We are officially starting our loop adventure!  We departed Harbor Springs, Michigan on Saturday, August 30th at 8:25am.  There was light rain and swells about 1 ft.  Our destination was Frankfort, Michigan but as we neared the Manitou Islands, the waves picked up to 2-4 ft. and we decided to dock in Leeland, Michigan.  Cute town with a very nice marina.  Several "loopers" saw our burgee and came to introduce themselves which we greatly appreciated --we need to get cards made soon!

The next morning, Sunday, August 31, we left Leeland at 7:25 am following fellow loopers, Bob and Linda Lee on the Errante.  We headed to Sturgeon Bay.  It was cloudy and seas were about 1-2 but really flattened out as we progressed.  About 20 miles from Sturgeon Bay, we changed course and headed for Kewaunee where we docked for the night.

Plans are to head for Racine, WI tomorrow, Monday, Sept. 1st stopping about 1/2 way for the night (most likely Sheboygan) and arriving in Racine Tuesday evening.  Of course, that depends on the weather!  When we get to Racine, we plan to dock there for 2-3 weeks so all our friends and relatives are invited to visit!

At 10 am on Thursday July 31 we closed on the farm.  We left Ocala headed north.  Stan drove the U-Haul truck packed with all our belongings for a year's adventure.  Diane and Kali followed in the car.  Along the way we stopped to look at 2 more boats but didn't like either.  We arrived at Diane's Mom's in Northbrook, Il on Saturday, Aug. 2 and unpacked the truck, storing all the boxes in the garage. 

On  Monday, Aug 4 we rented a car and anxiously headed to Harbor Springs, Mi to see the boat we made an offer on and hopefully close the deal.  We had a chance get on board briefly when we arrived after hours at Irish Boat Yard.  We were more than a little disappointed it wasn't in a "10" condition as portrayed to us.  Great  boat but needed a little TLC.

Tuesday we went out on a seatrial and were very encouraged at the performance of the engines ... very smooth and all tolerances were within range.  Discussed condition of the boat and got estimates of what it would take to bring it up to a "10".  Made a revised reduced offer and went back and forth a few times. 

Wednesday our offer was accepted and we proceeded to write up a work order for Irish  Boat Yard.  Decided to have all work done before we started our trip.  Also ordered new carpet and furniture for the sundeck which made Diane very happy.  Stayed on the boat Friday night Aug 8.

Traveled back to Illinois to spend some family time while they worked on the boat.  Plans are to return to Michigan on Friday, Aug 22,  get acquainted with our new home and depart on or around Aug 27/28.  We will head for Racine, Wisconsin, spend a few weeks there before heading south mid-Sept.