Day 32 TH July 8 Locks 13-18

Emery El is passing us early this morning to get a head start. She is the  largest of the loose group of vessels that are traveling together. I wave and thank John for the picture sizer program he emailed to me last night. It will increase the speed of uploading pictures into this sight. Can't wait since most times I am waiting  5 minutes or more per picture.

By 9AM we are approaching lock #13 and we see the top of the boat as it exits the other side 23' above us. Magoo and Wild Goose II will wait for the lock to empty now so that we can do the same. We hang out and enjoy the scenery.

Looks like today will be a waiting game at each lock. I am anxious to see this one. I was told that when you get to the top there is a flower arrangement in the shape of a sailboat. How cool it turns out to be, The sails will eventually be full when the climbing flowers get taller on the links.

As  we head into lock 15 a bass boats goes around us on port side and gets in front of the line to go in. It's fun talking to them in the lock and they answer all my questions about the little boats I see a lot on the lake. When I see them, I always wondered who sat where, and why...the owner usually has the forward seat where the trolling pedal is. I asked how many times they have fallen off the boat..they laugh and say that in all their years that they have only heard of one person. I cringe when there's a "fish on", or a wave from another boat is going to hit a bass boat. They told me that it's like a floating dock and more stable to fish from than one of those small aluminum boats, or even vessels as large as our. It has more room to walk around he says. I want to believe him, but just not sure I can envision the safety and comfort when I am on the trawler.

Learn something new everyday!

Then we pass a strange looking sailboat. Not sure what's going on with it's wooden masts. Any clues?

We continue our journey through residential areas with wonderful flowers and landscaping. We pass by a  giant wooden sculpture of an eagle along one persons dock area, and passed many farms too. We pass by some seagulls fighting over a perch. It was fun to watch the birds try several times to scare the temporary owner of the green buoy marker. He stood his ground and remained on his post.

By 2:30 we are docked after having gone through the lock being serenaded by John on his harp.

Today is still a scorcher and I am at whits end and need to get off the boat.

Ron helps me get the bike down and I take it for a ride and then pick up some fresh salads and  "just out of the oven" baked bread from the bakery to add to dinner of spinach and cheese pasta. This makes my prep work easier and gets me in a much better mood. It also helps getting the air conditioner running cooler faster.

The evening ended very nicely with everyone cooled off and comfortable.