papers for the house sale.

Trying to leave today...   still lots to do.. Final cleaning..   our bedroom is still full of clothes..

Slowly work through it..  good will for many items..  packing for down south in one bag,  out east in another...

Finally around 3:30 we are ready to Go..   we take one last photo of our Family in front of the house and we drive off..   Sorta sad, but exciting at the same time..

We drive to Belleville, the other side of Toronto, took the 407 toll way to avoid traffic..  Made it to the cogeco store for 7:30 to drop off our internet modem we had been renting for the last 13 years.

skype called mom from the car..   

Drove to Cornwell for 11pm

tried to get a hotel, but all were full. decided to just continue on...

I drove until 2:30, Quebec city..  Robin takes the wheel but its too foggy.. pulls over for an hour.. drives a bit farther then pulls over for 30 mins..   the the fog gets better.. drives until 6:30...

Found a tim hortons for breakfest..  managed to order at the french store..

Into new brunswick..   Nova scotia..  we arrive!  exactly 24 hours after leaving..

Beautiful house Ray and Liz have..  we are staying in a small bunkhouse.. its great!

Views are very nice on an inlet to the ocean.

Day 7 - Wednesday

1 day left before we leave the house..  Super duper cleaning and moving day... but first.. to Automax to pick up a rental van (Town and Country).
Gerb and Ruby came over to help..   The guys did the moving / delivering of tables, bookcases, chairs etc..  The girls worked hard packing the kitchen cleaning etc..
Moved Bender (Robins bike) over to Georgie's living room.  Looks great!
Ryan came over to collect garbage in his truck.   George came over with his truck..
Turned into a big working party.. whole neighbourhood was over..
New owners of the house showed up and we went through how everything works..
Great time!!!..  made huge progress on the move!!

Day 6 - Tuesday

Busy day moving and cleaning the house...  fixed the oil leak on Robins motorbike,  fixed the hot tub... funny how everything starts breaking when you sell the house..
Cut the lawn for the LAST time..  loaded the lawnmower into a truck and it's new owner drove off!!.. ha!!
Took Waffles the dog to her new home on the lake..  Had a wonderful dinner at the Holmes home..   waffles will really like it there!
Down to the sailboat where a party was going on!..  new owners of our FatFish were getting ready for their big journey to Lake Ontario.. They are leaving Thursday morning..

Day 5 - Monday Aug 5th 2013

Moving out of the house is turning into a bit of a bigger job than we expected.
Trying not to get overwhelmed...  it seems easiest to start in one room.. well one CORNER of one room.. and organize for goodwill, trash, or store..  then move it....
Basement is ALMOST done..

Down to the Marina and Up the Mast to remove the wind anamometer..  stereo too.. (not up the mast!).. ha

Ryan did a good job crankin me up..  the gear seems really tight going up, but loose going down..  oh well.. not my boat anymore..   John is coming tomorrow with the cash to take ownership.

Henry and Riley showed up..  as did Rusty and Heather..  we all worked together to clean the boat out.. many runs to the dumpster!

Back home we loaded up the couch's and beds for Henry and Marie..  Ryan brought his truck over,...  we had a little demo derby between the two trucks.. left a nice patch in Henrys driveway.. neighbour wasnt too impressed.

Over to Pizza Plus for dinner..  Georgie and Shela showed up too..
Back to Timbos for a HUGE bonFIRE..  bunny cage was an interesting sight going up in flames..  had to use a water hose to keep the willow tree from burning down!

More moving tomorrow...   sleeping in Allie's room now.. no bed in ours!!

Day 4 - Sunday

Down to the Marina to do a cleanup after the Going Away Party..   Wasnt too bad.. one of the marina guys got to all the empties before I could..  He cash's them in so isn't upset to do some cleaning!
Were going to be without TV soon.. so I think a few duck dynasty shows were in order.. A little slow getting going today!!!  Coach Loafin!!
Heather dropped by and we looked at pics of island Dancer in Puerto Rico..  Soon it was supper time.
Being we have nothing left in the house, its a challenge to eat..  so going to friends houses is the best way!
Over to Ryans for a BBQ..  Candy was having all her family over...   had some fun telling stories on the patio and a few cold drinks.  Wind came out of the north.. and we all put on Camlachie dinner jackets!  Plad coats..  burrr..... Its Aug!!!

Back home to move some more stuff to the road.. its bulk day.. so lots at the curb..  George came over to help.. thanks Bro!!!

Body shut down pretty early..  a quick view of Shipping wars on apple tv.. but fell asleep in a few minutes!

Day 3

Yard sale day!   Pretty busy.  Lots of stuff sold.... Made 1500 bucks!
Set up the party tent at the marina.  Back home mom dad Kathy, aunt Mary and lanny were over
Got a call... Ray lost his 500$ glasses in the marina.   Liz picked up allie and I... We got a scuba tank from Matt...  Allie dove 3 or 4 times and found them....
Big going away party...  Everyone there   Probably 100
Bands and all...it was great!
Cab home at 5 am

Day 2 Friday aug2

Over to marina to put the cover on the powerboat.  Dropped robin off at physio. Cleaned out the storage locker and picked up the motorbike at rays
Parked the bike at Owens, he will be looking after it for the year.
Loaded the truck with storage stuff and dropped it off at georges... Using his basement for storage location.   Beer or two with George. Then back to watch jackass with the kids
Over to Owens deck for a few drinks, George n Sheila showed up
Early to bed ...  Yard sail tomorrow!

Day 1

Up at 5am to let waffles the dog out.
Out for a 4 km run along Lake Huron... Beautiful day...
Returned to get Robin and then walk the dog the same route... Stopping at timmies for coffee and a sandwich.
 1 week before we head out on our first adventure....   Nova Scotia!

Down to the Marina, fixed the bilge pump in our old powerboat (End of the rainbow).
Moved it over to stacking and powerwashed the bottom..  Dragged the trailer over and handed the keys to the new owner!!!   1 boat down.. 1 more to go !!!
The sailboat will leave the marina (Sold) next thursday for a voyage to Lake Ontario!

Back to our side of the marina for a few beers with Terry..  Quick shower and then over to Dinner at Ray and Liz's house.  
Watched the pirate video http://youtu.be/1rNanFlx5AI with the kids..  they loved it!!
Left the harley at their house...  end of LOA1 !!!

Day -1 what to do with a year off?

Taking 365 days off Work..   Bought a sailboat in Puerto Rico...
Moving on it and Sailing it back to Canada...  over the next 12 months...
Here's the journey


Day -1
Last day of Work...
Boxed up my stuff at work..  rode the motorbike in, so left the box under Daryl's desk..  Not alot of room for his legs, but it's only a year.. he can use it as a foot rest..

Off to Skeeters for some wings and Beer with Daryl, Gord and Robin...GREAT!!!
On the way home we went to the beer store.. then stopped at COOPS..
Great fun hanging out with Sue and Ted in the Shop!
Looks like we will be leaving Bender (Robins Harley) in his toy room for the year!