Our Christmas letter
December 2006
Dear Family and Friends,
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
We are living aboard Water Dancer III and getting ready to complete our Great Loop cruise. Departing from Palmetto, FL on Feb. 6, 2006, we crossed Florida and took the intercoastal waterway (ICW) up the east coast of the U.S. What a thrill to pass the Statue of Liberty as we came into New York Harbor. Continuing up the Hudson River, and then turning to port, we passed Troy, NY which put us on the Erie Canal. Crossing Lake Ontario into Canada, we found the small towns on the Trent Severn waterway and the beauty of the Georgian Bay and North Channel delightful. Going under the Mackinaw Bridge, we entered the familiar waters of Lake Michigan and have returned home. From Chicago heading south, our travels take us down the inland rivers to Mobile, AL. As of this writing, we are heading across the panhandle to the west coast of Florida. We are about to complete the Great Loop cruise.
It’s been an awesome experience, exploring so many areas of this country, learning so much more about boating and meeting wonderful people. Our logbook shows 5400 miles and 102 locks.
The best and worst experience was being stranded for 15 days on the Erie Canal during the 200 year flood. It was the worst because of the anxiety; the sheriff department airboat rescuing us off our boat at 6 am; watching the water rise to 20’ above flood level; wondering if we would have a boat to return to.
On the other hand, it was the best experience because we spent the time with wonderful people and made lasting friendships. Everyone really pulls together and are supportive and helpful during a disaster. And we were able to return to our boat and all was safe and sound.
We plan to live on the boat again next year but not travel as far. We shall winter in Ft Myers and the Florida keys. In the spring, we head north, but are unsure of our exact route although we will be in Michigan by car this summer.
Linus, a.k.a., Baby Bird, and Sneakers, a.k.a., Tennis Shoe Cat, send their best wishes. As ever, they ask only for love and attention. However, millet spray and cat treats are appreciated. Please keep in touch as we enjoy every email, letter and phone call. You can follow our travels on our website.
Our new mailing address is:
411 Walnut St. #3879
Green Cove Springs, Fl 32043-3443
Web site: http://www.brownhamel.com/ ; or http://www.brownhamel.blogspot.com/
Email: shjb@provide.net Cell: 517-930-2099 (Sue) 517-290-4477 (Jim)
posted by Sue and Jim at
4:03 PM
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