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.