Rhode Island or Bust

Well, I realize I never ended our story. To make a long trip short, we made it! I actually drove the entire trip without ever having to back the boat up or do a u-turn. Whenever we came to a parking lot, I would get out of the truck and walk around the building to see if there was a thru way. I did a lot of creative parking. It took us three days to get to Rhode Island. Then it took us three weeks before we actually got the boat in the water. But once it was in, it was obvious it was the right thing to give it to Shaun and Barbara. We got to see water scenes that we never would have otherwise. The joy on Shaun's face tell's it all! Even after we got back to Wisconsin, Shaun would call me with all his seafaring updates. The boat is truly a gift that keeps on
giving.

Sisters Sally and Jody got to enjoy the new ride, along with Millie, Sophi and Foo-Foo. When the tide was low, Shaun had to push us through the shallows. Sophi didn't seem to mind, or even notice!

Matunuck Scenes

Hotel TV Bliss!

3 girlz rock east

Here we go again!!! The girlz and I, and Sophi's pup, Foo-Foo, are back on the road. This time we are heading East, to Matunuck, Rhode Island. Not only are we driving there, we are also pulling an 18 ft motor boat.

We had quite the adventure just getting out of the driveway. Our friend and neighbor, Tom, took a "look see" (midwestern term) at the trailer before we left. He found and fixed a number of safety issues, including cutting and resoldering the trailer neck. I am forever grateful for him on getting us on the road to safety. Hugh also put in a number of hours on the truck before we could leave. He put in a new alternator, new windshield wiper motor and transmission fluid cooler to get us up and over the mountains. Between the two of them, I feel very safe.

We drove from 11 am to after midnight last night. We didn't intend to be on the road so long, but we encountered a terrible accident which shut down the interstate for a couple of hours. I was just grateful that we were able to sit in the traffic and not be the cause of it.

So, we are in Toledo, Ohio right now. That's where we finally found a hotel. I'm looking at the map today and thinking we'll go straight to RI via Route 80. I was thinking of going 90, but the power of the shorter route with a boat attached, takes over.

So, now the girls are watching cartoons, Foo-Foo is napping, and I'm ready to go.