WWWWW&H? New Bern, NC

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Do you remember the reliable old formula in English class for writing a good story? Apparently you do. Your feedback on our blog has been that you want more of the w's, more often.

Who? Chris, Frank and Ginger Bear, saluting family and friends on our journey

What? On a road trip back to Melodeon from Ontario

Where? Started in the parking lot of a wifi challenged inn in Mocksville, North Carolina and finished in wifi deluxe Hilton in New Bern, NC. No more wifi dysfunction. This blog will be posted tonight.

When? Real time, October. This time last year we were a short week away from shoving off.

Why? Because, for us, the best thing about boating is the people you meet travelling, as well as the people you rediscover at home. If you get a chance to see them once again, it's a precious opportunity.

How? By truck, Ford 150

As we regrettably leave our friends at home, we thank them for helping us in so many ways this summer. Now we wend our way through the gorgeous green hills of US turnpikes and lush colonial seaside towns, we're visiting boater friends in their alternate land habitats and on their boats. It's not that we lack focus, although it's possible... In reality, we are skirting the whip tail-end of a nasty hurricane season while psyching ourselves up for the odious task of re-fitting our lady-ship, since we had stripped her decks down for hurricanes and stored all the parts.

Although she took 30 years in the making, we have not considered her 'high-maintenance'. She is a handsome and capable boat. But like the rest of us, she still requires routine TLC, both technical and tedious, to make her the best she can be. Soon enough we will apply ourselves to the task of making her seaworthy for our next voyage in the near future.

Please scroll down to see the rest of the photo story.


In the meantime we remain
By land or by sea, CFG

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Photos

Cities don't 'snuggle'
...but they're still magnificent for a visit. This is Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Family Gathering
A rare and wonderful chance to connect with Linda, Dale and Catherine

Thanks Linda, Vern, Lea, Byron,
Joy, Bill, Kathryn, Elizabeth, Robert... for looking after us. Missing all of you.

Wheeeeeeels!
How strange to be zooming along at 110k or 70 mph when you're used to cruising at 5 knots.

Puzzling Boaters
Bob and Anne stalk the fresh market AND they make puzzles from scratch!

Boaters on Land
Friends Trish and Bob, good to see, wherever you can find them!

Technical Chores
Frank will install a muffler built back home. Pic taken by Catherine Pucket on Ruling Passion.

MELODEON Waits
Soon we will rescue her from dry dock and prepare for the next 'swim'.

Comments

[Bob n' Trish]

BFF (Boating Friends are the Finest!
Great to see you guys again! Hope to see you sometime this winter (You know where to find us). Give Ginger a scratch behind the ear for us. Bob n' Trish

[Dorothy]

Road Trip
Safe journey on the highways and byways!

[Marilyn Moore]

Thank you
Chris thanks for the up-date. Mike said he had answered you. So you know our non news. Take care

[SafeTgord]

Sorry I missed your homecoming
I'm glad you Old salts got reconditioned while you were here. I hope your return to the Melodeon will be a happy one. May the coming winter find you basking in the sun on a safe beach in a safe southern latitude. BTW, we made the drive to Victoria BC in four days towing a UHaul behind a Honda Element! Can you top that? I'll send (small) pictures by Email :-) As always, Gord...............

[Rich and nancy]

Bon voyage
Sorry we missed you when you were in Ontario. We were in the 1000 Islands for part of September and had an enjoyable trip. The boating season is coming to a close too soon. Keep in touch - may see you next time you are back this way

[Kathryn]

Choices: hurricane or snow!
Loved your visit. Sad to see you go. Keep skirting hurricanes. Lucky you to be avoiding snow -- and winter does seem to be getting ready to set in early. My newly sprouting lettuce is sure to be frosty before it gets big enough to harvest unless there's a change in the temperature. Keep the blog coming....

[MELODEON]

Rich and Nancy
Better yet... hope to see you 'south'. xoox CFG

[MELODEON]

SafeTgord
Reconditioned? That's a good term! Our young friends have an Honda Element. Apparently designed for the 20's age group with bicycles etc. You made good time. Fooled me on the Super 8... thought it was a jet. LOL

[MELODEON]

Bob and Trish BFF
What we're learning about boating... more good people to miss! See you soon. You've going to have to number your escapades. eg. VB2-2010 or T3-2011! : )