Sonata

January 15-26, 2012 . . . Madisonville, Louisiana to Clearwater, Florida

2012-01-26T11:39:00.005-05:00

SONATA is preparing to depart Hidden Harbor Marina, Madisonville. The Trinity Marine plant is in the background. During our stay at Hidden Harbor Trinity was constructing barges. It was a noisy activity which we grew accustomed to. We tried to visit the plant but no tours were allowed. Today we shift to the riverside, the river so that we can depart in the AM without concerns for the swing bridge.

The early morning of the 15th gave us fog on the Tchefuncte River. Called the Causeway Bridge . . . they reported no fog . . . we were soon underway for the Biloxi area.

After traveling out the Rigolets, passing tugs, talking to the USCG after using two "buzz" words (Long Point and Marker 20) and assuring them that SONATA was in fact OK . . . we proceeded through the Mississippi Sound to Horn Island, just south of Biloxi, and dropped anchor for the night. The morning gave us a beautiful sunrise.

Approaching Mobile Bay and the Dalphine Island Bridge SONATA was followed by a shrimp boat.

Crossed Mobile Bay and returned to the Intercoastal Waterway on the way to LuLu's, Homeport Marina, Gulf Shores, Alabama, where we met up with TERRMAR again. Just over 300 gallons of fuel taken aboard . . .

On into Florida SONATA passed a Navy ship tied to the Air Station dock at Pensacola. SONATA proceeded on to the Palafox Docks in downtown Pensacola.

Fred and Caroline, friends from our first loop, met us on board and we all went to dinner. They are so gracious and kind . . . loaned us their car for our stay; so thoughtful.

We visited here on our last loop . . . Terri and Mark spent the day here.

In downtown Pensacola there are painted pelicans for each armed service.

The LADY GALE MARIE docked behind us at Pensacola . . . belongs to Tom Benson, owner of the New Orleans Saints that we so enjoyed during our Christmas break.

Our transportation to the Fish House were Terri and Mark joined us for Shrimp and Grits....

We departed Pensacola in the fog.

TERRMAR in the fog as we wait for Tug Margaret, pushing a barge, to pass under the bridge before we continue East.

Dolphins playing alongside SONATA.

Alligator watching SONATA while we were at Apalachicola preparing to cross the Gulf to Clearwater.

TERRMAR passing under the Apalachicola Bridge following SONATA to Clearwater.

A beautiful sunset on the Gulf . . . still miles away from Clearwater . . . to be followed by a sunrise over Clearwater the next morning. A long but safe cruise; some 19.75 hours and 147 miles.

December 25, 2011 . . . Madisonville Christmas

2012-01-26T08:27:00.007-05:00

Christmas Trees

Rosemary and Clayton

Rosemary

Alan

Clayton

Clayton, William, Phillip, Rosemary, Alan

At play.

William

David and Susan

Buddie

Charlie and Bonnie at Stella!

December 18-20, 2011 . . . Biloxi, Mississippi to Madisonville, Louisiana

2012-01-14T09:26:00.000-05:00

Biloxi at sunset following the afternoon departure of David and Susan and their family, except for Phillip and Alan. They will remain with us in Biloxi and travel to Madisonville on SONATA. Once underway and in the Mississippi Sound the dolphins played alongside while the boys stood watch on the bow.

At the Rigolets we decided to enter Lake Pontchartrain via the Pearl River. This river has special meaning to Charlie in that prior to the river entering the Rigolets is travels behind Charlie's birth home in Jackson, Mississippi. The Pearl River CSY railroad bridge had to open so that we could enter the river and then pass into the Rigolets.

Overnight was spent at the Slidell, Louisiana, Bate and Tackle Shop. Phillip assisted in securing SONATA to the dock.

The next day for our trip across Lake Pontchartrain we had a heavy fog . . . and, with two good lookouts spotting the channel markers and looking for other vessels we navigated the channels and passed three tugs, one pushing four rock barges as we approached the Interstate 10 bridge.

Highway 11 bascule bridge was our next passage challenge.

Continuing our travel West we arrived at the Causeway Bridge, passed through the two spands and then turned North for our Christmas Season stop.

The final bridge ws the Tchefuncte River swing bridge at Madisonville. Then up the river to the Hidden Harbor Marina for the next month.

December 8-18, 2011 . . . Joe Wheeler State Park, Alabama to Biloxi, Mississippi

2011-12-18T08:35:00.008-05:00

SONATA departed Joe Wheeler State Park with the decks frozen in thick frost, John departed for friends in New York City, and just outside the park SONATA had its first lock for the day the Wheeler Lock and a lock down.

Just down stream from the Wheeler Lock is the Wilson Lock with its 95 foot drop. Into the lock, doors close and down SONATA goes like she is in an elevator . . . finally the bottom, the doors open and we escape further South . . . to warmer weather we hope.

At first it appeared to be driftwood, a stump . . . but no it was a deer with a large beautiful rack. He came across the bow from port to starboard, reached to new shore and climbed out of the water to go on his way.

Down the Tennessee River to the intersection of Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi the Mississippi colors were broken from the starboard yardarm. Charlie had told John he needed a Mississippi flag and John gave him a flag a friend of his had flown in John's honor during his visit with him.

Before we arrived at the Aqua Marina in Iuka, Mississippi, we turned into one of the last coves on the Tennessee to see a waterfall where many anchor on their Tennessee travels.

The morning of the 9th brought us thick fog which delayed our departure from Aqua Marine. The fog cleared a few hours later and we were priviledged to see deer playing along the port shore. The weather remained clear until after we reached the Midway Marina.

A lock on the Tombigbee Waterway before we arrived in the evening at the Midway Marina, directed in by the Christmas lights.

At the Columbus Marina the white pelicans were in great abundance.

In our travels aboard SONATA we have frequently announced that we did not have cell-phone or internet connections . . . we were in the "wilderness." Here the problem is solved with a "pay-phone" booth along the side of the waterway . . .

Traveling south we passed many eagles in the trees alongside the waterway; what a beautiful part of the trip.

Before we pulled off the waterway to anchor in the Sumter Recreation Park the river was a mirror, a reflection of the sky above. Overnight was quiet and peaceful, without any movement in the still waters.

There is a story of a tug, the CAHABA, at the former Rooster bridge which was located near the "White Clifts of Epps." See that story at: http://www.littleriverbooks.com/cahaba.htm

Before we reached Demopolis we passed Bill Netterman. Bill told us he was canoeing from Iowa to "warm-weather." He had no motor, just two duffle bags and a paddle.

Departing Demopolis we encounter a tug and barge before entering the lock, out next-to-last-lock. The Mobile River, the waterway, is full of twists and turns on the way to Mobile.

At Bobby's Fish Camp we had a "gathering". In front of SONATA was a delivery, ESCAPE POD, being delivered by Captain Kenny Hixson from Marine Max in Chattanooga. To our stern we had LINDY LOU a boat purchased by a seabee stationed at Camp David, Josh Haley, to take care of the President's utilities, and crewed by Josh's father, Mike Haley and their friend Pete Skornik. These three were enjoying their fourth full day on the water . . . for the first time. Many new experiences for them.

Underway from Bobby's . . . in the fog. SONATA traveled to the Tensas River off the Tombigbee for an overnight anchorage. LINDY LOU joined us for the anchorage and a social hour aboard SONATA. Mike, Pete, and Josh relayed the stories of their trip from Iuka, Mississippi, where they picked up LINDY LOU . . . and they are all still alive and in one piece.

Underway from the Tensas River into the Mobile River, the Tombigbee, we have fog again which then lifts for a great day. The reflection on the still water is amazing as we round the bends toward what the locals call the "Dolly Parton" Bridge.

A 45 minute wait at a closed railroad bridge as tugs and barges gather on both sides waiting for an opening. Once clear a few more twists and turns and Mobile comes into view.

In Mobile Bay a Navy "Fast-Ship" being constructed, and Mobile the city is to our port as we proceed south to the Dog River Marina.

The morning of the 16th SONATA departs Dog River Marina in the early fog into Mobile Bay with the birds perched on the markers to dry their wings. Another great sunrise into another of God's beautiful days.

Down the bay, pelicans sail past SONATA over the smooth seas; and, as we turn into the Mississippi Sound we pass the shrimp boat TWO BROTHERS, to be followed shortly thereafter by a tug pushing a benzene barge.

Arrival in Biloxi. We pass the Cadet Marina, the Schooner Marina, on to the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor which is in the shadow of the Hard Rock Casino. David's family will see us on Sunday, leaving Alan and Phillip to ride to Madisonville with us on Monday.

November 29 - December 8, 2011 . . . From Knoxville to the Tombigbee Waterway

2011-12-07T18:21:00.002-05:00

John, Charles' brother, was convinced to join us for the trip from Knoxville toward the Tombigbee. Our first lock after departing Knoxville on the 29th was the Fort Loudon Lock, our entry and departure.

We passed some eagles and Bonnie captured one on the camera while it sat in the nearby tree.

We spent the night at the Blue Springs marina and the next day, 12/2, we were to be off to our next stop, Shady Grove Harbor Marina, in the fog, as shown in the pictures of our bridge area and the burgee . . . thick fog. Thank you for radar, Garmin GPS, and the kind hand of God to direct our way.

Just as we arrived at the Watts Bar Lock the sky cleared and we entered and then departed with John supervising on the bow.

On down the river we enjoyed the beauty of an evening sunset.

Just had to take this picture . . . a big house on the water's edge, the bulkhead has collapsed . . . will the "For Sale" house be next?

Following a three day stay at the Shady Grove Harbor Marina waiting for lower water at the Chickamagua Lock we found SONATA behind two tugs with barges waiting for a lock through. BEARCAT and GLEN EARL (out of New Orleans and pushing two red-flag barges) agreed with the lockmaster that we should go through first. ...John and Charlie directed the matter on the bow.

Down stream the current around the "green-can" shows our 2.5 knot current push . . . SONATA is at some 11 knots speed over ground.

As we pass Chattanooga Lookout, "Signal", Mountain looms in the background.

Entering the Tennessee "Grand Canyon" the several weeks make a big difference. The colorful fall leaves have given way to the leaf-less winter season.

Pressing on to meet a self-made-schedule God's gentle hand, radar, GPS, and flash lights, spot lights, help guide our way through the rain into Jones Creek to anchor for the evening . . . two hours after sunset. All is well until 0200 when we drag anchor, get up in the dark and rain, and re-anchor, then sleep until after 0700.

In the AM Charlie lifts the anchor and we catch a gill net . . . tow it a way, cut it free, and continue into the Tennessee.

Down the river from Jones Creek we are into the Guntersville Lock where Bonnie pilots SONATA to the correct bollard, we tie off and are locked down. Next stop was Ditto and 110 gallons of diesel . . . then off to Joe Wheeler State Park where along the way we met strong wind, rain, and SNOW. It must be time to really head further South!

November 12-29, 2011 . . . Thanksgiving

2011-12-07T18:03:00.001-05:00

Following a week at Brandi's and then on board SONATA preparing to depart, a rental car was obtained from Enterprise and we were off on the 18th to Virginia Beach for many events; hair appointments, dental appointments, lunches and a very enjoyable stay at Dick and Betty Gray's condo in downtown Norfolk. Thanksgiving was at Rhonda's and Leslie's. The photo shows from left to right: Joyce, Bonnie's mother; Rhonda and Brandi, Bonnie's daughters; Taylor, Bonnie's granddaughter; Bonnie; and Bonnie's father Leighton.

As a part of the week end celebration we enjoyed an early birthday party for Joyce.

Additional pictures for the weekend include:

Little Rickie

Jonathan, Rhonda and Leslie

Rhonda and Brandi

John and Leighton

Taylor

November 11, 2011 . . . Veteran's Day Parade, Knoxville, Tennessee

2011-11-13T19:20:00.002-05:00

The Veteran's Day Parade, why are we here . . . Taylor's Band, Carter High School . . . is soon to pass by; and we are ready. It should also be noted that Charlie is a Veteran . . . 22 years of service!!

Are we in the South!!??

Taylor's band . . .

The band went by . . . and then there was Taylor, right there in front of us.

To conclude the evening we had a nice one hour drive to the Greenville, Tennessee, high school where Carter high school was playing a second championship game . . . Taylor's Band was performing and we went for the evening show. We almost froze . . . score ended up being 77 to 7.

November 10, 2011 . . . to Knoxville. Tennessee

2011-11-13T19:01:00.000-05:00

Birds on the water . . . what kind are they????

On up the Tennessee . . .

SONATA passed the tug BEARCAT on the way to Knoxville.

First arriving in Knoxville is the University of Tennessee.

SONATA passes more Tennessee fan stuff . . . then the Volunteer Landing Marina is ahead; our berth until December 1st.

November 5-9, 2011 . . . Up the Little Tennessee and Tellico Rivers

2011-11-13T17:59:00.001-05:00

After our return to SONATA from Nashville, Jonathan and Brandi joined us for an afternoon cruise up the Little Tennessee and Tellico Rivers. We returned to the Ft. Loudon Marina to let them go home, spent the evening, and then left the next day for several days up the Little Tennessee and Tellico Rivers.

Up the Little Tennessee and Tellico Rivers, a reportedly exclusive area, there are many, many, HUGE houses . . . retirement homes. The size and number of houses reduce greatly after mile 19.5 and the waters return to countryside beauty uncluttered by man.

The view from the rivers of the Smokey Mountains in the background . . . are breath-taking. This is a small collection . . .

The pictures cannot capture what we see in the 360 degree view, but we keep on taking more pictures.

The restoration Ft. Loudoun Fort ...

And SONATA leaves the Little Tennessee for the Tennessee and on to Knoxville.

October 31-November 5, 2011 . . . Chattanooga to Ft. Loudon, Tennessee

2011-11-12T16:40:00.005-05:00

Departing Chattanooga the trees along the river continue to be terrific. SONATA passes through the Chickamauga Lock and on to Shady Grove Harbor marina. SONATA firs tied in front of the flag, then we were asked to tie up at the end of the first docks for our overnight. Purchased a pair of Crocs . . . this picture is our am departure in the fog.

There was fog on the river as we left Soddy Creek for the river.

The fog lifted and opened the view to the reds along the river bank.

Have tried all along to capture an eagle on film . . . without success, then I see one on a log . . . he turns his back. A few miles more there are two overhead, one has something the other wants, and then, one overhead flying along. They are so beautiful.

Watts Bar Lock and Dam with its nuclear power plant. The Watts Bar Nuclear Generating Station is a Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) nuclear reactor used for electric power generation and tritium production for nuclear weapons.

We stayed at the Blue Springs Marina on the left end of the dock in front of the marina office which was well stocked with boat needs. This was a very good stay, a very nice marina, with good people running the show. On the 4th we continued up river.

A Tennessee fan for sure! Note the color of the out-door-facility, the color of the boat, and the boat house. All Tennessee orange . . . with a huge "T" on the lawn.

At the Ft. Loudon Dam and Lock we locked thru with an 85' house boat and followed it into the Ft. Loudon marina for our two day stay.

In the early morning hours of the 5th Brandi and Jonathan picked us up for a trip to Nashville . . . to attend Taylor's high school band competition at the Independence High School stadium. The Carter High School Band takes the field.

Taylor's performance in the band competition . . .

Taylor after the competition . . . as she prepares to return home on the band-bus after receiving the results of the judges.

October 21-30, 2011 . . . "Grand Canyon" and Chattanooga

2011-10-31T11:39:00.003-04:00

Upriver from Ditto SONATA passes Painted Bluff as we enter the southern end of the Cumberland Plateau.

Passing downbound tug WALKER pushing 16 barges is a gentle reminder that the economy is way down. On our prior trip up the Tennessee the river was busy with tugs and barges . . . now they are a rare site.

Thru the Guntersville Lock and on to our anchorage behind Goat Island.

Another anchorage graced by God's magnificient beauty. The evening and morning was only disturbed by a passing fisherman or the gentle breeze of a bird.

One of the many herons we see along the way.

In the background behind the Jackson County Park and Marina is the never completed Bellefonte nuclear power plant which was started in 1974.

After 23 years of faithful service the port engine shut-down-solenoid has decided to quit. A replacement has been ordered, received at Brandi's in Knoxville, and will be installed there. Must now shut down the engine by hand . . . what a great boat SONATA is, continues to be, all working well.

Thanks to the internet and a call to Rick (866-790-6464) at TrayCana.com a new solenoid was ordered, shipped, received, installed in minutes and all is well. Ordered two solenoids at $91.00 each #1502 12L6U1 B2S1.

Into the Nickajack Lock and Dam we lock through with the tug BAKER and its scrap metal barge; the heron watches from the upbound gate; we then depart for our overnight anchorage next to Little Cedar Mountain.

Anchorage and on up to Chattanooga in the "Grand Canyon" greatly enjoying God's masterpiece of color that a camera just cannot capture:

Drawing near to Chattanooga SONATA passes the Chattanooga based tour boat, SOUTHERN BELLE making a down river "leaf" tour.

First looks at Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga.

The riverboat DELTA QUEEN is moored across the river from SONATA. SONATA is shown at the Bluff Docks, fourth boat back. Several loopers are with us at the dock.

It was great to have Brandi and Taylor come from Knoxville to join us for the week end in Chattanooga. A weekend of shopping, eating good food, movies, and a tour about the town.

October 15-20, 2011 . . . To Joe Wheeler and Ditto

2011-10-21T09:51:00.001-04:00

The Natchez Trace Bridge over the Tennessee. The Trace began as an Indian trail from Natchez to Jackson, then extended to the northeast to Nashville. In 1934 Congress determined to preserve the Trace with the construction of the Parkway.

Into the Wilson Lock for a 95' lift. Arrival at the top of the lock and then exit once the gate is lowered.

After the Wilson Lock we were facing the Wheeler Lock so we could stay at Joe Wheeler State Park . . . but, before the park we determined to anchor in Six Mile Creek, before the Wheeler Lock. A beautiful evening followed by a slight fog in the early morning.

The Wheeler Lock and Dam . . . in, the lift and then out, all without problem or any complication. Another wonderful day on God's earth.

Joe Wheeler State Park for four days. When we checked in and walked back to SONATA we were surprised by passing the vessel C HORSE, Howard and Diana Cole. We met them in Ocean Marine, Portsmouth, just before we started the 2007/8 Loop. Then again for our first Looper Party in Deltaville; and again in Peterborough, in Florida, and now again in Tennessee. Bonnie and Diana played on the water. Dinner on board SONATA (oops, sorry Howard the photographer, Charlie, took the picture too close). Dinner with Howard, Diana, and Jerry from SWEETGRASS. A very relaxing and enjoyable stay.

The Brown's Ferry nuclear generating plant . . . the world's largest in 1974.

Bonnie at the wheel on our way to the Ditto Landing Marina.

Just outside Ditto Landing Marina; we have arrived completing our day's travel, free overnight if you purchase 100 gallons of fuel . . . we can do that.

The next morning we had a little fog . . . and waited until after breakfast to start our travels to the next lock and anchorage. God has provided us with such a beautiful, changing gift.

October 10-14, 2011 . . . Road trip to Madison, mini-family reunion

2011-10-20T17:03:00.007-04:00

On Monday the 10th Mary Ruth and Bud came by Grand Harbor and picked us up for the ride to Barbara's home in Madison. Tuesday we enjoyed the Stockett's home and food and on Wednesday we went to Jackson and lunch. From left to right: Charlie, Bonnie, Barbara, Bud, Mary Ruth, Nicholas, John and Dorothy.

The lunch location was just south of the Old Capital Building.

Thursday we were all packed into a SUV and off to Mt. Carmel.

John had "his" stone prepared and it has been placed next to our mother's grave.

We sat on our parent's tombstone and had Bonnie take our picture; Charlie, Dorothy, Barbara, John, and Mary Ruth.

In preparation for the trip down to Mt. Carmel Charlie attempted to locate, William Odie Bonds, the fellow in charge of keeping the cemetery. An internet search for his phone number revealed Mr. Bonds, died on October 3, 2011. His relative, R. I. Landers, 3092 Hamburg Road, Roxie, MS 39661 601-384-5485; and his wife, met us at Mt. Carmel to show where Charlie's 8 grave plots are located. As it turns out Charlie's are one grave site to the right of William Odie Bonds. Four immediately to the right (skipping one plot), and then the other four immediately under the first four, a block of 8. William Odie Bonds is buried next to, Odie Lee Bonds and Willie May Cole Bonds.

John drove us back to SONATA berthed at the Grand Haven Condo/Marina. And, after one night aboard he waved good-bye to us and returned to Virginia. The plan is he will join us again after Thanksgiving.

October 7-9, 2011 . . . Off to Pickwick Lake and Grand Harbor

2011-10-09T08:42:00.001-04:00

On the way to Diamond Island SONATA passed the Cherry Mansion built in 1830 with 18-inch thick brick walls and heart pine woodwork. April 6, 1862, General Ulysses S. Grant was eating breakfast when he heard the distant thud of artillery fire as Confederate forces suddenly attacked his army at nearby Shiloh.

The first look at Diamond Island; anchorage to the left. The decision was made, in view of the hour, 1400, and the swift current coming from the Pickwick Dam, to press on and go thru the lock into the lake. We can anchor on the lake.

Across the river from the Cherry Mansion and the Diamond Island anchorage is the Shiloh National Miliary Park. The battle was fought April 6-7, 1862, by more than 103,000 Union and Confederate soldiers. By the time the battle ended some 23,000 men were dead and dying. Names of the locations were Bloody Pond, Hell's Hollow and the Hornet's Nest. Those that came to defend their cause discovered the real horror of war.

The closer we came to the Pickwick Dam and Lock the stronger the downstream current became; up to 3 knots, we were making 5.5 knots over ground . . . slow progress.

There is no place to tie up at the Pickwick Lock, you must remain underway in the strong current until the gates open and you can lock through. The name of the dam and lock come from the 1883 postoffice nearby, named by the postmaster after Charles Dickens' novel, The Pickwick Papers. Construction of the facility began in 1934 and was completed in 1944.

SONATA remained underway past the Tombigbee Channel and the Grand Harbor Marina to Panther Creek for an overnight anchorage.

A quiet, peaceful evening on the creek in 14' of water with a full moon, brought us to the early morning and fishermen alongside SONATA against a backdrop of fall colors.

Anchor up and stowed, SONATA crosses Pickwick Lake to Grand Harbor. We will meet Mary Ruth, Charlie's sister, and travel by auto to, Madison, near Jackson, Mississippi, for a "reunion" at Stockett's with Mary Ruth, Barbara, John, Dorothy, Charlie . . . will be a great get-together with good old Southern cooking.

October 6-7, 2011 . . . Pebble Isle and Clifton, Tennessee

2011-10-07T09:08:00.001-04:00

A terrific week at Pebble Isle Marina. The staff, Randy, Tammy, Amanda, Andy were so considerate, helpful. We made trips to Walmart in the courtesy car, completed laundry, Charlie after five years purchased a new phone . . . a great time at this marina . . . sweet rolls every morning. It was particularly nice in that SONATA needed to slow down. Events changed in that we are now having an imprompto "family-gathering" at the Stockett's in Jackson, Mississippi, with Charlie's brother and sisters next week.

We departed leaving OOKPIK, SWEET PEA, and NAUTI NELL at the dock.

During the peaceful ride up the Tennessee we passed white pelicans overhead and resting on the water.

On the way to Clifton we passed Cuba Landing Marina were in 2007 we enjoyed fine-dining with GREAT ESCAPE. GREAT ESCAPE is about two days ahead of SONATA and we will hopefully see them after our trip to Jackson.

Lady Finger Bluff is in a narrow portion of the river where reportedly a woman leaped to her death to avoid capture by the indians. A few miles further up the river SONATA passed under the Alvin C. York bridge.

Clifton Marina. We were here October 13, 2007, according to the marina's log book. Pulling in SONATA joined TELLICO LADY and BROWN EYED GIRL. Both of these vessels left early on the 7th . . . SONATA delayed to later in the day. SONATA is going to Diamond Island to anchor below the Pickwick Dam and Lock . . . then on the morning of the 8th proceed on to Grand Harbor Marina . . . which has a mailing address in Tennessee but is physically in Mississippi; on the banks of the Tombigbee Waterway, just off the Tennessee River. SONATA's resting point while we travel to Jackson for the week.

September 23 - October 1, 2011 . . . Kaskaskia to Pebble Isle, Tennessee

2011-10-01T09:24:00.005-04:00

Following passage from Hoppie's to Kaskaskia, the ten boat planned a Looper-get-together on the lock wall; rain showed up and we all squeezed aboard DOCKERS INN.

Those present and on the way to Little Diversion Creek and Green Turtle Bay are:

OCEANUS and VISITOR

SONATA

SALTY PAWS tucked in behind SONATA

DOCKERS INN

ROCK CHALK and LAST CHANCE

LAST DANCE, ERICA LIN, and CONFETTI

We all departed on the 24th after the fog lifted and turned south into the swift flowing Mississippi.

With light fog on the river the group travels with the current . . . with tugs and barges coming upbound on the river.

Cape Girardeau, Missouri, where tugs stop but there are no facilities for boats like SONATA to stop. It is strange that on the Illinois, Mississippi and Ohio there are so few opportunities to stop and shop, visit the river towns . . . be a land tourist.

SONATA turns into Little Diversion Creek off the Mississippi and the others from Kaskaskia follow in to join us in the overnight anchorage.

Sunday, September 25, underway for the Ohio River.

Very heavy rains pound us on the Ohio where the river is up. The weirs are down at Lock 53 so we by-pass the lock and travel over the dam in the sailing line. As we approach Lock 52 the delay causes to anchor for the night in the middle of the river behind the Lock 52 dam.

Following the overnight anchorage SONATA entered auxiliary lock 52 following GO FOURTH (first seen in Harbor Springs, Michigan) and locked through with DOCKERS INN, ROCK CHALK, and SALTY PAWS.

Passed Paducah without a stop at their "do-not-stop" dock.

SONATA leaves the Ohio and enters the Cumberland River . . . past the turtles sunning . . . and then into the Barclay Lock for the travel up to Barkley Lake and Green Turtle Bay Marina.

Into Green Turtle Bay Marina for a two day stay. First night at Patti's for the 2" pork chop. Second day we met up with TERRI MAR and SALTY PAWS.

First stop after Green Turtle, Paris State Park, gave us a great dinner at the State Park Lodge, salad, pasta, desert, coffee; only $9.95 per person. SONATA also took on nourishment . . . 400 gallons of diesel at $3.89 a gallon. A looper boat, BUBBLES II, first seen by us in Cape May in 2007, arrived next door to SONATA.

Out of Paris and up the Tennessee River passing the an abandoned building which was built so well that when the Tennessee River was flooded by the Kentucky Dam . . . attempts to destroy the building failed . . . so officials decided to leave it. Past the changing fall colors and into Pebble Isle Marina where we were greeted by a fox on the shore.

With so many boats present at the marina Andy and the staff at Pebble Isle sponsored a Looper coctail hour and provided the appitizers. The boaters present are: Bonnie and Charlie Burke of SONATA; Mike and Gail Preston, HAPPY HOURS V, from Cairns, Queensland, Australia . . . here in the USA to complete the loop; Bob and Ellie Ackley, SUNSHINE LADY; Randy from Canada, aboard BLACK TICKLE; Murray and Leight Reid, DAS ENDLICH; Ted and Marcia Miller, INTERLUDE; and Grant and Christi Ziebell, SWEET FREEDOM.

September 13 - 22, 2011 . . . Chicago to Hoppies on the Mississippi

2011-09-27T13:01:00.011-04:00

Charlie and Bonnie in Chicago . . . preparing for our departure down the Illinois.

As SONATA departs her slip in DuSable Marina we take a photo review of the Chicago skyline, the marina, the boats, the waterway to the Chicago Lock.

Bonnie at the wheel, SONATA approaches the Chicago Lock to lock through with a Chicago Fire Boat.

Thru the Chicago Lock, into the Sanitary Canal and now westward into downtown Chicago and under the bridges.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: The Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, historically known as the Chicago Drainage Canal, is the only shipping link between the Great Lakes (specifically Lake Michigan by way of either the Chicago River or the Calumet-Saganashkee (Cal-Sag) Channel) and the Mississippi River system, by way of the Illinois and Des Plaines Rivers. The canal also carries Chicago's treated sewage into the Des Plaines River. Before completion of the canal in 1900, the sewage in the Chicago River flowed into Lake Michigan, the city's drinking water supply. The canal is part of the Chicago Wastewater System, operated by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.

Lake Shore Drive, then

the underside of the bridge, then

Columbus Avenue, and on to

DuSable

Wabash

State and then some more bridges.

Then SONATA turns south under the Washington Boulevard bridge and we are then leaving Chicago.

Down the Illinois with its gravel barges, industry, and then into the down river landscape.

The Sanitary Canal, that spills into, connects with, Illinois River, here shows the original limestone walls.

After several miles of travel we meet up with the joining point of the Cal-Sag Canal which travel to the south of Chicago. Some of the loopers that cannot lower their air draft to below 17' must travel this route from Lake Michigan.

Traveling down river it is not uncommon to squeeze between the barges and tugs in the crowded and shared waterway.

More from Wikipidia: On November 20, 2009, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced that a single sample of DNA from Asian carp had been found above the electric barrier that had been constructed in the canal in an attempt to prevent them from migrating into the Great Lakes. The silver carp, also known as the flying carp, has migrated through the Mississippi, and could possibly make its way into the Great Lakes. The carp can grow to 50 or more pounds, and is noted for its jumping above water. Ironically, the carp were first introduced with the blessing of the EPA in the 1970s to help remove algae from catfish farms in Arkansas. The carp have escaped the farms and migrated up the Mississippi River system. They now threaten to enter the Great Lakes through the man made canal connecting the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River water shed. The carp displace native species of fish by filter feeding and removing the bottom of the food chain for indigenous species.

On December 2, 2009, the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal closed, as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) began applying a fish poison, rotenone, in an effort to kill Asian carp north of Lockport. Although no Asian carp were found in the two months of commercial and electrofishing, the massive fish kill did discover a single carp.

On December 21, 2009, Michigan State Attorney General Mike Cox filed a lawsuit with the U.S. Supreme Court seeking the immediate closure of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal to keep Asian carp out of Lake Michigan. The state of Illinois and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which constructed the Canal, are co-defendants in the lawsuit.

In response to the Michigan lawsuit, on January 5, 2010, Illinois State Attorney General Lisa Madigan filed a counter-suit with the U.S. Supreme Court requesting that it reject Michigan’s claims. Siding with the State of Illinois, both the Illinois Chamber of Commerce and The American Waterways Operators have filed affidavits, arguing that closing the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal would upset the movement of millions of tons of vital shipments of iron ore, coal, grain and other cargo, totaling more than $1.5 billion a year, and contribute to the loss of hundreds, perhaps thousands of jobs. However, Michigan along with several other Great Lakes states argue that the sport and commercial fishery and tourism associated with the fishery of the entire Great Lakes region is estimated at $7 billion a year, and impacts the economies of all Great Lakes states and Canada.

On January 19, 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected the request for a preliminary injunction closing the canal.

SONATA traveled through the barrier without any difficulty.

At the Lockport Lock, the first lock south of Chicago, DOVEKIE waits with us for the lockdown. SALTY PAWS is alongside and LAST DANCE is in the background and COCONUTS is astern, all waiting.

The barges and tug complete their lock up and once they are clear and the lock is ready to receive us, we will lock down.

Dick and Charlie make SONATA secure in the lock before we depart for Harborside Marina.

We incur a "fender casualty" at Harborsprings . . . they had bolts sticking out of the side of their piers and the fender, doing its job, kept SONATA from stricking these projections . . . without damaging the side of the vessel . . . poor design and maintenance on the part of Harborsprings.

South of Harborsprings and before arriving at the Starved Rock Marina we encountered a string of red bouys on the port side, green bouys on the starboard side. It appears that one green bouy broke loose and went to the "red-side-of-the-channel" and this boat tried to take the green bouy to the starboard side of his boat . . . he found himself in just a few inches of water and hard aground.

Dick is serious while piloting SONATA.

Departure from Starved Rock Marina and traveling on down the Illinois to Hennepin.

We arrived in Hennepin, toured the town and then prepared for dinner at Ray's Place.

We enjoyed a great dinner at Ray's Place and we were happy to see Pauline, owner of Ray's, and her sister Shirley. We had been greeted by Andrea Minyard, Pauline's granddaughter and restaurant manager. We had visited Ray's Place while completing the Loop in 2007-2008 and Andrea kindly send us an email regarding our blog and invited us to visit them again.

One of the highlights of the Loop is meeting new enjoyable and terrific people like Andrea . . . and then seeing them again.

On deck the next day, the 16th, we, Dick, found thousands of Caddis Flys. A broom was the only way to clean up the expired creatures.

We had wanted to stop again at Chillicothe but the dock we used before was reportedly closed. The city officials reported they intend to build a dock in the neighborhood of the piles there so that possibly the next time we can stop there.

The next town is Peoria and they have dockage down town . . . but do not want boats to stop there and spend money. What a strange conflict, one town has no space and wants the boats to stop, the next has space and does not want boats to stop. The SPIRIT OF PEORIA was in Peoria and starting its cruise to St. Louis.

In planning our travel we intended to stop at the Tall Timbers Marina and spoke a number of times with their accomodating staff. The water was just too shallow, the river is down, and we had to pass on by.

We continued south past Havana, past the Bath Chute, and spent the overnight alongside a grain barge at the Logsdon Barge Service in Beardstown.

Leaving Beardstown and passing about MM86 we came upon a number of other loopers that had anchored behind Bar Island.

The evening found us alongside the Riverdock Restaurant and dinner with DOCKER'S INN and SALTY PAWS.

On the 19th we started our last day on the Illinois with calm waters and a short trip to Alton Marina on the Mississipi River.

After a few hours we passed Grafton, Illinois, and entered the mighty Mississippi River.

The bridge that crosses the Mississippi at Alton borders on the southern side of the Alton Marina were we spent two days.

Looking aft in the Mel Price Lock, SONATA's first lock on the Mississippi; this trip.

Dick reports SONATA all secure in the Mel Price Lock.

The doors open and SONATA continues down the Mississippi through St. Louis on the way to Hoppie's Marina.

SONATA passes St. Louis, the arch, and then we have Betty and Dick under the arch.

Hoppie's. We tie up to the first barge.

We are met by Hoppie and his wife Fern. Fern then later gives the lecture, her presentation, on how each of us should proceed down the river and through the rivers to the Gulf.

We all enjoy a terrific lunch at the Blue Owl Restaruant.

Dick and Betty wait for the taxi that is to take them from SONATA . . . and after a wait the taxi arrives and SONATA sits in the fog after their departure. We have enjoyed their stay aboard and the travel together.

The fog lifts and SONATA departs Hoppie's for the Kaskaskia Lock.

September 8-13, 2011 . . . Chicago

2011-09-08T15:38:00.005-04:00

Chicago! The winds at NTC were to remain out of the north and northwest and to remain in excess of 25kts. The strong "breeze" appeared on the afternoon of the 7th to slow some . . . therefore, at 1830 we departed NTC for Chicago. We arrived in Chicago at about 2230, with strong wind and swells behind us. Swells exceeded 10' . . . WOOHOO! WHAT A RIDE surfed all the way into Chicago at up to 13.2kts . . . Charlie is such a crazy guy!

Betty and Dick Gray will join us on the 10th. We will remain here until the 13th, then go through the Sanitary Canal and down the Illinois River to the Mississippi.

SONATA at DuSable Marina Chicago. Second pier down from the top, in the marina. First boat on the pier on the south side of the dock from the dock wall.

The morning of the 8th the first order of business was to proceed through town to the new opening of "Trader Joe's". Our travel took us south on Lake Shore Drive, then to Jackson Avenue past the Buckingham Fountain. Then to Route 66.

The beginning and the end of Route 66 . . . then Trader Joe's for groceries and a case of wine . . . all via bicycles.

Trader Joe merchandise stored aboard, we turned to the "Magnificent Mile."

At the beginning of the Mile we are greeted by Marilyn Monroe . . . The Seven Year Itch . . . and youngsters wanting their wedding photos on the Mile.

Waiting for our guests to arrive, Dick and Betty; SONATA waits alongside the pier, Berth B46, awaiting their arrival.

Saturday night was a great night of music, music we could all understand and appreciate. The Million Dollar Quartet.

According to the program, on a cold Tuesday afternoon in December of 1956 four of the greatest musical innovators of the time, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley, united at Sun Records in Mempis, Tennessee for a somewhat accidental gathering; an impromptu jam session, in which the boys were dubbed the Million Dollar Quartet. The foursome never reunited again. The evening was that evening and their music. A most enjoyable show!

Nothing to do with our evening at the Apollo, other than location, we passed the Biograph Theatre . . . where Dillinger met his end; part of Chicago's history.

The next day we were off on a Signature Bus Tour of Chicago. A double-decker ride around the City. A sampling of the tour . . .

The Trump Tower

Marina Towers alongside the Chicago River

The Methodist Church . . . with services on the 22nd floor.

The Navy Pier and ferris wheel. The pier was constructed in memory of Navy personnel lost in World War I; then used in training navy pilots in World War II . . . barges towed from the pier into the lake for practice carrier landings.

Wrigley Building

John Hancock Building

The Marshall Fields Building . . . one of the largest in Chicago, purchased by Joe Kennedy at the urging of the Chicago crowd . . . to provide the financial incentive to back John F. Kennedy for president . . . election assured.

The Sears Tower (Willis Building) with the newly added walk-outs-on-floor-104 . . . we did not visit the walk outs.

In the evening, off to the Second City Comedy Club . . . for an evening show with good laughs.

September 3 - 7, 2011 . . . Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, Illinois

2011-09-08T12:40:00.001-04:00

Crossing the lake from St. Joseph to the Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, Illinois, was to be our next-to-last-adventure on the lake. We had seas and wind first out of the SSE 10-15, then from the South at 10-15, then a backing to the North at 15-20, gusts to 25, then variable out of the West.

The winds began to calm as we had the marina is good view.

Inside the marina we tied up, bow out, in front of the white van on the seawall.

Our plans, to restock our supplies, and, the winds kept us at NTC. Outside the winds are from the North and Northwest at 20-30kts. We stay put.

We had morning colors, and taps each day. One morning the deer came through the parking lot, one stopped at the stop sign. The next day local staff came jogging thru.

We were to reprovision, obtained a new ID for Bonnie, picked up some cash, ready to leave.

The stay at NTC was a very good. The marina was comfortable and had all we needed, power and water, we had the commissary store, the package store, a rental car, hair cuts for all, a movie, shopping centers . . . very fine!

August 26 - September 3, 2011 . . . Leland to St. Joseph/Benton Harbor

2011-09-08T09:49:00.006-04:00

Four days of waiting, five loopers, to leave Leland. Surely as a sunset is followed by a sunrise the winds began to relax and let us leave to head South along Lake Michigan's eastern shore. We ducked into Arcadia for a stop, making short trips down the coast.

The prevailing winds on Lake Michigan are from the West, thus the eastern shore is sandy with sand dunes and safe soft bottomed harbors.

We pulled into Pentwater after Arcadia with several other loopers.

When we docked there was a space between SONATA and TERRMAR . . . which was filled later in the day by a 1968 "woodie" Grand Banks 42 owned by Raymond J. Hilt, DDS.

Loopers get-together at about "5:30pm".

We had the bikes on the shore and went in search of the farmer's market. We made a stop at the beach and traveled through town. The bikes are a great way to get around.

We departed Pentwater before sunrise . . . an attempt to beat the wind, get down the shore before the wind wakes up.

SALTY PAWS traveled with us, to our west, and shortly thereafter we enjoyed the sunrise.

All along the coast we encountered salmon fishermen. This boat, SPORTSMEN, had just landed one and was putting it in the box. The salmon are down about 100' . . . takes special fishing gear to be successful.

Down the coast, a nice little push with the current, up to 9.5kts at 1800rpm.

A cruising guide photo of a photo of Grand Haven. A number of the loopers that got together in Leland decided to all pull into this location.

The river water that flows out from Grand Haven is a different color of water than that of the lake. A real mark where they meet. Grand Haven Municipal Marina is staffed by college students . . . and as it turns out they have returned to school. No one answered the radio or our phone calls. A departing vessel, LAST CHANCE, called us and said come on in, pick an empty slip, tie up . . . the marina staff would probably show up later . . . someone would.

A stop at the USCG was required by Harvey . . . the recruiter gave Charlie a pencil so that Harvey could sign his "re-enlistment documents", which Harvey has reportedly declined. He says he likes retirement too much.

Grand Haven's downtown had an art theme, "Rocket Fish". The local retailers sponsor the rocket fish, artist jazz them up, and a contest results in a winner.

A closer look at SALTY PAWS (Frank and Cathy Hearn).

SWEETGRASS out of Charleston; Jerry and Jenny Reves.

OOKPIK (Bruce and Karen Macdonald of Ottawa).

SONATA with Bonnie ready to go.

Loopers at 5:30pm

This picture was taken by Cathy Hearn, SALTY PAWS, as the "Fish-house-Five, those loopers stuck together in Leland, make their way for an evening out to dinner in Grand Haven.

In the evening, across the river from SONATA's slip, there is a music and water light show. The music was classical, beautiful, and the water show was interesting.

Saugatuck, a town for artists and shopping.

A map of Lake Michigan . . . so one may see the many ports along the east side of the lake we have visited.

Underway for St. Joseph/Benton Harbor . . . a calm day on the water to our last stop on Lake Michigan.

Entrance into St. Joseph/Benton Habor. We went to the fuel dock for diesel, 255 gallons @ $3.96 per gallon.

St. Joseph downtown also had an artist theme, animals. The lifeguard goose, the decorated cow, the pretty pig, and the gem cow . . .

Our last night in St. Joseph Mark and Terri Wey, TERRMAR IV, joined us aboard SONATA for dinner. We had planned a four day stay . . . but a weather window appeared and we were to head across the lake in the early am.

August 22-26, 2011 . . . Leland, Michigan

2011-08-26T15:04:00.001-04:00

Soon after we arrived in Leland, with strong winds blowing, a sail boat, COCOMO, started to enter the harbor and turned too wide. In that turn a wave picked up the boat and set it aground on the nearby sandy beach. Each wave afterwards pushed it further ashore and closer to the rocky-breakwall. BIG TOW, a local tow service, attempted to pull the boat off, pulling on the bow.

First pull attempts . . . unsuccessful.

Second attempt, tow line located on the mast base rather than on the bow; and . . . after four hours a successful result.

There were five loopers in Leland. We had a looper party on SONATA the night of the sailboat grounding; Jerry and Jenny Reves, Charleston, SC, SWEETGRASS; Mark and Terri Wey, Goderich, Ontario, TERRMAR IV;

Frank and Cathy Hearn, Toronto, Ontario, SALTY PAWS; and Paul, traveling on board SWEETGRASS.

The next night we had a "pot-luck" dinner in the Marina Lounge,

and, we were joined by Bruce and Karen Macdonald, Ottawa; OOKPIK.

The next day we waited again for the wind's permission to depart.

The wind blew for four days at 20-30 knots . . . we waited for a calm day so we could leave. While waiting we took the bus from Leland to Traverse City and saw the movie "The Help". The movie was terrific, the setting was Charlie's home town, Jackson, Mississippi, in the early '60's, and is based on the book of the same title written by Charlie's neice, Kathryn Stockett.

Early on the 26th SONATA was underway by 0630 headed South. Noon we arrived at the entrance to Arcadia . . . winds again building to 25 knots in the afternoon.

August 16-23, 2011 . . . Beaver Island, Harbor Springs, Charlevoix, Leland

2011-08-22T14:42:00.000-04:00

Departing Beaver Island on the 16th we encountered early morning fog.

Entrance and arrival in Harbor Springs.

Channel Entrance Charlevoix.

Marina grounds.

Dock Office with water park in the foreground.

Earl A. Young, born in 1889, moved to Charlevoix at the beginning of the 1900's and grew up to become an architect with an unusual flair; houses that are known by some as the "mushroom houses." A few of those are shown here:

A small mushroom house, known by Young as "Half-house", it appears to have been cut-down-the-middle during its creation.

A medium house.

An X-tra large house.

A beach-house on Round Lake.

Charlie speaking with John Winn during the tour of John's home which includes John's collection of boats and boat accessories.

In the early evening of the 20th PARAMOUR, an Islander sailboat, came in and docked on the opposite side of the dock where SONATA was located. The skipper came in very fast . . . and tried to reverse as he entered the slip, his transmission/throttle handle disconnected due to a loose-screw and rather than going into reverse as intended . . . went full ahead. The boat crashed into the dock, the bow rode up over the dock and then with the help of bystanders was pushed backinto the water. An exciting evening.

PARAMOUR ended up docking next to SONATA in Leland . . . in 20-25 knot winds without incident.

The Lake Michigan water is crystal clear. The water, weeds growing under the bow of SONATA.

Another view off SONATA's stern.

SONATA's view of the Leland Marina from Berth #3; arrived in building winds that are to last for a couple of days.

August 10-15, 2011 . . . Sault St. Marie to DeTour to Machinac Island to Beaver Island

2011-08-16T17:03:00.003-04:00

SONATA in the George Kemp Marina with GREAT ESCAPE in the berth behind her; Soo locks at the top of the picture.

Departing the George Kemp marina SONATA pulls in behind the Great Laker AMERICAN MARINER . . . travels behind, then beside, then passes.

In the early sunrise as we prepare to depart DeTour, Michigan, a Great Laker passes on its way to Lake Superior.

SONATA leaves DeTour Harbor on the way to Mackinac Island.

Along the way SONATA passes two Great Lakers, both on the way to Lake Superior.

Approaching Mackinac Island

The Mackinac Island Hotel from the sea.

The hotel's gateway . . . a great place for lunch. We arrived by bike.

On the porch again . . . 2011, and . . .

in 2007 when we made the first loop trip.

The front porch, down the drive . . . and back to SONATA. Two days, it is time to move on.

Have talked about the clear water . . . these shots are the clear water behind SONATA in the marina. The sea grass, weeds, are growing well.

On the way to Beaver Island . . . and then the entrance into St. James harbor at Beaver Island where we had a terrific dinner at the local lodge.

August 6-9, 2011 . . . Benjamin Islands and departing Canada ... return to the United States of America

2011-08-09T06:51:00.006-04:00

SONATA traveled West to the Benjamin Islands and the beautiful rock formations.

The shore-line in the Benjamin Islands, the rocks, the trees that are able to pull out a living. SONATA was in some 11-30 feet of water . . . checked the shafts, propellors, all looked well.

Continuing West on the 7th of August SONATA followed GREAT ESCAPE through the narrow opening called "Little Detroit". A small storm came up shortly thereafter and we pulled into an anchorage.

Using radar, the chartplotter, our depth sounder, and the good old Mark I, Mod 0 eyeball we anchored in the rain in Beardrop Harbour off Whaleback Channel.

Then, as always, God provides us the next morning with a beautiful sunrise, the promise of a new day . . . and we are ready to cross the top part of Lake Huron to St. Joseph Island and the Hilton Beach Marina.

A terrific day to travel some 50 plus miles; flat seas, a soft breeze.

West of Thessalon we see our first "Great Laker", an ore carrier.

The Hilton Beach Marina, St. Joseph Island, Ontario, Canada.

The morning of August 9th, another glorious sunrise for our travel to Sault St. Marie, Michigan and Lake Superior.

Looking back toward the East as we leave Hilton Beach we say good-bye to the Georgian Bay, the North Channel . . . our departure from that wonderful section of our travels and say hello to the deer passing under our bow.

We approach and then pass the light on Boswell Island.

Then on to the Twyning Bridge as we enter the channel to pass around Sugar Island.

Each time in the shower as I wash my eyes . . . scanning to the West, some 600 yards away, the first eagle of the trip is spotted perched in a tree on Advance Island. The photograph is not as good as the actual view, nonetheless, thanks is given to God for the gift of eyesight and the professional eye care received from Drs. Howard Ossen and Mark Pavilack of Virginia Beach; thank you!

Traveling around Sugar Island, Canada is on the right, the United States of America is on the left.

Arrival in the harbour, Sault St. Marie, Michigan and Ontario...

Into the canal and lock to pass into Lake Superior.

Lake Superior

SONATA returns to the lock with the local tour boat NOKOMIS and a cheering crowd . . . into the lock, then out of the lock and over to the GEORGE KEMP Michigan Marina . . . refuel . . . some 400 gallons of diesel to fill SONATA's hungary belly . . . $$$.

July 30-August 5, 2011 . . . On to Little Current from Collins Inlet

2011-08-05T12:36:00.002-04:00

After Collins Inlet we traveled on to Killarney and spent two nights at the Sportsman's Inn and Marina.

The best thing about Killarney was the fried fish from the bus. Great fish all fresh, just cooked, ate there twice!

How do you want to travel, boat, sea-plane . . . as we leave Killarney we pass the sea plane in the channel close aboard SONATA's port bow.

From Killarney to Covered Portage Cove . . . for an overnight and a climb to the mountain top.

Sunrise in Covered Portage Cove.

On the mountain top, Bonnie, Theresa, Don (Charlie is in the dingy to take the picture). A telephoto shot, then a distance shot . . . way up there.

Having moved to Beaver Island Harbour off Strawberry Island . . . another beautiful sunrise.

Ice cream and Fish and Chips . . . at the end of the dock in Little Current; what a wonderful day. The hour is just past noon, Bonnie has returned from the grocery with a chicken . . . lunch. The bridge just opened and many new boats arrived.

July 24-29, 2011 . . . Byng Inlet to Collins Inlet

2011-08-05T11:56:00.003-04:00

The entrance into the Cunningham Channel. When you enter this channel you cusomarily give a call on channel 16 announcing your entrance, direction of travel and the size of your vessel. It is tight.

In the channel, pass the green to port and the red triangle on the rock island, to starboard.

After a windy night in Sandy Bay we moved on to the Bustard Islands. This little dingy channel connects the two sides of the island's anchorage grounds.

The collection of boats at the Bustards included GREAT ESCAPE, SONATA, STRANGER (a Grand Banks woodie from Ohio), DRAGON FLY and others.

A rock statute on the beach near SONATA's anchorage. The rocks are called an INUKSUK (plural inuksuit) which is a stone landmark or cairn (man made pile of stones) built by humans. The inuksuk may have been used for navigation, as a point of reference, a marker for travel routes, fishing places, camps, hunting grounds and have been of varying sizes and shapes. Inuit describes the various groups of indigenous peoples who live in central and northeastern Canada.

Collins Inlet is just below those little mountains . . . we are on the way.

A tight entry marks Collins Inlet . . . with a fast boat on the way to SONATA's bow . . . nonetheless, we made it!

The inlet, our travel down it, our anchorage at Keystone Island . . . all so very pretty.

SONATA resting in the midst of God's beauty, God's peace. What a wonderful, beautiful, peaceful surrounding! Collins Inlet.

July 20-24,2011 . . . Enter Georgian Bay to Byng Inlet

2011-08-04T18:26:00.006-04:00

The first navigational challenge in the Georgian Bay is just after you depart Port Severn . . . you travel through the "Potato Patch."

First a tight 90 degree turn to port, a short narrow distance and a starboard turn of again 90 degrees; shallow water and rocks all around.

From the entrance into the bay SONATA coursed to Beausoleil Island and the northeastern inside bay.

After anchoring we were visited by "Bonnie's-Loon".

She was calm . . . then started to talk . . .

Talking to another loon on the other side of the bay.

Then she got so excited that she was yelling . . . could see the veins in her neck...

Beausoleil Island was, is, a popular place for the canadian vacationers, so popular that SONATA decided to move on to a more peaceful place. Off to Bone Island.

The passage took us through Starvation Bay. A narrow entrance not uncommon with the Georgian Bay waters.

Narrow channels, beautiful waters, all so wonderful. (Temperature is cool, all the time)

Passing one of the Georgian Bay's land marks we must make a comment. This is Henry's on Fryingpan Island . . . a "must-stop" for most boaters ... for a fried fish dinner. We stopped in 2007 . . . no need to stop again.

One of the challenges on the charts is the "Canoe Channel"; and after quiet evenings at Bernadette Bay and Richard's Bay . . . SONATA decided to transit the channel. It is narrow, but not as frightening as the chart would have you believe. The chart says vessels greater than 40' should not transit....

Next was the Umwah Island channel

This tight, narrow, close space is one of Charlie's favorites in the Georgian Bay.

On our way to Byng Inlet to meet up with Don and Theresa we passed another "Kiawah Island."

A dress-up night for dinner at The Little Britt Inn, Byng Inlet. Dinner was very good . . . the owner needs customer service training.

July 19, 2011 . . . Back to Canada; Orillia to the Georgian Bay

2011-08-04T17:35:00.001-04:00

Proceeding West from Orillia to Port Severn.

Our evening arrival at the "Big Chute" places SONATA first in line for a lift in the early morning. The travel-lift will take SONATA from one waterway over the roadway and back into the water.

Up over the roadway, then on the way down, down into the water on the West side . . . next stop Port Severn and the Georgian Bay.

We traveled through narrow passages and look everywhere for wildlife, in particular a moose. This was the only one we saw.........

Out of the Port Severn Lock, the last of the Trent-Severn Waterway and Lock System . . . into the Georgian Bay.

July 14-18, 2011 . . . The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island, South Carolina

2011-08-04T16:20:00.004-04:00

Charleston, South Carolina, via Enterprise rental in Orillia, USAir from Toronto . . . off to the Sanctuary on Kiawah Island, the Patterson Dental Company recognition trip.

The limo took us through the oaks over-hanging the road to Kiawah.

The Sanctuary, arrival, then down the halls and off to our room and preparation for the evenings events.

The view outside the room...

The first evening Bonnie was greeted by

SCOTT ANDERSON, Patterson Dental Companies, CEO

Charlie and Bonnie at the Recognition Dinner.

Bonnie is called to the stage to receive her Recognition Award from the President of Patterson Dental Company. While speaking about Bonnie, the President recaped Bonnie's long dental history, her outstanding performance with Patterson, and thanked her for her long dedicated service. He along with the attendees then and wished her well on her retirement cruise aboard SONATA.

We were fortunate during the trip to Kiawah to be in South Carolina the same time as Jonathan, Brandi, and Taylor were vacationing at Folly Beach. We spent a day on the beach with them and dinner in Charleston before returning to Canada and SONATA.

July 31, 2011 . . . Updated comment .....

2011-07-31T16:27:00.000-04:00

Two days at the Bustards Islands, two at Collins Inlet; all without internet service. Now at the Sportsman's Inn Marina where internet service is extremely slow. Seven to ten minutes to load one photograph.

Monday we continue West . . . next internet will be at Little Current. Hopefully it will be faster.......

July 10-14, 2011 . . . To Kirkfield and on to Orillia

2011-07-25T08:42:00.005-04:00

This sign greets you as you enter the Trent-Severn canal . . . Charlie was able to use the radio and make a "Security" call announcing our entrance and intended transit.

GREAT ESCAPE is traveling in front of SONATA through the canal.

The rock filled bank is close beside SONATA in this narrow channel.

Chart showing SONATA's route from Balsam Lake to Lake Simcoe.

SONATA's GPS chartplotter shows the depth of water as 2.3 feet . . . and that is with a one foot offset . . . just about a foot of water under the keel.

An picture of the canal from above.

One vessel either did not have a radio, failed to listen to the radio . . . nonetheless, we had to pass one vessel in a "wide" section of the canal.

Arrived in the Kirkfield lift lock, in the up position.

Charlie holding tight.

Bonnie's toes . . . a little rest on the high bow.

Don and Theresa alongside in the lock aboard GREAT ESCAPE.

Leave the lift lock and pass on into the wilderness.

GREAT ESCAPE passes through the "hole-in-the-wall", SONATA is next.

This is a "bunch of bull" . . . just watching us go by.

In this area where water is 8-10 feet deep, weeds grow up to the surface; this is a weed-eater at work, trimming the weeds down about four or so feet.

Bonnie helping SONATA check-in at the Orillia docks.

SONATA on the dock . . . where she will wait until we return from Kiawah Island.

July 25, 2011 . . . Current location, plans . . . . . . .

2011-07-19T10:36:00.001-04:00

Last time I said there was so much to talk about; I am still behind, catching up slowly.

Today we leave Byng Inlet, N45-46.068, W080-35.120 for an anchorage in Sandy Bay, 4.7 miles west of where we are. There is no internet there, maybe there will phone service. Cost of Verizon internet is prohibitive. Must use wi-fi in the marinas.

Our "pencil" plans are: Sandy Bay, to Bustards Islands, to Bad River, to Collins Inlet. Then a stop in Killarney at the Sportsman's Marina, then Heywood Island, the town of Little Current, Eagle Island, Blind River, Thessalon, and then into Lake Superior . . . yes, we are here, might as well at least get our toes wet. Then to DeTour and Lake Michigan..............

July 9, 2011 . . . Fenellon Falls

2011-07-19T07:54:00.000-04:00

We have arrived at Fenellon Falls lock and are awaiting a lock through. The lock wall here will have power, water, and a closeness to the town. As it turns out Bonnie had to go through the channel and turn around, return to a small space between the boats and tie up in some 44' of space. Great job.

Following the hard work of getting secured to the pier . . . Bonnie and Theresa went for a swim in the canal . . . until the Lockmaster told them they could not swim there and to "get out of the water".

July 8, 2011 . . . Bobcaygeon

2011-07-19T07:46:00.000-04:00

SONATA arrived in the narrow channel approching the Bobcaygeon lock. We will dock on the wall on the lower, down, side of the lock with GREAT ESCAPE.

Bonnie and Theresa enjoy the day boating on the canal . . .

Play time is over at Bobcaygeon . . . time now to depart for Fenellon Falls after some shopping.

Bonnie returns from a shopping tour.

July 6, 2011 . . . Youngs Point to Buckhorn

2011-07-18T09:30:00.000-04:00

At Youngs Point we enjoyed having Don and Theresa, GREAT ESCAPE, join us for dinner.

On our way to our next stop, Buckhorn, we passed the anchorage location that had been planned as a standby. It is just off Juniper Island in Stoney Lake. Departing that location we passed . . .

. . . St. Peter's Church on the Rock . . .

. . . and the church parking lot. On our way out departing this area a number of pictures were taken for the memory . . .

. . . On with our trip to the Lovesick Lock.

At Lovesick a houseboat goes broadside in the lock in front of GREAT ESCAPE. The houseboats are hard to manage and most persons on the houseboats have little if any experience on the water . . . a hazard.

After lunch in Buckhorn we relaxed with GREAT ESCAPE in the park next to our "homes" at the lockwall. The chipmunk appeared and was a cute fellow to watch.

July 3, 2011 . . . On to Rice Lake and Peterborough

2011-07-18T09:09:00.000-04:00

Continuing up the Trent-Severn Waterway we were met by a sea-plane on its way home, approaching overhead, and . . .

. . . landing and then all secure.

The beautiful Canada rural, farmland, countryside.

After anchoring over night in Rice Lake and finding in the am that overnight we were covered with tiny white bugs, we proceeded on toward Peterborough passing a deer enjoying his breakfast on the side of the Onatabee River.

Fishing must be good on the river.

Arrival in Peterborough placed us at the end of a pier, on the "T", just a few feet from the dockmaster's office and the terrific Karawatha ice cream.

Peterborough is a busy, active, beautiful city. We enjoyed an Indian dinner just blocks down from the marina, visited the bank to change more money, off to Canadian Tire, Staples, and other shopping. In the after noon the women of all ages passed us keeping in shape on the lake.

An afternoon shower produced some of God's beauty; promises...

Bonnie and Jennifer (aboard NOVA) plan the day.

In the park next to SONATA is a statue dedicated to Firemen . . . makes us thankful for our wonderful son-in-law and others that are in the service of others.

The Peterborough lift lock, we await our turn to enter one of the lift pans. The left one is down, the right one is up.

Jennifer and Mike aboard NOVA are with us in this lift. When ready the lockmaster will add about a foot of water to the lift pan that is up, the offset weight will allow the upper pan to lower and push the lower pan up to the top.

Rotation is complete, we are at the top and ready to exit . . . this is a view looking aft.

June 27-30, 2011 . . . Trenton to Campbellford

2011-07-02T18:21:00.002-04:00

Trenton we stayed at the Fraser Municipal Marina where dockmasters Greg and Sandy took really good care of us. 200 gallons of diesel taken aboard, 756 liters, at 1.34$ per/liter; do the math...

We, Bonnie, parked SONATA on the back wall dead ahead of the view, between the two boats. The night-time sign is was it says, the entrance.

Lock 1 of the Trent-Severn; hand operated lock doors, followed by an example of the Lock Masters House at the locks.

We arrived at Lock 6, Upper, early so that we could remain overnight with electrical power. The first view is where we moored, behind the little fellow, and the next is the view of Frankford on our departure. We did walk down to the Oasis Grocery . . .

During our walk we came across a water hydrant . . . with a snow marker on it. Could this be why we are not here in the winter?

We passed our first white swans and her two young.

10 km/h speed limit signs . . . that is just below 6 knots, idle speed.

Sometimes this is the kind of marker you find in the channel, a marker island.

Flight locks, more than one lock, Locks 11 and 12, to Campbellford.

We arrived in Campbellford at the Old Mill Park. The park and the administrative building were just to SONATA's port side.

We were met by Dale Morton who assisted in securing SONATA to the wall and joining us in enjoying Campbellford. Dale is traveling the Trent and Georgia Bay.

The next morning, CANADA DAY, we had Rotary Club Pancakes in the park.

Glen and Jill Moore of LAST DANCE and Michael and Jennifer Strada of NOVA joined us for the pancakes.

As a part of CANADA DAY in the park SONATA was fortunate to have the kids petting zoo just to our port hand.

WE FOUND HIM!!! ELVIS LIVES and was found here in Campbellford. The fellow was great and we had an enjoyable evening at the free concert in the park.

The group that is here together . . . Loopers . . . sat for a group picture during the ELVIS Concert. Front row: Fannie Quigley, Mike and Jennifer Strada, Charlie and Bonnie Burke; second row, Jill and Glen Moore; third row, John Quigley.

From across the canal, from the Farmers Market, we first have the HAVEN with the Quigley's aboard, then LAST DANCE and SONATA.

Campbellford is the home of the "toonie", the $2 coin with the polar bear on one side. The artist that created the bear is from the area and a 20 foot replica is in the park along the river.

June 27-28, 2011 . . . Kingston to Trenton, Ontario, Canada

2011-07-02T17:51:00.000-04:00

We stayed at the Confederation Basin which is downtown Kingston.

The city government buildings were there at the edge of the marina.

Also present were the bunkers built in the early 1800's to protect the Rideau waterway and Kingston from the "enemy-to-the-south."

Departing Kingston for Trenton we pass one of Canada's maximum security prisons . . . with "its" marina next door. (The marina next door is the Portsmouth Marina and not associated with the prison.)

The water SONATA traveled upon from Kingston to Trenton was a dream. Calm, calm . . . all the way, all day.

June 22-26, 2011 . . . Smith Falls to Kingston, Ontario

2011-06-26T11:22:00.005-04:00

Bonnie found a map . . . you can follow our route from Albany, New York, on the Hudson River to Waterford, west to Little Falls and on to Oswego. Then back east to Clayton, New York; over to Gananoque, Canada, to Brockville, to Montreal. Thence west on the Ottawa River to Ottawa, to Smith Falls, to where we are now, Kingston. On Monday, the 27th, we will go to Trenton then up, west, on the Trent-Severn waterway to Port Severn.

Up here . . . there are many black squirrels . . . this one, one of three, was beside SONATA at Smith Falls.

The Smith Falls water tower in the light rain, mist, of the morning as we leave to continue on to Kingston.

At the Narrows, Lock 35 on the Rideau Canal, Bonnie maneuvers SONATA into the lock. If you look close you can see that the bridge is opened by hand, the young lady is turning a crank that wheels the bridge open.

The channel, the passages are very narrow here. Where is the channel? Some appear no wider than one and one-half times the width of SONATA. Some locations, where there is a "corner", a turn in the channel . . . there is a sign to "Sound your Whistle." Love my new Kahlenberg whistle.

For the evening, the 23rd, we stopped at Chaffey's Lock, Lock 37; on the lower side of the lock, toward Kingston.

Now this is a scary sight! The "masked Canadian yellow string mouth sea monster;" Charlie. Laugh all you want . . . coming up the Erie SONATA's propellors struck many dead-heads and logs; through the St. Lawrence, this same event repeated itself. In the Ottawa River we were in 80 feet of water and struck something, not once, but twice. The rapid boom, boom, boom, of the propellor blades places panic in your heart. The sea monster went over the stern, and, and in the clear water, looked at the bottom, the shafts, the rudders, the propellors; ran his hand down the side of each blade . . . NO DAMAGE! We are so fortunate!

More beautiful narrow channels . . . with a left turn sign.

SONATA's wonderful 2010C Garmin GPS Chartplotter gives us our location and at least an indication of which way the "road" will turn.

We arrived in Kingston's Inner Harbor after a two plus hour wait at the last four, Kingston Mills, locks, Locks 46-49. A SeaRay had engine problems, could not start . . . the operator had left the airconditioning on while away from the boat and the battery was dead. We anchored late in the evening in the Inner Harbor to await morning and passage through the Causeway Bridge and our berth at the City Confederation Basin Marina.

With the skilful linehandling work of Stephen Anderson, Bonnie slipped SONATA into its berth, K6, next to MY CYN. We met and talked with Stephen and Cynthia Anderson, of MY CYN, and their daughter and granddaughter . . . about the Downeast Loop. MY CYN is on the Downeast Loop and will proceed outbound on the St. Lawrence to Boldt Castle on Hart Island, and on to Brockville, Montreal, and beyond . . . MY CYN is home ported in Naples. We will see them again in the spring.

June 20-21,2011 . . . Ottawa to Smith Falls

2011-06-22T22:26:00.002-04:00

Leaving Ottawa, headed west toward Kingston with a few stops along the way.

The Petoria Bridge, 10' clearance.

Traveling, locking to the West.

Mel and Jean Thomason aboard their vessel DOVEKIE.

While in a flight of three locks, a fellow on the wall commented that he was a boater but had never gone through any locks. We invited him aboard and he went with us, with SONATA, through the next two locks. We wish Avner Ginsburg well in his boating experiences.

Burritt's Rapids where we remained overnight, 30amp power available.

Our first photographed loon on this trip. Hope to see and hear many more.

The favorites of GREAT ESCAPE and SONATA; Theresa and Bonnie!!!

Lynn and Steve Budish, from Toronto on their way to Ottawa. Introduced to us by Don and Theresa at Smith Falls.

GREAT ESCAPE leaving Smith Falls, heading East to Ottawa.

June 17-19,2011 . . . Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

2011-06-22T21:35:00.002-04:00

The back of the Parliment building as seen from the Ottawa River.

The flight of 8 locks going up.

SONATA on the blue line, waiting for 0830 opening.

The wheels on the top of the lock door open the gates that allow the lock to discharge.

This wheel opens the lock door; one on each side.

These are the cables we place a line around, one from the bow, one from the stern, to hold SONATA tight to the lock wall.

The first lock, Lock #1, water spilling over the top of the door.

Bonnie returning after a survey of the flight of 8 locks.

Lock #1 gate open, ready for SONATA to enter and commence the flight of 8.

SONATA in the lock, lock being flooded, locking up.

Charlie has the bow; Bonnie the stern.

SONATA moving from one lock to another.

Bonnie intense in her job of moving SONATA from one lock to another.

A tour guide explaining to his listeners that the Rideau was built to protect Canadian shipping from the enemy from the south that wanted to take over the St. Lawrence River . . . he looked at us when he commented on the enemy from the south..........

Near the top of the 8, on top . . .

The Flight of 8

The Ottawa 1st Baptist Church, a block away from SONATA's berth, where we worshiped on Sunday the 19th. So good to hear an organ played well during a church service!

SONATA on the Rideau, Paraliment behind.

The top of the Paraliment Building.

June 15-17, 2011 . . . Montreal to Ottawa

2011-06-22T17:40:00.002-04:00

On the 15th, up at the usual 0530, breakfast, and underway at 0730 for the first of the Canadian Park Service Locks, St. Anne-de-Bellevue. We arrived early, 0808 for their opening time of 0900. We were passed through without any problem and soon thereafter passed TWO IF BY SEA as we approached Oka. We first met Norb and Ruth Hattendorf of TWO IF BY SEA at Ess-Kay, Brewerton, New York.

As we approached the town of Oka we first saw the ferry boats that move vehicles and people across the Ottawa River. The local church was positioned along the waterfront at the ferry landing.

The first stop on the Ottawa River . . . the Carillon Lock. A 65' lift. Views of the inside while we are in the bottom . . . it has a nice floating dock to tie up to.

Farmland along the Ottawa River.

Canada's flag is beginning to show some wear on SONATA's mast. It will need to fly for another couple of months.

Transportation methods seen along the Canadian waterways.

For an overnight we decided to stay at a "Fairmont". The Le Chateau Montebello. A nice place built from logs pulled out of British Columbia and shipped across country by rail . . . for this location. The interior, while dark from all the wood, was warm and inviting. Some 204 rooms . . . we had our own on SONATA.

Our kind of water. The water is so smooth that you can see the clouds reflecting in the water. A calm calm passage from Montreal to Ottawa.

This waterfall is the Rideau River as it falls into the Ottawa River. We will spend the night at the Hull Marina in Gatineau across the Ottawa River from Ottawa . . . then in the morning move to the "blue-line" and tie up to be the first boat going up the 8 lift locks, the flight of locks, to Ottawa.

June 13-15, 2011 . . . Brockville to Montreal

2011-06-22T15:08:00.005-04:00

After departing Brockville and passing Prescott our first St. Lawrence River lock is the Iroquois. The creation of the locks and the deep waterway on the St. Lawrence took years of consideration by the United States and Canadaian governments. One summary states:

The first proposals for a binational comprehensive deep waterway along the St. Lawrence came in the 1890s. In the following decades the idea of a power project became inseparable from the seaway - in fact, the various governments involved believed that the deeper water created by the hydro project were necessary to make the seaway channels feasible. American proposals for development up to and including the First World War met with little interest from the Canadian federal government. But the two national government submitted St. Lawrence plans, and the Wooten-Bowden Report and the International Joint Commission both recommended the project in the early 1920s. Although the Liberal Mackenzkie King was reluctant to proceed, in part of because of opposition to the project in Quebec, in 1932 the two countries inked a treaty. This failed to receive the assent of Congress. Subsequent attempts to forge an agreement in the 1930s came to naught as the Ontario government of Mitchell Hepburn, along with Quebec, got in the way. By 1941, President Roosevelt and Prime Minister King made an executive agreement to build the joint hydro and navigation works, but this too failed to receive the assent of Congress. Proposals for the seaway were met with resistance from railway and port lobbyists in the United States.

In the post-1945 years, proposals to introduce tolls still could not induce the U.S. Congress to approve the project. Growing impatient, and with Ontario desperate for hydro-electricity, Canada began to consider "going it alone." This seized the imagination of Canadians, engendering a groundswell of St. Lawrence nationalism. Fueled by this support, the Canadian Louis St. Laurent government decided over the course of 1951 and 1952 to construct the waterway alone, combined with a hydro project (which would prove to be the joint responsibility of Ontario and New York - as a power dam would change the water levels, it required bilateral cooperation). However, the Truman and Eisenhower administrations considered it a national security threat for Canada to alone control the deep waterway, and used various means - such as delaying and stalling the Federal Power Commission license for the power aspect - until Congress in early 1954 approved an American seaway role via the Wiley act. Canada, out of concern for the ramifications of the bilateral relationship, reluctantly acquiesced.

In the United States, Dr. N.R. Danelian (who was the Director of the 13 volume St. Lawrence Seaway Survey in the U.S. Department of Navigation (1932-1963)), worked with the U.S. Secretary of State on Canadian-United States issues regarding the Seaway and worked for over 15 years on passage of the Seaway Act. He later became President of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Association to further the interests of the Seaway development to benefit the American Heartland. See: www.Wikipedia.org (Saint Lawrence Seaway)

The seaway opened in 1959 and cost $638 million in Canadian dollars, $336.2 million of which was paid by the U.S. government.[1] Queen Elizabeth II and President Dwight D. Eisenhower formally opened the Seaway with a short cruise aboard Royal Yacht Britannia after addressing the crowds in St. Lambert, Quebec.

The seaway's opening is often credited with making the Erie Canal obsolete, thus setting off the severe economic decline of several cities in Upstate New York. See: www.wikipedia.org (Saint Lawrence Seaway)

Three hours transit from the Iroquois Lock to the Eisenhower Lock. We arrived about 1800 and were told to anchor and wait. We anchored in 12 feet of water placing 75 feet of chain to the water's edge, N44-58.337, W074-52.788; ready for the evening out of the wind and current.

Just minutes later . . . the lock called and told us to come on through the locks (you must transit the Eisenhower and Snell locks in the same passage). Anchor was pulled and we were underway . . . two hours later we completed the locks, now we had darkness coming upon us, strong current, strong winds . . . and we needed a place to hide for the night. We found two spots, the first seemed the best so we again put the anchor down in 2-3 feet of charted depth, 11 feet on the fathometer . . . 75 feet to the water's edge, behind Ile Saint Regis; N45-00.681, W074-38.060. We had a good night.

The morning of the 14th the weather service said . . . winds from the west at 10-15 mph and one foot of waves. We pulled the anchor and began to proceed. The weatherman was WRONG again.

We are not going to do this again . . . but here we are. Just over two hours to the sheltered waters of the Beauharuois Lock . . . lets proceed.

Contrary to the "rules" of the St. Lawrence Seaway . . . SONATA uses the radio and reports her location. The seaway is marked with reporting positions for ships to check-in . . . SONATA checked in also. When we approached the Beauharuois Lock the seaway organization made sure the bridges were opened as required . . . the lock, however, wanted to cause problems . . . because they can.

Locks will not talk to you on the radio . . . unless they want to. When you arrive at the lock, if you have been unable to raise them by radio, you must tie up at the recreation-boat-report-in-dock and check-in using the lock telephone system. Charlie went to the phone. The person answering for the lock phone spoke in french. Charlie answered in mandrin chinese. The lock person then said you do not need to be disrespectful, . . . "What do you want?" Charlie's response was do you have a radio; answer "yes." Did you hear me in contact with the seaway on the way to this lock, "yes." Then do you think you have an idea of what I may want . . . ?? "yes...." Charlie was told to return to his vessel and wait . . . the lock would let him know when they were ready, the lock would advise him when to come in the lock . . . on the loud-speaker-system. One hour and twenty minutes later SONATA entered the upper Beauharuois Lock (another two lock set).

SONATA came out of the upper lock, started toward the lower lock. Met the laker OJIBWAY in the middle, between the two locks, then SONATA entered the lower lock and . . . came out the other side. Done with the St. Lawrence Seaway locks.

After leaving the lock we crossed the wide St. Lawrence to the "Northern-shore" and spent the evening at the Ile Perrot Marina.

June 9-12, 2011 . . . Brockville to Portland, Oregon

2011-06-22T13:50:00.002-04:00

A temporary interruption of SONATA's cruising occured as a result of Bonnie's qualification for a trip to the Allison Inn and Spa in Newberg, Oregon. Bonnie, along with four other Patterson Territory Representatives and five Patterson Equipment Representatives, along with their guests, were provided a week end of fine food, wine, a day at the spa, and just being spoiled, all as a result their high sales of A-dec dental equipment in prior year.